July 25, 2011

Hello Everyone!
As of tomorrow I will officially have been a missionary for six months. I can't believe that six months ago tomorrow I was driving down to the MTC with my Dad and putting on my name tag for the first time. It feels like it was yesterday, and at the same time it feels like it was so long ago that I have to wonder if it really happened! I have loved the last six months of my life with such a pure unadulterated joy that if the next twelve are anything like it, I will have a hard time coming home of my own free will (although I have suspicions that it might be a challenge even if they are awful!). I truly love being a missionary. I love being a tool in the hands of God each day and seeing the miracles that He has prepared for His children here. As I think back in my life to all the things that have happened, or in some cases not happened, to bring me here, at this time, with these people, in this point of their lives, I have NO doubts that the Lord's hand is in this work. This place and these people were tailor made for me, and I them. Our relationships and the things we are accomplishing together under the direction of the Lord are incomprehensible in the eye's of man. I will never, but wish I were, be able to describe the feelings and experiences I have here in the Lord's vineyard. I am grateful for every day, every tomorrow, and even every yesterday that I have here. I know that I am engaged in the greatest work on Earth, and I am so humbled to be a small part of it.
   As I began thinking of my letter today, I didn't think I would have that much to write about. I caught a pretty nasty summer cold at the beginning of the week and was ordered by Sister Summerhays to rest and drink lots of fluids. Coughing, sneezing, and lots of 'leaking' were just the beginning. I felt so bad to be missing out on active proselyting time because I had caught a bug. However, I had proven to me time and again that what we were doing was right, and that the Lord has invested much in me. We had some wonderful phone lessons and a lot of member work. We were able to completely re-do our Branch bulletin board, and still be very good missionaries. As of right now I am completely well other than the very seldom cough and sniffle.
   There were a couple of fun events I wanted to tell you all about. Four in fact:
Number One—Last Monday we went to the Sawgrass Nature Preserve and saw WILD Alligators for the first time! It was so much fun and we had such a good time taking pictures and talking about our friends the alligators. We also got a small taste of what Florida would be like if there weren't any people here...basically a gigantic swamp/rainforest/jungle. It was pretty cool.
Number Two—I got to see Florida’s Western Beach for the very first time!!!! The Zone Leaders had a baptism at Reddington Beach early Saturday morning and because it was a baptism we got to go! The water was beautiful and the sand was feather soft and pure white. I loved every second of the probably 28 minutes or so we were there! I absolutely adore the beach and it was so fun to go with my friends for such a sacred and spiritual experience.
Number Three—Our Branch! We had a branch temple trip Saturday morning and 29 people went, including two of our three recent converts. (Lazaro had to work because the guy who was going to cover for him fell through.) It was amazing! Missionaries aren't allowed to leave our Mission boundaries, so we weren't allowed to attend, but we were able to see them off in the bus at 7 AM. (See photo.) For a good majority, this was the first time they had EVER been to the temple, and for others it had been years. It was such a joy to see the light that they brought back with them the next day in church as they shared their testimonies about the experience. We have really been focusing on going to the temple and the importance of the temple in both the branch Sunday services and our missionary work, and it has really paid off. In about two months we have four sisters planning on going to the temple together to receive their endowments, which will nearly double the number of endowed members in our branch! Also, if you will remember last week I talked about what a miraculous growth we had seen in our branch the last couple of months, going from about 25 members to 48 last week. Well yesterday in sacrament we had 58! There were literally too many people for our little room! One of our strongest families, five people in total, came about 15 minutes late and had to sit in three different spots because there was nowhere with more than two chairs together. After they sat down there were only about three chairs left! If it keeps going like this they are going to have to make us a ward a lot sooner than anyone was planning...bummer! President Lopez was truly at a loss for words as he tried to reassure the congregation that it was ok that the kids were a little loud and that we were all so close together. Possibly my favorite scramble-speech ever!
Number 4—Now this one was more of a tender mercy for me than an event, especially after I had felt bad all week for being sick. After church on Sunday Hermana Dollahite and I were REALLY hungry, so we decided to get a piece of candy from the English ward's bishop (He gives a piece of candy to everyone who will tell him what they learned in church that day.), and we try to ignore the fact that almost all of the other people are children. Anyway, as we were walking to his office we heard a cry of "SISTER MISSIONARIES!!!!!!" We both turned around and it was all we could do to get on our knees to catch the five little girls ages 3-7 from our branch running full speed to pelt us with hugs. It was one of those moments that only last a few seconds but you think about for hours and days after. What a joy it is to be here and to be a missionary.
   My joy is full family and friends. Transfers are coming up and this Saturday I will find out if I am staying here or going somwhere else, if Hermana Dollahite and I are being split up or if we will get an unheard of fourth transfer together. I feel some anxiety and nerves, but mostly I feel peace and excitement. I know and have had confirmed to me that our work in this area and our companionship are approved in the eye's of the Lord. That really is all a missionary can ask for, to feel as though they are doing what the Lord wants them to do, in the way He wants it to be done. I am very lucky and grateful to feel that.
   I invite each of you this week to ask your Heavenly Father if you are in the place and doing what He wants to have done. I promise He will answer you and guide you as much as you will let Him. I also invite each of you to make the temple a priority in your lives. It is truly the House of God and I miss it desperately. Go to the temple. Even if you are unable to go inside, go to your closest temple, walk around the grounds, and feel the love and the peace that exists there. I know and can testify to each of you that God loves you. He knows you individually, He knows your name, He knows your struggles, He knows your strengths, and He loves you more than you can know. In turn, I want each of you to know how very much I love you. Each one of you is such a gift and blessing in my life, thank you for being there.
I love you all,
Hermana Levanger

July 18, 2011

Hello Everyone!
This week has been quite possibly the most rewarding week of my mission. Last Sunday, as you know, we had the surprise baptism of our investigator, Helen, the sister of one of our strong members (one more piece to a part member family). This Saturday we had the baptism of Elizabeth, easily one of the most difficult, stubborn, and wonderful daughters of God on Earth (I've been told we are very similar in attitude and character!). Her husband, Jose, baptized her. And almost everyone in attendance was in tears. (Another contribution to a part member family, this time a completion of the family. I fully expect them to be making their trip to the temple in a year to be sealed to their sweet daughter and each other for eternity).
To finish off the week, yesterday in church, where Elizabeth was confirmed, we had 48 people in Sacrament. My first week in the Branch we had 25. Our little room was PACKED and soon we are going to have to find somewhere else to meet. (Try to picture me snapping my fingers and saying 'Oh shucks' as sarcastically as possible!)
   Saturday, during Elizabeth's baptism, President Lopez got up to give his 'welcome to the ward' speech. Within a few seconds he was crying. Now know that this is one of the most stoic and serious men I have met in my entire life. I certainly have NEVER seen him close to tears before, and here he was openly weeping. He struggled to relate the story of his meeting with all of the Stake Leaders the day before. Our Stake President told him and the other bishops and branch presidents that there were 1.1 million people living on the Peninsula (which is our stake) and only about 4,000 of them are members. Of those 4,000, only about 25% are active in the church. These great men wept together for the people here. They felt collectively that the people are dying. It is a sad truth, but one we see every day.
   However, even when we are faced with such a harsh and terrible reality, God gives us an experience like Elizabeth's baptism. She had openly declared that she would never get baptized or become a member of the church (Her first experiences were not good.) but she was still willing to listen to the promptings of the Holy Ghost touch her heart and testify of the truth of the gospel. She let her pride be overcome with humility and hope for a brighter future for her family, a family united in the best way possible, with God at the center. I don't have a doubt in my mind that this family will go to the temple together. I pray that I have the opportunity to go with them, but if not, I will still know that what I have been a part of is eternal. This fact alone is such a testimony builder to me. The things I am doing here are not trivial or temporary; they have everlasting consequences. And although the people may be dying, the important thing to remember and focus on is that there are still people who want to change and to live a better, higher life, that want to become disciples of Christ. And it is for those people that I am here.
   I feel as Alma did when he declared, "O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people! Yea, I would declare unto every soul, as with the voice of thunder, repentance and the plan of redemption, that they should repent and come unto our God, that there might not be more sorrow upon all the face of the earth." As Alma knew, I know that I do sin in this desire, for I truly should be content with, "the things which the Lord hath allotted unto me." However, at times I feel that if I only had more energy, or more hands, or more hours in the day, or even a megaphone, that I could do so much more than I am doing now. Alas, I must be satisfied in the miracles and wonders that I am seeing here in our Branch-and they are truly great.
   I will never be able to tell you what it is like to be here, to be a part of this work. I wish I could somehow. Just know, that I am changed forever, and changed so much more for the better. I love each of you so much, and I pray for you every day. Please allow God to help you become the person He has in mind for you. I know it might be different than what you thought it would be, it certainly is in my case, but I do know that your happiness will be indescribable.
I love you all,
Hermana Levanger

July 11, 2011

Hello Everyone!,
   Well this week I had my very first surprise baptism! We have been working with Helen, the sister of our former Relief Society Counselor and now Branch Missionary, for over three months. She is here for about five or six months to have her baby. She has been investigating the church with her husband for about five years and always thought the church was nice, but didn't really see the need to be baptized again. (She had been baptized in the Catholic and Pentecostal churches.) We have been seeing her as often as possible, even when it seemed like she was doing the opposite of progressing. About three weeks ago her husband came for the birth of their son, just for a few weeks, and we knew it was time for them to make some changes.
   About a week ago Helen asked us how much time we needed between the time she decided to get baptized and the time it happened. She was surprised when we said the next day! She didn't feel quite ready yet, mostly because she was going to have her baby any second, and didn't want to risk his health, so we said we would see her on Sunday as usual. On Sunday, her sister Kareen signed up to feed us lunch on Saturday afternoon. We stopped by a couple times during the week, went to the hospital just a couple of hours after Andre was born on Tuesday, and were there on Thursday morning when they came home from the hospital. Of course, with the birth of a new baby and visiting family, there were LOTS of things going on, and not a lot of time to talk seriously about baptism.
   Then, Saturday arrived and we had a great lesson on baptism as we ate. Helen jokingly said, "What if I just get baptized tomorrow?" We told her she should do it, but laughed along with her. We also found out that Carlos would be leaving on Wednesday to go back to Peru. As we were driving away from the house I turned to Hermana Dollahite and said, 'You know, we should just do her baptism tomorrow." Hermana Dollahite was thinking the same thing.
However, we had heard from several people that women can't go into a public pool or hot tub for 6-8 weeks after they have a baby. But, a baptismal font is a little different, so we drove ourselves to Costco and bought some bleach - 586 ounces of it. So less than an hour later we went back and asked Helen if she really did want to get baptized the next day. She said "Yes, absolutely, I'm ready." So we called the Zone Leaders, did the interview, called our Branch President to let him know, called our Ward Mission Leader to make the programs, and cleaned the font with lots and lots of bleach-twice!
  Helen had a set baptismal date for 18 and a half hours and it was perfect. Most of our investigators have dates for months, weeks being rare. 18 and a half hours! It was absolute insanity. We were worried that morning that maybe she had changed her mind. But she got there early and kept saying over and over before her baptism that she was ready, ready to do it and receive the Holy Ghost. We did it before church so that she could be confirmed in our Branch's first ever Branch Conference, with the entire Stake Presidency in attendance. After Helen was confirmed a member of the church and given the gift of the Holy Ghost, her son Andre was given a beautiful blessing by President Lopez. I can't think of anything better for the stake to witness than a confirmation and a baby blessing! The Spirit was so strong, I felt almost like the room was pulsating. What a gift this Branch has been given, to be a part of this miraculous transformation of a woman and a family. Furthermore, her husband Carlos was able to see it all and I have no doubt that he will be following her into the waters of baptism shortly after she returns to Peru. As he held his baby son and while she was changing into dry clothes, he even bore his testimony. He told those in attendance how wonderful the church was, and that he was so grateful to be surrounded by such amazing people, and to have his family around them too.
  What a blessed life we live as missionaries! to be a part of something so incredible...I feel like no matter what I do I will never be able to do enough to thank my Heavenly Father for the blessing of serving a mission. How could I have ever had the idea that I was giving something to Him by serving? I am getting everything and more. What a life. I am truly the luckiest person I know. If any of you have any doubt about the love God has for his children, I challenge and invite you to ask Him how He feels about you. He will let you know that you are absolutely precious. I am so grateful to have each of you in my life.
I love you all,
Hermana Levanger

July 5, 2011

Hello Everyone!
  From what I hear from the NSL faction of the Levanger Family, my 4th of July was quite anti-climactic! We had to be in by 8 last night and saw a few sparks from our window, but since Florida is FLAT with lots of trees and buildings, it wasn't much of a show (at least not the kind I'm used to from the City of North Salt Lake!) Oh, well!!! However, Hermana Dollahite and I cooked an awesome 4th of July Brunch-Bash for all of the missionaries in the Zone (about 20) and that was really fun!
  Hermana Dollahite made my half birthday VERY special by getting special permission from President Summerhays to switch our P-day last week and go to the Reds vs. Rays baseball game on Wednesday. It was SO MUCH FUN!!!!! Probably my favorite part was the reactions of Hermana Dollahite. She got so excited when the batter hit a foul ball into the stands or once when a bat broke! I was cracking up. The fact that there were about 13 Strikeouts and quite a few strategic and well-designed plays didn't phase her much! She did allow me to teach her about balls and strikes, the importance of a pitch count, and the correlation between hitters and the positions they play. It was a blast! I had never been to an indoor baseball game in my life before. The 'Trop' is something to behold!
  What a wonderful week to be a missionary! I have had such a glorious week in the field that I feel like I might burst if I don't sing it from the rooftops. On Sunday one of our investigators passed her baptismal interview and is ready for her baptism on July 16th. If I do nothing else in my mission but help bring this sister into the Gospel, I will have served a successful mission.
  She is a sweet wife and the mother of a 1 1/2 year old. Her husband grew up in the church, but has been inactive for years. She decided some months ago that the family should begin attending a church, and that it should be her husband’s childhood church. She made it perfectly clear to previous missionaries that she had no interest in being a member or getting baptized, but that she loved to learn. Well, when we first got here, Hermana Dollahite and I decided we were not satisfied with that approach. We set up a standing weekly appointment and said a mighty prayer every morning that we taught her that her heart would be open and her mind would be willing to accept the truths that we taught.
  She spent 13 years in the Catholic educational system and was also a dental surgeon in Peru. In short, she is a very educated, factual, and 'tell it like it is' woman. However, after a few lessons it became clear to both Hermana Dollahite and myself that instead of being able to see Elizabeth in white at her baptism, we both could only see the three of them in white in front of the temple. This family is destined for great things in this Gospel, not the least of which is being an eternal family. We literally went from her turning down every single baptismal invitation we made, to her planning her own program and asking the ward members herself if they would participate. We went from the family coming in jeans and ducking out the second the closing prayer of Sacrament was over, to her husband blessing the sacrament in a white shirt and tie, giving a talk in Sacrament, and staying all three hours. The final deciding factor for her was when she found out about the Branch temple trip on July 23rd and said she HAD to get baptized the 16th so that she could go with her husband and do baptisms for the dead.
   My joy is overflowing. I will never be able to express the gratitude I have for My Heavenly Father giving me the guidance and opportunity to teach this wonderful family. My life will be changed forever, and I have truly become part of their family for the rest of my life. You will never see a more incredible person enter the waters of baptism and join her family in the Gospel of Jesus Christ as she begins her impatient one-year wait to enter the temple and be sealed as an eternal family.
   Another miracle happened Sunday evening. The 15 year-old son of our recent convert, Lazaro, was at home playing video games when we stopped by. We had asked Lazaro if he would volunteer his home to watch the Joseph Smith movie so another convert could get away from his drinking roommates to watch it. Well, when the other convert didn't show, we asked Lazaro if we could watch the movie anyway, but in English so that his son could understand it. At first the son very begrudgingly turned off his game and continued to text his friends in the dark. But, by the time the movie was over he had a big grin on his face and said, 'I don't know why, but I feel really good right now, I really liked that movie.' We told him that he felt good because the Holy Ghost was telling him that what he had seen was true, and that he could know it for himself. He asked when we could come back to teach him more. I'm not sure I have ever seen a father more shocked and ecstatic at the words of his son than Lazaro was right then. We are teaching him again tonight, and plan to arrange his baptism for July 24th, after his father receives the Aaronic Priesthood in church that day.
  What joy there is in missionary work! My mission President said today in his letter, "Now is the time. Today is the day. Rise up! Get up! Get out! Give this work all you heart, might, mind, and strength today and every day." I can be a living witness to the truthfulness of this decree. When you serve the Lord with ALL your heart, might, mind and strength, this is NOTHING you can't do! I am so glad to be a missionary. The life of a missionary is the greatest gift we can possibly receive. I will never be more blessed and happy than I am right now. Ask for missionary opportunities, I know that Heavenly Father will give them to you, and that you will be forever grateful that you did.
I love you all,
Hermana Levanger