Elder Holland and Ipads

Hello Family and Friends,

How are you doing?? I have been fantastic! Christmas was amazing!!! :)

I'm so glad I got to talk to my family, it lifted my spirit so much! I'm basically ready to tackle the world now. I sent Carl-Thomas a letter this week for his birthday. I hope he gets it. Will you tell him HAPPY BIRTHDAY and that I love him very much!!! :)

So this week our Mission President told the whole mission that we need to be tracting an hour every single day... Sister Stanley and I looked at each other and we're like well. We got this. Haha, we go tracting all the time and its basically awesome! Although sometimes people are mean but we just smile and let them know that God loves them! 

OH! Elder HOLLAND is coming on the 11th!! He is speaking to the Gilbert, Mesa, and Scotsdale Missions. It should be beyond amazing!! And the Crowther kids are going to be baptized that same day. Its going to be the most spiritual day ever and I can't wait!!! :)

Also, we might be getting our Ipads this month, but we'll have to see. President honestly doesn't know when they're coming so when they show up it will be a great day!! I hope it's this month. Apparently it has apps for Weekly Planning and it's much easier with the App. It's really difficult planning for the next week with 6 missionaries in one ward but each week we get better at working with the other missionaries. 

On New Years Eve we have to be in our homes by 6:00 because everyone likes to get drunk that day. Our Zone Leaders is pretty nervous about it though, his girlfriend's mom was hit by a drunk driver on New Years Day so he keeps warning us to be really careful! We're going to cook something in our Crockpot and play board games. It should be a great night! Can you believe its already 2014??? WOW!! 

 

Anyways today is my 2 month mark, I cant believe I've been out for so long!

I hope you all have a great week!! 

LOVE YOU ALL!!!!

XOXOXOXOXOXOXO

-Sister Raubenheimer

Merry Christmas

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

I hope everyone is having a fantastic white Christmas... its like 65 degrees outside. I won't even need to wear a jacket on Christmas... :)

Anyways, this week was super good!!! We had so many Christmas parties. And we did this really cool thing where the mission gave us 200 balloons with lights on the ends of them. They represented the 200 baptisms we've had since the mission opened in July. So we sang silent night and then let go of our balloons and watched the lights shine in the night sky. Its the same with those 200 people who received the gospel this year. Their light will shine for the whole world to see. It was such an awesome experience!! :)

Also, we got a crock pot and a recipe book for our house. We'll probably make something on Christmas Eve with it. I CANT WAIT!! Our little house looks so cute, we have four trees (one for each sister in the house) and Christmas lights and snowflakes hanging from the ceiling. SO FUN!!

Christmas is my favorite time of the year and I want to thank everyone for sending me so many lovely cards and packages!

A big THANKS to Evan's Mom and Dad, and I also got a package from Evan! :) I got a package from the Egberts, what a wonderful surprise. Thank you!! I received a lot of letters this week! I wanted to say Thank you to the Fausetts, and the Doermanns! You're letters were so cute!! :)

The support I get from everyone helps so much! Love you all!!!

So FRANCELIA came to church!!! She is our new investigator! We found her when we went tracting last week!!! She is progressing so much and she is so ready to be a part of this church. She already has a testimony of everything, its so cool to see how the Lord has prepared her. She's going away for Christmas and hopefully when she comes back she will commit to a baptismal date!!! :)

Overall, I am doing well!!!

I cant wait for Christmas!!

LOVE YOU ALL!!!

Hugs and Kisses to my babies!

-Sister Raubenheimer 

 

Palm Trees with lights

Dear Family and Friends,

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season, may the Lord bless you as we celebrate the Savior's birth this year.

So this week was awesome!!

We went to see the Christmas Lights with a family and it was so beautiful!! The lights were really really awesome, the only thing that threw me off was the lights on the Palm Trees. Kinda weird but still beautiful!! 

We also went tracting this week... (p.s. our mission doesn't tract).... but our ward mission leader wants us to tract so we went out. AND the first time was a good experience but terrifying at the same time. We didn't really find anyone that time but the second time we went out to tract we took a ward missionary and we found a lady name Francellia. We taught the first lesson on the door step and got a return appointment for today. It was totally amazing!!

Teaching the lessons is going well, every single time we teach them its completely different. I guess that's how the Holy Ghost works, some people need to hear the lessons differently than other people do. And I don't really talk as much as I should. Im good at testifying and confirming what Sister Stanley says but I don't really talk that much. I get told all the time that  I must be a new missionary because I'm quiet. Im trying to be louder and express my feelings but I just like to watch and observe. My goal is to become an assertive missionary and take lead in the lessons. So we'll see how that goes.

Transfer meeting is on Wednesday and my companion and I are staying together!! But my district leader (who shares the ward with us) will be transferred, which means we're getting a new district leader and a new partner in crime. I am so grateful I'm not leaving right before Christmas. I love my area and the people here so it will be an awesome Christmas. Christmas will be a full P-Day so I'll probably be able to Skype at like 11 or so. P-Days end at 6 but then we are having a Christmas zone party and we get to watch The Lion, the Witch and The Wardrobe. And on Christmas Eve we will be caroling as a zone!! I'm really excited about that!! Cant wait! Christmas is my favorite but I miss the snow. It was like 65 degrees yesterday... yup. I dont have to wear a coat or anything. Its the life!!

We don't know anything about the Open House so I'll let you know when we do, there's a rumor it might have to stay open 24 hours a day. But who knows. Everyone is so excited about it and it looks so amazing!!! I can't wait to see the inside of it. We also get to go to the Mesa Temple again this week for the Mission Christmas party which is on Thursday. I love going to the temple, it brings peace to my heart!! :)

I hope I answered all your questions dad. 

LOVE YOU ALL!!!

P.S. Im sending my package today so NO ONE OPEN IT UNTIL CHRISTMAS EVE!!

I hope you all like it.

Send my love to everyone, especially my babies! 

LOVE,

Sister Raubenheimer

(Sorry there aren't any pictures, next week!)

A Wedding, Ice Skating, and A Prank Call

Hello Dear Family and Friends,

 I want to start off this email by telling everyone how much I love the gospel. Its truly amazing how much the Lord looks out for us as missionaries. I know whenever I pray (which is a lot) He is listening and will answer my prayers. I love being able to decipher what the Lord needs that day. We've had so many experiences that testify to me of the Lord's divine hand in our lives each and every moment. 

So this Saturday was AMAZING. Kevin and Lisa were married and Kevin was baptized. They both had really great experiences even though the actual wedding was only five minutes. I was like c'mon Bishop you could have elaborated just a little bit. But they loved it so I guess he was listening to the Spirit. Then Kevin was baptized, so fantastic!! The spirit was so strong and I know that he felt it! What a glorious day!! :)

Unfortunately the Crowthers postponed their baptismal day.... because they have a very blended family and it was hard to get all the other parents and grandparents there on that day... so January 11th! 

Last PDay we went Ice Skating! So much fun, and I didnt even fall down. Which was surprising to me!! We had so much fun as a zone. I love my zone and especially my Zone Leaders, Elder Lybbert and Elder Lopez. They are so fun but serious at the same time. The other day they prank called us and asked us if we were the ministers they talked to the other day. Haha I guess they were checking up on our phone answering skills but we recognized them right away! 

We're going to the Mesa Temple on Wednesday, I CANT WAIT!!! It couldn't be at a better time. Also I will be going on my first exchange tonight. So Im kinda nervous but excited at the same time. I will be going to Gilbert to be with Sister Monson, it will be interesting to see how different it is from Florence. 

Did you watch the 1st Presidency's Devotional last night, the Sister in the Primary Presidency mentioned Gilbert Arizona. Cool eh??

Also, if you every feel the desire to send me cool general conference talks or inspiring quotes I wouldn't be opposed to receiving those. Sometimes its nice to read something other than the scriptures. 

So Transfers are on December 18th, and we'll know the sunday before if we're being transferred. I'll let you know next PDAy. I dont think we will be moved, we haven't been here for long enough. They're trying to keep people in their zones for at least 3 months. But Im sure at least one of the Elders we're working with in our ward will be transferred. Im really excited for Christmas because we have so many parties going on! And Christmas will be a PDay and then when PDay ends at 6:00 we'll have a Zone Party and we get to watch the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Im super excited!!! :)

I hope you all have a fantastic week!! 

LOVE YOU ALL!

Give lots of hugs and kisses to my little children. 

 

Thanksgiving

Hello Family and Friends

This week has been absolutely crazy. Never a dull moment as a missionary. Jacob's baptism was on Saturday and it was AMAZING!!! I'm so grateful for him and his awesome little testimony. One month down and one baptism! So Lisa and Kevin are still getting married on Saturday but Lisa isn't getting baptized because she can't quit smoking. Its too stressful with the craziness that has happened in her life lately. However, Kevin is still getting baptized and we look forward to that. The Crowthers are also still on date for Saturday so I'm super excited for their baptisms as well!!! :)

Thanksgiving was great! We had so much food. Three meals and we were heading to another house. I told Sister Stanley I couldn't do it anymore and I was seriously on the verge of tears. She says to me "Sister Raubenheimer, Pray to Jesus, He will take your pain away". I did and as I walked up the stairs to their house my stomach pains went away. Thank the Heavens because I was seriously going to explode.

Overall, Im exhausted mentally, physically, and spiritually but its all part of the plan. I love missionary work! I can't wait till I'm a pro missionary because right now I feel very small. I guess that will come with time and practice!

The people we meet everyday are so awesome but they seriously are having a hard time in life right now. Two teenagers we know told us how they think about killing themselves... Life is tough for those kiddos and the only thing that we can tell them that will make a difference is to testify how much God loves them!! I hope we make a difference in their lives because they are so special to us and Heavenly Father!!  

Uncle Simon- Thank you to the Raubenheimers for the lovely letters!! It totally made my day. Im so grateful for your support! I hope you had a great thanksgiving!!

Sending my love to all!

Especially my cute little siblings that I miss so much!!

 

Hugs and kisses to all!!

-Sister Raubenheimer

The fields are ready to harvest...

HELLO DEAR FAMILY and FRIENDS  :)

Let me just say, I LOVE YOU ALL!!

This week has been the hardest week out here yet, but it has also been the most amazing week yet!!!

Let me start off by saying that we have 7 baptisms in the next month. 5 of them are technically mine and Sister Stanleys. Two families moved into the ward this past month with overage youth who had been taking the lessons before, so all we had to do was walk in and set dates with them! So Jacob (age 9) will be baptized on Saturday, super exciting!! And next Saturday Lisa and Kevin will married and baptized on the same day! They have been living together for the last 10 years so the bishop plans to marry them and then dunk them. The Crowther kids (4 of them) will also be baptized next Saturday. They are all so cute!! We've only met with them a few times but the kids love us so much, they even sat with us during Sacrament yesterday. The gospel is amazing and I am so grateful to be out here serving the Lord!

So last Saturday we went to a multi religious early Thanksgiving Dinner. There were a lot of Dubai people, a Jehovah Witness, and 4 LDS missionaries. It was really interesting. A lot of different beliefs and the J.W. guy just wanted to argue the whole time which the Dubai people are totally against. Then you have us, the little missionaries. We're all so little and everyone else is in there 50's.... so we talked about our beliefs and shared scriptures about Joseph Smith because they were the most confused about that. Overall it was good but strange.. The best part was when this lady burst into a Farsi prayer song, it was beautiful but utterly hilarious at the same time! 

Thanksgiving will be great! We have  been invited over to at least 5 houses, so Im planning on gaining 20 lbs this week. No big deal. I hope that you all have an amazing Thanksgiving and remember to be grateful for EVERYTHING! I've noticed that my prayers are getting longer and longer. They take like 15 minutes every night. THERE ARE TOO MANY PEOPLE WHO NEED GOD'S HELP!! And I don't even remember half of the people we meet on a daily basis. But I feel like Im making a difference so I pray for all of them anyways. 

Oh, the reason my week was a wee bit difficult was because my whole house is sick. Throwing up all over the place. I got to be mommy for a little and it was exhausting!!

So on the 30th I will turn 1 month old!! Crazy huh??? SO Missionary lingo. I was born on the day I entered the MTC. I will die the day I go home. So missionaries always explain it like this... " Sister -----, who is dead, was so funny this one time." It freaked me out the first couple times they said it because I was like, really they died, how? But no, they didnt die. They just went home! And my trainer Sister Stanley is my mom, and her trainer is my grandma. Sister Stanley also has another daughter who is training my MTC companion. So I'm an aunt. Basically my family tree is confusing and I dont understand all of it. But its fun!!

Also letters.... the only person I get letters from on a weekly basis is EVAN! And he doesnt count.... SO! Family, friends (except Cynthia because she loves me and writes me all the time)! Send me letters, and not emails because there isnt enough time to reply. LETTERS, LETTERS, LETTERS! Also if I don't get anything from Kathy and Karen soon, you will be fired! Karen, I know you read my blog. I"m calling you out girlfriend! Write me and I will send blessings your way!

Okay, I think I got everything covered! Love you ALL!!

LOVE

Sister Raubenheimer

(The best Missionary ever, well I'm trying to be)

 

"Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the ^afields; for they are white already to ^bharvest." (John 4:45)

First Email!!!

Hello ALL!!

SO the first week out in the mission field has been so crazy!!!

My companion's name is Sister Stanley and she turned 21 on Friday. She is so outgoing and loves to laugh so thats great! Im always reserved when I meet new people and she helps me be more lively. Our zone is called Bella Vista. We are in Queen Creek South stake, and Florence 2nd Ward. There have NEVER been sisters in this ward before so we're trying to figure that out. Its complicated because the Elders never left so we're sharing the ward with them and the Senior Couple (The Fishers). SO 6 missionaries in one ward. We have over 20 investigators…. we haven't even met all of them yet. Its totally overwhelming. So we have to share the ward with these Elders and they hate it because everyone already likes us better… like we're at the bishops house emailing and the bishop never even has time for them… Sisters just have it easier.

So you know how everyone said that Gilbert was super wealthy, well thats not my area. We have investigators that live in trailer homes. And we're in the middle of nowhere basically. The only store around is Walmart. It takes us a good 45 minutes to get to the Temple. Last night it was the Mission President Fireside and we drove past the temple, it was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen!!! The lights were on and it looked so heavenly! So amazing. And the Mesa temple will have Christmas lights, so we get to take our investigators down there. Its going to be weird seeing Christmas lights on Palm trees....

Oh, so we moved into a house that Elders have lived in for who knows how long. The bath tub was black!! SO GROSS. Dust everywhere and everything was dirty. Plus they left all their food and junk everywhere so we had to clean up after them. We use our half hour work out time in the morning to clean up the house because its still disgusting. It looks much better now. MOMs out there. Teach your sons how to clean!!!  

Our Ward Mission Leader is legit crazy about missionary work. On Saturdays at 6 AM we have a study session with him. He even goes tracting all over which we're not suppose to do but it works for him. I guess thats why there is so much success in this ward, he really cares about us and the investigators. We've been over there 3 times in the last week. His name is Bro. Jolley. They have 3 cute daughters under the age of 8 and Sis. Jolley is pregnant. Its fun hanging out with their family.

So funny story we had weekly planning and the Zone Leaders walk in with cups full of tea. I think they were trying to be funny because they looked ridiculous drinking their tea and updating us on all the announcements. Haha. Elders are funny. There are only two sets of Sister missionaries in our zone so it gets kinda crazy sometimes… but its all fun. We're going to go play basketball with the Elders this afternoon. Im ready to whip some butt. Lol 

Oh, we have a car because we drive all over but we use our bikes to ride around the neighborhoods. I love my bike, its so CUTE!

I can't think of anything else. So hopefully that answers all your questions!!

LOVING LIFE! And the people of Arizona. 

Know that you are in my prayers, and I miss you all very much!!!! 

-Sister Raubenheimer

my address is 

4096 E. Sierrita Rd.

San Tan Valley AZ. 85143

The next transfer is Dec. 17th. SO who knows if we'll be moving again. When it gets close to that date just send it to the mission home and the ZLs will get it for me.

Finally in Arizona

Pictures!!!!

                                        No letter this week but here are pictures

Everyone in her district's tag

 

Companions

Gilbert Girls

Gilbert Missionaries

Who You Are: A Message To All Women

Who You Are

Lately I've been working at a new place where we sell drinks and cookies. Many of the Utahans reading this probably know what I'm talking about.  It is the absolute best place ever but with this change in jobs I've noticed a few key differences in the girls that I work with. There's about 20 other employees and we all get along with each other tremendously well... most of the time. Girls take awhile to develop a confident character without seeming boy crazy, loud, and on occasion rude without understanding. I might be the quietest girl out of the bunch but its not because I don't enjoy chatting about Katy Perry's new song or whether Miley Cyrus has literally gone crazy. Its because I learn from example and since preparing for mission is all about self improvement I choose to keep quiet and learn from God's beautiful creations.

One of the strongest impressions I've had lately is the fact that some women do not understand their vital part in God's plan. But rather they choose to fling around their divine integrity to anyone who is willing to catch it. It hurts to know that so many are wandering around aimlessly when there is a path and it leads to the Tree of Life.

There is a talk given by Pres. James E. Faust in April 2000 entitled "Womanhood: The Highest Place of Honor" and it gives a very good explanation of what I mean. (I didn't use the whole talk, only the parts that I felt enhanced my message.) 

Many years ago, during the time of President Heber J. Grant, the First Presidency wrote: “The true spirit of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gives to woman the highest place of honor in human life. To maintain and to merit this high dignity she must possess those virtues which have always, and which will ever, demand the respect and love of mankind … [because] ‘a beautiful and chaste woman is the perfect workmanship of God.’”   To occupy the highest place of honor places a responsibility on young women to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all places.

One of humankind’s greatest blessings is for righteous womanhood to hold “the highest place of honor in human life” and to be “the perfect workmanship of God.”

 

I wonder if you sisters fully understand the greatness of your gifts and talents and how all of you can achieve the “highest place of honor” in the Church and in the world. One of your unique, precious, and sublime gifts is your femininity, with its natural grace, goodness, and divinity. Femininity is not just lipstick, stylish hairdos, and trendy clothes. It is the divine adornment of humanity. It finds expression in your qualities of your capacity to love, your spirituality, delicacy, radiance, sensitivity, creativity, charm, graciousness, gentleness, dignity, and quiet strength. It is manifest differently in each girl or woman, but each of you possesses it. Femininity is part of your inner beauty.

one of your particular gifts is your feminine intuition. Do not limit yourselves. As you seek to know the will of our Heavenly Father in your life and become more spiritual, you will be far more attractive, even irresistible. You can use your smiling loveliness to bless those you love and all you meet, and spread great joy. Femininity is part of the God-given divinity within each of you. It is your incomparable power and influence to do good. You can, through your supernal gifts, bless the lives of children, women, and men. Be proud of your womanhood. Enhance it. Use it to serve others.

Unfortunately, we see some very poor role models of womanhood in today’s society. We see women boxers and wrestlers as we flip through the television channels trying to find something uplifting. I believe the women of our time need to be strong, but not in that sense. In my opinion, these activities demean the nobility of womanhood. Young women need to be strong in righteousness, and, to quote your current theme, “to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places.” 

 

Standing as a witness means many things. It encompasses the way we act, how we speak, and how we dress. When you are considering a young man as a companion, you would do well to follow the advice given some years ago by President David O. McKay: He must never “attempt to take advantage of [you. If] … he shows [any] inclination to use you as a convenience or as a means of gratification, then you may [be sure] he is not prompted by love.”   It is very natural for young men and women to be attracted to each other, but they should be attracted in God-given ways rather than questionable ways, such as immodest dress. God-given attractions include your innate beauty, charm, decency, and goodness.

I pray that the Lord will bless each of you that you can come to know your individual worth and understand why “a beautiful and chaste woman is the perfect workmanship of God,” in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Our future is bright. No longer are we behind closed doors cleaning and preparing the meals. We are asked to be a part of the modern world but being asked is not nearly enough, we need to know in our hearts that our decisions, choices and actions will change the world. Life certainly won't be easy, trials always come our way. These trials might change your plans and expectations but they shouldn't alter your faith. God's will for each of us is so different, to each individual but it always relies on the same foundational principles.  Be strong women of character, not willing to compromise for a single second! And God will be by your side and that is an amazing blessing!
Who you are?
A daughter of God.

-Thanks for reading my blog!








 



 

 

TEMPLE DAY

 

Ever since I was a little girl I've had such a strong desire to go to the temple. I've never dressed immodestly or done anything that could compromise my goal because I knew that the temple was my main focus and it seemed pointless to stray for even a second. Yesterday I was finally able to enter into the temple and receive my endowment!

 

Can I just say that the gospel is true, God loves us and has given us temples to give us understanding in times of turmoil. What an unbelievable experience!! My love for the temple has definitely expanded and I cannot wait to return. My stake president has asked me to attend the temple 30 times before I go on my mission. Which seems like a daunting task considering I only have 45 days before I enter the MTC. But with the help of my family and loved ones I will do it!!

 

I hope that everyone is having a wonderful Sunday. May the Lord bless you this week and fill your mind and heart with peace and comfort!

 

 

My Parents

 

My mom and my uncle.

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

A Little Detour

 

This summer my family went on a vacation to California and on the way we took a little side trip to the great state of Arizona. We stopped in Gilbert, Arizona to see some family friends  from Canada. We also had a chance to meet with the sister missionaries. I had an absolutely amazing time! Out of all the wonderful places we went to my favorite part of our vacation was hanging out in  Arizona.

 

The people of Arizona are so lucky to be receiving such a beautiful new temple, here are some pictures of it. There are palm trees everywhere. My kind of town! But mostly I enjoyed the feeling of peace and comfort I got while in Arizona. I know this is where the Lord needs me to be and I cannot wait to be able to serve Heavenly Father and all His amazing children in Arizona.

 

 

 

 

 

 



Dear Sister Raubenheimer

You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the Arizona Gilbert Mission.... You should report to the Provo Missionary Training Center on Wednesday, October 30, 2013. You will prepare to preach the gospel in the English language.

Well folks, its official. This gal is going to be a missionary! Since I was a little girl I've always wanted to go on a mission and its hard to believe that its actually happening.... in fact at this moment its seems almost unreal! But I am beyond excited to preach the gospel in Arizona and can hardly wait for the next four months to pass!!!