Christmas Day Facetime...and the news she dropped that she extended her mission...

This is the moment she was about to tell me she extended her mission an extra six weeks. The words wouldn't come out and we both started to cry...

She was teasing her brothers and making them laugh. Look at that stinkin smart smile! 

Sister Wright and Sister Rodabough

Cried and bore her beautiful testimony of the love of her Savior. Had a feeling to ask her the date she comes home thinking late June...she hesitated telling me, but she’s extended her mission another 6 weeks. I’m not happy about it but at the same time I’m proud of her. She said she wants to serve the full 18 months plus. I asked why she would do that and she said, “I know I’ll be blessed and so will you!” 

Hola! I have to send a quick email this week because we are going to the mall later. I love my family so much and I am grateful for the love and support they give me. My family looks way different and my little brother sounds like Darth Vader...but they are still as cute as ever! 

We put Heather on date for baptism in Little Caesar's so that was fun. She said yes to February 17 which is the day before her birthday! She is progressing and we love her. She said that she didn't really believe in God before but now she totally does! Her testimony is very bold and powerful. 

We had another lesson with the Philips and they really opened up to us! They asked a lot of questions and they truly desire to find the right church for their family. 

We did the food truck for the Bishops Storehouse for hours one day. That was so fun because their were 6 sets of missionaries helping out. 

There isn't really much else to report on. Thank you to everyone who sent me Christmas cards/packages! I had a great Christmas and it is all because of my wonderful family and friends. Also Bella you are grounded for the rest of your life...haha! 

Love,

Sister Rodabough 

😢😭

Merry Christmas!

Her Mission Mama, Sister Lindhart

She wanted lots of pics with her mission mom

Well hi. This week was so good! It started out with an awesome zone conference! We talked all about the Book of Mormon which is my favorite. The Spirit was so strong. I love hearing President Lindhardt talk because the Spirit just radiates from him. When I left on my mission I thought I had a testimony of the Book of Mormon but I didn't really, if I did, it wasn't very strong. That's the greatest part about the mission, you get to help others become converted but you are being converted as well. It is a very powerful experience that I wouldn't trade for anything. 

Thursday: ....We had a very interesting lesson that day....We went over to teach a less active member. She was really nice and friendly and her kids are super cute.

Her husband however was kind of rude. We shared the 'Good Samaritan' video and after we watched it he was like, "Here's why I am not Mormon. Those people that walked away from that man remind me about the Mormons in Saint George. They don't live what they preach. They are stubborn and stuck up. Sure y'all can come over tomorrow and we can listen to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and we can read the Book of Mormon and watch General Conference. But in order to watch conference I would have to drink alcohol in order to stay awake during that crap..." This whole time I legit was sitting on my hands. I can handle bible bashers and stuff like that but when people just make fun of your beliefs that you work so hard to stand up for, it kinda is frustrating lol. But I said a prayer and its all good now haha.

Friday!: We had a lesson scheduled with Jennifer again at 5:30. The Sister Davenport (her fellowshipper) called us and was like, "Hey Sisters. Jennifer just sent me this big long text and said that she might feel more comfortable exploring other churches because she is really overwhelmed with everything." We were like oh no...but then she was like, "She still wants to meet to night though." So later we get to the lesson and Jennifer tells us how she is feeling. We testified very strongly about the gospel and about how we need to rely on Christ to help us in all things. We then offered her to get a Priesthood blessing and she said yes. One of the most powerful things I have ever witnessed is an investigator experiencing the power of the Priesthood. It is so special. After her blessing she said that she still wanted to continue to progress and learn. That is what we call a tender mercy.

Sunday: We went to Catawba with the Vaassens and it was so much fun! We visited some less active members. They also made us lunch so that was a blessing haha. When we came back we had a lesson with a PMF. Sister Guy came with us and we were able to pick up his wife as an investigator! Hooray! 

Today I am so excited because we get to take Christmas pictures! We have our district coming and we also invited the Zone Leaders! Its going to be so much fun! 

I hope that you all have a very Merry Christmas. Have fun and spend lots of time with your family! Also remember what Christmas is really about. 

Love,

Sister Rodabough

Guys I have no idea what to put in the caption

Family and friends! Whats going on? I hope that all is well. 🙂 

This week has been super amazing. I don't even know where to begin. First of all, let me just say that I love Salem! I am hoping that I will be able to finish my mission in this area. The people here are just so loving and our investigators are so powerful and they are all families pretty much. I love being able to share the joyful message of the gospel this holiday season. Christmas is something else as a missionary. I don't know how to explain it but it is just so much more special. 🙂

Tuesday: We had an awesome lesson with the Fryzel's, they are returning members and they are just so amazing. After that we did some service with the food truck and that was so fun! The Elders are in our area and I just love being able to see other missionaries. We also taught the Ransoms. Their family is all recent converts. They have a son who wants to be baptized but it is really hard for him to focus, but I can tell that he still feels the Spirit when we teach him lessons.

Wednesday: We went to Catawba and taught Sister Sink about the Plan of Salvation. She said that it makes sense that we are here to be tested and that the goal is to get back to Heavenly Father. How cool is that guys?! When an investigator understands the Plan of Salvation it is just the most happy thing ever.

Thursday: We had one of the most powerful lessons I've ever had on my mission. We taught her about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jennifer (the investigator) said that she feels really scared to fail and that she is afraid to give into temptation. We were able to comfort her by using the Book of Mormon. The Spirit was so strong. The members with us testified very strongly that we can do anything through Christ. After they testified the member invited her to be baptized on February 10 and she said yes! I love helping other people feel the Spirit through the power of the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon has truly changed my life, that is why I am out here sharing it with others.

Saturday: We had a awesome service project in Roanoke. We helped with the parade and we got to move all of the cars and stuff into the right places. It was super freezing cold but so much fun! We handed out some light the world cards and got to talk to different people! After the parade we traveled back to Salem for the ward Christmas party and one of our investigators came even though she was a bit sick so it was awesome. Last but not least, it was like 8:50 at night and we were like 'should we go home or try the Butterworths?' We decided to try them and low and behold they were home! We shared a short message with them and we hurried home.

Sunday: Okay kids. Sunday was the BEST day ever. At 6:00 we had to practice for the Stake Christmas Choir Concert. I remembered that Martinsville (my first area) and Salem are in the same stake and it was so amazing because I got to see so many people and my heart was just so happy. I loved seeing them. Saying goodbye again was hard but I know that I will come back to see them again. After the concert we went to Brother Duttons house and go Priesthood blessings to start off the new transfer. It was so powerful and such a stress reliever. If you have not had a blessing in a long time I would exhort you to get one. They are so amazing. This is why we have the Priesthood.

We'll...that's about it. The church is true.

Love,
Sister Rodabough

The dog that speaks "I love you" 

Salem Virginia aka the celestial kingdom of the WVCM

First of all I would like to say a big thank you to everyone. I have felt so much love and support from my friends and family. Thank you for your continued prayers and love. I know that Heavenly Father will bless all of you because of the support that you give to the missionaries.

I have officially been transferred to the wonderful Salem Virginia! I am with Sister Wright and she is just too cool. We both did theater in high school and love video games so we get along well. She is from Ogden Utah and she has been out for 16 months so I will be her last companion. 

This week started off really busy. On Saturday we did weekly planning and then we went to our investigators birthday party. He is the cutest kid and he is so sweet. After the party we went and met Bishop. He is pretty dope. And he actually knew where Eagle Mountain was!

Sunday: The Salem ward is a huge blessing. Everyone was so kind and welcoming. The first counselor even asked me to give a talk! (hooray) Then we taught in young woman's which was actually way fun and very powerful. After church we went to a wedding reception. It was kind of funn because the girl getting married actually went to my mission! It is crazy that people get married so fast after they get home. We then went and watched the Christmas Devotional. Its kinda funny too because after we were talking to the Zone Leaders and they are going home the same time as me haha. Its always fun meeting the other missionaries that you came out with. 

I am sorry for the shorter email this week but thank you again anyways! The mission really is a huge blessing and I am grateful the Heavenly Father has aloud me to have this time set apart to become converted and to help other people receive the same blessings. I know that missions are hard but they help shape you into the person that Heavenly Father wants you to be. Remember to do the Light the World acts of service! 

Have a great week!

Sister Rodabough