Dallas Letter 2/29/16

Dear Family

This week has been crazy which it also sounds like you had one too! This week consist of my 5 month mark, Temple trip, and many touching spiritual experiences. The first is that I hit my 5 month mark on Tuesday which is soooooo weird! I don't feel that old but maybe if you look closely in the pictures I send you will see my missionary wrinkles. Another weird thing because of it is that everyone is guessing that I may be a trainer next transfer!!! Yikes I pray not because I barely know what I am doing. 

Then this week we were able to go to the TEMPLE! First cool about the trip was that we were able to stop at Barnes and Noble for a new journal since mine is near the end. I took all my strength not to pick up a single book but it was fun. Going to the temple was amazing but what is even cooler was that President Mullen was at our session and even took me through to the Celestial room. I needed to go for the extra strength and spirit that can only come from the temple. Here is a quote that describes how I feel about the temple:

"As we attend the temple, there can come to us a dimension of spirituality and feeling of peace which will transcend any other feeling which could come into the human heart. We will grasp the true meaning of the Savior when He said 'Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you.... Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (President Monson, April 2015)
 

A miracle of the week was right after the temple. We came out of the session to a text message of a paused (aka dropped) investigator who wants to continue!!!! We almost shouted for joy but that would have given a heart attack to the older couple we were with. A tender mercy was that last night we met a less active lady named Kay (Changed name). Her husband is so anti Mormon that she is really struggling but we gave DC 121: 7-9 and prayed with her. The weird thing was that when we were about to pray, I asked her if she wanted too which shocked her. She said yes after sobbing that no one has asked her to pray. God works in weird ways to touch the hearts of his children.

Love you guys so much!

Love Sister Ogden

Dad,

I love the song you gave me but I am not sure what Disney tune you did it to? It sounds that everything is going crazy but in a good way! T What type of virus did Paisley get because it sounds like what the plague has been affecting both missionaries and everyone we try? What is a Hardie Board?o answer your questions I will do them one by one:

• Are you asked to speak very often? No not really but I think when I get farther down the road they will probably will. Sister Greeff had to give one this Sunday but that was because the Bishop wanted to have her speak before she goes home.
• Have you gotten the discussions down? I guess I kinda have it changes each time but the message is the same. That is one thing I like about PMG (Preach My Gospel manual) is that you can mold the lesson to the investigators needs. But I am not as scared to share the lessons as before!
•   Are you comfortable with the door approach? Yes and no the extent of our door approaches is to contact a referral or to come share a message with an investigator/ members.
• Do you do much tracting? We do not tract here because there are so many gates that if we did, we would find no one. What we do is talk to all those we see outside.
•  How are you investigators doing? Most of the investigators we did have are on pause (aka dropped) but we were able to find so many people this week, so that great. Time will tell!
•   Are you writing every name you can remember in your journal? Are you keeping up on your journal? Yep I am writing everyone names even though some may be spelt wrong but I have written every day since being out on the mission! I love writing in it because it of course helps me to remember but it's very therapeutic. Even writing emails are that way for me. I just feel sorry for who has to read them after I am gone! 

Love you so much Dad!

Love Sister Ogden

Dallas Letter 2/22/16

Howdy,

This week has been full of crazy things! First things first is that I am drug and infection free!!! It is amazing now because if something goes weird or wrong then I can at least smell the roses. Then for p-day, we played softball which I was the only Sister on a team! Dad you would be proud because I got everyone out on first base the whole time.

Another crazy thing was that again Sister Greeff was sick! I swear that somewhere between the lines of my call letter is that I am called to be a nurse for my companions. It's okay, It was a great movie day for me and Sister Greeeff. The movies we were able to watch like 20 times was Legacy and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas both made by the Church.

Legacy is about how much Faith that the early saints had to have to overcome the many challenges that they face. Their legacy of Faith is what we need to have and to share it from generation to generation.

One of the songs from the Christmas concert has been our main theme song this whole week. The song is from Prince of Egypt called "Through Heavens Eyes" which talks about that the only way you can find your worth is by looking up to heaven. It's been fun listening to the song over and over again which I am grateful that Sister Greeff lets me do that.

The coolest thing that happened this week was visiting a family from the ward (Name left out). They are an older couple who are less active because of health and depression problems. We have been trying over and over again to meet them but the only thing we seem to get is a quick hi and loads of eggs. This week we were able to come in and talk to them about life. It was truly a tender miracle, even though there were chickens everywhere.  It defines the complex example of missionary work. Missionary work is not just baptizing people but it is to help people "Come unto Christ"! It can be from a simple smile to helping them turn to Jesus Christ by acknowledging Him. 

Dad always remember that Faith is powerful and can help us everyday. Don't let fear or doubt enter into your mind because Faith cannot stay when fear and doubt surrounds it.

Love ya!

Sister Ogden

Dallas Letter 2/15/16

Dad,

So we are starting a new transfer and I am still in the same area with Sister Greeff. I get to kill her off her mission which is weird because when she leaves I hit my 6 month mark. I don't feel that I have been out as long as I have and I do not think that I am an almost 5 month missionary.  Maybe a 3 month but not 5. Another scary thing that happened was that I am the driver! It is scary because in my head I am like what is this wheel in front of me and how do I drive? However it is somewhat of a blessing because I get to learn the area better but we will see how I will do.

Thanks for helping the Urgent Care office lady. It was weird to give her number and see her talk to you. I resisted the urge to jump over the counter to rip to phone from her to talk to you but I was able to control myself. It was funny because that night I received your packaged. Thanks for the Jerky because it made a very rough day a little brighter. So the reason I was at urgent care was that I had an ear and sinus infection! Yeah but now I have Ab's of steel from blowing my nose so many times (not really)! 

 Dad, what is a funny story that you have not told me from your mission that is funny but very spiritual? Ever since being out I have wondered more about yours and mom's experience on the mission. I  was able to go to Spanish land again for exchanges! I was finally able to be part of a Spanish lesson that when Hermana Rasmussen said testify about a certain thing, I did so. I did not really understand what had been said but it was cool to just testify what I know to be true and hear it in Spanish! I guess whatever I said touched the ladies heart because she started to cry. I learned how to say a prayer in Spanish but I left my notes at home so that I could spell it correctly.   

Love you so much and you are my ROCK STAR DAD!!!!

Love Sister Ogden  

Dallas Letter 2/8/16

Dear Mom
This week has been a blur but I was able to learn a very important lesson. I went to Spanish land again for exchanges which was awesome! I was able to be in a couple of lessons that I could only follow a small amount but I was still expected to still teach. Hermana Ramussen would tell me what to testify that is what I did. It was so cool to hear my testimony on the Atonement in Spanish! The main key was really relying on the spirit to know what they needed to hear.

Aysha
You are so beautiful! I am sorry that you had one of those games that made you want to talk to me. I miss those yell, cry, or talks that we would have after a rough game but I know that you are strong enough that you don't need me. Me on the other hand needed you! If you do need to release or talk about something just email to me. I will try to do my best but its different not being there.  On a spiritual note, there is one person that can be there for me when you do have those days. It is the Savior and you know what He knows better than I do on how to help you. Keep Him close to you Aysha and never leave Him!

LOVE YOU # 22

Sister Ogden

Dallas Letter 2/1/16

Family,

This has been so crazy that if you ask me what happened in the beginning of last week it is a blur. But this week we were on FIRE and were able to pick four new investigators. One of them was truly a tender mercy, miracle, or anything that is called good! Maryanne was a referral that we were able to contact this Saturday before we had to turn in. Beside her wanting us to come back, there is two things you need to know about her. First is that she is a NINJA! Since her house had been recently broken into, she came around the house  to spook us by asking why are we there. It didn't help that she was wearing all black. Then after sharing the video with her she mentioned that she had a dog. Of course as a dog lover I asked what bred it was. This is the best part! She has a wolf hybrid!!! My dream dog! Her dog is 87% wolf and husky and he was gorgeous. She let him loose from another room so there was a wolf running straight for me. Scary but cool! 

Grant Barnett was baptized yesterday! (MY FIRST BAPTISM!!)  Grant was baptized by his Dad which

Grant's Baptism

was a true honor to see! The spirit was so strong and there was so many people. President Crippen who is a counselor for President Mullen came with a lot of missionaries who have taught Grants parents. The service was beautiful and the talks were awesome. While Grant and his dad was changing, Sister Greeff and I shared the Restoration! I was so scared because there was not only many people there but also missionaries. With many heart felt prayers I was able to have courage to speak. It was amazing and a true testimony builder.

Earlier this week was full of meetings about our purpose as missionaries. We are to love the Lord and our investigators! That is the only way we can do this great work! As a missionary you meet so many people but God gives a glimpse of His love so that I can help them the way He would like. Charity = love + sacrifice!

LOVE YOU GUYS

Sister Ogden

Dallas Letter 1/18/16

Dear Family,

This week has been full of ups and downs but the ups are worth mentioning. The one constant miracle throughout the week is that we were not eaten by dogs. There was many gates that were open with means looking at dogs who what to eat us. Since being out on the mission I have met two types of dogs, mean killer dogs to the complete opposite of angel dogs. There has been many small prayers as we race walked by the open gates.

Another somewhat up this week was that we went to Urgent Care. Sister Greeff toe was hurting her so the mission nurse sent us to check it out. Possibly Sister Greeff might have arthritis in her toe. Being there for three hours reminded me of last transfer adventure with Sister Roberts. Apparently, my history of medical trips with my companions proves it is now the curse that I endure with whoever is my companion.  We have to go back again to do some blood test to see whats going on. She hates needles to the point she has to strangle my hands, but at least she does not pass out (colton). We may have to go back for a check up on my hand.

The highlight of this past week was that one of our investigators is preparing to be baptized! His name is Grant Barnett who reminds me of Colton. He loves video games which makes me grateful that I do know a little bit about video games and that I am a small nerd myself. It is awesome to feel the spirit work with those who are striving to follow the Savior. 

Dad, I know how much you wanted me to go to Peru for my mission but I was able to taste somewhat of being in Peru. I was able to see llamas on the mission! 

I love you all and miss you dearly but may the light of Christ be in your lives! My favorite scripture this week is
Psalms 27:1. This scripture was wake up call for me because sometimes my fear overcomes my courage but faith is all that is needed.

Love

Sister Ogden

Dallas Letter 1/12/16

Dad,

I loved your email! That is awesome that you guys were able to go out and shoot deer. Tell everyone congrats but tell Aysha that her shooting skills were waiting for the scrimmage. Sage sounds like a handful like myself  (plus I think you got her because she somewhat has my coloring and you miss me).

For transfers it was hard to leave but I know that I am needed in Wildomar. God calls each of us as missionaries to a certain job, either we are sowers or reapers in the Lord's Vineyard. So based on how things are rolling I am called to be a sower. For David and Davida I was and if thy do get baptized I will be able to go even if I am on the other side of the mission but lucky I live only about 45 minutes away. President actually encourages us to go to be an extra support to them on their decision. I pray that David and Davida will accept and willing to pay the price to turn unto Him. Only time will tell! I know that your talk was amazing and I wish I could hear but also help with it. I love you and are grateful for all the things you have taught me. It is good to read that all the things I am doing will touch the lives of thousands. Some days I feel that all I do is not enough to affect them. Maybe the smile I give will make it a lot easier for the next Sister or Elder who comes after me.

LOVE YOU

Sister Ogden

Aysha,

I am glad that you thought Aunt Pat funeral was beautiful and clam. That is the thing about death it is not the end like most people believe but it's the beginning! It is the next step that we have to take to be closer to our Heavenly Father and Christ. Just being out on the mission, I have seen many who don't have this hope that we have knowing the Plan of Salvation. I hope that being part of this has helped your testimony about the Plan of Salvation because for me a couple of states away it has. Read 2 Nephi 22:2 to know how I feel about the Plan of Salvation. 

...

LOVE YOU

Sister Ogden

Mom and Dad,

I am glad that the funeral was beautiful and that many great experience come from it like the temple and sharing memories of her. I know that Aunt Pat is doing great and that she was so ready for the next step of the Plan of Salvation. I hope that being part of this has helped your testimony about the Plan of Salvation because for me even a couple of states away it has. Read 2 Nephi 22:2 to know how I feel about the Plan of Salvation.

Dad your talk is amazing for how short of a time that you had. I wish that I could have been there or at least helped you but you don't need me. Mom I love your spiritual thought because this past week has been full of reading about repentance for our mission tour.  That is why yesterday, rather than having a P-day, we had a conference with Elder Hamula of the Seventy. It was amazing!!! 

It was such an honor to shake is hand, and to give his wife a big hug!  He reiterated to us our purpose as missionaries: To cleanse people through baptism so they can return to the presence of our Father in Heaven and stay there. It was such an honor to shake is hand, and to give his wife a big hug! So it was funny Mom that your spiritual thought was about the relationship between first principles of the gospel, faith- repentance vs Christ like attributes because that is what we discussed for 8 hours yesterday. You both should read Elder Anderson talk about "Repent... That I May Heal You" which taught me more about repentance and how it is a way for us to "return" into His loving embrace (3 Nephi 9:14).

This past week has been fun with 4 days of heavy rain. I was finally able to go tracking and wear the rain boots! It was interesting but it was a touching experience when some of the people who answer the door would asked why were we out in the rain. I love that question because we were able to tell them about our message which always followed with the normal answer of no but one said after saying no that we show true devotion. So cool!

I love Sister Greeff! She is a mixture of Paisley and Aysha craziness which makes the work fun! I hope that I will finish her last three months of her mission because I love her so much. There is so much work that needs to be done here in Wildomar. Some of the investigators dropped were replaced with new potentials from tracking in the rain storm. I love rain storms! Most of the ward is less actives which means a lot of work in the ward as well but I love it all. It is weird to be in a car but it was wonderful when the rain came. I am still biking with a somewhat cheap version of a stand still bike which is great.

A member made this for me - I Love It!

LOVE YOU BOTH

Sister Ogden