Like a Dream in the Night

Oh man. OH MAN. 

Hey, team. I don't even know what to say in this most dramatic and final email...goodness gracious, I just don't even know where the time went!  Before I even left for the great and beloved North Dakota, my older and wiser sister Em told me that missions go like a dream in the night, that I needed to enjoy every last second I have...and she was so right. Man oh man!  I'm getting to this weird point where it feels like a total dream, like I've made all up...weirdest feeling in the whole world. I keep having these strange vision-y dreams of my mission, of teaching Linda and Henry and Sister Lien...life is so strange, my friends. I just have loved these past 18 months, every single second of it...I am so grateful that I decided to serve. And, as I sit in this dinky little family history center in Bismarck, North Dakota, surrounded by some of my all time favorite missionaries and friends, waiting for President to call with transfer news, my heart is just so full. My mission has meant everything to me, and I have been changed by the sweet land of North Dakota. Life is just so good, my friends!! 

And also, my fam reported this morning with buckets of snow back home in Seattle- the tender mercies of the Lord are all over those who He hath chosen!  It looks even like my beloved North Dakota out there...such a happy time. God is just so good!! 

Alright, I'll stop being dramatic for a sec. Haha. This week has been AMAZING- one of the best weeks of all my mission life. Hollah!! 

First thing first, JESS GOT BAPTIZED. AHHHHHH!!!!!  It was the greatest thing ever and my heart is still full unto bursting because it all- she's just amazing. She even bore her testimony yesterday and AHHH, I am just so humbled to know her. Whatta dream!! 

Somehow, it actually happened- best day ever!! Jess is seriously my favorite person ever. Even if I look mildly drunk in this picture, haha.

We taught her every night this past week, making sure she knew everything she needed to...it was just so awesome. The perfect way to end a mission.  Just look how cute she is!!

Ahhhh, I love this lady. She makes my whole life!! 

Here's some more pictures of all the goodness- she's so lovely. AHHHH!! 

Jess and Bro. Johnson, who introduced her to the church

Ah man, Jess is the best. Love her!!

So, with all that going down, this week was pure perfection. Somehow, everything just came together for Jess' baptism and it was pretty amazing- I am consistently in awe of the goodness of God. We even got a random musical number of "Amazing Grace" with a violin involved all worked out...it was the greatest. God is amazing, my friends. Life is so beautiful!! 

We also this week finished making our skirts with Sister Barnett- such a party!! We spent out pday morn cranking those suckers out- pure bliss, man oh man.

We actually made skirts- yahooooo!!! 

We went to FHE on Monday as well- always such a party. The best!!

So, on Tuesday, we taught Julie in the morn and helped the Hales do some grocery shopping- they're the best, haha. Donita made us pick out all kinds of treats and it was just so delightful- I love that woman so much. She's a dream. 

Us and our treats- haha. I love those Hales!! 

And THEN, we went to Emily's for dinner and Jess and Jenny came too- such a dream! Jess just about died when we walked in with our mega rice krispie and it was so adorable- I love her so much, haha. Such a good dinner group!! 

AHHH, I love these ladies so much. Such a dream!! 

We also taught Jess about the temple on Tuesday- she adored it, of course. She's so awesome. Emily helped us to make sense and it was just so lovely- I love members so much!! And also Jess!! 

On Wednesday, we taught a crazy less active that had us get her some iced coffee...and we totally did it, lol. She was just so sad- Jess thought it was the funniest thing ever when we told her about it later that night, haha. It's a pretty good story.

We also on Wednesday went out teaching with the adorable young women, taught Sis. Gunn (such a homie!), and ate dinner with the Hafens- love them!! 

And then, we headed out to good ol' Menoken to teach out #1 homie Jess- she's the best!!  We filled out her baptismal record and chatted about following the prophet...and took this lovely selfie. Haha.  

She's my fave!! (take note of the rice krispie in her hand, haha- that mega treat sustained us through many a lesson!)

On Thursday, we saw Julie in the morn and reset her date for February 25- and we're feeling way good about it. She's such a good lady!!  We also weekly planned eternally and ate dinner with Jess and the gang (at Bro. Johnson's, dontcha know- it was there that our musical number came together, hollah!) and then taught Marsha and Kimberly- such a dream!  We went over the Ten Commandments and generally had a lovely time...I love those two so much!! 

And then, it was Friday. We had district meeting in the morn and went out to lunch with the Sisters afterwards- I love them a lot. We went and saw Sis. Gray next thing- she's the dream!! We chatted about her Book of Mormon reading and about Jess- and she totally came to church on Sunday!!  I also took this lovely picture with her, because she's the best...I'm totally going to add this homie on facebook eventually. Such a dream!! 

We taught Jess again on Friday night, just the last few lessons...and her dirt bag roommate totally tried to talk her out of getting baptized. I was freaking but Jess stood her ground and testified- she's just amazing. I love her so much!! 

On Saturday, Jess got baptized. 

Here's another picture just to prove it, haha. Gotta convince myself that it actually happened!! 

Such a lovely day. She's just amazing and we just floated for the entirety of our Saturday- even as we tracted out the town and taught Julie. We are so lucky to be missionaries- my heart is so full!! 

AND, we were strutting outta of Jess' baptism, I ran into Sis. Cook, a fave from the beloved Fargo- such a dream!!!  So many tender mercies this week.

(lately, my camera has been fighting back and been mega blurry- so unpleasant.)

And then, it was Sunday. Jess got confirmed in the morn and it was so gorgeous- and then, she got up and bore her testimony! AHHHHH!!!!  She just testified that the church is true, that God is good, and that she knows God meant her to join the church. 

She's seriously so incredible. 

We went to the break the fast afterwards and took oodles of selfies whilst eating breakfast for dinner- such a dream!!  I love Jess the most!! 

AHHH, it was just the best week ever- God is so good, my friends. 

I love you all so much. Thank you for supporting me over these past 18 months, for sharing my joys and sorrows, for helping me to become the person I was meant to be. My mission means everything to me, and I am so grateful that I've been able to share it with you. 

And also, President called this morn and told us that Sister Larson will be training next transfer- exciting things are coming to the beloved land of Bismarck!! I am so proud of my sweet baby! 

I love you so much. Have the greatest week!! 

Love ya!

Sister Robinson 

Trunky?

Hey-oh, my peeps!! It's been another perfect week in the land of Bismarck, full of baptism prep and teaching the masses and sharing the good word...and avoiding the inevitable at all costs, lol. I can't quite seem to avoid it altogether, though- I seem to get asked on the daily if I'm trunky yet. 

Man oh man. 

For those of you following along at home, being trunky is missionary slang for having your bags all packed and being totally detached from the work because you're going home in eleven days...but Bismarck is too solid and beautiful to even consider being trunky! And Jess is getting baptized this weekend!!  It got a little iffy earlier last week, with her not being sure if she would be ready and us anxiously awaiting the confirmation she needed- rough stuff. On Saturday, we told her that she'd have to do her baptismal interview on Sunday if she wanted to do the 4th, and she told us that she wasn't quite sure yet...but THEN, at the end of our lesson, she gave us the go ahead to schedule with the assurance that she'd text if she changed her mind before then. I was pretty nervous, but she texted an hour before her appointment to let us know she'd be there- AHHHHHH!!!! She invited everyone to her baptism at church and she's just the greatest woman I have ever met- I am so grateful we're teaching her. And that she's helping me not be trunky, lol. 

But anyway, haha, this week has been such a good one. Miracles all over the place! Oodles of Jess interactions! General goodness all around!  Bismarck is just the greatest place- I am so grateful to be here. God is just so good! 

So, let's chat about the week. We started it all off with the normal pday madness, full of Bismarck wandering and souvenir buying and Taco Bell eating. All the best things. 

We taught Gabbi after all our pday excitement and it was such a good time- Gabbi is such a fave. We went over the Restoration and she just gets it- I really adore that lady. Such a gem!

And then, we headed off to FHE with Jess and Jenny- such a lovely time! We chatted about overcoming our doubts and played some pudding pictionary whilst eating treats...things got a little heated, but it was such a fun time. FHE is the dream! 

On Tuesday, we taught Julie in the morn and took a media hour...good times. I finished up My Plan (because I had an interview all about it with Pres on Thursday, way stressful) and then we headed off to eat some lunch and see the Hales- they're the best!! They're progressing towards the temple lately and it's just the sweetest- I love them so much! 

We taught Jenny in the afternoon hours and AHHH, I love her so much. Our recent fave thing is to paint our nails as we chat about the gospel- nail parties for days!! 

Yeah, nail parties are the best. And so is Jenny! We went over the Plan of Salvation with her on Tuesday and the Gospel on Friday...and she totally read the Book of Mormon reading we left her with, yahoooooo!!! We ended up, on Friday, answering a lot of her questions about the temple and it was just the best- all our peeps are working towards the temple and I'm loving it!!

We ate with the Southams on Tuesday night and Jess came along- it was the beeeeest!  Their four year old son Max totally fell in love with her and it was the cutest thing- and we taught the Plan of Salvation and Gospel afterwards and it was so good. Teaching Jess is straight up a dream- I love that lady so much!!  It was during all this loveliness that Jess first opened up to us that she might not be ready by the fourth and that the stress of the week began- because we didn't have another appointment with her until Friday! Amateur hour over here, man oh man. But alas, we left her with Law of Chastity and Word of Wisdom pamphlets to read over for Friday and then we had the most beautiful and non-awkward convo about it all on Friday- it was SO good. Like, best Law of Chastity/Word of Wisdom lesson of all time. She just taught us and testified left and right and realized by the end of it all that she is ready- AHHHHHH!!! 

Also during our Friday night "Guinness and sex" talk (haha, she's the cutest person ever) we scheduled two appointments for Saturday- I love Jess so much!! AHHHHH!!!!  She is just the greatest- and spending Saturday with her just about made my life. 

But anyway, haha, it was a way good Tuesday. Gettin' all kinds of ahead of myself today!

On Wednesday, we had a crazy worldwide missionary broadcast full of schedule and key indicator changes...movin' and shakin', man oh man! The biggest change is that we have two extra hours of pday (huzzzzzzzah!!) and that we have an extra hour in the morning to get ready...it's been so nice. Goodness gracious. I'm a little vexed that they changed it all up right when I'm on my deathbed, but it's cool. At least I get to revel in it all for a minute. Haha. 

We also on Wednesday had another impromptu dinner with the Palanitos at Pizza Ranch (the beeeeest!!!), checked up on our main but deathly ill homies Ammar and Ali, and taught Julie (and her gay son!) about the Doctrine and Covenants...a way good day all around. Crazy but so good! 

We finished up our Wednesday by teaching Marsha and Kimberly about the Gospel- such a good time! I love those two so much! The Hales came with us and it was just the best, mostly because less active Marsha testifies to her daughter and it's so cool. Teaching them is a dream! 

And then, it was Thursday. We weekly planned and I had an interview with President about My Plan...high stress, man oh man. He read every word I wrote and we chatted about it all- made me all kinds of sweaty! But, he had mercy on my soul and didn't condemn me too harshly for my lame future plans...he's a gem. Haha. 

We ate dinner on Thursday night with Sis. Gunsch and then tried the masses afterwards...little bit of a slow day. At least we were able to finish all our weekly planning! And, the sunset was way pretty on Thursday. So there was that too, lol. 

AHH, I love North Dakota. Such pretty skies. 

On Friday, we finally taught Jess again- love that lady! She was the highlight of the day, although we also ate dinner with the sweetest fam ever, the Ulvesteads...I really love them. Such good people- North Dakota natives and such cute accents all around. My fave! 

And then, it was Saturday- such a good one! We started it off by eating lunch with Jess and Sis. Harmstead- such perfection. Sis. Harmstead is a convert and it was just the best- she spoke such peace to Jess' soul concerning her baptism and helped us testify of tithing...she's pretty much a miracle worker. Totally adore her! It was total perfection all around. 

The only downfall of this lovely lunch date is that we got stuck in the snow trying to park on the side of the road...snow covered ditches, ya know.  By the grace of God (and a couple really nice neighbors with trucks and tow ropes) we escaped and were able to see the rest of our peeps- North Dakota is such a crazy place. 

Snow is just the worst, I'm learning. We're definitely not friends- but I'm way grateful for people who know how to deal with it and maneuver our car out of ditches. Haha.  So much unexpected excitement! 

After that gorgeous lunch date and the subsequent car drama, we chatted for a minute with the Hales and invited Patience to church...she's so awesome, man oh man. She was fluffing up her weave when we stopped by, and it was the craziest thing- she says you have to do it to bring life back to it. Normal stuff, ya know. 

Blurry picture, but I think it's kinda artsy or something...just wanted you to get a little taste of our Patience lesson. Haha. Such a good time! She committed to finish putting her hair on so she could come to church...but then, she didn't show. Total tragedy.  She's still awesome though...she told us as we chatted on Saturday that she knows she needs to get closer to God- it was pretty cool. She's a gem! 

And then, after all that excitement, we headed over to Bro. Johnson's for dinner with him and Jess- such a dream!! We ate fancy Dorito casserole and taught Jess about the sabbath day...and Bro. Johnson spoke even more peace to her soul concerning her baptism. Man oh man, our members are just so cool. I love them a ton!  Jess totally wouldn't be progressing without the goodness of all the members here- #blessed. 

It was just the best dinner appointment ever, basically. Jess is the coolest. 

On Sunday, we pretty much had the best Sabbath day of my life- so much goodness!!  Jess got interviewed and we communed and I casually ran into Bro. Wieland- AHHHHHH!!!!! That alone made my whole life, man oh man. I adore that man so much! It was just the best ever to see him right before I leave for good...he's my fave. Such a good man!! 

Here's a picture of the blessed reunion- don't mind my uber squinty eyes, haha. Love this man!! 

Goodness, such a lovely Sabbath! God is so good! 

After church, we scheduled oodles of appointments with Jess for the week, told the masses about her baptism (she adorably invited the whole of the ward and everyone is so jazzed for her- it's the cutest!!), and had her try on a jumpsuit...

IT'S ACTUALLY HAPPENING. AHHHHHHHH!!!!! 

I still can't really believe it- I feel like I made the whole thing up in between appointments with her. She's just the dream! She promised we'd be eternal pen pals and told me that she's not going to get married unless I'm there- I am just so grateful that Heavenly Father allowed me to meet her. Like, I am the luckiest missionary in all the world- I don't know how I've been so blessed. I feel more than ever like Alma, like I am so aware of my weaknesses and imperfections but Christ is still giving me the strength I need to continue pressing forward...being a missionary is just the greatest. I'm so jazzed to tell ya all about Jess' baptism next week- AHHHHHHH!!!!! 

Welp, I love you all a ton- thank you for all you do! Have the greatest week ever!!

Love ya!

Sister Robinson

JESS IS THE BESTTTT!!!!!!

Hey-oh, team!!! 

It's been another perfectly perfect week here in the blissful land of Bismarck(y marck)- I am truly obsessed with the work here. Goodness gracious, God is so good. We're experiencing so many miracles lately- all of which is just ridiculously humbling. Even at the end of this great adventure, I am aware that I am nothing, that the Atonement is the only thing that allows me to continue to be about this great work, and that God is REAL- that He loves us perfectly, despite all our flaws. I have felt of that love so much this week, and I am so grateful to be His missionary. For some reason, miracles are continuing to pour in and it's just the greatest. Bless the Lord, I am satisfied! 

I think the biggest miracle of the week has been Jess, the greatest woman we've ever met- I am totally in love with her!!!  She's the one I mentioned briefly last email, who came to church last week after her member friend invited her. We taught her twice this week, once on Tuesday and once on Saturday....

And she's on date for February 4th. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

I don't think I've ever taught someone so prepared to receive the gospel, so aware of God's hand in her life, so open to receiving revelation...she's just incredible. Jess is the best!! 

There are going to be an overabundance of emojiis in this email, probably even more than normal...sorry about that, haha. It's just been such a good week!!

But anyway, JESS. She's the greatest!! Here's a cute selfie of us following our Saturday afternoon lesson/stroll down the Missouri, after which she told us that she's ready to be baptized and it was just the best. Being a missionary is just the greatest!!

Goodness, I love this lady so much. Teaching prepared people is the greatest!! Everyone, do member missionary work. Dying missionaries all over the world will thank you for your service, haha. 

Man oh man, SUCH A GOOD WEEK. I keep spoiling the best part right at the start, but I promise that there's still oodles of good things to discuss...just had to explain the subject, ya know. 

But anyway, we started this week off with an awkward non-pday Monday...it was a good time. We helped the Hales make some brunch, taught Jenny and hung out with Jeremiah (such a dream, that kid!!), ate dinner with the Taylors (probably the greatest members I know- I love them so much!!), and went to FHE with Jess and Jenny...a way good day all around. Goodness, Jess is the best. Can't be said enough!!! We had a way good time at FHE, and landed a return appointment with the lovely Jess afterwards- such a gem. I adore her! 

And then, it was Tuesday. We did all the normal p-day shenanigans and also met Barb for lunch- it was the BESSSSST!!!!  She was in town for a doctor's appointment, so we got to hang out with her for a minute...she's just my fave. I love her so much!

It was so good to catch up and laugh and remember the good ol' days- Barb is seriously the greatest woman I know.  

Man oh man, love this lady. She's the best! 

After all our pday adventuring, Jess took us out to pizza and it was the greatest night- I love her so much. We got half cheeseburger and half mac and cheese pizza and that alone changed my life- such good pizza!!

As we ate crazy good pizza, we answered her questions about the church- our conversation was all over the place. It was awesome, though, because she made it seem like she had already made up her mind, that she already knows that she needs to be baptized- she's amazing. The best, even. We left her with a Restoration pamphlet that night and invited her to the Elders' baptism on Saturday morn...she's my fave, man oh man! Such a perfect dinner- best pizza ever!!  

So, imma skip forward for a sec and tell you more about Jess- sorry team. Haha. On Saturday, she totally came to the baptism and LOVED it- she's the coolest!! We went on a walk with her and her dog Loki afterwards, down the banks of the Missouri river...we're so cool, haha. As we strolled, we taught the Restoration and answered her questions about prophets and the priesthood- it was such a good lesson. By the end, she had told us that she'd been praying about Joseph Smith and knows that it's all true- AHHHHHH!!!! She even laughed and said, "I must be a missionary's dream!"- haha, she's just the best. 

As we walked back to our cars, with me choking on a baptismal invite the whole way, I finally got up the nerve to invite her to be baptized. She said, "That's my goal, too!" and Sis. Larson explained that she just needs to come to church three times and take all the lessons. She proceeded to whip out her phone and look at her calendar...and THEN, she looked at us and said, "That means I could be baptized on February 4. Will that work for you?"

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! 

We played it way cool, lol, and told her that it would- I am SO EXCITED. Like, I don't even have the words to adequately express how amazing Jess is. And how much of a miracle it is to be teaching her. She's the kind of investigator I've prayed to have my whole mission, and I can't believe she's even real- Jess is the best. I am so jazzed to be teaching her!!! AHHHHH!!!!!! 

Here's that same selfie of us again, just for dramatic effect. Haha. I love this lady so much!!

But, in other news, we also said our goodbyes to Jeremiah this week- I'm going to miss that munchkin. I really do think Rhode Island will be better for him, and that he'll have the support he needs out there...but here are some cute selfies regardless, haha. Love him!! 

Ha, he's such a goober. I'm going to miss him a ton- but at least we got to crank out some sweet recent convert lessons with him before he left. He's such a stud!! 

Sorry that this email is all sorts of scattered- haha, trying to be a more efficient email-er a little late in the game.  The other highlights of the week include going with the Croziers and Hales (the office missionaries) to Space Aliens (such a party!!), teaching Julie and being all around heart broken by her (and having another makeup session with the adorable Tierra- love her!!), meeting again with the too cool Kimberly and teaching her about the Plan of Salvation, and going on exchanges with the Dickinson sisters- it was a way good week.  I hung ten with Sis. Severe in Dickinson for exchanges, and it was just such a good time- I love Sis. Severe a ton. Such a good lady!! It was fun to be with someone that's been out the same amount of time as me, and to freak out together about going home too soon...she's a gem. I adore that Sis. Severe!!!

(Tierra makeup, haha :))

Oh, I almost forgot- we also started teaching a sweet new less active named Gabby- we're so jazzed about it!  She's 13 and hasn't been to church much since her baptism because of her parent's crazy divorce...but she's awesome. I love her a ton! We just got to know her and left her with a Restoration pamphlet...she's so sweet. It's going to be a party!! 

Goodness gracious, I am just so happy. Being a missionary is eternally the greatest thing I've ever done, and I am so grateful for these past 18 months of learning and growing and stretching and being uncomfortable...it's been the best. I hit my 18 month mark yesterday and it feels more like a dream than ever...it's the strangest thing. I'm just glad that the work here is hoppin' and keeping me distracted for a little while...Jess is the best, haha! Nothing else matters!!! 

Welp, I love you all so much- thank you for all you do. I hope you have the greatest week ever!!

Love ya!

Sister Robinson

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The Baptism of the Century!

Hey, everyone!!  This week has been so beautiful and perfect and lovely...my heart is so full. So much goodness happening in Bismarck these days!! 

First thing first, Jeremiah totes got baptized on Saturday and it was pretty much the greatest thing that has ever happened- I love that kid so much!!  He bore his testimony like a boss and it was the sweetest thing...he's just the best.

 Such a good day!! The whole week was kind of crazy and anxiety filled because of it, but it was all worth it...I still can't believe that adorable kidlet got baptized and that we were able to have a little part in his conversion. I love him the most!! But, in a random turn of events, he may be moving to Rhode Island at the end of the week...just when we thought the drama was over, man oh man.  The good news is that, if he ends up moving, his grandma over there is a member and he'll keep going to church...but it is still such a bummer. My heart is pretty broken by it all...but I think it might be what he needs. Having a mom that isn't invested in the church is hard, even when you're a ridiculously converted eight year old- drama! Goodness gracious, being a missionary is so stressful. 

But anyway, this week has been so gorgeous. Even with the unanticipated Jeremiah drama. So much to happy about regardless! JEREMIAH GOT BAPTIZED!!!!!!! 

Alright alright, let me tell you about the week. Sorry that I skipped to the best part at the very beginning...I promise that there were other good parts, too. Haha. I just got too excited!! Really, you could stop reading here if you really wanted to, because homie-g Jeremiah got baptized and it was the greatest...but I'll tell ya about the rest of our adventuring, too. It was such a good week!! 

We started it off with the normal p-day shenanigans, full of chair soccer and hitting up the semi-annual sale at Bath and Body Works. Such a dream!!  I bought lotion that I don't actually need and it was a grand time all around...I love a good pday. The best!

We taught Jeremiah on Monday night (and he passed his baptismal interview like a stud, yahooooo!!) and then taught Julie...ah man, that lady is killin' us!  She's just been so stagnant lately, and has been cancelling pretty regularly...the worst. I think she still knows that this is what she needs, but all the things she has to give up in order to make that happen is pretty discouraging...nothing is more heartbreaking when people you love come to understand the Atonement, and comprehend what the Savior can do for them, and then just reject it. I don't think Julie is flat out rejecting it yet, but she's getting pretty close- heartbreaking. 

But, we did manage to take a couple more gems with Tierra as Julie ripped out hearts out on Monday- she's the cutest!! 

And then, it was Tuesday. We did some baptism invitin' in the morn and then had ZTM in the afternoon...it was a good time. I had to lead the music, such a disaster, but it was way good otherwise. The mission has not taught me how to lead music, haha. 

After ZTM, we headed off to see Jenny- I love her so much!! We started teaching her the Restoration and it's going way well...she is just such a gem. I really adore her! She showed us pictures from her baptism and it was such a tender time. She's the best! Here's a blurry but adorable picture of the gang- Jenny is the besssssst!!!! 

We ate some dinner next thing and grabbed some jumpsuits for our main man Jeremiah- I love that kid! We even taught his mom and it was so sweet- she's slowly coming around. Like, not enough to not ship her kid off to Rhode Island to live with her mom...but we'll get her soon enough. Don't worry! 

On Wednesday, we took a media hour and taught the masses- such a good day! We saw Sis. Gunn and Jeremiah AND saw the beloved Ammar and Ali- love them!! Sis. Gardner came with us again and we retaught the Restoration...they're getting it! Goodness gracious, I love those two so much. We committed them to read the Introduction of the Book of Mormon and invited them to church and the baptism...and they totally came to the baptism, huzzzzzah!!!!!!!! They didn't make it to church but it was so good that they came to Jeremiah's...man oh man, they're just the best. I adore them!! 

We finished up our Wednesday by teaching Julie and eating some waffle cones- waffle cone Wednesday remains the greatest day of the week. Such a dream!! 

On Thursday, we did some weekly planning (but mostly finished up baptism planning, man oh man) and taught the peeps- it was a good time. We met a super cool guy named Bryant while leaving an appointment and gave him a Book of Mormon- it was pretty sweet, Hopefully good things come of it! 

And then, it was Friday. We saw Jenny and Jeremiah and did oodles of tracting...and Jeremiah's adorable baby sister and Grandma came in from Rhode Island, yahooooo!!! Ava remains the cutest baby ever- check out this precious picture we took. The best!! 

Ah man, I adore this baby. Cutest thing ever!! 

We even taught Patience again on Friday, finished up the baptism prep and made sure the team would be there on time...so much stress, man oh man. Baptisms are just buckets if stress- so much planning! But alas, it all came together and it was a way good time...hallelujah!! God is good!! 

And so, we spent our Saturday prepping up for the baptism of the century and filling the font and reminding all of our people about it...and it all worked out, by the grace of God. Haha. I was stressing all day long, worried that Jeremiah wouldn't show or the ward would forget or something crazy would happen- it all just seemed too good to be true. Somehow, though, everything came together and Jeremiah showed and it was the greatest day- we even had oodles of treats to enjoy afterwards, such a lovely ward. AND, Ammar and Ali showed and adored it- and became friends with all the people!! YAHOOOOOOOO!!!!  

Here's some more cute pictures for your viewing pleasure- such a good day!! 

Baby Ava is just the cutest thing that has ever happened- and max cuteness when Jeremiah holds her. I adore them!! 

Jeremiah and Elder Sego- such a good day!!

After all that goodness and rejoicing, we cleaned up the church and tracted for a minute- and found some really sweet potentials. Life in Bismarck is beautiful!! 

And then, after all that craziness in the week, it was Sunday- and it was the greatest day!! I had to give a talk and was super anxious about it...I'm just not good at speaking these days. Words are hard! 

BUT, as we strutted into church, this random member came up to us and told us that he had invited his friend from work to church and that he'd introduce us to her if she came. Man oh man, member missionary work is such a dream!! This same member (who we've since found out is Bro. Johnson, lol) asked us a couple weeks ago for a Book of Mormon for this same friend... and I honestly didn't think twice about it. BUTTT, she came to church on Sunday and stayed all three hours and participated in class and now we're teaching her- AHHHHHHHH!!!!!!  Her name is Jess and she's basically the greatest lady I've ever met- she's is so prepared. She's a nurse at Sanford (the hospital in town) and is originally from Fargo- so she's got that beloved Fargo accent going strong. Such a dream!!  We have an appointment with her tonight and she came to FHE yesterday and I am so obsessed. She's amazing- totally someone I was meant to meet on my mission. I honestly feel like she could be baptized before I leave...but I'll keep ya updated for sure. So exciting, ahhhhhh!!!!!  Jess is the best!! 

Welp, that was our week- such a good one!! Here's one last gem of Jeremiah and Ava to muse over until next time- love them!! 

I love you all so so much- I hope that you have the greatest weeks ever!! Thank you for all you do- I adore you!!

Love ya!

Sister Robinson 

Hey, everyone!! 😄😄 This week has been so beautiful and perfect and lovely...my heart is so full. So much goodness happening in Bismarck these days!!  First thing first, Jeremiah totes got baptized on Saturday and it was pretty much the greatest thing that has ever happened- I love that kid so much!! 😍 He bore his testimony like a boss and it was the sweetest thing...he's just the best.  Such a good day!! The whole week was kind of crazy and anxiety filled because of it, but it was all worth it...I still can't believe that adorable kidlet got baptized and that we were able to have a little part in his conversion. I love him the most!! But, in a random turn of events, he may be moving to Rhode Island at the end of the week...just when we thought the drama was over, man oh man. 😰😰 The good news is that, if he ends up moving, his grandma over there is a member and he'll keep going to church...but it is still such a bummer. My heart is pretty broken by it all...but I think it might be what he needs. Having a mom that isn't invested in the church is hard, even when you're a ridiculously converted eight year old- drama! Goodness gracious, being a missionary is so stressful.  But anyway, this week has been so gorgeous. Even with the unanticipated Jeremiah drama. So much to happy about regardless! JEREMIAH GOT BAPTIZED!!!!!!! 😄😄 Alright alright, let me tell you about the week. Sorry that I skipped to the best part at the very beginning...I promise that there were other good parts, too. Haha. I just got too excited!! Really, you could stop reading here if you really wanted to, because homie-g Jeremiah got baptized and it was the greatest...but I'll tell ya about the rest of our adventuring, too. It was such a good week!! 😍😍 We started it off with the normal p-day shenanigans, full of chair soccer and hitting up the semi-annual sale at Bath and Body Works. Such a dream!! 😄😄 I bought lotion that I don't actually need and it was a grand time all around...I love a good pday. The best! We taught Jeremiah on Monday night (and he passed his baptismal interview like a stud, yahooooo!!) and then taught Julie...ah man, that lady is killin' us! 😲😲 She's just been so stagnant lately, and has been cancelling pretty regularly...the worst. I think she still knows that this is what she needs, but all the things she has to give up in order to make that happen is pretty discouraging...nothing is more heartbreaking when people you love come to understand the Atonement, and comprehend what the Savior can do for them, and then just reject it. I don't think Julie is flat out rejecting it yet, but she's getting pretty close- heartbreaking. 😥😥 But, we did manage to take a couple more gems with Tierra as Julie ripped out hearts out on Monday- she's the cutest!!  And then, it was Tuesday. We did some baptism invitin' in the morn and then had ZTM in the afternoon...it was a good time. I had to lead the music, such a disaster, but it was way good otherwise. The mission has not taught me how to lead music, haha. 😝 After ZTM, we headed off to see Jenny- I love her so much!! We started teaching her the Restoration and it's going way well...she is just such a gem. I really adore her! She showed us pictures from her baptism and it was such a tender time. She's the best! Here's a blurry but adorable picture of the gang- Jenny is the besssssst!!!! 😍😍 We ate some dinner next thing and grabbed some jumpsuits for our main man Jeremiah- I love that kid! We even taught his mom and it was so sweet- she's slowly coming around. Like, not enough to not ship her kid off to Rhode Island to live with her mom...but we'll get her soon enough. Don't worry! 😄😄 On Wednesday, we took a media hour and taught the masses- such a good day! We saw Sis. Gunn and Jeremiah AND saw the beloved Ammar and Ali- love them!! Sis. Gardner came with us again and we retaught the Restoration...they're getting it! 😍😍 Goodness gracious, I love those two so much. We committed them to read the Introduction of the Book of Mormon and invited them to church and the baptism...and they totally came to the baptism, huzzzzzah!!!!!!!! 😄😄They didn't make it to church but it was so good that they came to Jeremiah's...man oh man, they're just the best. I adore them!!  We finished up our Wednesday by teaching Julie and eating some waffle cones- waffle cone Wednesday remains the greatest day of the week. Such a dream!!  On Thursday, we did some weekly planning (but mostly finished up baptism planning, man oh man 😰😰) and taught the peeps- it was a good time. We met a super cool guy named Bryant while leaving an appointment and gave him a Book of Mormon- it was pretty sweet, Hopefully good things come of it! 😄 And then, it was Friday. We saw Jenny and Jeremiah and did oodles of tracting...and Jeremiah's adorable baby sister and Grandma came in from Rhode Island, yahooooo!!! Ava remains the cutest baby ever- check out this precious picture we took. The best!!  Ah man, I adore this baby. Cutest thing ever!! 😍😍 We even taught Patience again on Friday, finished up the baptism prep and made sure the team would be there on time...so much stress, man oh man. Baptisms are just buckets if stress- so much planning! 😱😱 But alas, it all came together and it was a way good time...hallelujah!! God is good!! 😄😄 And so, we spent our Saturday prepping up for the baptism of the century and filling the font and reminding all of our people about it...and it all worked out, by the grace of God. Haha. 😰I was stressing all day long, worried that Jeremiah wouldn't show or the ward would forget or something crazy would happen- it all just seemed too good to be true. Somehow, though, everything came together and Jeremiah showed and it was the greatest day- we even had oodles of treats to enjoy afterwards, such a lovely ward. AND, Ammar and Ali showed and adored it- and became friends with all the people!! YAHOOOOOOOO!!!! 😄😄  Here's some more cute pictures for your viewing pleasure- such a good day!!  Baby Ava is just the cutest thing that has ever happened- and max cuteness when Jeremiah holds her. I adore them!! 😍😍 Jeremiah and Elder Sego- such a good day!! After all that goodness and rejoicing, we cleaned up the church and tracted for a minute- and found some really sweet potentials. Life in Bismarck is beautiful!! 😄😄 And then, after all that craziness in the week, it was Sunday- and it was the greatest day!! I had to give a talk and was super anxious about it...I'm just not good at speaking these days. Words are hard! 😝😝 BUT, as we strutted into church, this random member came up to us and told us that he had invited his friend from work to church and that he'd introduce us to her if she came. Man oh man, member missionary work is such a dream!! This same member (who we've since found out is Bro. Johnson, lol) asked us a couple weeks ago for a Book of Mormon for this same friend... and I honestly didn't think twice about it. BUTTT, she came to church on Sunday and stayed all three hours and participated in class and now we're teaching her- AHHHHHHHH!!!!!! 😍😍 Her name is Jess and she's basically the greatest lady I've ever met- she's is so prepared. She's a nurse at Sanford (the hospital in town) and is originally from Fargo- so she's got that beloved Fargo accent going strong. Such a dream!! 😄😄 We have an appointment with her tonight and she came to FHE yesterday and I am so obsessed. She's amazing- totally someone I was meant to meet on my mission. I honestly feel like she could be baptized before I leave...but I'll keep ya updated for sure. So exciting, ahhhhhh!!!!! 😄😄 Jess is the best!!  Welp, that was our week- such a good one!! Here's one last gem of Jeremiah and Ava to muse over until next time- love them!!  I love you all so so much- I hope that you have the greatest weeks ever!! Thank you for all you do- I adore you!! Love ya! Sister Robinson 😘

Loving the Bismarck life!

Man oh MAN, this week has been such a good one- like, life is so beautiful and God is so good. I can't believe how good the work is getting here...Bismarck is straight up the promised land. I feel so blessed to be here- and so blessed that Heavenly Father knows me better than I know myself and knows what I need. I would've never chosen to come here or to end my mission here, but this is exactly what I needed. God is so good! Somehow, with oodles of snow and negative weather and general craziness, we taught more lessons than we have the whole time we've been in Bismarck and found even more prepared people- exact obedience truly does bring miracles! It's just the truth! 

But anyway, SUCH a good week! We started it off with the normal p-day shenanigans, full of emailing and errand running...good times all around. We finished our day up by seeing Juile, our #1 homie- I love her SO DANG MUCH. Man oh man!!  She brings such joy to life- she is just so prepared for the gospel! We taught her almost every night this week, and she's solidly on date for Feb. 4- we're so excited. She's amazing!! Also, her granddaughter Tierra is just about the cutest thing ever- she does our makeup when we come over and her new favorite hobby is praying...and offering us her back-washed juice. Lol. Here's a picture of us, post makeup party- she's my fave!!  She also took this picture of me just chilling...ha, I love Tierra. Such a cutie!

Man, Julie is just the best. She's progressing so well and just absorbs the truth of the gospel- it's incredible. I've never met someone so prepared and so humble- teaching her is one the happiest things of all mission life these days. Thank goodness for daily contact and oodles of Julie lessons!! I'll chat about Julie more as this email progresses on...but now you know that she's the greatest. All on the same page, haha.

On Tuesday, we took an early morn media hour (my plan, ahhhhh!!) and ate some lunch and did some 12 week...and then tried the masses. Rough afternoon, man oh man. 

But THEN, we met with Jenny and all was right again- I seriously adore Jenny. She's the best!! She's less active and just the sweetest lady around...teaching her is another current fave of mine. She radiates goodness and wants to come to church- but she works on Sunday and can't make it. Such a tragedy. We went over temples on Tuesday and committed her to read the pamphlet- and scheduled a return appointment for Saturday. I love that Jenny!! 

We taught Jeremiah after Jenny about baptism and confirmation, just answered his questions and such- love him! He's all scheduled for baptism this weekend and AHHH, I am so excited!! Man oh man!!  He's just the cutest- I've never met an eight year old that's so ready for the gospel. He's the best!!

We chatted with Julie after Jeremiah, such a gem, and THEN got a random call from a member inviting us out to Pizza Ranch- BEST DAY EVER. AHHHHH!!!  We gorged ourselves on pizza and got to know the lovely Palatinos- such good people!!

We finished up our Tuesday by seeing the Hales and chatting about the Book of Mormon- love them! 

And then, it was Wednesday. We did calls and 12 week in the morn and then helped out Elder Hale at the office- it was a party. He's a gem! 

We saw Sis. Gunn next thing and chatted about the temple and THEN saw our all time faves, Ammar and Ali- it was the besssssst!!!! We brought Sis. Gardner along and ate the fanciest food of all time- Iraqi food is my new jam, man oh man!! Check out this beautiful food, my friends. It was the best!! 

We also taught the Plan of Salvation to those lovely friends and answered Ammar's questions about the three kingdoms...but mostly Ali taught us about the pamphlet and it was so cool. I love them so much!! I still can't really believe that we just tracted into them and that they're so ready for the gospel...and that I've now tried even more crazy food while chilling in North Dakota. It's the best!!  We left those two lovely people with 2 Nephi 31 to read and scheduled another appointment for Thursday- they're the best!!

After that beautiful lesson with our peeps, we taught Julie about the Plan of Salvation and had a waffle cone to cap off our night- such a good time. 

Man oh man, ice cream is my fave. I got watermelon sorbet this week and it changed my life...waffle cone Wednesday is the greatest thing. Such a happy time!!

On Thursday, we had every intention of weekly planning...but we got held up at the office helping Elder Croizer take care of monthly miles...and he gave us a truck to thank us. And Grand Junction!  Such a good time! The new Grand Forks sisters needed a car, so we gave them ours and got a truck to drive until the cars in the shop got fixed- best day everrrr!!!  We named our truck Cooper and it was the greatest 24 hours of our young lives-

Dang, so much swag. I especially love the Elder Meacham selfie- he's a homie, haha. Such a party!!

We did a season of weekly planning after all that car adventuring and then ran off to our lesson with Ammar and Ali- love them! We ended up just teaching Ammar as Ali cooked us a fancy snack, but it was really good. We focused on baptism and Ammar is just SO ready...and we committed them to a Saturday night church tour. Yahooooo!!! We also committed Ammar to teach his dad about the gospel, which he did so well...but Ali wasn't really having it when we met on Saturday. The church tour went really well, but Ammar has this look of such longing as we talk...and I think Ali doesn't want him to have the gospel right now. It was way discouraging- but Ammar is awesome. I have such faith in that kid!! I hope that Ali comes around in time, but I think Ammar is going to be our focus these days- I'll keep ya updated. We have another appointment with them on Wednesday and Ammar told us that he knows what we teach is true- things are getting good!!  Both him and Ali testified that they feel the Spirit in the church...I hope they can come next week. Man oh man, I love them so much. Such good people!!

But anyway, after our lesson with Ammar and Ali, we ran off to teach Marsha (a less active) and Kimberly (her eight year old daughter), a referral from the Hales- and it was so good!!! Marsha actually served a mission (in Las Vegas, such a small world!) and really wants her daughter to learn about the church...and Kimberly is conveniently eight- YAHOOOO!!!!  We just went over the Book of Mormon and answered Kimberly's questions- and she straight up told us that she wants to be baptized. She's the coolest!! Hopefully we'll teach her again soon...I'll tell ya all about it when we do. Don't worry.  Also, Marsha totally gave apple butter for the road. Such a gem!! 

After that lovely lesson with Marsha and Kimberly, we taught Julie about the Word of Wisdom- that's going to be her one set back.  Time to pray and fast oft!

On Friday, we had district meeting in the morn and then taught Sis. Red Horse in the afternoon...she's a sweet lady. We tried Jeremiah and Julie and all the usuals next thing but had no luck...so we tracted out the town and met some sweet people. It was a good time. We finished up our day by seeing the Hales- and Sis. Larson hung ten for a minute in a fancy pig tent. She's a gem! 

On Saturday, we saw Julie in the morn and read over the Word of Wisdom pamphlet...I love her so much. Man oh man! We were supposed to do some service with her but she got it all done before...so we just hung ten in our jeans as we chatted. Haha, such a good time. 

We saw Jeremiah after eating some food and it was such a good time- I love that squirt! We went over the last of the laws and ordinances and committed him to come to church on the morrow- he's just the coolest. Love him!! He's actually going to get baptized on Saturday and it's so excitable- I can't wait!! AHHHH!!!! 

We saw Jenny next thing, who was casually walking to the thrift store as we strolled up- so we walked there with her and helped her pick out some Valentine's decor...and we totally ran into the beloved Sis. Cline while we wandered- it was the best!! We caught up on life and she chatted with our dear friend Jenny and we snapped a picture before leaving...man oh man, I love her so much! Such a gem!!

We taught Jenny about the temple next and left her with a Resto pamphlet to read over- she's the best!! Love her! 

During our Saturday adventuring, Sis. Larson picked up a keyboard from one of the senior couples...and she's getting way good! She's been practicing during dinner and at night...pretty much Mozart or something, haha. I just adore her!! 

We taught a couple other less actives next, had our church tour with Ammar and Ali, and ate some pizza for dinner...it was a good time. Hopefully Ali comes around soon!

On Sunday, I saw my all time fave Sister Lee (she's the best!!) and Jeremiah came to church- such a good day!! We ran around like crazy people after church, making scotcheroos and teaching the masses and figuring out why Julie didn't come to church and watching the YSA Devotional- it was a crazy day, man oh man. Haven't been so ready for pday in a long time, haha!

Oh man, it's been such a good week- I just love being a missionary. It's the greatest thing I've ever done...and I am so grateful to be right where I am. Life is good and God is good- and the gospel is true!!

I love you all so much- have the greatest week ever, my friends! 

Love, 

Sister Robinson