Rachel's address

For any who would like to mail Rachel anything, here is her address. Please only use USPS to send things. Other carriers such as UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc will not forward mail so it is important to use the USPS.

Sister Rachel Morgan Lindh
Utah Ogden Mission
4380 So. Orchard Ave
South Ogden, UT  84403

Week Seven

Buenos Dias Todos!!!!

These past couple of weeks have been crazy! The previous week was my last week at the CCM so there was a lot to get done and put together to be ready to leave. The majority of the time was spent in meetings that were supposed to help us be ready for the field while the rest of the time was spent packing and classes. The weekend before we left there was the temple rededication and the cultural event, like I said in an early email. 

The cultural event was really cool!!! It was a very long story that had a narrator, dancing scenes, and singing. They told the major stories from the Book of Mormon before getting into the history of the church in Mexico, all the while the narrator was also a character in a story. It was very beautiful, fun, colorful, and most importantly spiritual. I was enthralled the whole time even though the Spanish was a bit fast. =) My hope is that after I have finished serving, I'll be able to go and visit Mexico, maybe walk the streets a bit, eat good food, and take a dance class. But we'll see what happens in 2 years; fingers crossed!

The actually rededication of the temple was a very sacred and amazing experience. Because you need a temple recommend to attend a dedication, I won't talk about what happened, but let me explain how I felt. When we had gone to an open house, it was a beautiful building that I loved seeing, but it felt hollow to me, much like any other beautiful building. I knew what it would become though and that was why I was so excited to go and visit it. At the dedication, that beautiful building went from being of the world to being of God's; it is now His house. Being part of the crowd that saw that transition was a blessing that I still give thanks for. I was allowed, I was worthy enough, to see that transition and it was magnificent. 

The Mexico City Temple is now a temple of God and is no longer hollow. He dwells there and in other temples that are also His house. Temples are beautiful and amazing places that confirm to me who I am, why I'm here anywhere I'm going. I am so grateful to be a member of Christ's church here on the earth and that He has commanded us to build temples.

Okay, I know I wrote about temples last time so I'll get to the part that you are all probably excited for. 

I arrived in Ogden, UT Monday Sep. 14th. I was picked up at the airport and taken out to dinner at a restaurant called Cafe Rio; it was really good!!! We then went to the mission office to go separate ways from the Elders before heading to the mission president's home to stay. The next day we went back to the mission office to do a few things before going and picking up more missionaries from the train station. When we got back, we had lunch, interviews with the mission nurse and the president, and lots of training classes. We split up interviews with tracking, which is where we go and knock on doors or talk to people in the street. I was only out for an hour and I met three people; the first an inactive for 23 years who wasn't happy to see us, the second a woman who was recently baptized in a different church; she gave us antimormon literature but also took a Book of Mormon (of which I had been studying charity in.... Oh well =) ) the third person was a nice Hispanic lady who let us talk to her about baptism and how ours differs from other churches. She took a pass along card and said she would call the missionaries if she had any questions about a pamphlet we gave her. 

This last woman was the first person who I taught in Spanish and it was TERRIFYING. I didn't say much but I did bear my testimony about Christ and baptism. I was able to feel the Spirit there and while she wasn't very warm to our message, I hope that it was a good start for her. What learned though was that the Lord does really keep His promises (duh, right?). In multiple scriptures, the Lord states "open your mouth and I will fill it", roughly speaking. Basically, we need to exercise our faith in Him before He helps us. If we honestly seek Him and have faith in Him, He will help us in trying to convey the gospel to His children. My Spanish definitely wasn't perfect, but it was enough for the woman to know what I was saying and what I meant. That's how the gift of tongues work: slowly, with diligent study, and faith in God. 

Anyway, the rest of the day was good with a dinner and testimony meeting at the President's home to finish off the day. The next day we arrived early at the mission office so that we could be ready for the transfer meeting. It was there in this meeting that we met our new companions and all of the missionaries in the mission (I think it's less than 100?) I met my companion, my trainer (the person who introduces me to mission life and helps me to know what to do when and how), whose name is Hermana Lewis. I'll work on getting pictures....p day maybe?

We get along super well, I think, and I'm adjusting well to this new life. I started going to lessons on Wednesday afternoon and have been going strong since. Yes, they are all in Spanish. As you might have guessed, I don't talk as much as my companion, but I do try to contribute. We also use companion study to practice lessons, such as role play. We'll switch roles, so I'll be the missionary for a time then she'll be the missionary with me the investigator. It helps us know that order we want to go in and it helps me practice the phrases I need to say in Spanish. This practice shows the Lord that we are willing and able to work for His will. He then gives us blessings, such as helping me with Spanish, or giving my companion the right thing to say that we hadn't anticipated. It's hard work, but it's the only way to teach His Son's gospel. It's the only way to help my brothers and sisters come home with me. 

Overall, I'm doing splendidly. I'm tired, and sometimes discouraged, but for the most part, really happy and excited. I kinda feel like I'm in a daze, that I'm just on splits with the sister missionaries. But, it's real and I'm actually a missionary. I am here calling people to repentance (change) and helping them make and keep covenants with the Lord. I wouldn't be doing anything else in the whole wide world right now. I'm where I'm needed and called to. I'm with the people I need to meet. I'm on the Lord's side and I will never stop fighting for Him. 

I love you all and I hope that you're doing well. While I miss you, I'm doing great for I'm part of the most glorious work on the earth. If you have any questions or problems, please let me know. I'm here to love and help you as well, that's why you've been put in my life. I LOVE YOU!!! God LOVES YOU!!! Be good and remember who you are, you beautiful child of God.

Love, 

Hermana Lindh

Week Six (Sept 15th, 2015)

Hello everyone! This isn't going to be very long because I don't get much time today to email. I am back in the U.S., in my mission, and today is my first day of being an official missionary. I will receive some training, have some interviews, do some contacting (meeting new investigators) and then have a district meeting. Tomorrow I meet my new companion, a sister training leader who is in charge of new missionaries. My p-days will continue to be on Tuesdays, but because this is my first day, it's a little weird. I'll be able to write more next week, I promise! I love you all! Have a great week and I'll hear from you again soon! Love, -- Sister Lindh


**Jason and I got a letter from President and Sister Jaggi with some pictures of Rachel and other missionaries. She has been assigned a companion/trainer, Sister Lewis, and her area is Layton, UT.
They have asked that we mail mail directly to the mission home, not to her individual address, because it makes it easier to get mail to her. So, here is the address:

Sister Rachel Lindh
Utah Ogden Mission
4380 So. Orchard Ave.
South Odgen, UT 84403

Week 5

Playing Volleyball, Rachel is at far left side.

Free haircut, beautiful smile.

Wardrobe switch with another Sister in the house.

.... I can't think of anything this week. My head is kinda mushy after reading emails....Anyways,

Hi everyone!

This is my last week in the CCM before I head out to Ogden, UT! I leave this coming Monday, Sep. 14th. I'm kinda in freak out mode because of all the normal fears, but I am so very excited! I can't wait to finally meet the people I will be sharing 18 months of my life with!

This past week has been pretty good! Lots of learning done and lots of mistakes with the language, but I'm making progress. My district and I had the goal of Solo Espanol for 3 days and we actually did really well with it! It's a bit frustrating not having the right words to describe your thoughts, but when I need the words (such as in lessons) I have them. I usually can't remember what I said when I bore testimony because I wasn't the one providing the words. I have a strong testimony of the gift of tongues; I have to work hard to learn the language, but the Spirit is able to communicate with the investigators through me. I remember words and phrases that I can't after a lesson. Basically, I provide the raw material and God, through the Holy Ghost, is able to build a beautiful lesson. And even all the raw materials aren't mine, their God's! I am so grateful for His help in preparing me to serve a mission He called me to.

In really, really, REALLY exciting news, I will have the blessing and opportunity to participate in the temple rededication!!!! I won't be able to be at the temple itself, but our auditorium will be set apart to allow us to participate. For 2 hours (I think that's the time frame), the auditorium will be like an extension of the temple. We will do everything with the people who are physically at the temple. This is a very sacred privilege that I have been blessed with. This is the moment where the temple goes from being another building to the House of God. I have never before participated in one before and so I am very excited! 

In preparation for this event, on Saturday (The dedication itself is on Sunday) there will be a cultural presentation. Basically, the people of Mexico are able to celebrate this momentous occasion by performing traditional songs and dances. I LOVE this culture and I can't wait to see it on display! EEEE! I get excited just thinking about it! Again, I won't be there physically but all of the missionaries here will get to watch it in the auditorium. I can't wait! My secret hope is that traditional food is also served so..... =) Anyway, this coming week is going to be exciting!

Thank you all for the love and support that you have given me since I've been here. I hope you continue to think of me and pray for me because I can feel your love. I am so grateful to be able to share this experience with you all. I look forward to hearing things from you (because I do love feedback!) and I'll talk to you again soon!

Love,

Sister Lindh

Mission Week 4

From Left to Right are Elders Phillips (Ogden, UT mission), Peterson (Mexico mission), Brower (Ogden, UT mission), Bogle (Ogden, UT mission), Mansfield (New York, New York mission), Rachel, Sister Woodhouse (Ogden, UT mission)
This picture was sent last week but without names and where each will be serving. That was clarified this week so you get to see it again. =)

Holo! I think it's "Hello" sir. Oh, Hello? Is that better?

My new goal is to quote a movie for you guys each week so brace yourself. =)

I'll start with the big news that I mentioned last week: Elder Christofferson, of the Quorum of Twelve, visited the CCM this past Wednesday. 

It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Every missionary was there at least 30 minutes early so as to be seated and reverent when he shows up. And when he walked into the room, we all stood up. I could automatically feel an increase in the Spirit and I was really happy all of the sudden. I have notes from what he talked about, but what I wrote the most about and what I want to share with you is what I felt.

He started by telling us how much the prophet, Thomas S. Monson loves us, how much he loves us, and how much the Lord loves us. I felt sooooooo good when he said that because I just knew without a doubt that he was telling the truth. I wrote that all I could feel was this incredible love and I had no doubt that I was listening to an apostle of the Lord. I can still remember (which for me is impressive because it wasn't just yesterday) what it was like to see him and listen to his counsel and advice. 

He held a Q&A session, which I recorded, because the words from an apostle are scripture. He was able to help clarify some things, he gave great advice on how to be better missionaries, and he again expressed his love and the Lord's love for us. It was a very sacred and exhilarating experience. No, I wasn't able to shake his hand or speak with him personally, which to be honest was a little bit disappointing, but I received what I need. 

I can bear witness, without a doubt, that there are living prophets and apostles today. The Lord has called them and ordained them for this work. We need them because they are a connection between us and the Lord. Thomas S. Monson, along with all the other General Authorities, lead Christ's church here on earth, as directed by Christ Himself. I will NEVER doubt this, because while I had a testimony before this experience, I have gained a witness from the Holy Ghost. No, you don't need to personally meet an apostle to gain this witness but I will always remember this experience as cementing my testimony in place. 

I love the Lord and I love His church. I love the leaders that He has called to help us throughout our lives. I am so honored and blessed to be a missionary, a special representative of Jesus Christ and to wear His name and His church's name on my chest. I can't wait to help others receive the fullness of Christ's gospel and to have the same blessings and opportunities that I do. 

I love you all; you are dear to my heart and while I think I'm pretty cool, I don't love you nearly as much as your Father in Heaven does. Turn to Him; He wants to hear from you. He loves you. And He will answer you. 

Have a great week! I look forward to hearing from you again next Tuesday!

Love

--

Sister Lindh