Adventures of a Missionary: London Temple Visitors' Centre/East Grinstead (Part 1)

24 September 2012
You'll never guess where I am today! I've been transferred to East Grinstead. And guess what's in East Grinstead. The London Temple and Visitors' Centre! That's right. I am now a visitors' centre sister. How crazy is that? I've always thought it would be so cool to serve in the visitors' centre, but when Elder Martins called to give us moves calls, I cried!!! I wanted to stay in Eastbourne so bad! But I think I kind of knew I'd be leaving, because I loved it so much and I felt I was starting to get too comfortable there. And missions aren't for getting comfortable. Missions are for stretching and learning and growing. It's funny that I wasn't even excited to go to the visitors' centre because I was so sad to leave Eastbourne. But then I started getting excited. And if I have to leave Eastbourne I can't think of anywhere I'd rather be! I'm so grateful to be serving here. It's only an hour from Eastbourne and I'm in the same stake. It's nice not moving far and I love being in this center of missionary and member activity. And I'll get to see all the people I know who come to the temple! That's one of the best parts.
I held a cute boy's hand yesterday. He's three and his name is Logan. The Elders from Brighton and Haywards Heath brought two families to the VC (Visitors' Centre) yesterday. We taught them about Jesus Christ, the temple, and how families can be together forever. It was such a marvelous experience. I loved seeing these families learning about the gospel and catching that glimpse of the joy that comes when we live the gospel and receive the wonderful ordinances and promises of the temple. When they first got there, Logan had just woken up and wouldn't talk to anyone. But after a while he warmed up and pretty soon we were best friends. When we went back into the theatre to watch a movie for the second time, he reached up and said, "Hold my hand." Then we sat by each other during the movie and he talked to me the whole time. It was so funny and cute. I think that will be one of my favorite things here at the visitors centre--seeing families and children. When this family first got to the visitor's centre and we played the Christus narrative for them, I was watching Logan's face and saw how intently he was listening and a couple times a big smile flashed across his face. This is a message and a feeling that resonates even with children and sometimes children understand it even better.

8 October 2012
I can't remember how much I've told you about serving at the visitors' centre, but I think you've gotten the general idea that I love it here. As Sister Rodrigues (my companion from Portugal) puts it, serving in the visitors' centre is "my seaside." I just feel I was made for this job. And my companions (Sister Rodrigues and Sister Cabrera). I just can't say enough about them. I feel we've been friends so much longer than three weeks. And often I find myself thinking or praying for them as my roommates--and then I have to correct myself and call them my companions. Because they feel like my roommates and my friends, not just my companions. And all of this is just me leading up to say that I'm leaving the visitors' centre on Wednesday...(dramatic pause for us all to shed a few tears)....I knew it was too good here to last long.
After General Conference Saturday night (Saturday morning for all you Utahns), President asked me, "How's your French?" So I said Bonjour and Je m'appelle Soeur Reneer and then he said something about my companion and I was so confused thinking my companions are Chilean and Portuguese, not French. What was he talking about?! Then he went on to tell me that we're getting a new sister from France on Wednesday and I'll be training her and we'll be going back to Hastings (since it's a big flat) for two and a half weeks and then who knows where after that. I tried not to cry, but I've turned into such a big baby!!! My younger self would be ashamed. But with so many emotions you just can't hold it in! I'm so very, very sad to be leaving my companions. We have way too much fun together and they make me feel loved and beautiful and happy. I'll miss the other vistors' centre missionaries who are like a family and I've loved so much being privileged to see miracles taking place in the visitor's centre as missionaries and members bring their friends and investigators to learn more about the gospel and about temples. This is such a special place. Not to mention that it'll be so weird going back to Hastings. But hopefully it'll be a good weird.
This week a cute little family from Bulgaria came to the temple. They had a 6 year old boy and a little girl under 1. The little girl still spoke her own language anyway, so I could communicate with her just fine, but the little boy only spoke this crazy language called Bulgarian. He was playing with a toy car and I went to join him. Despite language barriers we both had a great time. We both understood car noises and motions and when he started chatting to me in Bulgarian I just smiled. They were both super cute and I loved how I could connect with both of them despite the fact we couldn't understand each other's language. I will miss seeing so many families. Family is so important.

15 October 2012
SURPRISE!!! I'm still at the visitors' centre!!!!! Wednesday morning I was half-way packed and President called to say, "Just kidding, you're staying in East Grinstead." Missions are rough. As soon as you set expectations and make plans Heavenly Father adjusts them, reminding us that we aren't in charge, He is. As much as I love East Grinstead, it was hard for me to suddenly shift gears and rethink the next couple weeks. But I am SOOO grateful to still be here and, looking back, I'm also grateful that I thought I was going back to Hastings. I learned a lot from the time I was told I was leaving to the time I was told I was staying. Plus, we had lots of fun thinking they were my last moments in East Grinstead :)  I feel like Heavenly Father was just testing my willingness and I'm grateful that I got to learn that I am willing to go wherever Heavenly Father chooses to send me and to go cheerfully. I'm grateful that once He got my willing heart He allowed me to stay here with people I have already come to love.

29 October 2012
I'M STAYING AT THE TEMPLE!!!!!! yippee! I am in a tri with Sister Yapi and Sister Cabrera. Sister Rodrigues has gone to the Island of Jersey where there are lots of Portuguese people and she is going to do so much good there, but I miss her terribly. I'm sad she is gone, but that seems to be what missions are secretly all about. Love 'em and leave 'em. It hurts every time.

5 November 2012
I get to play the piano for our firesides and events here which is really nice--and it's one reason they are glad I am still here. I'm grateful I can play the piano because it means I at least have one thing going for me as a missionary. And honestly I feel like playing the piano is a blessing to me more than for whoever I'm playing for. Moral of the story: Practice The Piano!!!!! Even the prophet thinks it's a good idea. (See Welcome to Conference)

12 November 2012
I'm driving in England!!!!! When I first got here I said I never wanted to drive in England. How scary! Narrow roads where they drive on the wrong side. But a couple of weeks ago when I realized I might have the chance to start driving here, I started getting excited. So this week Sister Carpenter took me out to drive and I passed the Sister Carpenter driving test. And now I'm an official driver of an official mission car which we use for official purposes like driving to the official visitors' centre or to the official grocery story or our official flat. It's a little scary but not nearly as bad as it would've been 7 months ago. And it's also quite fun :) I've gotten rather used to being on the left side and it'll be weird to go back to the right.
Saturdays at the VC are almost always busy and crazy and always exhausting. This Saturday we had some children who were waiting for their parents to go through the temple so they could all go in and be sealed! That was exciting. The kids were really cute, even if they were a bit crazy. We pulled out some coloring pages and I got to color with them a bit. Sometimes I am still secretly a child on the inside. Unfortunately, it's not too much of a secret. My companions are very familiar with the fact. So you might think that I'm in England being a responsible, mature adult missionary, but actually I'm just playing and coloring with children.
I'm exciting to start seeing this great army of sister missionaries coming onto the field. But will you do them a favor and tell them that serving a mission is not all flowers and fun? Remind them that it's hard work and that means it's hard and you have to work. But it's rewarding and you learn so much and we are blessed for the sacrifices we make. Serving a mission is such a great decision, but it's NOT signing up for an 18 month holiday. It's more like signing up for a 24/7 job that you're doing for free--but with the Lord's help and with the Lord's blessings. And with a bit of fun thrown in there, too, sometimes.

19 November 2012
Elder Herbertson (from the Quorum of the Seventy) visited our ward yesterday. And he had a fantastic Scottish accent. Thank you, Haley G, for introducing me to the charm of Scottish accents. It was awesome. But even more awesome than his accent, was the spirit he brought as he brought this ward a massive spiritual feast that we all needed. His talk in sacrament meeting and his lesson to the combined Priesthood/Relief Society were amazing. The whole ward just seemed happier by the time church was over--and the lovely sun outside added to the general joyful atmosphere :) We appreciate the sun here in England. I was so grateful for Elder Herbertson's visit. I believe he was the answer to many, many prayers.
We had Thanksgiving dinner yesterday. A real, American Thanksgiving dinner! We ate with all the visitor's centre and mission office missionaries (five sisters, two elders, four couples, and two senior sisters). Twelve Americans, two French, one Chilean, and two Canadians--wearing Canadian shirts. It was wonderful. Especially the pumpkin pie :)

Adventures of a Missionary: Eastbourne

2 July 2012
Eastbourne is lovely. I love being here so much. I've heard missions go by like a dream. It's true. Even as I'm living it, it feels like a dream. But the dream has gotten so much better since coming to Eastbourne. Everyday I discover something new to love. When I first found out that Sister Sebald was staying and that I was leaving Hastings, I felt terrified. I was getting comfortable with the people and places in Hastings and the idea of leaving felt so scary. Then I felt sad. I didn't want to leave these people. But I remembered that as I had been anticipating moves calls, my only prayer had been that I'd be able to accept the Lord's will no matter what that was. As I started packing I kept thinking, "I'll go where you want me to go" and soon I was feeling excited. It felt good to pack everything up and the idea of a fresh new start was appealing. And I knew that whatever was about to happen was God's will.
So now let me tell you a few reasons why Eastbourne is so wonderful.
We live with a lovely elderly member, Sister Joyce Walker. She is wonderful. She often makes us dinner when we don't have a dinner appointment and there are always fresh strawberries from her garden which are the BEST strawberries I have ever tasted. We live in an adorable little two story house with a wonderful spirit always there. And guess what else? She has a piano!!!!! Can life really get better than Eastbourne?! I have my doubts. We play the piano for companionship study and we've spent some time playing and singing with Sister Walker which I know she really enjoys. Last night I played some duets with her that she hasn't played for a long time. It was so fun and I loved seeing how happy it made her. I just can't believe how much Heavenly Father is blessing me this transfer.
For exercise in the mornings we play tennis or go to this outdoor gym near our home. The outdoor gym is really cool and it's next to a playground with swings. It's so nice to get out of the house shortly after waking up and do something fun and enjoy the beautiful morning instead of just doing something in the flat. It helps me wake up and get excited for the day.
The other night I had a dream that we were running around an airport in a hurry to get somewhere and I ran into Haley G! It was marvelous. I don't remember where she was going though. Somewhere cool, like Africa maybe. Then we couldn't find someone to give us a lift (that's British for ride) so President Monson was going to drive us to wherever we needed to go. It was exciting.

13 August 2012
Guess what I did last night!!! You'll all be so jealous :) I watched fireworks!!!!! We were getting ready for bed when we heard the booming so we turned off the lights and watched a wonderful fireworks show celebrating the end of Airbourne and the Olympics. It was marvelous. And I thought of you all watching the Alpine Day's fireworks this weekend....and then I remembered and thought of you NOT watching the Alpine Day's fireworks this weekend and added that to my list of reasons why God sent me to Eastbourne at this time. He knew this was the weekend I needed to watch fireworks. Tender mercies :)
If you want to imagine my life in England, you can picture lots and lots of knocking. The doors here aren't usually as interesting as the ones in Hastings. But the people behind the doors-and on the streets-aren't usually as crazy as the people in Hasting were. Which is really nice. We meet all sorts of people.
Funny story! I think this was last week. This lady answered the door and after a few snarky comments said, referring to the guy on the couch behind her, "He's an atheist....and I'm Mormon. So we're not interested." Then she shut the door before we could respond. haha! I laughed out loud and Sister Naseem told me not to. Then she said, "It sounded like she said, 'I'm Mormon.'" When I told her that's indeed what she said, she laughed out loud too. We probably should have knocked again and called her out on it. I wish she'd given us more time to respond.

10 September 2012
Sometimes we talk to lovely people who don't want to hear about our message, but we connect in our mutual faith in and love for Jesus Christ. I've had some great experiences with people who will never turn into investigators, but who have brightened our day and our hope as they share with us what Christ means to them. We met one lady from New Zealand on the street and talked for a long time. She told us about her missionary experiences in Zimbabwe or somewhere. She was so lovely and wanted to see us again the next day, but we were busy. It was amazing for me to see how much we all loved each other after talking for maybe half an hour. We may never see her again, but we'll always remember that experience and I'm sure she will too and we'll all remember that love we felt for each other. That is the love of Christ! It's amazing. She actually called us about a week later and we missed her call but she left us a wonderful message and hopefully she will call again.
This kind of experience is interesting compared to an experience we had yesterday with a lady when we were knocking who seemed nice enough but there was no light in her eyes. She expressed a deep belief in God and Jesus Christ, but it wasn't  like that sincere faith of the lady from New Zealand. She wouldn't let us tell her the truth about Mormons because she was certain some BBC documentary she watched had told her all she needed to know (something about mass weddings and our leader being a billionaire and other crazy stuff). She new BBC wouldn't lie and that we were obviously brain-washed, but it's okay because we feel we're doing the right thing so at least it's making us happy. That was not the pure love of Christ coming out. I hope we never give people the impression that we think their beliefs are stupid or that they are ignorant for what they believe. I hope they can see and feel that love of Christ and recognize that we want to add to their faith and not take away from it in any way.

17 September 2012
I don't have very much time today because 1) it's transfers this week so we only have an hour for emailing today and 2) this funny old man next to me has been having some difficulty figuring out printing/emailing so I've been helping him a bit. He's publishing a book and said he'll have to put my name down at the bottom for helping him. But he forgot to get my name....

I'll try to write as fast as my little fingers can go!

You asked about the lady from New Zealand. We actually saw her again last Monday night in town! It was so great to see her again. We don't have time to see her because she talks a LOT and she isn't investigator material--she's an extremely strong Seventh Day Adventist. But she is lovely. We asked if there was anything we could do for her and she said just pray for her--pray that she'll win the lottery :) Then she said if she wins the lottery that she'll fly us both out to New Zealand for a visit! So pray that she'll win the lottery :)

That other lady I was telling you about--the one without the light in her eyes--we found out that she was just completely confused with her facts. I asked some members if they had ever heard of the crazy stuff she was telling us about, because it was things I'd never heard of and it's easier to clear confusions when you at least understand where they are coming from. Come to find out, she was confusing us for the Moonies which are completely different, but I know this isn't the first time people have confused Mormons and moonies. So if we ever see her again we'll be sure to clear that up.

One funny story from this week is from last night. We went to a fireside at the Visitors' Centre with some investigators, less actives, and members. President and Sister Millar were the speakers and it was fantastic. Before it started I was talking to some missionaries when I turned around to find President walking past. He stopped and said "You look a lot taller in your picture!" Haha! Then he told Sister Naseem that she looks shorter in her picture. So he was picturing our companionship with her short and me tall when in actuality we're both short--and of course I'm shorter. It was really funny. The Millars are wonderful. I'm grateful to be serving with them. And it was so nice to visit the temple grounds! I feel so blessed to be so near the temple and for each opportunity I have to visit.

Adventures of a Missionary: Hastings

30 April 2012

On Friday I rode on the top level of a double-decker bus! It was so much fun. I felt like I was on a roller coaster. It was sooo bumpy and crazy. And the view was phenomenal! We could see out above the houses and there was a clear view in front and I just felt on top of the world. I am a fan of double-deckers.

I broke a woman's doorbell yesterday. We rang and as we waited we were talking about how obnoxious her doorbell was. It just kept going and sounded terrible. After a while, this grumpy lady in a bathrobe opened the door, didn't want to hear what we had to say and demanded, "What did you do to my doorbell?" I felt so bad. She probably thought we were out there just pushing it over and over again or something. And we just thought she had an annoying doorbell. It was unfortunate, but kind of funny at the same time--I don't think she saw the humor, though.

One thing I am learning is to rely more fully on my Heavenly Father for everything. That's one of those lessons I've been pushed into as He's torn me away from everything familiar and everyone I love. When I say something negative, there's no Haley around to remind me that life's great and that there's no reason to be down. When I'm lonely, there's no Mallory to give me big hugs and paint my nails and tell me she hates me and loves me in the same sentence. When I'm bored, there's no Bryan to sing with me and go on adventures with me. When my heart hurts, there's no Sarah to talk to and to figure things out with. When I'm discouraged, there's no Katie to cheer me up and make me happy. And this list could go on and on. I've always turned to God when I'm going through something hard, but I've also realized how much I relied on friends and people to help me stay happy. Adjusting to the difficulties of missionary work without one of my best friends here to help me along and encourage me has been hard. I've had to rely on my own strength which is only enough when I rely on the strength of the Lord. I've thought about that footsteps in the sand poem recently, because I feel like there have been many moments in the past month where I've felt alone, where I've felt that even God has left me and that I'm struggling through this on my own. But looking back, I can see that, even in those darkest moments, I wasn't alone. He's been carrying me the whole time. And as I keep trying and keep enduring and just doing what I can, He will lift me higher and make much more of me than I could ever make of myself. He is molding me into the missionary He wants me to be. And He is molding me into the person He knows I can be.

10 May 2012
Yesterday we went finding and it was so fun. People seemed oddly friendly and nice. No one wanted to talk to us long, but they were all very nice about it. It was even raining outside and people were still being nice! It was so beautiful. We knocked this road that had a little section called Lover's Lane (original?) and it was so picturesque. There were tall walls on either side that enclosed lovely gardens (probably enchanted) and it was so rainy and foggy and green and gorgeous and I just felt like I was in England--oh, wait. I am! If I weren't a missionary, I'd describe the world yesterday as absolutely romantic! In an Anne of Green Gables kind of a way. Then we knocked a series of houses with long sidewalks leading from their gates to the doors and each garden had a different array of beautiful flowers. Everything just felt magical. It starting raining really hard and we got soaked and came home looking like mops. But that's missionary work. That's how important this message is. Rain or shine or wind or mud these people need to know! Because the gospel is true and it changes lives. I just wish everyone could understand that!
One thing I'm learning over and over again is that the Lord is always carrying us. When we choose to do things His way, it doesn't mean that it will be easy, but it means that we will be able to succeed and accomplish whatever he requires of us. We aren't meant to see the end from the beginning. We are here to live on faith. And when we exercise faith, God will give us glimpses of the end--just enough to encourage us, comfort us, and keep us moving forward. I'm so grateful for the gospel. I'm grateful for my Savior. I'm grateful that God loves me so much and knows me so perfectly that He allows me to be cut down so that I can become so much more. I love the talk from a couple conferences ago where he told about being the gardener who cut down his currant bush so that the currant bush could then bloom more fully and then compared that to how sometimes God, as our gardener, cuts us down but He knows why and He knows what's best for us and He sees our full potential and He loves us so much that He wants us to get there and if we allow Him to mold us and cut us and lift us, He will make so much more out of our lives than we could ever make on our own. See The Will of God

11 June 2012
One funny story of the week. So there are lots of crazy people in Hastings. It sure keeps life interesting. Recently we've been working on expectation as a district--to expect people to keep commitments, to expect people to be at home, to expect to find new investigators, etc--and it's been amazing how it works. I promise these two thoughts will come together. A couple days ago, we experienced a few crazy people. After talking to another man on the street who looked normal and turned out to be weird, I said to Sister Sebald, "I'm going to stop expecting to meet crazy people. I expect that we won't see any more crazy people today. Only people that want to hear about the gospel!" At that moment, a car drove past and this little girl looked out the window and made a crazy face at us. It was so funny! So much for those expectations! I guess I should just accept that there are crazy people in Hastings and that they aren't going away any time soon.

Pooh country adventures and a transfer

March 4

I took soooo many pictures of our adventure to Pooh Country. I had sooooo soooooo much fun. The Horsleys are awesome. They take such good care of us and they spoil us and they know how to have an adventure! I hope you get to meet them someday. As you can see from the pictures, we all wore wellington boots so we could tromp through the mud. and it was sure muddy in parts! We did lots and lots of walking through the Ashdown Forest and it felt so good to get out and move and breathe fresh country air. I'd been sick for a few weeks and I'm pretty sure that walk healed me. Then we went to Pooh Corner for some hot chocolate, etc. It was a phenomenal p-day. I'm so lucky to have such awesome senior couples taking care of me and making sure I have the adventures I desire before I leave.

Because I have left. Tuesday president called to tell me officially that I was leaving on Saturday. It's good to be gone. The visitors centre wasn't the same place without Sister Cabrera. I was sooo ready to leave. But I wish I could have stayed in the area, or just taken a few families with me. I will send you a picture of my favorite family in East Grinstead. It's often hard to recognize why I am in a certain area at a certain time and to feel that I didn't really accomplish anything in my time there. (There were) lots of little moments where I was able to touch lots of live at the visitors centre or in the ward. But I didn't really accomplish anything big. I didn't see anyone progress toward baptism. I didn't find any new investigators. But I know that even if my numbers are complete rubbish, it's the people who I interacted with and the way I made them feel that matters most--at least to me. And I am so grateful for my time in East Grinstead and at the visitors centre.  I'm grateful for those people.  I'm grateful for Sister Cabrera times a thousand. I'm grateful for the amazing senior couples who are my friends and my mission grandparents. I'm grateful for the Finns. And I'm grateful for all the adorable primary children. I will miss them too. Friday night a four year old who is relatively new in the ward came to the visitors centre with his mum. I greeted them at the door and he shouted, "Do you remember me? Do you remember me from primary?" It was so cute. Those kids made me feel special and welcomed in a big ward where it was easy to get lost.

So enough rambling. I guess you're probably wondering where I've been sent. Well, I've been holding you in suspense, because it's almost too exciting. My new area is called Wandsworth. My new companion is Sister Anena from Uganda. She's been here her whole mission, nearly 6 months. And guess what's in Wandsworth. Just the River Thames. And the London Eye. And we ride the Tube and red double decker buses. Yes, I have been sent to London! Real London! As London as it gets for sisters in the England London South Mission. And like the rest of this past year, it hardly seems real. Wake up Sister Reneer! You're in London! Can you believe it?!?! No, not really. But then I look around and think how familiar everything looks. These roads look just like the roads I've been driving on the past three months. Same signs, same size, same crazy parking on both sides. I look at them and think, I could drive on that. And that makes me feel local. Maybe I won't realize how British I've actually become until I go home and everything that is supposed to be familiar now seems foreign. Because after being here a year, England is starting to feel like home.

But changes are hard. I don't like them. You said some things that describe exactly how I feel. Going to a new place you find yourself surrounded by people who know nothing about you, don't know all the cool things you've accomplished and overcome, and simply don't realize how awesome you are. And it makes me feel like I have to prove myself all over again. lately I've realized how important it is to like yourself because I'm always with me and when I like being with me, then I can be happy wherever I am and whatever I'm doing. But if I don't like me than I'll pretty much be miserable all the time. In the past month I've forgotten a bit how to like myself. So in the midst of all the other adjustments I'm making right now, I'm struggling to regain that respect for myself and the joy of my own company. Missions are hard and lonely enough as it is. But as long as you have four friends you will be okay. (God, Jesus, the Holy Ghost, and me.)

Well, enough feeling sorry for myself. 

I wanted to tell you more about this new area, but I have run out of time. I will send a few pictures though.

Basically, I have met people from all over the world in the last couple days! This ward and area is sooo diverse. it's pretty cool. Also, i will let you know when I get to see the London Eye and I will definitely take a picture for Emma :)

I'm grateful for the wonderful family that I have been blessed with. The small and simple things we do each day really do make a difference and are the most important things. 

okay, i really need to go now. bummer. this is always the shortest part of the day. and sometimes of the week.

I got a letter from Opa. He is so great!

Love you all lots and lots!!!! I forgot to get my new address so I'll send that next week.

Love,

Sister Ruth Reneer

February 25

Today I am going on an adventure (despite the fact that my body needs sleep sooooo bad, but i'm in England and I need to have adventures!!!!) Today the Horsleys are taking us to Pooh country!!!!! how cool is that?! I will get to play pooh sticks at the actual pooh sticks bridge!!! I am so excited. Hopefully I can stay awake :) Last week we went to the beach near Eastbourne. I had been there before, but it was fun to go again. It was soooo beautiful.

I got your Valentine package last Monday :) Thanks. I love the family card that you made, mom! It was brilliant. I also got a letter from Haley! That was purely delightful.

We had zone conference this week which was fun. I enjoy seeing other missionaries. the most exciting part of the conference was talking about what the church is doing in response to the Book of Mormon musical that's coming to London the end of March. Many major train stations will be completely covered in I'm a Mormon ads. They showed us pictures of what it will look like and it was soooooo coool!!!!! And there is going to be a mormon.org.uk. and we are all supposed to create mormon.org profiles. 

So being a missionary is pretty much still the hardest thing I've ever done, BUT there have been some special moments this week that reminded me why I decided to serve a mission and why I am still here. Being in people's homes and being able to bear testimony of gospel truths to people that I have come to love so much is such a special experience. I'm grateful for the things I have learned throughout my life that have prepared me to help and bless these people. And I'm grateful for the things I'm learning from my experiences here.

Next week I might be somewhere new. A couple of weeks ago the president told me that a new sister is coming March 2 so that's when I'll need to go back to the field. We'll see what happens. I feel ready to leave the visitors centre. But there are people in this area that i will be very sad to leave. And I'm sure I will actually miss many aspects of the visitors centre when I do have to leave. but I'm excited (as well as scared stiff) to go back into the field.

love you all!

February 18

Hi,

Sorry I don't have much time.

Thanks for your email mom. I've been needing encouragement lately. and I've noticed this obnoxious pattern that when I'm really struggling and want to see letters in the post, none ever come. But as soon as I'm doing fine and don't really feel the need of that support, all of a sudden I have letters. which is nice, but it's obnoxious that I'm not one of those missionaries that gets letters when they feel they need them. But I feel that is something God has been teaching me my whole life. I can't wait for or expect others to solve my problems or make things better. The solution always has to come from within.

Here's part of what I wrote to Sis Cabrera so you can have a glimpse of the visitors centre too:

I saw so many missionaries this week! Sister Naseem and Sister Pallekonda came to the vc on Friday. They are so cute. Sister Naseem was the first to notice and point out that I was wearing two different shoes. haha it was so embarrasing and funny. I had gotten distracted in the middle of deciding which pair to wear so I ended up wearing one of each.

Saturday was crazy! The vc has exploded again. And I was so tired and did not want to pretend to be happy any more. The vc isn't as much fun as it used to be. It is getting better, but I think I am ready to leave soon. Sister Yapi and Sister Grosso came. That was a fun surprise. They are doing so well and seem to be having so much fun. They went down to the kitchen to cook at the same time as us and it was soo fun to hear Sister Yapi's voice ringing through accommodations again. Sister Kae went home this week. That is sad.

Sister Kae worked in the office. She's going home to the Arizona sun and her grandkids. She is really sweet and I will miss seeing her in the office.

I met a couple from Alpine this week! They were talking to the Terrys and said they were from Alpine, Utah and I turned around and said, I'm from Alpine! I don't know them. I think his name was Gary Lynn or something.

Tell everyone to write me letters!!!!!!!!

Thanks for all you do!

I love you all lots and lots and lots and lots!

Love,

Sister Reneer

February 11

Hello! or as we say in Finland, Moi! (not pronounced French of course. it's pronounced moy) Sister Phermsin is teaching me Finnish. by the time I leave I'll probably be fluent. Haha no way. That language is so hard.
I'm so sorry to hear about Jessica and Travis. What sweet and special names to give her. I hope they are doing okay. I'm grateful we have a family that pulls together in times like this.
This week I remembered how miserable and lonely missions can be. Satan works so hard because he knows great things are happening or about to happen. And I felt the greatest opposition right before we had some great teaches this week.
We saw C. and R. again for the first time since Christmas. It was so good to see them again and as we talked with them I just had the clear feeling that this is missionary work. What we were doing with them in their home was real missionary work. Numbers and progress records and all that jazz are great because they help us focus our efforts and strive to be better, but that's not how real missionary work is measured. It's in the moments that you spend with people. It's the feeling that you are doing and saying what Christ would do and say if he were ministering to these people right now. That is pretty special and it makes all those miserable moments worth it.
A couple weeks ago I made friends with this adorable family that came to the visitors' centre. Jake, Olivia, Lucy, and William. I don't remember if I told you about them. Jake is 12 and doesn't talk to me much, but he reminds me a lot of Elijah in the way he looks and he's almost taller than me. Lucy (5) and William (18 mo) are so cute, but Olivia (8) has really become my friend. They told me they were coming again this week and I was excited to see them and when they got to the visitors' centre their mum told me they were so excited to see me again. Olivia just acted like I was her doll and wanted me to spend all my time with her. I coloured with them for a bit. Another five year old joined us and started telling us about her boyfriend who lives in America. Olivia gave me this confused look. It was so funny! Then the other girl said she's five and that she turns eight in a couple weeks. haha and she was so serious about it all! Olivia was sad when her mum said they needed to go, but I think they are coming back in a couple weeks. I really hope they come one more time before I leave. It's fun making friends all over England. I'm not sure where they live but I'm pretty sure it's not in this mission, so I never would have met them if they didn't come to the visitors' centre.
Well, I'm almost out of time again. Time is crazy. and one hour for emailing is just not enough.
Today my plan is to sleep and sleep and sleep as much as I can. and maybe write some letters. maybe. but first I will sleep. i am soooooo tired.
Have a wonderful week! Thank you for your prayers. I need them so very very much!!!!! Thanks for keeping me posted on everything.
I love you all!!!
Love,
Sister Reneer

February 4

(I wrote to Ruth telling her that Elijah didn't like her new look with fringe/bangs)
haha Elijah's reaction sounds just how I feel when I catch glimpses of you all growing up. I'm afraid I won't know you when I get home. But tell Elijah not to worry. I'm still Ruth, no matter how I do my hair. He can still run from my hugs and I'll still take him to ME crepes when I get home :) and he's still one of my heroes.
There's a lot to say, but I'm almost out of time.
This has been a pretty diverse week. I enjoyed my time in Orpington. Sister Santo is amazing and so sweet. We got to do some knocking in the rain and met a cool guy named Roger who will hopefully meet with the missionaries again. Walking everywhere again was exhausting, but we also had fun. I remembered how dark this world really is. I get to live in a nice bubble at the visitors' centre. I admire so much those missionaries that are just the two of them in a city full of darkness that they are bringing light to. That can be so hard and feel so lonely, but I know we are not alone and that we will succeed because this isn't our work, it's the Lord's.
I was back on Wednesday and spent some time with Sister Cabrera before she left. I have missed her so much. and it's been a bit rough transitioning, but the new sister, Sister Phermsin, is awesome and I think we will have fun as we serve together.
Yesterday I played the piano in primary again. I love the primary. They remind me of being a big sister. These kids are coming to know me and I love being their friend.
Being a missionary is still one of the hardest things I've ever done, but I am surviving and learning lots along the way.
sorry i don't have time for more.
Love you all lots and lots!!!!
have a wonderful week!

January 28

How fun to hear about all those missionaries!!!! Jakob and Ali are going to be awesome. So many changes in the family. I can hardly stand it. But that's okay, because I've changed too--I have a fringe, I speak British, I like Mayonnaise, I drive on the left side of the road, and I drink tea. Missions are pretty amazing! :)
We got to watch one of the men in our ward open his mission call this week. His name is Jason and he got baptized less than a year ago and he is going to preach the gospel in GREECE!!!! How crazy is that?! And a couple in this ward just got back from being the mission president there, so they'll be able to tell him all about it. Apparently, he'll get thrown in jail a few times and there are only 30 missionaries and no Americans are allowed. It sounds pretty crazy and exciting. Another young man recently got his call to Australia Brisbane. So the missionary enthusiasm is spreading here, too! These guys are like celebrities in the ward. It's kind of funny.
When does Eliza get home? Won't she be home before Alison goes out? I sure hope she doesn't get married before I get home..... I'd be so upset.
One of my biggest adventures this week was driving to London! Well, kind of driving to London. When we first got started, we followed the signs pointing to London, so I was driving to London, but technically we actually went to Guildford. Sister Cabrera had a doctor appointment there and we got permission for me to take her. Fortunately, she's a great co-pilot and our satnav is trusty. But those motorways are so big!!! It was like intense freeway driving. It was cool, but I prefer small, twisty, country roads. The motorway is rather boring.
By the way, I'm in Orpington. Surprise! But only for a couple days. We got a new visitors' centre sister on Tuesday. She is half Thai/half Swedish and from Finland. Sister Maughan is training her, and after Sister Cabrera leaves I'll be in a tri with them till the end of February when we are getting another sister mid-transfer so I'll have to go back to the field. At least, that's the tentative plan. And I've learned these 'plans' are always tentative. Sometimes God likes to wait till the last moment to tell us where we're going. But one of the sisters from Orpington is also going home this transfer and they spend the last few days at the temple, so her companion is on her own till Wednesday. But obviously that's against the rules and she needs a companion soooo last night they came to the visitors' centre and we had a little farewell party for Sister Cabrera and Sister Corbett. Then I came back to Orpington with Sister Santo and I'll be here till Wednesday. It's a cute area. Very posh. And it's the closest I've been to London! And the next two days will be full of finding. woot woot. I was worried that I've forgotten how to be a non-visitors' centre missionary, but hopefully it comes back. Sister Santo just finished her training with Sister Corbett, so I guess I'm the 'old' missionary in this companionship which is so weird. I'm still a child on the inside. I still have insecurities and I'm not perfect. WHAT?!?!?! I thought for sure by 10 months I'd be a pro. Guess I'll just have to keep growing....
Well, I can't think of any other interesting or exciting things to tell you. We visit people, we teach people, we study, we make mistakes, we repent, I drive around, I sing, and we learn a bit more every day. I met a couple little girls named Emma this week. They were both very adorable. There were sooooo many children at the visitors' centre on Saturday. It was like primary/a playground. They were kind of crazy.
The snow has melted and today Orpington is sunny, clear, and cold. It's beautiful. I like it here.
Well, out of time. I hope you enjoyed another random, rambling email from Sister Reneer.
Love you all!!!
-Sister Reneer
P.S. I got a letter from Larisa this week which was simply delightful. She is so wonderful.

January 21

I just sent you a bunch of pictures. We've gone a little picture happy lately with all the                             SSSNNNNNOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWW
I'm pretty sure this is more snow than we got in Utah last year. It's pretty magical. I was kind of sad we didn't get this for Christmas, but then my companions and I decided it's probably best because the combination probably would have killed me. I was excited enough about Christmas as it was. I don't think any of us could have handled me being more excited.
Isn't England beautiful in the snow? And the roads haven't been bad at all. One of those pictures is us stuck in traffic on that first day. and did you know, snow days actually exist in England?! They actually get let out of school when it snows!!!! I always thought that was just a myth.... And a few wards cancelled church, but ours didn't.  Today the Horsleys are taking us to visit an old church. I'm excited. the snow is going to make it even more magical.
Sister Cabrera cut my fringe (aka bangs) a couple weeks ago!!! She's pretty cool.  This is her last week. She goes home next Wednesday. Back to Chili where she belongs. She is Chilean through and through!!! I am going to miss her so much. I'm kind of scared for when she leaves. We're all (except her) praying that this snow will continue and all flights will be cancelled next Wednesday so she can't leave :) that'd be pretty cool.
We have a new visitors' centre sister coming tomorrow that Sister Maughan will train, but I'm still not sure what will happen to me next week. I might stay in a tri with Sister Maughan and the new sister, or they might kick me back into the field. Or I might ask to be transferred to Chili. Just for fun.
My companions are pretty great. We probably have too much fun.
The temple in the SNOWWWWWWWW its soooo beautiful!
i'm out of time.
love you all!!!!!
sister reneer

Hello Hello!
Yes, I enjoyed my birthday. It was fairly unique from the viewpoint of a missionary. I had five different companions throughout the day and no single companion that was with me the whole day. wierd. Basically this whole week was a bit strange, but it's been a good week and I don't know that I've ever felt happier. It's exhausting, but I've really been giving as much as I can to doing what the Lord wants me to do throughout each day--which doesn't always mean contacting and teaching. Sometimes it means spending time with a sick companion. But being in a tri and having so many senior couples nearby has made it possible for me to leave the flat quite a bit this week. But I've also loved the time I've spent in the flat with either one or both of my companions. They are the best. Sister Cabrera goes home the end of January. Yeah right. She can't be leaving. England might explode if she leaves.
On my birthday, I went to district meeting with the other visitors' centre sisters and the Elders made me no-bake cookies. Then we ate cheesecake at the visitors' centre and Sister Carpenter drove me home for a couple hours. That's when I opened my wonderful presents from home. That was probably my favorite part of the day. Just being with Sister Cabrera. Then I got to drive with Sister Carpenter to pick up Sister Maughan from Hastings. It was a fun little adventure. And it was so interesting being back in Hastings. It gave me cause to reflect--which I'm basically always doing anyway. But it was interesting how familiar everything looked and how the smells and sights of the flat brought everything back and I could feel those same emotions that had enveloped me those first three months. But I felt them in an impersonal way, just as a memory, not as feelings I couldn't shake away. I've come so far. And I've made huge leaps and bounds since arriving in East Grinstead. I'm a completely different missionary--which means I'm a different person too. I hope you like me when I get home! But if there's anything you don't like, it's God's fault. He's molding me into who He wants me to be. I can feel that every day. Sometimes that molding reallllly hurts, but it also brings great joy. So whoever I am when I get home, it will all be thanks to God (and I guess me too since I do have a special thing called agency....)
We bought Dominoes pizza before leaving Hastings and of course had Texas bbq--which was only fitting for my birthday. So it was an interesting and good day. I've been in the best area for these holiday times. I love love love being here.
This weekend I remembered that serving at the visitors' centre really is "my seaside" as Sister Rodrigues would say when I first got here. I love this job so much. It's similar to working at the MOA but sooo much better. Because I don't have to worry about school on the side and the 'staff' is smaller so I know everyone real well and everything we do can be led by the spirit! That's the best part. Being an instrument in the Lord's hands and saying the things you know He wants you to say is one of the best things I've ever experienced. I'm so grateful that He can use me to reach out and bless His children and to remind them of His love for them.
I enjoyed your report on the English dinner. Sausage rolls are not my favorite either. Mostly the veggies, definitely the potatoes, and the yorkshire pudding is good too. And did you put gravy on everything??? That's what makes it truly British---and also very good.
That's so cool that you're doing a sister missionary prep thing. We did a little mission prep training fireside thing last night at the visitors' centre which was lots of fun.
love to you allllll!!!!!! write me letters :) and have a lovely lovely week.
Enjoy the snow.

-Sister Reneer

January 7

haha I'm excited for you to celebrate my birthday. Christmas crackers are totally British--at least for Christmas, but they'll work for my birthday too :) You definitely should try to have a traditional English roast dinner, which basically means that everything is roasted. Roast potatoes, roast vegetables (carrots, parsnips, onions), yorkshire pudding (which isn't anything like pudding), and then pour gravy over everything. That's the traditional English Sunday/Christmas dinner and it is sooo good. I will need to get some recipes and things before I go home. And for pudding (which is English for dessert) you could have apple crumble--with custard if you can find that in that British store.

love you all lots!!!!!!

sister reneer

December 31

hello hello!

well, i already told you about my awesome Christmas when I talked to you on Tuesday. It was such a good day. being a missionary on Christmas is the BEST!!!! (granted, it could be the worst if you have no where to go and end up knocking doors all day BUT that didn't happen to us) It was fun to be involved in the ward carol service in the morning and to see all the excited children...and teenagers...and adults. Spending Christmas with our investigators was soooooo wonderful. They prepared a lovely meal and we had Christmas crackers with cheap crowns and silly jokes and we had party poppers and watched a MoTab Christmas concert with Audra McDonald and then we got to talk about the birth of Christ from the Nephites side of the world. What better way to spend Christmas than by serving the Lord by serving his children and talking about his gospel?

After being with them we worked in the visitors' centre for three hours, which wasn't really work, because I got to talk to YOUUUU. That was pretty cool. I can't believe how tall Luke is :( I'll have to sit on his lap when I get home because he'll be too big for mine. How was the rest of your Christmas? I'm glad you had a good rest of the week and didn't feel too sad about it all being over. I was worried about that too, but it's been okay. I was starting to get worn out by all the excitement anyway, so the end came at a perfect time. and it's not like we have any down time to think about it much anyway. There is always more to do and something new to be thinking about and planning for.

After the visitors' centre on Christmas, we went to the Bells (an awesome member family) for some Christmas dinner left-overs. Bishop and his family were there too which was fun because I like their kids. Children make Christmas so magical. When Bishop went home, were were also able to have a lesson type thing with the Bells and it was soooo good. This gospel brings so much joy even in the midst of trials and heartache and imperfection.

I was so exhausted by the time Christmas was over. It was a busy busy full day of constant excitement and it was soooo much fun but so exhausting.

So now that I've written an email that makes it sound like my life is just perfect and awesome, let me just remind you that it's not. Missions are hard. but life is hard. so I guess this is good preparation for the rest of my life. I still worry about the future and each upcoming transfer. which is silly, because it always turns out great. the Lord is in charge and I know his plan is perfect.

thanks for being great and being good.

I hope you have a super last day of 2012 and that your 2013 is just the best year yet.

I love you all lots and lots and lots and lots!!!!!!

Love,

Sister Reneer

December 17

blessings blessings blessings. I'm at the temple for another transfer!!!! There are so many reasons this makes me happy. And I really felt like this would happen even though it didn't completely make sense and I was so scared I'd find out I was leaving, but it feels soooo right to be here. And I also feel quite certain that this will be my last transfer here. Sister Yapi has been shipped off to the other side of the mission to Weston-super-mare and Sister Maughan has returned to the VC from Hastings. So I'm still in a tri with Sister Maughan (who is British) and Sister Cabrera (yay! I get to stick with her to the end!) Sister Howard has gone home which is sad and we have a new visitors centre sister from Finland. And so many fun activities and concerts planned and time is just flyyyyying by. It gets faster each transfer and each transfer I can't imagine it getting any faster and then it does. What the heck?!?!?! perhaps because the second coming is almost here. 21 December, I think? I hope you are all prepared!

This ward has exciting things happening including lots of guys preparing for missions. It's amazing to see how the gospel truly can change someones life. People who didn't even have a testimony and weren't living a For-The-Strength-Of-Youth life just a year ago are now preparing to go out and serve the Lord and preach the gospel and change lives!!! I admire converts so much. They have such a fire and they are amazing missionaries.

We only got a bit of snow one morning and it melted by mid-day :( but hopefully we get more. The frost is amazing, though. It looks like snow. I've never seen such thick frost. The entire world is clothed in a blanket of white. It's so beautiful. And cold. soooo cold. I'm definitely counting my blessings of working inside for the next two months. God's plan is perfect!

I love you all and can't wait to talk to you via skype sooon soon soon.

Happy Christmas!

God bless us everyone!!!!!

-sister ruth reneer