LETTER 37: The one where Tessa teaches at Wienerschnitzel

Hello (:

This week has been absolutely amazing. I can not get over how many miracles we've been able to witness and be part of! I'm truly humbled and grateful. 

Here's two of my favorite miracles:

--We found a new investigator named Sergio, and were teaching him outside of Wienerschnitzel at their tables (classy...). Half way through the lesson, I noticed a man at the table next to us who was listening in, and even moved closer so he could hear our conversation. We ended the lesson with Sergio, and went and talked with the eaves-dropper. Long story short, we got his info and set an appointment with him! His name is Cole, and now we've been able to teach him a few times, and he came to church. He's been involved with the ward, and loves it all so far. The original investigator we were teaching, Sergio, has since been dropped. BUT I know we met him for a specific purpose, and a big part of that was so we could meet Cole! How cool, right? 

--We went to follow-up with an old referral, who happens to be our neighbor. His name is Joseph, and he is just starving for the truth. He wants it so bad! And luckily, that is what we share (: So we met him, and he expressed how grateful he was for us coming by. We gave him some information on the Restoration, and set a return appointment. When we got to the appointment, he only had about 10 minutes. He had read through the information, started reading the Book of Mormon, and loves it all so far. We didn't have time to teach him, so instead we shared a scripture and invited him to be baptized--he said yes! It's not set in stone yet--we still have to actually start teaching him haha but he wants it so bad. He is absolutely amazing.

All in all, we found five new investigators, taught eight lessons, and had three people come to church. I'm pretty sure those are record high numbers for me on my mission! It's just been the greatest blessing. There's nothing better than seeing how God is using you as an instrument in His hands. There is honestly no such thing as coincidences. I'm convinced that God has a master plan, and orchestrates everything perfectly so that we meet people at the exact time that we do! I just know He's there and so aware of each of us. He is going to do everything He can to bring each of His children home to Him. 

Studio City is absolutely amazing. 6 months in Wiley Canyon made me forget that street contacting was actually a thing haha. And now, all we do is street contacting! It's so fun being able to share so much joy and happiness and love and light with everyone we come in contact with. It's up to them whether to accept it or not, but I'm sure each person walks away a little happier (: At least I like to think so.

I love missionary work. I love my God, and my Savior. What a blessing it was to have Easter and remember the great sacrifice He's made for us! 

"Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Isral and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world." --3 Nephi 11:14

I know each of us will have this opportunity to be with Christ again. That day will come, and now is the time to prepare for it. 

Love you all!

--Sister Bishop

Went to Universal Studios City Walk with my district! Love them.

Catz (:

We made a giant map of our area!

Exchanges with Sister Williams! The tables have turned...(;

Easter!!! Thank you family!

LETTER 36: The one where Tessa moves into Napoleon Dynamite's ward

Hi friends and family!!!

Drumroll please....

I am in Studio City!!!! With Sister Turley (: She's from West Valley City, Utah (my first Utahn companion!) and is awesome. We're having a good time.

There are people EVERYWHERE here. Literally stacked on top of each other, apartments all over. I can't get over it! Completely opposite from my last area haha. There's swarms of people on the streets, and my whole ward is in the movie industry--whether actors or directors or writers, we've got it all. That's pretty neat. Napolean Dynamite is the Young Men's president (no joke). Miley Cyrus and Steve Carrell live in our ward boundaries. Up in the hills, it's super nice rich houses where all the stars live. Then down in the valley part its just stuffed with people. INSANE. Haha I just want to sit and bask in it all! So we've been out working hard, talking with many many people. I'm having to become an aggressive driver, and my parallel parking skills are coming in handy (I'm being safe, don't worry).

Unfortunately--where we are emailing only allows us 55 minutes on the computer! Ahh not enough time. It's stressing me out. So that means I won't be able to write nearly as many people as I'd like to, or put detail into emails. So sorry! ):

I've learned SO MUCH this week though. I've really turned over a new leaf in my mission with studies. I've been diving into the Restoration and have a new study system that's working wonders for me. It's been a stressful week and I've been able to turn to the Lord more and more, which is a huge blessing. My advice is don't wait until you HAVE to rely on Him, just rely on Him all the time (: We have been trying to get to know people in the area and find our way around. My GPS has saved my life haha.

We had a member of the Seventy come--Elder Kent F. Richards. We had an amazing training from him on teaching simply. The spirit was overpowering, and is just one of many many witnesses to me that this gospel is true. So blessed to be able to have learned from him, but most importantly from on high.

All in all, a rewarding and exciting week. Lots of adjustments which brings it's ups and downs, but I love it all. I love this work and I love the Lord. It's so amazingly true. Please read the Book of Mormon--drink deeply from it every day. It's crucial. 

I love you all!!

--Sister Bishop

Last meal with the Gardners! She made my favorite (:

MY BABY!!! I mean...my trainee (: Sister Turley!

Saying bye to Sister McQueen

I'm in STUDIO CITY!!!

Where the showers don't have shower heads...or just ours...haha

Our humble abode

Hey look...it's where they filmed The Cinderella Story! The last scene, recognize it?

Role playing with "Julie" our magazine investigator (;

Ate dinner with my Aunt's sister last night...that was a surprise!
(for those who know--Rebecca Clinger Bishop's sister, Patsy (: family reunion!)

 

LETTER 35: The one where Tessa prepares for the next adventure

April 7, 2014

Hello hello!

Short on time again, but a quick report:

I'm getting transferred tomorrow! AND I'm training, how crazy is that? No more Sister Training Leader. I've got mixed emotions, but overall I'm excited to see what Heavenly Father has in store for me! I know He's in charge and it'll be amazing (: Stay tuned next week to hear where I go! 

This last week was very spiritually uplifting. We had Mission Leadership Council, Zone Training Meeting, and General Conference. We were in a trio for half of the week with Sister Walgren as well, who is finishing off her mission this week. Learned so so much! I'm just in awe at how blessed I am. I just love feeling the spirit so often and so strongly. I know that the men and women who spoke to us Saturday and Sunday are called of God. The words they speak truly are what God would have us know at this time. I know that as we follow the Prophet and his apostles, we will be blessed and remain spiritually secure and uplifted. I encourage you all to listen to their talks if you didn't have a chance, and apply their teachings! Next week I'll write more of my favorite quotes and personal revelations.

We've been working hard, and I'm leaving the area knowing I did the Lord's will and my very best! I'm excited to see what else is in store. I love being a missionary and spending 18 months completely dedicated to the Lord. Thank you for your love and prayers!

--Sister Bishop

Ice-Cream with Sisters Betenson and Roan

In a trio with Sister Walgren the last week

 

Macaroons with Sister Betenson!

Lunch with Sister Cottrell and Sister Hatfield

 

In-between conference sessions crepe party!

LOVE General Conference.

Service! Someone finally let us help them (:

 

Sunday lunch with the Zone

Wiley Canyon ward missionaries!

 

Looking whiter than usual haha

Action shot! So cool.

Valencia Zone Leaders and Sister Training Leaders

Saying goodbye to my walk in closet! haha first one and last for a long while...

"California snowball fight" today with the zone

Best picture.

LETTER 34: The one where Tessa finds the hidden street

March 31, 2014

Hello!

Short email this week, not a whole lot to report on.

We went on a few exchanges, knocked a lot of doors, and invited many people to come closer to Christ. Typical week (: We saw crazy miracles on my exchange with Sister Kubie! It was unreal. We taught 2 full lessons on the doorstep, and pretty much every person we talked with was open to talking with us for a little bit. Everyone was very kind. That never happens! It was a huge blessing. 

We also were led to this little street that was hiding from us, I'd never been to it before! We discovered it and knocked it, and found 2 people who we taught and are now investigating the church. Super cool! Definite miracle.

I loved watching the women's conference on Saturday, and am super looking forward to General Conference this coming Saturday and Sunday. I hope you all have a chance to watch! We are so blessed to be able to have a Prophet on the earth today and Apostles. 

Have a good week!

Love,
Sister Bishop

Car wash!

Teaching the Elders' how to sew their shirt pockets haha

 

Exchanges with Sister Kubie!

Sister Betenson's new glasses. (:

Exchanges!

Went on a couple little exchanges with Sister Betenson, she's the best.

Us again. Taking dorky pictures.

New Zealand licorice! Thanks to Sister McQueen's sister (:

Sis McQueen smashed her finger in the door...ouch.