I still love cats!

Dear Family and Friends,

I am a missionary, but somehow cats still seem to find me. This is at one of our members homes. It is like paradise. They have kittens and puppies right now. It is pretty great. 

They also have chickens!

It has been a REALLY busy week, but the Lord is really blessing us. We're continuing to see miracles daily and find people who are prepared to listen to our message about the Restored Gospel. Also, I don't know if you are as excited as I am but conference is this week!!!!!!! Everyone should listen/watch it! Write down questions you have about anything and then prayed to have them answered and you will find answers from conference. 

Today I want to talk about something that is really important: member missionary work. 

This sweet lady in the picture below is Hermana Juarez.

This is the very first appointment I ever had on my mission. Her family fed us dinner and then she came and taught with the missionaries. This week my mom asked 

"Other than praying for opportunities to share the gospel and following up when the opportunities come what do  you wish members would do to help with the work?"

Be willing to go out with the missionaries and FELLOWSHIP! IT means so much. If you go out with the missionaries and meet someone, visit them, get their number and invite them to church. An invitation from a member is better than one from a missionary when it comes to church attendance. And just be their friend. Invite them to dinner or the movies or whatever. These are normal people and they are having to attend a church they have never attended. They don't know how things work. And as missionaries, we're not really 'normal.' They need to see that Latter Day Saints wear normal clothes and do something besides teach people. Missionaries and members should work together. We need your help. 

Some of the people I'm teaching right now!

I know that sometimes it feels impossible to share our testimony. You might feel like you need to solidify your own before you can share it.  You might feel like you don't have anyone to refer the missionaries to. But I promise Heavenly Father is preparing you to share the gospel with people. Jesus Christ taught us, "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not." (Matthew 10:30-31) He knows all of His children. You are not lost. And no one is. He is our shepherd and He leaves the 99 to find the one. 

-Hermana Ries

Plan de Salvacion en el bano

Dear Family and Friends,

 

The Lord loves us. And because of that, He places people in our paths everyday that we can bless. When we came to email today, I had to go to the bathroom, really bad. So we went in and heard someone sobbing. We overheard her conversation. She had just lost a good friend, and she was feeling very alone. It was then that I realized, actually, I didn't really need to go to the bathroom all that bad. I needed to help this woman. We were able to talk to her and testify that there is life after death. Her friend is not far. And God loves her. So much.

 

I know that sounds weird, and maybe it was. Usually we don't meet people in bathrooms. But it doesn't really matter what the circumstances are. God has a plan. I, like Nephi, "was lead by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand, the things which I should do." Have faith that God will place people in your path to bless you or you to bless them.

 

This week was good. My companion is one of the Senior Sister Training Leaders (aka the boss) so we go on exchanges a lot (usually two a week.) That means that I have to take over the area. It has been a challenge and a blessing. But my Spanish has been improving, as well as my biking skills.

 

We are teaching so many amazing people right now. But two of the families in specific are really progressing. They have come to church 2 weeks in a row now, and because of that, their faith in Christ is increasing.

 

I have pictures of one of the families, but I forgot the cord to attach it to the computer:( But it is a really great picture. We stopped by one night and the husband was making a whip! He does it for fun. So I took pictures of him making it. And then their cute daughter  took my camera and took some pictures as well. So you can look forward to that next week!

 

Also if you have time this week you should all read "What is the Blueprint of Christ's Church?" by Tad R Callister. https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/ces-devotionals/2014/01/what-is-the-blueprint-of-christs-church?lang=eng   It is one of the best talks I've read! I know that Joseph Smith saw God and His son Jesus Christ, and that this is His restored church. Heavenly Father loves us. And He is ready to listen to our every concern.

 

con amor,

-Hermana Ries

September 15, 2014 Las Fiestas Patrias‏

La fiesta!
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This week in our branch we had Las Fiestas Patrias, which is like celebrating all the of countries where people in our branch are from! It was so much fun. And there was so much food. Naturally, we had to try everything from Mole to Empanadas. I had food from Mexico, El Salvador, Columbia, and Guatemala the next day. And you have to finish your food or it's really rude. Needless to say I was totally stuffed. And they sent us home with a bunch of the meat. Guess what kind of meat. Cow cheek. Yep. We essentially have several cow faces in our fridge right now:)

My companion and I enjoying the party!

 They sent us home with cheesecake too.  

Sorry that I'm obsessed with food in this post but, I tried.....and failed to make a drink with milk and orange juice powder, but it was so awful I had to pour it down the sink.

We also had intercambios (exchanges) this week, so I ended up in Houston city for one day! It was really fun but it was kind of weird seeing so many people and cars. I love Brazos and how small and tranquil it is.

This week we had a couple of the families we're teaching come to church and it was so amazing! They are such great families. One of them walked in as we were singing Asombra me da (I stand all amazed). This really is amazing work. The church that Christ established is on the earth today and it has all the power to seal families together for time and all eternity. 

Remember that, "God has a perfect plan for His imperfect children; this is the good news you carry to the world."  If you know this is true, share it with someone today! Everyone should get to have the hope of the Atonement in their life.

Christ lives and He loves us.:)

-Hermana Ries

Now the work really begins!

So Hello Everyone!

 

I am in TEXAS! Woohoo!! I love it here. I am serving in the Brazos South Area under the Houston East Zone. I don't really feel like explaining where that is, so if you want to look it up on a map you can:) So this is the basic info. Mom wrote me some questions and here are the answers.

These are the new missionaries that arrived in Texas with me! 

 

1.  How was the flight from Mexico City?

 

It was good! Nice and short. I have been working like crazy ever since the plane hit the ground:) Actually before that. Gotta open your mouth and tell everyone about the Gospel!

 

2.  What is your new living arrangement like?  An apartment or part of a member's home?

 

We live in an apartment. It's nice. Nothing fancy:)    

 We live in a rural area.  This is a cotton field.

3.  Fill me in on your new companion.....name, age, how long in the field, home and family

 

Hermana C. 20... I think. She goes home in December. She is the sweetest.  She is from Idaho too.  She loves animals and is just really laid back. But a super hard worker and obedient missionary. Love her!  She studied at BYUI and BYU Hawaii.

 

6.  How's the weather been?

 

Usually in the 100s and 90s at night and in the morning with complete humidity. So yeah, a little warm.

 

7.  Are you riding bikes everyday, walking, driving or some combination?

 

I am in Houston East, Brazos south area. It's just outside of Sugar Land, by Richmond and Rosenberg and I am in love with it. I am almost in tears thinking about how much I love the people here. Oh and we have a car. But do a lot of walking once we get to places since most of the people we teach are in apartments.

 

8. Does your bike work for you?

 

I haven't used it yet... but it looks really cute.  Haha!

 

9. Did my letters get there before you left on Tuesday?

 

Your letters never got there, but if you send letters now, I'll get them every Monday at the mission office:). And Mondays are usually my P-days

 

I have seen so many miracles this week. It really is amazing. We go back and forth between English and Spanish, often in the same conversation. Brazos kind of has its own Spanglish language. Most people here are from Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua.  

 

One kind of funny/weird story from this week is that we met with a lady who told us about the time a spider bit her face and laid eggs in it. Yeah,  I'm not kidding. Anyway her face got all swollen and she didn't have a ride to the doctor so she cut it out herself and there were two sacks of spider eggs. What? She is a tough lady. She even showed us the scars. Haha!

 

I know that the Savior lives. And I know that this is His church and that is the reason I feel so happy and privileged be here representing Him. I love Isaiah 58:13 that says "......and shalt honour Him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thing own words." That is what I am doing here.

 

God lives and he loves and knows us. Joseph Smith was a prophet and he translated The Book of Mormon by the power of God.

 

-Hermana Ries

And then I was like, okay can I go to the field now?‏

Dear Family and Friends,

I'm going to Texas in like 6 days! I am so excited! 

I really don't have much to say this week and I think it's because I'm just feeling ready to go.

The elevators in the CCM remind me of "Despicable Me"

Sports on our preparation day!

 Also you guys can ask me questions and that'll probably be more interesting that anything else I write haha. 

This Sunday I had to say goodbye to the Nativas. It was so sad. I definitely started crying. Who am I supposed to speak Spanish with everyday??? Just kidding, I'll be doing that every day for the next 17 months. Some new girls moved in from Chile and Guatemala. I can't understand the Chilean Spanish as well so I'm glad I'll mostly be speaking Mexican Spanish.

My companion, me and the Nativas!

This week one thing that I learned comes from Alma 29:10. It says that when we see other people coming closer to Christ "then is my soul filled with joy; then do I remember what the Lord has done for me, yeah, even that he heath heard my prayer; yeah, then do I remember his merciful arm which he extended towards me." I love this because I am constantly remembered how blessed I am. And when we look at other people learning and growing, it just reminds us of how much we have been given.

The CCM is a unique place. All of these people with different backgrounds and different reasons for being here come and are trying to learn Spanish. We're trying to be missionaries. We're giving up technology and lots of other things that made up our life before this. And as we watch one another grow, it's easy to see the merciful hand of the Lord in everyone's life.

Writing a letter to my family.

 My companion and I emailing home!

Everyone loves my cat shirt.  Did I mention that we are all DIFFERENT!

Anyway, not much to report this week except that I am so excited for Texas!!!!!

-Hermana Ries

"Sister you Smile"

Dear family and friends,

Today is my one month mark!!! 10 days until the field! I am so excited. My p-day next week will be on Wednesday and then I'll email again on either Saturday or Monday before I leave. 

Whether it's Sweden or Mexico City, I'm always on the lookout for some local sweet treats!

The CCM used to be a school so there are playgrounds to hang on!

Happy birthday to my sweet niece and nephew  a little late. I miss you guys!

My nephew drew this picture of me.  I guess he thinks I'm a little rounder than I really am!

To explain the subject of this email, my name translates to "sister you smile." The natives love that my name means something is Spanish and it's actually really easy for them to say. I love it too.   (Explanation:  Ries means  you smile so Hermana Ries translates "Sister you smile")

This week I thought a lot about a talk from Conference in April 2014 called "Bear up their burdens" by Elder Bednar.  https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/bear-up-their-burdens-with-ease?lang=eng    Please look it up if you have time. It's all about how our trials help propel us forward and help us grow. I testify that just when we think we can't go any further, the load is actually the thing that makes it possible for us to grow. The Lord doesn't always take our burdens, but He does make us stronger.

This week in the CCM everyone got sick. Turns out it was mostly salmonella haha. But I'm fine. Thank you for your prayers on my behalf. 

I've been practicing my Spanish with the latinas in our casa. They are the best. They call me the Hermana Loca (crazy hermana) Ha ha!   I love it. I've learned a lot more conversational Spanish instead of just the Gospel.

Also here's a funny story. We were teaching one time and after the teacher said', all in spanish of course, "when you teach and say we have a message to share, make sure you say, 'nosotras tenemos un mensaje.' not 'nosotras tenemos un mesaje'... that means we have a massage for you" hahaha so embarrassing and so funny. 

I hope you all had a good week! 

The lights of Mexico City!  So pretty!

-Hermana Ries

Romans 12:21

Week 3 in the Missionary Training Center

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They call me "la muestra".  It means the teacher!

Dear family and friends, 

I'm more than halfway done with my time here in the CCM. Nooooo. I'm so excited to go into the field but I also feel like I do NOT know enough. But God always provides a way. So even if I don't know what I'm doing it'll be okay. 

This is our district in our casual clothes, playing volleyball on our preparation day!

  This is our district all cleaned up and spiffy!

This week was really good. On Sunday we had a devotional by President Tenorio. He is awesome. Look up his talk on LDS.org! https://www.lds.org/liahona/2007/05/news-of-the-church/elder-octaviano-tenorio?lang=eng   He spoke in conference awhile back and it's a really good and short talk. Also he's hilarious. He spent the first 51 minutes of devotional talking about marriage to us. And then the rest was crazy stories and being kidnapped and robbed and miracles. 

We also had a really good service project this week cleaning a casa with a lady named Rosa. She and I had a good chat and she taught me some more Spanish. She took a selfie with all of us but forgot to email it :( Maybe she'll remember someday. 

This is Mexico City behind me.  Beautiful city!

Yesterday our teacher was late to class and explained it was because he was robbed at gunpoint. What?  Mexico City is crazy,  but the CCM is one of the safest places on earth. It's like the Garden of Eden.  It's so safe and beautiful.

Also I found out dearelder sort of works. They print the letters out in provo and send them here so it still takes around a week for me to get letters that way. Att this point you're safer sending letters to Texas and they'll just be waiting for me. My address in Texas is:

Sister Susan Elizabeth Ries

Texas Houston South Mission

602 Eldridge Rd.

Sugar Land, TX, 77478

United States

So yeah, feel free to write me if you have time. Also printed out pictures are loved and very much appreciated haha. 

  My companion and I outside the visitor's center of the Mexico City Temple!

The last thing I want to share is Moroni 6:4 which says "relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and finisher of their faith." He is the author and finisher of my faith. I love Him and that is why I am serving a mission. I hope we can all rely on Christ, who understands our every need. I testify that He is our loving Savior.

-Hermana Ries

Week 2 in the Missionary Training Center! Prayers are answered.

Dear Family and Friends,

First off, I need to wish Braden Taylor, my nephew, a happy birthday. You're awesome Braden!

Another week has flown by. Life is good! I pray for you all and hope you're all happy and healthy. Everything here continues to be good. I'm studying hard and learning a ton every day. One thing that I'm coming to learn most is that this work is not about me at all. Nothing I do here should be for me! And it's really cool. I'm super happy. 

One thing this week that my teacher said  really touched me. He said, God answers prayers in 3 ways:

1. No, it's not the right time, in the future, yes.

2. Immediate yes

3. I have something better for you. 

I know that to be true. God does want the best for us, even if it is difficult to see at the time. 

Today we went to the Visitors Center for the temple and it was so much fun! Pictures are included. We also played volleyball a ton this week. My district loves playing during gym time. And after gym my companion and and I always go to la tienda and buy candy. We call it our daily candy time. haha. Maybe not the best thing to be doing, but I think i'm actually losing weight instead of gaining it so I think I'm going to keep the candy gig up. 

The weather here is beautiful. 70's and sunny during the day and then it usually pours and hails at night. I love it. AC isn't really a thing here but it doesn't need to be. 

As far as weird things go, the bathrooms here are all unusually nice. And the flusher is by the ground so you can use your foot instead which is handy...get it? Handy? Like you don't have to use your hands? Okay obviously I don't have much else to say.  Hahaha!  I hope you're all doing well! 

-Hermana Ries

Please send me a letter!  p.s. if you wanna write me easily you can use dearelder.com. They will print it out that day and put it in the mailbox. No postage and no wait. I'm district 19B. And Branch 19. You guys are the best! 

My First week in the Missionary training center

                                         See my missionary tag!  

Hola friends and family!!!!!

    

      I have been in the CCM (This stands for Missionary Training Center.  If you want to know more https://www.lds.org/locations/missionary-training-centers/ check out this link)  for like 10 days.  Where did the time go? Maybe it's been slow for you guys but I am loving it! The language is coming really quickly. Really. quickly. I feel the help of people from the other side of the veil.  I am so grateful for the gift of tongues.  It's real and it works. I talk to Mexican speakers everyday and they understand me and I understand them. 

     Thank you so much for your emails. I do not have a lot of email time so please write me letters! They take awhile to get here but I will love you forever. 

        Also can someone look up Jamaica? Not the place but the fruit. It is delicious and everywhere here. The food is good. The fruit is amazing!!!! MANGOES for days. So fresh and sweet. Gym time is also the best. I don't know what else to say about that. The elders in our district are really chill and play volleyball with us.  My companion and I are the only girls in our district.  

    

                                    My companion and me in the classroom where we spend lots of time studying.

My companion is from Utah but only recently. She grew up in California near Laguna Beach. She's the best. She studied civil engineering at BYU so we're both used to studying and a busy schedule. The mission life adjustment for us has been extremely smooth. Plus we're oddly similar which makes both our lives way easier. 

                                         In the dining hall with the other sister missionaries.

                                                                      The other three sisters in my branch.

    We already had 5 lessons with a fake investigator, all in Spanish. Yes. It is possible. Actually it's not even too hard. They go pretty easy on you. The real thing will be much harder. But it is good practice. Also they always call on people at random to speak in Sacrament meeting. And I had to go this week. All I had was an outline . But the Spirit helped me out a ton and I was able to give a 7 minute talk all in Spanish with minimal reading from the scriptures. It was so cool.

   I finished my antibiotics this morning and I feel GREAT! I'm healthy and happy Mom:) Also thank you Sarah  for my coat. It's the cutest and thank you Braden and Caleb for the snacks. They saved me. 

     The only bad thing that has happened is that a bird died and started rotting outside our casa and smelled horrible. The elders cleaned it up though.  Ha Ha! 

Life is good. The lord knows and loves us and this is His work. I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve Him with all my heart. Romans 12:21. 

Love you all!!!!

Hermana Ries  

My mission adventure begins!

Tuesday, July 15, my mom and I were running last minute errands for my early morning departure the next day when I told her I wasn't feeling well.  I had a headache, sore throat and body aches.  She said we better  get a quick check by a doctor since I was traveling tomorrow and I was  exposed to strep throat about a week ago.  Well she was right and it was strep throat.  The doctor prescribed penicillin and 14 hours later I was on a plane headed to Mexico City.  So if you want to keep in touch below is my mailing address.  My email address is susan.ries@myldsmail.net if you would like to drop me a quick line that way.  A p day (preparation day) that I mention below is the one day I can receive emails and send them.  I also use that day to wash my clothes and do other errands.  

 

Sister Ries

(26/08/2014)(19-B) 

Centro de Capacitación Misional de México 

Carretera Tenayuca-Chalmita No. 828 

Colonia Zona Escolar 

Delegación Gustavo A. Madero 

C.P. 07230 México, D.F. 

Teléfono: (55) 3067-4500

This was her first email from Mexico City on July 16:

"EVERYTHING IS IN SPANISH. Literally no one will speak english to you haha. But i am happy. My pday is friday starting next week. Please write if you have time. Also please pray I feel better soon. Strep is the worst.  Love you all.

Hermana Ries"

O Canada.

So I went to Canada this week. British Columbia is beautiful and VERY different. Here are some pictures to explain what we did.

highlight: The Vancouver Temple with my madre and padre. If you want to know more about temples, click here.

Our hotel room had a stellar view. Carrie took this picture of me looking out of the window.

GELATO!!!! 

Susie loves: Mango

Carrie loves: Peruvian Lime

Mom loves: Belgium Brownie

Dad loves: Texas Pecan

We went on a walk around the island.

Boat houses are the cutest.

Dad and Carrie are just dreaming of living on a boat.

Care bear reading to us. 

No no no no more walking.

Taking in the beauty.

We went to Granville island and had a little make-shift lunch. So yummy.

Um this place deserves a prize. Scones, cookies and bread. #delishdish

Thanks for the good time British Columbia!