Notice of Transfer

THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRISTOF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

Philippine Olongapo Mission

Km. 140 National Highway, Manga-Vaca

2209 Subic Zambales

Philippines

13 August 2014                                                    

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Mark Miller

10420 S Millbrook lane

Olathe, KS 66061

United States

Dear Brother and Sister Miller,

I am very pleased to inform you that your daughter, Sister Marissa Noelle Miller has been assigned to a new area. Her new area will be in San Marcelino Area, which belongs to the San Marcelino District, San Antonio Zone and she will be serving with her companion, Sister Tousaint Rose Jose Ruga, who is also an outstanding missionary. You can be assured that your daughter will be in good hands and will learn much from her companion. We express our confidence that the two of them will enjoy the companionship of each other and will support each other as they prayerfully strive to do the Lord’s work. We encourage you to be a part of her missionary effort by praying always for their success.

San Marcelino is a wonderful place, the people are loving and kind, and you will also find the people to be hospitable and teachable. The members there are supportive with regards to missionary work and they are always excited to work with the Missionaries and involve themselves to the work.

We encourage you to write your daughter each week and please include encouraging news of family events, achievements, spiritual experiences and other matters which will bring joy and deeper commitment. We also encourage you to be a part of your daughter’s missionary service by writing to your daughter’s investigators and new converts, and express your love and your testimony of the Gospel.

Sister Miller  is a great missionary.  She does what is expected of her as a full-time missionary.  You can be very pleased with your daughter. We thank you for raising a wonderful daughter and we appreciate the opportunity to work with her. We assure you that we will do all we can do to see that she will have a fulfilling mission. We love your missionary and want this mission to be the greatest experience for her and for your family.  May God bless you.

Sincerely;

Dennis V. Dahle

Philippines Olongapo Mission                                                

Mission President

DVD/mfg

Just Another Week in the 'Peens!

Well, I just came from a marriage....and I'm now a Godmother! Just another day in the Peens. :)

My favorite family here in Masinloc is getting baptized tomorrow and their wedding was earlier this morning. It was so happy here! I have seen this family grow so much in the 12 weeks I've been here. I'm ecstatic that I will be able to see them be baptized before I get transferred to another area. This is one of those families from my mission that I will never forget. I feel privileged to have been a part of their conversion process. I love this family so much! I was also able to be a witness of their marriage therefore becoming the Godmother of their children!

Andrea and Joel

Seeing people grow in the Gospel really helps me realize what a big help the Gospel is in my life and in the lives of all who abide by it's principles. There have been so many times when we are teaching people and I see the moment that the Gospel makes sense to them. It's like there is something inside of them testifying of the truthfulness of our message. I know that that is the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is the biggest help that  we have as missionaries. In reality, missionaries don't convert people. The Holy Ghost does. We are all able to feel the promptings of the Holy Ghost but we have to be worthy and sensitive in order to truly understand.  

I am so grateful for the successes I have seen here in the Philippines and for the opportunity I have had to be a tool in the hands of the Lord to bring Heavenly Father's children back to Him. I know that the work I am doing is true. I know that it is only through obedience to the principles of Christ's Gospel that we can truly attain happiness in this life and in the life to come.

I love you all so much!

-Sister Miller

We had FHE with the senior missionaries this week and this was the result!

Elder Wright had the most fun of all!

Sister Hart and I had these t-shirts made for zone conference because we thought it would be hilarious. We were right, of course. Everyone LOVED them!!!

BOO YAH!!! ONE YEAR ON THE MISH!!!

Well, for those of you who have been counting my days as a missionary, I'm sure July 31st was a big day for you! If you have no idea what I'm talking about, well, there's always repentance....Ha! On July 31, 2014, I, Sister Miller, hit my one year mark of being a missionary!!!!!!!! WHAT, WHAT?! PARTY OVER HERE, WHOOT WHOOT! PARTY OVER THERE, WHOOT WHOOT! GET DOWN TONIGHT!! PUT YOUR HANDS IN THE AIR AND WAVE THEM LIKE YOU JUST DON'T CARE!!! WILL THE REAL SISTER MILLER PLEASE STAND UP, PLEASE STAND UP!! Whew...now that that is over... :) 

It was pretty cool to hit my one year mark here. I mean, looking back and seeing all that I have gone through and how much I have grown was a real trip down memory lane. Let me start off by reflecting on the crazy things I have done: eating balut, running on a sketchy hanging bridge, doing my laundry in a bucket, then using that same bucket to shower, surviving a huge typhoon and many monsoons and tropical storms, it's been quite a year!

I have also met so many truly amazing people and hearing their stories has inspired me in innumerable ways. I have seen how much I have grown spiritually. It's funny, how when you take away the things in life you think you need, like your iPhone, your car, McDonald's, or even a hot shower, you really come to see and understand what is important in life. I feel like I see the whole world in a different way now. I look at everything in a new light and have obtained a greater appreciation for the things I have been blessed with in my life. I have an amazing family that has always supported me no matter what I'm doing. Friends who have always been there to go and be crazy with without questioning my standards. And most importantly, a Heavenly Father who loves me so unceasingly that He is always there...ALWAYS. 

This Gospel and the knowledge and application of the Atonement of Christ is the greatest thing anyone can obtain in this life. Throughout this one year, all I have been doing is teaching others about just how much Heavenly Father loves them and the plan He has for them. I can't count the number of times I walk out of a lesson feeling like I was the one who was taught by the Spirit. I have heard that your testimony grows and is strengthened as you bear it. My testimony is like the Hulk Hogan of testimonies now! I know, without a doubt, that this is the truth. The Gospel of Jesus Christ, as restored by the prophet Joseph Smith, is Heavenly Father's plan for us to return to live with Him and obtain eternal happiness. I have seen the sacrifices the people I teach make in order to align their lives with God's commandments. At first, it is so hard for them, but each and every one of them who has accomplished this task did not regret it in the slightest. We all have problems and trials in our lives but through living in accordance to the teachings of Jesus Christ, and I mean really living, not just going through the actions, we will find peace and happiness in even the darkest and dreariest parts of life. That is the miracle of the Gospel.

I would invite each and everyone of you, non-members and members alike, to learn more. Study the messages of the missionaries, read the Book of Mormon, and ask for yourself if this is the truth. Ask your Heavenly Father personally if you are doing everything you can in order to work out your own salvation. 

I know that this the most important work I can be doing right now...inviting others to come unto Christ. I love you all so much and will see you in 6 months!!! HOLLA :)

Love,

Sister Miller

7-31-13  With Mom and Meg right before they dropped me at the MTC.

7-31-14  I wore the same outfit I wore on my first day...glasses and all.
Sister Manilingan acted as my mom in blue and Sister Hart as Meg in red.

The Greatest Gift

Alright, well, I've had a special request from my mom to write about my new mission president and if there's one thing I've learned in my life is that requests/suggestions from mothers are more like requirements! :)

My new mission president's name is President Dahle. He is from Salt Lake City, Utah and was a lawyer. He is super nice and even though I've only met him once, I can already tell that he really cares about the missionaries and is trying his best to make a difference for us. He has already extended emailing time and has allowed us to have monthly zone activities, so he's alright in my book. His wife is also super awesome! I talked to her for quite a bit while other missionaries were being interviewed by President. She seemed a little overwhelmed and said she thinks she needs an assistant. I readily volunteered. :)

This week I was able to see how important support from the members is in missionary work. I honestly believe that members make the difference in conversion and retention of new members of the church. I mean if we really think about it, it's a no brainer. If a new member doesn't have any friends at church, they're not going to want to keep going back. I am so thankful for the members here and the fellowship they have and are currently giving to my recent converts. 

The process of fellowship begins long before baptism. It starts even before missionary lessons. Everyday we need to follow the example of Christ and be willing to befriend all. If we are really friends with them, we will WANT to share the gospel with them. 

This Gospel is the greatest gift you can give to anyone. I am so thankful for the opportunity to share with others what has brought me happiness all of my life. I know that this is the true Church and the true way to be happy.

I love you all so much!

-Sister Miller

I met a baby carabao.....

and decided to name him Choncho!

Feasting on the Words of Christ

This week has been one of the fastest of my mission! I'm not too sure why, but I feel like just yesterday I was sitting here writing to you guys!

This week the health of my companion, Sister Ete, has been on the rocks. Well, that actually sounds worse than it is.  She has high blood and hasn't been taking her medicine so we weren't able to work much. It was so hard to have to stay in so many days this week. I never realized how much I would miss working when all I was doing was laying around, cleaning the house, or reading my scriptures.  It makes me scared for life after the mission when I know now that all I will want to do is walk around in the rain wearing a skirt and teaching people about the gospel in Tagalog!!

With all the spare hours I had this week, I was really able to dive deep into the Book of Mormon. I brought out my old religion study guide and just started from the introduction. Although I read the Book everyday, I always seem to get something new out of it. This time was no different. I loved having the time to really read and ponder the messages within the book as well as read the prophets' insights through my study guide book. I have come to gain a new appreciation for the word of God whether it come from the prophets of old through the scriptures, or the prophets of this dispensation. I know that Heavenly Father loves us so much and wants us to be successful in this life so he has given us the tools we need to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.  

I know that the Book of Mormon is truly another testament of Jesus Christ. Through living the principles taught in the Book of Mormon, I know that we can grow closer to our Heavenly Father and feel His love for us everyday. Being here on a mission and seeing the difference reading the Book of Mormon makes in people's lives makes me love it that much more and gives me a greater appreciation for the family I was born into and the fact that I have grown up in the gospel and was taught about the Book of Mormon since I was a kid. I know that the knowledge contained in this book is literally life changing! 

As it says in 2 Nephi 31:20 we need to "feast on the words of Christ". A special shout out to Julian for this picture of his friend taking that verse literally! :)

This Book of Mormon was from the cake below.

This cake was awesome....every single thing was edible!

I am thankful for the time I was given to really dive into the scriptures this week but I am soooo ready to get back into the game and work, work, work!!

I love you all so much!

-Sister Miller

This is Brother Marlon who always gives us free rides on his trike!

I found a little friend on the way to an investigator's house!

We went on splits yesterday so I got to work with Sister Emz.
She is preparing to go on a mission and is AWESOME!!

Witnessing Progress

This week has gone by so fast but I have had so many wonderful experiences. One that really meant a lot to me was the progress we were able to see in a less-active man we have been working with. I loved seeing how much he wanted to leave his past life behind him and continue on strong in the Gospel. We were able to see him overcome some big trials and move forward with a smile on his face. 

His testimony, like many others, has strengthened my testimony of this Gospel. Seeing his example has made me want to be more steadfast and immovable in mine. I love experiences like this that just make you want to smile and be a better person. I have met so many amazing people since I've been here on my mission. Whether it has been other missionaries, members, or even the investigators whom we teach. Each and every one of them has made a difference in my life. I have seen or heard stories of great sacrifice based on faith alone. I have been so humbled with the experiences of others and wouldn't change this mission or give it up for anything in the world. 

I know with all my heart that this is the true and only way to return to our Father in Heaven. I am so glad to be able to be serving a mission and inviting others to learn of this Gospel, 

I love you all and am so thankful for the difference you have made in my life.

Before I officially sign off, I have a favor to ask of you. As a part of a little project I am doing, I would like to collect some conversion stories. Whether you have been a member for your whole life, converted when you were younger, or are a more recent convert, I would really appreciate a story of your personal conversion. You can send it to my email... marissa.miller@myldsmail.net.

I love you all so much,

Sister Miller 

Sister Miller was REALLY late getting online last night because of a zone activity.....at the beach!  She sent along some fun pics!

I've been in the Philippines for 50 weeks and finally made it to the ocean!

Grillin' chicken and fish at the beach!

Sister Hart and I didn't really care for the fish they cooked...so we brought our own!

Sippin' some fresh coconut juice.  The coconuts were huge!
A Tongan missionary climbed the tree and just started kicking them down to us.

The people who were hosting the beach party are American and had just received a box from home that included eight bottles of this!  When I told them where I was from, they very generously gave me one...YUM!

Happy Birthday, America!

Have I told you guys lately how much I am enjoying my mission? Well, this week was no different! 

There was a plethora of things that made this week a good one but let me highlight two things:

First, a prank. This was literally the best prank that has ever been pulled here. It was a little after our apartment family home evening. Sister Hart got a text that read, "Sister Hart, please pack your bags. You are being emergency transferred to Orani. We will be there in an hour to pick you up." It came from an Assistant to the President. Immediately, Sister Hart started to freak out. She was close to tears and, I have to admit, so was I. We all went upstairs to help her pack. She was just talking about all the things she was going to miss (including our 4th of July celebration the next day!) Sister Ete started to take a video seeing as it would be our "last video together". That should have been our first clue. Then Sister Ete got up and left the room as Sister Hart finished packing. The phone buzzed and read "YO HART, YOU JUST GOT PRANKED!!" Now, being frazzled already, poor Sister Hart just didn't get it so she called the "Assistant" who had been texting her only to hear the laughter of Sister Ete on the other line. It was Sister Ete the WHOLE time! No one else knew! We were all freaking out and then had a good laugh. It will go down in prank history! 

Second, INDEPENDENCE DAY!!!! You may be wondering how much a person can celebrate America in the Philippines. Well my dear, sweet friends, you can celebrate it A LOT!! I spent the day with Sister Manilingan, a Filipina, and Sister Hart, an Australian. It was a good time! I dressed them up in red, white, and blue and we all went out to work! We sang patriotic hymns alll day! Sister Manilingan was the most excited! 

All decked out for the holiday!

This is a branch missionary that often works with us.
He LOVED celebrating the 4th of July!

That night we convinced the senior couple to feed us a real American meal. They made ribs, corn on the cob, pasta salad, and cherry limeades! It was AMAZING!!! Easily the best meal I've eaten here in the Peens! I almost felt like I was back in the good ol' US of A!!! #AMERICA! I love it here in the Peens, but I am so grateful to have been born and raised in the United States. I am thankful for all the men and women who have sacrificed to make America the land of the FREE because of the BRAVE. Always remember that freedom isn't free. 

It doesn't get any better than this!

BBQ Heaven!!!

So aside from pranking each other and celebrating America, there were many spiritual things that happened. Everyday I see miracles in our work and have come to realize just how much Heavenly Father influences our day to day lives. I know that He lives and loves each and everyone of us! I am so thankful for all of the many blessings I have in my life. I'm even grateful for all the trials in my life that have helped shape me into the person I am today. 

I love you all!

-Sister Miller