It's More than Presents...

Joyeux Noël!

Can't decide if I had a white or green Christmas... while we had snow out, I also unexpectedly got a new companion... fresh from the MTC!  

We had one busy week. Tuesday was spent driving to Edmonton; the following day I met my new companion!

Companion switch off

I'm taller then Sister Jones!  

Her name is Sister Jones and she is from Taylorsville Utah! She has 4 brothers; one older who served in Dallas Texas, and three younger. She likes playing any sport. She is also 9 inches taller then me... haha 

Some of the 14 Sisters at the apartment in Edmonton

Thursday we had Christmas Conference! We had different activities such as an escape room, matching scriptures to questions, a gift exchange, a talent show as well. Sister Jones and I then drove to our little apartment in Peace River over 5 hours away. 

Friday and Saturday we did some finding, had a scripture reading lesson with Audrey over the phone, and shared #LightTheWorld with more people.

Sunday was Christmas Eve! We had one hour of church with a beautiful Christmas program including songs, scriptures and stories. We went to visit Audrey and her husband Keith and sang some Christmas songs to them and talked about Christmas traditions. We also stopped by Stella who also lives in Berwyn, and wished her a Merry Christmas. We then had a family Christmas dinner at the McP's and headed home after that. 

CHRISTMAS!!!!!!! Was awesome! Sister Jones and I started by reading then watching the Nativity story from the Bible. We then opened our presents and we combined got a total of 8 pairs of socks. Apparently our feet need to be kept warm from the negative 30 degrees Celsius it was yesterday... haha ?

We then went and spent the day with some members and had Christmas Dinner with them, played games and were able to Skype Sister Jones' family! That was fun! 

In the midst of all these festivities I hope we were all able to remember the ultimate gift that has been given to each one of us, IF we accept it. Christ is the gift. He has given so much more then anyone can give us. It is because of Him that we are able to repent and be forgiven of our mistakes. It is because of Him that we can get strength, support, and comfort in times of need or trial. He is the reason we can live together as families after this Earth life, IF we accept Him and His gift into our life. He has shown us the way and it is through Him that we will always succeed. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Love,

Sister Tatjana Zumbach

Setting Our Sight on Christ

Bonjour!

What a busy week! It has flown by!

This week I had the opportunity to study more about my Saviour through scriptures, Hymns and Preach My Gospel. I am so grateful that as I have been learning more about Him, I am learning how to be more like Him. I was also happy to review the messages from the Christmas Devotional–If you haven't listened to the three talks yet, go do it!

Did Companionship inventory at DQ!

Opened up our gifts from each other... Because we can

Opened up our gifts from each other... Because we can!

Companion street!

Helping Sister M pack up gifts for home

President Uchtdorf said: “During this beloved Christmas season, it is fitting that we take delight in the lights, music, gifts and glitter. This is all a part of why we love this time of year so much.

“But let us never forget that we are disciples and followers of Jesus Christ, the living Son of the living God. To truly honour His coming into the world, we must do as He did and reach out in compassion and mercy to our fellowmen.”

How have you been able to “reach out in compassion and mercy” towards others?

Amidst all our appointments this week and other activities, we had some service planned for this particular day. As Sister Machado and I were walking out of our apartment to go do this service, we saw a man that might have been struggling at this time of year. We had walked passed him before turning back and sharing the #LightTheWorld video with him. He really liked it and thanked us for showing it to him. We again started on our way to our service activity, when we had the impression to walk back and get some items from our pantry to give to him. Unfortunately we were not quick enough, for when we walked out, he was gone…

Trusting that everything happens for a reason and that there are no coincidences, we saw him again a couple days later and were able to give him the bag that we had prepared for him. His gratitude was shown by his smile lighting up his face.

I know that as I have been able to turn to my Saviour this Christmas, have been able to remember the true meaning of the season, and to set my sight on Him. I pray we will all set our sights on Him, and follow in His footsteps.

Lots of love! 

And MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Sister Tatjana Zumbach

Stars Were Gleaming

Bonjour!

How is everyone doing with #LightTheWorld?

This week I've thought about light. It is something radiant and bright. Like the Wise Men of old, we all at times seek that light in our moments of darkness.

This week had its ups and downs. The highlights however were that as we texted and called some people early this week to invite them to the Christmas Dinner, we received responses from several of them saying they would love to come!

Various pictures from Friday's Christmas Dinner

The theme was Come to Bethlehem. We had dinner, followed by a small program of carolling, presentation of symbols of Christmas, and a message by the Branch President. Not all those we had invited were able to make it due to being sick but we did have a family of five, a couple, and several of the members had invited friends also!

We were also able to meet with some of those we had texted and called before, and after the party, for those who weren't able to make it out. We were able to share #LightTheWolrd many times! ☺

My purple winter accessories! 

In person District Meeting this week

After one of those visits we were observing the beautifully starlit night sky. I saw two shooting stars; however we were mesmerized by this one constellation. It was dim if we looked at it straight on yet if we looked at it from the corner of our eye it became much brighter. It made me think of sometimes we lose focus or something's value is dimmed as we go through the motions. I would invite everyone to keep Christ at the centre of your holidays. Let His light shine through you and into your Christmas season. He is the reason for the season.

Lots of love!

Sister Tatjana Zumbach

Pressing Forward

Bonjour from Grand Prairie!

It has been a very busy week.

Surprise Party!!

 Elders decorating for the "Party" 

Thursday we celebrated Sister Machado's Birthday early with the O's they are so sweet and got a cake and gifts for the occasion. 

We started off our December of Christlike service by pushing a car that was stuck in the snow (yes it keeps piling up!). We also dropped off a care package to Audrey, to bring some light into her life this Christmas season. 

 Exchange with Sister A & Sister St O

We spent Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning in Fairview. We are responsible for this area as well as the Peace River area. We attended a fun Christmas Party with a Chinese Gift exchange and charades guessing Christmas Hymns! 

Sunday afternoon, Monday and today are being spent in Grand Prairie with the Sister Training Leaders! We had exchanges and I enjoyed the company of Sister A. She and I had a great exchange, planning out a surprise "party" for Sister Machado yesterday, sharing #LIGHTtheWORLD with others, and learning from each other through the theme of Pressing Forward. 

"Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life" 2 Nephi 31:20

I would have to say that although missionary work is hard at times, as I turn to rely on Jesus Christ all things are possible. He is my strength and in Him do I hope, through Him do I love. I am so  grateful for my Saviour and all he has done for me. That I will be able to overcome my trials, weakness and pains through Him. I love Him dearly and am grateful to be a representative of Him this Christmas. 

Merry Christmas! 

Lots of love,

Sister Tatjana Zumbach

#Light the World

Bonjour!!!


We keep on getting snow, which is putting us in the Christmas spirit. We also were given a tree by one of our members!! So we will be decorating it later on! 

 Making Mexican chicken tacos!

We spent part of our Preparation day last week at a member's house and we made chicken tacos! They were very yummy and very Mexican haha ☺

Moi making an ornament craft

We went to a Christmas tree lighting in the park the other evening, and they also had fireworks! What a great way to start off the holiday season–with colourful fireworks! They were serving hot chocolate, hot dogs and gave out these goody bags that had crafts in them so once we got home we both got crafting. 

What an exciting time to be a missionary!! The Church is doing the #Light the World campaign again this year!!! I am so excited!!!!!! 

It is such a great way to reach out and serve others the way that Christ taught us in the Bible. If you go to mormon.org you can print off an advent calendar and watch the videos that go with each day! Please let me know how you #light the world this Christmas season! 

Best wishes, and lots of love!

Sister Tatjana Zumbach

Our Message as Missionaries

Bonjour!

We got food at A&W...
since when does an egg sandwich come in a hamburger bun?!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! We have had lots of cold days. Hats, kids, scarves, and layers! Lots of layers! 

We were able to visit Audrey again this week. She is progressing really well! In a text conversation we were having she told us that the answer she was getting to her prayers to the specific questions we asked her to pray about was that it's all true...!!!!!!! Awesome! And then, after we asked her what a next step could be she said to be baptized!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AWESOME x infinity!!!!!! We are so excited that she is accepting the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. I know a lot of members say "I don't know where I'd be without the gospel in my life". I would have to say there would be a lot different in my life. 

Sister Machado and moi watching the Face to Face with Elder Ballard and Elder Oaks

I am so grateful for the blessing that the restored gospel of Jesus Christ brings to my life. I  know that Joseph Smith was a chosen prophet from God and through him, God brought forth the Book of Mormon as Another Testament of Jesus Christ. Through the Book of Mormon we are able to become closer to our Saviour and Redeemer. We know that Christ's church has been restored in these last days and that we have prophets today. 

I invite all of you to further your knowledge of Christ and learn about the message missionaries like me share about the restoration. I know it brings peace and comfort to the soul. 

Lots of love!

Sister Tatjana Zumbach

Peace in Repentance

Bonjour!

Our week started quiet and turned out super busy! 

We were able to teach our friend, A, out in Berwyn over the phone. It was so awesome because when we asked her about the pamphlet and the Book of Mormon we had dropped off, she said she had read the pamphlet and had started the Book of Mormon! We hadn't introduced it yet to her so that was awesome!! She keeps telling us that we are good teachers and she always feels good when we talk to her or visit her. We keep testifying that the message we share is true and that she can have that lasting good feeling of peace as she continues on this path that will bring her closer to Jesus Christ.

Saturday was Remembrance Day. What a blessing it is to live in this beautiful country where we can enjoy peace and freedom. The ceremony we attended had some Air Cadets, Rangers, Sheriffs and Royal Canadian Mounted Police! It was so powerful to have them march in. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to share the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ with others in Canada.

Sunday we picked up the Valleyview Sisters on our way to Edmonton for our Mission Tour/Zone Conference Monday!! Yesterday was amazing!!! 

We had Elder Schwitzer, an Area Seventy, who has been in the missionary department as a medical adviser, come give us training with his wife. 

We started off by a Sisters' Meeting with Sister Schwitzer and Sister Pattison. It was awesome because we talked about Spiritual Gifts! Then Elder Schwitzer and President Pattison arrived. Elder Schwitzer told us that he is the one who suggested to the Twelve Apostles and the First Presidency that Sister Missionaries wear pants in the countries with infected mosquitoes. He shared that when this idea was presented to the First Presidency, President Monson said "We should do everything to protect our Sisters". SOOOOO POWERFUL! These men are truly inspired! 

Elder Schwitzer's training later to us Elders and Sisters had to do with helping others understand repentance and how to support them on the path to eternal life. 

I want to testify that I know that as we turn to Christ's Atonement HE WILL CARRY US through. He suffered what we have gone, are going, and will go through. He allows us to turn to Him for peace as we come to Him with a broken heart and contrite Spirit. I love this gospel, and I love my Saviour Jesus Christ. 

Lots of love, 

Sister Tatjana Zumbach

Conversion & Frogs

Bonjour!


I hope everyone had a good Halloween! We had the chance to carve another pumpkin at a member's house! So we both carved it and made it abstract!


The snow has arrived to stay! We have to bundle up every day now. 7 weeks until Christmas!!!!!!

We had the chance to teach the Young Women class Sunday. They are sweet girls. We talked about conversion. Conversion is an ongoing process that we need to constantly work at to continue to grow and develop, otherwise we will not progress. We used a frog cycle to demonstrate this. And it doesn't end once you are a full grown frog! Nope, we told the girls that it continues, you simply get to do it with your children and grandchildren, and it never ends! 

This transfer I'm going to deepen my conversion in the Gospel of Jesus Christ by taking more time to study the Book of Mormon and to review the General Conference talks. I invite everyone to join me and to share with me what you are learning as you continue to deepen your conversion in our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Have a great week! 

Lots of love!

Sister Tatjana Zumbach

Talk to Him!

Bonjour! Happy Halloween!!!

It has been a quite week. I celebrated my half Birthday with some Mexican treats! It was also Sister Machado's 10-month mark Saturday. We are going to a Mexican food restaurant later to celebrate! 

We had our first snowfall Wednesday... It was actually all the surrounding areas to Peace River that got the snow, so we got into our car in Peace River where there is no snow and as we drive 15 minutes to Grimshaw the scenery slowly changes and poof there is snow!!! Sister Machado and I did have a small snowball fight. 

We had District meeting Thursday (pictures). We talked about stress and comp unity. Our District leader challenged us to compliment our companion everyday. 

As the transfer finishes this week, I have been doing some pondering on what I have learned these past 5 weeks. I can say for a surety that God lives, that His Son, Jesus Christ lives. That through them I have been made stronger and have learned what it means to rely on them for the strength I need in my weakness. I am not perfect, however, as I rely on them each day, they make up the difference. I would encourage all of you to turn to God in prayer and in His Son's name tell Him what you are grateful for, tell Him your weakness, ask for the strength to endure them, offer up the desires of your heart. He already knows, but like our parents on Earth want to hear about how things are going in our life, our Heavenly Father wants us to talk to Him as well! So talk to Him! He will give you comfort. He will bring you peace. He will give you the strength, provided by His Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Turn to them. Rely on them. It has worked for me. It is working for people we teach. It can and will work for you.

With lots of love,

Sister Tatjana Zumbach

Together vs Alone

Bonjour! What a weekend of fun! 

Started by 8 Sisters in an apartment! Party!! 

Friday was P-day, and we got together as a Zone to carve pumpkins! Fun times!!!! Pictures included of the event!  That evening we gathered as Sisters to sing to a man who is about to get baptized in the Sister Training Leaders' (Sister S & Sister F) area. It was awesome to sing I Am a Child of God all together. 

Saturday we had Zone Conference! We had amazing training all morning, and were ready for lunch... to discover no one had prepared any food! Now this has not happened in 16 years! So President Pattison took us out to lunch–breaking some number rules of missionaries gathered in public haha.

Pictures are included of that event too! 

Being gathered together with other missionaries made me think of how there is strength in numbers. There is a greater unity and confidence that comes being surrounded by others that have the same desire to follow Jesus Christ and serve the Lord. However, in my studies yesterday, I was reading about Nephi and the ridicule he went through from others around him; his own family even. Like Nephi, sometimes we do not have others to uplift us or help us follow Christ. We have to have the same courage to stand up for what we believe; we have to have the courage to stand alone. I would encourage you all to watch this video with President Monson relating a personal experience. 

Dare to Stand Alone

If you have your own personal experience, I'd love to hear it! Stand together as one, or dare to stand alone if necessary.

Have a great week getting ready for Halloween! 

Lot of love!

Sister Tatjana Zumbach

Influence of the Deceased

“The night the [Missionaries] left a Book of Mormon with me, I was thrilled... I stayed up reading until I came to Mosiah 18, where Alma invites the people to be baptized: ‘Behold, here are the waters of Mormon … and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, … what have you against being baptized?’” (Mosiah 18:8, 10).” 

“I fell asleep reading those words, and I had a dream. I was standing near a beautiful body of water like the Waters of Mormon. On the other side of the water stood people dressed in white—my family! My husband, who had been killed in the war, was smiling and beckoning me to be baptized.” 

Wouldn't it be awesome if everyone that met missionaries could have a similar experience? 

Well this week we almost had that experience. As I have been serving in the same area that my Grandmother (whom I have never met in this life) lived and first was introduced to the church, I have been more attentive to moments she could be present. 

The town where my grandmother was born

In the small community that she grew up in, we met a lady that we told we were sharing a message on eternal families. She said we could come back Wednesday. On the return visit we taught her about the Plan of Salvation. She told us that it brought so much comfort and joy, especially as she had recently lost a son. She told us that our meeting was timely, and got emotional. We all three felt the Holy Ghost very strongly. I testified to her that we not only were feeling God's love, but we were also feeling the love and joy of her deceased loved ones. She might not have recognized it, but I know that they were present in that brief moment. 

We met some Catholic Sisters 

I know that angels walk beside us, and that those that can't yet can still influence us and their loved ones in this glorious path back to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, that we might dwell with them and our families in the Celestial Kingdom. As Elder Cook has said: "Don’t underestimate the influence of the deceased in assisting your efforts and the joy of ultimately meeting those you serve".

Lot of love!
Sister Tatjana Zumbach

Reason to Give Thanks

Bonjour! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I hope everyone had a great weekend! It was a great time to reflect on what I am grateful for in life.. which includes all of you!  

Moi and Peace River 

dance party with the Travelling Sisters

We had exchanges with the Travelling Sisters in our mission, Sister C and Sister H, Tuesday evening. Wednesday they gave us some training on member missionary work. Which is a great help to missionaries and brings about many blessings! 

Friday we had the chance to watch Elder Robert D. Hales' funeral. What a powerful service it was, with messages given by his fellow brethren who truly love him and honour him. I know that they are all called of God, and how thankful I am to Heavenly Father to call Prophets and Apostles and other church leaders to lead and guide His church.

Sunday we did this fun activity of counting our blessings. Can you name a 100 things you're grateful for? I know you can if we break it down to 10 categories: Write 10 living people you are grateful for.   Write 10 people who have died you are grateful for.   Write 10 physical abilities you are grateful for.   Write 10 material possessions you are grateful for.   Write 10 things about nature you are grateful for.   Write 10 things about today you are grateful for.   Write 10 places on earth you are grateful for.   Write 10 modern-day inventions you are grateful for.   Write 10 foods you are grateful for.   Write 10 things about the gospel you are grateful for. Literally counting our blessings increases our emotional health!

Yesterday concluded the long weekend. We had the opportunity to teach the Plan of Salvation lesson twice. As we taught this Plan, it was a great opportunity to bear my testimony of and gratitude for the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I know that He suffered pain, afflictions and death, to then rise again, so that we may all be resurrected also, to live with Him, our Father in Heaven, and our families forever; if we choose to have faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repent, are baptized and receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost by someone holding the Priesthood, and as we endure to the end. I am so grateful that this is my calling as a missionary, to invite others to come unto Christ. To teach them His Gospel.

Lots of love!

Sister Tatjana Zumbach

A Special Witness of Jesus Christ

Bonjour!

There is so much to tell! 

First it was transfers! Big surprise, I was transferred to Peace River and my follow-up trainer and I are washing the area!! Sister Young and I drove down to Edmonton, where I met up with my new companion, Sister Machado. She is from Texas and likes to be active!

Sister Young and her new companions with me & Sister Machado

We stayed in Edmonton Wednesday through Friday as we had a Special Sisters Training! So. Much. FUN! It was awesome to be gathered with the 52 other Sisters that I serve with in the Edmonton Mission!  We started the event with a clothing exchange Thursday with dinner. Friday morning started off with a group workout, led by an older lady who knew how to make us sweat! After showers, we had uplifting messages and workshops. Again, so awesome to be surrounded by other Sisters with the desire to serve the Lord and be a special witness of Him.

Sister Machado and I drove our 7-hour drive up to Peace River... long yet beautiful drive! We haven't had much time to explore the area, and meet people as we had an amazing weekend with General Conference!!! IF YOU DID NOT WATCH IT, REPENT, AND GO WATCH ALL FOUR SESSIONS! Elder Neil L. Andersen gave a powerful talk at the very end of Conference. It was an amazing talk to sum up Conference, and encourage us to listen and take to heart what we have learned and to apply what we were encourage to do. 

Please let me know what was your favourite part of Conference! Here is the link if you missed it or need to review the talks: General Conference

I know we are led by a Prophet today who is called of God to lead Christ's church on the earth today. I know that the Prophet's Counsellors and the 12 Apostles are also called of God to be special witnesses of His son, Jesus Christ. What an honour it is to be a missionary with the same sacred calling to be a witness of Him who is our Saviour and Redeemer. I know it is by developing faith in Him and following His example that we are able to live as families forever in the presence of God, our Heavenly Father, and His son, Christ. How grateful I am to a loving God that like times of old has called Prophets and restored the Priesthood to perform these saving ordinances.

Have a great week! 

Love,

Sister Tatjana Zumbach

Come listen...

Bonjour!

It was a great week! Sister Young and I had many adventures!

Last Tuesday evening we picked up a member for a lesson in Cold Lake North; as we were getting into the car I said hello to this guy walking by (I wanted to give him a card, but we were getting into the car), as I turned the car around and drove by him, I told Sister Young we need to give him a card, so I pulled the car over and we rolled  the windows down. As she gave him the card he said he had one just like it on his fridge! He said he had seen the church because he lives in Cherry Grove. We talked to him for a good couple more minutes before driving off to our lesson. 

Saturday was General Conference kick-off with the General Women's Broadcast! Ladies, if you didn't get a chance to listen to it here is a link! It was fantastic! It was so good that walking into church the following day, someone had already illustrated President Uchtdorf's talk!!

Tracting Sunday evening was awesome, a lot of people asked us to come back and talk more about Jesus Christ and His restored gospel. We also did a Book of Mormon Map with a man who was really impressed that we knew that Jesus Christ had visited the Americas. After we had left his house he came out to the street to ask us where he could find the Book of Mormon to share with his mother.

We visited our investigators in Bonnyville yesterday, and helped them all set up General Conference on their computers so they could watch it on line this coming Saturday and Sunday! 

I encourage all of you to take time to listen to one of the sessions of General Conference. How blessed we are to hear from the Prophet, apostles and other leaders of the church! What marvellous counsel, advice and inspiration they give us! I know that I always get something out of watching these chosen men and women speak to us. I would encourage all of you to attend or watch it on line, and to do so with a question (Is Thomas S. Monson a Prophet? How can I help My family be more unified? How can I find comfort in troubled times?). I know that if you sincerely ask you will get the answer. 

I would love to get emails next week telling me which was your favourite part of Conference, something that inspired you, or a quote you really liked!

Love you all!

Sister Tatjana Zumbach

He sends Angels

Bonjour! 

I wanted to start off with this thought that President Pattison sent as part of his message at the beginning of the month. "President Kimball said many years ago, 'it is usually through another person that [God] meets our needs.' God sent an angel to His son Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane to strengthen Him... Today He is calling you to strengthen others of His children that He loves and wants to save, so they can fulfil their purpose. It will be through you that lives are changed. I promise you that as you reach out and touch another, you will feel God’s hand touch you."

We have been doing lots of tracting in the evening recently. Due to our evenings spent walking door to door it is apparent that the sun has started to set earlier and it becomes dark out, the sky being navy blue as early as a half hour before we go in for the night. This change sometimes brings a winding down feeling which could slow down the work. Thankfully, Sister Young loves tracting and her enthusiasm for it rubs off on me. It has been several nights in a row now where we have been out knocking on doors, and people might not be interested yet are polite about it. However, every night there has been someone that we talk with longer then the others.

One night we talked to a man who has had many things happen in his life and thought God was having a good laughs. We shared with him that bad things happen to good people and that Heavenly Father allowed things to happen to us to be able to learn and grow.

The following night, at the last house we knocked on, we met a man who let us in. We talked to him about the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, which he was really interested in the pamphlet and the Articles of Faith. As he has questions about things he is currently reading in Revelation, he has asked if we could answer them, as he is seeking to understand the scriptures. We will be meeting later this week. 

Last night, again the last lady we talked to had heard of and had a copy of the Book of Mormon but had never heard that Jesus Christ had visited the people living in the Americas. Sister Young shared a scripture from her studies, which brought the Spirit in great abundance and we all felt it.

Lastly, last night, first lady we talked with we showed her and her daughter the Book of Mormon Map. They were really interested in it, and asked if she could read it on line! We also gave them the map and she suggested to her daughter could show it to her father! How awesome! A couple doors after, a lady said to come back Wednesday, because it was her day off, another guy asked us to come back tomorrow as he was putting his kids to bed. Several houses later, and the last one we ended up knocking on last night, a young father opened it and let us in from the cold, darkening night. He is seeking to find more knowledge. He was really interested when we talked about having prophets in biblical times and now today. He invited us to come again to talk more.

So we have seen all these different scenarios of evening tracting that have been rewarding in the end, even if we might not see some of those people we talked to again. We know that we were in the right places, speaking to Heavenly Father's children and bring them His love and peace. I know Heavenly Father loves all of us and often sends His help through others. 

Love you all!
Sister Tatjana Zumbach