We don't bash, we don't bash, we don't bash...But when we do we win.

The quote is from an elder.. So funny. Also, I apologize for the mixup
of not receiving mail.. I really did get tons and I love it!! Thanks,

Hey fam! Alrighty so I hate to complain... But I'm almost tempted to
not even write a letter to y'all cause I didn't receive ONE email
today! ¿Qué pasó? Haha it's alright though, I still loves yuhs and I
do have quite a lot to share with y'all, so I guess I'll have mercy.
So first off, Joey n Gary Larson came to transfer meeting 😀 haha I
was SO confused but it was the best to finally see them!! I've just
been hearing from unknown elder after elder that Gary Larson says
hello. Also, Sister Lily Bridgewater has arrived!!! What a reunion
THAT was. Her trainer's pretty cool too, I think they'll have fun. My
new companion is Hermanita Brooks!! We met via Facebook before the
mish (so we're obviously best friends haha) and we have been hoping to
be companions! She's from Las Vegas and we came out together. She was
companions with Hna Gruber in the MTC. Man, we are having a blast and
seeing so many miracles. We're basically whitewashing our area of
Kissimmee cause Hna Brooks was only here for 3 weeks and then got
moved to Lake Nona due to an emergency transfer. This area is totally
different from my last one haha. Our ward is English and Spanish
combined and we meet in separate sacrament meetings. Let's just say
our Spanish congregation doesn't even fill the whole relief society
room. We do have two investigators that we set dates with this week!
They had somehow been taught by English missionaries and were passed
to us. Their names are Maria and Johanna. Johanna is Mari's 11 yr old
daughter. They're so so great and came to church yesterday!
Unfortunately they didn't stay all 3 hours, but we're hoping for next
week that they will. Our ward council is also the bomb so I'm so
excited to work with them!
We're on bike just about all day every day cause our miles are almost
shot and we have to save up for zone conference on wed. Saturday we
were on bike from 10am-6:45pm! Pff haha! We hear it was like 98 out
with 98% humidity and I ain't even surprised. I've prolly never been
so sweaty in my entire life. We actually had to stop at a house and
ask for water and sit in their house for 10 minutes cause we were
gettin slightly hysterical hahaha bless our hearts. But the Haitian
couple was so sweet and invited us for dinner (after having us try
GOAT) this week so wish us luck. The other night we had plans to go
see a potential in an area that we aren't in all that often. Steven
answered the door and said that his dad (the potential) doesn't live
there anymore. We shared a bit of our message and asked if there was
anyone in the neighborhood that could use a prayer or anything. He
referred us to his friend down the street but said that he wouldn't
likely be open to it. We went down to Ariel's house and he really
wasn't having it, but when we asked if we could pray for someone, he
asked us to pray for his father with a drinking problem. We showed him
a Mormon message about that and it totally touched his heart! So he is
now wanting to meet with us and Steven. Then we went back to tell
Steven about his friend when his friend Z rides by on his bike... Haha
Hermana Brooks and I totally feed off of each other and just love
talking to everyone so she yells, "Z, HI!". Meanwhile I'm making my
way to the street to catch him and ask him if he wants to come too
haha! So we will be seeing those three this week. We received lots of
referrals this week, it was awesome! One of them from a member was a
part member family- Los Aguilar. We stopped by there and the member
was just saying "soy catolica, soy catolica". But her son Kevin came
to the door and wanted to listen! We taught him the restoration and he
says he will be baptized and he will read the BOM!
We met the funniest 90 yr old lady on Saturday. Just when we thought
our day was interesting, miss Margaret just made it better! Wow she
had so much energy and kept giving us cookies and water saying, "only
baptists do this kinda thing... Imma a good hearted Susie" haha we
were laughing so hard! Ohhhh we got special permission to be with
those Larsons on Friday! Pretty sure you received pitchas already.
They were way too good to us and it was a grand ol time to be with
them. K I think that's about it.. I really didn't take good notes on
what to tell you this week, but I'll do better next week Haha. I love
you all and hope everything is going well!! And maybe if you could
write me a lil somethin next week that would be greatly appreciated 😘

XOXO, Hermana Jackson

So we are emailing via iPad and I didn't receive any emails from the
fam, I was so confused. I turned this thang off and back on and
vwalla, I felt so loved! Haha yeah life is sooo great and sister
brooks and I are lovin life! It's getting so hot.... Haha! I really
think I was sweating from every pore (I hope that's not sacrilegious
but it's truly what I thought). K we were hoping so so bad to teach
Joey on Friday night and the. Plans changed and we we're taken to
Mimi's house. It was still good but we wished to have taught her.. I
prayed and atudied so hard for her. Maybe next time. President berry
told me there is probably a reason why I'm in this area to teach her.
K real quick.... The dirty business. I'm wondering if you'd mind
sending a skirt/dress or two.. Like the stretchy fabric stuff. Like
the ones you sent before. We are on bike every day and those are what
I need. Sister Brooks got some from asos.com and Downeast and they're
so cute! I hope someone still has that 100 dollar gift card I got.
Also.. My shoesies are falling apart. I would love some comfy sperrys
or toms or somethin. I'm so sorry to ask but my feet need somethin
comfy and I really do need skirts or dresses. I gotta run and I'm
sorry there aren't pictures.. The library is closed today. I love you
so much! Ps I hope you got the FB invite! The rules keep changing for
it and I'm trying to follow all of them perfectly. I learned I could
be your friend and invite you to share stuff 😀

Love hna Meggie

Sent from my iPad

Received from Gary and Joey Larson

Hello Ruthann's and mom of sis brooks

Quick intro as Ruthanne knows me but sis brooks mom does not. My name is Joey Larson. My husband, Gary is a member and I am not. We moved our family from Florida long enough to get them through hs (4 kids) then retreated back to Florida to our home/family/business

Along the way we made wonderful friends as did our children. The Lds world can be so very small at times. We knew sis Jackson was called to Spanish speaking Orlando mission. Jackpot as one from Vegas might say. I have tried to have a lunch or dinner with Megan but her mission president allows only within area boundaries. I jumped at chance to help transfer the elders this week ( yes Ruthann in big black truck. Perfect for bikes!) my intel had let me know sis Jackson was transferring but did not know where. Tuesday not only did I get to see sis j but also a few other sisters which I've come to grow fond if and then if course did brooks. Then TGIF best news. They were going to Kissimmee. Childhood home of my husband and town where my children were born. I directly introduced myself to president berry and asked permission to have a dinner date and from that time we planned. 

Things you should know. Both sisters were concerned about being obedient. Both came out together and were in the same house in Mexican MTC. Both dress as if they are siblings. Bright beautiful smiles and new basically new to area. It is big!! They are positive and both met some of Gary's non member family. Mimi is a great pillar in that community. Unfortunately she is old time country and the Spanish speaking areas her band will be of no help. They have bikes and limited miles. They are using a new digital program of member names so they are not sure which are the less active etc. Gary wanted to help as he is Spanish speaking rm and when we left Kissimmee Orlando was still one stake and Kissimmee and St. Cloud were the only two wards. Later a Spanish branch was arranged. But wow has it grown. He did not recognize the bishop it ward mission leader names. He maybe could help but I'm confident the sisters have hit this area and won't be needing much help from us old folks. So bright and energetic. They gave Gary's mother and brothers phone number if they just need a quick
Pit stop if help from some friendly non members. Sis brooks was patient as we reminisced a little. Probably too much, but they are not home sick and in the zone as I call it. Such a pleasure to spend time with them. What a companionship they will make. Thx for sharing your daughters. They are mature young women which has to be do reassuring to the mission president. As we gave spent time in Tampa with our dear friends the cusicks, I have an idea of your life right now Ruthanne. I Kate/house sit when they gave training and if course summer and Christmas we fight over where the Taylor's are sleeping :). We hope to help more once done business weight us lifted. As pres Cusick says they are young but each missionary has a unique characteristic that will help someone in his mission needs it will respond to. Keeping it positive always 240 18-19-20 year olds. And the cusicks have long hard days but are seeing results as elders and sisters mature and learn. Your daughters are much needed and how wonderful that they can lift others also. I would say they are a mission presidents prayer answered. 

So that us my opinion that I wanted to share. If you gave any questions , pls ask. Ruthanne would agree that I pretty much have been around a lot if Lds and non Lds hs and college kids, athletes or musical  ( btw I ratted out sis Jackson and told sis brooks she dies play the piano and has a beautiful voice)
So I know your baby girls look and sound great. Skin, hair even nails beautiful. Composed and polite. The whole package. 
Well done moms

Gary is sending more pics in morning....

Joey

Why I Believe

Hey folks! Que tal? So I missed last week so I've gotta JUMP in and git'er done! I also like the gratitude approach and think I'll use that again :) 

1. Los Brito. So we were riding bikes down Semoran the other day and our day was a struggle haha. Things were falling through, people weren't being nice.. you know. We saw a couple walking with huge grocery bags and stopped to ask them if we could help. I offered to put them on our handle bars and walk with them back to their home. They moved here just about a month ago from Cuba and don't know anyone, don't speak a lick of english and looking for work. They were the nicest couple and we really enjoyed talking with them. They invited us in when we reached their apartment and they and their two daughters listened to our message of the restoration. The dad was a tough cookie cause he clings to his bible. BUT he was super nice and was really excited to read The BOM. They then asked if we'd stay and eat dinner with them! We found out while eating that they had made a dish that they only make for special occasions! They totally spoiled us. If you're not already sure of what it was.. There was a mountain of rice involved haha. They also mentioned that it was a miracle that we stopped to help because she's really sick and those bags were way heavy.

2. Yesterday we were riding on Semoran again when we stopped to talk to a man and his two kids. Before we even said anything he said, "that was so nice of you to carry those bags for those people the other day!" You never know who's watching and what difference it can make! He was so open to what we had to say and I believe that it's because he had seen that small act of service days before.

3. We had another lesson with Warren this week and his aunt (hermana Ramirez) shared a story that touched his heart so perfectly when talking about the Holy Ghost. I continue to be amazed at the difference members make in lessons. He accepted a baptismal date for June 6! 

4. The Alba's (new branch missionaries) accompanied us to Juan and Aurora this week to talk about the 10 commandments and keeping the sabbath day holy. Wow, we've been trying to get them to open up in lessons and the Albas did it perfectly. Juan is tough n quiet, not always a serious person. Hermano Alba asked the perfect question that made Juan cry and open up about an experience he had had. They're progressing slowly, but surely. They also came to the coolest musical fireside on Saturday night called "Why I Believe". Although it was in english and they didn't understand a majority of it, they loved it and really felt the spirit! The music was incredible and all centered on Jesus Christ. There were speakers that bore testimony of (one more time haha) "why they believe".

5. I've been thinking of what I would have said if I were asked to go up. For some reason I've been trying to think of some life-changing experience or something, but I came to the conclusion that it's been little things that have built my testimony to be what it is! Sure, I've had cool/"big" experiences, especially on the mission, but the little things end up making the biggest difference to me.

6. Saturday. Sister Marsh and I have been workin like chickens with our heads cut off this week to prepare the baptism for Hermano John. The time had to be changed last minute, our ward mission leader got super sick and we had to arrange and make the programs, etc. It was nuts haha. We single-handedly arranged his baptism. But what a beautiful day it was!!! John seems like a new, happier person. We then went to the family history center with him and helped him understand how it works and such. He's really excited to find his Mom's side of the family. Then we had a temple tour done by Hno. Mejia. It was SO beautiful. That evening was the baptism of Anne (the one I LOVED on exchanges in Olypia a few weeks back). Man, she's the coolest. We were just drained in all aspects that night haha. But it was the greatest day eva.

7. I'm being transferred. Let me explain haha. I'm not excited to leave because I've really fallen in love with this area and all that comes with it. The miracles we are seeing right now are just... I can't even explain how happy it makes me! But I understand that The Lord needs me somewhere else. I feel totally confident leaving it with Hermanita Marsh. I'm glad I came here. Lookin forward to the new adventure ahead!

I love y'all and it sounds like you're all doing great! Please know how much I appreciate you and your prayers! Also, that I'm well and happy as a clam :)

Con carino, Hermana Jackson

Los Lopez- they're the coolest! 

Sister Perdomo 

This is from Gary and Joey Larsen! They saw Megan and Lily Bridgewater during transfers and sent this picture. It is Lily's first day in the mission! 

I love you Mama

I suppose only pictures will do because I'm swamped today. SORRY! But this last Monday we went to international drive and had a blast with the english sisters :) Turns out BJ's was just opening that day and we were one of their first customers. I really just wanted a pizzookie and then they messed up on my pizza and insisted that they give me something free.. haha YES! I got their newest caramel one.. not sure what it really was, but we finished it pretty quick. Also, I finally got a picture with the upsidedown house. We got stuck in the median place where we took pictures cause no one was walking by so we had to wait like 5 minutes for someone to come push the cross walk button haha!

I gave sister Sillivan my bag.. As stinkin cute as it is, I don't need two and she had been commenting on my kath kidston bags forever!

How awkward is my hand? haha!

To her Mom the day after Mother's Day -

So for the past two weeks I've been taking these for you.. The heart one is slightly rough, but notice Hno. Mejia's Real Madrid jersey from this year hahaha he's so funny. He was so excited when I told him I had been to the final last year and everything. Anyway, I love you so much Mama and miss you tons! sorry this isn't anything too exciting.

XOXO, Megs

Feliz Cinco de Mayo, eh?!

K I'm absolutely AMAZED at how blessed we are lately... I really don't even know how to express how cool it is! haha The heavens have totally just opened and we've seen some MILAGROS this week. Here it goes! Last Sunday we were riding along a sidewalk and stopped to talk to a guy sitting outside his house. He agreed to have us back on Monday! So we taught him the restoration and he was intently listening and actively asking questions. He then asked for us to come back Tuesday! Unfortunately he wasn't there, but we had both been inspired to go visit the cool Mayra (who had read the whole BOM in about a week) who we haven't seen in a while. We prayed to know what to say on the driveway of Ismael and when we opened our eyes a man was looking at us and said, "church people?". He was pretty interested, but what's even cooler is that right when we were done talking to him, Ismael came out and said he was so sorry, but he had to run to his sister's. It was just cool to see that if we weren't still there, we wouldn't have seen him and everything! He told us he has been reading the BOM and really likes it. He also said something about how he hates how much another church drinks and smokes. We'll have to see where he goes, but then when we went to see Mayra, she opened the door as were were parking our bikes! We had a great chat and she wants us to come back because she really liked how she felt when we taught the restoration. Quick side note: that night was a huge rainstorm and we got SOAKED. Basically, it looked like we jumped in a pool haha. I was laughing so hard and absolutely loved it! We were going by a big street and a big wave from a car going through a puddle went right over my head haha! It's been super rainy this week. But when it's not rainy, it's SO humid! Wow, I've heard stories, but I had no idea.
Also, Monday night we had plans to find in a specific apartment complex (the more specific the plans, the better!). We knocked doors and such there and then on the very last door a lil lady poked her head out and said hesitantly, "yeeees?" We told her who we were and she asked WHICH WARD we're in haha. I was absolutely thrown off by that one! Come to find out she's a less-active who has "been on a spiritual quest for 20 years" and just last night she was talking to a friend who wants to get re-baptized. She told him about our church being the only one who does it like the bible says- to be completely submerged and then receive the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. She was so speechless when she realized that we were an answer to her recent prayers! I guess she's been visited 3 different random times by missionaries that have been answers to prayers. It was the coolest thing!! We've seen John 3 times in the past week and we're going through the commandments. Wednesday night we talked about the word of wisdom and although he said it would be tough, he knows it's for the best and he is going to follow it! It was a great lesson and his Dad sat in on it! Thursday we had another lesson... I have never prayed so hard in my heart and had to follow the spirit like I did in this lesson! There were so many long moments of complete silence. The spirit is CRUCIAL to teaching. I was so taken back by the things I was saying and the things sister Marsh said- they surely weren't our own. John is progressing so well and so determined to change his life. I feel like I'm learning just as much as he is haha, this is such a special calling and I sure love the adventure! 

We saw Juan and Aurora earlier in the week and taught the Plan of Salvation again, but with Hermano Filion there. The difference of having a member involved in the conversion process of investigators is like night n day!! He's been so helpful and I really don't think we would be making progress with Juan without the support and ability to explain from a different point of view from hno. Filion. Juan agreed to come to the baptism of the elder's investigator on Friday. We also committed him to pray before then. They did indeed show up and he liked it, but especially the testimonies of a recent convert and another Hermana in the branch. We met with him again yesterday and explained more of baptism and confirmation, resolved some concerns and invited him to be baptized- he accepted the date of June 8th with tears in his eyes as he said, "I know this is a step that I need to take in faith". AHHHHH what's life?! 

Tuesday we got a random call from a member with REFERRALS (underline and insert exclamation points) of her niece and nephew. The Sister in law of the member, se llama Lorna is less-active, but going through a rough time and would like to come back to church and receive lessons. Her two kids- April (16) and Warren (19) are interested as well and we got to teach them that night! They don't have a huge religious background, but they have soft hearts and really enjoyed the first lesson. 

Ok last thing real quick: We got to watch the dedication of the Ft. Lauterdale temple yesterday!!! President Uchtdorf did it and it was the coolest! Anyway, I'm happy as a clam and so stinkin excited to see yall this Sunday!!! woooo. I will be calling Mama and Papa and hoping they can add yall into the Skype. I only have 30 minutes, so please be ready :) I love you all and wish you the best week! P.S If any of you don't have PMG or haven't been reading it, I would like to invite you to do so as Elder Ballard invited us all to do in General Conference!

LOVE, Hermanita Jackson

oh my heavens! that's the coolest thing about Stuart!! Wow, that'll be nuts. K I need to know how to call you via SKYPE. We can only use Skype. I also can't call the rest of the fam. Yall have to add them for me to talk to them. PLEASE quickly email me back with info to call you on Sunday! A number or name or something! I LOVE YOU!!! See you Sunday :) Also, I'm totally excited to tall you about our week this week!

Servicio del templo :) 

I think I'm hilarious.