Exchanges in Blythe, CA

Hello friends and family!!! 

This was another wonderful week of serving in the Lord's vineyard- the best place to be! Here are a few highlights:

☆ exchanges with the Hermana's in Blythe! Sister Mudrow and I drove 2 1/2 hours to California and spent the next 24 hours with our favorites! It was a great time! 

Sister Klvacek and I had a super cool experience finding and setting a guy on date for baptism. We had driven down this dark dirt road in the middle of nowhere. We knocked on the door and asked for Daniel but the people living there told us he lives in a trailer in their backyard. So Sister Klvacek and I made our way through this dirt backyard full of random trash. His trailer was all dark on the door was wide open, a little sketchy. But we called for Daniel and he ended up coming to the door. After talking to him a little bit and finding out that he was very familiar with the church, we began asking him a few questions. He said he believes the Book of Mormon is the word of God and actually reads it everyday, knows Joseph Smith is a prophet, and feels like God is leading him to this church. It was AMAZING! So we set him on date for January 7th. 

It's times like those where I know God knows each one of us. He was aware of Daniel and wants the best for him. God is in the very details of our lives and I know He is guiding me to those who are searching for this gospel. It's incredible. I just love it! I love God!

☆ Jamaal's family is still doing awesome! We had 2 lessons with them this week and it was so good! The next day, Aaliyah (8 years old), was telling all her friends about how when your baptized, your sins are all washed away. But you also need to get the Holy Ghost which is like fire "but don't worry, you're not actually going to catch on fire." One of her friends asked her what church she goes to and she responded saying, "only the BEST church ever!!!" Hahah so cute! I love that family and am so excited for them!

☆ we set a goal for the week to find 12 new people to teach. Well, by the Saturday we had only found 4 wonderful people. But we knew that God had more children for us to find! So Sunday Sister Mudrow and I went to drop a gift off at one of our recent converts house. Before we got out of the car, we prayed for a miracle and asked Him to lead us to those people. Not but 30 minutes later, we found a couple just moving in, a lady CAME UP TO US and asked to learn what we teach, and then we knocked on this guys door and shared a message with him and he thanked us, said he really needed to hear that today, and wanted us to come back. We were blown away. God is so good and I know he performs miracles.

I love you all. I hope you've had a great week. If you ever need anything, please let me know. I'm here for you!

“Because He came to earth, we have a perfect example to follow. As we strive to become more like Him, we will have joy and happiness in our lives and peace each day of the year. It is His example which, if followed, stirs within us more kindness and love, more respect and concern for others."

I love my Savior Jesus Christ. I know because He came to earth, we have purpose in our life. Because He came, we can repent. Because He came, we can live after we die and be with our families forever. What a blessing and reason to REJOICE! MERRY CHRISTMAS!! 

love,

sister coon

pictures!!

- dinner with the sweet Russell's

- exchanges with the Blythe sisters!

- hot cocoa 

- dinner with Sister Renner- she always spoils us 

- baby liza! UGH I MISS HOLDING BABIES

- Sister Klvacek and I about to set Daniel on date!!

- delivering Christmas gifts

- district council with the lake mohave district 

- love ya Sister Mudrow

- Sister Bradshaw!! 

- always SO dead at the end of the night

- pday activity making gingerbread houses and playing sprout ball

Aggresive Cats

Hey Hey Hey!!!

Another week has come and gone and I can't believe it! Here's a few miracles from this week:

☆ one night this week we were in an apartment complex going to knock on this guy named Jorge's door, who was previously taught by some other missionaries. We get up to the door and there's this note saying how he has an aggresive cat and not to knock the door but if you needed him, to call and gave his name and number. So what did we do? Gave him a call and had an amazing conversation with him! He ended up coming to church yesterday with his 4 year old son and really liked it! He went to primary and after 2nd hour, the primary teacher came up to us saying how Cole, this friend, had SO many questions!! Then this morning, we got a text from him asking what the purpose of life is? He is SO prepared!!! I'm just BLOWN away!! What a cool miracle! Pray for Cole!

☆ Remember how last week was such a hastle getting a family we're teaching get to church? Well, the Lord consecrated our efforts and they came this week! A family of 6 and they LOVED it!! The kids all agreed they wanted to come again next week. We were also able to have a really good lesson with them about the gospel and set three of the kids who can get baptized on date!! So exciting!!! The mom, Rachel who is a member, wants them to be baptized on February 4th so they have time to learn more (and so it's warmer the kids say haha). But hopefully we can bump that date up sooner!

☆ Another AMAZING miracle from church yesterday!!! Right before Sacrament meeting started, this guy came up to us and said that he was visiting but his son, who is inactive, and family came to church with him and his granddaughter has not been baptized yet! So we went over and sat next to her and chatted for a bit. Her name is Amy, she's 10 and we're besties haha. After Sacrament meeting, I asked her, "So have you been baptized before? ... No?! Well I'm a missionary and I help people get baptized! Do you want to be baptized?!" She very excitedly said YES so I told her to ask her dad. She came running back to us and said he said yes!!! So we're going to stop by her house tonight.

Isn't that so crazy!!! Wow God is good. This month we had felt very inspired that there were 3 souls who could get baptized. Last week I had no clue who that would be but God continues to amaze me and perform miracles! I love being a missionary!!! This is just incredible work. I hope you have a wonderful week!! Keep being wonderful! 

Love, 

Sister Coon

Pictures!!!

- this lady came up to me and said she was a Coon too! Another cousin!!! So we had to take a pic haha

- ward Christmas party

- we all got new 2023 Equinoxes

- Harley and her mom came to mutual!

- the Blythe sisters spent the night with us before Zone conference

More Miracles!!

Hello everyone!!! Merry Christmas! I hope you all had a wonderful week and were able to see God's hand in your life! I know He's there!

SO many miracles this week and really, not a lot of rejection! It was amazing!

☆ One night, we were out with a member going to lessons and talking to everybody outside. Right as we were about to get in our car to go home, these 2 ladies and a teenage girl come up to us. "Hey!!! Are you the missionaries or Jehovah Witnesses??" After talking to them a little bit, the mom said that she is a member and wants her daughter, Harley, to get baptized!! We had a lesson with her later that week and are having one tonight. She's so fun and I'm so excited for her!! Keep her in your prayers please!

☆ I had my first mission leadership council!! It was such a humbling experience to be surrounded by so many amazing missionaries. We discussed the needs of the mission and created a mission improvement plan for the month of December. I love my mission!

☆ a struggle from this week: we had 2 families wanting to come to church but they didn't have a ride. So we put SOOOO much effort to get them one and it was really difficult because we only have 2 active families in Laughlin and they didn't have enough seats. We ended up calling every single dot in Laughlin and no one was willing to give them a ride. It was disappointing! But then, with 15 minutes left of the night, we got a call from 2 members saying that they can bring our friends to church!!!! A MIRACLE!!!

So we called and texted our two friends, but no answer. So we drove to Riverwood and RAN to their apartment to let them know they have a ride. It was so fun!! Both of them were like, "did you just run here?" Hahah too funny!

BUT THEN, Sunday morning came around and both of our friends cancel. It was rough. But hopefully they'll come next week!! That Satan sure does work hard but he won't stop us haha. I know everything will work out! The Lord sees and will consecrate our efforts.

☆ One more miracle to mention: last night, we were led to this neighborhood and as soon as we got out of the car, there was a family standing outside their house. We talked to them and ended up teaching the whole Restoration. As Sister Mudrow was stating the First Vision the lady goes, "you are just glowing right now. I can see the love that you have for this. Seriously you're beaming." It was amazing.

I love this work! The Lord continues to amaze me everyday. I read this scripture in my studies this week and I love it. 

Mosiah 15: 28-30

"28 And now I say unto you that the time shall come that the salvation of the Lord shall be declared to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people.

   29 Yea, Lord, thy watchmen shall lift up their voice; with the voice together shall they sing; for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion.

   30 Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem; for the Lord hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem."

Break forth into joy! The Lord is preparing His people, especially this Christmas season. So let us have the faith to invite our friends to hear this great message! I know it will bless their lives so much.

I love you all!! Have a wonderful week!!

Love,

Sister Coon

Pictures!!

- in our favorite apartment complex, Riverwood, where we find so many people! Also we were matching with our black and brown outfits haha

- mission leadership council!

- drusilla! The next Monday after her baptism, she went back to work and her boss came up to her multiple times and said, "there's something different about you... you are glowing!" So cool how people can physically see the change 

- break during MLC (which was needed because we were there from 9am- 4:40pm)

- pday making fruit pizza + playing basketball!

Letter to Dad

Hello Sister Coon!

How are you doing with the latest changes? Sis Woodrow (sp?) sounds like a great missionary. Are you working well together? How about the STL duties and responsibilities? Keep the smile on while working hard and you will prosper. 

Grant came by last night to deliver a Peloton Bike for Katie's Christmas. He was very excited. (You know how he gets) He is a gift and words guy. Little Ben is getting better with the added family member but it's been a challenge for him. He got very concerned when the Newby was using his bath chair... "Ben, do you want to take a bath?" He does not like it that much but he said YES. When it came to getting in, he was not for it. Funny kid. Katie is feeling a bit better but it has been tough. Originally she said it was easier then the c-section, today she said she would rather go c-section. 

Paul called last night and asked if I wanted to buy the season pass he got for Ryan. Ryan doesn't want to ski this year... I said just wait until he has a few kids under his belt and he will dream of when he could hit the mountain on a whim and on his dad's dime. Really, I don't think he likes Paul. He was really tough on Ryan when he was growing up. It could also be that when things come easy, we don't appreciate them as much. 

Hannah is doing great. Her ALA soccer team is good and she plays 1st string. She has such strong opinions and is a powerful player. She lets all know where she stands. She has the boyfriend and wants to go to the Winter Formal a couple of weeks before her 16 B-Day. What are your thoughts? 

James and Meg have stayed with us for the week. So fun, that little baby is cute and sweet. Doesn't cry much and is so good. They are a great couple, working hard to care for Ivy and one another. 

I still love Mom very much and as of this morning, I am pretty sure she loves me  

The Restored Gospel is on the earth for our help and protection. It is the right way and I want my family in the chairs that are waiting beyond the veil. I love you and find myself holding your picture up for an extra minute so I can remember your brilliant smile and feel your warm spirit. Keep working and having fun while you do it. 

You are loved forever and always!

Dad 

Hi Dad!

I've been dealing with the new changes pretty well! This weekend was kind of hard because we put SOOOOOO much effort into getting our friends to church. We were planning on having 4 families and 1 other guy come. Everyone had rides and everything. But then Sunday morning came and only one person showed up. So that was disappointing. But I'm grateful for the one person! And I know the Lord sees our efforts so it will all work out. Hopefully next week more will come! We have an inspired goal of having 3 baptisms this month. Don't know how it's going to happen but we felt like that's what the Lord wanted. So we're going to put in all of our effort and I know the Lord will take care of the rest. Pray for that please!

Sister Mudrow is wonderful! She's a fabulous teacher and a good friend. We've been having lots of fun together. It's so nice when you both love eachother and work hard.

Being an STL has been good! The sisters are great and there hasn't been any correcting we've had to give so I'm grateful. We have zone conference in Kingman this Tuesday and then exchanges with the Kingman Sisters right after until that next Wednesday evening so I'll be over there! It should be fun! I'm excited!

We had Mission Leadership Council this week and it was a very humbling experience. It's incredible to be surrounded by such amazing people and to receive revelation to improve the mission. We were there from 8:30am-4:40pm. Long day! But it was good!

It sounds like you've had a good week and the family is doing well. I love hearing all of the little stories! You say Hannah is wanting to go to homecoming with Isaac? Hmm. That girl There's going to be more dances in the future. She can wait a few more weeks! She'll be greatly blessed if she does!

I love you and miss you dad. I'm so grateful for what a great father you are. Thank you for everything! So excited to talk today!

Love,

Sister Coon

December 1, 2022

Letter from Grandma Dayley for Christmas 2022

Dear Annie,

 

I wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas during this special Christmas season.  We are enjoying your letters and experiences that you are writing about.  It sounds like you love your mission  I know the members and the people you are meeting and teaching love the time you spend with them.

 

I want to thank you for choosing to go on a mission and serve Heavenly Father and Jesus.  I think back and appreciate the missionaries that taught Dad about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  I was raised in a part member family so I know what it is like to not have the Gospel taught in my home and to not go to Church as a family.  When I was 12 years old, I remember riding the bus with other Lovell kids to Idaho Falls to the temple to do baptisms for the dead.  That was my first exposure to a temple.  When we were in the chapel, we had a testimony meeting.  I had never bore my testimony before but the wonderful feeling in the temple seemed like the world was on the outside of the temple doors and I liked that feeling.  It was there I decided that I wanted a temple marriage someday.  I also remember bearing my testimony (for the first time) and saying that I wished my family could come to the temple and be a forever family.  I had to wait 10 years before my prayer was answered.

 

I was 22 years old when Dad was baptized  (on May 31, 1967)  One day Dad’s friend came in the store and asked, “Bill, what made you decide to join the Church?”  Dad answered, “Almie, for many years before I joined the Church, my family went to Church each Sunday without me and I stayed home puttering around.  I could see they had something I didn’t have  Then I got two good home teachers, Keith Allred and Paul Clark (they happened to be Stake missionaries) and they asked me if I would like to take the missionary lessons and I was ready.

 

After Dad was baptized, I said, “Dad, it isn’t bad being baptized at 44 years of age and having your sins forgiven.”  Dad replied, “No, it is real nice but you are better off, Linda, because you have had the influence of the Church all of your life.”

 

I just wanted you to know how I love missionaries.  They have blessed my life.

 

I love you,

 

Grandma Dayley

New Leadership Assignment

01 Dec 2022

 

 

To the Family of Sister Annette Coon

3455 E PARKVIEW DR

GILBERT, AZ 85295

RE: New Leadership Assignment

Dear Family of Sister Coon,

It is an honor to serve with your wonderful daughter in the Nevada Las Vegas Mission. I am pleased to inform you that she has been assigned to be a Sister Training Leader. This is a trusted position in a mission and comes to those who have demonstrated obedience and devotion. As a role model, she will provide leadership to other missionaries in her  assigned areas.

Sister Coon is a sincere and dedicated missionary, truly worthy in every aspect to be the Savior's representative. I extend my appreciation to you for raising such a faithful daughter and sharing her with us.

May you and your family experience the sweet spirit and wonderful blessings that our Heavenly Father reserves for those who are called and set apart to serve Him and the Savior in His vineyard.

With all my love and gratitude,

 

Frank C Rodarte Jr

President

Nevada Las Vegas Mission

Share His light!

- HAHA a member pretty much forced us to sit in his massage chair while he printed Drusillas baptism form... it was pretty good till it went to our feet!! ouch

- met our recent convert, Elayna! She's wanting to go on a mission!!

- met our other recent convert, Bridget! She's thinking about going on a service mission!!

- my FAVORITE lady, Sister Leur!!! She's SO fun and I LOVE her!!!

- compy:))

- I love the Book of Mormon!

- :))

sorry these pics aren't in order! have a wonderful week everyone!!

Hello friends!!! I love you! How have you all been? I hope it was a great week and you're doing fabulous!

☆ so, update! I am actually covering Laughlin, Fort Mohave, and Oatman!! It's been a wonderful week!! I've been able to meet lots of great people and I can't wait for this transfer. Good things are coming:) My companion, Sister Mudrow, is an AMAZING missionary and I have loved serving along side her!! She's so fun and I can't wait to work hard with her!

☆ Our friend, Drusilla, got baptized on Saturday!! It was so good! After her baptism, we were asking how she felt and she said, "I don't know how to explain it. It's just happy." She was just glowing. So amazing to see. She's the sweetest mom of 6 kids and is so excited for her next step to get sealed all together in the temple! ♡ Please pray for her husband, Favian. He's not a member but hopefully he'll be more open to listening to this great message too. 

☆ I gave a talk in church on Sunday about how we can #lighttheworld this Christmas! I totally forgot about it until Saturday night when Sister Mudrow asked if I was ready for it whoops! So that 30 minute drive to the church the next day came in handy to prepare my thoughts haha!

Christ is the true and enduring light. I know that as we learn of Him and try to become like Him, wewill be filled with that light. John 8:12 "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." If you are feeling lonely, look for Christ and I promise, He will be there. He loves you and I love you! Share His light this week!!

xoxo sister coon

Pictures!

- saying bye to Sister Long:( I love her and miss her!!

- Sister Thomsen and I got to drive together because we were both going out of valley! So good to reconnect! Love her so much too!

- meeting Sister Mudrow!

- Thanksgiving dinner!

- grabbing leftovers haha

- turkey trot Thanksgiving morning!

- Drusilla's family ♡

- we love drusilla!!

- her daughter is our bestie and follows us around

- filling up the font!