"Then Sings My Soul"

Dear Internet,

Gratitude is welling up inside of me and is practically pouring out of my ears. Seriously there is just so much to consider when I think of all Heavenly Father has blessed me with. This past week I commemorated my first-transfer-versary; which means I have been home for six weeks. I have started to receive "friend requests" from the next group of missionaries returning from Montreal. It can't be real! So much has happened in six weeks and especially in the eighteen months preceding that.

I am grateful for the efforts of my sister, Jaclyn, my mom and Aly in the upkeep of my blog. Looks like some things were a little lost in translation and posts were certainly few and far between, but that is no big deal, or NBD as I like to say. I am back now, and I plan on posting somewhat often, according to the availability of my new life.

Where do I begin? There is just so much joy within me that I don't know where to start. Two years ago I was an apprehensive, secret, prospective missionary. Nobody knew that I had decided to go on a mission and had only begun speaking with my dear, sweet bishop about it. I had known for quite some time that I needed to go, but it wasn't until September 2012 that I accepted the Lord's will as my own. In retrospect it is hard for me to believe that I ever didn't want to serve a mission.

The people I met in Quebec and Ontario changed me. As we took them by the hand and introduced them to the Savior, we all grew together. The Gospel is amazing that way. Oh, how we need each other! Time after time I was taught from on high, given revelation that strengthened and reinforced my testimony that there was someone greater than  me in control. That was engrained in me over the course of 18 months, and it will never leave me again. I have a Heavenly Father who loves me! Because He loves me, He will do all He can to lead and guide my path to return to live with Him again. I make mistakes, there is no doubt about that, but that is what Jesus Christ's Atonement is for. While the intricacies of His sacrifice are still a mystery to me, I made so much progress in understanding how accessible His great love is to us. It is empowering, enabling, and completing. It is only through faith in Him that we are made whole.

I can't help but love the words in 3 Nephi 17. His invitation to be healed is real, and it is extended to all of us.  It is amazing that He says in verse 20, in response to their faith, "And now behold, my joy is full." The Lord delights in blessing us. For that reason I believe we have great cause to rejoice together, He and I. The blessings I have seen are many and marvelous, and I know there are many more to come.

Several people have inquired how I have adjusted to my new normal. I am happy to report that I am confident that this is where I need to be right now. That confidence reassures me that once again, there is someone greater than me in control. Yes, it was somewhat of a struggle to accept leaving behind all I had come to love so much. But I have decided it is not so much a "leaving behind" as it is a "moving forward." He has prepared great things for me, for all of us really. I received a word of encouragement from a friend towards the end of my mission that really opened my eyes to that. Part of it reads:

"[God] just wants us to be happy.  I was happy before my mission, I was happy on my mission, and it is ok to live and be happy now that I am off of my mission. [...] We can just be happy doing the things that God wants us to be doing right now.  God doesn’t want me to be on a mission right now, but He does want me to be happy that I was blessed with such an incredible mission experience, and happy that now I have an incredible opportunity to continue reaching out.  I am really happy."

Words to live by. My happiness does not depend solely on what has happened in the past. Those experiences certainly continue to have an effect on me, but my happiness truly lies in trusting each day that if I am obedient, I am in the Lord's hands. What greater place is there to be?

There are so many people in my life that I consider examples of this faith. I am particularly grateful to have two wonderful parents who turn to the Lord in every thought. They helped me build a strong foundation by lending me theirs when I was weak. My sisters are incredible examples of the enabling power of the Atonement. They are so strong and accomplish so much because of their unyielding desires to stand as witnesses of God.  Recently, Makenzie has influenced me with her dedication truth and I am beyond grateful to have sat in on her lessons with the missionaries. It has sincerely been miraculous to see how Heavenly Father prepares each of us on His time-table and certainly hears and answers prayers. My extended family may not be perfect, but they have been perfectly supportive of me and that means the world. There are so many blessings in store for them! The ten women who were companions to me for just a few days or a few transfers, honestly impacted me more than they will ever know. Their light and love will forever be a part of me. The impact my friends have made through their support is monumental. Encouragement from around the globe has always found me when I need it most. Heavenly Father even sent me all the way to Canada to meet hundreds, even thousands of individuals that I only spoke to for less than a minute. Truly they will never know, at least in this life, what kind of effect they had on me. But for those that invested in conversations that have collectively added up to hours, I must say, "thank you." In those hours we stood on holy ground. The Spirit of the Lord was with us. His love was made manifest to me from, "Je suis Soeur Landeen", to the First Vision, to invitations to baptism, to every second helping of dinner, to mutually committing to be stronger disciples of Christ, to teary "au revoirs," and everything in between. It was all evidence that Heavenly Father knows me perfectly and He has prepared a way, not just to return to live with Him- but to be the person He designed me to be when I get there.

I am grateful that most of these individuals continue to influence me daily. They point me towards the Light of the World. Jesus Christ is that light that leads me along. My soul truly sings, "How great thou art!" when I think of this beautiful world and the happy life that my Father in Heaven has created for me.

Now, it is past time for me to retire to bed. Tomorrow holds a new adventure and I must be ready to tackle it. So in the words of Steve (That's my dad), "Be good! Be happy!"

Until next time,

Sydnie Juniper

Hermana Landeen???

The Sydster has been transferred!! Her new area is Greenfield Park and to that she says, "Todo esta bien aqui!" 

Syd loved General Conference last week. She was able to watch each of the sessions at the church with some of the other missionaries in her area. Her words are nicer than mine, so here's what she had to say about Conference: "I really feel like Heavenly Father answered so many of my prayers. I was amazed by the powerful spirit I felt as I reflected on truly how remarkable it is that we have a living prophet and apostles today. It is such an evidence of how much our Heavenly Father loves us. It is evident to me that He knows us and He has prepared a way for us to return to him. I am so grateful for their messages on the Savior. He is the way the God has prepared. One thing I really took away was to take serious our covenant to stand as a witness at all times, in all things and in all places."  

Sticking to family tradition, Syd made Swedish pancakes and they turned out great! She was excited that the apartment smelled like conference :)

For all you Syd followers out there, she really wants us all to start reading Preach My Gospel :) Missionary work is moving forward and as we gain a testimony of the things in this book, we can be a force for good! 

Greenfield Park is unlike anywhere else Syd has served. She is driving again, her new companion is Sister Rubio and she is surrounded by heaps of older single women. Her and her companion spend a lot of time catching up with these less-active ladies in the area and she feels she really belongs here! 

Sister Rubio is a gem from Leon, Mexico. Syd is having a blast with her! She's been brushing up on some Espanol.  They got to be part of a fun little service project picking up poops for a woman who can't do it herself....the melted snow left behind quite a bundle from pets and such. Syd was happy to be a pooper-scooper for the day and the woman they helped was very grateful. Good work sisters!

Look how excited Syd is to be around five cute Elders :)

That's all for this week. Hope you can feel the love and spirit from this amazing missionary!! Aren't we lucky to know such a wonderful woman!? 

Much love from HERMANA LANDEEDN! 

....To Catch You Up...

Hello there Sydster followers. This blog is under new management and I wanted to make sure everyone is caught up on the latest and greatest with Sister Landeen in Canada!

Sydster had a mission conference this weekend. She says it was one for the memory book because the whole mission came and they were visited by Neil L. Anderson, Gerald Causse and Donald L. Hallstrom. Syd and her companion were able to get a photo with Sister Causse because her companion, Sister Laurent, knows Sister Causse from France. Syd was excited to see all of her past companions and especially to catch up with Sister Smith.
Look at these cute missionaries!!

Transfer calls are this Saturday and Sydster still isn't sure if she'll stay or go. She loves her area and has been on 50 splits this transfer! Check back next week to find out where Syd is and what she's up to! More details and adventures to come, but for now, enjoy her beautiful smile and wonderful spirit. 

Missionaries in Montreal

 Sister Landeen and her former companion, Sister Smith starred in a short video about Mormon missionaries in Montreal, Canada. Here is the link to the video and the story. We are so proud of her and the work she is doing!
Check it out here!

"Many are [cold] but few are [frozen]" D&C 121:40

Seasons greetings toute la monde!  In a day when postage costs are steep and letter writing time is sparse, a simple Christmas blog post will have to serve in the place of a traditional card. I had every good intention to make a Christmas Card with ample time to send them off. As is the case with almost every missionary action, the Lord seemed to think there were more important things to do. It is my testimony that this is truly His work, and I am happy to comply with his plans, for they are always better than whatever I have devised myself. Although that means that perhaps letting go of my "control" I have learned to respond as Nephi did to the angel when he was asked, "knowest thou the condescension of God?" He answered, "I know that he loveth his children: nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things" (1 Nephi 11:16-17). 

The most profound doctrine I learn and re-learn everyday is the most basic doctrine we have. God is our loving Heavenly Father. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved (John 3:16-17). As a set-apart representative of Jesus Christ I have the pleasure of bringing these "good tidings of great joy" (Luke 2:10) to the good people of Quebec and Ontario Canada. I am seeing people transform and lives change as they exercise faith in the divine mission of the Redeemer, Jesus Christ. In this I do not exclude myself. Over the course of nearly eleven months my conversion to the Gospel has grown deeper with every day. I witness to the reality of the birth of the baby boy to Mary. He is my Savior. Among all of the extravagant Christmas decorations, I am proud that I get to wear the most meaningful ornament on my heart every day. 

I have never loved anything as much as I love being a missionary. The Gospel is precious, and to be trusted to share that is a great calling. I thank the Lord for the confidence He has placed in us. He knows us perfectly, and through His grace and mercy we can live with our Father again. His plan is perfect. His plan is happiness. I invite you to find the joy that awaits you in sharing it with others. 

Cheers, 

Soeur Sydnie Landeen 

This is Sister Landeen & Sister Laurent (from France)

                                                     The first snow fall of Montreal

This is Sister Landeen and her previous companion Sister Smith

Hello Montreal

Sister Landeen is now in Montreal. She is currently in a singles ward and loving it. Her new companion is Sister Smith.

 

She had to go to the dentist

Splits with the sisters

 

Sydnie has become Sister Training Leader. Sydnie has become Sister Training Leader. she's doing fantastic and wants you all to send her a letter or something so she knows you're still alive ;).

Goodbye Fallowfield

 

Sister Tribe and Syd and their investigator Benjamin.

 

They don't have tator-tots in Canada so they had to improvise for tator-tot casserole :)

 

Whatever that is...

 

Saying goodbye to Sister Tribe

 Seeing her old companion, Sister Orozco again

 Elder Botello again at transfers

 
An albino squirrel she saw at trasnfers

 

Syd's former companion from Fallowfield Sister Tribe and Benjamin, a man that they taught together, at his baptism.

Love is a Fallowfield

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. I've just been super lazy about it and I apologize. Syd is now in an area called Fallowfield, this is the closest to home that she will be.  The Ward boundary is the western boundary of the mission. She lives in a suburb of Ottawa, Ontario. Her companion is currently Sister Tribe, from Ogden. They get along pretty great. She loves Fallowfield and the people there.

This is Sister Landeen and Elder Jeremmi Botello, who is one of her friends from SUU, on June transfers.  She got the keys to a brand new car and picked up her greenie in Montreal.  Then a 3 hour drive to Ontario.  Thank goodness for the new GPS.

 

A beautiful Sunday eve Canadian sunset

Sister Landeen, Sister Tribe and the Elders

  

This is what Fallowfield looks like

Parliament

 The best Putine she's had yet

 Beaver Tail

                                                    Service, harvesting garlic on a garlic farm

Sister Landeen and Sister Tribe

The First Greenie

Here is Syd and her first Greenie, Sister Orozco. They got along splendidly. Here are some of the people they taught while they were companions. They served together in Quebec City.

They had to walk because the car broke down

They got their car back :)

More soon to come about her new Greenie and her opening a new area in Faillowfield, Ontario.

The Best Team in the League

Good tidings, friends!

You know, I'm over three months old in this here mission of mine. How about that? That is 1/6th of my whole mission... 5/6ths to go, eh? In all honesty time has really flown by. I wake up in the morning and before I know it I wake up again the next. It's wild really. 

In between one alarm clock sounding to the next we are working really hard. I am training again. This time around my companion is Soeur Orozco from Houston Texas. I think she's a doll! The two of us together are dedicated to being obedient, creative, and dedicated. I'd say we're giving it our best shot, out there planting seeds all day every day. We love it. 

I had an interesting thought the other day, I think I'll share it with you. Why not? So, in my journal I wrote: "We are not here to teach- we are here to remind. People already know the gospel. We are here to remind them that they've already chosen to follow Jesus Christ." 

Keep that in mind the next time you might find yourself in need of a pick-me-up. When it might seem hard to follow Him, remember that you already chose His side. You were drafted for the best team in the league. You've got the best coach and fabulous benefits. You have every reason to be happy. 

That's the way I see it. I am happy. I am happy even when I'm not sure the roast beef was even cooked, when I leave an appointment smelling like alcohol and cigarettes, I am happy even if I only get one hour on the computer per week, and I am happy even if my companion does snore. I am happy because the Lord is in control, and I am better for it.  

I think of you all often, and I think of writing you back often as well... then I think of how you should all know I love you even if it does take two months for me to respond. 

Cheers and Miracles,

Sydster

Update

Sydnie is doing well in Canada. She is staying in Montreal after transfers. Her current companion is headed home and Syd will get to be companions with her first 'Greenie'!
Last Monday for P-Day, her district went to go see some waterfalls. Here are some pictures of the trip.

 She's doing great and says she will hopefully write another blogpost soon. Until then, you're stuck with my tiny updates :)