Here Comes The Sun....

and the farmer's tan! 

Hey everybody!!! :)

This past week was great and super warm! It was only the first week of February and already around 80 degrees! Oh boy... I don't want to know what this summer is going to be like! 

It was Sister Andrus' last week in the mission and we ended it on such a great note! Lexi's baptism was so awesome. We had a great turn out from our ward and the other ward that she investigated in. The Spirit could be felt so strongly. The smile on her face as she came out of the water was the highlight of it all for me. She also bore such a sweet and humble testimony. I just love her so so much and am so happy for her! 

Another miracle we saw this week was that Josh finally came to church! We have been inviting him to come for almost two months now. He seemed to like it although it was much different than what he was expecting. I don't know what he expected! Shouting praises or something?? 

Today I finished reading a proselyting copy of the Book of Mormon. As I've been reading it the past few months I only highlighted words and titles that referenced the Godhead. The Book of Mormon truly is a testament of Jesus Christ, I can testify of that. I just love flipping through the pages and seeing all my many highlights! I am so grateful for the Book of Mormon and love studying it so much. I know that our questions can be answered as we read the Book of Mormon and we ponder and pray about it. The most important question is whether or not it's true and I know that it is. I love inviting people to read it and find out for themselves everyday! I invite you all to do so, whether or not you've already received your confirmation that it is true- do it again and again!

Happy Valentine's Day! haha I hope you all have a wonderful week! 

Love, 

Sister Richards

I've come to love In and Out Burger

Lexi's  Baptism!

​Our mission was able to attend this concert for these arts students at the Mesa Arts Center. It was really awesome!

Love these Sisters!

​When you are the last companion to a missionary that's going home, the missionary lingo is you "killed" them. So here I am.... killing Sister Andrus hahaha​

​The best part about being in Mesa right now is all the ripe citrus!!!

Hey family and friends! 

This past week we were super busy and the week went by so fast! We finished teaching Lexi all the lessons and she had her baptism interview on Saturday and she's ready! We're so excited for her. Her baptism will be this Saturday! The ward has been so welcoming to her and she has so much support, it's awesome. They sure help us out a lot! 

We also contacted and taught a new investigator whose name is Ryan. He's been taught by missionaries before and just moved into our area. He has some drug problems but is working through them. He has so much potential! 

We're super excited because our friend Nohely from the YSA ward lives within the Riverview boundaries as well and she has a 10 year old sister that we're going to start teaching! We are so happy to be Mer's missionaries! She was getting taught by the Spanish Elders for a while but Nohely decided it would be best to bring her to an English ward. 

There were a lot of activities going on for the Superbowl in our area and we were able to go to one of them! On Saturday we went to Scottsdale for a Native American cultural and art's festival and we were able to talk to a lot of people! One man we talked to just lost a family member and we were able to tell him about God's plan for us and we talked to this girl named Sarah and we taught her what makes our church different and how the Priesthood authority is necessary. I know we planted some seeds! 

Yesterday our fast and testimony meetings were really spiritual. I love Sundays and all our meetings so much! As I sit in church with our members and see the people we're working with I'm just so happy! Every Sunday I get such overwhelming feelings of joy. I love being a missionary! I love the area I'm in right now and the people I get to serve. 

I'm about to finish 3 Nephi in my Book of Mormon study and one of my favorite verses is 3 Nephi 9:14 Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me.

I know that this verse is true- that the Savior invites all to come unto Him. I feel His love everyday and am so grateful for the opportunity I have to help others strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ. 

I hope you all have a great week!

With love, 

Sister Richards

​The best part about being in Mesa right now is all the ripe citrus!!! Members give us bags and bags of all these lemons and different kids of oranges! :)

​Only one more week with Sister Andrus!

​Here are some of the dancers and the cultural event!

These sisters served as the RS president and as a ward missionary before they moved! It was good to see them and here's some of those delicious oranges!

​we shouldn't be taking pictures in church... but here's a selfie of us with Mer and Nohely!