Letter #10

Hello hello!

Oh what an amazing week it's been! Sister Hamilton and I have had such fun and more wonderful tender mercies this week. 

The first fun event was that it was Sister Hamilton's 25th birthday this week. We were on exchanges again (She went out to Burley and Sister Lee - Korea - came out here to Twin again) and Tuesdaynight, Sister Lee and I decorated the apartment with streamers and balloons. Sister Hamilton and Sister Hughes were going to be coming back really early Wednesday morning (like 6 am) so we wanted to make sure it would be all ready to go to surprise her. Unfortunately our alarm that was meant to wake us up earlier didn't go off, so we woke up to Sister Hamilton squealing with joy. She had been dreading this day (even wrote "D-Day" on the calendar), but still appreciated getting some surprises and birthday love. We kept up the decorations the rest of the week which was really fun to come home to every night. And we had like three birthday desserts that night (so much for going on a "no-sweets diet" haha). 

The other really exciting event that happened was...my first baptism!!!! This was for Holly who had the inspired baptismal date and, although everything seemed to happen really quickly, was something we had all been looking forward to very much! Tuesday night, Holly called and asked me if I could play something at her wedding, which of course I was truly touched and said yes. It took me a while to figure out what to play (what do you play at a wedding?? haha), but I ended playing the accompaniment for the Olive Tree and it turned out beautiful. So we were able to watch as our bishop married Holly and Ian in the chapel, and then, an hour later, witnessed her enter the waters of baptism, performed by her now husband! Both ceremonies were beautiful and the Spirit was so strong. We had a great turnout and ward support, and even one of our investigators and her daughter attended (they even had tears in their eyes)! We were able to see her confirmed and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost yesterday at church, and you could just see the change in Holly as she beamed from ear to ear. We are so proud of her and know that her new life with her new family and as a new member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints will continue to be filled with blessings from on high. I am so grateful I was able to witness these events and to be a part of it. A wonderful thing about the mission, is the friends that you make that you know will be a part of your life even after the mission. I can't wait till a year from now when (hopefully if I'm still here) will be able to witness Holly and Ian be sealed in the temple together for all time and eternity!

Another tender mercy happened yesterday. After church we went to see some sisters who we visit about every week at the Care Center. They are so sweet and I informed them that I've adopted them as my grandma's - they loved it! Maxine, one of the sisters, had asked us previously if we could help her write a girl who was like her "adopted granddaughter" because she struggles with writing now, but has been really wanting to write to her. We then discovered another issue, she didn't know where this young lady lived or how to find out her address. As we discussed this more yesterday, Maxine mentioned that she had served in the Boise temple and said she was from Colorado. Suddenly, it clicked with Sister Hamilton, and we realized that she was talking actually about a sister missionary that had just gotten home from her mission and had served in this area before. She had left such an impact on Maxine and Maxine had been so distressed because she kept feeling that she really needed to write her but didn't know how to get it to her. As we connected the dots and told her we'd be able to get a hold of the sister for her, you could just see the excitement and joy fill her face. She was almost in hysterics and told us how she had been praying so hard to be able to find this sister's address. We knew that this had been a tender mercy and were so glad to bring some joy into this woman's life!

We have been able to receive quite a good amount of referrals this week as well and it's amazing to see how people are just so ready to hear about the Gospel! 

I am so grateful for all the work out here that the Lord has put in our paths. He truly is aware of everyone of His children and wants all of us to be happy. He has given us gifts, such as our families, the prophets, the scriptures and the Holy Ghost to help guide us and show us His love. I know that without any of these gifts, we would have no direction and probably no hope. I am so grateful for my family and friends and for their guidance and who they helped me to become today. I am grateful for this opportunity to serve the Lord and to help bring joy into so many wonderful people's lives. He has blessed my life so much and I know He is just waiting and willing to bless all of His children's lives. We need to do our part and turn to Him, but He always there 24/7, never a busy-tone! Thank you again for all your continuing support and prayers. 

I love you all!

Sister Wightman