Well, another incredible week here in the Meridian Idaho area.
Wednesday was our church's celebration of Pioneer Day, as we reflect on the pioneers that traveled across the plains of this country to bring the gospel to us today. I am so grateful for their great sacrifice and their great faith to overcome the challenges and trials that I know I could never endure (weather, mobs, death).
Sister Chen and I were also, that day, able to attend a baptism for a sister who had had her records removed from the church but was choosing to be rebaptized. We have grown quite close to Wendy as we have only known her a couple of weeks but has been an inspiration to us. Her great faith and her gratitude for the gospel and the guidance of the Spirit is such an example to me to not take those things for granted. The baptism was small and intimate, but powerful with the Spirit. Her five children, none of whom are active in the church any more, all attended and her two daughters sang a beautiful musical number. After the baptismal service, we were able to talk to her 10 year old step-daughter, Savannah ("Savy") and have begun teaching her the missionary discussions. She is such an example of the humility and meekness of a child who is willing to learn and willing to accept without needing the proof but acting on the faith. Last night, we taught her about the Restoration of the Gospel and about Joseph Smith's first vision. As we asked her if she knew that Joseph Smith truly did see God, the Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ, she replied yes. I asked her why she thought so and she said, "because They're rea!". That was so powerful to me. They are real. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ live and they are aware of us and are there to answer our questions. I love that we can be taught, even by a child.
Sister Chen and I were able to be a part of a baptism on Friday for one of our investigators, Erika. She is 16 and a rockstar! She has been on this journey a bit alone, as far as her family is concerned. But she has stayed strong to her desire and overcome many trials. Her baptism was a beautiful and monumental moment for me as she had an attendance of over 150 people attend her baptism! We normally hold the service in the Relief Society room, where the fount is, but with so many people, we moved back and forth from the chapel. Erika's father, who is not active, gave the closing prayer and her brother, who is not a member of the church, performed a violin duet of "Be Still My Soul". Both were so powerful and Erika sang "If the Savior Stood Beside Me". She sang like an angel and I truly believe there were angels filled in that chapel amongst all those who came. Erika is truly a pioneer and I reminded her that she needs to record this experience and understand that this decision is not only impacting her, but her family and her posterity.
I am so grateful for these experiences that remind me why I'm here and confirm that this is all worth it! We get to find people who have been prepared, who have the desire, and who are ready to make the changes that will only bless their life.
Sister Chen and I were able to speak in one of our wards yesterday and it was a great experience. Sister Chen wrote out her talk in Mandarin and then translated below in English and had my just help with the grammar. She is doing a GREAT job on her English and did such a good job with her talk. She is such a great example to me and I am so grateful for her. We were able to have a few investigators and less-active members attend and I know they could feel the Spirit that was filled in that chapel room.
We had transfers this week and Sister Chen and I are staying together another transfer so I will be able to finish training her! We lost one ward but now are serving in one building so will be able to attend all our meetings :) I have also been called as a Sister Training Leader, which is a newer position, which basically means that the sister missionaries in my area can come to me with concerns or advice as we have had such an influx of sisters in the mission field. I am grateful for this calling as it will allow me to continue to stretch and grow and I know that I will be able to turn to my Heavenly Father even more for strength and help as I assist the sister around me.
I am so grateful to be serving this mission and although time is already flying, I am soaking in every moment and growing every day. I am so grateful for the scriptures and a living prophet who help me to know what to do and bring me the comfort of my Savior.
Thank you for all your love and support!
Love,
Sister Wightman
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