Well. another week has come and gone out here on my mission. I can't believe how fast the weeks go. I feel like it was JUST Monday a few days ago!
This week was pretty eventful. We had a couple of miracles (those seem to happen EVERY week). The first started last Monday night as Sister Chen and I were filling up on gas before heading home. We could have filled up Tuesday morning, but for some reason I felt that we should just do it that night so we wouldn't have to worry about it in the morning. As we were waiting, I noticed a familiar face at the station next to us and recognized it to be a lady who we've been visiting who's been coming back to activity in the church. She was pleasantly surprised to see us and we got to catch up a little bit. She had had to cancel on us the previous week and we hadn't been in touch to reschedule, but she excitedly asked if we could stop by the next afternoon, which we agreed to. When we went home, we called a sister in the ward who had been close friends with her and asked if she wanted to join us. She informed us that she was recovering from a surgery, but would love if we ALL came over to visit. We then suggested this to Sariah and excitement was almost uncontainable! She felt so honored that we would ask her to help and visit with this sister. The next day we all went to Sister Prisbrey's house, and had a very spiritual conversation. It was so great, being able to meet just as sisters and really as friends and share such personal and spiritual insight. Sariah even mentioned that she too felt the night befores encounter was no coincidence, but just what she needed. How wonderful does it feel to know you were at the right place at the right time. It is so important to listen and to ACT on those promptings because we never know what will be the result, but Heavenly Father does. And often He sends His answers through other people. So you never know when you might be an answer to someone's prayer or someone may be an answer to YOUR prayer!
We got to visit and help out at our new "adopted grandma" Barbara's house on Tuesday as well. She is so sweet and we just adore her. You will often find this 78 year old woman out in her yard, with a oxygen tank strapped on her back, and plowing away weeds with her weed-wacker. She just doesn't quit. Haha. We helped out for about 2 hours and then she was so kind to take us to lunch. She feels bad about us always offering to help in the yard, but we LOVE it and we hate seeing her work by herself in that huge yard. She always shows us her muscles and says she's got it, but I don't care how old you are, that yard is way too big for one person. Later in the week, we were visiting with her again and I asked if she would show us pictures of her when she was younger. She pulled out a huge box of developed pics and we tried sorting through them (most of other people...I think she was always the photographer). As we sorted, I came across a little red photo album filled with old brown and white pictures from the 20's to 50's. How fun was it to look through! I asked Barbara if she had ever done Genealogy and she said she wouldn't even know where to begin. So we are going to start helping her out with her family history work :)
Thursday, we had Zone Conference which consisted of half of the missionaries in our mission, all on the Meridian side. This was my second Zone Conference, but they already had me up on the stand and giving a talk. I was able to talk about how to "liken the scriptures" for our benefit and for those around us as we liken them to our calling, our situations and our moments. These opportunities of speaking and teaching truly allow me to grow so much more! I was also able to accompany a sister on a musical number of "More Holiness Give Me". If you're thinking about quitting piano...don't do it! There will be so many opportunities later that you'll miss out on if you let the dread of practicing take over (Thank you Mom for always calling Jillian back to say that I was NOT quitting).
The people we've been teaching have been slowly progressing, and I know that it can't be on fire all the time, but this time has allowed me to truly put my trust in the Lord and to just keep persevering. Sister Chen and I have strived to be exactly obedient in all that we do and fulfill all the commitment that have been given to our zone and mission. And as I have come to know even more personally on my mission, as I do my best and remain obedient, the Lord pours out blessings. Just last night we received 4 more referrals of people who are interested in learning about the gospel! Once again, the Lord is so mindful of each and everyone of His children. We are so excited to meet these people and share with them the blessings that come from having the gospel in their lives. We have also had a family (only the husband is a member and has not been active for years!) attend church all three hours for a couple weeks in a row now and their daughter has attended young woman's activities on Wednesdays as well so we will be inviting them to hear the discussions as well :)
Truly every day as I pray for miracles, I see them happen. It is so important to pray, but not only pray, but to pray with FAITH. If we have a sincere desire and real intent (willing to do His will), then through our faith can prayers be answered and miracles happen! It is important as well to remember that prayer is a two-way conversation and so after we talk to Heavenly Father, we need to stop and listen. We're not ordering pizza here, this is personal revelation we're talking about!
A mission is seriously the best thing I could have ever decided to do at this point in my life. I know I would have not been able to learn these things purely on my own and through how I was living my life before. As I represent Jesus Christ and come closer to Him and my Father in Heaven every day, I see the blessings of the Gospel more and more. I love that my role and purpose out here is purely to invite and help others come unto Christ. Why would anyone not want these blessings or to feel closer to their Savior as they face the trials and challenges of life??
I am grateful for my family and my friends and for how loved and supported I am. Thank you all for your prayers. I couldn't be doing what I'm doing without them or without YOU!
Have a GREAT week!
Sister Wightman
