Well I think the "California winter" is coming to an end and we're starting to get into the "Idaho winter". It's just raining right now, but there's rumor of snow (luckily it doesn't get heavy over here and melts pretty quickly).
Things are starting to pick up more. Sister Archuleta and I are beginning to make contacts with people that we had been referred to and we are both continuing to fall in love with the people here in Star. We have been trying to figure out how to fill our day time since most people are at work and it's really slow for us. So we decided, since it's Fall, let's rake leaves! We began by going to a member's house and raking her lawn and then we just moved down the neighborhood. Some we didn't even ask, just started doing. I hope it made their day to have a leaf-free lawn to come home to :) Friday, we were on our way to a dinner appointment and we drove by a house with an older woman who was attempting to rake her long driveway. I pointed it out, but Sister Archuleta suggested that we turn around and ask her if we could come back to help her. As we started talking to her,we quickly noticed that she only spoke spanish. Sister Archuleta (although Spanish) speaks no Spanish and looked at me helplessly. I then turned to this woman and was able to tell her that we wanted to help her and set up a time to come back. Although it was not perfect Spanish, I KNOW that I was blessed for a moment with the gift of tongues and was able to understand her as she was able to understand me. As we got back in the car, Sister Archuleta turned to me and pretty much shouted, "You speak Spanish?!? What the heck!" haha. It truly was a tender mercy to be able to communicate with Emilia.
We were able to visit with our dear friend, Melba, a few times and take her out for a walk. I think I've mentioned her before, but she is a 94 year-old woman with as much fire and spunk as a 25 year old. She makes us laugh so much (partly because she's hard of hearing and because she has a great sense of humor). It was so great to be able to take her outside in her wheelchair. She sits all day and stares out the window and I'm glad she got to be on the other side of the window, feel that fresh air and get out on a great day while we still have them :) I am so grateful for Melba. She brings such a joy into my life and the love that we have for each other is so contagious. I hope to be like her one day.
We had a great first lesson last night with a part member family. The wife is the only member and the husband has heard the discussions in the past but has a pretty tough personality. His name is Ed and he's this big tough guy who loves to be sarcastic. Luckily, my companion and I can take it ;) We were able to pour our heart out to him last night and bear our testimony of what we know is true. The Spirit was so strong and I know that he had even a little change of heart. He may put on this tough demeanor, but I think having sisters to put him in his place will definitely make a difference. It was incredible hearing the spiritual experiences they've had and even hearing his 15 year old son share that he is reading the Book of Mormon for the second time! I think this family is more ready than they know. We were able to have a young woman come along with us as well who actually had been out in the MTC but had to come home for some medical reasons. She is so ready to be back out there and I am so grateful that we can have her join us in our lessons until she is back out. I remember how I was able to go with the sisters in my singles ward and what a difference it made! She is quiet and reserved, but she is so sweet and her passion and desire to share the gospel is strong and will carry her far.
This morning, I had the follow up treatment on my root canal. As little fun as it was, I continue to feel the blessings from my Heavenly Father. As the surgeon walked me out to the front he showed me the bill. He showed me how much it would have cost and then pointed to the amount he was charging me: $0.00. He explained, I need the blessings more. I almost cried. I don't know if he knows how much he is blessing me, but I KNOW Heavenly Father will bless him for his service and generosity! I am truly grateful for all the blessing Heavenly Father gives me and how much I am supported as I serve the Lord.
Thank you all for the support and generosity you have given me. I don't know if you know how much you are truly blessing my life, but I thank you.
Love,
Sister Wightman
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