Fall is almost over :( I feel that that season went so short here, but it's so pretty. I love all the colorful leaves. The rain has been sporadic, but we did have our first little snowfall yesterday. This part of Idaho doesn't get it as heavy and it melts pretty quick, but it's still fun to see. The cold is definitely a little more to the core, but thank goodness I've got some good jacket and boots ;)
This week has had some highs and lows. I had a little cough for a while, but Thursday I woke up with my voice almost gone (Laryngitis). My comp and I joked that it was because I talk too much and now she'll get to say what ever she wants ;) Luckily, it was Halloween and we had to be back at home by 6pm. However, we still had some teaching appointments that day. One of them was that Sister Archuleta and I got to teach the Plan of Salvation to the special needs seminary class at the local high school. These teens are so sweet and have a very special spirit about them. At the end, one of the girls (has cerebral palsy) sadly commented about wanting to be in the same kingdom as her birth mom (she's adopted) who has not accepted the gospel. Sister Simmons, the seminary teacher, tearfully explained that she will have the opportunity in the Spirit World to teach her mom the gospel. I am SO grateful for the knowledge that we have in this gospel and that EVERYONE will have the chance to accept the gospel, whether here on Earth or in the next life :) Also to know that these beautiful children will have these handicaps removed from them in the Resurrection. Heavenly Father loves us all so much!
We are starting to get some more legit referrals that will actually go some where. We met a man who had been referred to us by his neighbor. We found him sitting out on his porch and had a great conversation with him. He recently joined the Catholic church for his wife and has a lot of faith, but it seems he did it more for her. Turns out both he and his wife graduated from Cupertino High School back in the 60's! Small world! We were all able to share our testimonies with each other and the Spirit was very strong. Even though it was extremely cold outside, my companion and I both were warmed by the Spirit that we didn't even notice.
Yesterday was incredible. We had quite a few people come to church that have not been in a long time. There is so much power in fasting and prayer. I love seeing people coming back and progressing :)
We met last night with Kelly and Brad Bartholomew (she recently got baptized) and with our stake president. He wanted to hear about their reconversion/conversion stories and shared with us that their story was so incredible that it has been sent up to Elder Christofferson of the 70! How cool is that? We have all been invited to a leadership council next week to share our parts of this experience. It was so amazing as President Firmage explained about how inspired Sister Archuleta and I were to be serving in these particular wards. When he first found out he was getting sister missionaries in his stake and was praying about which wards to put us in, he was uncertain, but as he took it to the temple, it was as clear as day. Kelly also shared that if we had not come along, we all would not be having that conversation. I KNOW that Heavenly Father has a plan for each and every one of us and that we are meant to be in certain places for a reason. Not only was I meant to be serving in Boise for my mission president and companions, but also for those that I will meet and teach. I feel so honored to be a part of this work. Kelly and Brad are now preparing for the temple. It was incredible as President Firmage encouraged Kelly to get a temporary temple recommend to do baptisms for the dead and that as she performed those ordinances for her ancestors, her long-time fear of water would disappear. He testified in the name of Jesus Christ and it was so powerful! There is so much power in the priesthood as these men represent Christ and act in the name of our Heavenly Father! I know that power is real.
I am so grateful for all the tender mercies I have seen in my life and especially out here on my mission. As I ponder on how I can continue to be more of a representative of my Savior, I have been studying the New Testament to learn of His ways and teachings. I am continually blown away with His love and mercies. Although I can't perform the same miracles He has, I know I can still make a difference and continue in His work. I love my Savior. I am grateful for all He has done for all of us and for me.
Have a fantastic week!!!
Love,
Sister Wightman
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