Lauren, On a Mission: 2014

Monday, August 11, 2014

Last Letter #70 08/04/14

It's weird to think that this will be my last blog. My companions have

to keep reminding me that I do NOT have a month still left. This

journey has been truly incredible. I feel so blessed with all the

people I've been able to meet and all the experiences that have broken

me down, strengthened me, and prepared me for what will come to my

next chapter in life.

We were able to do some more service this week (painting/sanding

fences, feeding an investigator's cats, helping clean houses). I love

doing service! It just feels so good and can be very therapeutic as

well haha. We had some great lessons with Mason, Frank, and Bob. We

were able to have members with us at all the lessons which really

makes a difference, especially with Frank and Bob and we can't relate

to all their life experiences and level of intellect. But they are

great and it's so fun seeing them all come closer to Christ through

little moments of inspiration :)

As I reflect over these last 17 months or so, I think about how my

testimony has continued to increase. Before I came out, all the things

of the gospel I believed were true just because they seemed to be

true, and now with all the experiences I've had, I have more surety

and conviction. I feel that I have a much strong relationship with my

Heavenly Father because I've had to rely on Him and trust in Him. I

have seen His love for me in so many ways and to know of a surety that

He knows me by name and knows my needs. I understand the Savior's

Atonement even more, that is more than just my sins that He suffered

for, but for my weaknesses, pains, and trials, and that He can truly

carry me through, if I let Him. I know that God blesses us with

families to strengthen us and support us. We can find happiness and

strength when we have Christ centered in our homes. I know that He

blesses us with prophets to help lead and guide us and to know how we

can endure today and that we have a prophet still on the earth today!

I know Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God. I know that the Book of

Mormon is the word of God and adds a second witness to the Bible of

our Savior and His gospel, that if followed, will guide us safely home

to our Father in Heaven. I know that families CAN be together forever

as we all strive to live righteously and have eternal life as our

goal. I know that prayer works. God hears us and He will answer and

guide in His time and His way. My testimony can continue, but those

are the fundamentals that have become my way of life. I love this

gospel and I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is

the true church once again established on the earth in it's fulness! I

love you all. I could not have served this mission without all the

love and support from you each individually and collectively. Thank

you. I am excited to be reunited with my family and friends, but I

know that a piece of my heart will always be here in Idaho with my

brothers and sisters that have strengthened me as I've strengthened

them. What an incredible experience that I can never replace and will

never regret! As a favorite hymn says, God be with you till we meet

again :)

Love,

Sister Wightman

Monday, July 28, 2014

Letter #69 07/28/14

Well, it's been another incredible week. Mikalai got baptized on

Saturday! It was beautiful and even with a few hiccups along the way,

it all worked out in the end :) I was asked to speak on Baptism which

ironically was the first time I've spoken at a baptism (usually I'm

involved in the music) as it was also probably my last baptism on the

mission. It was a huge turnout with lots of friends and family. She is

so amazing and was so grateful for us. I am so grateful for the people

I have been able to meet and teach and prepare for baptism. They are

all special individuals that I know I was meant to meet.

We have had some great success with teaching Mason, a 16 year old boy

who is just so prepared, as well as Frank, a 70 year old man who is

intellectual, but very interested as well. It is so refreshing to meet

and teach people who are willing to act on our invitations and where

they feel that these things are true instead of just fighting it or

thinking it sounds good, but not willing to act. I feel like I've come

to understand finally what the term "long-suffering" means. I've been

in this area for over 5 months now and I remember for most of it, the

work was slow and I wondered if I'd bring anyone to baptism before I

came home. It took a lot of diligence, and praying, and planning and

re-planning and more praying and more diligence, but now we have had 2

baptisms in ONE month and are teaching more people who really seem

ready and prepared as well as more expressing interest. It's the darn

principle of patience, but I tell ya, it truly pays off! I appreciate

it all so much more because of the time it took and it couldn't have

come at a better time!

I attended my "departing temple trip/devotional" on Friday. This

transfer is a really different because all of us missionaries are

going home on different days and so we did our temple trip a little

early as an elder finished his mission this weekend. It was still a

bit surreal as I still have a couple weeks left, but what an

incredible experience. It was so special to be in the temple with my

mission president and his wife, the office staff and fellow

missionaries that I've been able to serve amongst while on my mission.

There was a great spirit there. We had dinner at the mission home

after (haven't been there since the first day I got out here in the

field!) and then had a little testimony meeting and some words of

wisdom from our mission president. What an inspired man. I needed to

hear the things he and so many others said. It got a little real as

the elder who was finishing first's parents walked in to be reunited

with him. Sister Edstrom and I looked at each other like, "Holy cow!

That's going to be us soon!". Again, a little grateful I still have a

couple of weeks to prepare still.

This journey just continues to be incredible. It is not easy, FOR

SURE, but boy is it worth it! I'm growing and being broken down and

then being strengthened constantly. It's a bit overwhelming at times,

but I know I'm being prepared for many things every day.

I love you all and thank you again for your support!

Love,

Sister Wightman

photos 07/21/14

"Filipino" dessert at Minda's on the 4th of July with Sister Worden

At Minda's baptism with her husband, Sister Worden and Brother Horrocks (baptized her)

Life continues to be miraculous out here. We started teaching two new investigators (one is a man in his 70's and the other a young 16 year old boy) this week and they both just seem so prepared, like they've been looking for this forever! We have also continued to work with Mikalai as she prepares for her baptism THIS weekend :D It's incredible as a month ago, I honestly felt like I'd never be a part of a baptism the rest of my mission and since then I've had one with one on the way and two more potentials! Continually learning the principle of PATIENCE haha. It has been almost unbelievable of how busy Sister Worden, Sister Hancock and I have been. It used to be that each night we had to plan out a whole day for the next day, and now we look at our planners and we just have a few hours still to plan each day. We are just getting booked with teaching opportunities. I love it! This is exactly how I want to be spending my time.

We had a training this week on "recognizing the spirit" and I think it was definitely inspired. With all these teaching opportunities, it can sometimes be easy to get stuck in a rut, and so making sure we're relying on the Spirit really helps to make sure we are keeping these INDIVIDUALS in mind and helping them with their needs and concerns, not just teaching them. One thing we have changed as we've been teaching a lot more Restoration lessons is singing "Joseph Smith's First Prayer" instead of reciting his experience in his words. Although that can be powerful, there is something about music (and you all know how much I love music) that really sets in a special spirit. I'm grateful because to me, this part of our lesson is one of the most important parts that we are teaching because everything else really stems off of if this is true or not. I feel like with singing this hymn, it helps others to feel the Spirit even stronger and take TIME to soak in what happened as this young boy asked a genuine prayer in faith. My testimony has definitely grown stronger. We have also strived to help others learn to recognize the Holy Ghost more and that's been wonderful because sometimes we rush through that and then it's hard for them to know when they are receiving an answer to their questions. I'm so grateful for the Holy Ghost who is a companion and a guide if we allow it to be. It's pretty hard to do it alone and I'm grateful Heavenly Father has blessed us with His spirit to learn and to grow and to know more. I am so so grateful for this gospel and that I have this wonderful time to share it with my brothers and sisters. It is such a blessing in my life and I would never want to withhold others from this wonderful blessing as well. It's there for ALL!

Love you all so much!!!!

Love,

Sister Wightman

Monday, July 14, 2014

Photos 07/14/14

at the Anne Frank memorial park in downtown Boise with Sister Worden and Sister Hancock

in front of a little fish aquariam (hidden surprises downtown!)

Letter #66 07/07/14

Helloooooo!

I hope you all had a fabulous 4th of July. As always, the holidays are little different on a mission. We actually stayed quite busy that day, which we weren't expecting. We helped some members paint their bedrooms in their basement (haven't done painting in a while) and then enjoyed a nice BBQ with the sister that we live and another lady in our ward. We then visited with Minda and her husband Rod (I'll share more about them later!!!) and enjoyed a Filipino dessert (basically jell-O and condensed milk) together. That evening we had a nice dinner with some more members. We had shish-ka-bobs and fruit. Very refreshing on that hot day! We had to be in by 8, so we didn't see any fireworks. But Sister Worden and I decided to use some glow sticks that we found in our room and had some root beer floats while watching the Testaments movie. So, not too shabby. The fireworks were going off like crazy though. I was impressed that these neighborhood shows sounded like stadium performances. Too bad we couldn't see any from where we were at :/ So grateful for the freedoms of this country though, and especially right now, the freedom of religion!

Ok, so I can barely hold it in, but the miracle of the week is...MINDA GOT BAPTIZED!!!! It's crazy that last week I was just mentioning how she seemed to be hinting at that. Well, Tuesday we met with her to teach about the commandments and afterwards, she asked if she could talk to us about something. She then continued by reenacting her thoughts and conversation with her husband as she shared how the Spirit kept prompting her that she was ready, but she was nervous to bring it up her her husband. Luckily, the Spirit had been working on him too and so they both agreed to let her go ahead and do it. She literally jumped off the couch exclaiming that she was ready to get baptized!! It was awesome! We asked when, and she said if Saturday was too soon. Of course, we told her not at all and so we began making plans. She had her interview Thursday night and Saturday had a beautiful baptism service! There was a great turnout of friends who have supported her along the way. Sister Worden and I sang a musical number, "I Will" (sure am getting more used to singing in front of others...hehe). It was cute, as we helped Minda get ready after she had been baptized, I asked her how she was feeling and she said "stronger". I love it! She was truly ready and I'm so glad she acted on that prompting. Yesterday, at church, she was confirmed a member of the Church and received the Holy Ghost and a beautiful priesthood blessing. Everyone felt the spirit so strong. I think the ward really needed that. Truly an answer to our prayers and fasting!!!! I'm so happy for her and where she's going :)

I am continually reminded by my Heavenly Father to be patient and trust Him and His timing. It seems like right when I'm questioning what I'm doing and if it's making a difference, He blesses me with these tender mercies. Some are great and some are small, but they are all reminders that He IS there and He DOES hear our prayers! It's incredible and yet so simple. This gospel is TRUE!

Hope you all have a great rest of your week :)

Love,

Sister Wightman

Letter #67 07/14/14

Hey All!

Well it's quite funny because I feel that after each week I send out my letter, something big happens after. Last week it was Minda getting baptized...this week Sister Worden and I got another companion!! It was funny actually because last Monday we had another sister with us while grocery shopping and such because her companion was sick and while we were walking around, I thought about how fun it had been to be in a trio before. Apparently, Sister Worden had the same thought and then a few hours later we got a call from our Mission President informing us that another sister was coming in and that she would be serving with us. We were so excited. So her name is Sister Hancock. She is 26 (yay!) and from Flagstaff, Arizona. So now I have to companions from Arizona haha. We are all getting along well and having lots great memories together already. This morning, we went with a sister in our ward to ride the Green Belt on bikes. I did it last year with the Ingersoll's and was excited to get to do it again before I head home. We tried to beat the heat, but that's hard these days. Luckily, the Green Belt is along a lot of trees so we got some good shade :)

I can't remember if I mentioned last time that our mission is doing this new commitment where we teach every member in our wards the message of the Restoration. We have seen some incredible miracles just this first week of doing it. It's been perfect, firstly, having Sister Hancock be new to have so many teaching opportunities. We have been able to teach and set up appointments with members who haven't been very active in church, but still are letting us come teach them. And we've had some incredible miracles with the commitments we leave with the families. One of them was with the Healton's. The husband is actually not a member, but he is very supportive for his wife and loves when we come visit. As we shared the message we committed him and his wife to read from the Book of Mormon every day as a couple. Although this may not seem anything big, having him accept that was huge! I'm excited what more miracles come from this commitment :)

Although this week has been wonderful, there have been some parts where I really felt my testimony tested and strengthened. I've had people question the things I have testified of as well as others try to persuade that we are just confused and one day we'll understand (coming from a Returned missionary, so sad). Although I had moments of weakness and feeling of defeat, I received a confirmation that what I know IS true and what I know is enough (great talk by Elder Neal L. Anderson "You Know Enough" is a great reference if you're ever feeling that way). Throughout life, we might have moments of weakness where we wonder if what we've believed and been taught is true, but if you remember those spiritual confirmations that you've received in the past and remember that what you DO know is enough, than you can feel strenghtened and not have to worry. I know that this gospel and the things I teach ARE true. I know that my Heavenly Father loves me and that He has a great Plan that is for my benefit. I know it takes work to accomplish all that our Heavenly Father has in store for us, but it is so worth it and it takes work to truly appreciate those things. I love this gospel and I'm so grateful I have it in my life :)

Love you all!!!!

Sister Wightman

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Letter #66 07/07/14

Helloooooo!

Hope you all have a great rest of your week :)

Love,

Sister Wightman

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Photos 06/30/14

At Sister Rowe's funeral service with Sister Maness, Elder Rowe and Sister Archuleta

With Sister Rowe and Elder Rowe before leaving Star (one of the last times I saw her)

With our district, showing off our tie-dye shirts :)

Letter #65 06/30/14

Hello all! Well, I am finishing my mission here in the Meridian Stake (no changes). Sister Worden and I are staying together. As nice as it would have been to have had one more area, we have received some confirmations the last couple of days that we are still needed here.

Last Monday for part of our p-day activity, our zone made tie-dye shirts. It was fun (I think that's my first time ever making one) and a great way to spend with these missionaries. We were all pretty tight and united so it's been a little bittersweet with some of them being transferred, but I'm grateful we all got along so well :)

We got to teach Family Home Evening to the elderly people in Affinity again. We decided to give a history of some of the hymns in our hymn book, so we picked about 6 and gave the background then sang the first verse. The Spirit was incredible there and someone said they could hear us all out in the hall and it sounded like angels. I'm glad it was a success (sometimes it's hard knowing how to please the older folk ;))! A tender mercy that evening was that were walking to our car and the Ingersoll's drove by (from my second area) and said they were visiting a family that now lived in our area. It happened to be the daughter of a lady that Sister Chen and I lived with. She was now divorced and living with her daughter. They asked if we wanted to come along and we happily agreed to :) Marika was so happy to see me and it made it such an easy way to talk to the rest of her family. It's sad to see the struggles she's going through right now, but I'm glad she's got her daughter and her family to be there to support her. Definitely some good opportunities there (her daughter is not active in the church and her son-in-law is not a member).

The work is still continuing well with those that we are teaching. We had a great lesson with Makalai Thursday night as we taught her about the Plan of Salvation. She is truly prepared and shared some wonderful thoughts with us. It was comforting to hear that both her parents support her in choosing to follow this gospel (even though her step-mom is a little anti). She is progressing so well and we're hoping to commit her to a date tomorrow night! Lisa (the one with MS who we've done a lot of service for) came to our Relief Society activity Tuesday night and seemed to gel well with the other sisters. She also came to church yesterday (for the first time) to hear Sister Worden and I sing in Sacrament. You never know how people might respond to a simple invitation (we weren't expecting her to say yes)!

We had a miracle happen with Minda last night. We met with her and her husband at their friend's home (the Horrocks) and talked more about temples as they were wanting to learn more so they can prepare to go there one day. At the end of our discussion, Brother Horrocks asked if they had been thinking about a date for baptism and Rod shared that he was going to let Minda choose her own date because his progression process was going to take longer and he didn't want to hold her back in waiting for him. This was an answer to our prayers and fasting!!!! We were so excited and Minda shared such a powerful testimony as she poured her heart out to us about her gratitude for all of us in helping her have a relationship with our Savior again. We were pretty much all in tears. This was a witness to me why we are still needed here.

Like I mentioned, Sister Worden and I sang in Sacrament meeting. This was completely out of my comfort level, but I'm glad we did it. I think we had angels singing with us because the feedback we got after was overwhelming! We sang "If the Savior Stood Beside Me" and it fit so well with the talks that were given. I am grateful that we can share our message through music as well and that there were individuals there to support us and feel of that spirit!

This weekend was a little bittersweet for me as I received news on Friday that Sister Rowe (who I lived with in Star for 6 months) had passed away this past Monday. I was able to attend her funeral service, along with Sister Archuleta and Sister Maness. Sister Rowe had stage 4 bone cancer and had been such a trooper through it all. While living with her, we witnessed her lose her hair, weight and energy, but she continued to push through and always find ways to laugh. As much as it saddens me to know that she has moved on, what quickly came to my mind was of the Plan of Salvation, that she still lives and is no longer in a state of suffering, but now a state of rest and peace. Her husband was so strong at the funeral service continued to keep a smile on his face. I am so grateful I was able to be there for them and to be reunited with sweet friends. Death is not easy to handle, but when we know what this life is about and know what we have to look forward to, it can be more sweet than bitter.

I love you all and am so grateful for you. Thank you and have a wonderful and safe 4th of July!!!!

Love,

Sister Wightman

Monday, June 23, 2014

photo 06/23/14

Our district at the Boise temple

Letter #64 06/23/14

Well, since I just wrote last Wednesday, I feel I won't have as much to write about in this week's blog. But knowing me, it will probably be just the same ;)

We had some great teaching appointments this weekend. Thursday, we got to teach Minda more about the commandments, this time about tithing and the Law of Chastity. It's so great to teach her and then listen as she so simply agrees. It's not that she's easily persuaded, it's that she's been prepared and she knows these things are true. She even said as we asked her if she would keep these commandments that of course she would because they come from God, how can she say no. Seriously? She's so great! She and her husband even stayed all three hours at church this Sunday, which is a first because they haven't felt comfortable splitting up for the third hour of Relief Society and Priesthood. I think she did just fine though and got to be surrounded by the wonderful sisters of our ward.

That evening, we had the opportunity to teach a new investigator who is actually in another ward, but requested sisters. We had the priviledge of having our mission president's wife join us as well. We shared with her the message of the Restoration. She had very limited knowledge of anything religious, but she had 3 of her friends there with here who were a great support and bore some powerful testimonies to her. She accepted all that we taught her. At the end, I asked her to offer the closing prayer and she was very hesitant, but she agreed to do so after her friend gave a prayer. Then each of her friends bore their testimony of the gospel to her. The spirit was so strong! We then felt prompted to invite her to be baptized and she accepted! It's so amazing. We can teach people who have been working with missionaries for months and then we find someone who is just ready! We all progress in our own way and time, but I'm so grateful to see those who are already ready, wanted to know the truth, but didn't know where to find it. It comes a lot from all of us opening our mouths and just inviting our friends or family to hear what we cherish so much. The worst they can say is no...

Overall, things are going well here. Although most of the people we are working with are having a hard time keeping their commitments, we continue to find tender mercies every day. There was a family that we were teaching who are all members, but the husband is not active and the son is preparing to be baptized in September when he turns 8. We've been going through the lessons with him and his mom so that he can truly understand what he is committing to do. Unfortunately we haven't been able to meet with them since Mother's day because of holidays and then we just stopped hearing from them. Friday, we decided to drive by and just see how they were doing. The wife drove up just as we got there and seemed so excited to see us. She was just as kind and welcoming as ever and then explained apologetically that the reason we hadn't been in touch was that her husband had blocked our number on her phone. She was so upset and hoped we weren't mad. Of course, we weren't. We were just grateful they were still willing to meet with us as we had been so confused with the sudden drop. You just never know what's going on and I'm so grateful we continued to try because we wouldn't want her or her son to feel forgotten!

We receive our transfer call this weekend and I really have no clue what will happen as this is basically my last transfer. I am so grateful for where I have served and the things I have learned. I know that there is a reason we are meant to be in certain places. I know that the Lord is mindful of each of us and as we continue to exercise faith in Him, we will feeling those blessings and guidance in our lives. I know this gospel that I have the privilege to teach is true! What a great time this has been and it's only the beginning :)

I hope you have a great week!

Love,

Sister Wightman

Letter #63 06/18/14

I hope all you father's had a very happy and special Father's Day! I know I have been so blessed with a wonderful father in my life :) Love you Daddy!

It has been a fun and eventful week. Last P-day, I went to downtown Boise with the 4 other sisters in my zone. We started off at a fun small Argentinian empanada restaurant called Tango's. It's a favorite missionary spot and has great food (at a great price...love "missionary discounts"!). Afterwards, we went to Powell's, yes, it's the same one as the one in Los Gatos. Our Ward Mission Leader has some friends that own it and I was so excited to hear they had one hear. None of the other sisters had ever heard of it so it was fun to take them to this fun "candy land". We all got little mint boxes with the Idaho license plate logo and our names. A little memoir ;) And we finished off at a sunglass shop called Proof, with sunglasses and other accessories made out of wood. It's fun to just browse and get out of Meridian haha. It has been pretty hot, but thankfully these last few days have been in the high 60's and low 70's and even some rain. I'm not ready for the 100 degree whether yet (it's coming either way)!

We got to work with our investigators and less-active members a lot this week. Minda is still progressing greatly and is so excited to be baptized (we're still working on a date with her). Billie is also still progressing, slowly but surely. She is loving all the lessons we continue to teach her and really enjoyed our Stake Conference this weekend, as did Minda. We just keep praying for them and know that everything will happen in the right time.

We had an interesting experience this week. Sister Worden and I were trying to figure out how we could do better at finding people to teach. We decided on Thursday to go do some more tracting (door-to-door knocking). Although it hasn't been successful here in the past, we just thought it's something! We decided to tract this one street and although no one was interested, Sister Worden pointed out that our prayer had still been answered that every door would open. Our last house was where it got interesting. We knocked and two little boys came to the door, as did their teacup terrier. He was very friendly greeting us, but then decided to dart! The boys started to follow him, but he soon ran farther and farther, heading towards one of the busy boulevards. We started to chase after this dog as well, especially as it ran into the street and cars were swerving around it. Finally, with some help, we were able to catch the dog and I carried it back to their home. The mom had come out by this point and looked somewhat relieved, but still worried. She expressed that she had thought her boys had been kidnapped. I've never had anyone accuse me of that before on my mission! Haha. It was awkward, but memorable. Unfortunately the mother was not interested in listening to our message. But at least their door was opened to us!

As I mentioned, we had Stake Conference this weekend. It still blows my mind how many members are here as they had to use all 3 buildings in the stake to fit all the members (back home, we all fit fine in our stake center haha). It was a great conference filled with conversion stories, discussion about the importance of families and of making an effort to go to the temple. Today, my district actually gets to go to the temple again (haven't been since February), so I feel pretty blessed right now. It is amazing that being on a mission, these conferences to me help me think more about those I'm working with. Although I still get some out of it for myself, I can't help but think of others and what they are needing right now. I love this time to not worry about myself, but to help others! We were able to hear from the Stake Presidency, the temple president, President Winder (my mission president and his wife, and Elder Erikson of the 70. These are magnificent men and women and were definitely inspired in their words. One of our young women, Riley, also spoke and shared of her conversion story when she was baptized in February. They had all the young women that had worked with her stand up with her as well and it was great to see that love and support.

I continue to be amazed by the strength of others around me and the tender mercies that I see every day. You really have to pay attention to notice them, but I think you'd be surprised on how much we are blessed every single day. Life is hard and it's truly only going to get harder. We're going to have to stand up more for what we believe. We're going to have to trust in the Lord, our prophet and other Church leaders and know that they are hear to guide us and bless us. We're going to have to doubt our doubts and let faith overcome fear. We're going to have to be on our knees more in prayer. And we're going to have to stand on higher places to be a light to those around us. I am so grateful to be reminded that I am never alone. There are so many out there doing the same thing. We are a family and we can be united when we have the same goal in mind. Never lose track of that!

I love you all!

Sister Wightman

Friday, June 20, 2014

Daily Bread

Letter #62 06/09/14

Hello hello!

Well thankfully this week has seemed busier than last week. We've continued to have more consistent teaching opportunities and lots of great training and edifying.

Monday night, we had Family Home Evening with Billie and the Burrup's home. The husband was out of town on business, but the family still did it and I think it was perfect setting for Billie. The oldest son, Dylan, taught the lesson on Prayer and it was great to hear Billie contribute so much to it. The hymns sung were "I Am A Child of God" and "When I Am Baptized" and yesterday at church Billie shared with me how much she enjoyed those songs as well. We were able to see her the next night as well do more scripture reading with her. Her faith continues to grow. She had to cancel our appointment Friday, but I'm glad we still got to see her twice and she came to church yesterday and stayed ALL 3 hours!!! Caitlynn, her daughter, is now 18 months so she was old enough to be in Nursery. It was great because I think Billie got so much more out of the lessons. She is also having more opportunities to get to know the other ladies in the ward and every one seems to know her more as well.

Tuesday, we had Leadership Meeting again. We focused a lot on commitments and following up. I think this is just what we needed as we are all striving to commit individuals to baptism for this month. As I've made more of an effort to extend specific commitments and make plans to follow up, I can see a difference in their willingness as well as they're understanding of why we're asking them to do certain things. A part of the meeting that I was not a fan of was the Assistants to the President did a training and had us all take off our name tags and ponder about when we are done with our missions and who we want to have become. I think the concept was great and it helped me to set some goals with these last couple of months I have left. However, having that name tag of my chest made me feel like a big part was missing and I know I will not be looking forward to that when I am officially released as a full-time missionary. I've still got lots of time though!

Thursday night, we had dinner a member's home and we had asked them to have their daughters' ask their boyfriends (who are not members of our church) to join for dinner. Only one of the boyfriends was able to come, but it was a pretty cool experience. This young man had very little knowledge about our religion, really only from what he knew from his girlfriend. He had moved from Alabama when he was 5 and had never even heard of a Mormon before. We got to share with him what we did as missionaries (which was great since he has some friends from school who are preparing for missions) and help him have a little better understanding of what we believed. Although there didn't seem to be a ton of interest from this 16 year old boy, I know we have planted some seeds there. For our message we did the "cups and knives" game of balancing a set of scriptures on knives that are on top of cups. He actually got really into trying to figure out how to do it, and seemed like a very appropriate lesson to teach about the basic principles of praying, reading scriptures, and attending church to have a firm foundation in the gospel. We've had members be more willing to invite their friends over and be more involved. It's exciting!

We got to see Bob again this weekend. We haven't seen him for a few weeks as he's been recovering from his knee surgery so it was good to see him smiling and cheery like he normally is. He's recovering well although is still doing therapy and moving around slow. He shared that he continues to pray and is slowly reading his scriptures still. Although it's been a little discouraging that we haven't been able to see him for so long, there have been a couple tender mercies, in my opinion, that the Lord has not left him without contact. His surgeon happened to be LDS and did an excellent job, as well as his PT is LDS because he mentioned to Bob about his son preparing to leave for his mission. I hope Bob is also recognizing these things and that he has been able to feel of their spirits as he continues to seek for the truth. Bob is such a wonderful man, full of gratitude and endurance. I am so grateful I've been able to teach him while out here.

Again, lots of good things have happened this week. How fun it is to look back on the week and see all that's happened and how much I continue to learn and feel of my Heavenly Father's love. Sometimes it is hard. Sometimes I get shy or nervous, but in the end, I am strengthened and reminded that I am not on my own. These are principles I know I will carry out throughout the rest of my life.

As we continue to live our lives, let us take a step back and see where we're at. Who do you want to become? What are you doing NOW to accomplish these goals? Who are you NOW?

"If you want to BE someone, COME and do it!" (BECOME)

I love you all! Have a great week!

Love,

Sister Wightman

Monday, June 2, 2014

Choose This Day

Letter #61 06/02/14

Hello all!

Hope you've had a great week. This week has been a little slow for me, especially compared to the previous week. We were still able to meet with Minda this week and she is progressing beautifully. We invited her to be baptized after teaching her about the Plan of Salvation and she said she had already had a desire to (she is just waiting on some logistics with her husband)! It's amazing to teach these people that are so prepared. What a difference! Unfortunately Billie's schedule kept conflicting and we weren't able to meet with her this last week, but are tonight. She is joining us with her daughter at another family's house for Family Home Evening. She had been out of town for part of last week and she asked us to check on her cats (she lives just the street behind us) and on our last day of doing that we "heart attacked" her home with little paper hearts and messages and some pictures of Christ. She said she really enjoyed it :) We can tell that the adversary is definitely working on her right now, so we are just being extra prayerful that she will stay strong and not deny the witnesses and answers she's already received.

Sister Worden and I received a call this week to come to another council with Elder Godoy (of the 70) this past Saturday to discuss the topic of Obedience. I was able to be a part of that council back in February and really enjoyed him so I was glad to hear from him again. He has a way of teaching us important principles with a nice touch of humor and in his Brazilian accent. Obedience is something that we can ALL always try to improve on, as we are not perfect, but especially on a mission, it can be a harder concept to grasp. I constantly think to myself about how this is not my time, but the Lord's time and that is what motivates me, as well as I just have a natural tendency to want to be obedient. The council was great as he helped us to break up the principle between "why" and "how to". When we understand "why", we're understanding the "vision" or the big picture. Examples are like Moses and Joseph Smith who both received visions of what their purpose was for and then shown what it would take to achieve that. When we lose focus of the big picture and get stuck in the steps, it can be draining and discouraging, but when we are refreshed of what it's all for, their is a fire rekindled and motivation again. It doesn't necessarily matter the detailed reasons of why we are asked to do or not do certain things, but as long as we understand the vision/big picture, that can be our reason. I have also found that we don't always understand why people act the way they do, but there is usually a reason behind it that is not apparent. Communicating and listening play a big role in helping. When we understand where they are coming from, it is easier to help them as well help them feel like someone actually cares and is willing to at least listen. When we love others and listen with patience, they are more likely to respond in a positive way. Wow, am I being prepared for parenthood or what?! Haha.

Something I have really gained a testimony of this past week is of the importance and value of time. Our time in everything is really so short. Time for school, employment, a mission, raising children, and life! That is why it is so important the choices we choose today. Putting it off can restrict those blessings that are there for us in the future. Again, being able to see that big picture helps us to choose how we will be today and what choices we make, whom we serve. As I draw nearer to the end of this mission, I am being hit with the realization of the preciousness of time. I cannot believe how quickly it can go! However, I choose today to make every moment. Again, this is not my time and I want to do all I can to take advantage of this blessed opportunity that I have. It can be hard to see that big picture/eternal perspective in our mortal minds, but knowing that there are great things ahead if we choose the right, then it makes those decisions not so tough.

I love you all and am grateful that we have ALL been blessed with the gift and ability to choose and to grow. Hope you all have a fabulous week!

Love,

Sister Wightman

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Letter #60 05/26/14

Happy Memorials Day! I hope everyone is having a wonderful day and remembering the loved ones in their lives who have passed on and led great honorable lives.

This week has been really great and productive for us! We were able to stay busy all week (which has been rare, especially just covering one area).

Tuesday, I got to go on exchanges again with Sister Tauiliili (from Samoa) and we had a great day together. We finally have begun teaching Minda and she is just amazing. She seems to already have a great understanding of the principles we teach and has had no objections or things she's questioned. We're going to be teaching her again tomorrow and I'm just so excited to see where things go for Minda. It was fun because Sister Tauiliili knew some Tagalog and so they had fun trying to have some brief conversations. We were also able to teach Lisa about the Plan of Salvation which was great because we have been visiting her since March and finally were able to teach a lesson. Although it was more just "practicing", it still was an opportunity to teach her about our gospel. She enjoyed it as well. Hopefully these things are all continuing to soften her heart.

Wednesday, we went to the Madsen's to practice the lessons on them again (the kids are struggling in the gospel) and it was neat as the daughter's friend, Renee showed up and was fine listening in and seemed really interested. In fact, she was excited to be there for our next lesson this week. They live next door and have had a good amount of exposure to the church, her mom has even read the Book of Mormon twice, but not all the family members have been interested which I think is what has put up the roadblock. But they may receive the gospel through their daughter. It's just fun to see these people of all ages being prepared and receptive to the gospel message that we share!

Throughout the week, we have been able to see people who we have tried before but haven't seen in a while and are just being more receptive. Sometimes the time inbetween helps so they don't feel any pressure, but it's great that they are willing to let us in and share a message and invite them to come more unto Christ.

Friday night, we had a great visit with Billie. We have continued reading the Book of Mormon with her and did more on Tuesday, but Friday we felt prompted to talk to her more about prayer, partially because she hasn't felt comfortable in the past to pray when we're their. She was able to share how she has felt her relationship with the Savior has increased as we've been teaching her. She feels a more genuine love for those around her, which was there before, but now even stronger. We shared with her Mosiah 18:8-10 which talks about the love for our brothers and sisters where we are" willing to bear one another's burdens" and "comfort those that stand in need of comfort". She said that is how she is feeling. We had done a roleplay earlier that day and Sister Worden felt prompted in the roleplay to invite Billie, again, to be baptized and so in verse 10 we shared that with her and I invited her to be baptized. Although she still said she is not yet ready, her excuses were not so many this time and we can definitely tell her heart is being prepared more. She is out of town this week and we are praying that through this time she might have an experience and receive an answer to her question of the "next step".

Saturday, we stayed surprisingly busy for being Memorial Day weekend. In the morning we went to help Lisa with weeds in her backyard. We knew it would be a lot of work and so we asked the elders in our district to come as well (8 of us total). We got the back yard done in about 2 hours, right in time for her landlord to come check on the sprinklers. She was super grateful for that and really mindful of the timing. I'm glad we could help since she can't do this work with her MS. Again, I just see these opportunities as softening her heart and preparing her more. It was great to service anyways :) We went to contact a referral later in the day, a neighbor of one of our members. The not so great part was that he was pretty quick about not being interested, but THEN the miracle happen when his daughter walked up to the house as we were heading back to the car. She had been walking her dog who was the easy conversation-starter and we were able to visit with her and she was willing to take our number for future contact. It may not have been an immediate contact, but maybe we were meant to contact that man for his daughter. There is timing and reasoning in all things. Some we may not know right away or even in the lifetime.

Yesterday, was a great day at church with some powerful talks and lessons. They were things that I needed to hear and my companion needed to hear as well. Later on, we had an experience that I know Sister Worden is still going to give me a hard time about. We had to have dinner with one of the families right after church because they had other engagements in the early evening, but I had also agreed for us to have dinner with another family after. I was hungry when they asked us if they could feed us. Mistake #1. Haha. These meals were back to back and ironically the same meal (Hawaiian haystacks, my fav out here!). We were so stuffed though after the second meal and my companion even felt a little sick. I was figuring, I've done it before on the mission (unintentionally) and I was really hungry. But I don't think it was worth it! Haha. I was reminded, we can't eat like the elders ;) It was still a great night with the members though.

I am so grateful for this work that I am able to be a part of. I continue to learn so much all the time. Sometimes I am humbled and sometimes I learn something new. I am grateful to be reminded that we are not perfect, but through the Savior, we can become complete. When we are reminded of our weaknesses, it is not for us to be hard on ourselves, but and opportunity to grow. I have grown a lot and am still far from perfect, but am becoming better every day as I learn about my potential and what my Father sees in me. Sometimes we are looking for something new, but I have also learned that it is important to not forget what we already have and to not neglect those things that took time and prayerful preparation to put together. We have been blessed with so much and we can find gratitude in any circumstance! I love you all and hope you have a great rest of your week :)

Love,

Sister Wightman

Monday, May 19, 2014

05/19/14 photo

Our finished Lumpia (Minda and me)

Letter #59 05/19/14

It's raining cotton!!! I know that sounds weird, but there are some cotton trees near our neighborhood and with the wind blowing, we have had cotton just floating everywhere. It's really weird, but thank goodness I'm not allergic :)

Other than that, it's been a great week! So many things have happened this past week. Monday night, Sister Worden and I were in charge of the Family Home Evening at the retired apartment complex (55 and older residence). We decided to do a game of Jeopardy on prophets from the Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon and Latter-days. It was pretty fun! We even had a couple gentlemen attend who haven't come to church in a while and they seemed to enjoy it too. One thing I love about the "more mature folk" is their sense of humor. They crack me up every week. I'm glad we have this community in our area to visit.

We were able to see Billie a few times this week. We have just been reading the Book of Mormon with her to help her understand and so we read with her on Tuesday and Friday. She's really enjoying it and I love her comments on the impressions and understandings she gets from it and how she's able to apply it to her own life. It's amazing how we're always learning, no matter how many times we've heard something! Billie seems to be progressing more and more every time we see her and I know that she is really coming to understand Christ more in her life. She shared with us this week how through the lessons, she has come to really understand what the Atonement of Christ means for her and how she doesn't have to carry that burden of guilt or pain because He's already paid the price for her and she just has to hand it over to Him. It's so true! His love and sacrifice were not just for our sins, but for our pains and weaknesses and trials too. What a wonderful gift, if we just USE it!

Wednesday, we had Zone Conference. Sister Worden and I were asked to do a training on the Doctrine of Christ and we talked about how faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end all relate to the Atonement and how understand these principles help us to access the Atonement and come unto Christ. It came out really well and we were able to teach well together. I was asked to accompany an elder as he sang the 2014 youth's theme song "Come Unto Christ". It is a beautiful piece and I'm glad I was able to help him. We were also trained by our mission president on the importance of the family as this is something that the world is attacking/being attacked on. The Family is such a key part of our doctrine as it is what gives us purpose and understanding and hope. We are a part of our Heavenly Father's family and He wants all of His children to continue to be with Him and that's why He's established families here on earth to continue that relationship and have that support and strength. The family IS ordained of God and the roles within the family are essential to carry out God's plan for all of His children to gain a physical body and experience and to return to His presence again one day. There is definitely no coincidence that the Prophet and other church leaders have talked a lot lately about standing up for what we believe and, although being courteous, still staying strong and not conforming to please man. If there's something you believe in, stick with it! Don't worry about what others may think, that's YOUR belief and you are entitled to that! Zone Conference was also a little bittersweet because I didn't realize this coming into it, but it was my last one. Although I still have a few month left in my mission, the time is quickly drawing to an end. I had to give my final testimony and I pretty much cried through it all, but I was really able to reflect on this last year or so and see how much I have grown and what I have really come to know. At the end of the day, I have really learned to trust God, in His way and His time. That's what's gotten me to the point I'm at now and I know it will continue to carry me through the many more adventures I will have in this life. How grateful I am for Him!

After Zone Conference, Sister Worden and I decided to plan a little surprise for a couple in the ward. They have grown very dear to us and have been struggling with a lot of things lately (emotionally, physically and financially) and they mentioned that they probably wouldn't have enough means to celebrate their wedding anniversary that day. We called up their visiting teachers who offered to prepare a nice meal and we worked with the husband to let us sneak into the house and decorate their home so they could have a nice anniversary dinner together and not have to worry about anything. I love doing these kinds of things! It looked great by the time we left and the report from the husband was that his wife's reaction was priceless. We told him "mums the word" on who put it together, but I'm glad we were able to do something special for this couple and to remind them that they are always thought of and we can find joy even in the hard times.

Thursday, we went over to Minda's (the lady from the Philippines) and she taught us how to make Lumpia (Filipino spring rolls). It was so much fun, and not too hard. She gave us a ton to take home and enjoy. We did :) As we talked with her more, she continued to share with us her relationship with the Savior and it is just amazing to hear the great faith she has. We asked her if she would be willing to hear the lessons and she agreed! We will be teaching her the first lesson tomorrow and we are all excited about it. This woman has been prepared and is willing and ready to come unto Christ.

Saturday was a nice day and we decided to do some tracting in our area. Although we didn't have too much success, we were able to talk to quite a few people and get to know our neighbors a little better. Later, the ward put on a Dutch Oven Cook-off to teach different ways of non-electric cooking. We got to borrow a dutch oven from our ward mission leader and with the help of Billie, we cooked a strawberry cobbler. It was a great turnout from the ward (adults only) and a great opportunity for Billie to get to know more people in the ward. I think very successful. At the end we ate potluck style and enjoyed 10-hour smoked pulled pork, potato/veggie medleys, chicken, cornbread and yummy cobblers and cakes all done by dutch ovens, solar ovens, smokers, portable stoves, and a few more that were creative but I can't remember their names haha. It's good to know that in an emergency, other forms of cooking are just as yummy :)

Overall, it was a wonderful week with lots of lessons learned and progression made and miracles seen. I have such a testimony of diligence and perseverance. We usually don't see the fruits of our labors immediately in life, but we have to keep trying or we'll never know. We CAN make an impact with those around us. I have seen it so much these last 14 months and I am grateful I've finally gotten it. I hope you all have a fabulous week and continue to see the little miracles in your lives every day :)

Love,

Sister Wightman

Monday, May 12, 2014

Family Values

"No other success can compensate for failure in the home." –David O. McKay

To read more:

http://www.mormon.org/values/family

The Family

THE FAMILY

A PROCLAMATION TO THE WORLD

The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

To read more:

https://www.lds.org/topics/family-proclamation

Letter #58 05/12/14

I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day yesterday! I loved getting to talk to my mom and dad and to hear their voices. I am so grateful for my parents and all that they have taught me and the continued love they've shown to me!

Earlier this week I wanted to stop by Billie's (one of our investigators) because she had to cancel our lesson last week and couldn't come to church because she and her daughter were still sick. I'm so glad we did. We got to just catch up with her and she how she was doing. As we asked her about her Book of Mormon reading and how she feels her relationship with Heavenly Father is right now, she expressed that it has not been good since she has not been reading or praying as much and hasn't made it to church recently. In my head I'm thinking, "Ok, well what to do you NEED to be doing?" and as soon as I thought that, Billie expressed that those were the things she needed to be doing because she felt a difference in her life when she was and wasn't and when we were there. She is definitely recognizing the Spirit and I'm grateful that she notices a difference to help her understand for herself what she should do, not just because we're asking her to. We are meeting with her tomorrow night to help her continue in her Book of Mormon reading. She has loved it so far and really connected with Nephi so I'm excited to see how she continues!

Wednesday, I was on exchanges and had Sister Molbek (from Denmark) with me. She is awesome! We had a really neat experience as we went to visit a lady who has been attending our ward with her husband since she moved here from the Philippines, but is not a member. She doesn't work and doesn't drive so she's alone all day. We went over and she made us cookies (yummy!). It was amazing as she so easily brought up gospel discussions and shared how she's seen the Lord's love in her life with all the trials and experiences she's had growing up in the Philippines. I am so excited to continue meet with her and help to understand the gospel even more. She appreciated our visit so much and is having us come back again next week to teach us how to make Lumpia (Filipino egg roles)!

Saturday, we decided to do some service for some people who we know needed weeding. One of them, the Higgins, are so sweet but refuse to let us serve them (think that sisters shouldn't do that kind of work). So we just came over and started working in their front yard. We weeded for about 20 minutes before Debbie came out asking what we were doing (she wasn't angry just didn't want us to have to do that). She then got a bag and started helping too. People seem to have a hard time letting us others serve them out here. It's frustrating haha! But I'm glad we still made a pretty big dent there.

Later that afternoon, we had a lesson at Bob's. He had knee surgery today and so we had some brethren come over with us and give him a priesthood blessing. It was great as the last time he had experienced that was for his wife before she passed away, so I think it brought back some special feelings. We then taught him about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and his faith definitely increased. I am so grateful to have other members come with us because the things they share really add in ways we can't. At the end we asked him to pray about the message we had shared that day and I asked him if he received an answer that it was true, what his next step would be. He simply said, "Well, it would be baptism.". I just love seeing people's countenance change as they become converted and see the gospel change them! We will keep praying for him and hoping things still continue on a good path as he will probably be out for a little while while recovering from his surgery.

Yesterday at church, the brethren passed out little potted flowers to all the sisters for Mother's Day. They gave Sister Worden and I the leftovers to deliver to sisters that either don't come to church or haven't been in a while. That was neat just to see their faces light and up to remind them that they are thought of :)

I am so grateful this gospel and the importance that I have learned of the roles in the family. In this day in age where gender roles are being challenged, it is so important to remember the reason for families and how they are established how each gender plays a part. The family is ordained of God and is a blessing in our life when we understand that we are a part of a Heavenly family and are children of God. Our earthly families are just an extension of our Heavenly family and happiness can be enjoyed when we understand and appreciate and respect our families. I find so much joy in knowing these things and knowing that my family can be together forever. It definitely changes the way I choose to live my life now so that I can obtain those blessings later. I know by choosing the right, serving others, and following my Savior, I can receive those blessings and truly have joy in this life and peace forever. I love you all and hope you have a great week cherishing your relationships with those around and understanding that you too are a child of God.

Love,

Sister Wightman

It was Mom

Family

Photos 05/05/14

At our Ward Mission Leader's house for his "Cinco de Mayo" party last Saturday. He made a turtle pinata and spent hours painting different designs on each hexagon...just to get it smashed!

Sister Worden and I with our appetizer dishes at the Horrock's

Letter #57 05/05/14

There's not too much to report on this week. We had a couple exchanges again and I got to be with Sister Emmett again. It was fun being with my old companion for a day. At first it was a little weird, but quickly we felt like we were just back together and it was nice to know that we already knew each other's teaching styles and were on the same page :) She is doing awesome in her new area and with her new companion.

Thursday morning, we got together with our Primary President who loves to bake and she taught us how to make mini lemon tarts. They were so good! It was hard not to just eat them all. We made them so we could give them to people that we visit. Those that we've given them to have loved them as well! It's always nice getting a sweet treat with a sweet message ;) I'm grateful for all these things I'm learning out here.

We are continuing to work with a couple guys who are working on coming making church a part of their lives again. Although it's sometimes a slower process, they've both expressed that they do appreciate the time we have taken to remind them of the gospel principles and even if it doesn't seem like it, we are making a difference. That was good to hear because honestly, sometimes it does feel that way.

We had an amazing experience teaching Bob Hall this week. Last time we visited him, he shared how something that continues to stand out to him is our belief about the three kingdoms in which we live in the next life. With his wife having passed, this is something very special to him. We reviewed the Plan of Salvation with him since it's been a while since the previous sisters had taught him that and then we read from the Doctrine and Covenants section 76 that goes into more detailed revelation about each of the kingdoms, what qualifies and the blessings. He received much comfort knowing that his wife is in the Spirit World right now and knowing how they can be together forever. I shared with him the testimony that President Monson shared in the October conference of the comfort he had knowing that his wife still lives and that because they have been sealed by priesthood authority, their relationship is not only bound here on earth, but also in Heaven and that they will be reunited never to be separated again because of the promises they have made. What a great knowledge all do and can have of that! I am grateful to know that families can be together forever and this life is not the end, but really the beginning. It truly does motivate us to live our best here now so that we can receive those blessings of being with our family forever :)

Yesterday, we had dinner at the Horrock's home and they had us prepare a little appetizer dish to add to the meal. I made a spinach dip in a sourdough bowl (SF style!) and Sister Worden made a fruit dip. They turned out pretty well, if I do say so myself :) It was great because they invited a couple over who have been coming to church but are not members and so it was just a nice casual environment to visit in. The members are so great out here and very supportive. We can't do this work without them!

I love you all and hope you have a fabulous week. To all the mother's out there, Happy Mother's Day! I'm looking forward to talking to mine this weekend (can't believe this will be the last time before I come home!)!!!

Love,

Sister Wightman

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Blog #56 04/28/14

It has been a great week full of service. I LOVE service! I love teaching, but I LOVE service. Do you get what I'm saying yet? Haha. The reasons for our service was not the greatest, but I felt really useful this week.

We had a few members injured. One of them, Lucinda, broke her arm last weekend and so we made sure that she had meals sent to her and were able to clean her living room and kitchen so she didn't feel so cluttered while she sat around, not being able to do anything. We had another sister, Sister Jones, admitted into the hospital earlier this week with unsurety of the problem. It ended up being appendicitis. We were able to visit her a couple times this week and give her that company, sing some hymns and reassure her that she is being taken care of. She really appreciated it. And on Saturday, we had a few sisters from the ward come with us to help clean Lisa's house. Lisa is going into surgery today for a ruptured discus and will be out of commission for about 6 weeks and so we were able to clean and organize her house to be trip-free. It was fun to work with these sisters and see the relief on Lisa's face to know that her home was clean. We had some brethren from the ward give her a blessing last night as well, and I know that these things are all helping her see the support and love of this gospel that we all thrive from. She may not accept the gospel now, but at least her heart is softening.

Tuesday night we were able to participate in a Humanitarian Activity with our Relief Society as we tied fleece blankets, sewed rice bags and filled them and collected hats for cancer patients. I'm sure my mom's jaw is going to drop, but I actually used the sewing machine to sew the rice bags! It's actually not that hard, unless you're trying to replace the thread haha. It was so much fun though and when it was all done, there was a whole wall filled of these completed projects. It's great to know we're helping in the community.

Yesterday was a great day! Sister Worden and I had been asked to speak in Sacrament meeting (this was only my second time having to give a talk on my mission - usually missionaries do that a lot more) and it went well. We were on exchanges a couple times this week so I didn't really have a ton of time to work on my talk, but had it completed by yesterday morning. I spoke on learning to rely on the Spirit and Sister Worden talked about how with our religion we need to know it, live it and love it. It was great. What made it even better was that we had three of our investigators attend sacrament meeting a few members that aren't as active! We haven't had that happen for a few weeks now, so it made our day! I have been reminded a lot this week that patience and endurance is key in life. We have a lot of rejection and things go not as we'd like them to, but then we find someone who is ready or we have people show their interest and progression again and it truly makes all that rejection worth it, even if it's for one person. I know that that is something we will carry throughout the rest of this life. We do need to learn to trust in the Lord and when we have those hard times come, not question, "Why me?", but "What am I going to do about it?" or "What am I supposed to learn from this?". This life is all about learning, and falling and getting back up and growing and learning some more. It never ends. But we don't have to do it alone :) One of my favorite scriptures is Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

I love you all and hope you have a great week!

Love,

Sister Wightman

Monday, April 21, 2014

Photos 04/21/14

All of us missionaries that worked with Savannah and Devin

Working on the wood pile

Sister Willard and I "sitting on the job"

Letter #55 04/21/14

I hope everyone had a Hoppy Easter! My companion and I received lots of candy (yay....) so we still got to have a taste of the holiday (no pun intended, Mom). Tuesday, we had a leadership exchange where we received training on using planning and goal setting to see success. It was just what I needed. I continue to see that throughout my mission, where right when I'm feeling stuck in a rut, we have a training and it picks me up again. What I wanted to focus more on was making sure we were planning effectively, instead of just putting down names to see, but actually having a purpose for them. As well as checking back on our plans throughout the day and replanning if needed. We got to see lots of unplanned opportunities while on our exchange and even see people that we had been trying many times before but never seemed to catch at home. That evening we went to the Family History center and learned how to do indexing. I got an easy batch that was already typed so I didn't have to try to interpret old English cursive haha. It was fun, but more work than I thought. It's cool to see how much genealogy work can be for everyone, no matter where we are or how old we are. Friday to Saturday, Sister Worden and I were on exchanges again and I had Sister Willard with me in our area. We had a lot of fun and kept getting asked if we were actual sisters (I guess we look alike?). Saturday morning, we were asked by some elders to help do some service at a family's home, taking down a shed and moving some wood. I had no idea what we were in for! There were probably about 20 missionaries that ended up showing up and it was needed. There was so much wood and although we made a huge dent, we left after about 3 hours and there was still some more work to do. It was a lot of fun. I got to wear jeans (which it's been a while for that)! And definitely some missionary bonding time as we created assembly lines get the job done more efficiently. We were pretty dirty by the end, I'm pretty sure I had a dust mustache haha, but it was great. So my miracle of the week was a total tender mercy. I received a call on Thursday from the mission office that a girl I had taught back in August was finally getting baptized this Saturday! Sister Chen and I had taught Savannah and her little brother and had everything set up, but last minute, her mom decided to say no to letting it happen ( I think just to spite her ex-husband). It was so heart-breaking, especially to see this little 11 year-old not understand why she couldn't get baptized. They have gone through a few other missionaries since then and had more baptism dates set, just to fall through again. Thankfully, it finally happened. It was great to be reunited in my old area and to see this wonderful family. Both Savannah and Devin were baptized by their dad and confirmed members of the Church on Saturday. It was so special to be able to see them do this (grateful my mission is small enough that I can return to old areas) and to feel the great spirit there. You never know when your efforts will bloom, but it's all about the right time! Yesterday, we had a wonderful Easter service at church. Although none of our investigators were able to make it, we had lots of less-active members come and family members of others who are not members of the church. I think everyone really enjoyed it and if just felt like a big family was there together. I'm grateful for having two Easters on my mission as it's really helped me to understand the true meaning of this holiday and to understand the Atonement of Jesus Christ so much more. I am so grateful for His great sacrifice and what He has done for me and for you. He truly loves each and everyone of us and didn't have to go through all that He did, but He did so He could know how to help us. On the mission, I see so many situations that I was never exposed to before. It helps me to appreciate my life so much as well to realize how precious Christ's sacrifice is to know that He really can help these people. That is something I will never take for granted again. I love you all so much. And I hope you have a great rest of your week! Love, Sister Wightman

Because of Him

Monday, April 14, 2014

Letter #54 04/14/14

This week we had a lot more teaching opportunities. One of the days we had 6 lessons (which sometimes that's all we get in a week!)! It's really helped Sister Worden and I learn to teach well together, quickly. We met with Ali and had a translator with us (tender mercy!), but we seemed to be on different pages. He seemed more interested in help learning English, while we were trying to explain that we are there to teach about Jesus and the restored gospel. Haha oh as much as I wanted to go international, I'm grateful I stayed state-side. Don't know how my patience would have been elsewhere. Anyways, he expressed how he wanted to come to church this Sunday so we figured we'd just see where it would go from there. We met with him Friday morning to give him a church tour so he could be familiar and understand more how we worship so that it wouldn't be so confusing on Sunday. Unfortunately, he did not show up to church yesterday. Not sure what happened, but hopefully we can try again this next week. If anything, it's been a good experience for us.

Wednesday night we met with the young women in the ward (just the Mia Maids and Laurels: 14-18). The theme was of course missionary work. We decided to do a "day in the life of a sister missionary" relay. We layed out different sections and had them pair up into 2 teams. They had to complete a task, whether it was finding a country on the map (mission call), getting dressed into mission clothes, placing a Book of Mormon with an investigator (leader) or putting together a puzzle (nightly planning). They loved it! Sister Worden and I were impressed with how fun we could be! Haha. We ended with just an open panel where they could ask us any questions. It was great and we got awesome feedback after. I'm glad we got to bond with these young women and show them how fun missionary work can be.

Billie is continuing to progress as we taught her about the Family Proclamation. We read through it with her and were able to discuss the church's view on the family relationship and what makes a successful marriage and family. She liked it as this is what drew her to learn more about the church in the first place. She is struggling with commitment, but everyone progresses in their own time and so we can't pressure her.

Tracting is not encouraged as a main source for finding people in our mission because our areas are smaller and many people are already members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints so it's not as effective. However, our area is large enough that we can tract every once in a while. This is something I have not been comfortable with, probably mostly because I've barely done it and talking to people who are not expecting us can be scary. But Sister Worden and I decided we were going to tract 2 streets each week. It was neat as it started to become something we really enjoyed. Right now is a good time as we can share an Easter message with those we meet. We didn't have any success as far as anyone who was interested in learning more about our church, but we did get to talk to everyone who was home. One of them was a man named Joel. He just moved here a year or so ago. His wife is a Lutheran preacher and so he is Lutheran as well. But he was so respectful and willing to let us share about our church and a message. He asked us a few questions and even asked if he could come into our church. We of course shared that everyone is welcome and he could stop by if he wanted to. He lives right down the street from our church building so he sees it every day. Although he was not interested and content in his faith, I know that a seed was planted there and something could come out of it now or later down the road. I've just learned the importance of talking to everyone because we never know who's interested and unless we invite, they may never get the opportunity.

I am so grateful for this Easter season to join with others in reflecting on our Savior's great sacrifice of the Atonement. I would not be here on a mission if it wasn't for His sacrifice. He suffered for each of us so that He would know how to help us through our trials and pains. He died for us so that we can all overcome death and be reunited with our families for all eternity. God loves us so He sent His Son so that we could be greatly blessed. It's so important that we each understand why His sacrifice is important to us personally. Because he sacrificed for us personally. I invite all of you to think of what the Savior means to you and how you can strengthen your relationship with Him. He is always there for us and we can and are strengthened through Him when we feel we have no strength left.

I love you all and hope you have a Happy Easter!!!

Love,

Sister Wightman