Photos 09/04/13

Okinawa fries

Sister Chen and I at Boise Fry Company

Sister Chen and I at the Helen Keller Memorial Park in Downtown Boise

09/04/13 Letter #23

Hello!

I hope everyone had a nice Labor Day and got to relax a bit? That is actually the reason this blog is getting out a few days late since all the libraries were closed and then I had a leadership meeting that took up most of yesterday. 

Monday, Sister Chen and I got to spend a good chunk of the day with a couple of families in one of our wards and we biked what is called the "Green Belt" - a path that takes you through Boise. It was a perfect day, a little overcast so we weren't dying in the heat, but enjoyable. It was great to bike around and see more of Boise, as we usually just spend our p-days with the other missionaries playing volleyball or ultimate frisbree. We biked through BSU and got to see the blue turf from a distance and had lunch at the Boise Fry Company (famous for their variety of fries - didn't know there were so many!). Sister Chen and I shared some Okinawa fries, which were not only awesome because they tasted good, but also because they were purple ;)

Later Monday night, we were able to have a great experience as we felt prompted to visit one of our progressing investigators, Brittany. We didn't see her at church on Sunday and so we decided to visit, to find out that she has not been doing well, health-wise and was even in the ER the night before! We were able to share some spiritual messages with her and her family and were able to quickly get some brethren over to give her a priesthood blessing. This was a very spiritual experience as this was her first blessing and to even see her fiance so touched by the Spirit. He is less-active and is coming back, and I think hopes to be one day worthy to be able to provide for his family to give these blessings when needed. Later as we left, we received a text from Brittany expressing her gratitude for being there for her and it was just so comforting to us to know that we had been prompted and acted and allowed to work through Heavenly Father's hands. 

We have not had as much success lately as far as finding new people to teach, but we had a pretty neat experience last Friday as we went to meet the new neighbors in our culdasac (sp?). We brought over some spiced zucchini bread (provided from our host mom) and welcomed her into the neighborhood. She was so happy to meet us and informed us that if we had come a week ago when they first moved in, we wouldn't really have had much time to talk because she was ordering moving men around. But we were able to really enjoy a nice conversation getting to know each other. They are in the perfect neighborhood as there are a couple husbands who work for HP, as does her husband, and they love sailing (from Oregon) and across the street are some boating fanatics ;) We were able to explain where we are from and why we are here and she shared that she had some LDS friends back at home. We then asked her if she had found a church yet and she said that they were looking but had not had time to really look yet and were open. We invited her to come to our church and she appreciated the invitation. We never know what will come of these invitations, but nothing will happen if we don't open our mouths! Later that evening, we went to contact a family who's husband had been receiving the discussions a while ago, but for some reason had stopped. As we met up with the wife, she shared with us concerns of her husbands and we were able to soften her heart and well as help her to see that there is still a chance that her husband might accept the gospel, as long as we rely on Him and His timing. Our purpose is not to teach lessons, but to teach people and to invite them to come unto Christ. If they are ready, it will feel natural and comfortable to them. 

This week, I was reading in the new Ensign that just came out and fell in love with an article on Grace. I never had really been able to grasp what grace meant before, but this article made it so clear. Our Savior sacrificed His life to pay for our debt of sin. It has been already payed for! But we must continue to come unto Him to receive the blessings of His sacrifice. Grace was related to a mother paying for her son's piano lessons. He does not need to pay her back financially, but through his practice and effort, he is showing appreciation and love for her grace. Her sacrifice was to uplift his life and his practice allows him to achieve that and show gratitude. Heavenly Father knows we are not perfect, that is why He sent His son to sacrifice for us. But every day we must PRACTICE and try to better ourselves. The options are not Carnagy Hall or quit, but to practice and become perfected. We will all stand before our Heavenly Father one day and be judged for our works and desires and I want to make sure that as I do so, I will feel COMFORTABLE in His presence. To know I practiced and tried my best every day and that I took advantage of the Atonement to repent and be forgiven of my mistakes and to one day be perfected in Christ. How grateful I am for my Savior's love and sacrifice. How grateful I am for my every day training from the ancient and modern day scriptures. I know my Heavenly Father loves ME and continues to provide ways to show us that there's always a way, there's always another chance. He is the way and His gospel is our chance! Learn of Him and follow Him and you will be happy. I PROMISE you that. There is no greater joy than knowing who you are and knowing where you're going. It's never too late. If you don't know who you are or who Heavenly Father is, pray in faith to know these things for yourself. Ask specific question and He will give you specific answers. 

I love you all and feel your prayers. Thank you for that. 

Love,

Sister Wightman

08/26/13 Letter #22

Heeeelllloooo everyone :)

Well this has been another eventful week (I feel like I'm always saying that). It started off on exchanges as I got go to the east part of Meridian and work with another sister. These exchanges are great as I can get to see different parts of the mission and experience working with other sisters. I got to be with Sister Farley who is from Arizona and has been a member of the Church for just 2 years. Her example and spirit is so refreshing! We were able to teach some lessons and got to do contacting in some apartments that is very ethnically diverse. Where I am serving right now, it is dominantly Caucasian, so it was fun to visit with what seemed to be a lot of refugees from Congo, Jordan and NEPAL! I was so happy to see some Nepali people again and try to remember the words I had learned from the families down in Twin Falls. I definitely missed the diversity. 

Wednesday, while most of the missionaries in our mission were at a "new missionary training" meeting, a few of us were able to help out to the Boise Fair. This is an annual event that the missionaries have been able to help out with. We were able to push around some folks in wheelchairs from the Life Care Center in Boise. The lady I assisted is named Sally and is suffering from MS, but she is a hoot! She just wanted to see everything and has such a love for life and being positive. Every time I would say "Sally, are you ready?", she would always respond "I was BORN ready!". We had a great time. One of my favorite moments was when we went to see the animals and as we fed the goats, she just poured the seeds on her lap and let them eat right off of her. She loved it! Haha. It's nice to be around care-free people. We were able to be there with them for a few hours, so definitely got our workout and some sun for the day ;) (Hopefully I'll be able to put up pictures from it next week)

This week, Sister Chen and I focused a lot on contacting, and although we didn't have too much success, we still saw some miracles. Thursday was a weird day, both with events and the weather. It was kind of a stormy day, and although still muggy, it poured sporadically. There was a lady we had been trying to contact who just never seemed to be home (though apparently she never went anywhere) and as we went to try again, we found multiple notes on the door of concern, showing that other people were worried from not seeing her in a while too. And another sister we found drunk at her house and just seemed very depressed. Being women, Sister Chen and I just seemed to be thinking the worst in both these situations, but luckily, both worked out and are ok. It's always good to act on intuition, but also to try not to overreact over everything because sometimes it's not as bad as we think. 

We have had a little more success with some of our investigators lately as well. One of them is an older gentleman who we had finished teaching all the lessons but wasn't really willing to make any  commitments. Although we felt a little discouraged, we continued to check on him every now and then and have recently begun to read the Book of Mormon with him so that he can understand it. It has been wonderful as we all read through and break it down. We can see that he is understanding it better this way and is even reading quite a bit more than we ask him to read in between our lessons. He even attended church yesterday, which he has not in a while! 

I was reading this morning in the Alma 21 in the Book of Mormon and the message that stood out to me was that as we remain diligent in our efforts, the Lord provides a way and blesses us with success. Sometimes we can feel discouraged and that our efforts are not effective or that we are not progressing, but just as that saying goes, "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again". I have been feeling a little discouraged lately, but as I continue to just give it my all, I am seeing the blessings come. I think it's this whole concept of humbling ourselves before asking so that we can see His hand in our life and we can know the hard times to appreciate the good times. Even if the hard times seem more often than the good times, they are worth it! It works out. I can't tell you why or how it can happen, other than we have to rely on the Lord to make it happen. 

I am so grateful for the Book of Mormon that continues to teach me every day. The Lord is so mindful of me and seems to tell me just what I need to hear. Sometimes I don't realize that I'm looking for it, but then I am reminded that it is an answer to a previous prayer. He hears us. We just need to listen. Heavenly Father loves me and He loves YOU! We are all His children and so we need to continue to reach out to our brothers and sisters. Be patient with those around you and be patient with yourself. The good will always conquer the bad...just decide which way you want to go! Listen to the Spirit, He'll help you find those blessings you've been searching for.

I love you all so much and am grateful for your letters and prayers!

Have a FABULOUS week and when the days get tough...COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS!

Love,

Sister Wightman

08/19/13 Letter #21

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

08/12/13 Letter #20

I can't believe I've been out 5 months! How time flies. I feel myself continually learning and growing every day. The leadership opportunities placed in my path strengthen me and surprise me, as I always saw myself more as a follower. 

This week has been a bit bittersweet as we are continuing teaching some people investigating the church. It is notorious and pretty much predictable that once someone starts progressing and getting closer to being baptized, Satan works in his twisted ways and puts road blocks in their path. One of our investigators's mom has decided to withhold her from being baptized just to spite her ex-husband and it just breaks my heart to see how some people's agency and have such a large affect on others. It is selfish, but it is real. Savannah is so excited and ready to be baptized and I just hope that by putting my trust in the Lord, that things WILL work out for her. 

On my mission, I continue to see trials and challenges that affect me personally or those around me that I have grown to love and care about so much. So many times I feel a need to handle things on my own, but I am quickly humbled and reminded that I can't. In a lesson yesterday in Relief Society, we talked about turning things over to the Lord.We can't do things on our own. It's impossible. But we need to remember and be willing to have help from those around us and most importantly from our Father in Heaven. One of the quotes shared was that we must "Let go and reach up" and I think this is one of my new mottoes. It is something I must remind myself every day. 

I love this work and I love these experiences. But they are not for me alone. They are for my Heavenly Father and they are for my brothers and sisters seeking for the light, the hope, and the direction. I have a wonderful gift in my life and I have the privilege of being able to share it with so many wonderful people. Sometimes it's with the people I would least expect, but nonetheless they are all Heavenly Father's children and they are all my brothers and sisters. I am grateful for my heavenly family!!!

I love you all!

Love,

Sister Wightman

Photos 08/05/13

Sister Chen and I with Erika and her best friend after doing baptisms at the Boise Temple

Sister Chen and I were given fresh Salmon from Alaska from a member's fisherman boyfriend (now we have to figure out how to cook it!)

Letter #19 08/05/13

Well, another fun week on the mission :)

Tuesday, was an incredible day. It started off with a phone call from the Mission Office informing us that there was a Chinese family that Sister Chen needed to come talk to. We rushed over and made it just in time as they were about to leave. Sister Chen was able to teach them about our church in Mandarin and later informed us all that this family was traveling the country and staying in a hotel across from the Boise Temple. They saw this "beautiful building" and of course wanted to check it out. Though they were not able to come in, a lady brought them next door to the Mission Office and that's where we came in. I love hearing Sister Chen teach in Mandarin as she just glows. This has been another convincing evidence that she was called to this mission for a reason. There is no one else who would have been able to teach these people.

Sister Chen and I later that day were able to take our recent convert, Erika, to the temple to do Baptisms for the dead. She loved it! The youth are very active about attending the temple, and she plans on going with her best friend every Tuesday morning!

We were able to finish teaching Lina, the 16 year old girl visiting her neighbor from China this week. Lina went home to China today, but I know that in the right time she will be able to be baptized and has such a desire and conversion already of the Gospel, that the time until she comes back for college will not halter her fire. It is incredible how we keep finding and being referred to those who ARE ready for the Gospel!

We were able to teach another 10 year old girl this week. Most of her extended family is already LDS and her parents are not active, but they want her to have the gospel and the standards in her life as she soon begins Middle School. She is all smiles and her pure and sweet spirit is so refreshing! These young children just don't question things. They understand and already seem to know it's true. What an example can we learn from children :)

The work is still progressing and we are finding people in areas where we struggled before. I know that as we excercise our faith and trust in the Lord, THEN does He work His miracles. If everything was just given to us when we asked, we would not appreciate the blessings that Heavenly Father has in store for us. But as we endure challenges and learn from our experiences, the blessings are ones that we cherish and don't forget. I am so grateful for the many challenges and trials Heavenly Father has given me in my life. They have made me who I am, they have prepared me for my future, and they allow me to turn to my Savior as I know I cannot endure them alone. My testimony and conversion grow more and more every day. I KNOW this gospel is true. I KNOW that we have a LOVING Heavenly Father who knows EACH of His children. I KNOW that our prayers can be answered and I KNOW that as we keep the simple commandments that our Heavenly Father has given us and excercise our faith, that even things we may not understand now will appear to be blessings later. How grateful am I for what I KNOW!

Love,

Sister Wightman