10/28/13 pictures

 Sister Archuleta, Kelly, Bethany, Brad and I at Kelly's baptism last weekend

making Swedish friendship bread at one of the Bishop's house

Melba and I

10/28/13 Letter #31

Well I think the "California winter" is coming to an end and we're starting to get into the "Idaho winter". It's just raining right now, but there's rumor of snow (luckily it doesn't get heavy over here and melts pretty quickly). 

Things are starting to pick up more. Sister Archuleta and I are beginning to make contacts with people that we had been referred to and we are both continuing to fall in love with the people here in Star. We have been trying to figure out how to fill our day time since most people are at work and it's really slow for us. So we decided, since it's Fall, let's rake leaves! We began by going to a member's house and raking her lawn and then we just moved down the neighborhood. Some we didn't even ask, just started doing. I hope it made their day to have a leaf-free lawn to come home to :) Friday, we were on our way to a dinner appointment and we drove by a house with an older woman who was attempting to rake her long driveway. I pointed it out, but Sister Archuleta suggested that we turn around and ask her if we could come back to help her. As we started talking to her,we quickly noticed that she only spoke spanish. Sister Archuleta (although Spanish) speaks no Spanish and looked at me helplessly. I then turned to this woman and was able to tell her that we wanted to help her and set up a time to come back. Although it was not perfect Spanish, I KNOW that I was blessed for a moment with the gift of tongues and was able to understand her as she was able to understand me. As we got back in the car, Sister Archuleta turned to me and pretty much shouted, "You speak Spanish?!? What the heck!" haha. It truly was a tender mercy to be able to communicate with Emilia. 

We were able to visit with our dear friend, Melba, a few times and take her out for a walk. I think I've mentioned her before, but she is a 94 year-old woman with as much fire and spunk as a 25 year old. She makes us laugh so much (partly because she's hard of hearing and because she has a great sense of humor). It was so great to be able to take her outside in her wheelchair. She sits all day and stares out the window and I'm glad she got to be on the other side of the window, feel that fresh air and get out on a great day while we still have them :) I am so grateful for Melba. She brings such a joy into my life and the love that we have for each other is so contagious. I hope to be like her one day. 

We had a great first lesson last night with a part member family. The wife is the only member and the husband has heard the discussions in the past but has a pretty tough personality. His name is Ed and he's this big tough guy who loves to be sarcastic. Luckily, my companion and I can take it ;) We were able to pour our heart out to him last night and bear our testimony of what we know is true. The Spirit was so strong and I know that he had even a little change of heart. He may put on this tough demeanor, but I think having sisters to put him in his place will definitely make a difference. It was incredible hearing the spiritual experiences they've had and even hearing his 15 year old son share that he is reading the Book of Mormon for the second time! I think this family is more ready than they know. We were able to have a young woman come along with us as well who actually had been out in the MTC but had to come home for some medical reasons. She is so ready to be back out there and I am so grateful that we can have her join us in our lessons until she is back out. I remember how I was able to go with the sisters in my singles ward and what a difference it made! She is quiet and reserved, but she is so sweet and her passion and desire to share the gospel is strong and will carry her far. 

This morning, I had the follow up treatment on my root canal. As little fun as it was, I continue to feel the blessings from my Heavenly Father. As the surgeon walked me out to the front he showed me the bill. He showed me how much it would have cost and then pointed to the amount he was charging me: $0.00. He explained, I need the blessings more. I almost cried. I don't know if he knows how much he is blessing me, but I KNOW Heavenly Father will bless him for his service and generosity! I am truly grateful for all the blessing Heavenly Father gives me and how much I am supported as I serve the Lord. 

Thank you all for the support and generosity you have given me. I don't know if you know how much you are truly blessing my life, but I thank you.

Love,

Sister Wightman

10/21/13 Letter #30

Well, another transfer has come and gone! How quickly they continue to fly. I am happy to report that Sister Archuleta and I will be staying together here in Star. I feel like this is becoming a pattern of staying in an area for 3 months. But it's great because I feel that that first transfer in an area is where we can get familiar with it and begin building it up and then the next transfer the things finally progress and go somewhere :) 

We had a wonderful baptism this weekend for Kelly. Her family was able to come in from Southern Idaho, Utah and Sacramento. She had her father-in-law baptize her and her husband confirmed her yesterday at church. It was interesting as when we first met Kelly and talked about baptism, she expressed her fear of water (baptism is done by immersion). However, it was only brought up a couple times at the beginning and then never mentioned again. Sister Archuleta and I never brought it up to her again and as she entered the water I didn't see any fear on her face. Apparently, though, she told her father-in-law to just hold her down because she only wanted to have to do it once haha. She did great though and the Spirit was very strong. Sister Archuleta and I sang "Teach Me to Walk In the Light" accapella. This was totally out of my comfort zone (I'd rather hide behind the piano), but as we sang our solo verses and then in harmony at the end, I knew that even with my imperfections, the spirit was still there and I was just so happy to be there with my companion by my side supporting me. Kelly invited us over to her house after with her family and some other missionaries for a soup dinner. It's so wonderful to see the relationships that are built out here. We have truly become a part of their family and I am excited to see Kelly and her husband and daughter sealed in the temple next year. We got to take her around the temple grounds Friday afternoon with her daughter and it was great just to be there and talk about temples and the importance of families forever. When we teach people, we are not just preparing them for baptism, we are preparing them for the temple. There is something always to progress towards. And our end goal is to return to live with our Heavenly Father and family FOREVER!

As I said before, the work is finally starting to pick up. We are receiving referrals that seem like they might actually go some where. And we have been able to make contacts with people referred that have never been home. We had a wonderful lesson last night at one of our Ward Mission Leader's home. Alec joined the church about 5 years ago when he was 12 and we were able to talk with him and his whole family. He has a lot of struggles, as most teenage boys do, especially when they get to that senior year of high school. He seems to have gotten a little lost in life and it doesn't help to be the only member of the church in his family. It seems like they do support him and he's got a GREAT support from the Simmons (the ward mission leader's family). He is best friends with their son is a stalwart example. It was incredible though, as Sister Archuleta and I testified of Faith in Jesus Christ and the blessings that come as we continue to exercise that faith. Concerns were brought up, but we were able to bear our testimony about how the decisions made now are so important. That Satan will be doubts and fear and contention in our lives, but that as we continue to be active in the things that will bring the Spirit into our lives, we can overcome those doubts and fears with FAITH. Tears were shed but in the end it was such a wonderful feeling of love and care. I think this was a good turning point for Alec and we're so excited to continue to meet with him and his family and help them all continue to progress as they make faith and the gospel more a part of their family life. 

As we continue to teach families, my testimony of families forever continues to grow. I know that I want to be with MY family forever. That's how they are meant to be. In Preach My Gospel it states that "Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of Jesus Christ and when parents make their family their highest priority...". I think that last part is so key. In this day in age where many families have both working parents and kids are caught up in activities, family is put on the back-burner. It continues to say that "...ways of strengthening the family include daily family prayer and scripture study, worshiping at church AS A FAMILY, and serving other. HEAVEN IS A CONTINUATION OF THE IDEAL HOME. Through priesthood ordinances and righteous living, we can live as families in God's presence eternally.". I know this is true. What we do now with our family IS important. These are things that are eternal. Work, school, activities...these are all temporal, but our family will continue with us even into the next life. 

We should all be working every day to strengthen our relationships with those around us. If it's already good, it can always get better. If it isn't great, humble yourselves and serve them. That is the best way to show your love. It IS those little things that count. Even if you don't think they care or appreciate it, they do. 

I love you all. I am grateful for the relationships that I have. I am grateful for this time that I have to improve and strive to be better each day. Thank you all for you concerns and love.

Love,

Sister Wightman

10/15/13 Photos

Our district at the Boise temple after a session

Sister Archuleta and I at the top of Tablerock on our hike yesterday

scraping the frost off our car this morning...it's getting cold

10/15/13 Letter #29

Hey everyone!

What a week! So Star has been on fire lately (not literally). The members have been so wonderful reaching out to those in the wards who haven't been as active. Sister Archuleta and I are finally have a filled scheduled and way more teaching opportunities. It's a true testament of patience that will lead to blessings. We are preparing for Kelly's baptism this weekend and are super excited for her. She is doing great and has so much love and support from the ward. 

I had a little surprise this week as I woke up one night with a terrible tooth pain. Went into the dentist the next day and found out I needed a root canal. Yuck! It was such a humbling experience though. I received a blessing from one of the elders the night before the treatment and slept soundly. Not only was I concerned about the pain but also the financial, but as I pleaded with the Lord for the faith and the opportunity for everything to work out, He answered. How my testimony has grown that as we move fear over with faith and truly trust in Heavenly Father, He WILL help us. There is nothing too small or big to ask of Him. And He truly hears us. I felt like I knew this before, but so many tender mercies came out of this experience that I know now without a shadow of a doubt He is real and He hears me and knows me. 

I can't believe transfers are coming up again already. Sister Archuleta and I are hoping to stay together here in Star. We love each other and we love this area and how quickly it is building. I know that wherever the Lord sends me is where I am needed. I've grown that testimony being here in Boise. Although a lot of people pick fun at Idaho, it truly is a wonderful area and I was meant to be HERE. 

I love you all and think of you often. Thank you for praying for me.

Love,

Sister Wightman

10/07/13 Letter #28

Hello hello!

Well this week has been a bit crazy. I had a meeting to attend almost every day!!!! I'm appreciating my leadership position, but at the same time it really takes a toll on my proselyting time haha. 

Tuesday I had a leadership meeting which was great as we continued to learn how to involve the members more as we rely on them. I was reminded of how it's so important that we as members of the Church need to focus and rely on the simple truths of the gospel. It is one thing to know it, but to talk about it to others, simply, is a whole other ball game! 

Wednesday, we were back at the mission office for a New Missionary Training meeting for Sister Archuleta. This is my third one, and although the schedule is pretty similar, it is still different and a good reminder. That is one of the many things that I love about this church. Although we review the same doctrine over and over again, I always learn something new or something else stands out each time that I never saw before. Sometimes it's because I'm going through different things in my life or just things that I hadn't paid attention to before. 

This weekend was absolutely wonderful as we had the privilege to watch our semi-annual General Conference. This is an opportunity that we have twice a year to watch and listen to our Prophet, Thomas S. Monson and the other leaders of our church as they share with us the revelations that have received from our Father in Heaven. We were able to watch a session with Kelly who is getting baptized in a couple weeks and another with Kacey who recently joined the church and is preparing to enter the temple with her new hubby. It is so wonderful to know how aware our Heavenly Father is aware of us and the things that we are facing today. I am grateful for the boldness of these brethren and sisters and their love for each and everyone of us as we strive to have the peace and happiness in our lives now as we prepare for our next life. The focus on families and our Father's Plan was beautiful and the awareness of trials such as depression and broken families. If you did not have a chance to watch Conference, I would highly recommend it as you can view it on lds.org or wait for it to come out in the Ensign (church magazine) and review these sacred words.

I know that this gospel is true. I know that our Father in Heaven continues to communicate to us today, still through a prophet of God who hold the proper authority to receive the revelation from Him. I know that our Heavenly Father has a perfect Plan for each and everyone of us that will bring us happiness, purpose, and direction in our lives to help us enjoy all of His blessings, including eternal families. I know that Christ is our Savior and is our Center. Through Him we can receive a relief of guilt, peace, and understanding and the light to help us through these dark times. I love Him and I know He lives! I am grateful for the scriptures, both the Bible and the Book of Mormon that testify of my Savior and how I can follow Him. As I strive to be more like Him and represent Him, my life is guided and I understand what is expected of me. I am His daughter and He has blessed me with unique gifts and talents that will not only bless my life but those around me. Cherish those gifts. Use them. Strengthen them. All things are possible through Christ's Atonement! Come unto Him!

I love you all. Have a fantastic week!

Love,

Sister Wightman

Photos 09/30/13

Sister Chen and I with Kylee and her son after her baptism