July 28, 2014
Family and friends,
It is so hard to write after reading all your emails- I just want to sit and read more for a few hours and keep laughing and crying at all of your wonderful stories and testimonies. I love you all so very much! :)President Christensen gave us a wonderful training on Moroni 10:3-5 and how we can teach our investigators to have meaningful prayer. He is such an incredible teacher and the humblest, gentlest man. The best part was at the end: His phone went off while we were discussing something, but he just silenced it and continued with the conversation. It went off again a minute later and he looked at it, hesitated, and then said, "This is Mayor Bloomberg from New York... do you mind if I answer this?" We were dying. :) SO funny! He came back in afterwards and said, "I'm sorry... he calls me sometimes." No big deal. :)
All of our mission presidency and their wives (minus Sister Christensen- she was not there) did a Q&A panel at lunch and it was so fun to hear a range of things from them, from their proposal stories and advice on marriage to their testimonies of the Book of Mormon. President Christensen shared a powerful story on how he gained his testimony of the Book of Mormon. It took a lot of work, but the results were life-changing. There was such a sweet and powerful Spirit that came into the room as he shared. It had a huge impact on me and helped me to realize that those kind of spiritual experiences are available to me if I put forth the effort. There is power in a sincere heart and real intent.
Two wonderful stories about new investigators! First, on Monday of last week, Sister Patterson and I were able to teach Stacy, a hairdresser that Sister Patterson contacted while I was getting my hair cut by another lady a few weeks ago. Kat Newman, a recent convert (and my new idol, I just LOVE HER!), came with us and the lesson went so well! Kat shared powerful testimony and Stacy really seemed to receive it well. She was brought up Catholic and isn't active any more, but has been looking for something more and has been really struggling over the past few years. Our message about our loving Heavenly Father and the Restoration seemed to really resonate with her and she agreed to read the Book of Mormon and pray about it. We were so excited for her! Unfortunately, we didn't hear from her for the rest of the week until Saturday when she told us that one of her family members passed away this week. :( She is going to need some time. Please pray for Stacy to feel comforted and to feel comfortable enough to meet with us again in the future so that we can teach her about the Plan of Salvation and give her true peace!
The other story: Last night, Sister Patterson and I met with the non-member son of an inactive member to teach him, Bob, the first lesson. He had actually invited his girlfriend, Alison, and she was really excited to hear what we had to share. They were just awesome! Bob is the gentlest Christian, but also very much into Black Sabbath and heavy metal. :) SO GREAT! And Alison was raised Orthodox Jewish, can read Hebrew, and has struggled with an eating disorder for a long time. It was so clear that she was searching for truth and healing and when we testified of the enabling and strengthening power of the Atonement, there were tears in her eyes. It was incredible! They both agreed to read and pray about the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith and we are going back next week. We already love them so much and are excited for the gospel to fill their lives with light! Alison actually asked us at the beginning of the lesson, "So do you guys feel like you have true peace and happiness?" and we were able to answer with an absolute "YES!" She is so hungry for that peace and we can't wait to see her heal!
The absolute highlight of the week was being back in Providence for Julie, Jodi, and Jazmin's baptism! Sarah Wilson from Amherst was so kind to sacrifice her Saturday and take us. I am so impressed by the progress Julie, Jodi, and Jazmin have made! They were already incredible, but living the gospel has just boosted the light in their countenances. :) I love them so much! There was such an incredible Spirit there, especially as they each shared their testimonies. They are such incredible examples of what it means to have faith in Christ and what it means to love others like He does. I love them so much and can't wait to watch them continue to progress. I am so grateful that they will always be a part of my life! :) And by the way, Julie and Jodi are going to the temple next week to be baptized for family names, and Jazmin is at Girl's Camp this week and when she gets home, she'll turn around and head out for a 2-week mini-mission. :) What an incredible summer for them. It was also such a treat to see some of the members- I love them so much! They probably think it's weird how much I love them, but it is just the inescapable result of being a missionary and serving people. :) They are you life for the time you are there and so you can't help but love them like crazy! :)
I had a chance to chat with Sister Hobbs after the baptism and we both got teary talking about how much we love Providence and how the Spirit is so incredible there because of the consecration and dedication of the members. It is truly life-changing to serve there. :) I am so excited to continue to hear about the miracles there, especially because SISTER HYOUNG IS GOING TO PROVIDENCE!!!! I AM OUT-OF-MY-MIND EXCITED! Only she could take Sister Crane's place. :) The branch is just going to LOVE her.
In more transfer news, Sister Patterson and I will be in Amherst for another 6 weeks. Sister Crane and Sister Budvarson go home this week! Absolutely crazy! I will miss them! I am so grateful for what they've taught me as my companions. I cannot imagine my life without them! Having a new set of incredible friends was something I had not anticipated as a result of my mission, but nothing bonds you stronger than sharing testimony and sacrificing together to help others come unto Christ. :)
Now I'm headed to play Ticket to Ride with our district after this. I may or may not have bought myself a copy of it... do you realize I haven't played my favorite board game in over 14 months?! I'm a little too excited right now... :)
I love you all so very much! This gospel is true! Our Heavenly Father and Savior live and love us more than we know!
Much love,
Sister Wheeler Jr.
Sister Wheeler Jr.
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