Dearest family and friends,
I sort of feel like David Mosher's questions about why we have to suffer and why we have to die and how the Atonement works with all of that have shaped this part of my mission. I feel like the Lord is helping me to discover the answers with the experiences He's giving me.
Tuesday evening I was on exchanges with Sister Boldt in Oxford and I received a phone call from President Fairbank. Bob Barr, the husband of Lori Barr, one of my favorite members in Providence, was in the hospital and wasn't expected to make it much longer and Lori had asked if I could visit. Everything worked out perfectly and Sister Boldt and I were able to make the trip Wednesday morning to see them. It was an absolutely life-changing experience. Sacred, really. I don't have words to describe how I was changed as I watched Lori and Bob talk with each other and express their love for one another or how my testimony of the Plan of Salvation solidified as I testified that we are eternal beings who are not made for endings. And once again, I learned how sanctifying it is to mourn with those that mourn and comfort those that stand in need of comfort. It teaches us how to be a little more like our Savior. It is such a privilege. Bob passed away Wednesday night, but I know that he and Lori can be together again. How grateful I am for restored Priesthood power in temples that allows us to be united as families eternally. Please keep the Barr family in your prayers.
My time with Sister Boldt is just incredible. The difficult experiences she's been through in her life have prepared her to help others. She told me about a family she's been visiting and teaching who have completely occupied her thoughts and studies and prayers. She has fasted for them and prayed to know what she can do to help them. The husband was baptized a year ago but has not been active for a long time. The wife has been a member for years and even served a mission. The powerful testimony that Sister Boldt was able to share with them about her experiences helped the husband to realize that he needed to return to the gospel and that if Sister Boldt could live the gospel and be upheld by the power of the Atonement, so could he. I was so impressed by her complete consecration and dedication to the work. I want to be more like that. And I felt like she helped me to realize another answer to David's question about suffering. It helps us to empathize and help one another, especially those who have experienced similar trials. And empathizing and strengthening one another helps us to be more like our Savior and our Father in Heaven. That is what They want for us- to grow as They have and to have everything They do.
I also had the chance to visit Cindy Autry, another one of my favorite members in Providence. She is such an incredible example of what it means to love others like the Savior. I have a lot to learn from her! I am so grateful we had the chance to visit.
Sister Patterson and I continue to enjoy the work here in Amherst and just keep seeing miracles happen. We were able to get some members together to help David Mosher move on Saturday and it was wonderful to see how service softens hearts. I am so grateful for our members here!
Thank you for all you do! I love you all!
Much love,
Sister Wheeler Jr.
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