September 1, 2014
Dearest family and friends,
It's interesting how I've been in college towns for all of my mission. I guess it makes the environment a bit more familiar to me since the school cycle is what I've been doing my entire life. Slower summers and then the excitement and energy that comes with the start of the school year. It's nice! Especially when I don't have to stress about homework. :) #notrubbingitin #okmaybealittle
So yes, the town population has shot up exponentially in the last week or so. And for some reason the humidity we've been without all summer is deciding to show it's sticky face. :P But, we had fun on Saturday volunteering to help students move into the UMASS dorms. Serving a mission has helped me to better appreciate the wonderful feeling you get from just serving others. It's nice to not have anything to worry about (homework, finances, etc) and to be able to focus entirely on what someone else needs. It's way more fulfilling than fussing about your own worries. :)
We're excited about the return of the students in conjunction with the Joseph Smith fireside President Packard will be presenting at our chapel on the 13th. We're just down the street from UMASS and we've got some great advertising plans and we're just excited for the event to create more low-lying fruit. The ward members seem to be excited to have something they can invite their friends and co-workers to, especially when they've been asking them questions about the church.
In investigator news, we haven't been able to meet with Adrien. Every appointment we had this week fell through. Satan is the worst. And he told us he had a ride to church, but didn't show up. And when we called, he said he was still planning to come to dinner and a lesson at a member's house Sunday night. But he totally stood us all up. We are planning to stop by for a bit of a DTR tonight. Hopefully it's just a culture thing, but we will see!
In better investigator news, we had a wonderful lesson with Alex last night. Our ward missionaries, the Youngs, returned to town and they were willing and ready to come. (I LOVE MEMBERS!) Sister Patterson and I have been worried about Alex all week because his conversion is going so well and because of how things went poorly with his sister Melany after she showed a similarly strong testimony, so we decided to fast on Sunday. I am so grateful for that commandment. I have gained a much better testimony of it on my mission. It is a privilege to show the Lord our faith and earnest desires by coupling fasting with prayer, especially in behalf of others. Please continue to pray for Alex! We invited him to be baptized on November 8th and he was open to it! There's a lot to do before we get there and I know that the opposition will be greater the closer we get, so please remember him in your prayers. He is such an honest seeker of truth and a GOOD kid! It is such a miracle that we met him in the parking lot in July. It is so fun to see the Lord's hand in this work! And so humbling!
I also got a letter from my dearest Caty this week! TOTALLY made my day! I love that girl so much and am so proud of her!
In P-day news, true to form, I schooled Sasha, Kat, and Sister Patterson at TTR last week (although Sister Patterson did VERY well for her first solo game). Today we're headed to see some beautiful old sights in Leverett with a member and I'm excited to have some time to photograph this beautiful area. (Did I mention the leaves are ALREADY turning?!)
I love you all so very much! This is the truly the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. What a blessing it is to have it in our lives and to bring others closer to Christ by sharing it. I know that our Savior lives and that He loves us! I am so grateful for the way my testimony of Him is deepening as I serve. It is such an incredible blessing! Do all that you can to draw closer to Him- there is nothing more rewarding.
Much love!
Sister Wheeler Jr.
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