July 29

Hello everyone! I hope you have all had a wonderful week! Sister Thompson and I are thoroughly enjoying our time here in Blue Springs. We are truly being blessed for our efforts and have seen many miracles from exercising our faith. I am grateful to each of you for your continued prayers and support. A girl couldn't ask for or have a better family! Everyone else is definitely missing out!

Our miracles started on Monday with the Curless family. They are so great and super prepared to hear the gospel. On Monday we met with them and the Elders from the Blue Springs 2nd Ward-a transitional meeting so to speak to set out our expectations and the reason for transitioning their teaching to us. We answered some of their concerns and invited them to church. Mom and Joanna would be at Girl Scout Camp but brother Shelley said he would help Jacob get there. Jacob (is 14) responded with "I'll get myself there." GREAT ANSWER! Jacob is an amazing young man who is really motivating his family to learn more. Our youth were going on a temple trip to Nauvoo this weekend. Last minute we (S. Thompson, me and YM president) decided Jacob needed to go. AND HE DID!! Spur of the moment he picked up and went to Nauvoo! He loved it! He fit right in! As he was walking around Nauvoo with a couple of his leaders he kept telling them that he was going to get baptized! His faith inspires me and truly amazes me. I am grateful for his example and desire to draw closer to the Savior.

Tuesday we had a ton of appointments planned... Four is a ton. And.... They all fell through. Even our district meeting fell through. Yep, such is the life of a missionary. It gave us more time, though, to do service for Marie. Marie is the next door neighbor of the Austin family, who are members. Marie needed help cleaning up her room. Sister Thompson and I spent about 3 hours there... and have about 100 more hours of work. (Exaggerate? Who me?) Seriously, though, the show "Hoarders" comes to mind. But Marie is great. She is in her 80's (we think) and is losing her memory but she is a ton of fun. She wanted me to tell you that I'm not coming home because we're moving in with her. She thinks my parents are nuts for letting me serve a mission and be away from home for so long. And she wants us to send any trouble making boys her way so she can take care of them. She's a gem; super funny; great protector. I'll definitely have to get a picture with her... probably her mess, too.

Wednesday and Thursday were "normal" missionary days. Lots of trying to find; knocking on doors, etc. Do you know how ineffective tracting is? Completely ineffective; and not a ton of fun. Friday I went on exchanges and spent the day in the Odessa Ward with Sister Schwarz. Oh! I love Sister Schwarz! She is an amazing missionary who is a ton of fun to be around. She is so genuine and just an all around great person. I am so grateful for her spirit and the opportunity I had to be with her. (The Odessa sisters drive a truck but I didn't get to... Maybe next time....)

Sister Thompson and I joined the ward choir; it's a great way to build trust with members. We had choir practice Saturday morning at 8:30. We were the only ones there at 8:40ish and thought Sister Goodson would call it off. Ha! That's silly! Sister Thompson and I got private voice lessons... poor Sister Goodson! We did warn her, though. We were grateful when Sister Morgan and Danisha showed up; not quite as painful. Sister Miller fed us dinner Saturday night and sent us home with a ton of food. Alfredo, fresh homemade cinnamon rolls and bread, watermelon, peaches. We almost don't have to go shopping for food today. We are truly grateful for Sister Miller.

Sunday was church (in case you forgot) and I still love church! I love being able to take the sacrament to be reminded of the sacrifice of Christ and the love He has for all of us. I'm grateful to be a missionary and spend each and every day doing "churchy" things. I know I am doing exactly what I need to be doing. I know that as I do what I am supposed to my Heavenly Father will bless with me with answers to prayers and miracles. So many miracles! I know this church is true. I love and miss you all! Stay strong and be courageous!

LOVE YOU!!!

Sister Wilson

1--Me and Sister Schwarz

2--Sister Schwarz, Sister Allen, Me, Sister Thompson (So great to be around Sisters!)

3--Like our glasses?

July 22

Hello, everyone! I hope you have all had a wonderful week! Sister Thompson and I have been super blessed this week... Even if it did start off poorly. Monday night we were "dumped" by an investigator. He decided he wanted to meet with the Elders in a different ward. I was devastated-being dumped is awful! And I had to come on my mission to experience it! I had to study charity pretty heavily before meeting up with the Elder's to give them the teaching record; they were super apologetic. The whole situation kind of exploded a little bit in the singles branch. The members are not happy with the Elder's taking over. I thought a lot about this and my part in it. Why are we being so selfish? (is the conclusion I came to) We should be thrilled that this friend is still meeting with missionaries. He just didn't 'click' with us like he did with the Elders. And I know the Elder's will take good care of him. We are all still friends and we will support him along the way. It was a really good learning experience for me.

And we were blessed by an open evening when we would have been in that lesson! Wednesday we had a lot of lessons and found a new investigator. We are expecting miracles and working to see them. "Pray as though everything depends on the Lord and work as though everything depends on you" is the saying we are putting into practice. It's working well. We are finding the courage and strength to talk with everyone we meet. We can feel the work beginning to move in the Fleming Park Ward. We will be meeting with the high council over missionary work to help the branch know what to do next. It's moving! It's going! And I get to have a hand in it! Being a missionary is really the best thing I can be doing right now. I know that I am exactly where Heavenly Father needs me. I know that I am in His hands and I can do anything through Him.

The Elders in the Blue Springs 2nd Ward have been teaching the Curless family. They are struggling to be able to meet up with them, though, due to scheduling. The Curless family is a family of 5 (mom, dad, 3 kids) whose friendship is in the Fleming Park Ward. This week we received word that they are transitioning their teaching to us. Sister Thompson and I are super excited. They are an amazing family; and lot's of fun. They are way busy this summer with scout camps but we won't let that stop us. They are prepared and ready for the gospel. We are excited to bring it to them.

So, it's hot. I don't like hot. It was 106 the other day with awful humidity. You just stand there and sweat. I much prefer the dry heat of Utah-which some people can't understand. People are way nice, though. We get lots of offers of water from random people. Not as many invites to come in but that's okay-we're planting seeds!

Hmmm....I thought a lot had happened this week but I'm running out of things to say. I think more than anything we looked for and found miracles in our teaching efforts. (ie: contacting a less active member that we've been trying for 8 weeks--and getting a return appointment! BIG DEAL!) Just an amazing week that flew by way too fast! I am learning so much about the gospel! I love being a missionary! I love teaching people about the Savior and His sacrifice for us! I love thinking about all the seeds I will plant that I don't know about. I love knowing how the gospel works for me. I love applying what I learn in study time to help myself be a better me. Man! I just love this gospel and all it does for me; for us! I'm grateful to each of you. Thank you for your love and support. Thank you for your prayers. I love you all so much! Stay strong and may God continue to be with you.

Love,

Sister Wilson

Pics--

1--Look who came to Missouri!

2--Taking over Wendy's...

3--Brother and Sister Brailsford, me, Sister Thompson (We had dinner with them Friday. LOVE THIS COUPLE!)

July 15

Hello, everyone! I hope you all had an absolutely fantastic week! Sister Thompson and I are doing well. We survived the transfer and are still together. We have the privilege of continuing to serve in the Fleming Park Ward and Little Blue River YSA Branch. There are so many good people here. We love everyone we work with and are grateful to have the opportunity to be here. Not too much new going on this week. We aren't doing so great at finding new investigators. We are, however, having a lot of success with the less active members we are working with. We had 2 of the women we are working with come to church yesterday. It was really great. And, our investigator, Paul came to a YSA activity and church! We were excited to see all of them. We are struggling to find people to talk with as we walk around and lots of people don't answer the door or are not home but, either way, we are doing our best. But can always do better!

I am excited to be able to use my special education expertise a bit (one reason I'm convinced I'm in this ward right now). There are a lot of children with special needs in the ward and a lot of parents/primary teachers/leaders that might be struggling with what to do. Yesterday in ward council I felt impressed to tell everyone that I could be of use, that I had a masters degree in special education, taught school for 6 years, and have a sister with autism. I don't necessarily hide these facts from people, I tell them if they ask but I don't go around blowing my own horn, either. So, for me to tell an entire roomful of people was a big deal. I am positive there is someone I need to help. Now, I just gotta find them.

Sister Thompson and I moved into a new place this week. We are now living with the Merrill's. They are great. They bought a house just so they could have the missionaries stay with them. They are super sweet and willing to do anything to help us. We don't have our own apartment but have basically free reign of the house for whatever we need. It's different living with members but I enjoy it.

Hmm... Just like all of you, there isn't much to tell this week. Guess I'll just have to end with my testimony. Hmm... What do I have a testimony of this week? It's hard to choose just one topic. Well, I have a testimony of Heavenly Father's plan. How perfect it is! I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who knows me better than I know myself. I am so grateful He has a plan all laid out for me and all I have to do is figure out what it is. Daunting task, yes! But He will help me; I am never alone. None of us are! Our Heavenly Father knows us so much better than we know ourselves. He knows our deepest needs before we know them ourselves. I'm grateful we can pray to Him for help and comfort; for anything! I'm grateful He is there and listens to me. I'm grateful He knows how much I needed such a wonderful family. I really couldn't do it without any of you. I love you all a ton! Thanks for being so great!

LOVE YOU!

Sister Wilson

This is Sister Thompson and I in the carwash... The only picture we took last week. We've gotta take more pics!

July 8

Hello, everyone! Oh my goodness! I miss you all so much and am slightly envious of the 4th of July you had! (Except for the bees...) Sister Thompson and I spent the day trying to find people to teach. Surprisingly enough, no one was outside... or inside for that matter. We couldn't find anyone! We spent a lot of time walking, though, and felt good about getting skinny. Ha! Being that it was my favorite holiday it was hard not to be involved in all the activities. Fireworks started bright and early in the morning on July 3rd and went ALL day for the next two days. I didn't get it-you can't see them when it's light. It was kind of like a war zone trying to navigate some of the streets. I'm sure the boys would love being here when fireworks are out--EVERYTHING is legal. And I mean everything. It literally sounded like a war zone and massive bombs going off all day. Sister Thompson and I spent the evening with some YSA's from the branch and their family. We planned quickly so we could watch all the fireworks we could hear... Unfortunately, the cul-da-sac we live in is so surrounded by trees that we couldn't see anything; but we heard it all. So, as 4th of July's go, as far as celebrating, I was extremely disappointed. HOWEVER, I am grateful for the time I had to be a missionary this Independence Day. If it weren't for the holiday we would not be able to preach the gospel to all the world. I wouldn't be able to walk the streets without fear of being persecuted (or executed, as the case may be, in Missouri!). America is a choice land and I am so grateful for freedoms, rights, and privileges of being here. That being said, I really do expect a grand celebration next year.

It's been a good week. Last Monday we had the opportunity to attend Family Home Evening for the singles branch. They met up (down? over? I have no idea where we are...) at Lake Jacomo. It was a combined activity with the Independence Singles Branch. It was SO GREAT to see everyone I knew. I really love and miss the Independence Branch but realized I am learning to love the Little Blue branch as well. Sister Thompson just kept looking at me and saying, "Independence?" It was really great to know everyone; and be part of the group! And to know everyone's name. Who'd have ever thought I'd love being part of a singles branch, huh? Weird as it is I think Heavenly Father is teaching me a lesson, with a sense of humor. Evidently, I needed to learn how to interact with my peers. So, I have learned. Now, when I get home I can interact with them in a completely normal, missionary-style way. Ha! Normal?! Missions defnitely don't teach you that!

So, this seems like forever ago but... On the 3rd we were out trying to find some YSA's in one of the other wards. As we were walking toward the house the tornado sirens went off! Sister Thompson and I looked at each other then quickly booked it back to the car. We made it safely home and worked from there for a bit. Luckily, it was only about 45 minutes until curfew anyway.

Friday we had our mid-training conference call. Everyone who is training gets on a call with President Keyes and the assistants. We account for our obedience and how far in the lessons the trainee has passed off. I am proud to say that Sister Thompson had passed off all her lessons the night before! (Yep, I'm training a good one!) She's really great and is a ton of fun to be with. I think I've trained her too well, though, she seems to have picked up on the Wilson sarcasm.... Ah, it's all good. We get along great; I am so grateful for her!

Saturday was a fantastic day! We had 9 lessons!!! Not scheduled ones, just door approaches and one dinner message with some non-members. It was a great day. We are slowly seeing the work progress in the Fleming Park Ward. I am grateful for all the people I am meeting and the friends I am making. They are all such wonderful people; and so willing to do anything for the missionaries! They are excited about having Sisters and bend over backwards to help us out.

Sunday was great; I love Sunday's. I love going to 2 sets of meetings but wished they didn't overlap. I love the fellowship and spirit I feel in church. I love being able to take the sacrament and remembering the sacrifice Christ made for me. I am grateful for the freedom practice religion as I choose to do so. And I'm grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and all that it teaches me. The gospel is a wonderful and glorious thing! How grateful I am for the truths that are taught therein!

Well, another transfer has come and gone.... Almost. Transfers are on Thursday. I will be super surprised if anything happens with Sister Thompson and I. We are moving again, though. The members we are living with are going on a mission so we are moving in with different members on Wednesday. We stopped by and visited them last night. We look forward to getting to know them. They are thrilled to be having us in their home; hopefully we live up to what they expect!

That's about it from Missouri. It's hot. It's humid. I don't like humid. It's great, though. It's a beautiful place. I love each of you a ton. Thanks for your continued support and prayers and love. I miss you all!

Love, Sister Wilson

Pics...

1--My district (S. Thomspon, Me, E. Thomas, E. McCauley, E. Warner

E. Carter, E. Trammel, E. Sjoblom)

2--Found my twin!

 

July 1

Hello to my favorite family!!! It's July; my favorite month! I hope you each have a fantastic Independence Day-plan something great (like a cruise or Denver or camping at a lake... I don't care! Just want to celebrate the holiday properly--with FAMILY!) for next year so I can thoroughly enjoy all aspects of the holiday without restriction. I'm expecting great things from all of you... And family unity. If nothing else, do it for me. (Since I know that's alwyas motivated you before....)

Okay... what did we do this week? It was actually pretty slow... Really slow. On Wednesday we had a mission-wide zone conference (I guess that would just be a mission conference?) It was SO GREAT! We met at the stake center in Liberty where we began the morning by attending the temple-all of us! This hasn't been done before; it was amazing. There are about 200 missionaries in our mission now so they took us in 2 shifts. Sister Thompson and I were able to go in the first shift then return to the stake center for trainings on utilizing the visitor centers better. We all met back up for lunch and had a great afternoon training by President and Sister Keyes. I was kind of surprised that Sister Keyes had to speak on meal etiquette-evidently it's been a bit of a problem. President Keyes talked about the historic nature of the day, 26 June 2013. That morning 58 new missions had been created; everything had been rolled out. And our mission (the Missouri Independence Mission-M.I.M.) was reorganized. We sang our mission song-the first time it had been sung in the new M.I.M. It was so cool; the spirit was so strong. It was amazing to see all the missionaries in one spot-wish I would've gotten more/any pictures. The conference ended by those that are heading home before the next conference (20 missionaries) bearing their testimonies. I didn't know any of them when they first came out but the spirit was strong as they bore testimony of what their missions have taught them. It was a spiritually uplifting/exhausting day. I LOVED IT!

That evening we had the opportunity to teach Paul-a YSA that some of his friends introduced to us. He's great; just gotta get him to church. We're meeting with him again this week-we'll see how it goes. Thursday we had the opportunity to help Sister Mack from the ward with service. I love the opportunity to serve! Not only do I get to wear pants but it gives us the opportunity to build trust with members and helps us learn to love them. I think a lot of ward members are trying to protect the Sisters by giving the Elders all the hard stuff but... WE CAN SERVE, TOO! In fact, we want to get dirty and do yard ward and whatever it is that people need help with. Off that tangent... We got to help put up a pool for Sister Mack on Saturday. She has a daughter with disabilities who does water therapy so a pool is good for her. It was fun to be out being productive; out in the sun doing hard work.

Last week 3 members of the Beehive class gave us a total of 17 referrals; friends they want to introduce to the missionaries. We spent time this week meeting with each of them, trying to figure out what we can do. Sister Thompson and I really don't want to just "tract" into these girls; we think it would be better if their friends were involved. So, we are trying to set up a Beehive activity where all their friends can come and we as missionaries will be there. It's slow work, building up the trust of members but we are working diligently to do so.

We also had the opportunity this week to got to a devotional before a YSA dance. It was super hero themed. Sister Thompson and I had the privilege of talking briefly about who our super heros are. It was fun. A lot of the YSA's from Independence were there; it was so great to see them. We were mixing/mingling trying to get to know everyone--waiting for them to start the music before we left. Come to find out; they were waiting for us to leave before they started the music!

Yesterday, we were able to give the lesson in the combined Priesthood/Relief Society. It went well. We focused on the covenants we had made as members of the Church and how it was our responsibility to share that joy with others. We felt good about it and hope it went well.

And here we are... another p-day! Only one left in this transfer--crazy! Life is going great. Blue Springs is a beautiful city. I love the people here and am learning to be okay with and love full time proselyting work. I love each of you and am blessed by and can feel the prayers you send up in my behalf. I am grateful for the eternal perspective of life I am gaining. Now, more than ever, I realize the importance of family and what each of you really means to me. I know I am blessed to have you all as family. I know that this gospel was organized so that we could all be together in the eternities. I know that the family is the most basic social unit in time and all eternity and that God gave us families so that we could be happy. The family is the best place to teach, learn, and apply gospel principles. I know that's where I learned them; from parents who were a great example of how to live a Christ-like life. I know I took each of you for granted before serving a mission. I know I wasn't the most Christ-like and charitable when it came to my family. I also know that I need this time to learn to appreciate and love each of you; to begin to understand the eternal nature of family. My greatest aspiration in life is to be with each of you in exaltation. Let's work together to get there. I love you all--I REALLY, REALLY do! Stay strong, be courageous. Remember what things matter most-->family.

LOVE YOU!!

Sister Wilson

Pictures


 

1--The next generation they allowed me to corrupt--S. Thompson and S. Diederich

2--Me and Sister Sant; she's become my best friend and confidant (She goes home this transfer )

3--Kansas City, MO (if you zoom in you can see me and S. Thompson)