Oct ober 25

Hello! I hope you have all had a fantastic week! It looks like you caused lots of havoc and made a huge mess at the house... Hopefully you went back to help clean up? Bet Mark was in heaven with that cherry picker? It's been a crazy week here in the M.I.M. So much has gone on!

Saturday was super stressful. After our morning shift we made drastic changes in our schedule to go to a baptism with an investigator who is getting baptized tomorrow. It's been a bit of a mess trying to figure it all out. She lives in our stake but is in a different ward but is going to a completely different ward/stake where her fiance is. We had arrangements all made to have her baptism in the Independence Stake; she would just have to have her baptism attached to someone elses. Well, she decided she didn't want that... I can't blame her. Through a series of events she is being baptized into the Warrensburg stake in a completely different ward. It's really crazy and was super stressful. Saturday night we probably spent 3 hours on the phone with President Keyes and other ward leaders trying to figure it all out. It has all worked, though. Danyell is getting baptized tomorrow morning at 9am. She's super excited and we are excited for her. Danyell is great! I will have to send more pictures.

Sunday we spent a lot of time driving. It takes about half an hour to get to our area/church. We went there first thing in the morning, then had to come back to Danyell's ward to make sure she knows people there. We went back to our area for an appointment (that ended up cancelling) then came back to be on shift at the visitor center. We used lots of miles. It's weird to worry about miles and not gas. One of the senior sisters was telling us that gas prices were down at a certain gas station. I just kind of looked at her and said... It's been a while since I worried about gas prices; now I just worry about miles!

Monday we spent some time taking Sister Weng to the doctor. The Missouri weather doesn't agree with her. Thankfully, it's just allergies but it could go to a sinus infection if not treated. She seems to be feeling better; she's got a lot more sass. Did you that Asians are extremely stubborn and have a lot of sass? It's true. I was going to be good and try to refrain from sassing too much because I wasn't sure if Sister Weng would get it. Bad idea! She understands it very well and can dish out more than she can get! Our dinner appointment Monday night forgot we were coming over but hurridely put together Mac&Cheese and hot dogs for us. I was glad I liked hot dogs; Sister Weng wasn't too impressed.

Tuesday we had interviews with President and Sister Keyes. They are SO great! I am so blessed to be able to serve under them. They are fantastic people for which I am so grateful. I can't help but feel better about myself after being with the two of them. Danyell had her baptism interview Tuesday night. She nailed it! She must've been taught by amazing teachers. (Keep in mind I've only known her for like 2 weeks so I'm not talking about myself...)

Wednesday all our appointments cancelled. Thank goodness we are efficient planners and had lots to do. All of the Sisters at the VC, who hadn't already been, went on a field trip to Adam-ondi-Ahman and Far West. I went last year so got to stay at the VC with the other Sisters this time. Sister Pyne called it Veterans Day at the VC. It's really weird to be a veteran. Thursday night we had Bible Study. Sister Smith and Sister Moon started a Bible Study at the beginnig of the summer. Last night, we had 3 nonmembers come. It was so great! We are studying the life of Jesus Christ. I'm really learning a lot. It's great to be able to talk through the Bible with other members.

And... here we are... yep. Another week gone by. It went by crazy fast. I know it doesn't seem like much but it was kind of stressful and we didn't have much time in our area. It was good, though. I'm learning to love this area...and the few people I know so far. I stil love being a missionary. I love sharing the gospel with those around me. I love each of you and am so grateful for your continued love and support. I hope you all have a great week and have fun sharing the gospel with those around you. You are all so great! Seriously, I love you a ton and am so grateful for each of you. I LOVE YOU!

Sister Wilson

Pictures...

1--Veterans Day at the VC! (S. Lettig, S. Altier, S. Grange, me, S. Wilson, S. Erikson) Sister Erikson isn't really a veteran. That's why she's sitting on the floor.

2--Me and Sister Pyne; we have amazing senior couples!

October 18

Hello, to my favorite family!!! I hope you have all had a fantastic week! Tell you what, having Friday p-day is certainly throwing me off. I don't think I really like it... Thank goodness I'll only have to worry about it this transfer... Gonna make sure I don't get it again. What a week it has been! I feel like there is so much to tell you... but probably there really isn't. Looking back, the week went super fast but each day leading up to p-day was REALLY long. Yesterday, especially. It was a slow morning at the VC and time seemed to crawl. So... What happened this week?

Last Friday we spent an enjoyable day doing not much of anything. It was so great. We had about 5 hours to sit around the house; that hasn't happened for a long time. My absolutely favorite thing to do on p-day is wear sweat pants and sit on the couch; possibly write letters. I haven't really seen many of the sites in the area so we'll have to come back one day and see them all together.

Saturday we had a cool experience at the VC. It started with a family of 3 wandering in who spoke Chinese. Thank goodness we have Sister Weng who could give them a tour in their native language! It was so cool! Sister Weng had been here for about 4 days and got to put her skills to use. Shortly after that a group of 4 came in from Australia; I had the opportunity to take them on a presentation. They had been to General Conference and were now visiting some of the sites before going home. Come to find out one of the men in the group had just been called as the temple president for the Brisbane, Australia Temple. I never would have quessed it; guess I need to meet more temple presidents. I enjoyed being with them; they were a lot of fun. Right after that group left an unexpected bus tour of 25 Japenese guests came in. Fortunately they brought their own interpreter. My favorite part of that group was at the very end of their presentation. It is tradition for the Sisters to gather at the Christus and sing to our guests. We sang "I Need Thee Every Hour" for them. We were going to disperse and let them get back to their tour but they wanted to sing the same song for us in their own language. The spirit was so strong! It was a great testimony to me to know that the gospel is the same all over the world, that the spirit works in the same ways no matter what language we speak. It was such a crazy day at the visitor center. Truly a day where the world came to us.

Sunday was another great day. I finally got to go to my new ward... It's a whole lot smaller than I am use to. Lot's of work to do; I'm excited to get to know everyone. Sunday evening the VC closed early so we could all caravan up to Liberty for the 50th Celebration of the Historic Liberty Jail. Elder Ballard came and spoke; as did President Keyes, a church historian, and a member of the Seventy. The Church News was there, too, so when that paper comes out keep a copy for me please! I was grateful for the things that were shared and the reminders that were given. Elder Ballard gave a different version of his general conference talk. As Sisters, we got to perform the special musical number. It came together really well... considering a lot of us only had one week notice that we would be singing at this event. My favorite part was the reminder that the work of salvation is hastening; that we all need to hurry to spread the gospel.

Monday should have been p-day but it wasn't so we visited Brenda. She's a really sweet lady that has been investigating the church for a long time. I was able to connect with her right away because she has a grandson with autism. He's super cute. I'm hoping that connection will help her to progress a bit faster. Tuesday we met with Danyell. Danyell is scheduled to be baptized next week. She is so great. I am amazed by her faith and her willingness to change her life for what she knows will be better for her. Wednesday morning we had zone training. It's really weird to be in the same stake, the same zone but be in a totally different ward. I love zone training. Not only did we get spiritually fed and uplifted but I also got to see Sister Thompson!!! (LOVE that Sister!) We spent what little time we had left visiting with Mary Phillips. Mary is 92, was baptized in February, and lives in a nursing home. She is probably the sweetest person I know; one can't help but love her. As I already mentioned, Thursday was super long. We did get to meet with Lance (another recent convert) and read 1 Nephi 16 with him. This is the first time I had met him but Sister Smith said that it was the best lesson they have had with him where he understood the things we were reading with him. I thought it was great but I didn't know any better.

And there is my week! So... General conference. Ready for this? My favorite promise was left by Elder Holland.

"I testify of the holy Resurrection, that unspeakable cornerstone gift in the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ! With the Apostle Paul, I testify that that which was sown in corruption will one day be raised in incorruption and that which was sown in weakness will ultimately be raised in power.¹¹ I bear witness of that day when loved ones whom we knew to have disabilities in mortality will stand before us glorified and grand, breathtakingly perfect in body and mind. What a thrilling moment that will be! I do not know whether we will be happier for ourselves that we have witnessed such a miracle or happier for them that they are fully perfect and finally “free at last.”¹² Until that hour when Christ’s consummate gift is evident to us all, may we live by faith, hold fast to hope, and show “compassion one of another,”¹³ I pray, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

I have lots of favorite talks. President Eyrings about the choices we make. Elder Oaks about our priorities in life. Richard Maynes about developing spiritual strength. All of these touched me personally. The one that hit home to me as a missionary, that I was absolutely horrible about before my mission, was Elder Ballard's. I am attaching a link for his talk. I challenge each of you to watch it again. The work of our Savior is hastening. We should all be anxiously engaged in spreading forth the gospel. As a missionary I can testify to how hard it is to find people to teach without member help and support. Every person that I have the opportunity to be involved in their conversion process has been introduced to missionaries by member friends. If nothing else my mission has taught me how to be a better member missionary. How to be bold in spreading forth the gospel. How to spread the love of our Savior. I heard a quote this week from Elder Holland. It basically said that "missionary work is not easy because salvation is not easy." Being a missionary is hard. At times it downright stinks. But it is definitely worth it. (D&C 18:14-18). I challenged each of you to watch/listen to Elder Ballard's talk again. Did you pick on the challenge he left to each of us? Will each of you take the time to help one of our Heavenly Father's children to feel of God's love? Will you pray for opportunities to share the gospel and act on the promptings you will receive? Will you give the Savior a gift for Christmas? I know that by doing these things that we will be greatly blessed. Just like we are promised in Doctrine & Covenants. The work of salvation is hastening. We are all needed to help in this work. Our Heavenly Father needs us to "thrust in our sickles," to help with the harvest.

I love you each so much! I am so grateful to be a missionary. I know I am doing exactly what Heavenly Father needs me to do. I know I am learning how to be a better missionary so I can help the work to progress in whatever capacity I serve. I know this gospel is true and I know our Heavenly loves each one of us. He is very aware of and has a plan all prepared for you. I love you. God loves you. Stay strong; be courageous; share the gospel.

Love,

Sister Wilson

1--On our way to hear Elder Ballard

2--Sisters in the KCMOZO! (S. Weng, me, S. Thompson, S. Liu, S. Smith)

3--Sisters at the VC this transfer

 

October 11 - Part 2!

Okay... So I neglected to talk about conference. Which was AMAZING!! I'd like to try something just to see what kind of responses I get... Will you let me know what your favorite conference talk was and why in your emails this week? I really want to get your feedback before I give you mine. I loved seeing a family choir from home!!! Sister Smith and I loved picking out people we knew.

Also, this week is the 50th anniversary celebration for the Liberty Jail. On Sunday there is a big fireside that Elder Ballard is coming to. As VC Sisters we get to sing at it. It may or may not be online.... A rumor going around that I can't verify one way or the other.

Life is great! I'm doing fantastic! LOVE YOU!

Sister Wilson

October 11

Oh, my goodness!!!! It has been way too long since a p-day! Because of transfers my p-day was thrown off. Obviously, pday is on Friday now. And guess who my companions are?! 

Sister Smith and Sister Weng!!! It's a crazy small world we live in! I am serving in the Lee's Summit 2nd Ward with these lovely sisters; it is a visitor center area. I was really shocked when I got the call. I knew I was going to be transferred because Sister Thompson was going to be training. When I was transferred to a different ward in the same stake I was surprised. And even more surprised to be companions with Sister Smith! To be in the same mission is crazy. To be companions is a miracle. It's really hard to call her Sister Smith. And Sister Weng is great! I don't know if you remember her? She is from Taiwan; we came out together. She has been serving on Temple Square for the last few months. She is our dear sister that had appendicitis in March. She's doing much better.

Okay... So what has happened in 11 days? (Have I mentioned that 11 days is way too long without a pday?) I love being back at the visitor center but REALLY miss Sister Thompson. I learned a lot from her and have come to love her like family. We're still in the same zone so I get to see and talk with her still. She'll be a great trainer to Sister Liu.

I haven't had a chance to meet many ward members. Between general conference and our VC schedule our time in the area is limited. We had a crazy experience on Monday night. We had an appointment lined up with Danyell (whom I had never met) for 7:00pm at her house. A few hours before the appointment she asked if we could move the appointment to 7:30 at the VC. That was fine with us and worked well for our schedule. We went to dinner and when we came out we had a voice mail from President Keyes. We thought for sure he was going to tell us when S. Weng would be arriving from SLC. NOPE!! He had heard that we had a lesson that night (less than an hour away at this point) and wanted to know if he could come and be a team up for us. WHAT?! I thought it was really cool and looked forward to the experience. President Keyes is great! You don't really say no to President so we agreed then stressed out on our drive to the appointment. The lesson went really well; Danyell set a firm baptismal date for 26 October. President Keyes really helped Danyell's fiance, Jack, so is a less active member who is trying to return to the gospel. President stayed after for a few minutes to talk with Jack. It went great! Later that night President called us to let us know how well we had done and to reassure us that he hadn't been there to evaluate our teaching but to see what missionaries were up against; to help him be a better mission president. He also let us know that he had never been at a lesson that he was SUPPOSE to be at. Only our Heavenly Father could have made that lesson happen the way it did. We were not suppose to meet at the visitor center. Jack was not suppose to be there. God worked it all out. And President was not there for Danyell, our investigator, but for Jack. Jack needed his words of wisdom and advice on what he needed to do to begin the process of returning to the gospel. The experience really strengthened my testimony of our Heavenly Father knowing exactly where we are, what we are doing and what we need. HE KNOWS US! He loves us and will always help to get to where we need to be.

You would think after 11 days I would have more to write! I loved the experience I had in Fleming Park. I LOVE the ward and the people I met there. I love serving with Sister Thompson. I love the Blue Springs area. But I also love the visitor center and am grateful for a new experience. I look forward to working with S. Smith and S. Weng. I look forward to being in the Lee's Summit 2nd Ward; I hear great things about it. I'm grateful to be a missionary at this time and in this place. I know my Heavenly Father needs me here.

I love you all so much and am grateful for the emails I received this week. You are all in my thoughts and my prayers constantly. LOVE YOU TONS!!!!
Sister Wilson

September 30

Another week come and gone! And what a fantastic week it has been! Everything seems like it happened an eternity ago but at the same time... not. Time is so weird! Transfers are on Thursday this week. Sister Thompson was called as a trainer so it's most likely that I will be moved. I don't know when my next p-day will be.

Tuesday we had our zone conference. It was really great. They just came out with a new book "Adjusting to Missionary Life." Wish I'd had that about a year ago. It's a great resource, though, and I'm glad they've got it. I was refreshed and renewed and slightly rebuked at zone conference. It was a great meeting, though. Kind of weird to have only 2 zone's there. Before the mission split we had at least 3.

Wednesday Sister Thompson and I had the opportunity to go to the temple. I really needed that. They just changed our temple attendance policy so we can go once a quarter now; and participate in baptisms. We went through a session. If you haven't been since the temple was cleaned---GO NOW! It's a great place to receive revelation and be reminded of our Heavenly Father's love.

We had a slow week as far as lessons went but.... THE CURLESS FAMILY GOT BAPTIZED!! Saturday night after the relief society broadcast. Long story short, that was the only time we could have it. The baptism started at 8:30 and didn't get over until shortly after 9:30. President Keyes was there with about 10 missionaries all out past curfew. As soon as it was done he was rounding us up and herding us out the door. The spirit at the baptism was so strong. Jay, Becky, and Joanna, are all now members of the church. We had a great turn out. Lot's of support. The missionaries sang "I Feel my Savior's Love." It was fantastic. They all got confirmed on Sunday. AND Jacob received the Priesthood. It was a fantastic way to have the last Sunday of a transfer.

I've been thinking a lot lately about God's love. How we all start at the same place (pre-earth life) and hope to end in the same place (exaltation). But we don't just go from point A to B. We go from A to V to E to R, etc. all the way through the alphabet and possibly make it through a few times before getting where we need to be. This shows me how much God loves me because He is aware of each of us and is helping us along our individual paths. We each have our own IEP's, so to speak. I am so grateful for God's love!!! He loves me. He loves you. He knows each of us individually. He is aware of us and wants to help us on our paths in life. Let Him help you. Let Him lift your burdens. This gospel is true; embrace it! Be strong. Be courageous. Share the gospel.

I love you all!!!

Sister Wilson

1--The Curless Family (Jay, JB, Joanna, Becky, and Jacob)

2--At the temple!

3--Everyone!

 

 

 

 

Sept 23

The person who can tell me where time goes will get a gold star. It's Monday again! Can anyone believe it!? I hope you have all had a fantastic week! What did we do?

Hmmm... Tuesday night we met with Austin. He's a really great guy. There isn't anything that I have found that he hasn't done or isn't doing. He's 20 years old and has a wide variety of talents and hobbies. We went with him to the visitor center on Saturday to watch the Joseph Smith movie. He seemed to really enjoy it. He was unable to find a ride to church and his phone is broken so it could be an interesting week.

We met with Angela on Wednesday. She is a less active member that we have been working with. She is a labor and deliver nurse; I love her a ton! She is super sweet and lots of fun. We read Elder Holland's talk "Lord, I Believe" with her. It was great! I loved the reminder that we needed to be true to the faith that we do have. Sometimes I think that we, as individuals, think that we don't know enough. But we do! What we know, in this gospel, will always trump what we don't know. Angela came to church this week with her 2 girls Super cute family. I have been so blessed to be able to work with them.

Wednesday night we met with the Curless family. We talked about the gospel of Jesus Christ. Last night we went to the VC with the Curless family and watched the Joseph Smith movie; it's a good thing I like that one. They enjoyed it and were grateful for the visual of everything we have been talking about. We are excited for their baptism this Saturday. It'll be a great day. More news to follow next week on that one!

I spent Thursday in Warrensburg on exchanges with Sister Challis. They only cover the singles branch. I'm grateful to have a family ward and a singles branch. I would go stir crazy just trying to find singles all day. Being away from Blue Springs definitely made me grateful for what I have. (ie: my living quarters) I use to think my bed was pretty crappy, not so much any more. And I get the opportunity to live with fabulous, clean people. I have study space and free use of the kitchen. Yep, definitely grateful for what I have.

Friday we spent a lot of time looking for YSA's... and didn't have a lot of success. We had dinner with Sister Miller, Sister Turk, (both sisters in the ward) and the Elders. It was a funny experience.... Talk about random, and possiby slightly inappropriate, topics of conversation for dinner. Made it entertaining, though. We had lots of appointments scheduled on Saturday but they all fell through.

Yeah, that was our week. Lot's of missionary work going on. We've got a super busy week ahead of us but I won't give you any spoiler alerts. Gotta save that for next week. I love you all a ton! I'm grateful for each of you and the influence you have had/are having on me. I know I am doing what Heavenly Father wants me to be doing. It's hard work but it's rewarding work because it is His work. I'm excited for general conference. I look forward to receiving scripture from our prophets. I look forward to having answered those questions that are on my mind. I love you all!!!

Sister Wilson

Pics!

1--At the VC with Austin! (Katy, Ben, Ashley, Amber, Austin)

2--My district E. Hepworth, E. Powell, E. Lowry, E. Thomas, Me, S. Thompson

 

Sept 16

Good morning to my wonderful family!!! I hope you have all had a great week. It went by amazingly fast for us. Our week started extremely slow but ended on a good note. We are busy doing the Lord's work and seeing lots of blessings for our efforts. Last Monday evening we had the opportunity to watch the CES broadcast by Elder Nelson with the singles branch. It was a great FHE activity; I've missed going to those. Wednesday we had zone training. We learned all about referrals; it was great. We knocked a lot of doors and visited a lot of people, too, but didn't have much, or any, success. Thursday night we met with Austin (after having dinner with the Austin family-confusing!). It went well. We had planned to teach the Plan of Salvation but changed our lesson to reading the Book of Mormon with him since he hadn't been doing that. It went well; the spirit was strong. Austin is a great person; I'm blessed to be working with him. Friday we met with the Curless family. They are so great! We did teach them the Plan of Salvation. It was great; everyone was engaged and asking questions.

Saturday was SLOW. Literally the slowest day I've had yet on my mission. We knocked a ton of doors. Okay, not a ton but lots and lots. And NO ONE answered. It was brutal. Not my favorite thing to do anyway and when I don't have good experiences doing it then I am less inclined to do so. We were talking with our zone leaders, Elders Rudd and Stevens, and were "invited" (missionary lingo for challenged) to place 2 copies of the Book of Mormon, teach lots of lessons, and get a new investigator. Well, we didn't back down on that. After transitioning an investigator over to the Elders around 3pm we drove to Lee's Summit. We were diligent in working and showed faith that we could accomplish the task set before us. And we succeeded! By the end of the night we had taught 7 lessons, placed 1 Book of Mormon, and found a new investigator. It was great! We were excited to have our efforts blessed. I know that as we work hard we will be blessed for our labors and efforts. Maybe we won't always see those blessings but they are there.

So, that Book of Mormon that we placed was to a man by the name of Lynn. As we were talking with him he told us it was his birthday. I was super excited for him and asked if we could give him a gift. We did-the Book of Mormon. I think I bore testimony about why it was the best gift and how it helped me. I hope it makes a difference. Lynn was only visiting at the house we found him at, he didn't become a new investigator, but a seed was planted.

Sunday is still my favorite day. Jacob Curless spoke in sacrament meeting and did AMAZING! He has such a strong testimony for one so young. (I sound really old.) I wish it would have been appropriate to record it but it wasn't... so I didn't. Elder Deschler (area authority) was in our meeting. He spoke briefly about general conference. He left us with a great blessing. He told us that if we would prepare and watch general conference in a few weeks like it was 1 of 2 of the most important events in our lives this year then the blessings we would receive would be great (sorry, left my notes home). We would receive blessings that couldn't be received anywhere else or by any other way. It was a great blessing. I know it's true! I'm looking forward to general conference. To be able to hear from prophets and seers of the Lord. I know that we can receive the insight and wisdom we need to help us get through our every day life, troubles, and trials. So, my invitation to you is to prepare for general conference with a sincere heart and real intent.

Well, I think that's about it for this week. I love you all a ton! I'm grateful for each of you and the blessing you are in my life. I cannot begin to tell you individually how you've each touched and helped me. You are in my thoughts and prayers daily. Stay strong, be courageous, share the gospel. I LOVE YOU!!!!

Sister Wilson

Pics...

1-These are elephant ears. I LOVE THEM!!! I want to have a garden of them one day.

2-The Bosch family! B. Bosch (ward mission leader), S. Bosch and Carol

3-The Miller kids (and a couple friends). Super sweet; they guessed my name on our first meeting...