Janyary 28

Hello to my favorite people! I love you all so much and am so grateful for all you do for me! It's been a crazy fast week. Not a lot new has gone on but here's a little recap of the week...

Tuesday-we visited Ashley (a less active member). She is great! She has an adorable son, Keppler. Ashley is always real open and willing to let us in. We had a great half hour conversation with her about why she has strayed from the gospel path. One of the great things about being a 'veteran' missionary is the ability to be super bold with people. We'll stop by in the next week or so to see how she's doing.

Wednesday-INTERVIEWS! We had about 3.5 hours of interviews and spent the rest of the day at the visitor center. I love being with President and Sister Keyes; they always make me feel better about myself and the things that I am doing/have done as a missionary. Our evening shift was with the Godfrey's... It was our last one with them; they returned home from their mission on Friday. They will be missed but I look forward to getting to know the new couple; the Melin's from... Montana...maybe?

Thursday-we did our weekly planning and had lunch with S. Vance from the ward. It was really great! She made a version of tater tot casserole that I hadn't had before. She is a an amazing person. She has lots of friends from Utah so she told me when she visits we'll have to go out for lunch sometime.

Friday--our full proselyting day. We tried to find a lot of people but didn't have much success, we were out during the middle of the day. But we did get to have a great dinner with the Morby family and then we had a lesson with Shayla. Shayla has concerns about being baptized but she is still excited to go to church and learn more about what we believe. She is a great kid; I love getting to know her.

Saturday-we served at the V.C. in the morning and then visited the Resch family. They are a Vietnamese family who likes to talk. They are great, though! We had dinner with the Tonga family--LOVE THEM! They are super cute and are fantastic missionaries. We met with Kaila and Bruce that night. Kaila is a member of the church but Bruce is not. I am so grateful to be able to work with and know them. They are amazing people.

Sunday-is still my favorite day. I absolutely love church. We got to eat dinner with the Bishop's family and then we needed to be back at the V.C. Our Sundays are pretty full and don't leave any time to be out in our area proselyting.

Monday-was kind of a bummer day. S. Harward wasn't feeling well so we left her at the VC to get some rest. S. Weng and I went to the area but both of our appointments cancelled. Such is the life of a missionary. It all worked out, though. We got to have a lesson with a less active member and meet 2 unknown families. We considered it a successful day.

And here I am again. It's been a good week. I am so grateful to be able to serve with all the wonderful people that I do. I know that each of these Elders and Sisters that I have come into contact with has greatly blessed and influenced my life. I know that I have been doing exactly what my Heavenly Father needs me to do. I know that He is always there, guiding us to become better. I know that I have a Savior who lived and died and lives again so that I can have the opportunity of being with my family for eternity. I know that I have the greatest family in the world. I love you all. Stay strong. Share the gospel!

Love you!

Sister Wilson

January 14

(Don't know how this ended up here... We're at the Federal Reserve!)

Hello to all my favorite family!!! I hope you are all doing well, staying warm, and having a 'normal' week. Life in Missouri is going great! We have passed the awful cold weather and are now sitting in the 30's and 40's. Yesterday it even got to the mid 50's. Who knew the mid-west could have such amazing weather? And some not so amazing weather. Great place, this Missouri. As you may have noticed.... I am writing a bit later today. This morning the Godfrey's (a senior couple that serves at the VC) took the 3 of us to the Crown Center in Kansas City. It was so much fun! Honestly, it's the only touristy thing I have done my entire mission. We went to the Union Station and the Federal Building. We were going to go to the Hallmark museum but they were closed. We also got to see an Orchid cave. Man! I didn't realize how much there is to see in KC! I can't wait to bring you all back here on vacation one day; there really is a lot to do! Everything we did today was free (except for lunch) which is even better. For lunch the Godfrey's took us to Fritz's. It's a restaurant where you order the food by phone then a train car brings it to you and it's lowered down a ..... something. Don't know. The point is that the train brought us our food; super cool. And quick. And yummy. Definitely a must see!

Ok... To our week. Our pday ended late last week because we had a conference call with President Keyes and the assistants. It was a really great training. Wednesday we had the opportunity to attend district meeting. Always a great experience. I love the Elders that we have the pleasure of serving around... There aren't any other Sisters in our zone so... Gotta love the Elders. Let me see... Thursday we planned for the week. Always a great experience. Friday was our full proselyting day. We taught 5 lessons which is fantastic! We met with Shayla, our 11 year old investigator. She is on date to be baptized on February 1st; YEAH! Saturday we were on exchanges; Sister Liu joined Sister Weng and I for the day. That night we had an Asian dinner with Kaila and Bruce-love that family. Sunday is still my favorite day-I love church!

The visitor center has been pretty slow as of late. Like... No-one-came-in-during-our-6-hour-shift-yesterday-slow. I do appreciate the extra study time we have as I do have a Book of Mormon to finish but... I miss giving presentations, too. The Godfrey's are leaving the mission next week so we spent some time writing them a departure song--We can only study for so long!

Life is good! I love sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. I love knowing that I am making a difference in the lives of people around me. I love that I get to exemplify my Savior in such amazing ways each and every day. I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow and do better. I know that I am doing exactly what my Heavenly Father needs me to do. I know that He has a plan for each and every one of us. I know that this gospel is true. I know Christ is my Savior and Redeemer.

I love each of you and am so grateful for your continued support. I LOVE YOU LOTS!!! Stay strong!

Love,

Sister Wilson

 

At the Union Station

 

 Orchids grown in a cave!!!

 

January 7

2014?! Really? Another year has come and gone. We had a zone training this week where we had the opportunity to reflect on the things that we had accomplished in the past year. Man! I have experienced so much growth and learning this year, it's crazy!

We have had a good week. We were not able to be in our area as much as we wanted to but we still felt that we accomplished a lot. Last week we rang in the new year at 10pm on December 31; it was great. I was dead asleep to the fireworks and chaos that apparently happened at midnight. It was fun. I am so grateful for the sisters I have the opportunity to live and serve with. They are so great! And there are only 5 of us which, I am sure, cuts down on the drama that could be present.

Wednesday was a slow day at the VC. Don't think we had many guests come in. And those that did show up came right at shift change; they always seem to do that. Come in right when we need to be on our way out the door. It's all good, though, everything worked out. We had dinner with a new family in the ward then went to visit some potential investigators but didn't have much success. It started to snow during dinner, which didn't bother me, but when the snow started freezing to the windshield wipers I made an executive decision and drove back to Independence. Better safe than sorry, right? Thursday was another slow day at the VC but I love the extra study time I get. I'm trying to finish the Book of Mormon by the beginning of next month. I am SO close! It's been a fun exercise for me; I have learned so much! We got to have dinner with a couple of ward missionaries from Wisconsin; they are really fun. Fed us lots of chicken pot pie.

Friday we had our zone training. I always love being with the other missionaries but it's kind of weird being the only sisters in the zone. AND we don't even live inside our zone; we are in this weird limbo state where we really don't get the opportunity to know everyone because we have a different pday and are so far disconnected. It's all right, though. I've spent half my mission in the Kansas City Stake and I LOVE it! It's a great place to be. After a somewhat rushed lunch/study session we met with Saul and Karina. They are our Spanish speaking investigators. I don't really know what happened during the lesson, our member team up spoke (in Spanish) with them basically the entire time. Interesting experience. We had dinner with the Lencioni's who just got sealed about a week and a half ago. SO COOL! They are a solid couple and are just amazing. I am so grateful for the opportunity to know and love all of them.

Saturday S. Weng and I had the opportunity to attend the temple. It was a much needed reprieve for the both of us. (Don't worry, S. Harward went on exchanges for the day.) I always love being in the temple and am so grateful for the peace and comfort I always feel while I am there. I learn something new every time I go and always feel rejuvenated until the next time I can go. After our session, which went long, the Godfrey's took us to lunch at the Corner Cafe in Liberty. I love the Godfrey's so much! They have been here for basically my entire mission; they leave at the end of the month, though. It'll be bittersweet to see them go.

Saturday night it snowed pretty good but we braved the half hour drive to church. The roads were pretty slick but this expert Utah driver handled it like a pro... That said, I miss 4 wheel drive! We didn't get time to be at a member's home for dinner because we met with Bishop after church then had to drive back to the VC to be on shift. But we did have good conversations with our ward mission leader and the bishop so we felt it was a successful day. It was good to be at the VC, too. Away from the -25 degree weather that was blowing around outside. YUCK! No fun at all!

I think that's about all the events for the week. It went by fast. I'm doing great. I love being a missionary. I love being surrounded by the spirit 24/7/365 and making a difference in people's lives. I am so grateful for the challenges and trials I face that help me to learn and grow and become better. I know that I am doing exactly what my Heavenly Father needs me to do right now. I know that He lives and wants each one of us to strive to become more like our Savior every day. I know that as we do those little things (ie: pray, read the scriptures, pray) that everything else will fall into place for the big things to be easier to handle. I love each and every one of you and am so grateful for the influences you have been in my life. I couldn't be a stellar missionary without your love and support. I love you all! Keep on keepin' on. Stay strong. Share the gospel. I LOVE YOU!

Sister Wilson

P.S. Internet went down...sorry no pics!

 

December 31

Another year has come and gone! My goodness... I think this is the fastest year ever! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and have great plans to ring in the new year. Sister Forbush (a housemate) has amazing plans to ring in the new year at 10pm so we can make our 10:30 curfew.... Party it up as missionaries!

We had a great Christmas! Christmas Eve we spent with Bishop Thompson and his family. They had BBQ take-out so it was very reminiscent of home. After we stuffed ourselves silly we had a program put on by his family. Each of the kids performed a musical selection and we watched a Mormon Message and sang songs and read the Nativity. It was great night. His family gave us Kansas City Chief shirts for which I was very grateful; I didn't want to buy my own! They wanted us to have something to remember Kansas City by.

Christmas morning we had breakfast at the VC with all the other Sisters, senior couples, office staff, facilities management personnel, and President and Sister Keyes. We (sister missionaries) acted out the Nativty for everyone and had a sing along. President Keyes read a book that he had written. It was a really fun morning. When we were done we quickly drove to the Perry's home where we opened presents with them. It was really fun. Each member of their family had gotten us a gift. Super sweet of them and a great way to spend the morning. While S. Harward skyped her family S. Weng and I got to know the Perry's better. For lunch we headed back to our house and ate what we had available--mostly sugary stuff. I didn't eat really well because a member family was suppose to send dinner kind of early. We were at the VC by 3pm. It was a really slow night. All the Sisters took turns skyping. Best part of the day! I loved seeing those of you I could and am sad I missed the rest of you. I got a little personal study done then got distracted by the brain teasers the Godfrey's had brought for us. (Only day they'd do that--it was incredibly slow--2 people in 6 hours). [Oh, yeah! Someone try to find the game IZZI for me, k?] Time flew by and before I realized it I was starving but we couldn't get a hold of our members. We sent texts and left voicemails. Around 8:30pm we heard from them... THEY FORGOT! So, yeah... My Christmas dinner consisted of tamales leftover from another ward. Yum! The family that was supposed to feed us redeemed themselves on Sunday night. However... We will probably never let them live it down.

It was a good day. The rest of the week we worked hard to find those who were prepared to hear the gospel. We did our best but it was a slow week. We had a great day at church on Sunday and had a good day yesterday. Heavenly Father is really blessing us for our efforts. I'm really grateful for this opportunity to be a missionary. I know I needed to wait until later to go. It's been a blessing in my life that I definitely needed now. I'm grateful to be at the VC. Not only because it is warm inside but also because of the things I am learning here and the people I get to meet. Yesterday, S. Harward and I got to take 2 young men on a presentation. Neither one of them was a member of the church. We had a great discussion with them and planted a huge seed. They didn't leave their info with us but I know that one day they will read the Book of Mormon we gave them and have a desire to learn more.

This gospel is true! Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. He loves each and everyone of us. He knows who we are and what we need to accomplish and overcome the things set before us. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I know President Monson is a prophet sent to lead and guide us. I know that our family is so great and such a wonderful blessing to me--and each of us! I love you all and so grateful for each of you. You have all blessed my life in countless ways! I LOVE YOU!!

Sister Wilson

 

 

1--Christmas chaos

2--Our Christmas nativity

3--Fun!

 

 

December 24

MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE!!! I hope you all are having a good day and remembering the Spirit of Christ today. Since I will be talking with a lot of you tomorrow this isn't going to be real long.

I wanted to take a minute this Christmas season to bear my testimony of the Savior. I had to do this on 14 December at a Christmas program us Sisters put on at the VC.... In fact, I think I've even got it on DVD. I'm sure you are all so excited to see that, huh?

Anyway, I've been thinking a lot lately about the song "Mary, Did you Know?" At sing along I went to I had the opportunity to listen to/read the words and they stuck with me. I think about the little Christ child born in a manger and wrapped in swaddling clothes. Do we know that He walked on water? Do we know that He gave sight to the blind? Do we know that He is the Son of God? The song goes on but I don't have the words right here with me. But they touched my heart. How much do we really know? Have we asked our Heavenly Father to tell us of these truths? Do we know those things our Savior did for us? As I see the Christus every day I think about the Atonement and what it does for me. I know that our Savior lives and loves each one of us. I know that He is always there waiting for us to lay our burdens at His feet. I know He wants to help us. I know He loves and cares for each one of us. I know that He has a plan for me. I know that His expectations for me are so much higher than I have for myself and He has a way prepared for us to accomplish those things. I know that this gospel is true. I know that through our Savior Jesus Christ is the only way for us to find that peace and happiness that we are looking for. I know that we are children of God. I know that we are here to be tested and tried; to find our way by faith rather than by sight. I know that we are led by a living prophet today. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God translated by the power of God. I know our Savior lives.

I love each of you. Have a very merry Christmas.

Love,

Sister Wilson

P.S. I survived yet another transfer in the Lee's Summit 2nd Ward; looks like I'm gonna die here. S. Weng is still with me and S. Harward joined us. LOVE YOU!

Pics...

1--Christmas Eve dinner (at Olive Garden) with the Stevenson's!! (S. Stevenson, Me, S. Weng, S. Harward, E. Stevenson)

2--We did service but S. Weng forgot her shoes and S. Harward forgot to bring her shirt. We were an interesting group for the day.

3--All the VC Sisters from last transfer

 

 

December 17

My goodness. I really have no idea where time gets to. Christmas cards are coming, I promise. Hopefully I'll get them in the mail today. Have I told you lately how much I love each one of you? I really, honestly, truly do. You have each touched and blessed my life in so many ways I cannot even begin to count them all. I love you all and hope you have a fantastic holiday season.

Well... I was somewhat frustrated with myself this week and the lack of work that our key indicators show. But, thankfully, it's not all about numbers. It's about quality, not quantity. Monday we had some appointments scheduled but they all cancelled. #lifeofamissionary It was okay, though. We had a good dinner with Sister Ferry. She had her granddaughters there. She wanted us to watch/hold/play with them while she finished dinner. Unfortuneately we couldn't do that (even as much as we wanted to) so we made the rest of dinner instead. It was good; she really needed our help.

Tuesday was a fantastic pday.... Didn't do much; it was great.

Wednesday was a mission wide zone conference. SO COOL! It is an amazing sight to see 280+ missionaries in one place. The spirit was amazing; the trainings were great. I had the opportunity to bear my testimony in front of all of them as this was my last zone conference. It was an intimidating experience but one for which I was grateful. We took a mission photo, which was amazing organzied for having 280 people involved. After lunch we had a Christmas program that was put on by each zone in the mission. It was a great day. Christmas packages were passed out. Thank you, everyone. It's ridiculous how much I'm loved. I forgot to get a picture but I will before I open everything. S. Weng got some packages, too... For some reason she associates everything weird with me. (Oddly enough the return address had been blacked off her packages. Haha!) It's been ridiculously hard to keep her from opening them. I am bound and determined to help her have a good American Christmas and that means not opening presents until the 25th. I hear about it all the time. After the mission conference I went on exchanges to the Blue Springs 1st Ward with Sister Lee. It's always an interesting experience being in someone elses area; always makes me grateful for what I have back in my ward.

Thursday afternoon I got back from exchanges and went to dinner at the other Ferry's house. It was great; I love that family. She loaded us up with cookies and goodies and food. We did our weekly planning that night.

Friday we were suppose to do a lot of service and help set up for the ward Christmas party. BUT... It was freezing rain so our parking lot was like an ice rink. The mission fleet was grounded and we couldn't go anywhere. We did end up walking next door to help Danyell set up for her wedding; so we did get some service in. After studies and lunch we finished weekly planning and did some missionary work via phone. We were not able to get to our ward Christmas party. Our zone leaders and President Keyes wanted us to stay close to home because they didn't know what the weather would do. So we went to Danyell and Jack's wedding instead. Yeah! They are married and one year from now I can come back and go through the temple with them!!! It was a great way to end the night.

Saturday we got out later than we wanted to because of freezing temperatures the night before. We knocked on a lot of doors but didn't have much luck with anyone answering... guess they were all out Christmas shopping? That evening was our Christmas performance at the VC that we have been preparing for for 5 weeks. It was really great. I had about 2 minutes notice before it started that I needed to bear my testimony... Okay, I had about an hour's notice because the Spirit told me but I chose not to think about it.... Won't do that again. The performance was great. I really enjoyed being a part of it... Not in the spotlight, though. I don't like that. Elder Simper recorded the whole thing so I hope to get a DVD to share with you all.

Sunday is still my favorite day. Church. Visit some people. Dinner with the Laudie family. I love it! Monday was a great day, too. Taught 2 lessons and found a new investigator. Great way to start a week!

Well, I love each of you. I'm so grateful to be able to remember Christ this Christmas and the sacrifice He made for us. Remember to serve those around you and help them feel of the love our Heavenly Father has for them. I know Christ lives and loves each one of us. Thanks for all you do for me! LOVE YOU!

Sister Wilson

(P.S. Transfers are on Thursday but I shouldn't be moving...crazier things have happened, though. Pday should still be on Tuesday!)

Pics...

1--S. Harward, Me, Jack, Danyell, S. Smith, S. Weng, S. Medel

2--Me and S. Weng; Love this girl!

3--Me and Danyell

 

 

Dec 10

Hey... I love you all. I honestly and truly do. I don't know what I would do without each of you in my life. I want you to know that I know that this gospel is true. I know Christ is my Savior and Redeemer. I know that He loves each one of us and wants us to return to live with Him. I cannot even begin to cover how each one of you has touched and blessed my life. You are my support team for which I will be forever grateful.

We have had a relatively normal week as far a missionary work goes. Last Wednesday we were on exchanges; Sister Liu came to Lee's Summit 2nd Ward with us. Not as successful as we were hoping but we did get to visit Mona, a less active member. She is super sweet. Always super happy to see us. That night the visitor center closed early so all the Sisters could head over the to the stake center (next door) for a dinner provided by the Independence Stake. We provided the entertainment. Us Sisters played bells and the Elders acted out the nativity. Kind of funny.

Thursday we did our planning and froze because no one answered the door. We had our first performance at the VC that night. It was fun. Felt more like Christmas than it has to this point. We had a sing along; I loved that. Got to sit by the Stevenson's; best day every!

Friday we had zone training, which I always love. The Elders were kind of mad at me (not really but it makes the story great). For our mission wide zone conference tomorrow someone had signed me up to sing a solo (HA!) which gets the Elders out of doing anything. I told them I'd be happy to do so but only if our zone leader would sing a solo, too. Knew I was pretty safe on that one. So, now, the entire zone is singing a musical number. Probably not their favorite person right now but I thought we should all get to share in the joy of the season. Friday afternoon/evening we had 2 member present lessons and found 2 new investigators. GREAT DAY! We were also able to teach Shayla, an 11-year-old girl and her brother. It was a good day.

Saturday was a visitor center day until 3pm... Not too many people came in. We had dinner with the Blake family. We got to be there as Tiffany opened her mission call. It brought back so many memories. We went around visiting people then noticed our phone was missing. We went back to the Blake's but couldn't find it. SIster Medel has super hearing because she was able to find it in some leaves where our car had been parked. Miracle! However, she doesn't hold the phone anymore...

As always, I love Sunday. Shayla came to church with her brother. We are visiting them again tonight. We got fed dinner. And it was the Christmas Devotional... No longer the First Presidency Christmas Devotional... More change. And yesterday was a slow day at the VC... Only 2 presentations in 6 hours. That's typical, though. Last year was slow, too. Lot's of study time.

So... Yeah... That's my week. Missionary work all around. This week is going to by quickly, too. We have mission conference and Christmas parties and another VC performance. I can't wait to tell you all about it. You are all great. I love you!!!! Stay strong. Be courageous. Share the gospel!

LOVE YOU!!!

Sister Wilson

Pics...

1--Independence Stake Sisters... Plus my companionship-We're from KCMOZO!

2--This morning in freezing cold weather!

3--Sister Smith!