Merry Thanksgiving!!

Hi Mama!

Good morning! How is snowy Provo? Still lots of snow? We actually don't have any here yet--still! Apparently that's odd for Ohio. But I know it will come soon.

I've been thinking a lot about Thanksgiving this past week. I will really miss not being with you all at Grandpa's, but I am so grateful for the opportunity to be here serving these people. I really cannot
imagine not knowing any of these people. They are all so wonderful and I love them so much. I have really seen this week that as I've given my whole heart and all my energy to serving the Lord, holding nothing back, I have been so blessed. We have seen miracles in so many ways--we've found more people and had great lessons and I've just had more energy and motivation to keep working hard. Elder Holland said something in a talk we watched in the MTC (I think) about setting our feet to the plow and never stopping, never looking back, until the work is finished. That's what I'm trying to do, and I know that we all have been blessed for working so hard. It's exhausting but it's also so rewarding to come in at the end of the day and know that you have worked your hardest and given your all that day.

Judi is doing so well. She came to church yesterday with her 2 kids and they all loved it so much. We are going to teach her about the word of Wisdom this week (hopefully today!) and challenge her to quit
smoking--please pray for her! I know that she can do it, but I also know that she will need a lot of support and encouragement.

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We met a guy named Jared while contacting the other day-we just randomly stopped and talked to him while walking down the street. We made fast friends and shared what we do as missionaries. and then he
came to the fireside we did at kirtland last night! He really liked it and is going to come back for a tour. Super exciting. Every year they do a huge nativity/lights exhibit at sites. it opens on Friday with a lighting ceremony and I'm SO excited. There are at least 700 nativities all around sites and lights everywhere outside.  The nativities are from all over the world and in all shapes and sizes. Best ever?  I think yes. It runs til the end of December and is apparently a huge draw for people all over the community. It is a wonderful resource/something to invite everyone to that is not threatening or anything--just a way to celebrate the birth of Christ together. I'm so stoked. I wish you could all be here to see it! I'll send pictures, don't worry :)

I heard a saying this week that I've been pondering a lot. Something like "the more you give up for something, the more it means to you." The thought i had when hearing that is that I've given up pretty much my whole world for this--which shows how important this work is and how much it means to both Heavenly Father and to me. For Him to ask young people all over the world to put their whole lives on hold for 18 months/2 years truly shows that He loves all of His children everywhere--that this work is so vital and so important. And since I've given up so much to be here, I ought to act like it means the world to me. It really does though. I know that this is where the Lord needs me to be, and I've come to love these people so much. I have given up a lot to be here, but i don't regret it. I know that "those who wait upon the Lord shall not be ashamed" (1 Ne 21:23) --He will always bless us for following Him, and will prepare a way for us to accomplish those things He asks of us. I've truly seen that this week. Trust Him. Believe Him. I rediscovered Stephen Robinson's talk "Believing Christ" recently--the talk that the parable of the bicycle comes from. It is so wonderful, and you all should read it :) He talks about not just believing in Christ--believing that He lived and died for us--but also believing Him. Believing His promises to us. It's hard sometimes but He never lies. He invites us to try Him, and try it for ourselves--because He knows that it will all work out, and that His promises will be fulfilled. And if He asks us to do something, and we try it, and it "bears good fruit" or brings more light and happiness to our lives, it must needs be of God (Moroni 7:13--a new favorite). That's our evidence. That's our answer. :)

Okay, gotta go. Love you oodles and bunches!! Merry Thanksgiving!!

Love,
Sister Wygant