Hello Bowling Green!

Hello from BOWLING GREEN, Ohio!!! I've gone from one side of the state to the other--Bowling Green is in the Toledo Stake, near the Michigan border. :) And I just love it here!! My new companion is Sister Foust, from Missoula, Montana. She is amazing! This is her second transfer here--I'm finishing her training. We have a really unique and wonderful situation though, because she's the one being trained, but she's also the one who knows the area and the ward, and I don't. So we get to train each other and learn from each other, and it's awesome. Sister Foust is amazing, and I love her already. And the ward is wonderful. They feed us and give us rides in the evening (since we can't be biking in the dark) all the time, and they are so great about it! I don't need to buy a bike, don't worry. The Elders have to buy bikes, but the mission has a set of bikes for the sisters to use since there are so few areas where we use them (Bowling Green Biking is the only area where sisters use bikes full time!) 

We're also over the YSA Branch here, which is tiny but awesome. Apparently BGSU (Bowling Green State University) has a sizeable music school--so there are lots of music students here! (coincidence? I think not!) AND there's a girl named Gabby in the YSA branch who is doing her Master's in FLUTE. I just met her at church yesterday. She's an amazing person. She reminds me a lot of Mariah Wilson (one of my friends from EAMA). :) And we also discovered that our next door neighbors are Trevor and Tara Matthews, who were both students at the BYU School of Music when I was there!  I actually went to Trevor's senior recital my freshman year with my friends Jordan and Kyle, because they played in it. Small, small world.

I did get to see Sister Spong and Sister Esplin briefly at transfer meeting before I left. :) We also got to sing My Kindness, and it was amazing. :) Sister Ellsworth went to Willowick, and now she's training there again! She is the best trainer ever. :) I will only be full proselyting for 2-3 transfers--then I will go back to Kirtland. :) I really do love it here though! It's a whole different world compared to Kirtland. We do get to cook more, and I'm excited to try some more of your recipes! :) Our apartment is just Sister Foust and I, but the other set of sisters live two doors down in the same apartment complex, so we see them all the time. Here's my new address:

 608 Conneaut Ave. #23
 Bowling Green, OH 43402

Thanks for the amazing pioneer stories [stories that Lisa shared in her letter]! What amazing examples of faith in action. I'm always so amazed at the faith people have and when people accomplish even in the worst situations. For example. On Saturday we went to Toledo with the YSA Branch to do a service project called Hannah's Socks. Hannah's Socks is an organization that collects donated socks and gives them to the homeless. Apparently, Toledo is the homeless capital of the US--which surprised me, but I believe it. We saw so many people who had absolutely nothing, and who jumped at the chance just to receive some new pairs of socks. I can't imagine being in that situation. I am so grateful that I have socks! I'm really glad that we were able to participate in this service project--it was a real eye opener, and a wonderful way to serve and help those who stand in need of it. 

The arrangement that Jacob sang sounds like the one that Dallyn sang for 17 Miracles. We have it on several different CDs out here, and it's become one of my all-time favorites. Every time it comes on, I can't help but smile. I love the song, I love Dallyn, and I love the message that it shares. I'm so grateful for the opportunities and experiences that I had growing up that shaped me into the person I am today--like the opportunity to meet people like Dallyn, who have been such incredible influences for good in the lives of so many people. That's really all I want as a missionary--I want to be an influence for good in someone's life. I know that it can and will happen through teaching people about the gospel of Jesus Christ, and through service, and through living the gospel and being an example at all times and in all places. :)

This week, I've really seen the importance of reaching outside myself all the time, even in new or uncomfortable situations. I'm so much happier when I'm focusing on the needs of others instead of my own. I've also been able to realize some of the progress I've made since I arrived here--talking to people doesn't scare me anymore! It's actually really fun. :) That really is a miracle, because when I first got here I was still too shy to talk to anyone. I'm still nowhere near perfect, but I know that He is helping me. I'm so grateful for the blessings the Lord has given me, and that He has helped me to grow and progress during the time I've been a missionary. I love the gospel with all my heart. The more I study it, the more I realize that there is so much I don't understand--but that there are things I know and have a testimony of. Having those roots to fall back on in times of need is such a blessing. In sacrament meeting yesterday, Bishop Lake spoke about the importance of having a spiritual supply of oil saved up--preparation that gives us that foundation of strength to fall back on every time we encounter doubt, fear, trial, or temptation. I know that's true. I may not see the growth or progress that I or someone we're teaching accumulates day by day, but layer by layer and drop by drop, we can each build a strong foundation--and foundations built on the gospel of Christ are so strong. :)

I'm about out of time--but I'm here, I'm safe, I'm dry (for now :) ), and I'm doing well. I'm really excited to be in Bowling Green, and I can't wait to see what miracles Sister Foust and I accomplish this transfer. :) Have a great week! I love you!!

Love,
Sister Lyndsay Wygant  

Maple Home/Chardon Branch Sisters! Sister Smith, Sister Christian, Sister Palmer, and me :)