How was your week? I hope everything went well and that you've been able to relax a bit! We've had a busy, busy week here. Mission Council was Tuesday, Zone Training Meeting Wednesday, Johnson Home Thursday, then Kirtland Sites Friday and Saturday! Busy, busy, busy. :) But it was all so fun!
I think the Johnson Home was my favorite. We took a tour from Elder and Sister Jones when we got there in the morning, followed them on the next tour to come in, and then we were on our own! We took a big group from a bus tour through, and another tour after that--talk about learning on the run. :) The bus tour was really fun--it was a group of seminary students from good old Utah. :) Most of the kids in our group were from American Fork and Lone Peak--including Josh Hurst's little brother Sam! Heavenly Father has the best timing. I thought that was so amazing. :) And the Johnson Home itself is an incredible place. It represents so much charity and sacrifice on behalf of the Johnson family, but also such an outpouring of blessings! The Smiths lived there for a year (Sept 1831-32), during which time Joseph was tarred and feathered, lost their son Joseph Murdock, and other hard things...but he also received 20 revelations there, including section 76. Amazing! The Spirit is so strong there, and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to serve there.
Tours are picking up in Kirtland as well...on Friday we had over 500 people come on tour! Crazy. And awesome. :) And the drive through our area to Kirtland, Hiram, or Youngstown (for zone training meeting) is so, so beautiful. There are so many green trees everywhere! It always reminds me of Provo Canyon by Aspen Grove, or the coast in California by Pacific Grove. Speaking of! We met a lady at sites from Monterey. Small world. :)
We still go to both the Rootstown ward and the YSA Branch, but yesterday we got to stay for Relief Society in the ward (normally we have to leave early for meetings in the branch)--and the lesson was just what I needed. I'm so grateful for all the tender mercies that Heavenly Father gives to me, especially when I'm overwhelmed and on the verge of giving up. It's those little things that always buoy me up and help me to keep going. One of the biggest challenges for me this week was to avoid being overwhelmed or discouraged. It's pretty difficult sometimes! But what helped me the most was a quote from Preach My Gospel that Sister Neslen shared in our training meeting on Friday: "Remember that your confidence should be in Christ, not in yourself." That really helped me to put things in perspective. I have my doubts, weaknesses, and shortcomings, and sometimes they get the best of me and cause me to worry that there's no way I could ever be good enough to qualify for the guidance or comfort from the Spirit that I need--but I know that if I trust in and rely on Christ instead of myself, everything else will fall into place. In His due time. :)
We met a man at church yesterday named Erik, who learned about the church from a friend online and decided to come check it out! This was his second week here, and he really loved it. His wife isn't too happy with him coming though--she thinks he's joining a cult. :) If you could keep him in your prayers, we would sure appreciate it!
We're working with a recent convert named Anna, and we met with her last night. She is from China, and her parents are coming to town this week to visit for a few months! Yay! Anna is amazing, and has such a strong testimony. I'm so excited for her to get to see her family, and hopefully we'll get to meet them as well!
We also had dinner with the Owens's last night, and they are amazing. They have three active little boys, and I was so impressed by their consistent patience and calm attitudes. That's something I want to cultivate. And! Brother Owens is a percussionist, currently studying for his PhD at Kent State, and he played in the Army Band! They lived in Germany for 4 years. I've always been interested in the idea of playing in an Army Band, especially if I got to travel somewhere like Germany--so it was a perfect opportunity! He told me a little about what the audition is like and their experience--another tender mercy, and definitely not a coincidence. :)
Thank you all for your love, prayers, and support! I love hearing the stories and experiences that you've passed on--they always help me! I miss you all, but I love this work with all my heart, and I'm so grateful to be here. I know that our Savior lives, and that He is in this work, laboring with us. Have a great week!
Love,
Sister Wygant
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