The sweet fruits of the Spirit

Hi Mama!!

This week was amazing. Absolutely amazing. First, BOB GOT BAPTIZED!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) :) :) It was an incredible baptismal service Saturday and confirmation yesterday.  The Shaker Heights ward is amazing. So many people came, even with stormy weather, to support Bob. The Spirit was there in abundance, and he was so happy. I couldn't stop beaming, and my heart couldn't hold all the joy that I felt during the whole program. I am so grateful for the amazing privilege of meeting and teaching Bob. He is definitely one of the prepared elect, and I know that the Lord has great things in store for him. Brother Lavin (from the Chardon Branch) baptized Bob, and President Stacey confirmed him on Sunday. Here's one example of how friendly and lovable Bob is, and how great the ward has been at including and friendshipping him: there were SIXTEEN men in the circle to confirm him yesterday! He was a very blessed, very loved man. The Church is true!! :) Pictures to follow. :)

We also had great lessons with Kia and Laura this week. We are working to create relationships of trust and friendship so that they have a greater desire to learn the gospel from us, and it is going very well. I love them so much!! We had a lesson with Kia on Wednesday and brought treats over again on Thursday--it was so fun, and we were able to develop great bonds with her. After our lesson on Wednesday, where we watched the Restoration movie, she told us that she could really relate with Joseph Smith. On Thursday, we watched Elder Holland's Mormon Message with his testimony of the Book of Mormon. It is so powerful, and brought the Spirit so strongly. Our lesson was one of the best I've ever had--led by the Spirit, with great love and balance present, and I know that her faith was strengthened. She is awesome, and I love her. We stopped by again last night just to say hello, and she was so happy to see us. That, in turn, makes me so happy!! 

Our lesson with Laura was great too. She is so sweet and anxious to find answers, and we really love her. Because we listened and spoke with love last night, we saw that she grew to trust and love us more, and felt comfortable opening up about questions and concerns she's had. I'm so grateful that the Spirit was there helping us! I really love Laura so much, and I am so anxious for her happiness and progress in the gospel.

I've learned so much this week about balance and trusting the Spirit. We had ward conference yesterday, and our stake president spoke to us about learning the language of the Spirit. I'm so grateful for everything I've learned on my mission about the language of the Spirit, and that I have been blessed with the Lord's help to become more fluent in it. I was reminded yesterday of my mission scripture (D&C 84:88), and I know that there are angels constantly around me to support and help me in doing the Lord's work. I know that He is always there with me, and that I never have to face it alone--none of us do, for He has already been everywhere we are led in life. This is something I will always be grateful for, because I know that I couldn't do anything by myself--but with the Lord's strength, I can do all things. 

I'm also so grateful for the wonderful members of the Shaker Heights ward. I learn SO much from their lives and examples every time we are at church, teach with them, or meet with them in their homes. They are all inspirations to me of who I want to be, because they are so amazing! I'm so grateful for the opportunity to serve here, and also in Kirtland. This is a special, sacred place, and I can't imagine serving anywhere else. We had a special training meeting in the Whitney Store on Friday to commemorate the first meeting in the School of the Prophets (Jan 23 or 24, 1833), and it was incredible. We had the opportunity to sit with the Sisters and senior couples in the actual School of the Prophets room and share our testimonies. It was amazing. I know this Church is true, and I know that Kirtland is a sacred place. I love it with all my heart. :)

Have a great week!! I love you so much. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers!! I always need them, and I appreciate them so much.

Love,

Sister Wygant

Sister Wygant and Sister Johnson

The most exciting news a missionary can share ...

Hi Mama!

Oh man. So much happened this week. I'm still amazed that we came out alive, but I know it was because Heavenly Father was with us every step of the way. There must be some pretty big miracles about to happen, because Satan is working his tail off at us! But, as Sister Packer (a senior sister) told us yesterday, we never have to worry, because we have 2/3 of the hosts of Heaven on our side--we will always have more on our side than the adversary! That's comforting, isn't it? 

Thank you to everyone for the love, good wishes, and prayers--I definitely need them! It's been such a great week full of many miracles and blessings, and I know those have come because of your prayers. Thank you. :)

Our most exciting news of last week is that Bob passed his baptismal interview!!!!! He's all set to be baptized on SATURDAY, and we are SO excited for him!! I'm so grateful for the miracle and blessing of getting to teach Bob. It's been such an amazing experience. I'm so grateful for his testimony, and also for how wonderful the Shaker Heights ward has been about fellowshipping him and helping him/us along the journey! Brother Rhodes and others stayed after church with Bob yesterday to find him baptismal clothes, show him the font, and explain everything that would happen at his baptism. We didn't have to ask or anything! They just stepped in and reached out. They are awesome. :) 

We also had a great fireside at the Visitor's Center last night! Once a month we get to help plan firesides here, and it's so fun. Last night, we had Bishop Hatfield from the Hiram ward speak about D&C 38:30--"If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear." It was wonderful, and I learned so much. We always ask recent converts to bear their testimonies as well, and one of the people who came yesterday was Joseph from the Solon ward. He was taught and baptized in Solon, but I actually met him with Sister Christensen in Kent, when he was visiting his brother there--and he remembered me!! It was such an incredible feeling to know that I played an indirect part in someone joining the church and becoming a strong member--"how great shall be your joy," indeed. :) 

I went on exchanges with Sister Clark on Friday, and it was so fun. She is the cutest, most hardworking missionary ever! She's a wonderful example and a powerful teacher--she's so good at asking questions and showing love for others. I learned a lot from her. :) And we saw lots of miracles happen! One of our favorites was with a lady named Janice. Sister Nelson and I met her tracting a while ago, and we decided to stop by again. At first she was totally uninterested, but when we told her that our message takes nothing away from her beliefs, only adds greater blessings, she softened up and let us in. We talked for awhile, and found out that she studied French in Paris! Needless to say, she and I hit it off right away. We talked about Paris, art, music, and how beautiful art and music help us to feel calm and closer to God. She's pretty strong in her beliefs, but agreed to have us back to discuss religion again. The experience really strengthened my testimony of being persistent, and I'm so grateful that we met her. :)

Saturday was a day of miracles as well. The best was that I got to talk to Robert again!! And....he went to church last Sunday! YAY!!!!!!!!!! He was really nervous because he's never been to a church before, but he said that everyone was nice and it felt like home. His family is still really against it, but he knows it's true and he wants to be baptized!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He is honestly so incredibly prepared, and I love teaching him. Every time we talk on the phone, I have scriptures or questions come to mind that are just what he needs, and the same happened on Saturday. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to teach him!! He told me he wanted to go to church again on Sunday, and I hope that he did. I'll find out when I call him this week, and I can't wait to hear how it went. :)

Yesterday, we saw our investigator Laura and watched the Joseph Smith movie with her. I think it really helped her to understand who he is and what he went through because of his testimony--and now when we go over the Restoration with her, it will have greater meaning. She is the best, and I really love her. She reminds me so much of Judi that it's uncanny--I just hope that we can continue to meet her needs!

We had another cool experience this week when we stopped for dinner at Menchie's (a frozen yogurt place). We started talking with the girl who worked there, and ended up talking for a long time! We talked about Ohio, and college, and told her all about the great schools in Utah. She was really interested in looking into UVU, and also our website. :) she said that we made her day, but she's the one who made ours! It was a neat experience of everyday missionary opportunities. They are everywhere. 

I've got to go, but I love you so so much. Thank you for being such a wonderful support and strength for me. The way is tough, long, and hard at times, but I know that I'm meant to be here, and I'm grateful for every opportunity to push through the challenges, learn from every experience, and share the gospel with Heavenly Father's children. It really is the gospel that brings us joy in life, and I am grateful that I get to see that in my life and the lives of others. The church is true!! I know it with my whole heart. I love my Savior, and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to serve Him with everything that I have. Have a wonderful week!!

Love,

Sister Wygant

Hello Winter!

Hi Mama!!

We had a great week, if a bit unusual. The whole mission had to stay inside on Monday and Tuesday because it was so cold. We heard that it was colder here than the North Pole!! That might be a myth, but I'm willing to believe it. By Saturday, though, it was 40s/50s and raining. Crazy! Even if it gets cold again, I'm really grateful for the reprieve. :)

Wednesday was Mission Leadership Council, which was amazing as always. I am so, so grateful for the opportunity to work so closely with President and Sister Vellinga, and to learn so much from their inspired counsel and examples. They are incredible. I always learn so much at Mission Leadership Council, and gain so many exciting ideas about missionary work. :) 

Thursday was Zone Training Meeting. I got to play my flute! I played an arrangement of I Know That My Redeemer Lives that Gabby gave me (back in Bowling Green). I had never played it before, but it was a beautiful arrangement, and I was so grateful for the opportunity to play. :) Also on Thursday was a great lesson with Bob! Elder and Sister Norton (the senior couple serving in our ward) came, and they got along really well with Bob. I think he could get along with anybody because he is so friendly and kind, but he connected really well with the Nortons, and they were able to share some insights and experiences during the lesson that we never would have been able to--I'm really grateful for their wisdom and life experience. :) Bob is so amazing, and every lesson with him is a miracle. He is so excited for his baptism on the 25th, and we are as well!! Please continue to pray for him--I know that the adversary will work hard to keep him from meeting his baptismal date. But he really is so amazing, and so prepared. He eats up everything we teach him, and always gets to excited and emotional about the gospel. I know that our Heavenly Father has great things in store for him.

On Friday, we did something different at Training Meeting (we hold a training meeting at the Visitor's Center every week, where we teach/train about work at sites for the Sisters and Seniors). We had a silent training meeting, and showed a powerpoint we had prepared about the Atonement. It was amazing. A lot of Sisters have been struggling with depression and discouragement lately, and it was our hope that this would help everyone to gain greater hope and comfort from the Savior. I didn't expect to need it so much myself, but by the end when we played "My Kindness Shall Not Depart From Thee" (the recording by Dallyn), I cried and cried. I didn't realize how much I needed the comfort and assurance that everything is for my good, and given to me out of loving kindness from my Heavenly Father. A familiar, comforting song helped immensely as well. :) I am so grateful for the Atonement, and for the knowledge that we don't have to do this alone!!

For the rest of Friday, I was on exchanges with Sister Mertlich in the Kirtland North area. She is amazing, and it was such a great day!! She is a powerful teacher, excellent at laughing and making things fun, and at loving people. I learned a lot from her. :) We had dinner with the Wades, in the Kirtland ward, and they are AMAZING. They are such good people--loving, encouraging, faithful, strong testimonies, and a great love for sharing the gospel. I was so inspired by their stories and their faith. I want to be like them someday. :) 

Saturday was sites. I got to talk to Robert!!!!!!!!!! He is awesome. He's been hit with a lot of opposition from friends and family, but he still wants to be baptized!! He even asked about going to church on Sunday. Yay!!!!!! I was able to tell him what church would be like, find the information for him, and teach him about the Sacrament. I don't know yet whether he went or not, but he was pretty excited about it. Will you pray that he'll make it to church again (or for the first time) this Sunday?? Thank you so much!!

Sunday was great. Both Bob and Jason came to church!! yay!!!!! The Sisters had a wonderful lesson with Jason at the Price's home on Friday (while I was on exchanges). Sister Price has been coming to Jason's lessons with us every week, but we really wanted him to meet Brother Price, so we invited him to their house for this lesson. And from what I hear, it was perfect. Both Jason and Brother Price were raised Catholic, so they connected really well and hit it off immediately. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to work with members!! I've really seen it make a difference with jason. I hope that he liked church, and that he will come again. :) 

I've learned so much this week, and I am grateful for every challenge and opportunity to learn something new.  I am so grateful for the opportunity to have more of my rough spots polished and refined, even if it is uncomfortable at times. And I'm especially grateful for help from my Savior in every step of the way. I know that I couldn't do it alone, and I've really seen His hand strengthening me and comforting me this week. I know this gospel is Jesus Christ's, and the perfect path back to our Father in Heaven. When we stay on that path, we'll never have to worry, because we have the perfect Shepherd leading the way. All we have to do is follow Him!! And like the Savior, all of our trials, struggles, and sorrows will one day be turned to joy. "The cavity carved by our suffering will one day be the receptacle for our joy." --Elder Maxwell. 3 Nephi 10:10, John 16:20, and Psalm 30:5. Those were my top comfort scriptures this week--I hope that they help you as well. I love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love,

Sister Wygant

Happy New Year!

Hi Mama!!

We had a really great week, with lots of miracles. We went back to see our friends at Best Gyro's, and met another worker there--so great. We also had dinner with the Winders, and they are amazing. They are SO excited about missionary work, and such great examples. Sister Winder came teaching with us after dinner, and a miracle happened. We went to stop by a man named Michael that we had met the day before...and he wasn't home, but his daughter was, and she let us come in and teach her about the Book of Mormon!! She is a cute, sweet girl with an adorable baby. She connected instantly with Sister Winder, who has a little girl and is about to have another baby. Perfect! And then when we went back to see xxx yesterday, we met her cousin and her mom, who said we could come back on Thursday to teach their whole family. We found a family!!!! Yay!!!

After that, we stopped by her neighbor--a less active member we've been working with. There, we met and started teaching her niece!! She is almost 17 and is SO cool. I love her. :) I'm so grateful for so many miracles that night!

I went on exchanges with Sister Spong on Friday, and it was awesome. We had a great lesson with Sister Frazier--she might come to church with us sometime!! I really, really hope she will come. I know that it would help her so much!!

Sister Spong and I also found a retirement home called Shaker Gardens that we might start doing volunteer work at--awesome! We also had dinner with the Bangs, an amazing family from the ward. They are one of the many, many families in the ward that are role models for me--they are so faithful and happy and strong in the gospel. I want to be just like them when I grow up. :)

Sister Spong and I also had a GREAT lesson with Jason. We talked about faith in Alma 32, and the seed experiment, then taught the Word of Wisdom and invited him to experiment on it as a way to strengthen his faith--and he was all for it! He liked that it was something real that he can do. We're going to have a lesson with him this week at the Price's home--I'm so excited for him to come to a member's home and feel the Spirit there!! :)

We had a great last day at the Nativity Exhibit on Saturday--lots of people came, and I got one last day with all the gorgeous nativities. Sister Spong and I also got to play our flutes! With Sister Cameron from the Kirtland Ward, who also plays the flute. We played some trio and duet music as background music for a meeting held at the visitor's center with all the bishops from the Kirtland Stake. The Stake President was there, along with the new temple president and matron of the Columbus temple! They talked about what we can all do to hasten the work of salvation here in Kirtland and qualify for a TEMPLE in this area. That is one of the greatest wishes of my heart!! I love these people, and this area--I would LOVE for there to be a temple here! And I'm so grateful that I got to share my love for music and be there. I am a lucky bug. :)

Yesterday we saw even more miracles. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to fast--I saw each of the things I fasted for answered yesterday!! Bob, who has been sick with a pinched nerve, was able to come to church--and we were able to set up for him to have a priesthood blessing AND schedule the church building for his baptism. It's officially January 25th at 7 pm. SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!! He is the most prepared person I've ever met, and I am so honored to be able to teach him and help him prepare for baptism. Everyone says he is already like a member, and the whole ward loves him. Please continue to pray that he will regain full health, and make his baptism date--we don't want Satan to get in the way!!!

I'm also grateful for the continued opportunity to stretch and grow and push through hard things. I think the winter blues have settled on Kirtland--everyone is having a hard time with discouragement in one way or another. Even me sometimes. I was grateful to realize that I wasn't the only one having a hard time finding joy in the journey--but I really want to help all of us shake off the gloom. :) What helps you to find joy in the journey? What has helped me the most this week was turning to the Lord in prayer. Fervent, pleading prayer. Admittedly, at times I've felt such pressure that I've felt about to sink--but He always comes to the rescue. Yesterday, I felt like Lazarus at the tomb--trying to heed the call to "come forth", but unable to move the stone that was blocking my way. I knew that it wasn't something I could move on my own, and many of my prayers throughout the day were for the Savior to either strengthen my back or ease the burden or move the stone in some way. A quote from I Am Jane came to mind: "I am pounding on the walls of Jericho, and they are still standing!" That's how it felt. Lots of things were adding up and threatening to overwhelm me, and they didn't seem to be letting up. But fasting helped, and taking the sacrament helped immensely--I haven't been that grateful for or desperately needed the sacrament for a long time. I'm so grateful for it!!!!! Each day I pray for the Lord to grant me daily bread of energy and strength for the day, and yesterday He granted me a bountiful supply. By the end of the day, I felt relieved and calmer, and I'm so grateful for His help in easing the burdens on my heart and mind. It's true--missionary work is hard. But so, so worth it. Alma 29:9--I glory in the opportunity to be an instrument in the Lord's hands to bring others to Christ. :) 

I love you all so much--thank you for your prayers and love and support!!!! I'm so grateful for the opportunity to serve a mission, and to serve my Savior. I love Him, and I love doing His work. :) Always remember to smile, and keep growing spiritual roots so that Satan doesn't uproot you. Helaman 5:12 vs. Alma 32:38. :) Love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love,

Sister Wygant