A Busy Week

It's that time again! We got another email this week. :)

With President's Day happening this week, her P-day got

pushed back to Tuesday (instead of Monday).

It sounds like Nicole had a busy week! Here's

what she had to say:

"Howdy! 

     Since yesterday was President's Day, they moved our P-day to today!

 

     This past week was pretty good! Tuesday, we rode our bikes and talked to A LOT of people!! We got to this one house and knocked, and we hear a "come in!" Sister Peeler and I looked at each other and was like "what do we do?!" We knocked again and got the same response and we stood there contemplating what to do from there. Finally, Sister Peeler was like, "let's go in!" I opened the door and we awkwardly started coming in. There was a family room ahead with people sitting and talking and a study to the left right when you walk in. This lady was walking out of the study and looked at us like "what are you doing in my house?" We replied "uh....they said to come in..." The people in the living room just sat there and it was SO AWKWARD!!!!!! Needless to say, she wasn't too interested in talking to us after that point. 

     Wednesday, we were on exchanges (we do that once a week) and we did a lot of tracting. It was fun, I really enjoy tracting. I was with Sister Doman and it was pretty great! We met a lot of interesting people! That night, we had a birthday party for Sister Norcross! It was so much fun! We had some members of the Zone gather together and we had cake and talked for a little while. It made me very grateful for the missionaries I serve with (: 

    Thursday was Weekly Planning...which means we stay inside for 5 hours to plan...at the end of weekly planning we do something called Companionship Inventory where we talk about things we can improve on together and individually and we discuss how we can make that happen. We also talk about things that are going wrong in the relationship and things we may need to change. We had a very long Comp. Inventory...we seem to disagree when it comes to planning and sometimes it causes a little contention. I hate having to talk through feelings and such but I also love it! I have learned how to better communicate with people and Sister Peeler and I came to an awesome agreement and our relationship only grew stronger (not that it was weak...we have a great relationship and always have, we just disagree on Thursdays haha). I love having to open up to my companions and it makes my friendships and trust in them so much greater! How blessed we are to be able to have time to talk to one another. I hear of a lot of people who struggle with their companions and I feel truly truly blessed and grateful for all the companions I have been put with! God knows me so well and who I need....He's so awesome! 

       Friday was good...pretty ordinary(: 

       Saturday we did some more tracting, except this time it was in my own area. Haha, we ran into a baptist lady who was out with 2 little girls. She had a name tag on and when she saw us, she said "who are you associated with?" We told her we were from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and she immediately was like "We're with Spokane Baptist". We were really polite and said it's really cool that we both are out talking about Christ and helping people come closer to Him....she didn't think it was as cool as I did...it was pretty awkward. Richard, our 71 year old, had an awesome experience! We saw him and asked how his prayer about being baptized went and he said "well, I have something to tell you. I woke up this morning and thought, I don't want to get baptized and I'm not going to. I was going to tell you when you come over tonight but then I opened the Book of Mormon and read something that changed my mind..." He showed us the verse and it said something along the lines of "I command all to be baptized and I don't want any disputations among you." It was INSANE! So he said he was seriously thinking about baptism now....we were so hopeful!

       Sunday Leslie came to church for 1/2 of sacrament meeting then left...she had a family thing. She said she's planning on coming next week for all 3 hours so we'll see!

        Yesterday we did another exchange and I stayed in my area with a Spanish sister, Sister Santiago. We visited Richard last night and guess what...HE DROPPED US (which means he doesn't want to see us anymore)!!! AHHHHHHHH!!!!!! It was so sad and I was devastated....but, I know that he's just not ready, and as much as it pains me to say, I don't want him to be baptized if he doesn't want it. He needs to really want it in order for it to make a difference in his life. I'm so grateful for all that I have and especially for the elders that taught and baptized me. I don't know where I'd be without them. I know that Richard will accept the gospel eventually, if not in this life, then in the one to come. How blessed I am and feel to have this gospel in my life! 

      I hope everyone had a great week and good Valentine's Day! Have a wonderful week and remember to count your blessings and remember how loved you all are! Love you!!!!

Love, 

Sister Wilson"

 This box is a cigar box that Shane gave Nicole to put her scriptures in!

The snowman was Nicole's Valentine's Day gift! She says,"My ward is so awesome!!"

Long Week

It sounds like Nicole had an eventful week this week!

Check out her email (and pictures) below:

"Hey everyone! 

    This week was long after Wednesday...haha. But it was still pretty good.

    I'll start from the beginning....Tuesday I was in a trio for a little bit while Sister Peeler was in a meeting. When we went to go pick her up, guess who I saw???? SISTER ROGERS!!!! Ahhhh I was so excited to see her (for those of you who don't remember, she was my first companion)!!!! It was such a joyful moment and a tender mercy from the Lord! Oh how happy it was to see her(: 

     Wednesday, I went on an exchange with Sister McDougal...she's Spanish speaking. We stayed in Belle Terre and it was so awesome! We rode our bikes a lot, even as it started raining a little bit. I love riding my bike, even though I feel like I'm flashing people at times...haha. We saw so many miracles and talked to so many awesome people! We got 5 new investigators that day...it was so awesome! These new people, at least the ones who haven't already dropped us, are so awesome!! I already love them so much and they have a special place in my heart. I am so excited to teach them more about this gospel that will bless them and help them through the things they are going through. AHHHH I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!!!!! Wednesday night, though, Sister Peeler started getting sick. 

      Thursday, is our weekly planning day, which means we're planning all day for the upcoming week. Again, Sister Peeler was sick (she remained sick for the rest of the week and is just getting over it). Thursday afternoon/evening we're supposed to get to work again and go see people. We had a dinner appointment with some investigators (those are the best) that was crucial for us to go to. So we did a split for dinner so I could still attend. They're so great! They're an older couple named Bob and Sharon and they are so prepared. They ask great questions and are reading the Book of Mormon and enjoying it and are loving our visits! They're so great and sincere and great!!

       Friday we had a zone training for a big chunk of the day. The rest of the day after that was kind of slow because we had to take lots of long breaks for Sister Peeler. It's hard not being able to work like you're suppose to. It gives me way too much time to think haha. 

      Saturday...ERIN GOT BAPTIZED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was so awesome and so many nonmembers were there and she just beamed and glowed and shined and was so happy. It made me so happy! It's been such a blessing to get to work with her. She's been taking lessons for 2 years and it's been cool to see how much the gospel has changed her in just the 2 short months I've known her. How awesome the gospel is! She is so happy and she makes me happy every time I see her. The way she loves our Savior and the way she has really applied the Atonement and the gospel in general in every circumstance is truly an inspiration to me! She's just great(: 

       Yesterday, we taught Sunday School on the Atonement...it actually went pretty well...much better than I thought it would. I'm just so grateful for the Atonement and for our Savior's love for each of us. His love is truly indescribable and is greater than anything you and I could ever imagine. We should all be striving to apply His Atonement, or His sacrifice for us, daily, hourly, secondly. There are so many people who have no idea that we have a Savior, and we DO know that we have a Savior, so why not use Him every day?! How blessed we are! My invitation to everyone is to make the Savior, Jesus Christ, part of your daily lives and I can promise you, you will see miracles and more joy and happiness and blessings will enter into your life as you do so! This is my prayer for you all and I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen! 

         Love you all!! 

Love

Sister Wilson

P.s. Have a great week and HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!"

The Start of a New Transfer

Although Nicole had a long first week of the new transfer,

Nicole had a lot of positives come out of this week.

Check out her email and pictures below:

"Hey ya'll!! 

     This was the first week of the new transfer and it was LONG! Monday evening, we went to a lot of people for Sister Gosdis to say goodbye. It was funny because I was the one crying the whole time and she didn't shed a tear. Everyone was really confused as to why I was crying. Transfers are just so bittersweet for me. Tuesday, I said goodbye to Sister Gosdis, and that was so hard! She was such a great companion and I feel very blessed to have had her as my second trainer! But, she's having a great time in Colville, and we still call each other every now and then to stay updated and to ask for some help with Belle Terre as I'm still learning the area. 

    My new companion, Sister Peeler, is so awesome though! She's so cute and is such a sweetheart! She's way patient with me as I still try to get the hang of things. She's from Temekula (totally not spelled right) California, an hour north of San Diego. She's a singer and was in an A Capella group that toured and sung all over at Stake Conferences...so cool!! She's really sweet and I think we'll get along really well as we get used to the whole change. She was in Kellogg, Idaho for 7 1/2 months and this is her second area. It's been a great change for us both and we're just working together through it! The good new is, I know the area way better than I thought....tender mercy from the Lord! 

      Oh my goodness, OUR INVESTIGATOR ERIN IS GETTING BAPTIZED ON SATURDAY!!!!!!!!!! She's a 42 year old, but she has a mental disorder, and is mentally a 14 year old. She's the greatest though and I love her so much! She's taken the lessons for a couple years and has had so many doubts and didn't want to get baptized for family reasons, personal reasons, etc. She didn't want to be baptized for a while. Then she was afraid that she wouldn't be able to keep her commitment to come to church every Sunday because she has to watch her grandma. Then she was worried her mother would disown her. But things have really been going uphill for her. Her grandmother passed away, which was hard on her, but her worry about being baptized disappeared. The Lord really has prepared a way for her and she is so ready. She's changed from "I don't want to get baptized" to "I can't wait to be baptized!" Her relationship with her mother is better than its ever been before and she just shines!! Ahhhhhh I'm so excited for her!!!!!!!!!! 

       Yesterday, the coolest thing ever happened! We ran into a Muslim family and they let us in. We just talked a lot about our religion and learned a lot about their religion. There are many differences, but there's also a lot of similarities. They showed us their Koran and they showed us how they pray 5 times a day with their movements and all....so cool!!!! It was way fascinating and I just really enjoyed it. They said we could come back and talk more about religion with them. Haha, we're not exactly sure how to teach them the Restored Gospel, but the Lord will help us!! 

      Despite the long week, I'm so grateful! I'm grateful for my new companion, I'm grateful for our investigators, and I'm thankful for the power of prayer. I had a bad morning full of stress and I just took 5 minutes to get on my knees and pray. The peace and comfort I felt was indescribable! I felt so much better and my testimony of prayer was so strengthened! 

       Well, I love being a missionary and I love all the prayers and support and letters! Thanks for everything ya'll do!! (: Hope everyone has a great week!

Love, 

Sister Wilson"

Transfer Time!

This week, Nicole got the transfer call. While she is staying in Belle Terre, she's

bummed that Sister Gosdis is being transferred. But she's putting her trust in God

and knows that His hand is in this transfer and that He will provide.

Read her email below:

"Hey ya'll! 

    We got transfer calls last night....I'm staying in Belle Terre and Sister Gosdis is moving to Colville. Once again, I'm crushed!! I LOVE Sister Gosdis and I've learned so much from her. There's so much going on in Belle Terre, it's really overwhelming and I don't feel ready to take on Belle Terre without an old-timer. Nonetheless, I know that God has His hand in this transfer. As hard as my last transfers were, they all worked out the way they were suppose to and I know that this transfer is all going to work out the way it's suppose to as well. God's hand is in everything we do and He will provide!!! 

       So, this week was pretty good, but hard. Our investigator Kristen got baptized!!!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! It was so awesome and so exciting! Our 71 year old investigator came, and we've tried FOREVER to get him out of his apartment to things! It was such a great baptism and it was so awesome to see so many people there! We had to move from the Relief Society room to the chapel because so many people showed up! It really was amazing! 

      Ready for the next miracle?? Richard came to Sacrament meeting on Sunday too!!! It was sooooooooo exciting!!! He felt so good and he liked it and it all just worked out! 

       I had the really cool opportunity to serve this week. One of our investigators, Leslie, is a single mom with 3 kids, a 15 year old boy, and 2 daughters who are 10 and 6. Her son is on probation and her daughters are hard to get along with sometimes. She's really struggling financially and has asked us many times if there was someway we could help her with food. We are trying to get her on with the Bishop's Warehouse, but that's a process. She texted us Wednesday to ask for more help with food. Sister Gosdis and I don't have a very big budget, but we really wanted to do something for her. We decided to go through everything we have and we gathered 3 bags full of food that we haven't and wouldn't touch, extra food that we didn't mind giving away, and some food that was left over from previous missionaries that hadn't gone bad yet. We gathered a lot of Macaroni, some hot chocolate, pop-tarts, popsicles, penne noodles, oatmeal, fruit snacks, 2 small frozen steaks, pez dispenser candies, some fruit, and just loads of stuff!! Again, we FILLED 3 bags of food and dropped it off anonymously. When we saw her again, she and her kids were so grateful for the anonymous gift. Now, I don't tell you this to get praise or to tell everyone how great I am. I'm simply telling this experience to show how grateful and blessed I am to have the chance to serve others in some way everyday. I was filled with exceedingly great joy and gladness to do this for her! I encourage you all to look for ways to serve others this week! Every day, serve someone! I promise that you will feel joy and love! It will bless you and will draw you closer to our Heavenly Father! I'm so thankful for these opportunities Heavenly Father has put in my life to stop thinking of myself and to turn outward. What a blessing it is to serve! As you serve others, your life will improve and you'll find so much happiness! 

       The pictures I'm attaching are ones with my zone, my district, from the baptism, and the beautiful scenery!!(: 

       I love you all and hope you have a very blessed week full of love and service!

Love, 

Sister Wilson"

One More Week of Transfers!

Nicole had such a good yet crazy week, she forgot

to send us pictures! Here's what she had to say:

"Hey everyone!! 

    So....this week has been pretty crazy...so crazy I forgot to take pictures..sorry! This week it snowed again! It snows one day, sunny the next couple, then it snows again. Haha, it's crazy to see so much snow but it is so beautiful! 

    We did another exchange this week...I love exchanges! I love working with other sisters and learning from them! I went on an exchange with Sister McWilliams on Friday! I realized just how inspired exchanges are. We went back and forth on who should go where and we finally decided I would go to Sister McWilliams area and that Sister Gosdis would stay in Belle Terre with Sister Norcross. Everything worked out so perfectly!! Sister McWilliams had a really tough week and she was having a rough day. She said she really needed me that day to just talk, love, and hug her! How grateful I was to see that God knows us so personally and knows who we need in our lives at what time! 

      Ready for another funny, but EMBARRASSING story? Our zone leaders had a baptism this past Saturday that we got to attend because our investigator, Leslie, was coming with her kids. They were baptizing 2 big Samoans, David and Jessie. After the baptismal talk, they proceeded with the baptism and let the girl, Jessie, go first. She got baptized and then David. After the service, we told them congratulations and I gave Jessie a hug and shook David's hand. Later, before we left, we were telling Jessie goodbye and Sister Gosdis was like "Bye Jessie, you're awesome". Then Elder Folu (the one who taught the family) replied, "Yeah HE is". AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.....I SPAZZED out!! Haha, of course I waited until I got in the car to spazz, but I totally did. I HUGGED A BOY! Now, before you go judging me, let me explain. I'm from Texas and there aren't many Samoans (if there are, I just don't see them...sorry...not trying to be offensive in any way, shape, or form!! I love all Samoans!). They were both bigger people with pony tails and Jesse didn't have a deep voice. It was one of those voices that could fit any gender. It was really funny but I freaked out! I can't even imagine what those who saw me hug him would have thought, haha. So, yeah...no more hugging people unless I know FOR SURE their gender! 

     On a more spiritual note, the baptism was really powerful. While they were changing into their dry clothes, we watched Because of Him. If you haven't seen it, go watch it NOW! We watched it at the baptism and we've shared it in many lessons following...I cry every time. We need to remember that all the possibilities and opportunities, and just every good thing comes Because of Him...because of Jesus Christ our Savior! I am so grateful for Jesus Christ and that He loves me, He loves US, so much that He willingly sacrificed Himself so that we could be happy. What great love!! 

      Oooohh...Kristen, the 9 year old, is getting baptized Saturday!!!!!! I'm soooooooooo excited for her! She is so excited and so prepared! I love seeing how happy the gospel makes these people and it makes me so happy (: 

       This morning, I had the wonderful opportunity to receive another, yes ANOTHER, priesthood blessing. Oh my goodness I love the priesthood more than I could ever describe! Through it, I was able to hear what God needed me to know and it was so perfect! I don't know how anyone could ever deny the power thereof. The elders came in, I told them I wanted one for comfort and counsel and then they blessed me. Elder Beckstead said everything that I needed to hear to a T. I know without a shadow of a doubt that it was God working through him to bless me. The priesthood truly is God's power given to men, who's worthy to hold and exercise it, for the blessing of other people. I know that the Priesthood is real, which means Joseph Smith was a true prophet, which means the Book of Mormon is the word of God, which means the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is Christ's church again restored to earth. I know it, and I know that God knows it (: 

      This week is my last "for sure" week in Belle Terre. Transfers are coming up on Sunday and no one has any idea what will happen. I don't really know what I want to have happen. All I know is that God will take care of me (: I love you all and pray that you have a WONDERFUL week full of love, peace, and happiness!

Love always, 

Sister Wilson

P.S. Okay everyone, I have a challenge for ya'll!!! I literally just read an email from my mission president that we as a mission are going to read the whole Book of Mormon in 1 transfer (6 weeks) starting January 27th. To do so, we all need to read 13 pages every day. I know that sounds like a lot, but it is so possible and it will just bless your life! When we did a Book of Mormon marathon and finished it in a week, my testimony was strengthened so much and it brought new perspective. It brought the Book of Mormon to life! I encourage everyone to do so because I know that it will help you through everything and anything that you will go through in life! 531 pages in 42 days... it is so possible!! I'll keep ya'll updated with my progress and I expect to hear how everyone else is doing! It won't be easy but it will be so worth it! Remember "If you don't have the time to read the scriptures, you're way busier than God ever intended you to be". Love you!"

A Really Good Week

It sounds like Nicole had a really good week this week!

She was also able to send us several pictures from Christmas on.

Enjoy!

"Hey Everyone!!! 

      My camera works now!!! Enjoy the pictures(: 

      Anyways, This week was really good! We met so many awesome people! Our investigators are progressing and they actually like being taught!! It's so awesome and such a joy to teach them! I have seen their countenances change so much and it helps me remember why I'm out here. Happy me!  

     I had a really cool spiritual moment this week. We went to Kristen's house and showed her the Restoration video (if you haven't seen it yet...do it NOW!) I've seen this video a billion times and I love it and was so excited to watch it! The video started playing and as we're watching it, the Spirit was soooooo strong...much stronger than it ever has been as I've seen it before. I just started crying and cried the rest of the lesson. My testimony of Joseph Smith has been so deeply strengthened! I know without a doubt that Joseph Smith restored Christ's church on the earth today and that the Priesthood authority has also been restored! How blessed we are to have the truth on the earth! It was an experience that I can never forget and I'm so grateful God has given it to me! So Kristen's dad finally approved her baptism!!! AHHHHHHHH!!! We are all so excited! He finally came around and their family couldn't be more happy. I knew he would because God provides a way for His children to keep His commandments! I'm so grateful that his heart has softened and will allow her to make this promise with our Father in Heaven to be baptized! AHHHHH(: 

     We have a couple other investigators we're hoping to put on date soon. One of them, Leslie, wants to be baptized and she actually is on date for February, but she has to learn all the lessons first. Her desire is so strong though and her countenance has changed so much!!!! The gospel is awesome in that way(: 

     Funny story..we were bike riding and met these two ladies. They were quite unique and very opinionated and strong in their faith. One of them gave me a card that said "What I need to do to be saved" with a list of things necessary for me to do for my salvation. It was pretty funny...at least for me. Our beliefs weren't even that different. Many people think we try to change others' beliefs, but really, we just add to it! 

     Another funny story....this happened like a couple hours ago. Today is p-day, obviously, and we have to watch the car. Before we get to the car wash, we were talking about how cold it is outside (it's 31 degrees) and I was talking about how my hair was still wet from my shower and made me even colder. We stopped at the chiropractor real quick and headed over to wash the car.  We're not allowed to go through a car wash so we have to wash it on our own. I got out of the car as my companion was spraying it down. Sister Gosdis realized she got soap on her coat and was looking down at it, not paying attention that her hand with the hose was moving. It moved right in my direction and totally sprayed me in the face (my hair just dried too, by the way)! It sprayed me for like 10, 15 seconds and I was soaked. When she noticed, she felt so bad but was laughing really hard! Hahaha, it was soooooooooo cold and my hands were really numb! On the plus side, my make up wasn't smeared...tender mercy! Haha, it was funny though and I was walking like Anna from Frozen after falling in the water(: 

     This week was really good, again, and I'm so grateful to be able to see the change that the gospel brings in peoples' lives. I've thought a lot about my own baptism and I have had many teary-eyed moments as I thought about it. I am so eternally grateful for all my Father in Heaven has given me! The gospel is truly the only source for PURE, EVERLASTING joy and happiness! 

     I hope everyone has a wonderful week and remembers who they are as beloved sons and daughters of God who loves each of you more than words can describe!! (Romans 8:38-39) 

     Love ya'll!! 

Love, 

Sister Wilson"

A Great Start to the New Year

Nicole had a really good week this week! Here's what she had to say:

"Happy New Year!!! 

     This week was pretty good!! On New Year's Eve, Sister Gosdis and I hung out with the other sisters in my district and we went to a member's home and watched FROZEN!!! It was so much fun!!!! Haha, it was a great way to end 2014. As much fun as frozen was, I had a blast just hanging out with people who share my love for the Gospel! 

     So..it snowed....A LOT!!! It snowed all day the past 2 days here....it's so BEAUTIFUL up here with all the snow on the tall trees! It is breath-taking! The snow is so deep, we got about 6 inches, and I have a hard time walking in it sometimes...haha, I fell yesterday and it was really funny! Ooohh....I got to shovel snow from Sister Francis' (the member I live with) driveway! I had so much fun doing it because I've never had to do it before!! It was quite the experience! I'm shoveling with a huge smile on my face, loving it, and Sister Gosdis (from Utah) was like "Ughhh..this sucks!!" Hahaha it was really funny! 

      So, I went on exchanges Saturday with Sister Norcross. She's from Arizona and she came out with me a couple months ago. We taught one of her investigators named Elliot. He's 18 and is scheduled to be baptized January 17. He is so cool!!!!! He said he reads the Book of Mormon daily! I asked him how he felt when he reads and he said "awesome. Just awesome! I thought the Book of Mormon would totally disclaim the Bible and be completely different at first. But, it's not! Everything in it supports and goes hand in hand with the Bible! It's just so awesome!" The joy that filled my heart when he said this is undescribable! Oh my goodness, I was just so happy to see how happy the Gospel makes him. It made me see why I'm out here and it reminded me of the joy and happiness I felt as the missionaries taught me 4 1/2 years ago. How blessed I am to have the gospel in my life!!!! I have a new desire to do missionary work now and to truly give my 100% to my Heavenly Father and let Him use me as a tool in His hands! 

      Ooh....want to hear something way cool?! Our investigator who's 9, Kristen, is about to be baptized on the 17th as well. She bore her testimony in church yesterday!!!!!!!!!! WHAT??? It was so awesome. I'm a missionary and I wasn't planning on sharing mine. This 9 year old non-member just walked up there and talked about how she knew for herself that the church is true and how grateful she is for all that she's been blessed with! What an awesome example she is to me, and everyone! I can't wait until she gets baptized...she's so great!! 

      Sorry again about no photos....the computer isn't working with my camera-_- I'll try getting something at Wal-Mart today to try out next week!

       I'm so grateful to my Heavenly Father for all He has done for me! What a blessing it is to share His gospel! I feel very humbled and blessed to be used in as a tool in His hands! 

       I love ya'll and hope everyone has a wonderful week!! 

Love, 

Sister Wilson (: "