Week 19: Mud, Moose, Mosquitos, and Rain

Dear Family and Friends,

We went and hiked Resurrection Pass near Cooper Landing last week with the Elders-- there is a high number of bears in that area, so we stayed together, and wore our running shoes just in case- haha, no worries, we weren't in any danger. Apparently there is a water fall up there, however, we couldn't hike the whole way, because we needed enough time to get home before p-day ended.  It rained almost the whole hike! But it was actually a tender mercy because the mosquitos came out when the rain stopped, at the end of the hike. It is so weird- I haven't gotten a mosquito bite yet even for years when I was home. I think it might be because I don't like bananas, because I have heard that mosquitos like people that eat bananas.

Sister Wuehler and Sister Sadlier--don't they look great!!!

Resurrection Pass - wow--isn't it gorgeous!!

We had a close run in with a momma moose and her two babies this week! We were visiting members who were moving out of Alaska, and when we went to say goodbye to them on Thursday, the moose got so close to the garage.  She was picking the dandelions out of the grass. Apparently, these three have been seen all across Kenai since those two babies were born, and even Sister Sadlier had seen them before then across town.  I am so happy that the moose didn't feel threatened by us, because there are plenty of times that moose will stomp, and they are so fast, especially when it is a momma moose and her young.  Also, did you know that brown bears and black bears are here-- haven't seen any yet, but I am okay with that.  When the moose were at the house- we had to wait to get to our car for like 20 minutes.

I have been working on memorizing different scriptures.  It has been going great--even Doctrine and Covenants 4 (Dad- maybe I could try saying it while holding the match like you did when I get home; Note: we always challenge our missionaries to repeat it from memorization while holding a match--sometimes a very long match!!).  I am noticing the great benefits and blessings from doing this. We started teaching a twenty year old this week who wants to learn more, and I was able to say the first vision without worrying about not knowing it myself to him.  It was so great to have been blessed by Heavenly Father as I have worked to practice that, and was able to use it so that the spirit could testify of truth in that moment.

There is a group of ladies we visit every once in a while that live in the same place, and are all seniors, and they are the sweetest. If we visit one, we will have to visit them all. I am so grateful for their happy dispositions even through the things they find difficult- they still find a way to come together and to be happy.

We did some baking this week for service where we made ham and cheese muffins for hundreds of youth for this last weekends youth conference for the Soldotna Stake. Those kids ate well that whole weekend, apparently those muffins were just for a snack during their service project! It was fun having time to bake and spend time with all the people who were helping with it. I took a picture of the recipe, and it is a big recipe because they had to multiply it a lot but if you make it, freeze the extra muffins to bring out for meals. They are SO good!

We do alot of driving because of how large our area is- we have to block out time to do that depending on who we are contacting each day and plan around the area we are in- whether it be K- beach, Kenai, part way to Nikiski, or way into Nikiski (where the no trespassing signs are everywhere), and it is so great that our map is this ridiculously huge and old map that if you looked into our truck window. it pretty much blocks out half of it as we search for where we are going-- our ward list is the funniest thing- the addresses say things like "last house on the left of Lois Lane" and "mile marker 35.5" or "ask this person about them" on the list- it is so funny. (I changed all of those up- they aren't real street names or things anyone can find, but that is really the way things are written all the time).

Sister Sadlier and I have been writing sticky notes that we hang up each night on our wall of funny things that happen in the day or things we want to remember-- I love it! One of the ones from this week was that someone offered us a piece of Havarti cheese to taste, and we had just eaten- she said- "that's okay, just stick it in your bag" It was so funny to hear the "did you just tell them to put cheese in their bag" that came next. I love the people down here in Kenai! They are so good to us!

Our view of the mountains and volcanos in the distance is so gorgeous, and I feel so lucky to see it every day. When the tide is low in the Kenai River all the seagulls land in the mud, and I love watching the birds try and get out of it- it takes so much effort and flying for them to get out, but luckily they are able to get out. I have come to realize that this mud in Alaska which becomes like sinking sand is one of my biggest fears. So many think that they can go and drive out on it and walk on it and they'll be okay, but it will hold them tight. Helicopters usually have to come and airlift them out if it not too late. I have found that it is comparable to being stuck in a feeling of hopelessness, sin, depression (or whatever it may be), and not being able to get out. This is much like us as we struggle with things and we can't find a way out ourselves and as we try to pull our own selves out, the suction pulls us more and more in. It is only that helicopter that can pull us out-- which is like trusting in our Savior to pull us out and as he pulls, that suction pulls back. As we trust in the Lord and hold on to that helicopter, we can be freed (Proverbs 3:5-6).  If we all understood how much our Savior loves us and that the Atonement is available in our every day, every moment, then we would use it as he would have us use it.

Love you all!!!

Love,
Sister Wuehler

P.S. someone gave us fruit yesterday! It was SO good- you can't always find good fruit up here!

Scriptures:

• Doctrine and Covenants 1:38-39

"What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.  For behold, and lo, the Lord is God, and the Spirit beareth record, and the record is true, and the truth abideth forever and ever. Amen."

• Doctrine and Covenants 3:2-3;5

"For God doth not walk in crooked paths, neither doth he turn to the right hand nor to the left, neither doth he vary from that which he hath said, therefore his paths are straight, and his ccourse is one eternal round.  Remember, remember that it is not the work of God that is frustrated, but the work of men; Behold, you have been entrusted with these things, but how strict were your commandments; and remember also the promises which were made to you, if you did not transgress them. "

•  Mosiah 5:13

"For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart?" 

• Mosiah 12:27

 "Ye have not applied your hearts to understanding; therefore, ye have not been wise. Therefore, what teach ye this people?"

 isms: The cat tried to get the moose when we were at those people's house this week-- we tried to keep it away-- luckily it was smart enough to leave before it got too close to the moose.  Also, We check the mail twice a day, even before the mail comes, hoping it will have a letter in it. (not really an ism, but it'll work)  (I suppose this is a hint from her, don't you!!!!)

Week 18: To Anchorage and Back!

Dear Family and Friends,

So this week has been eventful, including a trip up to Anchorage for Zone Conference, speaking at church, elk on the side of the road of the Kenai River, eagles all over, a haircut, it's been crazy and also fun.  I am starting to feel as if I will be taking more pictures of the nature in Kenai than of anything else. The other day the sun was shining only on this one point of the ocean- it was so pretty and you could see it from far.

About a block from the apartment -- looking at Old Town Kenai

You would be surprised at how many people up here lived in the Bay Area at one point, specifically Oakland, I feel like we are running into so many who are from home.

We have inherited an odd amount of food, specifically on Saturday, just from people who want to feed us. We are starting to compile a list of what they give us, bless their hearts.  Everyone is so willing to help and to give, and as funny it feels to be on the receiving end of all of this giving, I feel so undeserving because there are people out there who do not have what they need and it just breaks my heart to not have the ability at this point to give this to them so that they might not go hungry.

We spoke at church yesterday. Sis. Sadlier about the Restoration, and I spoke about Joseph Smith and how we can all receive knowledge from God as we ask in faith. Afterwards, there were so many people who wanted to learn more, and who wanted us to teach them! I am so grateful that even though we did not have much time to prepare for a 15 minute talk, Heavenly Father directed our words as we did everything we could to prepare, just as the scriptures say. It was my own experience of the Holy Ghost working through me, and I am blessed to have these experiences every single day, and as they are sacred, sometimes I do not mantion them here, but I hope someday to share more about these in person.

Sister Wuehler and Sister Sadlier by their apartment

Elder Koelliker emphasized the power of prayer in our lives and in the investigators lives, and why THEY need to pray (this goes for each one of us). (He spoke at their Zone Conference).  When we pray so that Heavenly Father can answer our prayers, we can be given an answer by the power of the Holy Ghost. As we learn of Christ's doctrine, then we can learn of it's truth through prayer and the spirit of the Holy Ghost. That is the source of all truth, and that is why we, as missionaries are asked to "be bold, and act with faith."  We have been blessed so greatly, and we have the knowledge of this gift, but it is not only for us- it is for all children of God, which is everyone. The spirit can bring truth unto our heart, then, it is our part to recognize it and to receive it- it is like a present; but what use it the gift until you open it and use it.  Also, we got to go to the temple.

All is Well here. Kenai is beautiful, and the people are even more beautiful. Love you all! Excited to hear from you and I love all of your letters

Love,

Sister Wuehler

Scriptures: Mosiah 3, Ephesians 6 (putting on the armor of God), Doctrine and Covenants 138:53-56 "it is now the due time of the Lord" -Pres. Beesley

53 The Prophet Joseph Smith, and my father, Hyrum Smith, Brigham Young, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, and other choice spirits who were reserved to come forth in the fulness of times to take part in laying the foundations of the great latter-day work,

54 Including the building of the temples and the performance of ordinances therein for the redemption of the dead, were also in the spirit world.

55 I observed that they were also among the noble and great ones who were chosen in the beginning to be rulers in the Church of God.

56 Even before they were born, they, with many others, received their first lessons in the world of spirits and were prepared to come forth in the due time of the Lord to labor in his vineyard for the salvation of the souls of men.

ism: "Whoop-dee- do, the church is true." 



Sister Wuehler, Sister Sadlier, and Sister Chan at Zone Conference

On the Drive back from Anchorage to Kenai



Picture of the Southview from their apartment that they see the most!







Week 17: Kenai




On the Road to Kenai...

Dear Family and Friends,

This week has been crazy with cleaning out apartments, moving out and into different places, finally seeing different places in
Alaska, and goodbyes.

Transfers went well, confusing as usual, but I was very grateful for the opportunity to go to the temple last Tuesday. The sisters had dinner together at the mission home, which is pretty rare, but it was a good night to spend together, and then to share a testimony meeting that night.

I am in the Kenai Ward with Sister Sadlier! She is from St. George Utah. The ward includes Kenai AND Nikiski (including Kay beach and alot of area to cover). Kenai is gorgeous and right on the water- we get to see volcanos off in the distance and I am told that every once in a while you can see them smoking. Nikiski has a ton of no tresspassing signs and is about twenty- thirty minutes out so we have a really big area to cover. Kenai water looks like applejuice- for the first time in my life I think I have gone waterbottle rather than tap, but it really is not too bad if I had to drink it. The people here are so kind and I love to see all the families who have been here for so long and all those who love being here.

We met with someone this week who does not know if God exists. He wants to know but seems to be a bit scared to find out. What I want to share about this is how we don't learn all at once, just the same as a child does not walk all at once. I was told once by someone that it is good that children don't know how to criticize themselves because then they would never learn to walk. We sometimes give up too easily and become scared of doing things, when we don't really realize how close we are to figuring it out- I know I often fall into this category in different aspects. Everyone does. It is only through trust in God that we ever truly excel.

We do service at the library by helping put away the books, and it is so relaxing. I used to think the library was too quiet and now I feel like it is a place where I can actually hear myself think.

Well we will be back up to Anchorage this week for Zone Conference with Elder Koelliker (he gave the talk in conference "He Truly Loves Us" this last May), and we'll be able to go to the temple again at some point- so excited to be there.  I love Kenai- I will miss the Anchorage mountains though. The drive is so beautiful to the Soldotna area too!

Love,

Sister Wuehler

Scripture: Alma 57:19-21
19 But behold, my little band of two thousand and sixty fought most desperately; yea, they were firm before the Lamanites, and did administer death unto all those who opposed them.

20 And as the remainder of our army were about to give way before the Lamanites, behold, those two thousand and sixty were firm and undaunted.

21 Yea, and they did obey and observe to perform every word of command with exactness; yea, and even according to their faith it was done unto them; and I did remember the words which they said unto me that their mothers had taught them.

ism: All good things come from God (Omni 1:25-26) 25 And it came to pass that I began to be old; and, having no seed, and knowing king Benjamin to be a just man before the Lord, wherefore, I shall deliver up these plates unto him, exhorting all men to come unto God, the Holy One of Israel, and believe in prophesying, and in revelations, and in the ministering of angels, and in the gift of speaking with tongues, and in the gift of interpreting languages, and in all things which are good; for there is nothing which is good save it comes from the Lord: and that which is evil cometh from the devil.

26 And now, my beloved brethren, I would that ye should come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation, and the power of his redemption. Yea, come unto him, and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him, and continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved.

President and Sister Beesley and Assistants!!!!

Sister Wuehler and Sister Williams

Week 16: A New Adventure

 June 4, 2012

 Dear Family and Friends,

 This week has been so crazy and distracting!  We have been cleaning, packing, teaching, all of the above trying to prepare for this next transfer.  So I apologize for the scattered notes on this letter.

Transfer calls came early this week for the Sisters and I am going to Kenai down in the Soldotna Zone!!   So excited.  I keep hearing it is so beautiful down there; the fishing is great and I can't wait to meet the people.  I think Nekiske is also in that area. (Note from Mom:  Kenai is 150 miles south of Anchorage on the coast--beautiful area--the beginning of the adventure area--king salmon fishing, etc.; Kenai is about 7500 people.  She gets to go to the Anchorage Temple on Tuesday with the Sisters all around that area, and will stay in the Mission home Tuesday night, and drive down on Wednesday, June 6th--her sister Melanie's birthday!).  I can't wait to drive down there-- and we will be driving back up to Anchorage for zone conference next week or so (june 13?) because there is a general authority coming-- a seventy-- we'll; get to go to the temple again!!!

Blurbs of the week:

1. For district meeting this week the Elders surprised Sister H. by decorating the room to celebrate her last week.
2. We went to a place this week called Sushi, and sushi with a member, and we have decided that too much raw fish isn't very easy to eat (I know many who would say ANY raw fish is too much), but I got my courage up to actually eat it instead of going the safe way out )
3. We recorded a few more songs this week- I will send them to you sometime.
4. We have had the opportunity to sing to so many people this week it has been so great!  I think when I get back home I am going to take up a new instrument.
5. There won't be sisters anywhere in anchorage for this next transfer, so having to close the apartment has had us off of our busy scedule-- it is exhausting- still asleep at 10:30 according to the handbook- but i have realized how much that schedule really does help us and keep us going- SO grateful.
6. A rubber band went flinging across the chapel in fast and testimony meeting yesterday from a kid. It took alot to keep a straight face.

Something I know about myself is that I hate goodbyes- this week has had many and they continue still.  I have been so blessed to have been a part of the Turnagain Ward for this short time, and for the things I have taught, learned, and mostly for the people who I have had the priviledge to meet. I am grateful for Sister H and how much she has strengthened and taught me. She is going to continue to do great things!

As missionaries we help to find those who want to hear, to rescue those who can't find their way, and to strengthen all.  I have loved to see the miracles that happen everyday as we strive together to seek out these people in prayer.  Heavenly Father has brought many precious miracles to our view, and each of these is a tender mercy, no matter how big or small these times are.

I love you all and hope you have a great week!!!

Love,

Sister Wuehler

Scripture: Alma 7:11-12

11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will ^ctake upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

12 And he will take upon him death, that he may ^boose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

isms:

-"1-800- too much information.com"

-Where do movie stars like to camp? Hollywood.

-We were with a returned sister missionary and when she was on her mission, one of her companions was listening to mormon tabernacle choir. When the song got to the part where it gets more into it her comp. yelled, "hermana! this is where it really picks up!"