Week 46: Christmas, New Years, and Transfers once again.

Dear Family and Friends, (Saturday, December 29, 2012)

Ice Sculptures at the Anchorage Temple

Wow it's hot outside- 40 degrees, although the winds are blowing like crazy and the roads are now slushy!! I went out with a sweater, scarf, and hat. We got our transfer calls on Thursday night, well, at least the Sisters did after coaxing and Sister Beesley pulling some strings to let us know what was happening... the Elders found out this morning. I am not training!!! Yay!!!!! I should probably be more positive because everyone keeps joking that we'll have to train five sisters at once. Probably not that drastic, but I think one is enough. I will be in Rabbit Creek (same place) with Sister Hatfield who is coming in from Petersburg.  I found out also that there will be three sets of Sisters in Anchorage-- Sister Burbank training in Inlet View, Sisters in Cook Inlet YSA, and then we have Sisters in Chugach- I don;t know what we will do with so many sisters around!

Christmas Eve we got to read the Christmas story with members in our ward after dinner and we went caroling with the Elders to a few of the people each of us visit- it was fun.  Then after we got inside, we had a Polycom (I believe they listen to this)  "Alaska night before Christmas" which I can remember nothing of because I was so ready for bed. Christmas morning we had District Meeting with the Elders, and they had planned a scavenger hunt around the building and each of us had a "gift" we needed to use to find the next clue. After we made lunch, and we made potstickers from scratch for the first time. We got the recipe from a former investigator who is Chinese in our area- she's been teaching Sister Morey Chinese --and they were the best potstickers I have had or close to it! I loved being able to google+ with all the family, that's a new thing!  (we were able to get the whole family in their own little "box" so she could talk to all of us!!)  Miss you!

Sister Wuehler and Sister Morey  -- Notice her haircut!

 

I noticed with Christmas around the corner last week, everyone seemed frantic and overly stressed. You can feel it everywhere you go. Something I have been grateful for this Chirtsmas season is the opportunity to really remember what we are celebrating. President Eyring talked about in his Christmas Devotional talk about how we sing carols and they make us happy because we can remember the greatest gift we have been given is to come here to earth, and that the Savior provided a way back to him. There was a man last Monday on the side of the road- Monday was a very cold day, needless to say, but he was shivering and holding a sign that said "homeless, need help" I had the opportunity to hand him out some food we had to snack on in the car and I took the opportunity. I feel that the greatest gift I could have received there was the sweet look on his face, tired, grateful, worn down, but still moving forward. President Monson shared in the December message in the Ensign this month this poem he heard,

I am the Christmas Spirit—

I enter the home of poverty, causing palefaced children to open their eyes wide, in pleased wonder.

I cause the miser’s clutched hand to relax and thus paint a bright spot on his soul.

I cause the aged to renew their youth and to laugh in the old glad way.

I keep romance alive in the heart of childhood, and brighten sleep with dreams woven of magic.

I cause eager feet to climb dark stairways with filled baskets, leaving behind hearts amazed at the goodness of the world.

I cause the prodigal to pause a moment on his wild, wasteful way and send to anxious love some little token that releases glad tears—tears which wash away the hard lines of sorrow.

I enter dark prison cells, reminding scarred manhood of what might have been and pointing forward to good days yet to be.

I come softly into the still, white home of pain, and lips that are too weak to speak just tremble in silent, eloquent gratitude.

In a thousand ways, I cause the weary world to look up into the face of God, and for a little moment forget the things that are small and wretched.

I am the Christmas Spirit.¹

(http://www.lds.org/ensign/2012/12/rediscovering-the-christmas-spirit?lang=eng)

That is the true Christmas spirit, the spirit of Christ and the Holy Ghost testifying to hearts of that good news.

We are giving a talk to the Dutch Harbor branch over Polycom on Sunday, first thought, after I got the call, "Man I wish I didn't pick up the phone" -- haha, it isn't that bad, but even as a missionary you STILL get nervous giving talks, no way around it. I almost finished it this morning in studies though so thank goodness. I'll try and send a copy home this time. With New years around the corner we have seen some fireworks around, we will surely hear those all Monday night.

Love,

Sister Wuehler

Scripture: Alma 17:11

11 And the Lord said unto them also: Go forth among the Lamanites, thy brethren, and establish my word; yet ye shall be ^apatient in long-suffering and afflictions, that ye may show forth good ^bexamples unto them in me, and I will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls.

ism: "Life is like a down escalator and you are trying to go up, it takes effort to keep moving forward"

 

(Note from Sister Wuehler's mom:  We got to watch the webcam of the Missionary Christmas Fireside that Sisters Wuehler, Gerber, and Morey were in charge of on Dec. 13th--her birthday!  It was so exciting to sit at the computer and see almost 2 1/2 hours of prelude including a cello and violins and solos, talks, and lots of emsembles of music---we watched Julie all that time--most of the time the back of her head, but it was a camera at the back of the chapel and we could see everything.  It was exciting--wow, the technology we have now!!!  We were just hoping she would turn around sometime and wave "Hi Mom" (or dad) to the camera!!)

Week 45: Merry Christmas!!! (Dec. 22, 2012)

Dear Family and Friends,



Ice Sculptures at the Anchorage Temple!!!



This morning we went tracting with our zone in the Klatt area-- when we left the house the temperature was negative 3-- when we tracted it was -7, then we got back in the car and it was -3 again. Really? that's so crazy, atleast it wasn't -40s and 50s-- thats where Fairbanks has been, the sisters weren't able to start their car one morning this last week- it hadn't been plugged in long enough- so glad I am in "Balmy" Anchorage.

 

On Monday, we said goodbye to Sister Watson and the other missionaries, including an office couple who we love and will miss. That night we visited a woman who we met and she needed a priesthood blessing- she is not a member but shared about how her family share with her about blessings and how she had one in the past that helped her. She was one I could feel of her faith in God, and I was priviledged to be there. We also got to practice Chinese with a woman and she keeps saying she loves the word "peace" and it didn't mean much until she studied the bible and believed in Christ. I like to pick up a couple things along the way-- i can say the tones if someone has said them just before me. It's interesting

We have done a fair amount of service this week, and Tuesday night we helped out one of the other wards with their Christmas party-- they organized it so that foster parents could come and wrap gifts and get gifts for their foster children, "Santa" was there, there were Christmas crafts, caroling and a simple dinner. It was a full house throughout the whole building and it was so special to help sort the gifts for the kids beforehand and then be able to see them as the walked though the doors- they were so sweet.

 

We visited a recent convert who just got back from her first year of college-- she writes all the sisters in the mission and is the sweetest girl. I am always inspried by her determination, along with other examples, and her faith. She is not supported by her family in her beliefs and is often restrained but I love her conviction as she said, "They don;t want me to go to church on Sunday, but I'm going anyway." The Lord is softening the hearts around her. I have seen it for myself in her family, even just in a years time.

In Ether 6:7 it talks about how the Jaredites built their boats to have air as they were tossed on the sea and how they could open the air stoppers and close so the water would not be able to get inside. It was fortified against the elements so they would make it through the storms. This is like how we prepare and make decisions against letter certain influences in our lives. It keeps us safe and allows us air to breathe when otherwise we might drown beneath the water- but if they let the water in they could not be safe- they were kept safe because they did not let the water in.

Our Christmas Tree!

Totem Pole Sister Gerber gave me!

 

We hope to carol on Monday night! I am excited- talk to you this week (We get to Google+ or skype for 1 hour on Christmas!!!)!

Love,

Sister Wuehler

Scriptures: Luke 1-3, 3 Nephi 1

 

ism: Always stay on high ground, don't descend to lift someone higher

Ether 6:7

And it came to pass that when they were buried in the deep there was no water that could hurt them, their vessels being ^atight like unto a dish, and also they were tight like unto the ^bark of Noah; therefore when they were encompassed about by many waters they did cry unto the Lord, and he did bring them forth again upon the top of the waters.
 

Kentucky Fried Chicken!!! ---$32.00 for 12 pieces---do you think we ever get this??  I Think Not!!!!!

Week 44: Christmas fireside and transitions--Dec. 17, 2012

Dear Family and Friends,

 

 

 

 

 

 

So we gained another Sister for the last five days, Sister Watson! She is going home tonight and been staying with us and I love learning the way she does missionary work. A lot has been going on this week! Monday we got our hair cut, I didn't expect it but I ended up chopping off my hair just over the shoulder with bangs- a woman in the Brayton ward was willing to do it for free so we were grateful for that. We had a white elephant gift exchange for district meeting- which was interesting because it was all random stuff out of missionary apartments. That night we were driving home on the New Seward Highway and saw a fire somewhere in our area, but we never found out exactly where it was but it was huge- I hope all is well there.

That Wednesday morning we were told to stay inside because of ice and not to go out, but they changed that in the afternoon and drove slowly to pick up Sister Watson. After, we switched our truck for a subaru, then drove into a ditch. Way too ironic! It was good to dig ourselves out a little with no luck but we were pulled out by a couple of members in the ward.

Recently I started a goal book in this little notebook after Sister Gerber's example. The other day in the December ensign I read about "I am" roles and how the most important role we can play is the role of disciple of Christ. One thing I loved about this is remembering how we can be at the right role at the right time so that we can help others most. Right now, my role is missionary. sometimes a blank face who knocks on doors, I often wonder, who really sees? This is where the Lord wants me right now and sometimes I don't know why or feel like I am adequate but each time he lets me know that this is where he wants me, and that things will work out for the best.

The fireside was hectic all week but all went great and fairly smoothly! It was a good birthday, because we got to go out with an investigator and a group of us to ihop to visit and get together. We got home last minute thursday because the fireside went over time. Friday we finally found time to have a piece of Birthday cake and it was awesome because it was Sister Watsons birthday then too! We also got to go to the temple then.

At the fireside

 

The car gave us trouble again a little later in the week- we will go in soon and get it all figured out. Yesterday we heard from a girl heading out to the MTC in January- she is a sweetheart. She talked about how Christmas is not just about the hustle and bustle, but brought out who Jesus Christ is and why is he important and then challenged each of us to answer that for ourselves, and so I invite you as well. She will be such a great missionary, she is already. I am grateful for the Comfort we find in Christ's Gospel. He lived his life and then gave it in selfless service, and we can't hope to give back anything of equal price, but he still continues to give and offer and just wants us to reap and benefit and give. He love us individually and infinitely.

Love you all!

Love,

Sister Wuehler

Scripture: Mormon 9: 24-25, 27-28

ism: "don't let moments of Tragedy define you" - from a father who just lost a child in conneticut

"The commandements are not just a list of constraints, they are a recipe for happiness"

 

 

Week 43: Snow, rain, blizzard, and warm coats

Dear Family and Friends,

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guess What the temperature hit last Tuesday and stayed at last week...-10 F!!! COLD! Although, it hit 25 in the weekend and was finally able to snow because it was warm enough- It's still warm and snowy out there- Sister Morey and I left our apartment this morning with only a cardigan and peacoat. However, Sister Gerber won't be so warm for a while, she was emergency transferred to Fairbanks (-40 F) and we dropped her off at the airport this morning for health reasons. (Allergies)  It all happened really fast that she was able to get into a certain doctor up there and things worked out. We are all a little bit bummed, but things will be good here still. Speaking of it, it's been awesome to see how everything came together. We had been able to have many things done that had all just worked out and the move went relatively smoothe.

A man shared with us his insights into faith this week and how it is through faith in Christ that healing takes place. He kept going back to Matthew 15:26-27, "But [Christ] answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to ^adogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table." He was talking about how the phrasing of dogs as he referred to this woman was not derrogatory as we would see it as, but instead as a loyal beloved pet, and he was touched by the begging of this woman who did not seem to believe in him, exercising that faith in him for healing her daughter. Even she who did not originally have faith got the crumbs-- but we know, because we are here on earth that we all had faith in Christ once, that he could give us the ultimate gift of the atonement.

We got to go to ward council this week for the first time in this ward. Wow! This week I really have been able to see that the Lord is the one who will hasten his work. It's amazing. There is so much good in store. Also, we went back this month to the ladies house where we made about 500 cookies last time- this time we did Christmas themed and actually got about 800 cookies out of it. Crazy! Then we went after and helped the Elders clean lizard tanks for a couple hours in someone's house. Talk about two opposite things. For district meeting that day we also did a really cool demonstration that our District leader set up. We had one person blindfoled and we had to climb over chairs and under tables and direct them to find different things. We were the missionaries and the blindfolded person was the investigator. It helps us to work together apparently --haha.

We have the Alaska-wide Christmas fireside on the thirteenth. It'll be fun to do that on my birthday. By the way, the sisters practiced Chinese this week with a woman who speaks Mandarin and I think I am picking up on the tones! It was awesome to catch the accents-- there are 5 different tones and they are like notes. Also we had zone tract with some good success, a Relief Society Craft conference that was fun and I learned how to make a couple things at it. After doctor's appointments, tying up on loose ends, running all over this week, I am now so ready for p-day! have a great week!

Love,

Sister Wuehler

scripture: 3 Nephi 17:18-21,18:31-32, 22:7

18 And it came to pass that when Jesus had made an end of praying unto the Father, he arose; but so great was the ^ajoy of the multitude that they were overcome.

19 And it came to pass that Jesus spake unto them, and bade them arise.

20 And they arose from the earth, and he said unto them: Blessed are ye because of your faith. And ^anow behold, my joy is full.

21 And when he had said these words, he ^awept, and the multitude bare record of it, and he took their little children, one by one, and ^bblessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them.

31 But if he repent not he shall not be numbered among my people, that he may not destroy my people, for behold I ^aknow ^bmy sheep, and they are numbered.

32 Nevertheless, ye shall not cast him out of your ^asynagogues, or your places of worship, for unto such shall ye continue to minister; for ye know not but what they will return and repent, and come unto me with full purpose of heart, and I shall ^bheal them; and ye shall be the means of bringing salvation unto them.

7 For a small moment have I ^aforsaken thee, but with great mercies will I gather thee.

ism: If you want to listen to the fireside, log on to the website (I hope it will work) We have been planning like crazy!

WEBCAST INFO
Note: It's important that you go to Website about 15 min early so the stream can stabilize:
Website: http://stream.lds.org/503649-120706  It will begin at 7:00 pm Alaska time, which is 8:00 pm California time.

 

Week 42: getting into the Spirit of Christmas!

Dear Family and Friends,

 

 

 

Notice how far San Francisco is!

 

 

This week has been a whirlwind- there is SO MUCH GOOD going on! We did all of our Christmas shopping last Monday- thank goodness- wish I had them off and sent already though. We went up to North Anchorage for that and while we were there we had an opportunity to share a little bit of the gospel with a man who works in the area- he actually lives down in our area so it was neat to have the opportunity to meet him there and share the Gospel. I am remembering this week the power that analogies have when they are directed by the spirit. We have been asked to help strengthen the youth in this ward as they are preparing to go on missions and I loved to see as we connected the Gospel to their interests how their eyes lit up and they just understood- it connected for them. We got to go to the temple on Thursday with a girl from our ward who is heading out on her mission in January to Washington! It was such a special experience to be there with her and feel the love that Heavenly Father has for all of his children.

Our Christmas tree!

 

On Friday we had a lesson with a woman who we have been meeting with and with a group of members and I love to see the fellowship and love in this group just to share the Gospel. She shared about how inpressed she was that missionaries have so many rules and we just follow them- especially the sight and sound rule- even when we helped her move things out of her storage unit. I could feel the spirit working in her life and that I was only able to be part of it because of those choices to do good. We went over the next day to get her fully out of the storage unit so she can stop paying it and brought some Elders with us- we weren't expecting to finish it up that day but with 4 truckloads (with a little bit of bad packing in our truck because of the bags of gravel there) we got it all out and she won't have to pay December rent! When we got to her apartment 3 more Elders joined in and also people from the building saw they could help and she was SO excited and kept saying, "this is the real spirit of what we should all be doing!!"

 

Later she came to our ward Christmas party and loved it- the youth did a nativity and we got to color on the tablecloths, which was a neat touch. She brought a friend with her who I found out used to talk to missionaries in TURNAGAIN!  can you say miracle or what- I knocked on her door but never got to meet her. I remember wanting to meet her and also praying for her- It just goes to show that even after 7 months Heavenly Father will answer our prayers- not that we always notice it but this was a really neat testimony builder to me of how he will answer our prayers! We are going to see when we can meet with her again- she was really excited.

Yesterday we did some good tracting and even with the freezing negative digits we were able to share the spirit, sing to some, say prayers with them and that was what was important. We then went to the Christmas devotional and sat next to a woman who I met with my first companion from the Huffman area; she turned to me with this scripture, Ecclesiastes 9:4 and asked "'a living dog is better than a dead lion', (and asked), "what does that have to do with my husband passing away this last August." Apparently she had been asking many others about this and never got any answer or something to settle it. I could tell that she had improved since the last time we had seen her because she didn't even seem to remember that time last month, but she still was a bit grief stricken. At first, I honestly did not know about what to say about that. I read the chapter sitting there with her and then took the time while the fireside was playing to think about it. As I prayed that I might know what to say that might help her, it clicked-- The dead lion was seen and given praise in it's courageous death, but the dog who lives is loyal, but not always noticed. I think that as we live to be examples and turn to Christ we find the better part. We do not need to be doing anything extreme, but the consistency of that living is what matters. I was grateful to see her again also.

 

There are always two ways to look at everything: negative and positive. Love you all!!! Happy December!

(Note from Mom:  They went to the zoo today:)

Love,

Sister Wuehler

Scripture: 3 Nephi 9:14, 6:5

ism: "The Spirit of Christmas is the Holy Ghost" -P. Beesley

My New Flip Mittens!!