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!"

Week 15: Busy, busy, busy

Dear Family and Friends,

This week we had a Baptism, a Funeral, and two exchanges in my area with both the Eagle River sisters and the Wasilla sisters.  Each one of them we headed up while also trying to avoid getting sick- while the whole mission is getting sick (exaggerating !!).

Regardless of the busy week, we have been able to see many miracles, both big and small.  With the Baptism, it went smoothly; and we even waited for three hours for the font to fill up, but it was a very beautiful experience to witness one so young wanting this so much, and knowing he is a son of God.  With the funeral (of the sweet older sister we always visited), the spirit let me know that there is life after death, and this is not a goodbye forever.  Her life touched so many as well as mine so deep that I can't forget it.  One of the things she said when she was at the Hospital was "You know, I'm not going to let this get me down.  I am going to accept whatever God has planned for me."  Of her- this quote explains perfectly: "Game time: 60 minutes. Playing time: 60 minutes. No excuses, no Alibis, no regrets."  I know that she has not stopped, even though her spirit and body are separated. She is still the Beautiful Daughter of God I remember and she will always be, and I hope to meet her again someday.

God micromanages details, or in other words, he takes care of us--often the things that are important to us become important to him, simply because he loves us so much. We are nothing in comparison to God, but we are everything to him. This is a paradox we often come across, not feeling worth the time or energy, not thinking that our own prayers or troubles can be answered or resolved, but it is not true.  He comes to us.  And he knows our troubles because he comes to us, not in perfection, but as the wounded Lord, one who knows exactly what we are going through and more--the only one who knows, and in this we can take comfort that because he knows our troubles, we can be made whole and our details can be worked out, not in our own expected way, but in a much more glorious way, the Lord's way.

We had Nerf Guns for the last district meeting.   By the way-- it was awesome!   Also, Memorial Day on P-day doesn't work too well :) we couldn't email, vacuum the car, or get things done we wanted, so it was the laziest day I have had on the mission (still way productive- since our normal days are like, 16, 17 hour days or something like that)

It is amazing how the spirit directs us to places and the people we need to see and things we need to accomplish.  Acting as the Lord's hands by following these promptings, has brought us to many people in need this week.  No matter what we have planned, God always has something better.

Well, this is the last week with Sister Halatokoua.  Not too excited about that happening, but she will go and do great things wherever she goes.

Hope you have a great week! Love you all!

Love,

Sister Wuehler

Scripture:

Mormon Messages: "My New Life" on LDS.org, Alma 37: 6-7, 16, 37

6 Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.

7 And the Lord God doth work by means to bring about his great and eternal purposes; and by very small means the Lord doth confound the wise and bringeth about the salvation of many souls.

16 But if ye keep the commandments of God, and do with these things which are sacred according to that which the Lord doth command you, (for you must appeal unto the Lord for all things whatsoever ye must do with them) behold, no power of earth or hell can take them from you, for God is powerful to the fulfilling of all his words.

37 Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.

ism: "You know what this is, and it is what it is, so do what you do"

 

Week 14: Stake Conference

Dear Family and Friends,



My CTR ring with the Alaskan Flag in the middle



Anchorage from Woronzoff Point in our area--Lucky Us!!



A mountain that looks like a sleeping lady!



A moose strolling into the Providence Alaska Medical Center.



This week was a bit slow, but still alot going on.  We built marshmallow towers in district meeting.

I learned through the example of a man who is struggling in many ways.  He has wanted us to come by for some time now, and we were finally able to make contact.  As we visited him, I was humbled to hear his testimony, through a broken body, of just how much he loved his Savior.  His spirit touched my heart in a way that I will remember forever.  There is absolutely no trial that cannot be overcome when we have him by our side and every trial is absolutely necessary for us to grow.  John 17:3 says that eternal life is to know God and Jesus Christ.   I know that as we know them, we can know ourselves.  Too often we think of only what is going on right now, our shortcomings, our friends' shortcomings, etc.; but when we realize that God sees us as what we can be, not as what we are, we can see that he loves us enough to help us grow.  He sees us in terms of forever--beyond this life, and he has provided a way for us to be happy.   

Since we as missionaries are out here finding, teaching, helping, and inviting, our purpose is not just to baptize, but it is to help others to gain access to the Atonement of Jesus Christ, which is made available to everyone.  What we look toward is the temple--because all things unfair in this life are made fair as we can gain and strive to attain the blessings of the temple, which are for eternity.  "Seek ye not for riches, but seek ye for the kingdom of God."  This scripture in Second Nephi goes on to remind that as we continue, we will want to help others around us, because we understand our nature, we understand that as we serve each other, we are also taking care of the needs of each other, and all can be taken care of.

 The story of Christ walking on the water has been a huge part of the week.  Matthew 14 is a big example of many of us, and even many of those we meet with.

     27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good ^acheer; it is I; be not afraid.

     28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
     29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
     30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was ^aafraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
     31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little ^afaith, wherefore didst thou ^bdoubt?

As Simon Peter saw his Lord, he was overcome with happiness and desired to join him on the water. As he went, it was that faith in Christ, nothing doubting, that held him up; however, as he walked, he began to doubt what he once knew--that God would hold him up.  He started to sink.  Just like us, sometimes we start to sink and doubt what we once knew.  God has not changed, it was always us. Still his hand is stretched out (as he constantly encourages in the Isaiah chapters of the Book of Mormon and outside of it) and he comes to us, and he carries us. Those are the times he is closest to us because he is carrying us; however, how often do we attribute this to ourselves or to some other source?  We cannot recognize him unless we look for his hand in our life.

The woman in her 90's I have visited often passed away this last week.  I am so grateful for her example, and that she did not have to suffer too much; and of anything that is what I am the most grateful for, along with her example which will stay with me always.

Stake Conference was wonderful!  We had two members of the Seventy teach us--Elder Call and Elder Duncan. President Beesley shared his insight of how the Atonement was complex, and even though we don't understand it or why it even works, God has made it so simple to access, even with a few simple steps, which are the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

By the way-- Sister Beesley is doing a new thing-- "Music and the Waking Word" so that it is easier to wake up in the morning :)

Love you All!

Love,

Sister Wuehler

Scripture: Doctrine and Covenants 9:8-9

8 But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.

9 But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong; therefore, you cannot write that which is sacred save it be given you from me.

isms:

1) a "sourdough" is someone in Alaska who has been here forever, and a "cheechako" is someone who has never been through an Alaskan winter- -that's me!!

2) "What drives the Priesthood"  --  "Relief Society!"

Week 13: "Oh Goodness" as in "Oh Goodness, I Don't Know What to Title This"

Dear Family and Friends,

Exchanges with Sister Williams in Eagle River was great. It is so gorgeous up there. Anchorage is the city of Alaska, so pretty much everywhere else you go is just so beautiful with trees and out in the Bush. It was interesting to be out of the city, but it was so gorgeous out there.

We had interviews this week with President Beesley and this is something he shared with me then and also in my weekly (It was a part of training this week):

"Brother Donaldson explained that obedience is critical to our success. Waking up on time is observing the LAW OF OBEDIENCE; that exercising and preparing for the day is observing the LAW OF SACRIFICE.  Personal Study is obedience to the LAW OF THE GOSPEL; Companion Study - learning how to deal with others is living the LAW OF CHASTITY; and finally, we are prepared to go forth and teach fulfilling the LAW OF CONSECRATION."

This week for district meeting we challenged our district leader to use bubbles in his lesson.  Surely enough, he accepted the challenge, and we talked about how to teach using object lessons, and we also drew out General Conference talks in chalk at the park.  It was so great. 

"A Time to Prepare" Talk Chalk Drawings (from October 2011 General Conference)

So we found out that Sister H is going home for sure in 2 1/2 weeks-- there was a confusion with her return date at the beginning of her mission, so now we know it is that soon.  Also before this last friday I had no idea what a pinewood derby was-- for some reason we were still asked to be the judges.  And it is funny how excited and worked up over it some get--but it was pretty fun.  (note from Mom--it's the Dads who get so worked up!!)

We bring a girl with us to lessons, who just submitted her papers.  She is just so excited to get her call, and it makes me remember how I was before and how grateful I was for the Sisters in my ward who answered my questions and took me with them to lessons.  Although she lives a little while away in South Anchorage, we make it a point to bring her with us for a day in the week.  I am so grateful for her.

We taught a woman this week who is a friend of someone we visit regularly.  She was talking about the spirit and how she has felt it and when she has recognized it in her life.  She said that for her it came at different times, but she always second guessed it.  We told her to write down her impressions of the spirit.  The spirit is not something that is meant to be recognizable for the eyes of the world--it is the way that Heavenly Father speaks to us through the Holy Ghost, and these promptings are to be remembered.   We can all seek his promptings in our life through living worthy of it and seeking after it.  We made it just in time to see one of our elderly women whose health is failing fast as she fell out of her chair.  We caught her, and it made me realize how when we are listening to those promptings we receive, we can be directed to those in need.

Whenever I am having a hard time focusing on why I am here I remember this (and for each of us there comes this question):  Do I love God more than I love myself?  In turn this question turns into: Do I love those I serve more than I love myself?  In Matthew 25:40 Christ says that inasmuch as we have done it unto the least of these.. "ye have done it unto me".   In this it is so important to remember that all that we have is given of him down to our very breath, which is both the beginning and end of this life.  Mosiah 2:21 says, "I say unto you that if ye should serve him who has created you from the beginning, and is preserving you from day to day, by lending you breath, that ye may live and move and do according to your own will, and even supporting you from one moment to another—I say, if ye should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would be unprofitable servants."  With this I remember why I am here.  I am lended my breath day by day because my Heavenly Father Loves me--and with that principle of lending, we have to give something back.  We can never fully return this favor, but we can do all we can to serve his, who are his children.

Love you all and it was so great to talk to those i did on mothers day! Have a great week!

Love,

Sister Wuehler

Scripture: John 17:3 and D&C 133:59   "And by the weak things of the earth the Lord shall thresh the nations by the power of his Spirit."

ism: "Be grateful your parents aren't bears. Bears sometimes eat their young. Anything's better than that" -Bishop Smith

Week 12: Hiked Flat Top, Got a Flat Tire

Dear Family and Friends,



Thank you for all your letters! They are always the highlight of my day!

Speaking of letters, my plans of letter writing last week got changed, as we decided that to go hiking at Flat Top (around South Anchorage).  There was still a ton of snow everywhere, so alot of the climbing was sliding, which would be the reason why Sister Halatokoua and I decided not to go to the top because by the end of the hike it is about an 75-80 degree climb to the top.  If you fall, you fall all the way (that was my drawback).  Sister H. and I made it 2/3 of the way or more and went back the way we came (ridiculously slippery), but the Elders pretty much ran up the mountain so they could slide down the top of it... wish I could have made it all the way, but the view of Anchorage was amazing the whole way!


Tuesday, we had a flat tire.  I wish I could say that we changed it, but I could see some catastrophe happening on the road if we had done so and messed up, so we called the Elders to help. Wednesday, we sat in the Doctors office. I always knew that doctors offices made you wait but this time felt like we were there for hours. I think it is because I am so used to being on a schedule where we have to be out of places within the hour. The worst thing about it was that the T.V. was playing a show I liked.  Boo. I spent the whole time looking away and playing with the silly putty that was sent to me just to keep my mind off of it. (Good for her!!!)  Turns out that silly putty is very useful because I let a young boy play with it-- he was having an asthma attack and had to wait two hours! Poor thing, but he liked the silly putty.



I am going on an Exchange with Sister Williams to Eagle River (just for tomorrrow), and Sister Peterson will be here in my place.  I'm excited to see the BeachLake area and love the drive up there- it is countryside all the way there.



A scripture that has stuck out when we are meeting with others throughout this week is 2 Nephi 25:23 which reads,

"For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do."

As I read this on the pages of the Book of Mormon, I recognize that this is split in half from one page to the next. Often the verse is split into the part that says that it is by grace we are saved after all we can do, however, without his grace we can do nothing-- the all we can do comes earlier in the verse: "To believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God", but what is it to be reconciled? When a member looked it up, the dictionary said it was "to become friendly with" so it is to make one in purpose, to come closer to God and his will for us. So to believe is just the beginning, but to be reconciled is an action word; it means we need to use his Gospel, or else it cannot be sufficient for us.

I am grateful for these people here in Alaska who desire to come closer to Christ, for it is only through him that we can find peace, and happiness in this life and in the next. I am grateful for my Savior, for the opportunity to fast this week, and for the sacrifices which make it possible for each and every one of us to return to our Father in Heaven one day.

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

Love,

Sister Wuehler

Scripture: Isaiah 58:5-9

"Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord? Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward. Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am...."

ism: "You're talking theoretical, I'm talking Reality."