Week 30: 'legacy of love'

Dear family and friends,

Zone Conference is tomorrow- Anchorage South Zone is coming along with some sisters from Chugach and Wasilla! So excited! We also saw two male moose fighting outside yesterday- I know- there are a lot of moose here- for some reason, it is still always exciting to see them each time. We had experiences this week that have been very special and also very sacred, so I may keep information out for those situations as it would not be appropriate to share some of it without their permission.

Hiking on the ski hill in Soldotna last week

 

On my planner I wrote a quote from (President) Thomas S. Monson from this last conference: "The Apostle Paul likened life to a race. To the Hebrews he urged, 'Let us lay aside... the sin that doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us'. In our zeal, let us not overlook the sage counsel from Ecclesiates: 'the race is not the the swift, nor the battle to the strong'. Actually, the prize belongs to him or her who endures to the end." I love the words that are shared there and have seen it in many different ways this week- specifically on a couple of individuals and their families this week.

We talked to a man who said this this week, "It's one thing to know about religion, and it is another to actually have a relationship with God." To know God, and to know of his infinite love for us and what he has in store for each of us is what makes the difference in any one life. The woman who I shared about having cancer is a woman who I have only known for a few months but she knew God so well. She was not scholarly, but she emmanated in her actions the pure light of Christ. She passed away this last Thursday, and Sister Burbank and I were priviledged to sing the song, "O my Father" at her funeral, as she had asked that we would before she passed. We got to visit her several times this week and with her children gathered around, we sang her hymns and got to see her try and mouth the words as she did not have energy to speak or to lift anything else. She has been taken home and I know that it was a joyous reunion for all. Yesterday, at the service, all I could think of was the joy in knowing that her spirit was happy, and she wasn't suffering anymore. There was no need for tears of sorrow, even though she will be dearly missed, but this seperation will only be for a short time in comparison to the joy eternity can bring. The words "legacy of love" were often shared, speaking of her unconditional and non judgemental love she shared with everyone she knew. I know that that is true of her.

It is amazing the blessing you see associated with the temple, and the Gospel- the things of eternity. A woman spoke in Sacrament meeting yesterday about the Gospel and the church, and about her experience with becoming offended a time back- she said the people probably did not even know what they had done, but she said "If you're going to take offense, you'll find it anywhere-- but if you know the truth of the Gospel- that is what matters." As we remember the light the Gospel brings, it really doesn't matter what comes our way, those wheat and tares will separate- we will be able to forgive freely, and to let go of those experiences that might turn us from that.

Something really interesting that is found in Luke 24, if you read verses 15 and 16, you see that the people do not recognize Christ is with them, their "eyes were holden that they should not know him." As it goes on you see them speaking about Christ, as Christ expounds scripture to them and finally they realize that he was there all along. God is always in the details. There is never a time when his grace is not present. Over all, something I saw this week is that it is our consistency and obedience to God, not miracles we see, that build our faith in God. It is through that consistency that our testimony grows and we know that he knows us each individually.

Hope you all have a great week! We are getting so excited for general conference out here!

love,

Sister Wuehler

ism: "It's kind of sad when you wake up in the morning and say, 'what do I need to do to get back to this place?

Scriptures:
Doctrine and Covenants 122:7-9
And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.

8 The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?

9 Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever.

3 Nephi 15: 9
Behold, I am the law, and the light. Look unto me, and endure to the end, and ye shall live; for unto him that endureth to the end will I give eternal life.

3 Nephi 14:7-11
 Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

8 For every one that asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened.

9 Or what man is there of you, who, if his son ask bread, will give him a stone?

10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?

11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

3 Nephi 5:20-26
20 I am Mormon, and a pure descendant of Lehi. I have reason to bless my God and my Savior Jesus Christ, that he brought our fathers out of the land of Jerusalem, (and no one knew it save it were himself and those whom he brought out of that land) and that he hath given me and my people so much knowledge unto the salvation of our souls.

21 Surely he hath blessed the house of Jacob, and hath been merciful unto the seed of Joseph.

22 And insomuch as the children of Lehi have kept his commandments he hath blessed them and prospered them according to his word.

23 Yea, and surely shall he again bring a remnant of the seed of Joseph to the knowledge of the Lord their God.

24 And as surely as the Lord liveth, will he gather in from the four quarters of the earth all the remnant of the seed of Jacob, who are scattered abroad upon all the face of the earth.

25 And as he hath covenanted with all the house of Jacob, even so shall the covenant wherewith he hath covenanted with the house of Jacob be fulfilled in his own due time, unto the restoring all the house of Jacob unto the knowledge of the covenant that he hath covenanted with them.

26 And then shall they know their Redeemer, who is Jesus Christ, the Son of God; and then shall they be gathered in from the four quarters of the earth unto their own lands, from whence they have been dispersed; yea, as the Lord liveth so shall it be. Amen.

 

Week 29: When it rains, it pours...

Dear Family and Friends,

 

 

 

So as we were teaching this week, Sister Burbank had said she would get butterfingers for one of the teenagers whose family we visit. We brought them to him, and the next day when we were over, they gave us an awesome board full of candy with a message.  It says, "Mormon Missionaries, We thought we would be 'goobers' and come up with some good twix (tricks) to pay you back for bringing us butterfingers. We 'rolo'-over a kitkat which we hoped would really make you 'snicker'. We wish you 'good and plenty' of 'joy'. Love, 'sugar babies' of God". They are so awesome, but now we have way too much candy in our apartment that we need to figure out what to do with so that we don't end up being the ones eating it. haha.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is funny how many returned missionaries from Alaska move back up here. We have met a few in our ward and one served in this actual ward ten years ago or so. It is awesome to see and hear their experiences from that. (The missionary couple who are the) office missionaries came down and fixed some things in our apartment this week.  One of the things they fixed was our door, which was hanging on one hinge! That was great, but I did think that door had alot of character before it was fixed. We did some painting for our ward mission leader's family this week. They are building a new house, and every time we talk about things with them, the phrase "in the NEW house" always comes up.  We love that family!

 

There is a woman who we visit who calls us her angels. It is so funny to see how the Lord can work through each of us to help others, even in what would seem to be the smallest things. This woman has been through alot and is so lonely, not too close to town, but I hope that someday she will be able to accept the Gospel and recognize how good it is.

 

We got news this week that a woman that we visit often, who goes to dialysis and is not able to make it to church often, was diagnosed with cancer, and only has a few days left to a couple weeks. She started sharing her testimony with her family soon after she heard this and it reminded me of Lehi and his children.  He speaks to them in his last days and with that, he was able to share what really mattered. It is amazing to see this family coming together now, even closer than they were, and desiring to go to the temple together. I hope and pray that one day they all will.

 

We taught our investigator about tithing last week, why it is there, why it is important, and most important, the blessings that come when we follow what God has asked of us. He was a little nervous because of how difficult it is to make ends meet these days, but also excited and very willing. He decided to pay it before he even had to and he came back to us and shared with us the immediate blessings he found from it. He said that after he paid it, his boss called and said that he has a raise and paid him for three days he hadn't been paid for working as well. He saw the immediate blessings and was able to make it. The Lord does not ask for much, and he always blesses us way more than we would expect for it, however, it may not always be in the way we would expect. I thought that was such an amazing thing to see how immediate those blessings were firsthand. He asked for a blessing to help him with things that he struggles with, and I am so excited to see his faith in God. He is going to be baprtized this weekend, and we are so excited for him.

 

We had a close encounter with a moose yesterday on k-beach as we were walking up to a house- Sister Burbank stopped suddenly and I didnt know why, until I looked up and saw this young moose running away; and they are so fast- dont worry- there was no momma moose around and that doesn't happen too often- we were safe. It has been raining like crazy this week and there have been some awfully long and hard days, but with all the tender mercies that the Lord shows, I know that someday, all will be made right and will be okay. Hearts are sometimes softened with time and with the Holy Ghost. I know that everything will be alright.

 

 

 

 

Love you all! Have a great week, I know I will!

 

Love,

 

Sister Wuehler

Scriptures: Alma 40:11-12

Now, concerning the ^astate of the soul between ^bdeath and the resurrection—Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are ^ctaken ^dhome to that God who gave them life.

12 And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of ^ahappiness, which is called ^bparadise, a state of rest, a state of ^cpeace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow.

 

Helaman 5:12

And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the ^arock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your ^bfoundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty ^cstorm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.

 

Helaman14:30-31

And now remember, remember, my brethren, that whosoever perisheth, perisheth unto ^ahimself; and whosoever doeth iniquity, doeth it unto himself; for behold, ye are ^bfree; ye are permitted to act for yourselves; for behold, God hath given unto you a ^cknowledge and he hath made you free.

31 He hath given unto you that ye might ^aknow good from evil, and he hath given unto you that ye might ^bchoose life or death; and ye can do good and be ^crestored unto that which is good, or have that which is good restored unto you; or ye can do evil, and have that which is evil restored unto you.

 

 

Alaskan-ism: A five year old says to his mom: "mom, I want to bury my testimony" mom:"you mean, bear your testimony?", five year old: "Thats what I said, bury my testimony"

Week 28: 6 months mark from the MTC

Dear Family and Friends,





After our baptism this week - Sister Burbank yawning!

An Elder from my MTC district who is serving in Homer right now reminded me this week at interviews that we were hitting our six month mark from the day we entered the MTC. I can't believe how fast the time flies by. We got our transfer calls, sometimes known as "transfer doctrine" out here- and Sister Burbank and I are staying in Kenai! It's funny that also all of the other sisters are staying in their areas as well for another six weeks, so we won't be heading to Anchorage today, so it means a less stressful Preparation day for us. Our zone is pretty much doubling which is not hard to do as we only had four companionships in the whole peninsula this last transfer. They are opening Cordova, Kodiak, and Seward to missionaries.





The "Zistrict" - Our Zone

This week we moved couches, prepared for a baptism, had interviews and training with our mission president and kept busy. We got a text late one night that woke us both up that the aurora was out in the sky, so we peeked through the window and saw the Northern lights- it was really faint but it was kind of a light green and it was beautiful.

A cool thing that happened while our mission president was here in Soldotna was that there was a family from Wasilla who had been down here for a game, and they rolled their car while they were here, and didn't have a way back to Wasilla, and didn't have money for food at that specific time. They just went out onto the streets to find someone who could help them and they wandered into the church while we were all there, the three kids and the mother. It was amazing that the Beesleys were there and were driving toward Wasilla that night and could take them there, and that the family was directed to where they could find help. I know that Heavenly Father was watching out for them.

We were teaching someone this week and we shared the talk by President James E. Faust, "The Voice of the Spirit." (http://www.lds.org/ensign/2006/06/voice-of-the-spirit?lang=eng or June 2006 Ensign).  He shared that he has been able to feel and recognize that good before, and he wants it back, but didn't know how to find it. It is the Gospel that helps us to allow ourselves to feel of that spirit, but often the world speaks so loudly in our ears that we choose to listen to it instead. It also makes me think of those who know nothing of the Gospel, and how sad it is to me that they do not know of how good it really is- people are afraid of the unknown, and not knowing what the Gospel is can sometimes intimidate or confuse, but God wants everyone to have the necessary good that comes from the Gospel. It is not just for this life- it is for forever, and we have to continue to have faith, repent, renew our covenants we make at baptism, receive the Holy Ghost and continually change in order for it to work. The feature in the Gospel that makes the difference is to endure to the end. This is so necessary that we have been asked to help rescue those who cannot find their way back. We are here to be instrument in his hand to guide those back to the Gospel who will receive it. Whether they are just finding it or have seen it for years.

The wife of an investigator is going to the temple soon and just received her patriarchal blessing. I have noticed the light and peace that has come into their home even more since I first met them. It is so exciting to know the true happiness that this has brought into their lives and that we live the Gospel because it truly frees us. Too many think of it as a restriction, when it is amazing to see how freeing it really is.

The Baptism for the nine year old boy went so well this week- His family came and he was supported by so many. He was beaming and so excited. He tells us of his dad when he decided to get baptized and his dad told him he has never regretted it. I know this boy will be a strength and a light to his family. He has a long road ahead of him, but he is such a strong little boy. He said that he is sad that he can't have us teach him as much anymore, and I know I will miss it too. Such a sweet boy. He picked the songs "Nephi's Courage" and "The Wise Man Built his House upon a Rock" for his baptism- both primary songs that I wouldn't pick at first but it is amazing how those songs really communicate that our foundation and dedication are what help us stay anchored in Christ and his Gospel- that with his help we can do all things which he asks of us. This is true of me and every one of us on this earth, and who has ever been on this earth. We are here in Alaska, and there are even missionaries in the northern most city in the world- atleast for part of the year and it is amazing how Christ mentions that the Gospel will be preached to everyone (Mark 16:15), and to all nations-- even to the farthest parts. Doctrine and Covenants 112: 4 says, "Let thy heart be of good cheer before my face; and thou shalt bear record of my name, not only unto the Gentiles, but also unto the Jews; and thou shalt send forth my word unto the ends of the earth." Alaska seems to be one of these ends of the earth. God forgets none of his children.

The Baptismal Font--the light were left on and the only way to turn them off was
to go down into the font since we didn't have keys to the doors!

Love you all!


Love,

Sister Wuehler

Scripture: Doctrine and Covenants 105:39-41, "lifting burdens" Mormon Messages (http://mormonchannel.org/mormonmessages?v=910937379001)

39 And lift up an ^aensign of ^bpeace, and make a proclamation of peace unto the ends of the earth;

40 And make proposals for peace unto those who have smitten you, according to the voice of the Spirit which is in you, and ^aall things shall work together for your good.

41 Therefore, be faithful; and behold, and lo, I am ^awith you even unto the end. Even so. Amen.

Alaska-ism:
"By the time we make ends meet, they move the ends" saw it on a board here in Kenai.

Mt. Redoubt - it is not always in clear view, so when we see it, it looks
so AWESOME and you can see it all the way to Soldotna and Sterling.

Week 27: Kenai is quieting down

Dear Family and Friends,


Congratulations to Brent and Danika on the new little one! She is so beautiful! (Julie has a new little niece, Brigitta Katrina Wuehler, born on Thursday, Aug. 16).

 

School starts for everyone out here in the next couple days- it is unbelievable how fast this last week went by and how fast the summer went by. Our ward is getting smaller- the many families that are only up here for summer time are heading back down to the lower forty-eight, and the roads are a lot less tense. Transfers are coming up next week- can't believe almost 6 weeks have flown by already since I was saying that. Before that, interviews with President Beesley, after that, zone conference.

Last Monday we went to a three year old's birthday party for dinner, where Elmo party hats were required to be worn. They got pictures, we will never live it down. While we were there we talked about their scripture reading- they said they read Helaman 5-- to which we heard the quick response of the thirteen year old, "Fifty- Two Verses." He said it as he looked off into the distance, seems as if it was a long chapter to him, it got some good laughs for all of us. Their three year old, whose birthday it was, loves it when we come- she even watches out the window and announces that the missionaries are there, but it comes out like this: "The mayonnaise are here!" She is the sweetest! In Sister Burbanks last area, she said there was a little girl who called them "groceries" even though she was taught the word missionaries. That is awesome.

We tried smoked salmon this week. I learned that it is REALLY SALTY! It wasn't bad, but the amount of saltiness might just keep me away. We helped clean our old Bishops house the day they headed down to the Lower forty eight-- the ward will miss that family alot- they have been so wonderful. We also spent half a day moving out someone else in the area and the Elders came and helped. When we left this is what he told us, "you sisters did two-- no-- three times what the others did and there are two times more of them than you- if there was ever a contest- you won." I was happy with that. Dad, he reminded me of how protective you are over your tools in the shed- I thought it was fun to remember that.

Someone in our ward just got back from California and brought us each a peach from there! I miss fruit that actually tastes good! They had been bugging us all week to come by and get it and we finally got it last night- they are so sweet. (by the way, she said she had tried moose last week, so I asked her how it was and her response was:  "gamey- i feel like i was eating a soup from little house on the prairie- first- it took almost the whole hour of lunch to make- so we had to eat and run, but then, we had made it with all fresh carrots from the ground- onion, potato. it was alright- i am not a huge fan - it was like ground beef but more gamey.")

We talked about family history with a lot of different people this week, and one night I shared the scripture that Grandpa and Grandma Wuehler go by. I shared that, yes, stuff from the past can bring memories back, but ultimately, our family affects who we are and we are the fruit in the scripture in both 3 Nephi 14:20, and Matthew 7:20 that "by their fruits ye shall know them".  It doesn't matter exactly what has happened in our past as long as the future is sowed with good seed to bring forth good fruit, and as we teach this to further generations we will see that fruit, and know of the goodness that can come. I don't know how Heavenly Father takes care of us, but when we follow him, he does. He makes healing possible in all cases. There is no doubt of that, as we follow him.

Well, it is keeping busy as usual here. We have a baptism for the young boy this week! So excited for him! Hope you all have a great week. I will let you know where I will be next transfer, here or somewhere else. I will probably find out Saturday. Love you all!


Love,

Sister Wuehler


Scripture: Alma 48:17, 50: 22-23
17 Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto ^aMoroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the ^bdevil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men.

22 And those who were faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord were delivered at all times, whilst thousands of their wicked brethren have been consigned to bondage, or to perish by the sword, or to dwindle in unbelief, and mingle with the Lamanites.

23 But behold there never was a ^ahappier time among the people of Nephi, since the days of Nephi, than in the days of Moroni, yea, even at this time, in the twenty and first year of the reign of the judges.

Alaska-ism of the week: This was from an investigator reading with his family "so this scripture is saying, 'Don't mess with my homies' "--I love that family.

Week 26: "Summer is going, it's August"

Dear Family and Friends,

So, since August came, I have been hearing many rumors that it is now fall in Alaska. On August first there was rain, wind, and it was freezing cold (total over exageration) -- either way I thought we were hopeless for any more warmth- but that was wrong this year, seeing as it has been so nice outside- either way- as long as I am warm and not too hot, I really don't mind. We still have a few months before it really gets dark, and apparently Kenai isn't too bad about that. The sisters who were here in winter used to call it Narnia- they thought it was so pretty with all the snow and I bet it was, and still will be.

One Alaskan term used all the time is "bush". It just means an outer city or village of Alaska that's so far away from anything, or someone who lives on their own out in the country. They never send sisters out to areas like that for safety reasons, but maybe it would be fun to be in the real outdoors- Nikiski is a good amount of that for me though. Sister Burbank got a letter this week where a friend was telling her they knew someone moving to Alaska- they said they were moving to the town "bush"... that could be ANYWHERE up here. You could even divide Alaska in Half and it would still be the largest state.

We met a woman this week who shared her experience with prayer and how she was able to see it work. When she was pregnant with her second child the doctor she went to kept telling her that the baby had died, and she decided to check with another doctor after a long battle with this doctor of something she knew wasn't quite right. When she went to another doctor they told her that everything was going great, and she knew the other doctor had not been right. When it came time for her to have the baby, she told us that she refused to go to the doctor she had normally gone to, and that all the other doctors were out of town, except one, and it was an emergency delivery.  When she went in, there were complications and the baby was not able to breathe for six minutes, but was revived.  The doctors predicted that he would have severe difficulties in his life and paralysis on his face. Her parents invited the Elders to come and say a prayer for this boy.  She did not remember what was asked in the prayer; she now shares her testimony that it did work- her boy is now seven years old, with a middle school reading level and the paralysis only shows when he is tired. I too, have found prayer to work so directly in my life each day.

We had a barbeque over a campfire with some of the members this week- it was fun just to go out there and have a bonfire- I notice people like to do that as much as possible out here- that and gardening all they can- there have been some awesome vegetables we have been able to have from everyone's greenhouses. I got to cook moose for the first time this week.

There are two routes up to Nikiski before the end of the road out there, but we found out about the fire escape route, which not many know about, but it is so pretty to go through.  I love that we can see a clear view of the valley and how there is not really anything out there going through the valley, it is so peaceful. I included a couple of pictures, but those don't do it justice at all.

Fireweed is all over the area in the summer.  It is gorgeous.
You can actually make jelly out of it
(just like strawberry jelly!) 

Fire Emergency Escape Road from Nikinski to Kenai

Fireweed on the Nikiski escape route

 Georgeous View of Mt. Redoubt

We have a baptism planned for the nine year old boy we are teaching the saturday after next! we are so excited for him and for the genuine love and desire he has to get baptized. You can just feel that eagerness, and how it shows in his prayers to Heavenly Father and in his sweet heart. Yesterday, at church he told us, "I want to be a missionary!". This boy is the sweetest.

We taught one of our investigators this week who has been taught for two years, and now he is preparing to be baptized in september. It was so awesome to hear him tell us this week that he recognized the spirit- he keeps telling us- "Whoa, that was cool" -- I have found that words do not begin to explain that beautiful light we receive as we are able to be comforted and led by the spirit. I actually am very interested to hear of a time when each person is reading this was able to feel the spirit. It doesn't have to be big, or obvious, I would just love to hear it, if you would be willing to share- the address should be on the blog. I am excited to hear it! (you can write to her at:)

Sister Julie Wuehler

Alaska Anchorage Mission
3250 Strawberry Road
Anchorage, AK 99502
United States

Thank you for all the love and support. It can get pretty lonely out here at times, but I always know that my Savior is always watching over me and that there are amazing people back home who I can rely on. Love you bunches!

Love,

Sister Wuehler

Scripture: Alma 38:5, 8-12

5 And now my son, Shiblon, I would that ye should remember, that as much as ye shall put your ^atrust in God even so much ye shall be ^bdelivered out of your trials, and your ^ctroubles, and your afflictions, and ye shall be lifted up at the last day.
8 And it came to pass that I was ^athree days and three nights in the most bitter ^bpain and ^canguish of soul; and never, until I did cry out unto the Lord Jesus Christ for mercy, did I receive a ^dremission of my sins. But behold, I did cry unto him and I did find peace to my soul.

9 And now, my son, I have told you this that ye may learn wisdom, that ye may learn of me that there is ^ano other way or means whereby man can be saved, only in and through Christ. Behold, he is the life and the ^blight of the world. Behold, he is the word of truth and ^crighteousness.

10 And now, as ye have begun to teach the word even so I would that ye should continue to teach; and I would that ye would be diligent and ^atemperate in all things.

11 See that ye are not lifted up unto pride; yea, see that ye do not ^aboast in your own wisdom, nor of your much strength.

12 Use ^aboldness, but not overbearance; and also see that ye ^bbridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love; see that ye refrain from idleness.

ism: "You're better than the best bacon!"

"I wonder if the Elders ever feel like the FBI with suits on all the time-- atleast they dont have cars like them"

Week 25

Dear Family and Friends,

Fishing went GREAT last week, it's actually too bad we weren't out there a week before though; the reds were still coming up the river, and we caught a few.  I snagged one by myself; then I snagged another, almost had it in and then it got away! (The missionaries have Preparation Day-PDay-on Monday up until 6:00 pm in which they can do laundry, write home, take care of errands and other business, and sometimes go fishing, or some other activity approved by the Mission President).  Julie and her companion were able to go "Red" fishing last Monday.)

The first fish--I reeled it in but he snagged it--this was just before I caught my own

same fish

the fish i snagged

our catch of the day

 

We are continuing to teach the nine year old, and he will still be baptized later this month.  He got a scripture case this week, and EVERYTHING goes into that- his pamphlets, pictures of the Savior, scriptures, anything he gets in Primary, you name it, he puts it in there.  Right after we taught him one day, the member whose house we have the lessons for this boy at gave him a New Era (a youth magazine for teenagers)--he wasn't sure what it was at first and then he got REALLY excited after he realized what it was. As he got ready to head home, both the sister (whose home we were at) and I watched this little boy fold his New Era into four, and stuff it in his scripture bag- he is just too funny!

I also kept forgetting my nametag this week on my desk and yesterday at church someone shook our hand and I finally noticed I didn't have it and I let out this huge gasp unintentionally.  It feels so strange when you're a missionary without a nametag- it's like being a fish out of water.

We met with a man who was talking about the scriptures, and he suffers with being lonely- goes to work, does the routine, and returns home, and does not know what to do, even though he tries his best to put himself out there. My heart aches for this man as he grows in age and does not quite understand why the world can be so cruel sometimes, but as he was expounding his understanding of the scriptures, he began speaking of a man who became discouraged because he could not recognize God's hand, until he finally saw it.  And in his words he said, "Maybe God was with him all the time." I know that Heavenly Father knows us better than we know ourselves and I saw that this week- one time as we visited a woman who felt forgotten by those who she had always trusted, and remembered that he was there. Then we saw a woman who just lost her mother. Sister Burbank and I both had felt a prompting from the spirit to share something with her, but for some reason we didn't. As we drove away we both felt this awful sinking feeling, and decided to turn around, and to go back to her home to share that reminder of the Savior's love for us. She was so grateful for that and we could see at that point that she knew that she would see her mother again one day. This scripture came into my mind today as I wrote this:

• For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (John 3:16-17)

The Kenai Ward got a new bishop and counselors this week, since our Bishop is moving soon. We have been anticipating this, but no one knew what exactly was going to happen. I am so grateful to have learned from these families who were a part of the bishopric here and who served so diligently. We will miss them in the ward and the support they have given and the sacrifice of time that the families have given for this calling, at this time when the Lord has called them. (Doctrine and Covenants 138:55-56; "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. 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."

A couple thoughts from the Stake President that I liked were these:

• "Charge the wall"; when you see the end, why would you slow, keep moving forward, you know the end goal
• the way we cast light is the way we look at others, just as if we were lighting something to either photograph it or paint it- when you point the light from above, it may look depressed, when you point it from below, it may look sinister, but when you shine the light around it it may look angelic. How do we cast our lilght on others?
• learn as much as you can while it is daylight, the night will come when we cannot work- prepare now, and do not procrastinate, this life is the time to prepare to meet God.

Love you all! have a great week!

Love,

Sister Wuehler

Scripture: Alma 34:32-33

"32 For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors.

33 And now, as I said unto you before, as ye have had so many witnesses, therefore, I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end; for after this day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed

 

ism: Always be kind, everyone is fighting a tough battle.