new Pics
Hermana Wise, Hermana Chavez, and Hermana Lawrence  What a team :)

Hola de su Misionera aqui en Napa!

 

This week was just so wonderful! Jesus Medina is progressing more than ever (even though he didn't come to church). We taught him 5 days this week in preparing him for baptism. One of those lessons a less active member around the same age as Jesus came with us who shared powerful testimony of the direction that the Book of Mormon can give in the lives of those who not only read it, but study and apply the principles taught within. It was an amazing experience for us all. We went to the Baptism of an investigator the Elders had,9 year old child from a less active family. It was powerful, the spirit was so strong. Truly witnessing such an ordinance, godliness is manifest. We went to Calistoga for the first time in a couple weeks, its hard to go sometimes because its far and we have few miles, and that amazing family Sister Buckner and I found while on exchanges, the husband is a new investigator and wants to know more. He committed to read the Book of Mormon and seems really excited to learn more about his relationship with his Heavenly Father. So excited to go back and teach him. We also went service tracting this week and found a FAMILY! We are also stoked to go back and teach them next week!

 

Yesterday was Father's Day! Happy late Fathers Day Dad and Brett and Stephen and Nando! I love each of you. Dad & Brett! I am so lucky to have such amazing examples to me in my life. Your cards are coming late, Sorry! I promise I didn't forget just being a missionary is busy work and well yeah I guess I have never been a very timely person.

 

It being Father's Day, I had the opportunity to give a talk in our Branch about Heavenly Father. I shared a story about Dad and related it to how our heavenly Father works. It was humbling speaking in Spanish in front of those I respect and love, but the Lord helped me say what I wanted. I love speaking Spanish. Finally I have made a breakthrough and the fear of speaking to people, Spanish or English is dissolving almost gone, some days are better than others still though. This is the Last week before transfers and I am afraid that Hermana Chavez is leaving Napa. We will find out Friday what's up, but I have a feeling I will stay in Napa another transfer. I hope so, I love it here so so so much.

 

I want to end my email this week with a scripture from the Book of Mormon that explains how I feel better than I can:

 

"...Perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy. And behold, when I see many of my brethren truly penitent, and coming to the Lord their God, then is my soul filled with joy; then do I remember what the Lord has done for me, yea, even that he hath heard my prayer; yea, then do I remember his merciful arm which he extended towards me." (Alma 29:9-10)

Truly I have seen the Lord's merciful hand directing my life. His extended arm never fails to lift me up and take me where I need to go. I have seen similar workings of the Lord in the lives of others. I see as the lives are changes and challenges are overcome. I have the opportunity to see hearts softened and help given to those who ask the Lord in faith. To watch as others receive light into their lives and slowly it replaces confusion and doubt. I see that change happening to me as well, and I am learning each day, more of who I am meant to be, of who I really am.

Thank you all for your support and love, you are in my prayers,

 

Hermana Christina Wise

Family & Friends!

This week has been beautiful here in Napa, so hot and so beautiful,
definitely summer! I am so happy to hear that Joseph graduated and his
open house went well. I am so proud of who he is and how earnest he is
to continue that course in every new day.

To start off this week was a bit slow, memorial day everyone was gone
and it was rainy. Our main investegator Jesus Medina started acting
like he was avoiding us and we honestly lost our faith a little, but
we tried our hardest walking in the drizzle to smile along the way and
regain ourselves. The next day we got pumped up and as STL's we helped
teach District Meeting! We practiced using the pamplets to help other
people discover the Gospel rather than us just blabbering it to them.
I have seen as we apply these new skills we have been directed, so
many MIRACLES. People basically teach themselves the Gospel and I'm
there just to bear testimony. Truly our leaders are called of God.
Then we did exchanges, this time I am the one leading (haha scary) and
I went to St. Helena and spent a day with Sister Buckner, a english
speaking missionary who came out with me. I love exchanges and we
ended up leaving two blessing on the homes of hispanic families and my
confidence in my spanish was boosted as they invited us back and
promised to read the Book of Mormon. I learned a lot of great things
from Sister Buckner, shes amazing and the people there are too, a lot
of funny old people at the veterans home haha love it.

We started teaching some more Less Actives or really the children of
Less Actives we had before, so thats been exciting! We are teaching a
guy about my age names Jonathan and he is amazing, he just has some
doubts but his testimony is growing and prayers would help because we
are trying to teach his whole family but they are never all home
together. Also, we had another amazing lesson with Betty! She is
portugese and we teach her in english but she knows spanish too and
her husband is mexican. She has a big desire to be baptized and go to
church, but she is trying to get work off, prayers would be amazing
for that! Also, Antonia Flores is an older woman we teach, she had a
stroke and she is sick and disabled (wheelchair). It has been so hard
trying to get her to church. She has a desire to be baptized but she
has been getting sicker and sicker, we don't know how well her family
takes care of her, and she doesn't want people to pity her when she
comes to church. We have tried for weeks to support her and help her
feel comfortable, but there's something still stopping her. Please
pray for her sweet spirit and for me to understand her more! (I don't
think I could really understand her in english, much less spanish).

We went to the first Missionary Leader Council (MLC) on friday! So
inspiring, we have 13 Investegators, and I just am more pumped than
every to do everything I can to help them meet the Goal of Baptism so
they can access the Atonement and recieve the happiness that I am so
thankful to have in my life through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It
pumped us up and we are excited to help teach Zone Meeting tommorow!
EVERYONE should watch the announcment/broadcast on June 23rd because
they say it will be the Meeting of the Century and a historical day in
the church for missionary work. Keep a look out for that! I am so
stoked.

Many other things have happened but this is a good update. Thank you
for your prayers! Today is Sister Chavez's Birthday and Sister
Lawrence and I made brownies for her for breakfast and decorated her
desk :) I am so thankful for her example to me everyday, I am so
lucky.


Hermana Wise

working hard

Hola a todos!

Sorry I didn't have an opportunity to email last week. I don't even
know where to begin. I did get to speak to Mom and the rest of the
family last sunday for Mother's Day and truly it was amazing. I love
and miss you all, but I know I am needed here, that has been apparent
these last few days! :)

Sister Chavez and I last week were working hard and anticipating the
transfer call to see what is going to happen, whether we will stay in
Napa, and if were going to stay companions. We got the call, and boy
was it a suprise! We were both assigned to TRAIN together in Napa  a
new missionary this transfer in a TRIO! Also, we were both called to
be Sister Training Leaders in our zone! It is kind of like
Coordinating Sister was in the MTC, we are in charge of exchanges with
all the sisters in our zone and we help teach zone and district
meetings! It is a new calling here in the mission.

We went on Tuesday to go the Trainer's meeting and meet all the
new missionaries. I found out that I was the only Trainer who had only
been in the mission for 6 weeks, and since our generation of
missionaries was the first in the Santa Rosa Mission to have 19 year
old sisters, I am the youngest sister trainer ever in the mission, the
first 19 year old! Also, I was the only Sister Training Leader (STL)
who just got the mission too. Though I am not training alone (thank
goodness, at least not yet haha) this was a lot more than I expected
the Lord to trust me with. I still don't really know what I am doing.
I am humbled as he has called me to do this and truly trying to learn
as I go. I know that this is the will of the Lord and for some reason
he trusts me with these calls, so I cannot deny that it is for a
reason. The foremost probably being that I am the one that needs to
learn from these other sisters and the other being humility and
charity for my fellow man, I am truly seeking to improve on that and
this is an answer to prayer I guess in a way.

Wednesday we found out who our new trainee/daughter (sorry mission
language) is!!!

Her name is Hermana Lawrence and she's from Chandler AZ! She is
adorable. She looks she is from a Disney movie and she's such an
example to me. She is a "visa waiter" so she is serving here in Santa
Rosa until she gets her Visa to Argentina. The very first day she
invited someone to be baptized and they said yes! We are so lucky to
have her. Her Spanish is amazing! She took it all through high school
and honestly she's teaching me Spanish along with Hermana Chavez. I am
not training her, she is training me!  I am so lucky to have two
AMAZING companions (even if they do play Christmas hymns in the middle
of may sometimes haha).

I have SO much fun with these sisters. There is not a day that goes by
that we are not laughing, helping each other, and serving the Lord
with all the effort we can muster. Napa is BEAUTIFUL this time of
year. Everyone plants flowers and is outside and I absolutely love the
calling I have to talk to EVERYONE and share with them the most
important thing in my life. I just need to be patient with myself and
the Lord will do great things. Progress with our  investigators is a
little slow and we've had some low and slow points this week, but look
out for MIRACLES because they are coming, I can feel it. I will update
you more about my Investigators next week, I am out of time for today.
I love you all.


 Hermana Wise

 

 



Roller Coaster Week

This week has been a roller coaster, but as always the ups have outweighed the downs.

This week we have really tried to follow the counsel given to us by our Mission President and that is as Servants of the Lord, offering to leave blessings on the homes of people. This way people can experience the Gospel in the first few moments instead of only hearing us talk about it. This week we had a blitz (all the missionaries in our zone knock doors in one area to help that area out) in our zone. Sister Ika (an English speaking missionary, I love her!) and I were put together to tract a street. The second door we knocked, we met a woman, Katherine. She said she is new at the whole religion thing, was seeking to know more, and invited us to bless her home. We had the opportunity to teach her and leave a powerful blessing in the way we were taught. The spirit was extremely strong and she invited us back to teach her family! A great referral for the English speaking Elders!
Also Friday we did exchanges and I went to an only English speaking area Lake Herman to be with Sister Van Wie. Though both new missionaries, we were able to contact quite a few people in our time there! We were on our way to contact a couple potentials and we passed by a house with people on the porch. Lake Herman/Benicia area is pretty much full of English speakers. To our great surprise, we met two people, Maria and Tony, who only spoke Spanish! I knew then that this exchange was no coincidence. I didn't have Sister Chavez at my side to lead conversation and my companion had no idea what was being said, but with the help of the Lord, I was able to get to know them a bit and teach the Restoration of the Gospel. I understood them just fine and was able to teach. We left a blessing with them and Maria could truly feel the spirit. She invited us back! I knew that I was in the right place at the right time. The Lord was able to use my recent ability to speak Spanish to bring to gospel to someone who otherwise might not have heard it. It really helped me feel confidence that I can do this! Even in Spanish, as long as I keep working hard and relying on the Lord. The only way I got there was through following him. Being obedient. Working Hard. When we do the simple things, miracles will unfold before us.
Just that evening, after exchanging back, Hermana Chavez and I were able to leave three more blessings with people. One of those experiences was with a woman, Ana. The spirit was burning so strong in our hearts in that blessing and as we waited those few moments of silence after the prayer, she began to weep. People are prepared. Miracles happen everyday.

There have been some really down moments this week too. We had two of our investigators, Lucillo and Angela, with baptismal dates drop us and tell us they don't want to learn anymore. Lucillo was drunk and said a lot of harsh things about the church. We were not expecting it at all and we left discouraged. But as always the blessings have outweighed the bad days by miles. I love being a missionary. I would lay down my life for my Savior, but he hasn't asked me to do that. He has asked me to live each day for him. I truly feel that I am working my hardest to do that and that makes every effort worth it, because I truly love my Lord. Honestly, because he loved me first. He's always been here and I am so lucky to have the opportunity to wear his name on my badge each day and say "I am a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ" or "Soy una sierva de el Senor Jesucristo."

I am so excited! Mom & Dad & Family, I get to Skype with you THIS Sunday! I love mothers day, but this will be the best yet.

Also Here are some Pictures from my FILM camera! I got them developed and they gave me a CD :) The photos are from this first transfer in Napa and the MTC - will send the rest in the next email!

- Hermana Christina Abish Wise

Week Four in Napa, I am so Lucky to be here.

Family and Friends,

Words can't express the kind of life I have here: Always focusing on others and always on my knees in prayer- Everyday humbling myself and trying to push past my imperfections to become that which the Lord has in store for me to be. As I travel this path I can see the Windows of Heaven opening up into my life and I am truly blessed. I am becoming who I want to be.

First, I AM SO EXCITED FOR JOSEPH'S MISSION CALL! SALT LAKE CITY SOUTH! I know with everything in me that each call is called by God and that there are people there waiting for my AMAZING brother's example. Even though I am far away his example in my life radiates and I can't wait for others to feel that and be blessed.

The past couple weeks we have been super bummed that none of our investigators come to church. We have been praying and trying so hard this week to be obedient and work hard, and A MIRACLE happened. We had 3 of our investigators at church! Lucillo, Angela, and Jesus all were able to make it. I sat with Lucillo and Angela (they are a couple) during the sacrament meeting and he was so excited about the Book of Mormon and he kept telling me he felt really good all day. I know they felt the spirit. I know the Lord has prepared them to receive blessings through the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. I see the happiness that I feel from the gospel enter the lives of others and it is truly wonderful.

This week we also had a Sister's Conference and I learned a TON:  A lot about my purpose in this life and how everything that I am doing now so so important. This is a marvelous work; I am stoked to be a part of it. Also, I participated in my first "exchange" and left my companion for a day and went with Sister Thomas to an English speaking area. We taught a lesson with one of her Investigators and he was a man with a big heart truly seeking to change and do the will of God… A powerful lesson. His friend, a member, was there to help us teach. The role of members is HUGE in helping people feel comfortable in learning the gospel.

I LOVE YOU ALL! I love being a missionary. I am praying for you all.

- Hermana Wise

week #3

Family & Friends,

This week was full of surprises. High high's and low low's, but I ended with a smile on my face.

This work is not easy. Our Investigators are struggling to progress. Marcos wants to change but is struggling with drugs still. We're trying our hardest to help him overcome it, but he has to do his part. We are constantly on our knees in prayer for the people here in Napa. Helping them makes the changes they want to make, teaching them what they must do to improve, and loving them through the journey.

This week we unfortunately had a lot of our teaching appointments fall through because people couldn't meet with us, so we did a lot more tracting (door to door) and contacting than we have been before. It is truly a humbling experience to have people door after door tell you that you are wrong and they are right and try to argue. That is not what we're here to do and we avoid that. We explain that we are simply there to invite and help other to come unto Christ. To bring them a message and gospel that has brought a lasting/enduring happiness into our lives. I am starting to understand a sliver of the persecution that apostles and prophets of old had to endure. Our Savior Jesus Christ was a despised and rejected of men, a man acquainted with grief. I am honored to defend his name each day as his Servant. This is an opportunity I am so thankful for. We maintain our positive attitude through the days, praying continuously all through the day that we may be able to help others. And then, MIRACLES HAPPEN.

After a hard days work with hardly any success, we were getting ready to go home and a man on the street stopped us and asked us if we were teaching religion. We said we were servants of the Lord Jesus Christ and we help other's come unto him. He had a very positive attitude towards missionaries and invited us to teach him and his wife the following day. That following day we visited them and taught them the Restoration, and then explained how they can know for themselves it is true through reading the Book of Mormon and praying. And when they know for themselves that what we taught was true and the Gospel really has been restored, I invited them to follow the example of Jesus Christ and be baptized, and they ACCEPTED. My first time inviting someone to be baptized and them actually say yes without my companion having to re-explain! I am so excited to teach them, I hope they are as solid as I think they could be. They are humble and ready to change. Qualities that each of us need to cultivate in order to truly be converted and willing follow our Savior. Truly a miracle!

My Spanish is improving and we are working everyday to iron out our flaws in teaching and constantly making changes to improve ourselves. The spirit is more apparent than every before in my life and I know that is because I am in the right place striving to do what the Lord expects and act in every moment the spirit prompts. We are in no way perfect, but I am not letting myself go a day without analyzing my areas of weakness and trying to improve each day. I love being a missionary. I wouldn't trade it for anything. The Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ is true. It has brought me the kind of happiness that endures forever. A joy that word's cannot explain. A confidence in myself and in my Savior that this life I live each day really means a lot. Everything I do makes a difference, and knowing that means everything to me. I can't wait for this week ahead, so many miracles I have yet to discover in this journey.

Thank you all for the support I receive, continue to write and email me. I am SO excited for Joseph this week to get his Mission Call! Please write me and email me about it ASAP.

Hermana Christina Wise

Week 2 Miracles happen all day, every day!

Familia y Amigos,

This week was amazing. Truly. We had a ton more success than last week and we worked way hard. As of right now we have a total for 14 investigators, so we are pretty busy all day long, appointments all the time. There are all kinds of people here and I am getting a hang of the social dynamics of Latino culture, or at least trying. Understanding native speakers is improving a ton everyday. I can understand most people we speak to and people I could barely understand a week ago, I can now understand with way more clarity and carry on a conversation. I sometimes get really frustrated with myself because everything is so foreign and I have a hard time letting the real me shine and help these people, but that gets better with each day.

The investigators we have and the less active members we visit are all so welcoming and nice. We are taken well care of by the members here and everyone is really close in the LDS Spanish community. We cover a huge area, part of napa and then all of three other towns, we can only visit the other towns every other week though because we have to save our miles.

I attended my first Zone Conference this week. I absolutely love our leaders. They motivate me to push myself past what I have always pushed and to give more and more each day. I made a comment about the two questions and people were impressed with my answers to questions and the boldness I have, even as a new missionary, to make comments and contribute to discussion. I love talking about and doing missionary work. I get home from a day of work and plop on my bed in exhaustion. It drains me emotionally, physically, and definitely spiritually. But I have a huge smile on my face because I know I am working hard.

Friday was a MIRACLE. The best day of my mission yet. We went to visit Marcos and he seemed so healthy and happy. He really took our lesson to heart and is working hard to keep the word of wisdom and were working on getting him to the rehab program at the church. We can tell his progress, and he has been blessed with more work! When we keep the commandments, our Father in Heaven blesses us. I know that's true for him. After the lesson he was teaching his Mom how to pray and it was just amazing to see him apply what we have taught. After that, we visited Atonia Flores, an Investigator we have who has some problems speaking and is in a wheelchair. Even if she was speaking English I don't think I could understand her very well, but we invited her to be baptized and she accepted! Now we just have to work thorough getting her to church, which will be hard with her situation, but were going to try. After that we visited with potentials, and we ended the day with THREE new investigators! Two of them are husband and wife and seem super interested in our message. I am so excited to teach them so they can have an eternal family someday with their little son. The Lord has poured out so many blessings and I wish everyday would be like friday. So happy.

Yesterday was fast sunday and I bore my testimony in spanish with the branch. They actually tell me my spanish is great, but I am not so sure. We had this amazing opportunity to, as a mission, do an hour of prayer from 4pm - 5pm. I have never prayed for an hour before so I thought I would run out of things to pray for. At first it was a little slow but then I had 5 minutes left and I was scrambling to get more in. I have so much to be thankful for and so many people that I care about to pray for.

Also, today for P-day Hermana Chavez and I went to SAN FRANSISCO! She had an important appointment and one of the Elderly Missionary Couples drove us down. My first time ever and I loved it :) Took some cool pictures.

Thank you all for all you have done for me, you are in my prayers.

- Hermana Wise

First Letter and Pics from the Field... Napa, California

Hola Familia y Amigos!

Tengo mucho suerte con todos esta semana. Yo se que Dios me ama mucho porque el me da una companera y area perfecta para mi.

I don't even know if I can explain how many feelings I felt this week. Mom, Dad, Joseph, Brett, Rehya, It was so nice to talk to you all on the phone and hear your voices. It gave me just what I needed before going to California.

After arriving, I received one of the warmest welcomes I have ever had. President and Sister Alba are some of the most outstanding people that I have know and I could tell that in no time at all. After arriving, we drove an hour and a half from the airport and I got to be in the front seat. Our driver was a Senior Missionary who knew the area because he lived there before his mission. He explained the mission to me and the cool parts of each city. It is SO beautiful. Vineyards and beautiful trees everywhere. It's green like Indiana and has mountains like Utah. I really get to enjoy the best of both worlds. I got to know some of the other missionaries arriving with me. We stayed in a hotel that night and did a activity helping us get a feel of how to teach. The next afternoon we received our trainers/companions.

I got assigned to serve with Hermana Chavez! I was hoping I would get called to serve with her. She is from Mexico but has lived in the united states for about 8 years. Her English is basically perfect but thankfully her Spanish is more perfect therefore able to help me learn faster! She is one of the nicest people I have met. She is always in a good mood and always looking for ways to love others. She has amazing ability to make people feel comfortable around her and I have felt that for myself and have watched others react when they are around her. We work so well together, we speak Spanish basically 24/7, and I am learning a ton. We were called to serve in Napa! I am excited because it is one of the most beautiful and fulfilling areas and apparently has a lot of potential. There are a lot of Latinos here for us to teach. Also, I am the driver. The first day they gave me the keys and I was put to work. Elder Foster from my District in the MTC is in my same branch and I see him everyday when we all go eat at member's home for dinner. Also Elder Vance, Madeline's older brother is one of the Assistants to the President. It's nice to see familiar faces.

At first I honestly felt so overwhelmed. I was driving a new car, in a new place, with a stranger, attempting to speak in a new language. Over the days though, it has become familiar. The very first day, I helped teach an investigator, Jesus Medina, about the Gift of the Holy Ghost. It was so difficult to understand him, partly because he is quiet, partly because I'm still learning, and partly because we were teaching from his porch and cars were zooming past us every other second. He has a baptismal date but also has much to learn. I did my best to ask questions and made sure to bear a solid testimony and the spirit was undoubtedly there.

The next day we taught another Investigator, Marcos. He has been being taught for a little while now but has had some troubles with the Word of Wisdom. My companion taught most of the lesson but I bore a strong testimony and explained some things to his sister who speaks English more than Spanish. His mom was there too and has been listening to all his lessons. At the end of the lesson, both Marcos and his mom agreed to prepare to be baptized! Marcos has committed to it before but every time couldn't seem to accomplish his goal. We know he can do it, we have faith! He is really trying to turn his life around and we want to help him not to be addicted. Both Jesus and Marcos came to General Conference this Sunday! It was different watching the Spanish translation of it, but I could basically understand everything. Everyday it is getting much easier to understand what people are saying, most of the time I get about 90% of what's being said.

This first week has been super busy. We have a Mission Goal of 10-3-1. It means 10 contacts (talk to ten people in the street), 3 lessons, and 1 baptismal invitation each day. We haven't been doing a very good job with it because were inside a lot for studies, weekly planning, zone meeting, transfer meeting, branch activity that we planned, and General Conference. This week were rededicating ourselves to accomplish this better. At first I was scared to talk to people but the spirit has pushed that fear away and I merely act when I know I need to, or at least I am trying. I am doing my best to be exactly obedient to mission rules and as I have been I see blessings.

Teaching is getting there. I am not able to say everything I want but Its improving. When I bear testimony the spirit overcomes me and I am given what to say. Its amazing to see how the Lord works through me as I am dedicating myself to his work. The other day after teaching a man he said he didn't really have time to read the Book of Mormon. The spirit truly compelled me to testify how the gospel contained in that book has truly changed my life and testified that is can change his. I explained how important it is to me and that is why we invited him to read it, because it is so precious and contained the very gospel off which I base my life. (What I said was more simple obviously). The language of the spirit speaks more than can be said in Spanish, English, or any spoken language. By bringing the spirit with us to lessons, it softens hearts and changed lives. I can see that. It is motivating. It helps me everyday to get up and study and work hard, because I truly love the Lord. I am his tool to carry out that which he wants me to do. I am blessed beyond comprehension. I am growing into someone I never thought I could be. My mission is surely going to fly by and I don't want to waste a second of it. Thank you to all who have helped me get here. In life, on my mission, all of it. I am so blessed.

Les Quiero mucho,

Hermana Wise

 

 

Happy Easter

Happy Easter Everyone!

 

Today is my last day in the MTC and I have been scrambling to get everything done that I need to. Yesterday we have the wonderful opportunity to have an MTC-wide sacrament meeting, something that has never been done before. The sacrament was passed to over 3000 missionaries. They compared it to when Jesus miraculously fed thousands during his ministry. This too is a miracle that we have so many missionaries. The numbers are supposed to increase to 7000 by the end of the summer. So amazing to be apart of all of this amazing work.

 

I've had a lot of time to focus on my Savior Jesus Christ and his Atonement. He lives. I know it. I have felt his very real presence every day bearing me up and carrying me through the rough and wonderful times. Because of him and his gospel I am here and the happiest I have been in years. I love serving others and giving back some of the love he has provided me with each day.

 

Oh by the way, it was announced that we can now email family AND FRIENDS. So let people know if they want to contact me. At least Sam and my other close friends. Give them my email address. I love you all!!! Can't wait to call you tomorrow.

 

Yo se que el evangelio de Jesucristo tiene la plentitud del verdad. Yo se que Jesucristo es mi Salvador, mi Hermano mayor, y mi Redentor. Yo se que Jose Smith fue un profeta verdadero. Yo se que el Libro de Mormon es la palabra de Dios. Quiero compartir este testimonio con todos las personas en Santa Rosa. Estoy muy agradecido por ustedes, mi familia y amigos. Ustedes son ejemplos para mi cada dia. ¡Les amo mucho!

 

- Hermana Wise

Week 5 in the MTC

Week 5 in the MTC

 

Family, Friends, Everyone Whom I Love,

 

It is insane to think I am in my last days here at the MTC. Its interesting because I was really worried about liking the MTC, and now its sad to thing I am going to be leaving.

This  week we learned subjunctive and I realized that I actually in fact do not know how to speak Spanish. It truly is a humbling experience here at the MTC, but I am working hard at improving. Hermana Spencer has been giving me sentences and I conjugate them on a mini white dry erase board and I translate sentences she gives to me. This is helping a ton! My fake investigators are preparing for baptism and we FINALLY finished the Plan of Salvation. Feels like it took a decade to finish teaching that lesson. There's just so much in it, ah I just love it. 

 

This week was also humbling as I started as the new coordinating sister. It was interesting because since my assignment is one of a few of the assignments sisters have, I just found myself in meetings with all elders. A very weird feeling since I am used to having, not one but TWO other sisters with me all the time. I had the opportunity to interview the Hermanas this week and check in on companionships and their well being. I was way nervous but it was a truly spiritual experience. There were certain things I said to them that I know I would never think to ask or advise. I know that the Lord had specific things he wanted each of them to hear and through his spirit he was able to guide my words. I've never really had that kind of experience before and been aware of it. The power of the Spirit is so real. In every lesson it is communicating much much more than my broken Spanish ever could.

 

I have studied much about Christ recently. The Plan of Salvation is WONDERFUL because I get to talk about my favorite thing, the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I am able to talk about his perfect life and example and express to people that they don't have to feel alone, or scared, guilty, or burdened. We have a Savior who was willing to take all of that from us so that we can feel clean, comforted, loved, and full of purpose. He is literally our advocate with the Father. (D&C  45:3-5) He pleads on our behalf because he understands. Because he truly loves us so much. I love being able to share my testimony of that. Being someone who is acquainted with much grief in my short life already, I know that I have been able to handle all of it through relying on him. Such a joyful message that is that I get to bring to people. We have the potential to change and become new people in Christ, people who reflect his light and love. In class this week we talked about how all that we have received from Christ, the Help and comfort, we are supposed to turn around and provide that for others. That is why I am here. Because I love my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He has saved my life in every meaning of the word, and I owe all that I am to his work. To carry out the joyful message of His Gospel to those who need it and are searching.

 

Thank you to all of you that have helped and supported me in the difficult times I have had. I am striving for strict obedience every week and the closer I get, the greater the blessings. I love you all. Keep the letters coming.

 

 

Oh & I got my travel plans this week!!! I fly to California one Tuesday the 2nd. I think I will be able to call probably around 9am your time for a little bit and chat before I fly out. I will get more info to you later about my Santa Rosa Address.

 

 

Love you all and Keep the Faith,
Hermana Wise

 

Week #4 in MTC... Called to Serve

 

I don't even know where to begin. This week has been so full of blessings.

I began this week really struggling. I am one of those people who does not usually remember my dreams, but I have had a lot of bad dreams lately. Maybe its because the Spirit here is so strong, the only time Satan can get to me in at night. That as well as some other things have been weighing on my mind. The days got better. I love my companions, they lift me up so much. Hermana Hearne is such an example of exactness and charity. Hermana Spencer is a hard worker who has a passion for the scriptures and can make me smile unlike anyone else. Both totally rock at Spanish, and I'm getting there. We have finally mastered (for now) our planning for lessons so that we can teach effectively and focused on our purpose.

We helped another fake investigator come unto Christ and he decided he would prepare to baptism and I was the one to invite him in Spanish! Hopefully, my ability to speak will get better this week, that's the goal. The most important thing I have learned about the language is that it doesn't matter how my Spanish is, as long as I am utilizing the language of the spirit, the people I teach will get what they need to hear. Also an Elder in my district found out he has Influenza and he was "quarantined" and sent to live in the sick person housing. We all got put on meds to protect us from it. It was actually a kind of funny situation.

Yesterday was by far the most impactful Sunday yet. I have been called to be the Coordinating Sister for my branch. A coordinating sister is basically like a zone leader, but I am only in charge of the sisters in my Zone. I am truly humbled by this call. I am thankful the Lord trusts me to carry out his work and I know he will magnify me to fulfill it. I am expected to be a shining example at all times because the other sisters in the Zone look to me to know what is right. My number one role though is to love the sisters and to take care of them. To be the one they come to when they are struggling or if they are struggling with companions or homesickness or whatever. I am praying earnestly that I will be able to remain diligent and obedient so that the Lord will bless me to help them. Every week they have every missionary prepare a talk in Spanish and they call 2 or 3 missionaries every week on the spot to share their talk. I was called up this week to talk about the Atonement. It was truly humbling, for my Spanish is far from perfect. I am learning to stop talking so much and listen more. After sacrament meeting, we have district meetings and my companionship taught the lesson about the Atonement. I truly felt the Spirit working through me as I shared my testimony and knowledge of this essential and important part of how I am who I am. Alma 7:11-12 - Read it and ponder on how the atonement can be applied everyday! I am learning so much about the gospel, myself, and what is expected of me in this life! Such a busy time, but I am truly blessed!

I have more to tell you about the Atonement but my time is up, so I will send it in the future.

I love all of you, thank you for helping me become who I am. For supporting me through times of struggle. For strengthening my testimony of this Gospel. It changes lives. It helps up become new creatures, better creatures. As we come to know our Savior and submit our will to his, we can become more like him through repentance and the enabling power of the atonement. I absolutely sure of that truth.

- Hermana Wise

Letter #3 MTC "Packed full of lessons"

Family & Friends of whom I am deeply grateful,

This week has been packed full of lessons I needed to learn!

      Tuesday was the hardest day I have had yet at the MTC. I was struggling a bit with some of my old mental problems, but I was keeping it all in most of the day and pushed through. That night I spoke with my branch president and I immediately felt better. The leaders of the church who are called of God really are called of God and know those they serve and how to help them. I know what he told me is what the Lord wanted me to know to help me move forward. My companions were really supportive, I am so lucky to have them and the other girls in my district. That night we had a devotional from Elder Aidukaitis of the seventy and he extended a challenge I want to extend to you now. 1) Decide which kingdom of Glory you want  to go to 2) Write the name of it in BIG LETTERS in your journal so that when you look back you never mistaken that decision for another one 3) Make every decision from here out according to your kingdom. Once you make that decision, all others will be easy. Mom you may have the primary kids do it too!

Teaching as a trio is really hard! I realized that my teaching style is way different that at least one of my companions every time we plan, but we make it work. I realized how bad I am at not stopping to listen. If I have learned anything this week that is it. SHUT YOUR MOUTH AND LISTEN CHRISTINA. Listen to your investigator's. Listen to your companions. Listen to the Spirit. We got to teach volunteer BYU students in the TRC this week and it was really fun to teach a member and not have to start from scratch. A LOT EASIER.

This week for our Branch, our topic was "The Gift of the Holy Ghost" and every week we are all to write a talk in Spanish and they pick two missionaries to speak from the branch. One point from the talk I wrote came to me one day during personal study and I realized how important it is for us all to realize: "Whenever we receive inspiration from the spirit, it is a personal commandment from our Father in Heaven." We are told "if ye love me keep my commandments" and I truly know that when we act on spiritual promptings, we are showing him we love him

Spanish is coming slowly but surely. The Christ-Like attribute I chose to focus on this week is Diligence. Only if we are diligent will we be able to receive the blessings in store for us. Diligence includes working  hard but also smart. You all know I am one of the least organized people in the world, but I have found that as I push that out of me and become smart about my time (well actually my time is the Lord's now if we want to get technical) that the Lord blesses me how I desire.

I love you all. Thank you for all you do to support me. I am blown away by all the letters I get. They make the days SO much easier and help me work harder. Keep the Faith!

- Hermana Wise

Christina's Mission Updates

Week 2

Hey Family! & Friends too!

This week has blown my mind. I am on such a spiritual high.

A new Hermana (Hermana Hearne) joined our district and she is now a part of Hermana Spencer and I's companionship! A trio once again! That means I have had 4 companions in the first week and normally people only have 1 the whole time they are here! I got super lucky, both of my companions are amazing at speaking Spanish and I ask them to correct me all the time because I am the weakest link when it comes to language ha-ha. Still I feel like it is coming. I have our missionary purpose and the baptism invitation memorized in Spanish and I'm working on the first vision. We finished teaching our first investigator (fake, she's actually our teacher) but she accepted our Baptism invitation and is going to church! We have two new investigators this week. Again both are my teachers playing random people.

Speaking of teachers, mine are amazing! Hermano Robinson and Hermana Hudson are PERFECT for my learning style. Both are spiritual giants who know the language so well. This

Dan was Baptized on Saturday!!! I broke down in tears when I received his letter. I was so happy. Alex was the one to confirm him yesterday. I wish I could have been there, I am so proud of him and feel so truly blessed to be a part of this for him. He is going to change lives, he truly has changed mine.

Yesterday was fast and testimony meeting and we had to bear our testimonies in (broken) Spanish. The spirit was SO strong. It really forced us all to be humble and go up and bear testimony of the simple truths of the Gospel. I shared mine about the powerful influence of the Atonement. That I know Jesus Christ is my Savior, he knows me personally. Because of his sacrifice, I have overcome my challenges & I have been magnified to where I am today. Elder Ballard spoke to us too! On Tuesday! It was life changing. Also, we got to hear from the Provo Temple President and I got to go today and I learned SO much! Last night we watched a recording of an MTC address from Elder Bednar called "Character of Christ." He spoke about Mosiah 3:19 and how the natural man is like the Cookie Monster. "I WANT COOKIE NOW." The natural man within all of us is selfish and wants instant gratification. We must put that off and become a saint and can only do that through the Atonement. The character of Christ is that he turns out when we would turn in. Ah i love it.

Well I love all of you so much! Letters are amazing Keep them coming.

- Hermana Wise

P.S. Shout out to Ashley Downs for the Homemade cookies she overnighted! And for all the dearelders I have received. I have sent out a ton of responses today, so keep them coming! I will write back.