Week 7 - "The work makes me so happy..."

Monday, July 20, 2015

Hello everyone! 

wow it has been the most insane week! I can't believe it is already Monday again! The time really flies when you're so busy aaalllll the time! I'm grateful for it though. The work makes me so happy. To explain the heading:  We are allowed to listen to mellow uplifting music so naturally I had Mom send us the infamous Kenny Loggins CD that has been hiding in my car forever. Sister Williams and I have greatly enjoyed listening to it so it has kind of been the joke of the week! 

ALSO WE HAD A BAPTISM! Cute little Vanessa got baptized and we couldn't be happier. She is the most incredible little girl and is so full of light.She has a strong testimony of the savior and it has been so great to watch her learn and grow.  Sister Williams and I love teaching her and her mother and we are so excited for when Aurora gets baptized. We love them with all our hearts and I am so grateful Heavenly Father has allowed me to take part in this incredible experience. It is so neat to be able to watch others come unto Christ and make this everlasting promise with him. The joy we felt was incredible and I cannot imagine how great the joy is that Heavenly Father feels. We know this decision will anchor her faith and Christ and guide and change her life and the lives of her family! 

We found two new investigators this week! AH! we were walking home and decided to cut through a park so we could make a call. There were two girls sitting on the swings and we decided to go and talk to them. After a super spiritual lesson they both committed to come to church and to pray about baptism on August 15! They were the sweetest girls and I am so excited to have the opportunity to get to know them! The Lord truly places people in our paths for a reason. We need to utilize these blessings by talking with everyone and not being afraid to get out of our comfort zones and serving everyone. 

Howard the mailman was very happy for me this week because I got letters! Letters are like Christmas out here and are loved and celebrated. 

Sickness sucks but luckily it hasn't set me back too much and I know its just allll part of the experience! Elder Bednar explains it perfectly:

"But in the strength of the Lord I can do all things. I can go anywhere He wants me to go. I can do anything He needs me to do and I can say whatever He wants me to say, in His strength."

That is SO TRUE. I know we can do all things with the help of our Heavenly Father. He loves us dearly and only wants what is best for us! 

Everyday is something different and it definitely keeps me on my toes. 

ALSO: President Ware no longer wants us to quote movies and such all the time. There goes my humor. PRAY FOR US.

Anyway! Great week here in Duportail! I sure love you all and wish you the best! 

Love, 

Sister Madeline Whetten  

Sister Williams and I with Vanessa and Aurora

Vanessa's special day!

Week 6 - We have a baptism!!!

Monday, July 13, 2015


HELLO!
Oh my goodness it is like this week didn't even happen but at the same time it feels like everything happened! I don't know if that made any sense but that is the only way to describe it. We started the week off with exchanges so I had to leave Sister Williams for a short time to go to Kennewick. It was weird to not be with her but I definitely learned a lot about being bold and not being afraid of telling everyone of Christ's love for them. This week cooled down to about 95 which was a MIRACLE and we felt like celebrating when we didn't feel like we were being drowned with sweat all day. And the miracles didn't stop there! WE HAVE A BAPTISM ON SATURDAY! ah! Vanessa is getting baptized and it has been so incredible to watch her family grow and progress. They teach me more than I could've ever hoped. I love serving. The Lord teaches you through service and I encourage all of you to gain a testimony of this! 

A great thing about living in a super old apartment are the hoards of ensigns that are left laying around. I am blown away by all the wonderful talks and great things that I am learning! One quote that specifically stood out to me perfectly describes our lives and the daily struggles and blessings we experience as we come closer to Christ. 

   "Despite our accomplishments, talents, and desires for righteousness, we are weak- spiritually without arms. At times we feel what Ammon declared: "Yea I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God" (Alma 26:12). Ammon knew whose arms gave him the strength to perform mighty miracles and proclaim the gospel. May we exercise greater faith in the arms of the Lord- His arms of power, His arms of love, and His arms of mercy. May we allow Him to cradle and carry and comfort us in those arms. In turn, our arms- our determination and our devotion- will be strengthened." 

Isn't that the most incredible thing? I love it and I testify of its truth. I have seen it work in the lives of those I love and teach. It is such wonderful thing to be able to teach this to those who have not seen it at work in their lives. IT IS SO HAPPY 

On Friday I had to make a quick trip to the doctors because the cat allergy has unfortunately turned into a sinus infection!! ah! Its ok though! The doctor gave me giant pills and I am feeling much better. I no longer sound like I'm dying so I'm sure my approval rating has gone up. 

This is the greatest place. I wish I could write about everything that happens and every wonderful person but this email would be annoyingly long. I love you all and wish you the best! Read the scriptures! 

Love, 

Sister Madeline Whetten

p.s.

It was 7/11 and we celebrated the free slurpee way with Sister Mcomber and Sister Purcell. We sure love them! 

Happy Fourth of July

Free Slurpees at 7-11

Week 5 - Happy Fourth of July

Monday, July 6, 2015

WOW what a week! It has honestly been a week of many blessings and many surprises. You'll be happy to hear the heat hasn't stopped and neither has the cat allergies. It's alright though, it gets people's attention and occasionally gets us into their houses for pity water and a fan. There are soooo many great people you meet as a missionary and I truly have been strengthened by them. Just knowing that Heavenly Father has places people in our path that he needs us to meet and serve at this time is such a huge blessing because it solidifies our calling and the importance of opening our mouths and sharing with everyone we meet. It's fun! I mean sometimes people get freaked out by these overly enthusiastic sweaty girls who want to talk to them about their lives and other truly enjoy our presence. Those are the people that make us sit down at the end of the day totally disgustingly exhausted and rejoice about what a fantastic day it has been.  

This week was full of those days! We had an investigator family that was kind of falling off our radar and we hadn't been able to get a hold of them in over a week. We were getting some water at a members house and got the impression that we needed to immediately leave. Sister Williams and I didn't know why we needed to go but we left and began the long walk ( journey) home. As we were walking we came across the teenage girl in the family we are teaching. She was excited to see us and explained how it had been a crazy week but she was meeting her mother and brother in the park if we would like to join her. of course we were freaking out but managed to keep it cool as we went to the park to talk with her mother. It was such an awesome experience. We had a lesson on the plan of salvation right there in the park and it was incredible to see their faith and desire to learn about and follow their savior. We focused especially on eternal families and how much Heavenly Father loves us. The family was moved and expressed their desire to learn more and come to CHURCH ...AH. We ended up giving them a church tour later in the week and it was so great. We love them dearly and are able to know how much Heavenly Father loves them. We are excited to continue to teach them and get closer to them as they progress! 

THE FOURTH OF JULY 

I guess there is a tradition in this ward where they have a giant breakfast on the fourth at the park! we got to go which was great because free food and some people who we had been talking to were able to come. Other than that it was pretty uneventful and we got to watch other light off fireworks. YAY. Unfortunately we aren't allowed to participate and had to be home by 6 which definitely allowed for some companion forced bonding time. Poor Sister Williams thinks I'm nuts but she is so nice to love me anyway. 

Overall it was a fabulous week and I have truly loved it. Really learning how to enjoy every second through the ups and downs has been a great lesson to learn. I know that this church is true and that it is Christs gospel! He loves us so much and wants us to know that! I love you all so much as well! Keep the people of super duportail always in your prayers Have a great week!

Love, Sister Madeline Whetten 

Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast

Some fireworks.... that we were not allowed to light :(

Sharing a Coke and a smile with Mom

Week 4 - Hot, Hot, Hot!!!

 Monday, June 29, 2015

Whoever said Washington was cold and rainy were liars. This week it was 115 degrees for two days with humidity. Like where did that even come from. Everybody sees us walking around for 9 hours every day and they think we are crazy. Like when we talk to them they say "You are crazy" But we are girls and thankfully they take pity on us and it has been a good way to talk to people and slide in a message about the gospel. ha. It has been quite a week with the heat of course but "I can do hard things" and "Faith not fear" have been our mottos that have greatly uplifted us and encouraged us to keep going. The love we have for the people here truly makes it all worth it. We keep a smile on our face and get to work.

This week we learned how to trust in the Lord's timing. Things weren't working out with our investigators and appointments kept falling through. It is tough to see someone you've prayed and worked so hard for decide that its not the thing for them. But putting all our trust in Heavenly Father and working through those times leads to incredible miracles. That is a lesson I have learned this week and I'm so grateful for it. 

Two of our investigators, Aurora and Vanessa committed to being baptized this week! it was so wonderful to see the light in their eyes as we taught and when they felt the spirit witness to them of the truth! oh my goodness. Vanessa is 9 and has such a strong testimony already. Aurora knows its true and has already seen it help and guide her in her life. It is awesome to see them make this journey and see the light of Christ grow in their hearts. We love everyone we teach and I feel like I learn more from them than they learn from me. 

I am extremely allergic to cats. Everyone here has at least 2 cats!

We went over to a members house for dinner and I went to pick up my bag and some cat hair got into my eye. Have you seen the goonies? I looked like sloth with my eye swelled shut and my nose running. There were tears streaming down my face along with sweat cause its stinking hot and my companion could not stop laughing!! we were literally knocking doors and talking to people on the street like that and people thought I had serious problems. It was the funniest thing and was definitely a highlight of the week. I had to promise people I wasnt crying or overly emotional and eventually we had to stop because for some odd reason people weren't taking to our message like they usually did. Probably due to the hideous disfigurement of my face and my manly voice from my throat closing. It was absolutely hilarious and I wish we had taken a picture.

Another great week in Duportail as you can tell and I truly am loving it. I am so grateful for your prayers and support! They make a difference and Sister Williams and I truly appreciate it. She is a gem and I am blessed to have her as a companion so we can experience this work together. Being a part of the lives of the people here and focusing on them has been the greatest experience. I love this work, I love weird ole duportail, and I love you all so much! Have the most amazing week!

Love, Sister Sloth Whetten 

Below are some pictures from our week! Nasty foot tans are all the fad.

Sweaty Sister Missionaries are happy sister missionaries! right?

Week 3 - Made it to Richland, Washington

HELLOOO......
Let's start off by describing the area. The lovely town of Richland is located about 20 minutes away from Kennewick and is flat as can be. If any of you have seen the movie Hot Rod, it is exactly like the town where that takes place. Like, exactly. It is hot, the people and the houses are exactly the same and I laugh about it all the time. Now that you have that image you know what it's like to serve in the Duportail (like super-dupor) ward in Richland Washington! I love it already, I really do. People are so ready here to listen and accept the gospel. It is truly incredible. It is over 100 degrees every day and our area is walking.  Unfortunately, our apartment is a 25 minute walk from our ward but HEY it's ok! lots of bonding time with my incredible trainer.

Sister Williams:

WOW

What a girl. She is honestly so incredible and I know we were paired together for a reason. I've been here 6 days and she has already taught me more than I ever could've imagined. She is kind, patient, and so ready to work. it's crazy how good we get along and I know we will work hard together. 

The Members:

The members are incredible and take care of us as if we were their own. They are always giving us rides home because of the walk and offer waters and feed us dinner every night. How amazing is that??! They make us feel so loved and appreciated. it really makes the transition easier. 

Investigators:

So miracles are ALREADY HAPPENING. We started working Wednesday due to prior training and we already have 6 investigators since then! 6! like. Holy smokes I cant even believe it. We go out tracting every day from 12-5 and then from 6-830. We have appointments in between that time but basically its a lot of walking in the sun! which I honestly don't mind! But people think we are crazy. Most of the people live in these tiny tiny houses that have been here since the atomic bomb that was made in Hanford. I dont know if any of you have heard of handford but it is the nuclear plant where they constructed the atomic bombs...so people moved here and built these little houses and never left. I kind of love it . It is great to meet all these nice people. Well..mostly nice. But that is everywhere. Anyway we were walking around on Wednesday and we met Genesis and Bryana just hanging outside. They are 14 and were so open to the gospel. The spirit was incredible and weve met with them and their families. I know we were led to that street for a reason and because of that we have met 2 incredible families that are ready to hear about the gospel and follow Christ. We have met some other incredible people that Sister Williams and I are determined to teach. Teaching is so wonderful when you view others with the same love and patience as Christ does. I absolutely love it. That is probably my favorite part of being here. Loving and teaching as Christ would. Inviting people to come unto him and exercise their faith. IT MAKES ME SOOOOO HAPPY. Our last investigator is from last night. We were prompted to tract down a street and were getting nowhere. We came to a house and a man named Jason answered the door. We ended up talking to him for an hour about the restoration and he totally believes. It was the most incredible experience and the spirit was so strong. We could literally feel the love that Jesus Christ has for him and it made the whole thing a mind blowing experience.

I love this work. It may be hot and my feet may be tired but it is truly the happiest I've been. Every day is exciting and it starts with studying diligently in the morning. My testimony of my Savior and his gospel has multiplied by degrees I didn't think it could get to. I know He loves each and every one of us and truly desires for us to be happy. As missionaries, we have the unique opportunity to share this message of love and happiness with others. 

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

Love, 

Sister Madeline Whetten

Week Two - Lots of Pictures

Zone Girls

Happy in the grass!

Always fun to run into your best friend in the MTC

Week One - Life in the MTC

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

HEY EVERYBODY--

I'd like to start off by telling you how much I love and appreciate you. I feel your prayers and they mean so much. Although saying goodbye was hard and I miss you everyday I have really come to enjoy my time here. The food may be gross and I may have to wake up at the worst time ever but the spirit is undeniable. I have never felt so blessed and guided by our Heavenly Father. Along with working my tail off I am also having a great time with my district. They are absolutely hilarious. My companion is the sweetest thing and I'm so excited to travel to Kennewick with her. 

Every day we wake up, pray, study, pray, go to class, pray, teach investigators, pray, eat weird food, pray, teach again, pray, go to class, pray, and study so more. Im honestly emotionally exhausted every day even though we hardly move. My teachers here are incredible. Brother Barton looks like Agent Cody Banks and he is one of the best teachers ive ever had. He has honestly taught me SO much and has really impressed the importance of our calling. He has made me trust my savior and open my mouth to really be an instrument in his hands. SIster Gibson is also amazing and teaches me how to keep Christ as a focus in our minds and to treat everyone as an equal recipient of Christs atonement.

Wearing the name of Christ over your hear is SO WONDERFUL. Being a set apart representative of him and truly bringing others to know of his love is the best thing ive ever done. You feel such a confidence from him and a trust that can only come from studying and praying your hardest. 

You know how I had been struggling with speaking? Wow, does the Lord care what you are going through. It all happens through the spirit of the Holy ghost. In lessons it is as if there is a teleprompter in my mind telling me exactly what to say and when to say it. It is the most incredible thing ive ever experienced. As we truly come unto Christ and accept his doctrine and his teaching he will put HIS TRUST IN US. can you believe that? My savior trusting someone like me to study, pray and teach for and to one of his most beloved brother or sister? My mind is blown. I encourage you all to study his words, they are true and specific to us. Also as we strive to treat everyone we meet as an equal recipient of Christ's atonement, our ENTIRE point of view changes.

Anyway. I've learned more than I could have ever imagined and it is just the beginning. I've waited all week for this P day and was so excited to talk to you. DEAR ELDERS ARE WONDERFUL. I get them the day that you send them and they make me so happy. At least here in the MTC. In Kennewick itll be better to just email and send letters. I couldn't be more excited to start. Dont worry my entire district thinks I'm crazy and I definitely have loved getting to know them. I appreciate all the love/1

BOYS:
Jacob, I love you so much and Im so proud of you for getting the honor roll at school!! 

Daniel, I bet you are so glad to be out of school, take care of lilly for me and giver her lots of love

Christopher, I loved getting your letter, It was something I needed to hear and I am continually grateful for your example. 

Mom and dad I love you with all my heart and cannot thank you enough for the examples you have been to me. I wont stop talking about you guys to my district and they all are annoyed with me for it. I cannot wait to hear more from you. I will send some pictures so you can see what had made me so happy here

You all are continuously in my prayers and missionary prayers are worth SO MUCH ...I promise. 

I love you so much, 

Sister Madeline Whetten