Oh what a special day for Sister Houston, Sister Everson and Jocelyn!! I have been posting Tori's emails about Jocelyn for the last month or so!! soooo the baptism fianally came and of course what a beautiful story and experience!! We are all so happy for Jocelyn to find the Gospel and be able to find joy in knowing that her Heavenly Father loves her and will watch over her always!!
Hope everyone enjoys "Jocelyn's Story" Keep her in your prayers!!
Email from Sister Houston
October 25, 2010
Hello family,
Where do I even begin.....
Lets start with Jocelyn.
On the 29th of August, a Sunday, Jocelyn and her mom Dalye first met Bishop Reel at the church in Sandusky. Bishop isn't normally there that late in the day but he was performing a wedding ceremony for a partmember (less active) couple, Bro. Jenkins and his wife. There were guest arriving at the same time Jocelyn and Dayle did so naturally Bishop Reel figured they were there for the wedding. Some how they ended up talking with Bishop. When Jocelyn asked how to be converted to the church he realized she was not in fact there for the wedding. Im not to sure how Jocelyn first came in contact with the church. All thats been said is that her Therapist advised her to find God. She did research on the internet, bought books from Borders Bookstore including "Mormonism for Dummies" and found the church buildings address in the phone book. Jocelyn's dad is Catholic and she grew up going to a Catholic High School. Apparently the Catholic church is always open and someone is always there so they just assumed the same for our church and decided to drop by. Good thing the Jenkins decided to get married that day, at that time. Coincidence? I think not.
What first drew Jocelyn to come to the church, I dont know. She asked Bishop that first time she met him questions about the temple and eternal families, even mentioned the 13th Article of Faith were all things she believed. Bishop had told the Elders and that night we had a member dinner with them. Thats were we first heard about Jocelyn!!
That next Friday, we met Jocelyn and Dayle for the first time. She was still very weak and had only been up walking for a couple weeks. Jocelyn has been really sick for the last 2 or 3 years. Im not to sure everything her sickness entails. Her muscles are always moving, somethings wrong with her veins, has alot of issues with her stomach and somewhere in there she has Gastroproesis, whatever that is. She had went to college studying to be a doctor and was working as a certified nursing aid. Whatever this is she's always had it but her freshmen year of college it got really bad to were she was throwing up at least 15 times a day! This sickness effective everything of Jocelyn! Her mom even said her personality isnt even the same as it use to be. She suffers from depression, psychological issues and has a really hard time remembering things.
Anyways, we taught her for over a month. Every week we saw her she was getting stronger and healthier! She still has alot of health issues but you couldn't believe how much healthier this girl has got from the first time we met her. Even her personalty started to show more and you couldn't believe the testimony this girl has! She doesn't know everything but you know that she knows the church is true. It was the most amazing experience to watch her testimony grow from when we first met her until today and being able to recognize what really qualified someone for baptism.
It was a beautiful baptism! We got to met her Dad and sister for the first time too. Her dad didn't really talk much but he was there and her family supports her 100%!!
Sunday was her confirmation. This was the one thing she was most excited about! She always would say "I can't wait to get the Holy Ghost"!!!!! Her dad and sister were not there Sunday but her mom was. She sat behind us the entire time crying!!!!! AHHHHH!!! You know she has felt the spirit!! I just want to teach her!!! Someday she will be a member i know it!!!
It was a happy week family! This is what makes all the hard days worth it! I love the gospel. I know it is true. I've grown to love the scriptures especially the Book of Mormon! Im grateful for them and the peace they bring to our lives. Make sure you are reading them everyday! Im so grateful for prayer and know Heavenly Father really does know our desires and will bless us with whatever we need. I love the priesthood!!! Its amazing and I know its the power of God! I got a blessing this last Saturday just for strength and comfort and have seen a tremendous amount of difference in these last few days!!! It was weird not having my dad there to do it.
I love you family!!! Miss you guys a ton. I will talk to you soon! and you ALL better write me something this week yes even you dad!!!!!
Love, Sister Houston
Friday, October 29, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Yaaahh Baby CLAIRE!!!!
Okay!! No Sister Houston didn't have a baby!!! But her sister Shalyse had a sweet baby girl on the 15th of October!! poor Tori she so loves babies and was especially sad when she found out that Shalyse was having a girl right after she left on her mission!!! But no worries we will send lots of pictures to Tori and keep baby Claire up to date on her favorite auntie on a mission!! We talk about Tori to her nephew Kael daily! Here are a few pictures of the new baby and happy family!! (of course papa too)Well now that i am up to date on Tori's Blog i will try to do better!! i am hopeing that everyone is enjoying Sister Houston's mission as much as she is!!
Please drop her a note sometime she loves to hear from everyone!!
Thanks for all your love and support!!
Sister Houston email
October 18, 2010
AHHHHHHH I have a niece!!!!!!!!! Oh my goodness!!!!!! I can't believe she is already here!!! Claire Anne Rogers!!!!! Ahhhhh she is a doll! I can't believe how dark she is and how much hair she has!!!!! Look at her little outfits! So cute!!!! :( I want to be there to love on her!!! Guess Shalyse your just not meant to have short fast labors heehee I sad I missed out on the party at the hospital again! Man I so happy! Im glad everyone is healthy and safe at home! What a blessing!! I can't wait to see more pictures. Send them soon!!!
Well while you've all been enjoying sweet baby Claire, I've been working away here in Norwalk with my new companion! Her name is Sister Everson. She is from San Juan Capistrano, California but had been living in Utah going to school at BYU for the last three years. Her parents actually just recently moved to Scottsdale! Kind of cool. She was one of the sisters I lived with in the Boyntin house on the Kirtland sites during my first transfer and I also saw her all the time at sites. Sister Everson is awesome. She loves music, plays the guitar and basically lives off of cereal heehee kind of like Mitchell. I love serving with her! She's been out for almost 9 months and has served around Kirtland the entire time so I can kind of tell its been hard on her. When your serving at the sites you are always with other sisters even live with other companionships so being just us two she says is kind of weird and with the Holidays coming up I know she is sad because most likely she wont get to be at Kirtland for them. Im doing the best I can to help her have fun....its hard cause you know me. She'll love it eventually I think. She is an amazing missionary. You can just tell her heart is in this for the right reasons and she has so much love for others. I already have learned so much from her!
Sister Stewart went to Ravena which is close to Kirtland so she's serving their again. But yeah anyways, this week we've been working with Jocelyn getting her ready for baptism. Its was a hard week for her. She has Gastroporesis (I think thats what its called not really sure what that is) along with many other health problems. Her stomach has been bothering her lately. She hasn't been able to eat solid foods for a couple years, basically has lived off of pureed food YUM. I guess she has been slowly eating solid foods but it hasn't worked out to well for her. Anyways she found out she has to get surgery in a couple weeks, something to do with her stomach. She was really having a hard time with it so this week she got really depressed to where she started hearing voices in her head....I guess this has happened before. She started doubting if she really wanted to be baptized...not good at all.
She is doing better though. She came to church Sunday and stayed all three hours for the first time. She feels right at home with the ward. They have taken her right under there wing and are doing everything they can to make her feel comfortable.
Saturday is the day!! This week we will meet with her three times to get everything done and ready for her. I'm very excited for her and I'm so glad I get to be here! I will let you know how it goes!
Well thats whats happened this week besides a couple crazy moments tracting. We got yelled at two different days, once by two old ladies and another by some crazy old man! heehee Fall is defiantly here. Its getting pretty cold. Can't believe the holidays are just around the corner! Can't waith to talk with you family!!!!
I love you and miss you so much. Talk to you soon! Give sweet baby claire loves for me!!
Sister Houston
Well while you've all been enjoying sweet baby Claire, I've been working away here in Norwalk with my new companion! Her name is Sister Everson. She is from San Juan Capistrano, California but had been living in Utah going to school at BYU for the last three years. Her parents actually just recently moved to Scottsdale! Kind of cool. She was one of the sisters I lived with in the Boyntin house on the Kirtland sites during my first transfer and I also saw her all the time at sites. Sister Everson is awesome. She loves music, plays the guitar and basically lives off of cereal heehee kind of like Mitchell. I love serving with her! She's been out for almost 9 months and has served around Kirtland the entire time so I can kind of tell its been hard on her. When your serving at the sites you are always with other sisters even live with other companionships so being just us two she says is kind of weird and with the Holidays coming up I know she is sad because most likely she wont get to be at Kirtland for them. Im doing the best I can to help her have fun....its hard cause you know me. She'll love it eventually I think. She is an amazing missionary. You can just tell her heart is in this for the right reasons and she has so much love for others. I already have learned so much from her!
Sister Stewart went to Ravena which is close to Kirtland so she's serving their again. But yeah anyways, this week we've been working with Jocelyn getting her ready for baptism. Its was a hard week for her. She has Gastroporesis (I think thats what its called not really sure what that is) along with many other health problems. Her stomach has been bothering her lately. She hasn't been able to eat solid foods for a couple years, basically has lived off of pureed food YUM. I guess she has been slowly eating solid foods but it hasn't worked out to well for her. Anyways she found out she has to get surgery in a couple weeks, something to do with her stomach. She was really having a hard time with it so this week she got really depressed to where she started hearing voices in her head....I guess this has happened before. She started doubting if she really wanted to be baptized...not good at all.
She is doing better though. She came to church Sunday and stayed all three hours for the first time. She feels right at home with the ward. They have taken her right under there wing and are doing everything they can to make her feel comfortable.
Saturday is the day!! This week we will meet with her three times to get everything done and ready for her. I'm very excited for her and I'm so glad I get to be here! I will let you know how it goes!
Well thats whats happened this week besides a couple crazy moments tracting. We got yelled at two different days, once by two old ladies and another by some crazy old man! heehee Fall is defiantly here. Its getting pretty cold. Can't believe the holidays are just around the corner! Can't waith to talk with you family!!!!
I love you and miss you so much. Talk to you soon! Give sweet baby claire loves for me!!
Sister Houston
TRANSFER WEEK
Wow this is Tori's 3rd transfer and she gets to stay put in Norwalk for awhile longer!! she is so excited!! she is sad to have Sister Stewart leave but really excited about her new companion! Next week we will see who it will be!!
Sister Houston email
October 12, 2010
Hi family,
Yes I am alot warmer! I did get my coat. Thank you!! It will be perfect for fall! This week has been in the 70's. Perfect weather for me! You just never know with Ohio weather...one week freezing the next not so freezing. I don't really know what to do about clothes. The stores just don't have long, warmer skirts out right now so I guess I'll just wait and try again later. I'll let you know if I need you to send me anything. Thank you for the CD's too and the cute little note books! They are great!
So are you ready to hear about my crazy week???
I don't know if I ever told you but my district consists of 5 sets of missionaries including me and Sister Stewart. One of the sets are sisters which has been awesome because there are not alot of full pros sisters mostly just elders so we got lucky. The sisters who have been in our district are Sister Henry and Sister Pelfrey. Sister Pelfrey has been real sick with severe food allergies. Basically she is allergic to everything from gluten, dairy, meats, eggs, raw fruits and veggies, etc. Poor thing was living off of rice cakes and peanut butter. They have been doing all kinds of tests to figure out whats going on with her body. She could never hold any thing down! She has been out 7 months and has been fighting this for about 5 so her, the mission president, and Heavenly Father of course decided it was time for her to go home and focus on getting things taken care of. Anyways so we get the news Monday night that Sister Henry, Sister Pelfrey's companion, will be coming to stay with us in Norwalk until transfers which is tomorrow by the way! Sister Henry came out at the same time as me. She is awesome and its been so fun being in a triple up with her and Sister Stewart. Kind of crazy but fun at the same time!!
We found 3 new investigators too! We haven't been able to find a new investigator this entire transfer so we were pretty excited to find 3 this week! I'll have to let you know how it goes with them.
But anyways so last night we got the call and guess what???
I GET TO STAY IN NORWALK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sister Stewart is getting transferred. She is so sad to leave the area!! She got really close with alot of the ward members and she might not get to see Joselyn get baptized. I feel bad :(
It's going to be so different.......I'm pretty scared not going to lie. Scared to be here with out her, she just gets people and just connects well with everyone who we have been teaching from less actives to investigators. I just not so good with it :(
We'll just have to see what happens. I am really glad to be staying full pros still.
So tomorrow we'll drive 2 hours to transfer meeting in Kirtland and go from there.
Yesterday we met with Joselyn. Her baptism is in 2 weeks!! And I get to be there!! Yay!!!!
She says to us "its weird i don't know how to explain it but i just don't have any interest in the movies or music i use to watch and listen to and i try really hard everyday to think about what i am doing to see if it is pleasing to Heavenly Father"...yeah seriously she is unreal. She tries to get her hands on every lds church book she can find, finished the Book of Mormon on CD and now is starting to try and read it. With her medical conditions its hard for her to focus but she is doing great!
Of course Satan is always there! Little booger. She has been facing some trails one being that her dad on sunday went to the hospital for chest pain. He is doing fine just has water around his heart i guess. It scared her though. She said to us yesterday she was having doubts about her baptism wondering if it is really what she wants but no worries we were able to help her see it was the adversary and to invite her to keep reading and praying. She is so happy. Im so excited to be able to be a part of her batism.
Anyways I better go....I wont have time I dont think to write any letters because we'll have to clean and do everything to get ready for transfers but I wanted to thank everyone for there letters this week! I loved them even Hunters little note!! heehee I will write next week for sure!
I love you family! I hope everyone is doing well! Write again soon.
Love, sister houston
Sister Houston email
October 12, 2010
Hi family,
Yes I am alot warmer! I did get my coat. Thank you!! It will be perfect for fall! This week has been in the 70's. Perfect weather for me! You just never know with Ohio weather...one week freezing the next not so freezing. I don't really know what to do about clothes. The stores just don't have long, warmer skirts out right now so I guess I'll just wait and try again later. I'll let you know if I need you to send me anything. Thank you for the CD's too and the cute little note books! They are great!
So are you ready to hear about my crazy week???
I don't know if I ever told you but my district consists of 5 sets of missionaries including me and Sister Stewart. One of the sets are sisters which has been awesome because there are not alot of full pros sisters mostly just elders so we got lucky. The sisters who have been in our district are Sister Henry and Sister Pelfrey. Sister Pelfrey has been real sick with severe food allergies. Basically she is allergic to everything from gluten, dairy, meats, eggs, raw fruits and veggies, etc. Poor thing was living off of rice cakes and peanut butter. They have been doing all kinds of tests to figure out whats going on with her body. She could never hold any thing down! She has been out 7 months and has been fighting this for about 5 so her, the mission president, and Heavenly Father of course decided it was time for her to go home and focus on getting things taken care of. Anyways so we get the news Monday night that Sister Henry, Sister Pelfrey's companion, will be coming to stay with us in Norwalk until transfers which is tomorrow by the way! Sister Henry came out at the same time as me. She is awesome and its been so fun being in a triple up with her and Sister Stewart. Kind of crazy but fun at the same time!!
We found 3 new investigators too! We haven't been able to find a new investigator this entire transfer so we were pretty excited to find 3 this week! I'll have to let you know how it goes with them.
But anyways so last night we got the call and guess what???
I GET TO STAY IN NORWALK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sister Stewart is getting transferred. She is so sad to leave the area!! She got really close with alot of the ward members and she might not get to see Joselyn get baptized. I feel bad :(
It's going to be so different.......I'm pretty scared not going to lie. Scared to be here with out her, she just gets people and just connects well with everyone who we have been teaching from less actives to investigators. I just not so good with it :(
We'll just have to see what happens. I am really glad to be staying full pros still.
So tomorrow we'll drive 2 hours to transfer meeting in Kirtland and go from there.
Yesterday we met with Joselyn. Her baptism is in 2 weeks!! And I get to be there!! Yay!!!!
She says to us "its weird i don't know how to explain it but i just don't have any interest in the movies or music i use to watch and listen to and i try really hard everyday to think about what i am doing to see if it is pleasing to Heavenly Father"...yeah seriously she is unreal. She tries to get her hands on every lds church book she can find, finished the Book of Mormon on CD and now is starting to try and read it. With her medical conditions its hard for her to focus but she is doing great!
Of course Satan is always there! Little booger. She has been facing some trails one being that her dad on sunday went to the hospital for chest pain. He is doing fine just has water around his heart i guess. It scared her though. She said to us yesterday she was having doubts about her baptism wondering if it is really what she wants but no worries we were able to help her see it was the adversary and to invite her to keep reading and praying. She is so happy. Im so excited to be able to be a part of her batism.
Anyways I better go....I wont have time I dont think to write any letters because we'll have to clean and do everything to get ready for transfers but I wanted to thank everyone for there letters this week! I loved them even Hunters little note!! heehee I will write next week for sure!
I love you family! I hope everyone is doing well! Write again soon.
Love, sister houston
hhheelllo ffamiillly iittts mmeeee
so you notice the last email of sept she was having some nice Fall-like weather!! haha poor thing!she is in Ohio with a little white sweater!! that not gonna work!! so i packaged up her wool coat and put it in the mail right away!! It will keep her warm until the snow and sleet comes then she will have to get a warmer coat and boots!!
I so love this girl!!! she is an inspiration to me and her family!!
Email from Sister Houston
October 4, 2010
Yup I real cold!! heee hee that was my attempt to chatter in my typing.....i know i a dork
But really I real cold!! My little cream coat isn't doing much for me any more. Its freezing!! Rain plus wind plus 50 degree weather no no no no not fun at all. I've been living in my one long skirt and those black tights you got me mom. Thank you by the way.
The Relief Society President, Sister Morgan, she so funny. She asked me if I had any warmer clothes, i say no and the next Sunday she came to church with a Happy Birthday bag with a couple turtleneck sweaters....even though I dislike turtlenecks very much. They make my neck all claustrophobic and turtley ya know but I'm sure if i freezin my bum off i will wear them. It was kind of her!! She also told me and Sister Stewart to go check out a couple stores too that are suppose to have cheap warm clothes so that's what we are going to do today hint the urgent email i sent right before this. I was hoping someone would be on so I could ask if it was ok if i spent a little money on some warm clothes. I hope it is. I wont buy a snow coat or boots...I'll just see how much they are and then let you know k. I think my coat will due for now! Thank you for sending it!!!! Today I just hope to get warmer skirts and maybe some tights to keep my leggies toasty.
My heart is pretty sad. We've been told that the summer was the hottest and driest its been since the late 1800s so the leaves probably wont turn as drastically as they usually do. Stink huh....
There are a few trees changing here and there but it looks like Arizona leaves, that yellowy brown lookin color. Its been raining the past few days so i still have hope! I'll get to see one more Autumn before I go home and maybe you guys will to if you come pick me up!!
Ahhh I love you family!!! Wasn't General Conference great??? I thought about you all!! I was sad I was missin out on the girls night during priesthood session but I guess I didn't miss anything. Thats a bummer mom but I glad you and rocky had a good dinner at Jack n the Box!!! In two conferences I will join ya k!!
This conference just made me love the gospel so much more. Its hard to explain. My heart and my mind were in the right place and each talk just answered so many of my prayers. Made me so much more grateful for the wonderful family that I have too and the opportunity to be on a mission.
Did you like how President Monson opened the Saturday morning session up with the great responsibility we have to do missionary work???!!!! I thought of you little brothers the entire talk. You better be getting your bums ready to go! The Lord needs you!
Its hard to tell you which one I liked the most because Im pretty sure I loved all of them!! I did appreciate Elder Hollands story of the sacrifice his parents made so that he could go on a mission.
I love you mom and dad!!!! Thank you for letting me have this experience even with money so tight and things happening left and right. I know it was unexpected for me to go and I had zero money to pay for my self but you still were so supportive. You have know idea how grateful I am for you!!! I know that you will be blessed because of it.
Joselyn was even able to come to the Sunday morning session! After we asked her how she liked it and she said "it was awesome!!! I thought it would be just a bunch of boring talks but no it was AWESOME!!!" We invited her to come with questions and concerns on her mind and promised that they would be answered and guess what she said every one of them were!! heehee seriously its like she is already a member of the church! This is rare really and I get to be a part of it!!! She is what they call GOLDEN or what i like to call a GOLDEN EGG! heehee
Oh and by the way we set a baptismal date with her!!!! OCTOBER 23rd!! She is so excited. She so funny. We asked her how she feels and she says to us "pure happiness"!
Now we just teaching her all the required lessons and helping her prepare for her special day!
Can you believe transfers are in a week and a half?? Next Tuesday will be my p-day and by Monday night we should know what is going to happen so I will let you all know!
Well I better go. I love you all so much!!! I hope you are all happy and healthy!!
Love,
Sister Houston
P.S. Remember as you apply the things our inspired leaders shared with us this conference we will be blessed and filled with happiness and peace even when life seems crazy!! We'll know what to do no matter our circumstances!!
I so love this girl!!! she is an inspiration to me and her family!!
Email from Sister Houston
October 4, 2010
Yup I real cold!! heee hee that was my attempt to chatter in my typing.....i know i a dork
But really I real cold!! My little cream coat isn't doing much for me any more. Its freezing!! Rain plus wind plus 50 degree weather no no no no not fun at all. I've been living in my one long skirt and those black tights you got me mom. Thank you by the way.
The Relief Society President, Sister Morgan, she so funny. She asked me if I had any warmer clothes, i say no and the next Sunday she came to church with a Happy Birthday bag with a couple turtleneck sweaters....even though I dislike turtlenecks very much. They make my neck all claustrophobic and turtley ya know but I'm sure if i freezin my bum off i will wear them. It was kind of her!! She also told me and Sister Stewart to go check out a couple stores too that are suppose to have cheap warm clothes so that's what we are going to do today hint the urgent email i sent right before this. I was hoping someone would be on so I could ask if it was ok if i spent a little money on some warm clothes. I hope it is. I wont buy a snow coat or boots...I'll just see how much they are and then let you know k. I think my coat will due for now! Thank you for sending it!!!! Today I just hope to get warmer skirts and maybe some tights to keep my leggies toasty.
My heart is pretty sad. We've been told that the summer was the hottest and driest its been since the late 1800s so the leaves probably wont turn as drastically as they usually do. Stink huh....
There are a few trees changing here and there but it looks like Arizona leaves, that yellowy brown lookin color. Its been raining the past few days so i still have hope! I'll get to see one more Autumn before I go home and maybe you guys will to if you come pick me up!!
Ahhh I love you family!!! Wasn't General Conference great??? I thought about you all!! I was sad I was missin out on the girls night during priesthood session but I guess I didn't miss anything. Thats a bummer mom but I glad you and rocky had a good dinner at Jack n the Box!!! In two conferences I will join ya k!!
This conference just made me love the gospel so much more. Its hard to explain. My heart and my mind were in the right place and each talk just answered so many of my prayers. Made me so much more grateful for the wonderful family that I have too and the opportunity to be on a mission.
Did you like how President Monson opened the Saturday morning session up with the great responsibility we have to do missionary work???!!!! I thought of you little brothers the entire talk. You better be getting your bums ready to go! The Lord needs you!
Its hard to tell you which one I liked the most because Im pretty sure I loved all of them!! I did appreciate Elder Hollands story of the sacrifice his parents made so that he could go on a mission.
I love you mom and dad!!!! Thank you for letting me have this experience even with money so tight and things happening left and right. I know it was unexpected for me to go and I had zero money to pay for my self but you still were so supportive. You have know idea how grateful I am for you!!! I know that you will be blessed because of it.
Joselyn was even able to come to the Sunday morning session! After we asked her how she liked it and she said "it was awesome!!! I thought it would be just a bunch of boring talks but no it was AWESOME!!!" We invited her to come with questions and concerns on her mind and promised that they would be answered and guess what she said every one of them were!! heehee seriously its like she is already a member of the church! This is rare really and I get to be a part of it!!! She is what they call GOLDEN or what i like to call a GOLDEN EGG! heehee
Oh and by the way we set a baptismal date with her!!!! OCTOBER 23rd!! She is so excited. She so funny. We asked her how she feels and she says to us "pure happiness"!
Now we just teaching her all the required lessons and helping her prepare for her special day!
Can you believe transfers are in a week and a half?? Next Tuesday will be my p-day and by Monday night we should know what is going to happen so I will let you all know!
Well I better go. I love you all so much!!! I hope you are all happy and healthy!!
Love,
Sister Houston
P.S. Remember as you apply the things our inspired leaders shared with us this conference we will be blessed and filled with happiness and peace even when life seems crazy!! We'll know what to do no matter our circumstances!!
Fall is Arriving in Ohio
Ok so of course i am way behind again!! my computer crashed this weekend so i am trying to find and gather stuff ! I thought i save her last set of pictures on a disc but can't find it!! ahwww i mess sometimes!! so i hopefully will get some pictures soon!! i wanted to get her last few emails on her blog because she has been working with an investigator named Joselyn and she is getting baptised and so i wanted her story so everyone can see what a miracle life can be for some people and how our Heavenly Father is looking for these wonderful people and how the missionaries find them!!
September 27, 2010
Good morning family!!
:) I glad you enjoyed the videos of me and Sister Stewart! heehee they were of the end of my first transfer so right before we were sent to Norwalk, then on our way to Norwalk. The one under the stairs was our second day in Norwalk when we had a tornado warning! We found out a couple days later that a tornado did actually touch down some miles away from Norwalk! No tornados since so few! And I not to sure about the potty dance???? hmmm...its been a while since I looked at the videos so I will have to watch them again to see what that potty dance was. lol I glad you got them working (now go hide my computer again heehee). I will do more videos of me, promise. I just don't like the camera but i know you will kick my bum if I don't send something! and I'm pretty fat now so its gross and embarrassing! Its so hard not to gain weight! Everyone loves to feed ya especially dessert and you feel bad to say no! Oh well don't judge :)
Oh and I have been trying to find my other SD card the one with the amish village pictures....i can't find it any where. Did it ever get sent back?? No worries though I had three so I have one to use....just wanted to see if it happens to be back there in Arizona.
Anyways, sheesh Arizona weather sounds a lot like Ohio weather just not as hot of course. We started off last week in the 80's and then climbed up the the 90's but for the last two days its been in the 60's and today its rainy and cold!! They say by the end of October is when it will start getting really cold. The leaves are starting to change! Just a little bit! Its so pretty. I'll take lots of pics so you guys can see what a "real" fall looks like!
Remember Joselyn??? The 23 year old who walked into the church and asked how to be converted?
We taught her another lesson last week. Well I wouldn't really say we are teaching her. Its more like she is teaching her self and we are there to say yes thats true or to further explain something. Last week she pulled out her "Mormonism for Dummies" book all highlighted with questions written out for us to answer. Basically she taught the Plan of Salvation to us and we just added our testimonies! Joselyn says to us with the biggest smile on her face "you know that when you like a boy and you get that excited feeling when he comes around....I feel that way when Im reading and learning" heehee
Can you believe this?? She has been listening to the Book of Mormon on tape because its easier for her. She is already to Mosiah! Her mom Dail is not really interested like I said but we can tell her heart is softening toward it. She is always at the lessons and comes to church with her each week. This last week she asked if me and Sister Stewart would be at Joselyn's baptism (just a side note...we haven't really talked a whole lot about baptism up to this point. Our first time we met them Dail told us to take it slow and that Joeslyn is different and she wont learn as fast as we are use to but yeah I pretty sure Joselyn is progressing faster then any other investigator I've seen around...her mom just doesn't know heehee)
We then started telling them about transfers, which are in 2 weeks by the way, oh and yes tears were shed because we know that one of us will most likely be getting transferred and therefore most likely wont be at the baptism. Dail even shed a few tears her self and Joselyn said "Oh!! then I have to get baptized before you leave" heehee
Yup so thats Joselyn!! She is praying about a date and so are we. Her and her mom came to the Relief Society broadcast on Saturday. She had to leave early because she wasn't feeling to well. She still is really weak from her illness what ever it may be and she is planning on being at conference or watching it on TV. Because of her great enthusiastic excitement for learning about the church I realized how much I take advantage of this great thing that I have!!!! Its an amazing thing to watch the change take place in someones life and how happy they are when they find the truth and recognize more fully the love of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ!
I loved the Relief Society Broadcast!!! Right when it started I had to try really hard to hold back the tears because I was thinking about ya Mom and Shalyse!! It was really different with you not there. We were in the Relief Society room with about 20 other ladies watching it on a TV. I can't wait for conference! Did you know i get to watch 3 conferences while i on my mission?? Crazy!!! I'll be thinking about you cuddle up in your blankets and pjs missin ya like crazy!!
Well family i better go! I love you all very much and miss you a ton! I hope you are all doing well!! Remember the church is true!!
Love,
Sister Houston
September 27, 2010
Good morning family!!
:) I glad you enjoyed the videos of me and Sister Stewart! heehee they were of the end of my first transfer so right before we were sent to Norwalk, then on our way to Norwalk. The one under the stairs was our second day in Norwalk when we had a tornado warning! We found out a couple days later that a tornado did actually touch down some miles away from Norwalk! No tornados since so few! And I not to sure about the potty dance???? hmmm...its been a while since I looked at the videos so I will have to watch them again to see what that potty dance was. lol I glad you got them working (now go hide my computer again heehee). I will do more videos of me, promise. I just don't like the camera but i know you will kick my bum if I don't send something! and I'm pretty fat now so its gross and embarrassing! Its so hard not to gain weight! Everyone loves to feed ya especially dessert and you feel bad to say no! Oh well don't judge :)
Oh and I have been trying to find my other SD card the one with the amish village pictures....i can't find it any where. Did it ever get sent back?? No worries though I had three so I have one to use....just wanted to see if it happens to be back there in Arizona.
Anyways, sheesh Arizona weather sounds a lot like Ohio weather just not as hot of course. We started off last week in the 80's and then climbed up the the 90's but for the last two days its been in the 60's and today its rainy and cold!! They say by the end of October is when it will start getting really cold. The leaves are starting to change! Just a little bit! Its so pretty. I'll take lots of pics so you guys can see what a "real" fall looks like!
Remember Joselyn??? The 23 year old who walked into the church and asked how to be converted?
We taught her another lesson last week. Well I wouldn't really say we are teaching her. Its more like she is teaching her self and we are there to say yes thats true or to further explain something. Last week she pulled out her "Mormonism for Dummies" book all highlighted with questions written out for us to answer. Basically she taught the Plan of Salvation to us and we just added our testimonies! Joselyn says to us with the biggest smile on her face "you know that when you like a boy and you get that excited feeling when he comes around....I feel that way when Im reading and learning" heehee
Can you believe this?? She has been listening to the Book of Mormon on tape because its easier for her. She is already to Mosiah! Her mom Dail is not really interested like I said but we can tell her heart is softening toward it. She is always at the lessons and comes to church with her each week. This last week she asked if me and Sister Stewart would be at Joselyn's baptism (just a side note...we haven't really talked a whole lot about baptism up to this point. Our first time we met them Dail told us to take it slow and that Joeslyn is different and she wont learn as fast as we are use to but yeah I pretty sure Joselyn is progressing faster then any other investigator I've seen around...her mom just doesn't know heehee)
We then started telling them about transfers, which are in 2 weeks by the way, oh and yes tears were shed because we know that one of us will most likely be getting transferred and therefore most likely wont be at the baptism. Dail even shed a few tears her self and Joselyn said "Oh!! then I have to get baptized before you leave" heehee
Yup so thats Joselyn!! She is praying about a date and so are we. Her and her mom came to the Relief Society broadcast on Saturday. She had to leave early because she wasn't feeling to well. She still is really weak from her illness what ever it may be and she is planning on being at conference or watching it on TV. Because of her great enthusiastic excitement for learning about the church I realized how much I take advantage of this great thing that I have!!!! Its an amazing thing to watch the change take place in someones life and how happy they are when they find the truth and recognize more fully the love of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ!
I loved the Relief Society Broadcast!!! Right when it started I had to try really hard to hold back the tears because I was thinking about ya Mom and Shalyse!! It was really different with you not there. We were in the Relief Society room with about 20 other ladies watching it on a TV. I can't wait for conference! Did you know i get to watch 3 conferences while i on my mission?? Crazy!!! I'll be thinking about you cuddle up in your blankets and pjs missin ya like crazy!!
Well family i better go! I love you all very much and miss you a ton! I hope you are all doing well!! Remember the church is true!!
Love,
Sister Houston
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Cakes, Dogs and Investigators -- OH MY!!
Tori sent a few pictures home this week so i will get them on as soon as possible!! She is happy and adorable as always!! We love that smiling face!!!
"Service" What missionaries do best!!!
Sister Houston and Sister Stewart showing off there baking skills!! In her email she said she helped a member bake some cakes!! always doing service! what a missionary!
Email from Sister HoustonSeptember 20, 2010
Good morning family!
Sounds like its been a rough week for you all. I got your letter mom about Kael on Tuesday. Scared me to death to hear what happened!!!!! I figured since I didn't get a call from President that everything was going ok so im glad that he is doing better and that everything is healing well. I'll wait to get the letters for more details....hopefully today.
Well another week gone. I can't believe I'm already half way through this transfer. It was a good week though. There is a lady in the ward who bakes cakes for a living. She needed extra hands so Sister Stewart and I got to go over for a few hours to help! Everyone in the house smokes but her so yeah by the time we left my eyes and throat were burning! Yup I'm pretty sure I'm a second hand smoker....nasty nasty nasty! EVERYONE smokes. You'll just be sitting there visiting someone and they wip out a cigarrette right there! Its gross. My poor poor body.
Anyways oh and yesterday we almost died. We were walking back to our car and there was a big dog on a leash. We didn't pay any attention to it of course because its on a leash....duh. Next thing ya know he is charging at us, i mean CHARGING! It was scary!! You should of seen Sister Stewarts face! Classic! I just ran for the street. Guess I need to work on my Charity huh heehee
Anyways I don't think I ever told you about Joselyn.....
A few Sunday's ago there was a wedding being held at the church building in Sandusky. Bishop was there early getting some things done. There were a few of the guests already arriving and in walks Joselyn with her mom, Dail. Bishop greets them thinking they are just there for the wedding but really she came in to find out how she can be converted to our church! Really thats what she asked, Crazy huh!!
She is 23 years old and is recovering from an illness. We aren't really sure exactly what this illness is and she doesn't want to tell us. Before she got sick she was a certified nursing assistant and was going to college with hopes of adventually becoming a doctor. Whatever she has caused her to be in bed for 3 years and just a couple weeks before bishop met her had she been up walking around. Her therapist i guess told her to find god and told her about the mormons. She wonts say anymore than that but she did all kinds of research on the internet about us mormons! hee hee What caught her eye was the 13 Article of Faith and Temples so that is why she set out to find the church building so she could learn more. Her mom isn't really interested but she is always there to support her because of how weak she is. She is so pale and shaky and i guess suffers from depression. Its a strange situation.
We met with her for the first time two weeks ago, answered her questions and taught the first lesson. Last week she was in the hospital but we met with her again on Saturday. The first question she asked was what can I do the get baptized!!! She's been reading a book called the key to conversion and is always either reading or listening to the Book of Mormon on CD. She even went and bought "Mormonism for dummbies" from Borders book store! Heehee
This is so unreal to me! She has already been to church twice now! She said that she is so excited to keep learning and you can tell! Ahhh I so excited! I will keep you updated on her progress!
Well family I better go I have to go fill out a missionary survey before my time is up. I will be sending home pictures this week so look for them. I love you all so much!
Love,
Sister Houston
Anyways I don't think I ever told you about Joselyn.....
A few Sunday's ago there was a wedding being held at the church building in Sandusky. Bishop was there early getting some things done. There were a few of the guests already arriving and in walks Joselyn with her mom, Dail. Bishop greets them thinking they are just there for the wedding but really she came in to find out how she can be converted to our church! Really thats what she asked, Crazy huh!!
She is 23 years old and is recovering from an illness. We aren't really sure exactly what this illness is and she doesn't want to tell us. Before she got sick she was a certified nursing assistant and was going to college with hopes of adventually becoming a doctor. Whatever she has caused her to be in bed for 3 years and just a couple weeks before bishop met her had she been up walking around. Her therapist i guess told her to find god and told her about the mormons. She wonts say anymore than that but she did all kinds of research on the internet about us mormons! hee hee What caught her eye was the 13 Article of Faith and Temples so that is why she set out to find the church building so she could learn more. Her mom isn't really interested but she is always there to support her because of how weak she is. She is so pale and shaky and i guess suffers from depression. Its a strange situation.
We met with her for the first time two weeks ago, answered her questions and taught the first lesson. Last week she was in the hospital but we met with her again on Saturday. The first question she asked was what can I do the get baptized!!! She's been reading a book called the key to conversion and is always either reading or listening to the Book of Mormon on CD. She even went and bought "Mormonism for dummbies" from Borders book store! Heehee
This is so unreal to me! She has already been to church twice now! She said that she is so excited to keep learning and you can tell! Ahhh I so excited! I will keep you updated on her progress!
Well family I better go I have to go fill out a missionary survey before my time is up. I will be sending home pictures this week so look for them. I love you all so much!
Love,
Sister Houston
Oh just a side note.... we told her about kael and his emergency surgery he had!! its really tough to not be able to let her know about emergency things like that!! but all is good with Kael, and we are still glad she is on a mission!!
"Mormonism for Dummies" Really?? what will people think of next!!
This email is one of my favorites: baking cakes, big doggies, and "golden" investigators!!
She is just an awesome missionary!!!
Everyone's A Child of God!!
I love hearing about the investigator stories!! Tori just has the funniest way of telling her stories about them!! Enjoy!! So everyone is a Child of God even red necks!! haha
Email from Sister Houston
September 13, 2010
Hello my wonderful family!
I'm sorry I haven't written a good email home in the last few weeks or haven't had any time to write anyone letters!! How are you all doing??? How is life back home??? It's been forever since I've heard from anyone! I hope you are all doing fabulous. I have the bestest family ever!!!!
Well....I am doing good. The work is great. It's hard at times. This last week especially. The worlds a messed up place! There are quite a few less active members and even investigators who we are teaching and everyone has there individual needs and concerns, everyone is going through something different. I feel like because of my tag and who I represent these people look to us for help and for answers! Its overwhelming for me. I never know what to say or how to help. Knowing me you know I've never been good with people in general so you can imagine how difficult this is. I'm grateful for this experience though. It's helped me see what a follower of Christ is suppose to do, everything that he did when he was here, help and uplift others, serve.....I hope I can learn to love the way he does and make a difference in others lives. That is where I will truly be successful in my calling.
Our one investigator with a baptismal date moved back to Michigan. I don't think I ever told you about Jesse Peterson. He was being taught by the missionaries for quite a while in Michigan, then moved here to Norwalk back in February. The Elders before Sister Stewart and I came were teaching him and then we took over after they were transferred out. Oh Jesse....how do I even describe him. Well he is as red neck as it gets, long greasy hair, one big front tooth, smoker. He was so funny though! At one point we asked him to set a date to stop smoking and he did. So me and sister Stewart would call him everyday to see how he was doing. One time we called him up on the phone and Jesse say "Close your eyes." I am think what the heck why would he ask us to close our eyes he cant see us.....then Jesse say's "What do you see?" Sister Stewart and I look at each other so confused and trying really hard not to laugh. Then Jesse says "Thats how many smokes I had today!" Heehee it was so funny. Kind of shows who Jesse is but yeah he moved back to Michigan. I got a picture with him and one of his daughters so next time I send them home look for it. The work is going good though.I love you family! Miss you all so terribly and I wish you all a good week!
Crazy that its already the middle of September. Yesterday marked me being out 4 months! It's getting kind of chilly here in Ohio. The leaves are barely starting to change. I can't wait to see fall!! Not to sure about winter yet...maybe when i get the chance to go get clothes to keep me warm I will heeheeOh, Dad and Chase I am trying to study the priesthood. I want to understand it more simply....if you have any advice or simple explanations, analogies, etc, send them my way k!!
love,
Sister Houston
Email from Sister Houston
September 13, 2010
Hello my wonderful family!
I'm sorry I haven't written a good email home in the last few weeks or haven't had any time to write anyone letters!! How are you all doing??? How is life back home??? It's been forever since I've heard from anyone! I hope you are all doing fabulous. I have the bestest family ever!!!!
Well....I am doing good. The work is great. It's hard at times. This last week especially. The worlds a messed up place! There are quite a few less active members and even investigators who we are teaching and everyone has there individual needs and concerns, everyone is going through something different. I feel like because of my tag and who I represent these people look to us for help and for answers! Its overwhelming for me. I never know what to say or how to help. Knowing me you know I've never been good with people in general so you can imagine how difficult this is. I'm grateful for this experience though. It's helped me see what a follower of Christ is suppose to do, everything that he did when he was here, help and uplift others, serve.....I hope I can learn to love the way he does and make a difference in others lives. That is where I will truly be successful in my calling.
Our one investigator with a baptismal date moved back to Michigan. I don't think I ever told you about Jesse Peterson. He was being taught by the missionaries for quite a while in Michigan, then moved here to Norwalk back in February. The Elders before Sister Stewart and I came were teaching him and then we took over after they were transferred out. Oh Jesse....how do I even describe him. Well he is as red neck as it gets, long greasy hair, one big front tooth, smoker. He was so funny though! At one point we asked him to set a date to stop smoking and he did. So me and sister Stewart would call him everyday to see how he was doing. One time we called him up on the phone and Jesse say "Close your eyes." I am think what the heck why would he ask us to close our eyes he cant see us.....then Jesse say's "What do you see?" Sister Stewart and I look at each other so confused and trying really hard not to laugh. Then Jesse says "Thats how many smokes I had today!" Heehee it was so funny. Kind of shows who Jesse is but yeah he moved back to Michigan. I got a picture with him and one of his daughters so next time I send them home look for it. The work is going good though.I love you family! Miss you all so terribly and I wish you all a good week!
Crazy that its already the middle of September. Yesterday marked me being out 4 months! It's getting kind of chilly here in Ohio. The leaves are barely starting to change. I can't wait to see fall!! Not to sure about winter yet...maybe when i get the chance to go get clothes to keep me warm I will heeheeOh, Dad and Chase I am trying to study the priesthood. I want to understand it more simply....if you have any advice or simple explanations, analogies, etc, send them my way k!!
love,
Sister Houston
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
"Zone Out"
Ok so i been really really "Zoned Out" Too!!! Just like Sister Houston!!
so i am gonna go back a few emails and try to get back on track!! It might take a few days (or weeks haha) to get this done so hang in there with me!! thanks
Email from Sister Houston:
September 7, 2010
Hello Family,
I'm alive! Yesterday was "Zone Out" P-day! They do it once a year. We got up bright and early and travel out to Hiram, Ohio, about 2 hours away. We had a spiritual message from President and his wife then we were split up into groups to do a bunch of fun missionary games, had some yummy lunch, did relay's and played more games. It was fun. We even did a tour of the Johnson Farm! It was a quick tour so I didn't really get to see much of it or take pictures. I did see the room where Joseph and Emma were sleeping when he was dragged out by the mob....Elder Dalton, one of the senior missionaries gave the tour and when he was telling this story the spirit was so strong! Such a neat experience. I had never heard the story in so much detail. Can you imagine being tarred and feathered, beaten so badly and still having the desire to get up the next morning to share the gospel??? I don't know maybe its just me being in my missionary mode but this to me shows what kind of man Joseph was because that's exactly what he did.I hope I get to go back again!!
Well I didn't get to write any letters and I am emailing on my lunch break so I don't have to much time. Man I miss you guys! I'm so sorry I haven't been able to write you very detailed emails of the experiences I've had in the last few weeks. I can't wait to share them with you! Can you believe that I'm on a mission?? I still forget sometimes what a sacred calling I have, way more then i should. Your mind has to constantly be on this work and others! I'm learning so much about my self and what Heavenly Father is expecting of me but over all I'm doing good. How is everyone back home?? I haven't heard from you guys in a while. Write me!!!I love you family! Thank you for being such great examples for me. Next Monday I promise will be a better email.....I will be sure to share some experiences I've had!
Love you!
Sister Houston
PS I will try to send pictures home next week
so i am gonna go back a few emails and try to get back on track!! It might take a few days (or weeks haha) to get this done so hang in there with me!! thanks
Email from Sister Houston:
September 7, 2010
Hello Family,
I'm alive! Yesterday was "Zone Out" P-day! They do it once a year. We got up bright and early and travel out to Hiram, Ohio, about 2 hours away. We had a spiritual message from President and his wife then we were split up into groups to do a bunch of fun missionary games, had some yummy lunch, did relay's and played more games. It was fun. We even did a tour of the Johnson Farm! It was a quick tour so I didn't really get to see much of it or take pictures. I did see the room where Joseph and Emma were sleeping when he was dragged out by the mob....Elder Dalton, one of the senior missionaries gave the tour and when he was telling this story the spirit was so strong! Such a neat experience. I had never heard the story in so much detail. Can you imagine being tarred and feathered, beaten so badly and still having the desire to get up the next morning to share the gospel??? I don't know maybe its just me being in my missionary mode but this to me shows what kind of man Joseph was because that's exactly what he did.I hope I get to go back again!!
Well I didn't get to write any letters and I am emailing on my lunch break so I don't have to much time. Man I miss you guys! I'm so sorry I haven't been able to write you very detailed emails of the experiences I've had in the last few weeks. I can't wait to share them with you! Can you believe that I'm on a mission?? I still forget sometimes what a sacred calling I have, way more then i should. Your mind has to constantly be on this work and others! I'm learning so much about my self and what Heavenly Father is expecting of me but over all I'm doing good. How is everyone back home?? I haven't heard from you guys in a while. Write me!!!I love you family! Thank you for being such great examples for me. Next Monday I promise will be a better email.....I will be sure to share some experiences I've had!
Love you!
Sister Houston
PS I will try to send pictures home next week
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