"JOCELYN'S STORY"

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