HI! (Week 28)

Well hello again!

 

Wow, those emails were jam packed with stuff. It was awesome! I loved reading about everything that you guys are doing, although it seems like everything is going to be completely different when I get home. Just don't touch my room! haha I'm excited about the garage door opener. Dad- be careful with the trailer hitch (stay away from missionary cars ok?!) We won't get more miles either. They won't give anymore out because the church is getting more cars, so we just have to not go as far into our area. It takes about two hours to get to one end of the area to the other. Why do you start doing march madness when I'm not there? Arg! What's happening with it? Who's predicted to win? This sucks! What do you mean a carbon of my calling? I'm excited for Erin. Our ward attendance is not that great. Our ward roster is 15 pages long!!!! I'm not sure what the right numbers are, but I would say (since I've only been twice) that maybe we have like 80-100 come? Not a ton. We are close to a med school and they let in a few mormon families each year and that keeps the ward young and with a primary. We went over the ward roster yesterday and I was just amazed at it. It is so sad to see so many people who have just forgotten their testimony, what they have felt, and all they have done at church. We got our car fixed today- some purge valve or something like that, that had to be fixed I guess. Mom- thanks for the fbook news! I was wondering about Ellen and if she would be engaged but this answers my question. ha Tell her congrats. Sad to hear about Natalie, but I'm happy for Tom! I didn't know he was in school. What's his address? I've been meaning to write him a letter. I didn't know about Kim, but that's cool.  I'm fine on contacts- we got the bigger supply. Meals are pretty sparse here which can be hard. In Dublin we had meals everyday, but last week we only had two, so it's interesting. I'm keeping the sleeping rules mom, but you still are just exhausted! I'm not a morning person, and you do so much that you are just tired. I never feel like I get enough sleep. Ask Isaac! He should back me up on this, right Isaac?!! haha

 

So, this week has been full of up's and down's but we have survived and are trying to just do our best here. Right now we are in the middle of a snowstorm. We got a couple inches yesterday and it's been on and off today. It's snowing right now. Sis. Gubler is taking pictures and is freezing cold! We were able to meet a lot of our investigators from the elders this past week and feel them out and see how we can help them. We are really excited for one couple because I think if we can work with them and help them they have a lot of potential. There is another couple who i guess is really solid, but the elders left really crappy directions and no address for them, so we weren't able to find them when we went out there. Hopefully we can figure it out. Lame elders! We had an awesome lesson with a less active woman though and I thought that she would for sure come to church on Sunday, but she didn't. One night nothing was working out so we were going down the roster and we both were like, we need to go here. So we drove there and it was like this mansion of a house that is so pretty! They welcomed us in (the husband is active, the wife is not cause she was offended :/ ). We talked for a little bit and then I was going to share a scripture, but couldn't find the one I wanted, but the pages kept turning to a different one, so I said fine and went with that one and I'm glad I did. It was exactly what they needed (especially her) and she started crying and knows that she needs to come to church. She thanked me for sharing that one and reminding her that Christ is always there to help us and to remind her that we as missionaries care about her. Oh, by the way, she is going to adopt both of us, and wants to take us to a cool park and have us for dinner and come over whenever. It was so amazing and the spirit was definitely there. On Saturday in companionship study I asked Sis. Gubler how she was doing and she cracked. I had seen it coming for the past few days and was waiting for it all to just overflow. We talked for a good hour or so about being a missionary and overcoming things, and how strong she is. She is having a hard time keeping her faith and trying to do all that she can in this area. She is frustrated with it, and misses her family a lot. (cough by the way, her mom is rocking the letters. She gets one like every day from her! cough haha It helps her though) I felt like I really helped her though and had a couple different things come to mind to share with her and all of them she loved. I'm trying! She said that she couldn't have asked for a better trainer! Yay! We get along great and have too much fun sometimes...like when we're both really tired. We studied yesterday and I thought I smelled burritos and spanish rice (figures, we live in between two hispanic families), and she made a face which was so funny and I just started laughing which made her start laughing. We laughed so hard for a good five minutes and by the end of that time we were dying and our abs hurt, but it was just what we needed. I don't even know why it was so funny, but it was, and it helped us to be in a better mood, and to forget all the hard moments and days that we had this past week. It seemed like a long one, but I have learned so much from it.  

 

Wow, that's a long paragraph. I have learned about how much I can handle, what I can do, and that the Lord really does have a plan for each one of us. He knows exactly what we need and at the right timing. I just have to trust in that and know that everything will work out how it should here. I have to do my part though and work hard and try to help others all that I can. I love you all!!! You're amazing!!!

                   Love, Sister Higgins

AHHHHH!!!! (Week 27)

Hi, hi!

 

 Sorry this is a later email. The library here doesn't open until 1 and then we got here later, so that's why it's later. Thanks for the emails and the pictures! Yes, I finished the E!(on her "called to serve" chart here at home) Dad- that's cool about Nathan Priest although I can't remember where he is going. He will do well though. We can't do skype in our mission, just phone calls although I wish we could skype! I'm so excited for all the girls in our ward to come out! Mom- please tell Lynn and Sarie congrats on their calls! I was wondering when Sarie would get hers. Yesterday at church a girl said that either her niece/sister-in-law/cousin (can't remember) got their call to Jacksonville, FL. Wonder if it was Sarie? Is Rachel Wirthlin still planning on serving? She wrote me a letter and I wrote her back, but then I haven't heard anything else from her :( That's crazy that Elise and Shannon are engaged at the same time! What a busy time for their family! I don't know about the emailing friends. I haven't heard that we can do that, and it seems weird because in the white handbook I think it specifically says not to email friends. I don't know. I'll have to check on that. (Other missionary moms were posting on facebook that their missionary had received permission to email any and all contacts.) That's interesting about Saira too. Glad I was able to help her! Yeah, I know of the Elder Nelson from Mapleton.  I'm pretty sure that he was the one in Morgantown before we got doubled in. He came out with Sister Little, so he's been out a year and a few months. That's really cool Elder Perry came to Mapleton!! That doesn't happen too often. Maybe that ward really needed it though. My new address is HC 81, Box 70 G, Apt. 7 Lewisburg, WV 24901.

 

So, since last p-day I feel like everything has happened! Oh my goodness, it has been absolutely crazy and right now I don't even really know how I feel! There are so many emotions! So, saying goodbye last week was so sad, but also helped me to know that I did help in Dublin, and that I brought more happiness to the area. I woke up at the grand ole' time of 4:30 on thursday to finish packing, tidy up the apartment a bit, get ready, and be at the wal-mart down the road by 6. It was crazy but we made it. The group going home- 6 elders, the group coming in- 20 (14 elders and 6 sisters). Wow! The biggest group they have had yet. It just shows that people are answering the call to serve and now they are coming. It's so exciting to be a part of, but so crazy! I got to see Sis. Little at transfers and talked with her for a while. She is training again for her last transfer in the mission (she has a visa waiter to australia). That means that I'm not the baby anymore, but the middle child!! (sorry Kellie! lol) She's still in Morgantown and she told me that one of the girls that we had found and that I was able to teach a little bit before I had gotten transferred had been baptized!!!!! I was so excited for her because I wanted her to be baptized to find a greater happiness for herself and to realize that she has so much more to do and reach for in her life than what she was doing. I wish that I could have been there and that I could have helped teach her more, but the Lord needed me elsewhere, and I guess I had done my part with her. That was cool though. 

 

Then I met my baby!!! She was the last sister to be called, so I was just sitting there trying to figure out who I would train. Her name is Sister Gubler from Tucson, Arizona, and she is 19 and so great!! I can't tell you how nervous I was to start training because I set the tone for her, and will shape her and how she will do for her whole mission by how I help her. Ahhhh! No pressure right? ha We got dropped off in Beckley, WV and got picked up by some members who crammed all of our stuff into their tiny car. We had suitcases piled all over us in the back but it was fun. The apartment though was terrible! Trash overflowing, dirty dishes everywhere, dust, etc. I don't think the elders really cleaned it. We turned the car on (dad close your eyes! ha) and the check engine light came on! Arg!!! We think we may have figured it out though. The gas cap is completely gone and with this car the light will come on when it isn't exactly right, so that might be the problem. Hopefully. Basically in this area I have been dished a massive piece of humble pie!! Our area is the 2nd largest in the mission and it is massive. We can't even really get out to parts of our area because we don't have enough miles! The ward roster is huge, but only because I'd say between 1/2 - 3/4 are either less active or inactive. And the more populated parts around us have basically all been tracted out. Awesome. So, between training, getting doubled in to a huge area, with literally not much help from the elders at all, I have felt so inadequate, humbled, scared, overwhelmed, frustrated, confused, the list goes on. It has been so freaking hard, and I just wonder why me? ha But I know why. I know that President Pitt and the Lord know I can do this. I know the Lord trusts me! He wouldn't have put me in this situation if He didn't know that I could do it. That I had the gifts and talents to be able to overcome this challenge and to help this area to see more success and help build those who are needing love and help. This has definitely tested my faith and what I am doing and how I react to situations, but it's ok. It's been doubly hard because Sis. Gubler has no clue what is going on and has been really discouraged, but it is amazing already to see what humility, fervent prayer, and support can do. I have been able to help her already. 

 

We have a time limit and I'm about done, so I've got to go, but I will tell you more later. Elder Oaks was absolutely amazing! I loved it. Please pray for me!! I need all the help, support, and guidance that I can get! ha I love you all! I'll get through this, just wait and see! :)

                               

Love, Sister Higgins

Ahhhhhhh!!!!!! (Week 26)

Hello all!!!

Well that's about how I feel right now! ha The bikes look great and it sounds like you guys are having fun with them. Mom-you look good. And you guys look so dashing in your helmets! Thanks for all the news and updates! So many things are happening it seems like. Lindsey and Isaac- congrats!! That is great that you guys were able to finally make a decision and can now focus on that. Glad you feel good about it and that you took time to weigh everything out. That was a big decision that you made! As for the massive snow storm that they were forecasting, yeah, it was a bright sunny day! ha Those weather forecasters. Mom- I knew Cassie was working on her papers but didn't know she had her call yet! Wow, that is so exciting! Her family I think went there when she was 8 or something like that. I knew she would probably go foreign. That's cool about Lexi too. I have a friend serving there. I guess my foreign mission was to West Virginia. I am so glad to hear that Saira is having such a good time and is learning so much! Holy cow-4 baptisms! Wow. Um, I think my ego of finally having one 5 months in just took a hit! ha Good for her though! I am so glad that she decided to serve a mission.  I need to write her again! This email may be short though because guess what...I'm hitting the road again!!!

So, transfers are tomorrow and I am not ready for them- packing and leaving the area! Even though Dublin was so hard and frustrating at times, and can really get you down, I absolutely LOVED it!!! The ward that we have here is sooooo amazing and I love the people! They are just so fun and want to help us missionaries in any way! I have gotten close to some of them and was of course crying when I had to say goodbye! I've come to the conclusion that saying goodbye just sucks, so we should all just stay in the same place our whole lives so we never have to say goodbye! Sound good?? I love some of the investigators that we have as well, and just hope that I was able to help touch them and make their life better in the time that I was given to be here with them. I had a feeling at the beginning of this transfer that it would be my last one here and I was right. It is bittersweet because I am excited for my next adventure, but am sad to leave here. My district here has been my favorite one because we had way too much fun together but we also taught each other a lot. Half of our district is getting transferred though, so it won't be the same. So, are you ready for the news though?? I am going to finally become a mom out here and I get to meet my baby tomorrow!! ha Since we welcome someone into the mission and help get them used to everything and train them, they are like our babies and we are the moms cause we take care of them! I told my favorite investigator as we were saying goodbye that I was going to be a mom and you should have seen their faces! ha Priceless!! They were like 'what!' haha I got a call from President on Sunday night and he said it was always a pleasure to talk to me and asked if I was sitting down. I told him I was, and then he proceeded to tell me that I was going to be training this transfer, but he was not worried at all because I have been prepared and will do a wonderful job as a trainer! He may not be worried at all, but I am!! Then he told me that I would be getting doubled in to White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia!!! Uhhhhh.....I'm not nervous at all!!!! haha Not only am I coming into an area having no clue about any of it and trying to pick up where the elders left off, I am going to have to do it while training someone who doesn't know what they are doing!!! The Lord must know that it will be ok and that I will do alright because I have no clue what I am doing! I feel like I am getting a double whammie! But, I am so incredibly excited because I know that this is where I need to go and what I need to do. I know that the Lord doesn't give us things that we can't handle as long as we turn to Him, and that is exactly what I will be doing more and more. It is humbling to think that the Lord trusts me so much to have me do both of these things at the same time because I don't think I'm ready to do both of them, but He does, so I'll do it. We sang the hymn 'I'll go where you want me to go' in sacrament and I figured I would be leaving and then the waterworks started. Even though I was so sad singing the song, I felt so much peace, comfort, and love about me and I knew that I needed to go somewhere else to help other people improve their relationship with their Savior! Whatever He wants me to say or do, I will say or do it, because that's what He wants from me and I am going to do my best at it! I was really surprised when I found out I was going to White Sulphur though because that is only like 13 miles away from Covington, where I started my mission. It's the next area over and is in the same district. So weird to be going to almost the same place, but I kind of know why. There is a girl in Covington who I have helped a lot through letters, but now to be close to her and maybe see her at times is exactly what she needs! Amazing how the Lord works and is in the details of our lives! So, yep that's what's happening here. Sis. VanOrman is staying and Sis. Grey is replacing me, and she is an awesome missionary! She came out a transfer behind us so Sis. VanOrman will be the senior companion.  Anyway, I've got to run cause I still have to write President, finish packing, do laundry, the list goes on. I will probably not get much sleep tonight.

Oh, yesterday I hit 6 months!! Is that not crazy?? 1/3 of the mission in the books already! AHHH! I love it and am trying my best out here although sometimes it seems like I am not making a difference at all. But that's ok though because I am learning and am planting seeds and am making someone's day better with a smile! :) Pray for me cause I am going to need it!! And we see Elder Oaks on saturday! So Exciting!! I love you all! Take care and much love!!

                                                                               Love, Sister Higgins 

Pictures!!!!!

 

Our mission car - after we slid down this embankment.



Really stuck - lots of mud!

What to do while waiting...play with the camera!



The rescue!!!

 

1st Baptism - with Sis Tuckett
 

She is amazing and I love her!
 

Transfers - a bit crowded!



Crocheting fun

Self portrait
 

10 day old pet mouse
 

3 day old pet mouse

Hole in the mission car's bumper from another car's trailer hitch.





I have no creative title for today. My brain hurts! (Week 25)

Hello Family!!

 Wow, is it just me or do the weeks seem to be going by a lot faster?? Either way, I get to talk to ya'll again! :) Thanks for the emails. I loved reading them and hearing about what all is happening with you. Sorry you are working so much mom, and Lindsey, I'm sorry to hear that you are sick!! No fun at all! I guess my blessings of being a missionary need to step it up because I don't want you all to fall apart! Feel better! The miracles and blessings come after our trial of faith! You guys will be blessed so much because of all the craziness that you are having right now. Keep going! I'm praying for ya! Thanks for the daylight savings reminder. Meh...lose another hour of sleep...who needs sleep? It's not like I'm tired all the time! ha oh well, it's all good! Mom- please tell Korinne congrats and that I'm excited for her! I'm glad I didn't have to wait that long to leave! Sounds like you had an awesome RS (Relief Society meeting) as well! I am thinking of beatitude stuff. I will let you know lindsey if I come up with anything brilliant! :) I didn't get the picture that came with the bike/car quote, but that was really funny! Also, dad, I think I will start to get travel stuff around september or october. They usually ask you a few months in advance what transfer you'll be taking. I'm expiring (ha) in either february or march, still undecided on which I will take. I don't know if a lot of families come pick their missionary up. It would be fun to go see everyone, but would I still have to follow all the mission rules (skirt, badge, time, etc) when we go see them? That wouldn't be too fun. Something to think about.

 As for Dublin, everyone is freaking out right now. We are supposed to get a massive snow storm on tuesday/wednesday, but we'll see what happens. Some are treating it like the apocalypse again. haha It has been really cold here and snowing on and off all the time, but it doesn't stick. Yesterday was miserable. Snowing and 26 degrees. Party. Lately, we've been struggling to find people who are interested, and some of our investigators are just frustrating, so it's been an interesting week to say the least. I have a good feeling about this week though and think it will be great. We have some good lessons set and I'm hoping some referrals turn into something.

 Fast and Testimony meeting yesterday was awesome! I felt the spirit so strongly and felt so loved by my Heavenly Father. A couple people actually got up and bore their testimonies about how wonderful the sisters were and that we have a really sweet spirit about us. It was neat. I was fighting going up the whole time, but finally gave in and went up. When I got up the whole bishopric were smiling cause they all just love me! :P Seriously though. My mind was so jumbled though on what to say, so I got up there, took a deep breath, and looked out at the ward, and what do you think...I started crying! haha It hit me how much I love these people and how they are my family! I don't want to be transferred out of here yet, and the thought of leaving them just made me cry. I can't even remember really what I said, but (not to boast) basically it was amazing and powerful! Soooo many people came up to me throughout the day and told me how much they loved my testimony and how wonderful it was, and how it had touched them. I felt very loved yesterday! A very less active woman came yesterday and just broke down as she started talking to me right before relief society and just asked if she could talk to me. We went into a room with Sister VanOrman and she just told us so much about everything. She was holding it all in and finally had to just let it out. We tried to give her the best advice we could, but really we can't fix it. The whole time we were talking I had a feeling/thought that she needed to receive a priesthood blessing. I brought it up and just asked her if she had had one and if she would like one. She didn't think she had, but decided why not. I got our bishop and he gave her one of the most powerful blessings I have ever heard. It was so neat to be in that room and feel of the spirit that was bearing testimony to what he was saying to her from her loving Heavenly Father! After he left she kind of thought it was weird. I asked her why? Did she feel anything though? She said she felt better, calmer. I know that she felt the spirit though and that she felt something different when she came to church. Whether she chooses to act on the blessing or not is up to her, but I know that I had a prompting which I acted on that needed to happen. I talked to Bishop later on and he said that the promptings he was receiving and the spirit he felt in saying the blessing was the most powerful spirit he has ever felt in giving a blessing. He was just in awe of the blessing. It made me so happy, and I hope it helped her! :)

 Sister VanOrman had an awesome bonding experience on saturday that helped us understand each other better. It was so cool and I know that things that I told her to help build her back up were not my words but from Heavenly Father. We were both crying and afterwards she said that she knows Heavenly Father answers prayers through other people- me. Wow! It's just amazing how the Lord has us help others. I may not be finding and teaching a lot of people here, but I know for a fact that I am helping my companion. My ward family. And myself.  I do love Sister VanOrman and want to truly help her.  Transfers are next week and I honestly have no idea what is going to happen. We will find out saturday if we need a ride, and around then as well if we have any special assignments or training. From the beginning of this transfer I thought I was going to leave, but now I'm not so sure. I don't know. We have a long haul now cause p day isn't til wednesday, so that's when I'll let you know what all is happening. Ahhhh! Keep praying for me! I'm praying for you! I love you so much! This gospel is true, don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise. I know it, believe, and have seen it change lives including mine. The Lord loves each of us so very much and is there to help us whenever we need Him. I just love it! 

                                                                                   Love, Sister Higgins

P.S. I'll try to send some pictures off today. We'll see.