14 May 2012

So I know I talked to Mum and Dad yesterday! Loved that by the way! But I would like to talk about some of the things that Happened during the week.

So the week was great. We did a lot of tracting. and following up on potentials and formers. Seeing how they are doing and if they want to talk to missionaries again or begin talking to us! It is great we have found some amazing people here.

There was one man that we just invited him to church and he didn't show but he called us apologizing for not coming. we are going to try and meet with him. but he sounds amazing. but a spanish family that we are teaching right now came to church. they have been a few times before but something is holding them back from baptism. it might be marriage and it might be something totally different. not quite sure yet. but their kids are cute and have a lot of energy so it is hard to get much of a lesson in. we do try though.

We are also teaching a family that is amazing. they felt pushed before so we are taking things slow but they want so much to learn and follow Christ. But we have had some interesting experiences while tracting. some people are just how long do I have to talk to you before you will leave. others I am completely happy where I am, some I admire what you do but I have no desire to change. some see you on their porch and slam the door in your face (this one is rare) and then there are the few that are completely convinced they know what we believe and will try telling us that we worship Joseph Smith and that we Don't follow Christ. Had a man do this to us the other day. He said I am a deacon in my church and so I know what you believe, don't go around telling me you believe in God when you worship a man. Joseph Smith is a man so you worship man not God. My companion wasn't very happy with him but was being very civil and trying to explain that yes we do believe in God and we do believe Christ is our Saviour. He wouldn't listen. So I asked how his faith has helped him and his family. He loved talking about that. And then we offered our service for when ever he needs any help he is welcome to call us. He softened a little after that and we left on friendly terms as I would put it. I just felt so sad that someone is not willing to even to listen to those called to preach the word and actually know what we do believe. Nope he would rather do an ostrich.


We are starting to get to know the Members and the area really well. (I am drawing a smaller version of our map to take around with us) but it is coming. the people are seeing us out and about and rather friendly to us. they like to wave! I love waving!!!

So I went on an exchange to Quincy. That was fun! One of the sisters there is training a visa waiter. who is eventually going to argentina. But the visa waiter had the same MTC teachers that I did. How crazy is that? she had mentioned that one of them had said to look for me. And we swapped some stories about our teachers. But the whole exchange was fun and I learned just how much my spanish has grown. I helped translate back and forth for a lesson there. and Did some more tracting and getting to know people there. It was Great! Also recieved training on a pilot program that the mission president is doing. that was fun! I really hope that it works out great! And then I got to talk to Mum and Daddy. And about five minutes of Uncle Griff. But it was great, I am doing Great, and LOVING IT!


well Love you much,
Hermana Ziegler

P.s. some granola or nuts would not be remiss! yummy! (this one is just fun!)

7 May 2012

The week has gone by so fast that it is crazy. My new companion is Sister Haws and she is great! We are sweeping the area of Warden. Warden is so small it is crazy! Smaller than Nauvoo well it might be the same size not sure! But there is alot of spanish work here. about 60 percent or so of the population is hispanic. the other are all farmers or their family has lived here for years. So When I mentioned to a few of the warrd members that I am from Carthage, IL. They ask if I know Joanna Miller. I say yes. They are her cousins! And most of the english ward is related in some way or another. It is really crazy. But this past week has been great. The people here are great! The Members are amazing, and the work is going to be slow at first but we will be working our hardest to find those who have been prepared in this small town. So things about warden. Well..... Only a few of the streets are actually paved. They have only stop signs and a caution light. There is a potato factory! Alot of trailers, and one ice cream van that plays a jingle that just can not be described to give it justice. But it is hilarious! Oh and the only time that you can get lost is if you are trying to find the members who live out on the farms. I LOVE IT!


There is so much work to be done and alot of walking and bike riding to save miles involved. But this week has been great. We came here with just the area books and the ward list. But we are doing great finding potentials and those who truly want to hear more about the gospel and the peace it will bring into their lives. I am learning the importance of talking more. I lost my planner again. Not very happy about it. Kept saying how from now on I should tie it to my wrist. (or just put pockets into everything) But I am looking for it and hoping to find it. The place where we are living we inherited a pet. we are not supposed to have pets but apparently the cat had just had her kittens and they did not want to move her yet. so the owners just asked us to feed it every night. Only thing is that it likes to leave dead presents on the door step every now and then. Yeah not liking that. We call it "I kill mouse and leave it on your doorstep" or "Ikila de mouse" we are not very fond of it! It is quite interesting. Well there will be many tales to tell later about this area. Because It is going to be an amazing area! Oh hey I got some news this morning. Agustin got baptized!!! And after his confirmation he bore his testimony! I am so proud of him. He is amazing! Wish I could have been there but I am where I am supposed to be right now and I am enjoying every minute of it!

With love,
Hermana Ziegler

30 April 2012

SO last night we got our transfer calls. The news of who would be staying and who is being transfered. So......I Am being transfered. I get to sweep into an Elders area with a new companion. Hna. Haws (I think that is how it is spelt) But I am so excited. The place is called Warden. and from what my companions and Zone leader have told me that it is a small town and that I will love it! It is on the west side of the mission. So Tomorrow I will be riding the transfer van. So many new experiences So Excited!!!!

Anyway, Today we helped "Fear Bust" the new Sisters. Some of them are visa waiters. They are waiting to go on to Argentina but their Visas need to go through. They look like an amazing group. Hna. Christoffersen will be training one of them along with staying with Hna. Ruiz in the Valley area. It is all so exciting, and a little daunting. I still have to finish packing! Yikes!

But it is all going great. This last week was crazy. So We had a temple sister (a temple square sister) go back and her companion needed someone for the day so off went Hna. Christoffersen. Then we had an exchange planned so off went Hna. Ruiz . Then it was me and another Temple square sister. So we had one thing after another cancel on us and I was driving. (Yes I was driving!) But we had a member cancel on us to go on a church tour with an investigator. So while we waited for the investigator to show up we called I think half the ward. It was crazy, because we needed a 3rd sister. The investigator was male. And the rules are teach a man we need 3 sisters present. It could be his wife, sister, cousin, a member, just need 3 woman there. So He finally showed up 30 minutes late with his cousin who is a member and she was the one that had introduced him to us. Well to continue on... the Church tour went great. He understood everything, we taught the restoration, and he excepted a baptism date for june 9th. He came to church yesterday and stayed for all 3 hours! He was invited over to dinner by some of the Members and they all loved him. One of them mentioned that is he had not known that He was an investigator he would of thought that he was a visiting member.

Such amazing miracles happen out here. Some are so prepared that it is simply amazing. Others take awhile to know that this is the true church. I am a little sad that I will be missing the batism this Saturday. Agustin is so amazing! He is so ready and wanted all of us to be there, but he is going to be so excited. Pres. Palmer is going to be attending his baptism. That is how special he is. He has been home courted at the Palmers many times and they just love him. We had gone by their house one day and they had asked after him. We had no Idea who they were talking about. But we thought since they asked that we should look for him. Well it wasn't till after zone confrence that we found him. At a branch party that his member roomate had invited him too. And since then we have been teaching him and he has been so receptive and ready to hear and change. I am so excited for his baptism, and he is really excited as well.

Oh so funny story- While I was with the temple square sister we meet with a less active family. And were lucky enough to catch the oldest son who is never there, actually there! Yes! Well we talked to him about why he did not come to church and he said that it was his only day off and it was right in-between his golf time "tee time". Are you kidding me really just because you want to golf! Seriously! Well we then invited him to attend sacrament meeting and then he said that he would have to start his game later. and it would be dark. then the temple sister asked in her russian accent "What are you girl? Are you afriad that you are going to be attacked or something?" I couldn't believe that she said that. But he just laughed! I was a little shocked but I couldn't help but laugh later!

So the week has been great and I look forward to meeting my new companion and sweeping the new area! That is going to be an adventure, I do love a good adventure!

So family-

Mariah, I love you. Madison is so cute! Daddy sent some pictures she is adorable. When she is going to be blessed are you going to write the Blessing? (Hey was that done for me? If so I would like a copy of that!) Reason I ask is that we did that for our baptism last week when she was confirmed. And she really enjoyed knowing what was promised her in the blessing.

Nichole- I also got a family picture from Daddy. They are getting so big! Wow! I won't recognize them when I get back. Love you as always!

Eric- Any tips on sweeping? Or excersise?

Mommy- Found out that I may be able to skype for mothers day. What is your address?

Daddy- I did get the pics and I love them! Also I love your Idea. It is great hearing from you. I love you!



Con amor,

te quiero y te carino

Hermana Ziegler

24 April 2012

So yesterday I got really sun burnt. Ouch! I am now going to get some
sunscreen, and aloe Vera. I hope that it will help!

So Much has happened this week. The Baptism went great. She was confirmed the next
day and is very happy to now be a member. She is also hoping to help her father come back to church. We shall see how it goes. I can see her doing it! She is feisty if not a little bit bossy.

We have taught a few people this week that are just so ready to hear the word and come to church. For example we are teaching one Spanish family and the mother said that they had all been ready to go to church, they were excited to go, and on the way out the door. When everything just fell apart. Tempers came out,the 2 yr-old threw a fit. It all just went wrong and they ended up not coming. She then asked us
that was Diablo (Satan) wasn't it? We told her yes. I was a little sad because I did not share as much as I had wanted in the lesson. The 2 yr-old girl decided that I was the perfect playmate. And my face ended up being stickered. My face was covered in stickers. Next time I am bringing a coloring book!

We also taught the daughter of a recent convert and her family. They
have been so well prepared.

Sadly we have also been dropped by a few people. Some because they
are going out of town for work. Or they feel that they are not ready
for the gospel in their lives. We get so sad when this happens. We
have come to love these people and are sad when they choose to not
have this wonderful message in their lives.

Love you all and hope all is well!
Con amor,
Hna. Ziegler

23 April 2012

Sorry all you readers. Diana's update will be later this week. this is transfer week in her mission. So that makes her preperation day a different day this week. I do not know if she will be transfered or not. Keep checking back for your update this week probably Wednesday. Thank you

16 April 2012

So this week has been really slow. We have been doing a lot of tracting. Which is funny, because both of my companions dislike tracting. But we get to meet a lot of interesting people. One for instance we were talking with an older gentleman and Hna. Chris mentioned that My Father was Catholic. Then the man kept telling me well you know how it is! He thought I was Catholic. I just kept nodding my head and humming. It was funny, but he was really nice!

The work continues onward though we keep receiving and giving referrals. People we meet and do not live in our area and express an interest. Or people that the members have referred. We are really excited though. We have a baptism this Saturday! She is so cute to. She is 9 and insisted that we invite everyone. She had invited her whole primary class weeks ago! We also have two other on dates that are very solid. and they really desire baptism. One of them fasted for three days to know if baptism was for him! Three days! He is very serious about it. And is now praying about a date that we gave him.

So we had zone interviews with President Palmer. He told us that we are the last zone that he will be doing these interviews with. His mission is ending in the end of June. The last thing we have with him is Zone conference next transfer. Which is really sad. I will miss him and Sister Palmer. Sister Palmer is wanting to plan a Sisters p-day with all the Sisters in the Valley. Not sure who is going to still be here. We have this week and next week till the end of the transfer. Oh which reminds me. We are going to the temple next week so you won't hear from me till Tuesday.

Well all is great here. Eric I got the Planner. I love the inside! especially capt.Moroni. I am making one for you now. I think you'll like it!

Nichole I love the Umbrella! It is huge! Thank you so much! And Thank you for the Journals. they will help so much! How are the Little ones?

Mariah how is everything? Well of course your excited for Madison to get here, So am I! well send pictures when you can.

Mom it is great to hear from you as always. Sounds like Nauvoo is pretty calm right now.

Daddy that is so exciting about finding those people. Just make sure and leave some work for me to do alright?

Well I love you all and hope that all is well,

Con amor,

Hna. Ziegler

p.s. Does anyone comment on the blog or my face book page?

9 April 2012

So Life has been busy. This week has not been as great (sadly)! But we are hanging in there. So we had a few people drop us. And almost all of them were not there in person to do so. One of them we got a weird/nice/interesting letter asking us to not come by anymore. Another had moved and we found out through his roommate that he was in another state. One nobody knows where they are. etc...... it has been weird and saddening. We truly only wish to help others on their way to Christ. But we are still going strong.

Right now we are working with four people who are truly desiring baptism two of them are on date one of them needs to pick out a date the other is praying about baptism. They all have grown so much since our first visit with them. One of them that we are teaching watches the BYU Channel and even ordered their program booklet. So funny! We are having our next appointment with them with the Bishop and truly hope that all goes well with that. Well we have a for sure baptism on the 21st and their whole family is planning on being there for support. It will be great. We are making invitations this week so that can invite all who want to come.

So it is great to hear that all is well. That the Family is being blessed. And mother I have already met the Sister. I met her at Sisters Training. A very sweet girl. I will have to remember to say Hi from Sister Miller next time.

Okay so my Companions get giggle fits every time I talk about growing up in a small town. They love that someone still has have had the experiences they only read about. They really got to Laughing when we were talking about growing up on a farm with one of our investigators. I mentioned having to milk the cow. He got a really sad face and said he was never allowed to milk the cow. They really started laughing about that because he was so disappointed and that we both had those similar experiences. (They are both city girls) But they love hearing about it and are amazed that someone could live on a farm in the middle of nowhere will no real modern commodities.

Oh so I got the "privilege of eating Saviche again" But this time with shrimp, crab, mussel and octopus. It was so gross. I felt queasy after wards. And I had a hard time getting it down. Way too much fish for my taste, thank you! I don't like fish but have a hard time eating it too. If it had been shrimp and salmon I would have been fine. But I ate because it was given to me and they took the time to make it. My companions thought that it was great, and really good. Yeah no not for me!

Oh went on an exchange last Tuesday. And it was a lot of fun. Mostly did allot of tracting in the other sisters area. But I talked allot. And it was so much fun just meeting people and talking about how their faith in Christ has helped through their life and how they can become even closer to him with the gospel. It was allot of fun and I got to learn so much. And I am still bad with time but I can now feel the passage of time. Which is a big plus so I know when I am taking longer than I should.

Oh awkward story-

So we are teaching allot of divorced, less-active men. Anyway anytime we talk to one of them he asks about the beautiful Ladies and how we are doing. And that is awkward enough. But then we had an appointment with one and luckily we brought our sole ward missionary. Well anyway. We walk into the door and look at the table where we usually meet and teach. Well there is a lit candle, red table cloth a dish of candies, cheese and crackers, four plates, and some sort of drink on the table. We were a little shocked and feeling a little awkward. Till we found out that it had been his mother who had set it all up. But it still felt awkward. Why oh why??????

We unfortunately get that allot. Especially with the older single men we teach. We do try and get them to go to the single activities though. Oh well. But it is time for me to write president.

Hope and pray all is well,

Con Amor,

Hna. Ziegler