26 March 2012

It is great to hear how life is back home. And Momma thanks for the snail mail. though the pic of Miriam got a little rubbed so it looks very pink! But I love having pictures of the little ones. Thank you and I will be sending off a thank you for the other item you sent. So this week has been pretty good. I was told by one of the members in our Spanish branch that my Spanish is getting better. And I had only said a prayer! It was great to hear that I am improving in my Spanish. I know I am understanding more and my confidence is growing daily so I am speaking all that much more. So I am excited to hear how everyone’s life is going because I want to be able to know what has happened in my families lives while I am out here. I love being here, but I do like to hear about my family. And so... Well this week has been busy. We are teaching and finding more and more people. Some have never heard of the church before others are in relationships with less-active members. But each are searching for the truth in their own way and we are striving to teach and help them along that path of finding. It is truly amazing to see the growth that happens in their lives as they begin to live the gospel. And you feel it within yourself as well. That change has you study the scriptures not only for your own benefit but to help others have a better understanding of the gospel. It truly amazes me! I am now such a different person that I truly don't know how I got to be this way but know it has to do with the Lord and his hand in helping so that I can teach those searching and ready to hear the message we share of Christ. Right now we are teaching a 9-yr-old that is so excited to be baptized that she told her whole primary class that she was going to be baptized. Now we just have to make sure that we have Dad's permission. Because she truly desires this and it will help I believe bring her father back to his faith in the Gospel. There are many who we are teaching that are preparing for baptism and we pray for them nightly so that they receive that answer they are looking for and so that they can truly be prepared for baptism in every whit. They are wonderful people and are just yearning to know how they can become closer to Christ. There are many times I look back and think if I had half the desire these people have in coming unto Christ how much different would my life have been? It is an interesting question and I am learning now to have such a desire and push forward with knowing that all that has promised will be mine if I keep the commandments and covenants I have made with God. On Saturday we watched the young woman’s broadcast. I loved every single one of those talks. I don't have my notes on me otherwise I would write a little about each that I loved but they were amazing and answered some doubts that I have had lately so I am very thankful for the chance to go. Well I need to write President Palmer but before I go...... I need rain stuff! It is getting very rainy out here. Not that I mind but don't exactly want to get sick from getting to wet. I am going to look for a hat today. Also my journal is about done I have ten pages left. And that will probably only last the week so if possible that would be great if you could send me one if not that's okay! I will write very tiny! With lots of love, te quiero, Hermana Ziegler

19 March, 2012

Hey Family, So this past week has been amazing. We are teaching alot of people right now. Most of them new to the lessons. We have been finding and recieving refferals like nothing. We are also finding while tracting. And following the spirit as we do so. But First I want to ask.... Is anybody doing the Book of Mormon challenge? It is reading the Book of Mormon in 85 days, while marking everytime Christ's name is mentioned (All of his names), his attributes,his words and his doctrine. A different color for each.We are doing this as a whole mission. And our last day mark is mothers day! So just doing it in 85 days and then writing about the experience and keeping it witht that Book of Mormon. I really reccomend doing the challenge. I have felt so much more understanding of the Book since I have been doing this and it is so much easier to read now that I am looking for specific things but you have to make sure you are actualy reading it and not just skimming for the things that need to be marked because there are a few times where you know that it is christ speaking only by context. Anyway on to the week. Well we found an Indian women one night by tracting let me tell you what happened. We were tracting in an apartment complex looking for a former, but we did not have the apartment number. So we were tracting when I felt that we should go across to the other side of the apartment complex. Across the parking area. So we did and we knocked a few doors till we came to a door that a women started yelling at us. Asking us what are we doing, who were we, and if we were nice. We convinced her that yes we are goosd people out doing the Work of the Lord and teaching others about Christ. She opened the Door and we talked for a bit and asked her some questions. She then let us in and she started crying and saying that she wanted help and she wanted to feel closer to God. We are going back and teaching her tonight I really hope that she finds tha peace and joy she desires. And then Last night we were teaching a hispanic man about the plan of salvation and he asked a question about acohol. We told him that we have a prophet today that has told us that it is not good for us. And he said that it made sence. Really..... I was amazed. Oh and I have been told that my spanish has improved so much since I came out. It is really amazing to me we have so much going on here we do not know what is going on in the world are sense of time is different then the rest of the Lord's and we love to go out and share what we love and know about Christ and his plan and Gospel. We even have funny moments like being cat called by 10-yr-olds or being told the oddest things by people. We do have some strange ones. But I have to go and write my Letter to Pres. Palmer. I wish all joy and hugs. Con amor, Hermana Zielger

12 March 2012

So next week is transfers. We will find out Sunday night who is getting transferred and who stays. So we are on kind of tender hooks because we have found allot of people these last few weeks and they are a amazing. We had 5 investigators at church. That is amazing for us because that has been hard for us to get them to come to church. Especially the Spanish people. Whose idea was it to have church at 9 in the morning for the Hispanics? Any way... But I am growing and learning so much. I keep being told by my companions that they admire my not complaining about things. I know that I did when I first came out but I found that I did not like the person I was when I was complaining so I quit. But they are such sweet sisters that if one of us are transferred I will be sad but know that all is in the Lord's hands. So Brother Church is now the stake president. He will do a great job. And Momma just do what you can and I am extremely grateful for it! Really I am. Just your support is great. Right now e-mails from you and Daddy are all that I am getting so it is great to hear from you. I bet Mariah is anxious about the Baby, I would be in her place! But she will be a great Mother. Nichole sounds like she is doing well. and the kids. How is life in Carthage treating you? Next time you see Joel tell I said Hello and wish him well. Same to his father-in-law. Okay So this week has been great and crazy. So I have received my second mission proposal. It was weird and kind of funny. It was a Russian man that was a potential. He lives in the same apartment complex as one of our current investigators so when he is not there we try him. Any way.... Well I had done my make-up a little different that day. He kept going on and on how beautiful my eyes were and actually asked me to take my glasses off. Then asked if I would marry him. Hhmmmm.... Yeah no!!!!! Not ever!!! But I don't get why I keep getting those. It is just awkward! But I would say the Highlight of the week is SISTERS TRAINING!!!! It was so much fun. we had an activity in the beginning to introduce each other and get to know the other sisters it was similar to speed dating and the Palmers participated. That was fun and noisy. Then we had a work shop on how to find, teach, keep, and work with investigators and Less-actives. We also did a group discussion on how to work with the ward and church tours and on how such an important tool they are to the mission. There was also a Brother from family services who came and taught us about stress how to recognize and relax from it. He also talked on communication. Then we had an open question session with the Palmers. It was so much fun and I learned allot about how I could work and teach more effectively as a Sister missionary. I will have to start sending some pictures but I am not sure when or how yet! Because I have no Idea how many pic's my memory card will hold! But I would love to send some your way. I don't have my cord with me today so..... Any way. I am learning so much. The challenge that we are doing as a mission is so amazing. I am learning so much and realizing just exactly how important Christ is. So far he is mentioned on every single page of the Book of Mormon and I am in Enos. And I am reading slower to make sure that I catch everything. It is simply amazing. I love you all so much but I do need to write Pres.Palmer So, Con amor Hermana Ziegler

5 March 2012

Alright this week has been amazing.

We taught 23 lessons and found 4 new investigators. We had a busy week. We taught alot and are so ready to go out and find more.

First off I will talk about a young man that we are teaching.

A. is very smart and is studying in college. We read with him 2 nephi 31: and he kept going on he wasn't ready for baptism because he was not doing as the scriptures said and repent. He said that the little things that we do through out our day are also included in the that. How can we be like Christ if we don't even do the little things in life. Like doing something just for doing something right not for regocnition or to be seen to be doing something. Just because we want to be doing it. And He knows that this church is true and that he has doubts that are being answered as we teach him but he knows what his answer will be when he is ready to be baptized.

We also taught a few less-actives and we found one who had also been going through some hard times and we told him the blessings that he would recieve if he came to church every sunday. and he argeed and bore his testimony of missionary work and told us that he would be there but might need a call to wake up in the morning because he worked till 5 in the morning. So we did and he told us how greatful he was that we did.

We had two investigators in Church yesterday! For the whole thing! And one of them brought his whole family with him who we have been trying to get involved with the lesson for awhile. yes!!!!

There is just so much going on here and I feel myself growing so much out here. I am talking so much more not just standing/sitting there silently. My spanish is growing thought sadly right now my writing is better than my speaking but it is getting there. For example I was writing in my journal earleir in the week and I looked back on what I was writing and the asked myself, "When did I start writing in spanish?" It is strange how that happens but I have been told that is one of the signs that you are starting to get the language. I am also wanting to talk more in spanish than english. I also did an entire phone contact on my own entirely in spanish. We have an appiontment with the gentlemen later on this week. Though I have not dreamed in the langauge yet. (my Journal is almost full, I only have twenty pages left in it)

But I am loving the growth that I am feeling out here. I may have gotten out of the shell while in the MTC but I now need to get used to actually talking and teaching lessons is helping so much. And I am amazed by how easily I handle the phone now.

But I truly wish to hear how everything is going on out there with the family. I haven't heard from Eric in awhile. What do you think you are doing buster not including me in the family e-mails. hmmm...... te queiro y te extrano.......

Mariah I got a shock the other day about how close you are to your due date. It's only two months away..... Wow how exciting... Are you having a baby shower anytime soon. If so send some pic's my way. And of course when the little one is born want a picture of that cute face.

Nichole it is so exciting to hear that Thomas got blessed. That must have been wonderful. Yesterday we had a baby blessing not only in our English ward but Spanish as well. It was very special. Your kids must be shooting up like weeds right now. Oh before I forget. I got Jessica's b-day card back so I am going to send it back via Mum and Dad. I hope that Works sorry it will be very late.

Mum I love hearing everything from you. It is great that you are feeling better. and able to get back to work.

So spring time is coming here. The robins are about and it smells like spring.

Oh so you are aware I am not eating anything but natural sugars anymore. The other stuff just makes me sick, and that means now more cake, cookies, ice cream, candy, some juices, anything with fructose really. So I don't eat desserts any more. But I am feeling so much better now. I am eating more fresh fruits and veggies.So don't send me any sweets it will just go to my companions or the Elders in my district.

Oh I have a favor to ask. I want to make Irish Soda bread for St. Patricks day But I need the recipe. Would you be willing to send that my way. It will not go to anyone else but I really want some. And Making it myself is easier and cheaper than buying it or having you send me some so please will you send the Irish Soda bread recipe to me?

Welll I need to write my Mission President now,

With much love and affection,

Hermana Ziegler

P.S. Are you taking the Book of Mormon Challenge. It is just doing wonders for me!

27 February 2012

So this week has been interesting. We have one on date (baptism date) and are hoping that she will stay on date.

So we taught a lesson yesterday at the Palmer's house. That was so .... Just Wow! It was what we would term as a home court. And The Young man is amazing. Very spiritual, and has the desire to have his heart opened to know what God desires for him. He was our only investigator at church yesterday.

We are also teaching a man with a lot of potential. He is reading in the Book of Mormon and believes that it is true and thinks that baptism is beautifull. He has two kids and one of them was sick so he is not on date at the moment. Which is very sad!

Oh we were doing service for a woman in the ward. and she has a daughter who is not a member. We helped out and taught the Daughter and she desires for a change in her life and sees that this can bring the change that she desires. When we told her about the book of mormon she asked us where she could buy it. she asked three times about it. We then told her that we were giving her one and she looked like she was about to cry.

There are several people we are teaching who are desiring for the change, to know, and to become closer to God. We are also finding those who the Lord has prepared. Example: Last night we stopped over at one of our investigators house and one of his house mates said he wasn't there. but we invited him on a church tour and then he kept making sure before we left the we would call to set that up with him during the week. Asked us if we were calling 3 or 5 times. So the Lord is preparing them. we just need to ask and find them.

Oh, oh, oh,...... Guess what??? I went on my first exchange this week! It was so much fun yet a little weird. It felt weird being with out my companions. But it was fun I went with one of the Liberty Lake sisters. And helped teach their on-date. That was fun. Helped tape a wall for painting and teach a some-what progressing investigator. It was interesting to see how other companionships go about teaching the word.

Oh one thing before I go My spanish is coming along.

I love you all and pray that all is well. Off to write Pres. Palmer

te quiero, y te extrano

Con Amor,

Hna. Ziegler

21 February, 2012

So This week has been amazing.

We have been praying to find and teach those ready and waiting to hear the words of God. We are teaching two men right now that are simply ready. One of them (English) has a son who was baptized when he was eighteen and is now on a mission in Chile,Santiago. So he gave his Father 3 Nephi 11 to read. When we had been swept in we had been given his name by the elders telling us that he wanted a Bible. So when we came over he told us that He could not find 3 nephi in the bible. So we gave him a book of mormon and marked the chapter his son had given him to read. We took him on a church tour two days later and after wards he told us that he had re-read 11-23(ish) over five times which is not like him. And that he had stayed up till one in the morning reading he could not put it down. He has since continued reading. and we are teaching him on thur.

One of our Spanish investigators told us that he could not see how their was only the Bible. How can God have so many people. So many who want to follow Christ yet have no book. There must be another book! So we Joyously told him about the Book of Mormon. And are teaching him tonight. We are having so many miracles daily that make it so we are finding those ready to hear the word.

We also have a SPANISH investigator that actually understands apostasy! Trust me that is a big thing!

And We are teaching a Young man that we may have to give over to the Assistants. Because he is a young adult but, he is a 7 month recovering achololic and drug addict. He was athiest but during his recovery he said he discovered God and the Love that he has for him and he wants to learn how to become closer to God. Oh and another we taught just last night. He is searching for ways to have his "Seed of faith grow" his own words.

Oh I know have a food story for you. So we were invited over to eat at one of our Investigators homes for lunch. We said yes of course. They are from Guatamala. But anyway. She made us a soup that had potatoes, corned beef, and green plantains. it made all of us sick. And Then we went over to a Members home and she made us Korean food which was good but we were already queasy and almost full. But she left us for 30 minutes alone in her apartment to give some of the Food to the Palmers. it was weird!

But this week has been busy and full of the Works of God.

Oh on fri. we had zone confrence and learned about the book of mormon and how we can use it better to teach the investigator and help them understand the gospel and make sure that they are reading it every day even if it is one verse. They need to read it every day. but we were issued a challenge by Pres. palmer. He said to take a clean paperback book of mormon and mark all the names of Christ (or when they are reffering to him), Mark his words (when He is speaking), And his attributes. We are to do this in 85 days or by mothers day. I have been doing this for the last few days and have learned so much more when reading the book of mormon. It is amazing to me. I think that this would be great for you to do. You learn so much!

Also it is great to hear about home and how you are doing. How the missionaries are doing. And with the Young Man maybe get the singles involved. They might be able to help or help find him somewhere to live and someone to give him a ride every week. If he loves it so much that he is willing to walk there he needs to get there!

Love you all, con carino

Hna.Ziegler

13 February 2012

I have been in the feild for a month!!!!

So this week has been great. On tuesday it was transfers. We gained a
companion. Hermana Ruiz. She is very sweet and very spunky. And like
my hiccup she has a sneeze. We are a very noisy companionship except
Hna. Christoffersen who just stands there and shakes her head.

So this week we had a goal as a companionship to have 20 lessons we
exceeded that goal!!! And we have two new investigators that we can
teach as we are a threesome. So many doors are open to us now!!!!!

Okay so I have been feeling under the weather this week. Fever and
phelgm! Bleh!!!! (Okay the funny faces thing went away!!! Not
fair!!!!) Any way I actually had to stay in our apartment because of
how bad I felt yesterday afternoon. I wanted to continue on and do the
work. I felt that even if I was dying I would be out here helping
others to come unto Christ. But my companions love me too much and
insisted that I get some rest. I then made some chicken soup and feel
much better today. Since we live with a member my companions were able
to continue with the work. It felt so weird with out them though!
So we did have one on date but they did not come to church on sinday
so we will have to postpone the baptism. so frustrating though.
because they are so ready!!!

So story for the week-
We were trying to contact a spanish refferal that we had recieved
knocked on the door a few times the only answer was a dogs barking.
Hna. Christoffersen thought it was a big dog, I thought it had
throught problems, Hna. Ruiz Said it was a chiuaua (how do you spell
that?) Anyway. we were walking away when the neighbor opened his door
talked to us in spanish and invited us in. We then talked to him and
taught a little of the restoration, and why we pray. We did not get
much more than that in because he like most of the hispanics we teach
love to talk!!! Boy do the love to talk!! (I think Aunt Lee would have
some comeptition)

Anyway our week has been great. I am feeling better not quite over it
yet but better!

It is wonderfull to hear how everyone is doing! I am planning on sending Jessica a b-day card today I have to go get some stamps though! I write quite a bit of letters! send me a letter I will write back! the following p-day.

Anyway I hope all is well with all of you!
Love,
Hna. Ziegler



P.S.
My companions and I for President Palmers birthday on sat made hime
enchiladas and I gave him a picture that I drew. It was fun. We are
the closest missionaries to where they live. So we thought we would do
something sweet! I love the Palmers they so cute, and sweet. Anyway
have to write my letter to the president.