Chapter 30: It's a miracle! A true blue spectacle, a miracle come true!

Hello Everyone!!
This has been an absolutely crazy week! Where do I even begin...
So we were struggling a little at the beginning of this week to find people to meet with. No one was ever home or they weren't interested. You would think that we would be used to it but sometimes it is still hard when no one wants to come closer to Christ or when the reject your testimony. We asked the elders in our district if they would give us a blessing Wednesday night to help us refocus and really be inspired of where we would be needed. I don't remember what they said, but I remember the feeling that I had. There was such a feeling of peace and comfort and I knew that God was aware of my struggles to find people to teach. The next day was rainy and Sister Calder suggested that we go tracting. I'll be honest, that was the last thing that I wanted to do but we set out in the rain. 5th door in this nice lady named J___ answers and we start our little schpeel. " Hi there! We are missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and we are out sharing a message about Jesus Christ and inviting people to learn more about his restored gospel. Do you have a faith in Christ?" Before I knew it, we were sitting on her couch teaching her about Gods love for her and the Atonement while her little girl ran circles around the room with a restoration pamphlet pointing to the sheep on the cover. We testified boldly and she said that she had been praying asking God for some direction because she knows that she needs to find a church for her children to go to and she wants to start making her way back to God. We have a return appointment set up for this week. God truly is a God of miracles. That night we were out with a member in the Columbia Basin. All our plans had fallen through so we asked Sister B__ if she could drive us to this one place we weren't able to find on our map. She took us there no problem and we met G___. She was investigating the church about 6 months ago but just because of transfers and such, she got lost in the cracks. She has a rough life, but through it all, she has seen God helping her to raise her TEN kids on her own. Such incredible faith! And guess who gets to have dinner and share a lesson with them next week?!? BINGO! We do!!! It's amazing to see how God truly is watching over us and blessing us for all our efforts. There are so many other miracles that we have seen and I feel so lucky to be able to be an instrument for Him. He is pouring out His spirit on this area and I couldn't be happier. I love this work so much!
Thank y'all so much for all your love and support! Till next week!
Sister Tobler 
P.S. A member told us the funniest thing... They said that we live in the never-green part of the ever-green state :) I couldn't help but chuckle :) It's too true :) But at least the snow is all melted now!!!!! Woohoo!!!!

                                                   Our favorite Valentine!!!

Chapter 29: The Columbia Basin

                                                Sister Calder and Sister Tobler
                                           

Hello Everyone!
This week has seriously just flown by! I have no clue where the time is going! I flipped open to the next day in my planner this morning and when I saw that we are starting week three I nearly lost it! Missions are so fast! I wish there was a button to slow it down a little but I truly am grateful for the time that I have to devote so much to God.
Since the moment we got here to this area both Sister Calder and I have felt a draw out to the Columbia Basin. I wish I could describe it better, but in short, it's the middle of no where. There is at least a mile between each house and most of the people are farmers or work on the railroad. Very humble means. I love those people so much. We have been trying our best to get out there as often as we can but with mileage restrictions, it makes it difficult. Luckily, God provides a way for His work to go forth. The members are amazing in trying to invite their neighbors to learn more and many of the part member families are starting to come around! I don't know what will happen out there in the coming weeks, but I know it's something amazing! Can't wait! On the down side, last night we were trying to find this part member family the ward was talking about having us work with and we got SO lost. It wasn't even funny. Two hours later and many prayers later we gave up and felt like we should start trying to find our way back to one of the main roads. We were able to have a sweet visit with one of the less active ladies in the ward and we could feel of Gods love for her and our desire to help her grew and grew. I feel so lucky to be able to serve the Lord and His children out here.
Now let me tell you a little about our work in town :). We love the 10th ward too :). Totally different than the Basin but still just as amazing. The recent converts there have such a love for the gospel and often times I feel like I leave those lessons receiving more than I was able to give. They are so elect.
One light last week it was getting really late and all our plans and fallen apart and we were sitting in the car just trying to figure out what God would have us do. Next thing we knew, we were our shoveling drive ways for some of the old ladies in the ward. You would be so impressed with me :) I can shovel snow pretty quickly now and my companion only has to go back over a few of my spots ;)
That's pretty much my week for ya! I'm just trying my best not to mess up Sister Calder and love her as God does. We work so well together and I hate the thought of having to leave her someday! But we wont think about that now. For now we will work our hardest for God and find the miracles here in Pasco. It's amazing how when you look for them, you truly see all the blessings that God has given you. There are so many!
I love you all!
Sister Tobler

Chapter 28: Pasco the Promised Land

Hello Everyone!
Oh my goodness has this been the longest week ever! But I wouldn't change a thing. I LOVE her. She is such a sweetheart and is so amazing. She totally came pre-trained. She has such a big heart for the people and a desire to become a legendary missionary and I am so excited to get to help her in that journey. But before I talk about our adventures thus far, lets go back to West Richland for a moment.
It was really hard to leave.... I don't think I really realized how much I had grown to love the people there. True, I didn't cry like when I left Kennewick, but a small part of my heart felt like it had been torn out.Saying goodbye to the Clifford's was especially hard. These people have left such an impression on me and I will never forget all the love and support they have given me as I have learned and become a better missionary. I didn't want to say goodbye to G____ but I feel lucky knowing that I will see her again. In one year she can go through the temple and you can bet that I will be right there by her side, even if I have to drive a ways :).
Now onto the big day. Wednesday :). You can bet that I got all primped and pretty that morning. Couldn't look like the tired 6 month old missionary that I actually am right? Things were a bit hectic trying to get over to Kennewick ( lets just say by suitcases may or may not weigh a TON) but we made it there okay :) President talked with us for a while about how important it was that we teach these missionaries to be obedient and that we love them and help them adjust to mission life. Not intimidating at all right? Then we got to walk in and see them all. Yikes! To see all those new little sisters was so exciting and I just couldn't wait. They had all the trainees line up and introduce themselves.When I saw her I knew she was mine. But of course we had to wait. Then they had all of us (the trainers) line up in the front of the room and they called out who would the companionship's were. "Sister Tobler will be serving with.....Sister Calder!" The rest of the day was spent in meetings, unpacking, driving around the area with a member, and making a quick stop to the grocery store.
Since then, we have been trying to meet EVERYONE. Lots of less active visits and visits to the widows in the wards. Even more meetings and looking for opportunities to serve. I can't wait to have lessons with these people and help them as they strive to come even closer to Christ. It's been hard both of us being new to the area but it's amazing how God provides a way. The members have been so sweet printing maps for us and giving us directions :) I love these people. Then again, I just love people in general but these ones will be special in my heart for a long time, if not forever.
We have been blowing the wards away here with how much energy and excitement for the work we have. They got a bit of a sour taste for missionaries over the last little bit but we are surprising them and they are super excited to see that happens while we are here. We will be legendary for this area. I can just feel it. And if not, the people will know that we loved will all our hearts and gave it everything we got.
I love this work. I love all the stress and sleepless nights that come of it too. I love being able to just serve with all my might mind and strength and give God all I've got. It's an amazing feeling. Thank you all for your prayers and love and support! I couldn't do it without y'all!
Till next week!
Sister Tobler
P.S. We may be almost done with all this crazy weather! We had a little more freezing rain but I heard that we are on the uphill now! Woohoo!



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