Chapter 73: It Was A HIT!

Hello Everyone!
You could say that this week was an interesting one.... I think this picture will sum it up pretty well :)So yeah :) That was our "hit" this week :). But before yall get all worried... We were not in the car.
 This was actually a pretty huge tender mercy. So heres the story. We pull up to this trailer park to go and try by a part member family pretty late ( about 8pm). Usually we take a few minutes to talk about what we want to share with them, say a prayer, ect but that night was different. We parked said a quick prayer, then hopped out. 1 min later we knock on the door. 15 seconds later, we hear the crash. We turn around to see smoke billowing out of the dominos pizza car that just smashed into ours. Luckily the kid was okay!!! Just a bloody nose and a headache. So that was the start to our week! We spent the rest of the night talking with the police and the elders came too cause we were kinda freaking out so they were a nice support to have there. When we finally got home we said the most sincere prayer of gratitude I think I may have ever said. God is so good. He knew exactly what was going to happen and I firmly believe that He was there protecting us. I know He is there watching out for all of us.
SO because of those exciting events, we have spent a lot of time in the dmv, talking with the vehicle coordinator to get insurance stuff worked out, and taking drives to Hermiston to get estimates on what its going to take to fix this baby.... so we have been on foot when working cause President doesn't want us driving a banged up car. The hills of Pendleton make it pretty exhausting to walk everywhere but we are pounding out some amazing work here. Things haven't slowed down so we are just learning to walk faster :). We have had some amazing lessons this week and tender mercy, we've been able to get to all of them on time :). These people here are so humble and willing to change. Its amazing and I feel so honored to serve them.
We have been counting out blessings this week and its amazing to see how the list keeps getting longer and longer. I love my Heavenly Father. He has given me so much and love that I get to give back in my small way this Christmas season by serving his children. I cant think of a better work to be a part of :) I love you all so much and I hope you have a very Merry Christmas! My invitation to yall would be to think of something you can give the Christ child this year to become a little better than you were. I think of one of my favorite Christmas songs ( forgive me, I dont know the title).
What can I give him
poor as I am
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb
If I were a wise man
I would do my part
What can i give him
I will give my heart.

Give the Savior your heart this year and I know that the blessings will be everlasting :) I love Him with all my heart and I'm so grateful for all He's done for me.
Merry Christmas Yall!
Sister Tobler

PS from the mother:  The blue car belongs to the pizza delivery guy.  The red one is the sisters.  So thankful that he was alright.  Heavenly Father truly does watch over and protect us.

Chapter 72: O Holy Night!

Hello Everyone!
I don't know where the weeks are flying off to but man has this week been fast! I'll try to just share a few highlights but there were a lot so :)
WE FOUND A NEW INVESTIGATOR! His name is R___ and R____ is super cool :) It was late one night and we were knocking on the doors of a few formers. He opened up, said he had visited with missionaries and that he has some family members who are members. We chatted a little more and he said the last sisters he talked with helped him so much so he would love to have us come back. Fast forward to this week, we go in, teach the restoration and he asks all the right questions. " How can I know what path God wants me to follow?" "Is there one way?" And all sorts of things like that. The spirit was so strong so we invited him to be baptized and he said YES! How cool is that! He didn't feel ready to set a specific date but we are excited to see him start to grow his testimony and come to experience the gospel :).
So we set out one night to go and contact a few people and nothing was working out. No one home... so we were onto our final back up plan which was to knock that street but something just didn't feel right about that. So I pulled out a list a referrals some old sisters hadn't contacted I I really felt like we needed to find J___. So we drive around a bit and find the house up on this hill behind some trees. Knock on the door and we meet S____. She invites us in immediately and says that our timing is perfect. Her husband (who we were looking for) passed away 2 weeks ago and she really needed some prayers. We just sat and cried with her and shared a little about how our families can be together again. She told us that she really hoped that we come back again soon and my heart just melted for her. God is so aware of his children and when they need a little pick me up. It was amazing to be so in tune and see those blessings.
What else happened this week... Oh! I sang at the ward Christmas party! I wish I had a recording for y'all because oh my goodness I blew that "Oh Holy Night" out of the water! Made a few people cry and I hit the crazy high note near the end :) Just had to dust to cobwebs off those old pipes :) So fun and we had a lot of less actives that we invited come which was super awesome!
I know there are more things that I'm forgetting to talk about but I'm sure I'll remember later on :) Its amazing down here in Pendleton. I love this little town and all its quirky people. They are so humble and in such great need of the gospel and its been so amazing to get to look for them everyday. I love being a missionary. Best. Job. Ever :). I love y'all and thank you for your love and prayers! They mean so much to me.
Till next week!
Sister Tobler

Sister Paz

Chapter 71: Christmas Time is Here!

Hello Everyone!
Oh my goodness this week has just flown by! I love this time of year when everyone is starting to prepare for Christmas :) I'll have to take a picture of main street cause y'all will just die its so cute. I feel like I'm living in a Hallmark movie. So fun :) We have been working so hard and its been amazing to see how God is continuing to prepare people here in this little town. We met with so many people this week it was great and it feels like this is finally my area :). I forgot my planner in the car so I won't get to write about everything but here are a few highlights.
So we finally got to meet with one of our investigators named C___ and his less active wife M____. Such a sweet couple. I  love them already. Were just chatting about her conversion story and all that jazz and she says, " well you know, C____ wants to get baptized." I think my mouth just about dropped open as I looked over at him and he nodded. "Yeah," he said. "I'm only in 2 Nephi but I want to." Talk about blessing from on high! So cool :). I'm super excited to see the progress that he makes this week.
We also had the best mutual activity EVER this week! So we've been talking about it as a district for a little while now ( BTW, I have the best district EVER). So we combined all the wards and did this big Light the World activity. SO FUN! We shared a message at the beginning and then proceeded to make cards and plates of goodies for lots of widows and less actives and then, cherry on top, WE CAROLED!!!! Caroling is my favorite and it was so fun to see the excitement on their faces :). I love Christmas. Its the best :).
We have seen lots of little miracles this week as well. We have been working out of the area book a ton and its neat to see how receptive many of these people still are. I'm not sure I can describe a better feeling than meeting someone new and hearing that they loved their experience meeting with the missionaries years ago and for some reason, things have changed in their lives and they feel like they could really use the gospel now. For example, S___. One of her friends sent us over there and we had a great visit. She told us about her rocky past with drugs and how while she turned over a new leaf years ago, she still feels like she is missing something. I know that the "something" she feels missing is the gospel. The Gospel of Jesus Christ fills a hole in our souls that maybe we didn't even know was there. It is such a powerful thing.
I love being a missionary and getting to share his word. Its such a privileged to be a part of His church so go out and share it! Ask the missionaries for some pass along cards! Sharing the gospel brings so much joy and I'd love for all of y'all to feel some of that fire :) I love you and all and thanks for your prayers!!
Love ya!
Sister Tobler

Chapter 70: Pendleton, The Promised Land.

Hello Everyone!
I think about a year ago I was telling everyone that Pasco was the Promised land, well let me tell you, I didn't know Pendleton back then :). This place is absolutely AMAZING! Let me give you a little play by play of my week.
So Monday and Tuesday were spent packing, saying goodbye to a few people, and squeezing in as many lessons as possible. It was so hard to say good bye to the G____ ( our Recent Converts) but at least I know that I can go back and visit someday soon :). Plus saying good bye to Sister Calder was killer. I never want to do that again.
Wednesday... The day I got my companion :). I love Sister Paz so much. She's so sweet and actually reminds me a lot of myself at the beginning of my mission except not nearly as stubborn ;) ( I know, me? Stubborn? :) :) :) ). She's from St George UT and she's 24. So we didn't get out of the trainer meeting till about 4pm so we didn't get into Pendleton till about 5:45. Had a quick dinner with an amazing family in the ward that is super missionary minded, ran to Walmart with the help and guidance of the elders, and finally got back in our apartment at about 8:20. It was crazy. Pendleton makes no sense but  I think I may be starting to get the hang of things :).
Thursday was Thanksgiving!!!! WOOHOO! We got to eat with the bishop and we went and delivered cookies to some of our investigators so that we could get to meet them.
Friday we finally got to hit the ground running. Unfortunately, the previous sisters failed to leave us much notes wise on how the works been going here so we started out a little blind as to where we needed to be but that didn't stop us! We just hit the ground running and started making plans by the Spirit and so far its been working pretty well :). I love the investigators here. They are all so sweet and have such a desire to make Christ a bigger part of their lives! Its amazing to see the leaps and bounds that they are making and to hear about their experiences as they've been learning.
Saturday. You're not going to believe me... WE BAPTIZED 2 PEOPLE ALREADY :). T___ and K___ :) We got to meet them twice before the baptism and they are just amazing. It was a little weird jumping into a baptism like that but they were so ready.
So ya see, Pendleton truly is the promised land. I know that we are going to continue to see amazing miracles here because I mean look, Its only been one week and we've seen baptisms. The transfer is still young and I know that God is preparing more people to receive the gospel here. I love this work so much. Its my life and I hope to be forever engaged in it :) We met the funniest family ever this week in the ward. The Barnes. Brother Barnes is my favorite. I'm pretty sure he has lost his marbles and the only ones left are the gospel marbles because boy is that man passionate about the restoration of the gospel! Frankly, its hilarious and also motivating at the same time. He eats, sleeps, and breaths the gospel and is always looking for opportunities to share it. I hope I can one day be as bold as Brother Barnes :) I love you all! Thank you for all the prayers and support you give! I truly couldn't do it without you!
Love y'all!
Sister Tobler

Chapter 69: Tranfers

Hello Everyone!
It has been a bitter sweet last 24 hours. I'll just cut right to it since I know that ya'll really want to hear about transfers. This dynamic duo is being split up :(. I guess President has to spread the love and hard work around because he needs me down in Pendleton Oregon now! How crazy is that!!! I am so sad to be leaving Sister Calder and my heart is kinda broken now having to part with her again but I know that Gods will is always best, no matter how much I wanted to be able to spend the holidays with my favorite companion.  Now let me tell you the sweet part. I'm training a new missionary... HECK YEAH!!!!!! I am so excited and so nervous for this new adventure in life. I've never left the tri- cities before but I know that God will help me in all that I do :).
The rest of this week has been pretty amazing! We found 4 new investigators and we hope to see them start progressing at rapid speeds soon as we come into the holidays. This is my favorite time of year, especially as a missionary. The air is turning cold, you can always see your breath, and people are starting to feel the Christmas cheer. So many people are out serving their neighbors and its inspiring to see the power of Christ as we enter this Christmas season. We had a special meeting with a general authority this week and he told us that as Christians, we OWN December. People expect us to talk about Christ so why not do it?! Light the World comes out this week so I'd love to invite all of yall to watch it and share it with someone and get involved in the initiative. I know I'm excited for it :).
I don't know if I have much more else to share. I went on my final exchange as an STL this week and I just have to say how much I have loved getting to serve the sisters of this mission. I am so grateful for the opportunities that I have been given to serve and feel the love that my Savior has for each of these sisters and I have learned so much from them in the process.
I love my Savior and I know that He is the only reason that I am able to do what I do. He is the reason I live and breathe and I am grateful for all that He gives me. I am so grateful that I have been blessed to have the gospel in my life and that I get to share it with others. I love you all and thanks for all your prayers!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Sister Tobler

Chapter 68: Extension???

Hello Everyone!
Oh my goodness gracious this has been such a busy and miracle filled week! I'll try to not go into too many details. Overall.... the biggest miracle... We found FIVE new investigators this week!!! We worked our tails off and of course, the Lord provided the miracle after we showed our faith. I'll just give a few quick synopsis' because some of them have really cool stories with how we found them.
T___- So he's dating a less active member and he happened to be home when we were going to see her. He told us that his sister has been meeting with the missionaries in her area and that shes getting baptized soon. He was then able to open up and told us that he has been meaning to take the lessons but had been procrastinating it and he wasn't sure why, especially when he loves the church so much. We talked about the how the gospel would bless them as a family and the excitement and the light seemed to glow brighter and brighter in his eyes and he was so excited to have us come back and start teaching him of how this could bless his life.
G____- We'd been trying to meet with her for a few weeks but her health problems have been a bit of a stumbling block. But we were able to catch her while we were on exchanges and she said that she has felt like something is missing and she'd love to have us come and read the Book of Mormon with her because she cant even read! But she felt the spirit the last time she had missionaries over and wants that feeling back in her life.
J___- She was a but stand offish at first but opened us and said that she felt like something was missing in her church. When we handed the Book of Mormon to her she started flipping through it and said ( and I quote)" This is perfect. Something will come of this" with a big grin on her face :). And thus we see that she will be coming to church this week for a tour of the building. She also has 9 children and she feels like this could be something really great for them. :)
W___ and L___- They are cute :) They have met with missionaries in the past before as well and while they came to know a lot of the doctrine they were never able to feel the truthfulness of it because of certain circumstances. But now they are open and willing to come to know for themselves if this really is the true church!
Isn't it amazing to see how the work really is progressing?!? God is pouring out miracles here in the Edison ward and a feel so lucky to get to be a part of it. This is an amazing work. I talked to President White this week about an extension during my interview because I think I could honestly stay here forever and be perfectly happy knocking on doors :) Don't worry Mom and Dad. He looked at it and my mission is already running a little long so he cant let me stay but it made me feel really good that he said he would keep me in a heartbeat if they would let him. Unfortunately the missionary department has rules so sisters cant serve for 2 years ;). I couldn't ask for a better life. Great area. Great companion. Great area. Great work. Its just awesome :) I am so grateful to all of y'all and all the support and prayers y'all give on my behalf. Thank you for everything! Till next week!
Sister Tobler

Loving Her Crazy Companion!

Sister Tobler and Sister Calder.

Chapter 67: Miracles Galore!

Hello Everyone!
Its been a fun a busy week! My testimony of Less Active work has really grown this week I have to say. Its amazing to see the changes that people are willing to make when they finally realize that they are missing something. Here's just a few of my favorites.
C___-> She has realized that shes happier when shes reading the Book of Mormon and has finally come to realize that it brings a more lasting peace than anything else the world can offer her.
Sister M____-> Church is an important part of everyone's conversion. Life becomes dull without the nourishment that you receive there. Even if its hard, we should always put God first and go worship Him.
S____-> The temple is not too far out of reach. God wants all his children to be able to partake of the blessings there. Even when we have strayed from the path, there is always a way back and with help and support,we can all make it back to the presence of God.
K____-> No matter what has happened in the past, its important to keep moving forward and keep pressing on towards God. There are plenty of things that can get in our way and distract us. Its our responsibility to keep our eye on the goal and keep looking heavenward.
So you'd think with all these stories that maybe we didn't have time to find any new investigators... Wrong! God truly blessed us with a miracle and we found two new investigators this week and the both expressed right off the bat the strong desire that they have to enter the waters of baptism :) D___ and S____ are both such faith filled individuals and I feel so lucky to be able to know them and help them on the path back home.
One more amazing miracle and then I'll let y'all go for now :). K____ GOT BAPTIZED!!!!!!! Such a wonderful day that was. She has been just radiating with light since the moment she made that promise. I understand why Jesus said " Suffer the little children to come unto me". They are so precious and their love for Him is so complete. I don't know if I have ever met a little girl so prepared to make the covenant of baptism. So precious :)
I love this work so much. There is nowhere else I'd rather be right now. The gospel is going forth to everyone and the blessings from it are innumerable. I love my Savior. I don't know where I would be without Him. Thank you all from your prayers and support! Couldn't do it without you!
Love ya!
Sister Tobler

Halloween Herrmanas

I suppose the title sort of gives this away, but can you guess what they were for Halloween?

Chapter 66: 61 Is My New Favorite Number!

Hello Everyone!
This week has been incredible! Oh my goodness. Let me start with this. During weekly planning last week we were pondering on some numbers that the assistants gave us. They counted up the hours that are in a mission and took out all the time for meetings and studying and sleeping and all those other things that we have to get done and showed us how much time we spend actually proselyting as missionaries. It comes out to less than 30% of our mission is spent out talking with people. LESS THAN 30%. That shook Sister Calder and I a lot. We started looking at our schedule and thinking about how we could up that percentage so that we could be finding more of our brothers and sisters and helping them to come unto Christ. In an average week, a missionary will average between 35-40 hours out proselyting. This week.... We totaled 61 proselyting hours. HECK YEAH! It was probably one of the hardest things I've ever done and I've never been so tired in my whole life but it was so worth it.  Here's just a few cool experiences that we had from that.
J____: So we met her a few weeks ago and I'll be honest, I didn't think she was interested. We may have heard her say a few things through the door after she scheduled an appointment that made us think she wasn't going to be there. We see her around the complex not too much later as were talking with someone else and she waves us down and points up to her apartment. We head up there right after and she lets us in right away and opens up. Turns out shes a less active member that just moved here and feels like us finding her was Gods way of telling her that its time to come home. Amazing. God works in neat ways to help His children see His hand in their lives.
G____: Knocked on her door, she said that she used to have sister missionaries come and read with her from the Book of Mormon and that she misses it a lot! Now we get to go over and read with her and help her to gain a testimony of it for herself! Woohoo!
And one final one, K___: I think I've mentioned her before. She is A____ little sister. Shes 8. After A____ baptism last week she came up to us and said," I want to get baptized RIGHT NOW!". Well guess who's getting baptized on the 4th of November :). That's right :) It was so cute watching her go into her interview with Bishop on Sunday. She was practically dragging him over to his office because she is just so excited :)
I love the people here in this area. I love all the people in the tri-cites too I think :) Even the not so nice ones :). Its amazing to be able to give it all to them until I literally drop in exhaustion at the end of it. So worth it. I love you all! Have a great week and a very happy Halloween!

Chapter 65: Not Today Satan!!!

Hello Everyone!
I've heard it said that when someone is about to do something very good, Satan is going to work especially hard to keep them from doing that good thing. I can add my testimony that it is true. Satan doesn't want people to find the joy of the gospel but we worked super duper hard and He wasn't able to stop us :) I'll keep it brief. No matter what he threw at us, A____ still got baptized :) :) :) Probably one of the happiest days of my entire mission. We started getting a little nervous as the day approached because she had some fears that needed to be addressed but we were able to resolve her concerns by the spirit :) Couldn't have done it without God :) Whenever we got discouraged we looked at the sticky note hanging in our car. It reads: NOT TODAY SATAN!!!! :) We won't let him get us down. Not today. Not tomorrow. Not ever. Because we are a part of the most amazing work, and we wont let him stop us.
So back to this week ( sorry, I'll get off my soap box :)). We pounded pavement trying to find some new people and while we didnt have many lessons this week, we found some solid potentials and were able to set up some appointments this week that we are super excited for. Gods work is going forward. I'll have more to update you on next week I think :). I love you all! I love being a missionary and I never want to stop. Do you think President would give me a year extension like they did way back when? Just kidding :) I bet yall wouldnt be too happy with me :) I love these people so much. This little corner of the country has stolen my heart and will forever hold a piece of it. The Lords work is hastening and is such blessing to be a part of it.
I love you all! Till next week!

Chapter 64: #SOHAPPY

Hello Everyone! 

I have literally had the best week in my mission so far :). I don't think I have ever been so happy! This is just the life and I think I can do it forever :)

So Monday and Tuesday were a little crazy getting ready for the transfer but finally Wednesday came :) I have never been so excited to pick up a companion before in my whole mission! The moment we saw each other Sister Calder and I screamed with joy and ran to each other. Didn't even have time to drop the basketball she was holding :). We hit the ground running with the work. Its amazing what you can get done when you don't have to waste time figuring out how the other one works and teaches :) We found a new investigator this week ( she might be a little crazy but thats a side note) and found a ton of new potentials and formers to try by :) Super excited for this up coming week! We have been meeting with A___ pretty much every day ( now that I think about it, I'm not sure I even told y'all about her...) So Ya! She's this amazing 11 year old that told us the first time that we met her (about a month ago) that she wanted to get baptized. We invited her to prepare for the 21st of October and she has been moving full speed ahead preparing for this Saturday! She had her interview about 2 days ago and our District Leader was really impressed with her and said she passed with flying colors :) She is going to make an amazing member :) I love her so stinkin' much :) its been amazing to see her grow so much really just in the course of 3 weeks. She went from not wanting to pray and being kinda quiet in lessons, to really opening up, sharing experiences with repentance, and saying prayers in lessons. She is super excited to be able to go and do baptisms in the temple in just a few months too :)

The Gospel is true. It changes lives. I know it has certainly changed mine. A scripture that has really been on my mind this week comes out of the 9th chapter of 3 Nephi. In the second part of the 13th verse it says " Will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?" Think about it. He have to let the Savior change you. He never turns away from us. But when we come unto Him, do little things everyday to bring the spirit into our lives more abundantly, and REPENT, He promises to heal us. I've seen it time and time again :). I'd love to invite yall ( because I'm a missionary and its kinda what I do) to do something hard this week that will help you to come closer to the Savior and to let Him heal you. Maybe its gonna be waking up 15 min earlier to get a little more scripture time it, maybe its going to be asking for blessing to overcome a challenge in your path. Who knows but God :) I can promise that you will have an added power come into your life as you do so :)

I love you all! Have a wonderful week!

Sister Tobler

Celebrating with ice-cream!

So happy to be companions again.

Chapter 63: Transfers!!!

Hello Everyone! 

Boy do I have a story to tell you! And it has to do with transfers so you'll have to bear with me and my creativity :) Just indulge me for a minute :). Here's my story.

Once upon a time in the land of the WKM, there were two sisters. Now these sisters were the very best of friends. They loved working together but alas, all great companionship's must come to an end. They cried together when they had to part but always looked forward to seeing one another at meetings. Months past ( about 6 months to be exact) and one sister received a call from the king of the land. He informed her that her current companion would be leaving her to head to the distant land of West Richland and that She would be staying. He then inquired further. "My dear sister, if you had to choose, which ward would keep. the wards must be split into two areas for the work is popping in both." Her heart broke a little but the response was immediate. "Edison" she replied. You could tell that a smile emerged upon his face for she had chosen what he had planned. "Furthermore," he continued," If you had to choose who would be your companion, who would you pick? out of all the sisters in the land." She couldn't believe herself. Was this a trick? Once again, her response was sure. "Sister Calder." The King laughed and said" It is done". Our dear sister almost burst into tears at the prospect of being reunited with her dear friend and now continues to look forward and anticipates Wednesday :)

Did you catch it! I get my baby again!!!!!!!!!!!! Woohoooo!!!!!!!! SO excited to get to serve with her again! Of course it broke my heart to loose highlands but I know that it was inspired. So excited for the upcoming transfer!

So the rest of the week... I left my old planner at home to be honest so I'm struggling to remember what we did. Biggest testimony builder this week was on referrals. They gave us a list this week of all these uncontacted referrals from the last year and told us to go and find them! I mean, these are our brothers and sisters who showed interest in the gospel! We must bring them home! We went on two finding blitz' to bring them in and several of them said that we could come back!!!! God is softening hearts and when the time is right, He will either lead them to us, or us to them. I love that I get to be a part of this work! Pray for us as we go into this next transfer that we will be able to find more of our brothers and sisters who are being prepared! I know that they are out there!!! 

I love you all! Thanks for your support and prayers!

Till next week!

Sister Tobler!

Chapter 62: A Quick Note.

Hello Everyone!
I have no clue where to start because my mind is running a million miles and hour right now :) We have had such a crazy busy day with the temple trip today but it's so worth it. I love getting to recharge my batteries there :)
Highlight of the week was General Conference! And super cool... we have FOUR of our investigators tune it!!!! And they each had something that they felt like was just for them or super profound :) Oh my goodness I loved it all! Oh! And for the families information, My conference mix contained chex mix, pb m&ms, goldfish, and peanuts :) YUM!!!!!!
We went on exchanges with the Hermanas this week and I got to go with Hermana Malone again!!! Woohoo for San Antonio Peeps!! As usual, I didn't know a lot what was going on because it was in Spanish but I am getting better! I am understanding more and more with every exchange I go on :) We focused a lot of leaving commitments with people and I got to see one of the most inspired commitments ever so I'd like to leave it with ya'll. Do something hard this week. Not just physically hard though. Think about it. What is something that makes you nervous. What is something that you want to make a habit but struggle with? What is something that will help you to become more like the savior? Just pick one this and strive to do it this week. I can promise you that God will help you as you strive to become more like him and the light and power that you have about you will only grow! I've seen it in my life time and time again.
I wish I had more time to write but alas, I don't :) Just know that we have some AMAZING miracles coming up real soon!!!! I love you all and I'm so grateful for your prayers. They keep me going through it all! I hope you have a great week!
Sister Tobler

Chapter 61: Windy Days are Blowing in Miracles!

Hello Everyone!

This week has been quite the adventure :) I'll give a quick play by play so I can get into some of the cool miracles we had this week :).

So Monday night we get a call from Sister D asking us if we would be willing to sing on Sunday for sacrament meeting.... I was all over that :) We decided to use it as incentive to invite lots of people to church and while Satan's a bugger and kept our investigators at bay, a less active did come and was touched by the spirit of our song. I think his heart is softening. So ya. Because we were given just a few days heads up and Sister Bricker is only so-so musical, we spent a lot of time singing and practicing. Every place we drove we were singing. While walking down the street, we were singing. in the shower, while laying in bed, EVERYWHERE :). It was fun though. Super fun :)

Tuesday we were on Exchanges with the Palouse Sisters and I got to go work in there area. Background, its a walking area, and my goodness it was so windy! For once I think I wished that I was an elder and could wear pants! We looked kinda funny walking around holding our skirts down but we were still able to find some amazing people who said that they have been wanting to get God back in their life. Super neat. Plus the ward did a LA finding blitz that night and got to know everyone who had fallen away and many of them were actually really receptive to coming back and having missionaries stop by!

Thursday we had a big Zone Conference which took up most of the day but the rest of our evening was booked with LA and Potential lessons and guess what.... NONE OF THEM FELL THROUGH!!!!!! That was a miracle in itself because we weren't able to do any planning that morning! While maybe some of those people aren't progressing at the rate of others that we are working with, its neat to see them take little steps and start to bear their testimonies to us on principles of the gospel :)

Friday we found W.! She's a former investigator as we were finally able to get in with her. That was probably one of the most inspired lessons I think I've ever taught on my mission. She expressed some concerns that kept her from getting baptized in the past and we were able to teach simply of how we recognize the spirit. I pulled out Moroni 7:13-14( I had just read it on Tuesday) and read it to her. She paused and asked to see it and read it again. Her face changed and she whispered " I get it". My heart started to sing :) I love it when the spirit is able to testify to someone that its true. I feel like a real missionary :) I know that God is working on the hearts of His children and when they are ready, they will get it :)

Saturday was the amazing women's broadcast. If you missed it I highly recommend it and I wont spoil it for you. Just go watch it :)

And after Linger Longer on Sunday we decided to go try and contact and investigator... no one home sadly, but we turn around and in pulls one of our other investigators that totally disappeared off the face of the earth a few weeks ago.... and her sister who said that she wanted to meet with us!!!! WOOHOO!!!! We taught them about prayer and they were so sincere when saying that they knew that they needed to communicate with God more often and would work on that this week. 

The work is really picking up here a ton and pretty soon we will have no option but to run to all the appointments! The goal: that they will have to put more missionaries in these areas just to keep up with everything :) You can tell that these are the last days. The final harvest is at hand and God is bringing in all who will come. I'm grateful to be one of the gatherers. I love this work. Have a wonderful week! I love you all!

Sister Tobler

Chapter 60: Catch Me if you Can!

Hello Everyone! 

You'll have to try and keep up cause my goodness we had such a busy week this week. quite literally running from place to place. We found several new move in Less Actives that we are starting to work with and we have high hopes to get them back to church soon! Its the perfect opportunity to start fresh and start out on the right foot being in a new ward and they see it too. Of course there are trials that are going to try and keep there out of the Church, but we know that the spirit will continue to work on their hearts to bring them back home. A few of them we even asked them if we could "practice" teaching them and they were super eager to not only help, but to hear how we help people come into the gospel :).

Super cool miracle this week. So we got this referral for a guy named B__. It didn't have much info other than he had talked with missionaries and said we could stop by. We were a little skeptical it would result to much but we went. No one named B__ lived at the address, but we met J___ there. He started out by bashing us a little about how we mormons are so exclusive because he tried to walk in the temple once and they wouldn't let him in ( there was his first mistake :)) but we taught about the purpose of temples and showed him some pictures in the pamphlet and his heart was softened. He asked when and where church was and was eager to set up and appointment so that we could come in and teach him and his family. Super cool!

Another cool miracle. We were talking to one of our potentials in the parking lot and she says " I was baptized into a church when I was 7 but I really feel like I need to be baptized again. How do I do that?". My mouth just dropped. We explained our purpose and invited her to come to the womens broadcast this week where we would have a little more time to talk with her about how to make that happen :) Super cool!

What else... We visited with this Less Active Recent Convert and talked about doing the Christlike attribute activity in PMG and as she was looking over it she just looked at us and was like " this in an answer to my prayers. I have felt like I've been stuck in my progression but now I know what more I can do. Thank  you so much!". Talk about inspired plans. :)

We were knocking a few doors in the rain last night and ended up in the more run down part of our area ( don't worry mom we were being safe) and we knocked on these two doors. One talked to us through the door and when she heard we were the missionaries she kept apologizing that she couldn't let us in ( she's was sick) but asked that we come back in 2 days! Super duper nice lady. So excited to see what she looks like :) The next door we knocked on recognized the tag and said they wished they had time but gave us #s to call and asked us to come back soon so that we could talk more! Super duper DUPER cool! God blesses us when we are in the right places :)

I am so glad that I'm getting to be an instrument for the Lord here. Its an honor really :) I feel myself growing everyday and I'm glad to be able to help others along the path back home too. I love you all! Thanks for your love and prayers! Till next week!

-- 

Sister Lindsey Tobler

Kennewick Washington Mission

chapter 59: Goodbye Already?

Hello Everyone! 

I think this has been one of the craziest weeks ever. Just hours after I got off the email we get a call. Its from Elder Lunt. One of the Assistants.... There was a situation in the mission and I had to say good bye to my baby. With only a few hours notice, we got her all packed up and took her into Richland to her new area. Some tears were shed on both sides but I know that there is a reason things happened this way. So now I get to watch her grow into an amazing missionary from a distance but I'm glad that we still got to make some memories together. 

So because she left us, the mission decided that we don't need to live in a big apartment anymore so after getting Sister Byrne all packed up, Sister Bricker and I had to pack up and move. Now we are living with a member of the Highlands ward and we have the cutest little apartment in their basement! I don't think I have ever lived somewhere so adorable :) and cold! Brrrr. Anyways, so that added another dynamic trying to get all moved into our new place and even though most of my stuff is still in suit cases, its nice to know that we shouldn't have to move again for a while. Cross your fingers at least :)

Now covering two wards with just the two of us, we are busy ALL the time. We have set appointments just about every day which is awesome. We got this referral from the Assistants for a Less Active and Part Member Family that just moved in and the daughter told them " Ya I'm Christian but I'd rather be Mormon" ( We'll work on clarifying that Mormons are Christian :)) and when we went over to see them the next day, they were actually there when they said they would be! And they let us right in! Double Miracle!!! We have found a few really solid potentials that we are super excited to work with and help them to come into the fold. 

I love the work and the people here and I'm pretty sure that I could stay here forever :) We'll see what President has to say about that :). I couldn't ask for a better life, getting to devote everything to the Lord. I love this gospel and thank you all for your love and support!

Till next week!

Sister Tobler

Chapter 57: Transfers!

Hello Everyone!
I don't really have a whole lot to report this week. We had tons of meetings with General Authorities which took up a lot of time, plus I was sick this weekend ( don't worry mother, I'm perfectly healthy now :)), and then crazy Sunday happened. So now onto the subject of my letter.. Here's the story that goes with it ( because of course I have to make it more dramatic than it actually is :) :)
We got home from church a little late because of a meeting and when we walked in the door I decided that I wanted to have a nap instead of eating lunch because I was still not feeling super great from being sick. In my half dream state I start thinking that any second the alarm should go off and then it starts ringing. I freak out when I realize that its a phone call and not an alarm. And its from President White.... I'm all " What the heck its only 3 o'clock!!!! ahhhhhhhhhh!" we answer of course and he goes on to say that Sister Cox is being released as an STL and will be staying in Cottonwood. "Now Sister Tobler" he starts." there's going to be some changes in the mission. It actually is going to affect about 80% of the mission. Sister Tobler you are going to be transferred to Highlands and Edison in Kennewick East to serve with Sister Bricker as an STL." At this point I am very confused because this isn't the transfer call, this is a leadership call so I'm waiting for the catch. " Also," he continues," you are being called to finish training Sister Burn. Shes been out for about 6 weeks and you will be designated as her trainer. So you will be tri-paning as an STL and Trainer. Do you have any questions?" I was absolutely floored.... I have only heard of this happening once!!! And now Its happening to me!!!!! What the heck!!!! Oh my goodness... So ya. That's my week :) I'm super sad to leave but also super excited for this new adventure!
That's pretty much my story for the week! I cant wait to tell you how Kennewick East is! By the way, I totally predicted that I was going there next! I appreciate all your love and prayers! I truly feel them holding me up every day. This work is true and I'm so grateful to be a part of it.
I love you all! Till next week!
Sister Tobler

Chapter 56: Prosser...

Hello Everyone!
Oh my goodness did we have the most insane week ever. I have the best story ever though to tell and that will probably sum up my email for the week! Let me take you back to last Friday.
We woke up super pumped for the day. The day had finally arrived. Anita's baptism. When we started our plans for the day we realized our day was pretty much planned for us! we had ZLC in Prosser with West Richland, making cookies with Sister Trevino for the baptism, weekly planning and then the Baptism! Pretty easy right?
Wrong.
On our war to Prosser, just shortly after we pass Benton City, the Car starts beeping at us. I look down at the gage and its overheating. A lot. So we pull over and let it cool down and then start up again. two minutes later, over heating again. we do this 4 times and actually get a call from the elders cause the passed us on the side of the road. We call the vehicle coordinator to see what we should do and he says that if we can just get to prosser and the dealership we'll be okay. Little did he know that was still 6 miles away. We call some different elders and tell them to meet us at the exit because we are going to use sheer grit and faith in order to get the car to move one more half mile. Luckily it starts up and we get about half way up the exit ramp before the car just dies. completely. We throw it in neutral, jump out and start pushing it up the rest of the ramp. I was convinced it was going to run right over me and back down to the freeway but my fear of getting hit by a semi kept me going :). When we get to the top of the hill it gives up the ghost and will not move at all. Luckily the elders show up about 30 min later and patch us up enough to get us to the dealership. oh! And we had to get jump started too. It died that much. When we arrive at the dealership we are given a slight time estimate of when we should be on the road but per usual, it took longer than expected. we left for Prosser at 9:50am and finally got home at 5:55pm. we didn't even end up making it to our meeting but we didn't really end up caring. we pulled into the church parking lot 30 min before the baptism started and luckily, it all well off without a hitch! Satan's a bugger but God is so merciful! He desires for all his children to receive salvation and even when crazy things happen, he provides a way. Even if we almost had to steal the zone leaders car :). I learned a lot about myself though on this excursion! 1) Sister Tobler has 0 patience 2) she can do hard things 3) sometimes you've just gotta PUSH ( Pray Until Something Happens) and 4) God is good. All the time :)
That is probably the highlight of my week! Anita got baptized!!!!! whoohoo!!! I love this work and I love getting to help my brothers and sisters come unto Christ! There is nothing so rewarding. I love you all! Till next week!