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!

Chapter 55: The Secret Life of an STL

Hello Everyone!
Oh my goodness have I had the most insane week. After this week I see why no one EVER prays to have the opportunity to be an STL. Don't get me wrong, I love getting to work with the sisters, but it would be so much simpler to just be a normal missionary. Let me give you a little play by play.
We had exchanges with the Hillview sisters and we were aware that they had been struggling to get along so our goal was just to get out there and pound pavement and look for every little tender mercy and give thanks for them. I got to spend the day with one of my most favorite sisters of all times which was the best. We were able to talk and counsel together on what we can do to support our companions, even when its hard. We didn't necessarily see any measurable success in numbers, but for the first time in weeks, this dear sister seemed happy and ready to make her companionship work.
Then we went on exchanges with the Hermanas out in Prosser. I loved this dear sister. She goes home in 4 days but she is still cranking out the work and finding new people to teach. Its amazing to see her faith and her love for the work. We were about to head into our dinner appointment when we received a call that the Candy Mountain sisters were dying ( okay, maybe not dying but one of them had a super high fever and almost ended up in the hospital). Luckily this Hermana was able to give me some words of wisdom ( about 6 months ago she was my STL) and we rushed back to Benton City to switch back so that we could go on an emergency exchange with Candy Mountain. I went out and taught with a sister while Sister Cox stayed in and looked after our little sicky. It was a super great evening even if I was absolutely exhausted from so many exchanges. But it doesn't end there. The next evening we get another call from The Candy Mountain sisters.... She was super sick again. Round two of emergency exchanges! This time I stayed in to look after her and luckily after a bit of talking, she agreed that she probably needed a blessing and is gonna get one tonight. Now we are just praying we wont have to exchange again because gosh darn it I miss pounding pavement in my own turf. Its about time ya know.
There's the craziness of my week. We did get to teach K__ again and he is progressing so much. This week he is praying about his own baptismal date and I cant wait to hear the answer that he gets. I know that it is Gods desire for him to be baptized and he is so ready. Minus the whole smoking thing but he's so close!
Also exciting news..... We should be having a baptism this week! If it all pans out as planned! A__ passed her interview with President and she is so excited to join the fold. I love their family and I hope to one day be with them in the temple. In a year :)
I love the gospel and I love getting to share it with everyone I meet. Its really cool to be able to work with other sisters and see how they do it and to use their ideas in my own work. We truly do go about the work saving souls one by one, just as the Savior himself did. This is His work and I love being a part of it. I love you all! Till next week!
Sister Tobler
P.s. I'm learning Spanish! I can say a very VERY simple prayer in Spanish now :) hopefully by the end I'll be able to say my testimony too :) Luckily I still have lots of time for that! :)

Chapter 54: It's Gonna Take Work!

Hello Everyone!
Oh my goodness have we had an amazing week here in good ol' Richland. So good :) I'll give the highlights for the week and yes, I know, some of them are kinda silly, but that's our life :)
Monday: I totally took out several of the Elders playing chair soccer :) Even with the busted ankle that's still healing :) Ain't nothing gonna hold me back :) :)
Tuesday: We met this super sweet Indian lady named A and her friend B ( she said that we could just call her A--- since we were struggling to say it :)). We were walking up the stairs at this apartment complex and she stopped us and just started talking :) She just got here from India maybe a week ago and told us that we are her first friends here in Richland :) Totally made my day!!!!! I have a new friend!!!! Woohoo!!! I cant wait to see her again and see if we can teach her at all!!!
Wednesday: We had a mini missionary out with us all day :) I love Sister Grey :) We even made her a little missionary name tag. We had so much success that day with her which was so fun. The highlight was our lesson with K__ for sure. He has grown so much just over this short period of time. After we finished teaching the Law of Chasity he was asking us a little about our missions and what brought us out here in the first place. I was able to bear testimony to him of the sacred work that we are involved in and just how important it is to me. We leave our families for a year and a half for crying out loud to talk with a bunch of strangers and help them find Jesus. We give up a lot for this work but I would do it all again. I would take every slammed door, every cursing, all of it 100x over just to help my brothers and sisters come home. I love these people with all my heart and it breaks my heart to this of ever leaving them. They are everything to me. K__ is one of those elect and while he may not have been ready 20 years ago when he first met missionaries, God has prepared him now. This work is truly one of miracles :)
Thursday was MLC so that's always fun :) I got to see Sister Calder and my heart was just so happy :) I have missed her and she is doing so good :) She is my child and we are one :) :) :)
and all weekend we hit the pavement and just went at it trying to find new people :) Met a few crazy people and a few with some great potential! We had a goal to have over 40 pros hours this week and we knew that it would be a stretch with all the meetings we had. and drum roll please...... we had 43!!!!!!!!!!!!!! God wants to bless us always and the blessings just come pouring down like rain when we do our part. I love this work with all my heart and never wana stop. I love you all and thank you for all your support!
Till next week!
Sister Tobler

Chapter 53: A Toast to a Year Gone By!

Hello Everyone!
Can you believe that it has already been a year? I am celebrating with some fancy juice because who would have believed that I could do a whole year of the missionary stuff :) I love the work and I think I could do it forever. The sisters in my home ward better watch out because I may just come out with them on splits all the time :) Woohoo!
It has been a really good week! We did lots of walking in spite of the heat and we able to get in with almost everyone we met! It was awesome! In that respect, I am grateful for the heat because people take pity on us :) I'll just give a few high lights.
 So we found a new investigator! Her name is S___ :) I love S___. I don't know if I have met someone who had so many trials all at once but it amazing how much she relies on God to find strength. You can just see the desire to grow closer to Him and I can't wait to see what all happens! I love meeting new people :).
We also did lots of service this week and its amazing to see how God gives each of us different trials and helps us to manage them each in our own way. We are able to strengthen each other when we share our talents. I realize that God gave me certain abilities so that I would be able to help other through their hard times. Even something as simple as doing dishes can be enough to help others realize that God is aware of them :) I have a big testimony of service :)
I don't really know what all to share! We do the work. Everyday. And give it our all because we know that there are more people being prepared in our area to receive the gospel. I love being a part of the work of God. Update on the V__ U___ and K__, they are doing awesome :) Of course Satan is trying to stop them, but they know in who they put their trust and God is making the path clear. I love that I have gotten to be a part of their journey!
I love you all and thank you for all your love and support!!
Sister Tobler