Moe me ka maluhia lani :)

Aloha nui loa, Family and Friends!

This week was... pretty dang tiring. But also very, very amazing and rewarding. We had a miracle!!

On Thursday, I was on exchanges with Sister M, another sister here at the VC. During our nightly planning, we made the qualitative goal to "shoot for the moon" all day. We wanted to give it our all and beyond, and we KNEW that we would see miracles. Whenever I prayerfully select a goal for the day with my companion, we see the Lord's hand helping us to fulfill that goal. Today was no different.

We had planned for high numbers in the area, but when we went out none of the students were home and we had little success. By the time we got to the VC, we had renewed our goal to shoot high and work hard, talking to everyone. It was a slooooow day. Halfway through the shift, however, a man came in. His name was Karim, and he wasn't a member, but he really wanted a "tour." The second I met him, I had a strong feeling that this man was elect and prepared. I had a strong impression that we needed to invite him to be baptized, which was super strange to me. Shaking the idea, we showed him the Christus statue first, and he LOVED it. We continued to show him around and he kept saying "I feel something different here, please teach me more, I am in your hands." The spirit was so strong as we testified of the Temple, eternal families, God's love, our purpose, the Restoration, our modern-day prophet President Monson, and Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. He began to open up and talk about his life and challenges. He had "lived the American Dream" by coming to America from Egypt, getting rich, starting a family, and getting divorced.  I received the impression countless times to invite him to be baptized, but  I kept pushing it out of my mind. We took Karim up to the Temple, and felt impressed to take him into the temple lobby. We taught more about the restoration, Book of Mormon and the priesthood while we were inside the walls of the temple. The spirit was so strong... and he finally asked, "what's next?" I told him that someday I wanted him to be able to see and experience the rest of the Temple, and receive those blessings. That is when Sister M invited him to be baptized by someone holding the priesthood authority of God and... he accepted. He accepted missionaries to come visit and teach him more, and was so excited. The spirit was so strong throughout the entire time we spent with Karim, and it strengthened my testimony that when we prepare ourselves, God WILL put people in our path that need us and our specific testimonies. God is loving, merciful and all-knowing. We just need to open our hearts and place our trust in Him.

Miracles happen year round, not just at Christmas. But as we do turn our hearts to Christ and His gift to us, we cannot help but have the burning desire to share it with others! Let's all #sharethegift!

I love you all, and I hope that you all have a very merry Christmas. :)

Sister Willardson

Mele Kalikimaka

Aloha again, my dear family and friends!

And Mele Kalikimaka!

This week was awesome! I got to go on two exchanges with two amazing sisters here, and get to know them better, and visit some family wards again! We also had some success with the nonmembers in our area! This last week we go to meet with J, a nonmember on the Tennis team from Taiwan. She is SO sweet, and accepted to meet with us and learn more! We gave her a tour at the visitors' center. Even though the lesson was all in Chinese (thanks to my awesome companion, sister C), the spirit was strong and it was such a miracle lesson. It was all thanks to one of her friends that brought her to us! Never underestimate the power of member missionary work. We could never have met with her on our own. 

Today we got to do service for some of the other people in our area by helping them move. Finals just finished and everyone is either back home for Christmas or moving to a different Hale! Thank heavens for our car... We actually got to help out! 

On Sunday we had a crazy day, as usual. We visited 4 wards, and for two of the wards the Bishopric asked us right before if we would give talks because they weren't able to find speakers! It was so amazing because we talked about different things for both Sacrament meetings, and the spirit was so strong for both. I want to share one of the things that I spoke about. This last week I read an article that the church released about Plural Marriage in Navoo in the beginnings of the church. A lot of the information startled and surprised me! I didn't know about a lot of that history. After, to be honest, I needed to say a quick prayer to get my mind straight, because there were a lot of things that I didn't understand. Immediately, I received an overwhelming peace, and I knew that everything was going to be okay. I am so grateful that I KNOW that this church is true because I know that the Book of Mormon is true, and it is the word of God. Because I know for myself that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, I know that Joseph Smith is a true prophet, the prophet of the restoration. No matter what, I know that God knows more than we do, and the rest doesn't matter. I trust Him completely. More than anything, I agree with President Uchtdorf when he said "doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith." Although I don't have perfect knowledge about everything, I have Faith in God's Plan of Happiness for us, and I know that everything else will fall into place as we keep our covenants with Him and trust in Him.

Pray for an increased faith!

Sister Willardson

Getting Chilly!

What a great week. And it is starting to get chilly! It is like a whopping 75 degrees here! Haha I had to wear socks and a sweater for my studies all week!
In other more important news, I just know that these transfers were divinely directed. With Sister C, we were able to meet 2 non-members FINALLY that we had been searching for the past 7 weeks. For both, we just kind of ran into them! God's hand is in everything. I can feel the miracles coming! Faith faith faith!

On the first day of transfers, Sister C and I were working the morning shift at the Visitors' Center. A man came in with his mom, and we found them looking at the Romanian Book of Mormon at the display that we have. I asked him if he was familiar with the Book, and he said that he was. He was familiar with the church, and had been studying it a little. He asked, "can I buy this book from you?" Sister C and I both smiled and we said we would love to give him a copy for free. We gave them a copy in Romanian, and explained to them more about the Temple and Joseph Smith. We explained the restoration of the Gospel, and he was very open to listening. Before they left, we showed him and his mom the Christmas video, He is The Gift, and he said he knew that God brought him to us that day, and that there was no such thing as coincidences. He left his contact information, and I am excited to continue to teach him about the church.

I also finally found out about the results of a miracle tour we gave a few weeks ago. I saw some elders from the island in Mililani (we were at a mission tour on Sunday) and they came up and thanked me for giving the tour and told me that the man was gettting baptized this week! It was such amazing news to hear, because that man came from a part member family, and now in 1 year he can be sealed in the temple with his wife :) And that just makes me happier than anything. I wish I could attend his baptism.

I am so grateful to be here at the Hawaii Temple Visitors' Center, serving the Lord, and serving on campus at BYUH. Every day I meet someone that amazes me, and teaches me by their example and life. Be that light. Smile and share your love with strangers. We all need a little scattered sunshine in our lives.

Sister Willardson

Turkey on turkey on turkey (gobble gobble)

Well, Aloha family and friends!

I hope you all were able to have an amazing Thanksgiving filled with gratitude and food! I SURE did. I'm mostly grateful that my stomach didn't explode, that would have been messy. Sister De Leon and I ate a total of 5 Thanksgiving meals filled with imu turkey, bread, stuffing, potatoes, shrimp, potatoes, ham, and potatoes! hahaha The good news is, we made it through the day thanks to lots of prayers and positivity :) 

This week was just absolutely amazing. We got to finally tract down some students off-campus that we have been looking for, we had some amazing appointments with members/non-members both in the VC and in our area. Last night we were going to an appointment at a member home in one of our Married student wards -- they asked us to come teach an FHE lesson about the Restoration. While we were walking to their apartment, we received a text from the wife that they had brought their non-member friend from town to join us! I had a little panic attack because we weren't prepared at all for the lesson. And this was my first with member lesson! We said a quick prayer on the sidewalk, then continued on to the house. Then I realized -- I shouldn't be nervous because I teach lessons like this every day at the Visitors' Center. It isn't much different when we are in a home! I thought it was kind of funny. Anyways, the lesson went very well. We began showing them the new He is the Gift Christmas video, which really set the tone as we continued to teach about Jesus Christ and the Book of Mormon. She was really receptive to the message, accepted a copy of the Book of Mormon and said she wanted to meet with us again! The spirit was so strong during the lesson, and I was so grateful for the couple and their powerful testimonies as well. Member missionary work is REAL! Ahhh it was such a great night. 

Also, we received Transfer news once again! Beginning tomorrow, my dear sister De Leon is completing her mission and returning to the Philippines. I will still be Sister Training Leader, with my new companion..... *drumroll* Sister Chang from Taiwan/China! Ahhh we are such good friends and I am excited to serve with her the next 6 weeks. I know that miracles are coming, and she is NEEDED in this area. We have so many chinese non-members that we haven't been able to have success with yet. Stay tuned for more miracles!! haha

I know that this gospel is true because I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I know that Christ is at the head of this His church. I love to see His hand leading and guiding those that are searching to find the truth. I am grateful to be a missionary.

Sister Willardson 

Gratitude

Aloha, and Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

The season of family and celebrations is beginning, and I am so grateful to see it from a different perspective this year! Boy, is it hard to be away from home amidst the Christmas trees, carols and family gatherings, but I am ever grateful for the warmth of the people here in Hawaii. There really is a special spirit amidst the people here, in this cute little town of Laie. I love this place. 

Every week I struggle to know what to share, and what stories to tell.This week I think I'll go through a day in the life of Sister Willardson, directly from my journal :)
11/20/14

Today was such a great day! We had morning shift at the Visitors' Center, and we got to decorate some of the Christmas trees! We didn't have many visitors' because the front of the grounds is under major construction, and the main pathway to the VC was being ripped out. It was so loud! After shift we met with a girl named Sarah to do studies with her. She is preparing to serve a mission, and she is in one of the wards that we are covering. We meet with pre-missionaries a lot to try to help them to prepare to serve. Today, studying with Sarah made me think back to 6 months ago when I was preparing myself to serve! I thank my Heavenly Father for helping me get here. Then we went home and finished our studies. Then we had dinner over at the Black's house, a young couple in one of our married student wards. It was such a spiritual dinner, they are such a solid couple. We shared a message about the Book of Mormon and missionary work. The spirit was so strong. My testimony is always strengthened from visits like this. I love missionary work! At the end of dinner, brother Black gave us a referral for one of his friends from high school, so I will contact her tomorrow. After dinner, we made our visits to the Hale's on campus. We finally met a girl named M that we have been searching for. We saw C, our new investigator, but she was running down the hall because she was late for basketball practice. After a few more visits we were on our way out when we ran into another non-member, E, who we have been trying to meet with. Our last visit with her was pretty bleak because she was kind of upset that we had come to visit her. But this time she was super happy to see us! (probably because we opened the big heavy door for her and she had a big heavy bike so she couldn't get in alone). We talked for a few minutes and she said that she wanted to meet with us after all, and was super nice. It was a miracle! Then we had to rush home to be back in time and do our planning. And now I am writing in my journal! And I am super tired so I am going to bed now."

Well, I recognize that that was probably the most boring thing that you've read in a long time, but I thought it was necessary so you could experience the busy day in the life of Sister Willardson. Next week's episode: the day in the life of Sister Willardson, Sunday version! hahaha just kidding. But I just want you all to know that I am so grateful to be here serving the Lord, and every day is a blessing. That is something that I have been thinking a lot about lately -- How truly blessed we are to wake up each day and have another 24 hours to work hard and enjoy life! Let's make it all count!

Sister Willardson

The Gospel Blesses Families

Woaaaa this week was awesome, dude! (that is my surf lingo in celebration of the competitions going on at North Shore this week)

And speaking of lingo, I met the man who played Mahana's dad in Johnny Lingo a couple weeks ago. So that was pretty cool! There are famous people all over the place...

So to begin, I just want to give a shout out to my cuz Brandon for signing on with the BYU Men's Volleyball team this last week! I am so proud and excited for you :) 

So this last week, the Elders set up the Christmas trees throughout the VC. I have counted 17 brightly lit trees, and we have garland throughout the center too. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!!!! Even if it is still 80 degrees every day...

Sister De Leon and I had so many great experiences at the VC this last week. We also had zone conference. It has been a week of spiritual highs! I will share one story of a miracle we had this week. This last week, I have really been focusing on prayerfully preparing for guests. I have been asking Heavenly Father to lead people to me that need my testimony, in any shape or form. We had many part-member families come in this week. I met a couple from New Mexico, and they were from the Navajo tribe! They had just gotten married and moved off the reservation there. The wife, S, was a very less-active member and has been through a lot in her life. This is her second marriage. She wanted to bring her husband, V, here to learn more about the Temple and the beliefs she grew up with. We began showing them around the Visitors' Center, but he was very quiet so we couldn't figure out what he was thinking. We decided to take him through God's Plan for His Family, a 15 minute video presentation about God's plan for us and our families, and why the temple is important. It is powerful. We showed it to them, and at the end they were emotional. We talked for a long time, testifying of God's love for us and how the Gospel Blesses Families. The spirit was so strong, and finally I asked them if a Temple Marriage was something that they wanted together. S looked at her husband with tears in her eyes and said yes. Because V grew up on the reservation, he does not have much of a religious background besides the traditions of his tribe, but he said that he wanted to learn more. He wants to come to church. He wants to meet with missionaries. They know that the Temple is where they want to go, and soon. That was a very meaningful experience to me because I truly felt God's love for this couple. Our Heavenly Father always gives us second, third and fourth chances to choose Him and His plan. To choose happiness. To choose eternal life. He loves us so much that He sent his son to provide a way for us to receive these chances to repent, change and come unto Him. I know without a doubt that this Gospel is the only way. It is the only way that we can live forever with our families, in God's presence, with happiness greater than anything we've felt before in this life. And this makes me happy :)

Sister Willardson

Written in your hearts

Well, Ohana and friends, another week has come and gone. Time flies!

I don't have any super crazy stories to share this week, most of the people I talked with were not interested in the church. I got to talk to a man about the Book of Mormon musical, though, and that was pretty fun! #theBookisalwaysbetter
However, we had a breakthrough in the singles' wards! Every week we have visited the homes/apartments/dorms of the non-member or less-active students that we were referred, but they were NEVER home! It was beginning to get frustrating, but Sister De Leon and I did not give up! We were praying for miracles, and we were led to knock the door of a non-member student on the BYUH womens' basketball team named C. And what do you know, she answered the door! She was happy to see us, and invited us to come in. We got to know her, and talked to her about the religion class she is taking here. She didn't seem to have any questions, or much interest in the church, but she invited us to come back another day and teach her more! MIRACLES HAPPEN WHEN WE BELIEVE! hahaha

I know that Heavenly Father is in the small details of our lives. I know that He loves us so much that He wants us to return to live with Him again with our families. That is why He sent His son, our brother, Jesus Christ. Christ suffered for all of our sins, weaknesses, pains and heartaches. He knows how we feel when we feel all alone. I know that sometimes true conversion comes during the most trying times in our lives, which is why He allows us to face adversity. Conversion comes little by little, principle by principle. And He is with us every step of the way :) 

My invitation to you all this week is to do a little more to allow the atonement to be written in your hearts :)

I love you all! Mahalo nui loa for your prayers on my behalf. I can feel them every day. 

Sister Willardson

Highs and Lows

This last week was so so good. First off, we were able to go to Pearl Harbor to do some service on the USS Missouri. We swept the decks. It was so cool! I loved seeing all the WW2 planes and artillery and stuff. Plus I was the one that drove across the island to get to town, and nobody died, so that was a great day! hahaha

And I also have a story to share, and I hope I will be able to effectively convey my feelings and this experience. It really changed me. So on Wednesday Sister De Leon and I were on tram shift, which is when we take the guests from the Polynesian Cultural Center to the Temple visitors' Center. Our first three trams were completely empty, but our fourth (and last) was completely full! When we have full trams, it is usually very difficult to establish relationships with the guests, but today was different. When we arrived at the VC, we showed everyone the Christus statue, and played a short narration that goes along with it. When it ended, I felt very strongly that I needed to testify of Christ, and specifically how he can help make our burdens light and that He lives, loves and knows us. I didn't know why I was inspired to say that until after, when two women came to me and asked me what the difference was between a church and a temple. I answered, and then she thanked me sincerely for my testimony and choosing to serve a mission and share about Jesus Christ. I asked them what religion they were and she said "we are Catholic. We are from Australia, but originally from Iraq. We are called Chaldean, but you probably don't know what that is." My face lit up and I got super excited and said, "OH! I know what that is!" I explained about where I am from, and how many Chaldeans live in my town and they got very excited. She mentioned that she speaks Aramaic, and I told her about missionaries "like me" who are called to speak Arabic in San Diego and then I took them to see our Arabic Book of Mormon. I just began bearing my testimony again about Jesus Christ and the Atonement. They both just started crying and said that they had really been struggling with some things and that they had taken vacation here just to get away from it. They called me their "little angel" over and over again, and I told them that it was no coincidence that they were led here to the Visitors' Center that day. I bore my testimony of the atonement, and gave them a copy of the Book of Mormon, testifying that they could learn more about Jesus Christ and find happiness in their lives by reading it. We were all in tears. Their visit tied me back to home and the people I love dearly, and it was such a sacred experience for me to share these things of my heart with these wonderful women. When it was time to get back on the tram, we embraced and I offered them a guest card to keep in touch, and to send them missionaries when they return home. They were excited to learn more. When the tram arrived back at the PCC, the crowd was so large, and they disappeared into it, and I never saw them again. My heart literally broke. There are so many times that I am unable to receive guest cards back from amazing guests, but this time was so different. I felt so much love for these women, and in a second all of it was lost. I will never know the rest of their conversion story, until after this life when we meet up again and embrace. What a reunion it will be. I thank God for allowing our paths to intersect, and I'll never forget these beautiful women. I'll never forget the way I felt as I testified of the Book of Mormon that night.

Sometimes serving here is difficult because we have to say goodbye so much. But memories like this will last a lifetime, and I just know that Heavenly Father is aware of all of us, and our desires and needs. 

Love Sister Willardson

Busy Bees, and Praying knees

Wow, this week was so short and so busy! We had two exchanges with the sisters here, and with everything else I seriously didn't know if I would make it! But prayers are real, people. On Sunday night I just prayed that I would be able to make it through Monday and when I woke up I had more energy than I have had my whole mission. It was such a great day!!!

So on Monday, we went out tracting the area because the off-campus students live all throughout Laie. We were trying to track down a specific girl because her name was given to us by the ward mission leader (she is very less active). The house we went to seemed empty, but we knocked anyways and a girl opened the door. She was kind of loopy because we woke her up from a nap (oops), but she invited us to come in. She said she had just moved in from Brazil, and by the way she was dressed, I was SURE she was a non-member! We were both very excited and got to know her a bit, finding out she was a member, but struggling all alone here. We were able to share a message with her and her Korean roommate, and the spirit was just so so strong. At the beginning of the visit, they were both pretty awkward and stand-offish, but after our prayer they both thanked us for what we shared and for radiating love to them. I know this story is small, but It meant a lot to me because I really knew that we had been an answer to their prayers, and that they had needed some encouragement that day. Something that has given me the greatest joy on the mission so far is acting upon a prompting, and finding out later that it was an answer to someone's prayers. I know that prayers are real. And I know that Heavenly Father answers our prayers in many different ways, one of which is by prompting others to come to our aid when we most need them. Don't let a prompting to help someone pass you by! Just do it!

Also, I know that you all like hearing updates on my food. I just want you to know that every single night that we have been fed by the married student wards, we have had spaghetti. No complaints, though!!

I love you all and have a Happy Happy Halloween! 

Sister Willardson

Crossing Paths

Well, another week has gone by, and Laie is still green and lush (maybe a little wetter than average)! The storm we had brought a lot of rain, and I had the exciting experience of driving through the flooded streets! It was the ride of a lifetime, my poor companion! hahaha

But I have some more information for you about where I am serving now. Sister D and I are covering 10 student wards on BYUH campus. We are covering 8 young single adult wards, and 2 married student wards. It is busy, busy! On Sunday we went to 4 sacrament meetings, and then had our VC shift and other responsibilities so there was hardly time to breathe! But I am loving it. We are becoming professionals at tracting, and navigating the BYU Hale's (homes). I am grateful for this new obstacle to tackle. 

I hope that you were all able to see Meet the Mormons! We got to see it a few weeks ago in the VC, and the VC will be getting it in sometime next year. It is empowering, and if you haven't seen it yet I reccommend you go check it out!! This last week, we were going to a dinner appointment at a resteraunt (the family owns the restraunt) and we were walking past the little movie theatre here in Laie and an older couple came up to us and asked what was playing in the theatre that night. I think they thought that we were employees because of our nametags. We both said, "Meet the Mormons!" really excitedly, knowing that they were not members of the church. The older lady asked, "What is it about, is it a comedy?" hahaha No, it is not a comedy. We tried to build it up as much as we could, but in the end they were NOT interested. So we kept going to our dinner. When we arrived and ordered our meal, we saw the older couple again and they called us over to their table. They had a question about Noah in the Bible because they had just watched the movie, "Noah." We were trying to explain to them that the movie was fiction, and that the real Noah in the Bible was a loving prophet, not an evil man that fights aliens and tries to murder people. Eventually, they began to soften up, and we were able to have a whole conversation with them about the church, and our purpose as missionaries, and why we chose to serve missions. It was just a really funny night, but I know that Heavenly Father provided a way for us to cross paths to give them a touch of the gospel. They were a really cool couple. 

Another thing that happened yesterday was we were doing the tram rides from the Polynesian Cultural Center and we met a really classy group of old ladies, all widows. They had formed a group together because they had all lost their husbands and wanted to travel together so they wouldn't get lonely. They were all sweet, Catholic ladies. At first they didn't want to get off the tram at the VC because they thought we were going to try to "convert" them, but we explained to them that we wanted to teach them more about the temple and about what we believed. They complied, and from then on had all kinds of great questions as I showed them around the Visitors' Center. I love meeting new people, and getting to know them and helping them build their faith. I don't know why Heavenly Father provided the way for us to cross paths, but I do know that I felt true love for these women, and I hope to see them all again some day, happily, with their husbands again.

A few months ago when I was called to be a trainer, I was so overwhelmed and I asked to receive a priesthood blessing. In it, I was reminded to think back to my childhood and all the people that have influenced me, and helped me to prepare to serve a mission. I keep being reminded of certain people that Heavenly Father placed into my life to change and influence me, leaving an impression on my heart. I am so grateful for all the influential family members, leaders, friends and strangers that have made me who I am today (even though I am still a work in progress). Heavenly father does not provide the finishing touch on us, but the Finisher's touch through the people we meet and the experiences He allows us to have.

I love you all! Shine bright like a star! haha

Sister Willardson

Laie Angels :)

Well hello there, family! Or should I say, Aloha, my ohana!

This last transfer literally flew by, and we had transfer news last night. I realized that I am never very descriptive in my emails, and I think that this might make you laugh so I will describe exactly what transfer news is like here at the VC on Sunday night before transfers we all meet in the big theater at our VC. We begin by singing our traditional transfer song about "Laie Angels at the Visitors' Center" (hahaha) Next, our coordinating sisters (kind of like AP's at the VC) announce the next transfer via some crazy way, and it has been different every time. This time, they made a cute little movie showing what was going to happen to all of us. Then we all celebrate with treats.Transfer news is a pretty big deal here at the Laie Temple Visitors' Center... :)

So this next transfer *drumroll please* I will be leaving Laie 8th ward :(, but staying at the VC. I have been called to serve in the YSA wards on BYU Hawaii campus! My new companion will be Sister D, from the Philippines. I am super excited about this big change, mostly because I will be driving a car, and I will probably lose some tummy because the YSA wards don't feed quite the same as family wards! haha. Just kidding, kinda. But I am the most excited because I can't wait to be able to teach people that are so close to my age. I have been prayerfully seeking for opportunities to relate better with people, and understand their trials better so I can know how to help them. I know that this is a direct answer to my prayers, and I am so grateful for this opportunity. We have also been called as Sister trainers for half of the sisters here at the VC, and will be conducting exchanges with them throughout the transfer, as well as help provide training for the Visitors' Center. I am so humbled and nervous for this responsibility, but I know that Heavenly Father is in charge. He always is.

I just want to share with you my testimony of the Book of Mormon. When I first arrived here in Hawaii, I made the goal to read it again, studying and pondering its teachings. I was searching to gain a better relationship with my Savior, to understand more about His character. I finally finished last week. Reading the Book of Mormon with a purpose changed me. Not only did I learn more about my Savior, but I feel like I learned more about myself -- my strengths, weaknesses, and purpose.  I know that the Book of Mormon is a true book. When I got to my knees to pray about it again, I received an indescribable feeling of warmth and peace. I didn't even need to ask. I believed it was true, and now I know more than ever that it is the most true book on Earth. I am so grateful for the testimonies of Christ found within its pages. I am so grateful for the ability it has to literally change and transform us as we follow its teachings. 

I feel impressed to invite you to read the Book of Mormon every day, even if it is just for 10 minutes. Just as this book has molded and changed me (and continues to do so), I know that it will change you. As you draw closer to the Savior, He will touch your life in undeniable ways. His promise given in the Doctrine and Covenants is this:
"Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."

I know that Christ is waiting on the other side of the door to minister to us. We just have to let him in. A sure way to let Him in is by reading His words in the scriptures. 

I love you all! Have a great week!
Sister Willardson

It's raining, It's pouring!

Aloha, Family!

Howz It?? The past couple weeks have flown by. Every week I feel overwhelmed with what I should write home about my experiences because I feel like there is just so much! It has been very rainy here in Laie, and I specifically love the rain because it makes the whole world smell great :) It has a cleansing effect on the community, and I love when we get caught in it walking to appointments because then I get to pull out my cool umbrella (thanks dad!) and just take everything in. I love this place, I love these people. 

An update on the coolest food that I have eaten on my mission so far -- octupus salad, nori (seaweed), a side of homemade tempura shrimp and fresh, raw ahi tuna! The best meal ever! I love sea food! Having a cute Japanese companion has it's perks! The members here often try to make meals that will make her feel more at home. Thus, lots of seaweed and rice and fish. yum yum yum.

Now onto more important things -- Conference!! This last week we were able to watch the General Womens' meeting, Meet the Mormons (a new movie coming to theaters October 10th) and of course General Conference! It was such a powerful week! i went into General Conference, like most of you, searching for some answers and peace. Boy, did I receive it! I'm so grateful for the blessings of having a prophet today, and I love the renewed testimony I received of His divine calling. God loves us, and He speaks to us today through our prophets. 

A couple weeks ago, we had a couple visit the VC from San Fransisco, originally India. The husband wasn't very interested but the woman had all kinds of questions, and I shared with her the Book of Mormon, and my testimony of Jesus Christ. Although they are of the Hindu faith, she was very interested and said that she wanted a copy. She said that she knew God was trying to tell her something by sending her to us that day. She kept commenting on how peaceful the Temple Grounds were. WOW! All I have to say is that I know that she was prepared and her heart was softened when she came to us that day. I felt very blessed to be able to meet her and share with her my testimony of the truths of the gospel. I could just see this beautiful woman as a future church member, taking the sacrament and teaching lessons in relief society. I'm beginning to realize just how many hearts are touched within the Visitors' Center on a daily basis -- including mine.

Go back and watch your favorite General Conference talk this week! 

Love Sister Willardson

aloha!

Aloha family!

I am actually out of time today because we went to Kaneohe today for Pday so I don't have time to email... But I want you to know that I love you all and I am so grateful for your love and prayers!

More next week!

Love always, Sister Willardson

Hot Hot Hot!

Aloha family! 

This week was super great! We have been really praying to find ways to get the ward members more involved in missionary work. Sister Ohno and I have started a new thing to try to get the youth excited about missionary work in our ward. We made a sign-up for the young women to join us for companion studies in the day to prepare a lesson that we teach their family together at night. We are really excited about this, and hope that it will give the youth the experiences they need, as well as excite the members about missionary work as they get to act as our investigators! So... We have been pretty busy with member FHE's and our VC responsibilities. It has been so great! 

This week there were so many miracles in the VC! I have really been praying for prepared people to come in because it has been so slow, and the only people that had been coming in were members (which is still super great). On Tuesday a couple came in, Tereza and Gonzalo. Tereza is from the Czech Republic, and Gonzalo is from Chile. They met while they were studying in Italy. Soo needless to say I was pretty excited to meet them and show them around the VC. One of the first questions I asked them was about their religious background, and they both said they grew up Roman Catholic, but are not religious. I could sense both of their sweet spirits, and I knew that Heavenly Father had prepared for them to come visit that day. They asked lots of questions, and were very interested in what we believe. I showed them around the entire Visitors' Center (which actually isn't that big...) and took them through a walk through video we have about God's plan for us and why we have families. At the end, Tereza was emotional, and said that someday she wanted to raise a family like the one in the video. They are actually engaged to be married next summer, and I talked about the temple and the sealing power within. I was able to give Tereza a Czech Book of Mormon, and Gonzo a Spanish Book of Mormon. They both were so interested in the Gospel and the Temple, and what we believed as members of the church. Their hearts were softened by the presence of the spirit that day, and I am so grateful that I was able to be a part of that experience. I love serving here!

I really feel so blessed to be serving in such a beautiful place with such beautiful people. I thank my Heavenly Father every day for this opportunity, and pray that I might be able to measure up to this sacred calling that I have been entrusted with. We all have sacred callings that we are entrusted with, wherever we are in our lives. Sometimes they are obvious, and other times we don't recognize them until after. Something that I have learned so far is that even the trials we go through and burdens we bear represent the sacred trust that Heavenly Father has in us. He knows that, as we allow these trials to refine us, we can become who He sees us as. I pray every day to see that potential in others as I meet them in the VC. Sometimes I am blessed to see it, as I was able to glimpse it in the wonderful Czech/Chile couple. And it is beautiful.

Keep looking for the good in others!

Mahalo, Sister Willardson

ALOHAAAAA

How is everybody this week!?! Great!

This week just flew by!! Nothing much to report... Sister Ohno and I are just trying to stay cool in the heat of the Hawaiian summer. It has been pretty warm this week!

This week, Sister Ohno and I were able to have a wonderful family night lesson with our investigators, M and F. They are young girls in our ward that really want to be baptized but their father won't let them. They live in a broken home, without the father, and raised solely by their strong loving mother. Their mother, C, is a convert of 2 years. They have received all of the pre-baptism missionary lessons (they have even taught a few to the missionaries), and are just waiting on their father's permission since they are under 18. It is heartbreaking to see their struggles. We had a lesson about the temple, and were inspired to share with C, the mother, about the endowment. She has not yet been through the temple, but we are trying to help her get there. I know, without a doubt, that the enabling power that we receive inside the temple can help us to overcome many of the challenges we face today. With that power, families can be strengthened, broken hearts can be healed, and God's love can abide even stronger in the home. I know this is true, and I have felt this power as I have stepped into the homes of many families here in Laie. I love the families here. 

ALSO this week I found out that my dear investigator, Rickie, from England was baptized! I wish so badly that I could have flown over and attended. But the funny thing is that the night I received the email from him about his baptism, I met a wonderful couple from England here in the VC. Coincidence? Never :)

Well that is all that I have time for! I hope that you all had a fabulous week. 

I know that the Lord loves us and knows us. I know that when we open our hearts to His will we can see miracles. He always takes us down the path that leads to growth and increased capacities to love. I want to end with a quote from Brad Wilcox's talk titled "His grace is sufficient" (because it is):"Grace is not the absence of God’s high expectations. Grace is the presence of God’s power." 

I love you all! 

Love Sister Willardson

Mahalo nui Loa!

Aloha, family and friends!

This week was great. I met some really great visitors in the VC this week. Do you want to know something that I've learned finally? Okay, great!

So far on my mission, I have had times where I have struggled with guests in the Visitors' Center. You can just tell that they don't care about what I am saying, or don't believe it. Some guests have raised their voices with me, others have turned and literally ran away from me (those are my favorite). This week I realized that not everyone is prepared to receive the fullness of the Gospel. Not everyone is going to recognize how important this message is. Not everyone is going to realize that they have something missing that only Christ can bring. I am not here to convince anyone that this is the true church. I am not here to convince anyone that the Book of Mormon is true, the truest book on earth! I am not here to convince anyone that temples are truly the Lord's house. I don't have to! If they are prepared, they will recognize the special spirit here on temple grounds. They will recognize that they are missing something in their lives, and the happiness and peace they are feeling is just a teaser to what they could have in their lives every day! 

The second I realized that I am not here to convince, I crossed paths with many wonderful, prepared people. I had a man from the Philippines ask if he could buy the Tagolog Book of Mormon from me! (I of course gave him a free copy). I met so many wonderful, humble families this last week that were searching for more. I am so blessed to be here. 

I strive every day to be prepared, to be worthy enough to be a carrier of the light of Christ. Many people recognize the sweet, peaceful influence of the spirit when they come onto temple grounds. I am so grateful to be entrusted with this calling to testify of Him, our Savior and Redeemer every day. 

Live your life in a way that you can be an example of the believers. We have all been entrusted with the light that many are searching for. Let it shine!

Aloha nui loa,

Sister Willardson

Missionary Lyfe

Aloha Friends and Family!

Hope you had a great week! Mine was great too :) We had transfers and I can't remember if I told you but I am staying where I am with sweet sister Ohno. We are working hard, trying to stay busy in an area with 99.9% members. This last week we taught a lesson to our Jehovah's witness friend Esther and it ended up being approximately 3 hours long. She just didn't want us to leave! Well the real story is this...

We had just finished teaching a Family Home Evening Lesson to a family in our ward when we were on our way to another home to try to contact a family that has been pretty MIA. On our way there, I just stopped in my tracks and had the impression that we needed to go see our friend Esther. We usually try not to visit her because she always tries to teach us hahaha. BUT I knew that we needed to go see her. So we went. When we walked up to her door, it was open, and her and her son were sitting on the couch crying together. She saw us and invited us to come in, and told us that her nephew had just passed away. She asked us where he was. We talked to her about God's plan for us and specifically where we go after we die. We shared with her Alma 40:11-12 which reads,

 11 Now, concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection—Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, assoon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men, whetherthey be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life.

 12 And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous arereceived into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state ofpeace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow.

We spoke together for a long time. I know that Heavenly Father knew that Esther needed us to come that night to provide with her some answers and the comfort and peace that she was searching for. I can often feel a strength or power that is not my own guiding me to say or do certain things. I know that Heavenly Father loves us so much that he puts angels into our lives that provide us with a touch of heaven. I hope that we were able to do that for Esther that night.

God is merciful and loving. I know that this life is meant to help us grow, and thus we sometimes experience times of sorrow and pain. We all face individual challenges that can be too heavy to bare on our own. I also know that we can use these challenges to become sensitive to others and their needs. Some of the things that I have struggled with on the mission so far have helped me to be sensitive to specific people and their needs. I know that above all, the Lord knows our needs and challenges. He suffered for us so that we don't have to suffer. He can help us lift those burdens that are too heavy to lift on our own. All we have to do is ask :)

Look to others and their needs this week! And always, always keep smiling!

Love Sister Willardson

Syouganai :)

This week was pretty great! It started off pretty rough with lots of appointments falling through, but syouganai! We are doing all we can.

Training sister Ohno has been such a great experience. No, it has not been easy. But I absolutely love her! As part of language study, she is teaching me a japanese word every day! So I am proud to say that when we meet Japanese visitors at the Polynesian Cultural Center or the Visitors' Center, they are impressed by the blonde girl's Japanese. hahaha

There has been some mighty construction going on at the grounds here at the Visitors' Center. The grounds are completely closed, so the only place to go is inside the Visitors' Center. It is great! We have been keeping very busy with visitors. Yesterday I even led a tour of 60 plus people. It made me reflect on how far I have personally come so far on the mission. Three months ago, I would not have wanted to stand before 60 people from all over the world and share my testimony of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for all of us. But last night, it just came out of my mouth naturally. I love my Savior. He is everything to me. I love the Book of Mormon. I love the happiness, knowledge and purpose it brings me in my life. I love our prophet, Thomas S Monson. He is truly a man called of God to do extraordinary things. With Christ at the head, he leads our church today. I am grateful to be a part of this His great work. This is the most important force of good that is happening in the world right now. Sharing the truthfulness of the restored gospel can bring miracles into people's lives. True doctrine, taught and understood can and will change the world. 

Thank you for all of your prayers and love!

I love you all. I could not be more blessed. 

Aloha and lots of love, 

Sister Willardson

Aloha Famiglia! Aug 19, 2014

Wow. This week was awesome. So many miracles!! 

To preface these miracles, I just want to say that prayer is real. This last week I have really been praying to understand and recognize promptings of the spirit better. My prayers were answered :)

On Friday, we were on shift at the visitors' center and an older couple came in to visit while their daughter was going through the temple. They were members, but very less active with some interesting family history. The wife has been wanting to come back to church, and brought the husband into the visitors' center hoping that he would feel the sweet spirit here on temple grounds. We ended up sitting and talking to them for over an hour and a half. After hearing some of their life stories, I had the impression to ask the husband if he believed that God has protected him and watched over him in his life. That kind of took him back and he tried to change the subject but I could tell that he knew that it was true. I just looked at him, and said "I know you felt something here today. You cannot deny it. You need to go to church on Sunday. I promise you that you will feel the spirit again there, and you will love it." Never before have I been so bold. But I knew that he needed to hear it. I felt the Spirit working through me to pierce his heart. Heavenly Father wanted to let him know that he is aware of him.  How often we forget that we do have a loving Heavenly Father that wants us to be happy again. I don't know if he ever went to church because he lives on the other side of the island, but I honestly know that he felt something. The spirit was so strong during our conversation, and I could not deny the impressions and gift of discernment that I was given at that time. 

Another miracle -- on Thursday I had the weird "feeling" that I should study some of my limited Italian. I have one Italian language book and my Italian Book of Mormon and I was carrying them around all week. I have not even met any Italians yet, so I was wondering why I was having these impressions!! Anyways, as you can probably predict, on Saturday night at the VC I ran into the most adorable Italian couple, straight from Roma! They are here studying English. When I asked them where they were from and they told me Italy I just about exploded with excitement. Now, anyone that knows me super well (Tatum) knows that I have pretty much blown every Italian speaking opportunity that I have had because I just get so excited that I completely blank and forget everything. Well, not this time! I was able to give them a complete tour in broken (but still mildly impressive) Italian about Jesus Christ, the Book of Mormon, the restored gospel, and the temple. They left with pamphlets and I got the woman's information so I will be teaching her more via email! Ohmigoodness I am so grateful that I studied Italian!

Well, that was a lot for this last week, but thanks for spending the time to read it! I love you all and I am so grateful to be a part of this great work, serving my Savior and the people of Hawaii and the world. 

Keep smiling!
Sister Willardson

Aloha! I survived! haha

Aloha family and friends!

This week... was amazing. Last weekend we had that big storm, and thank you for all your prayers! They must have been so strong that they drove the hurricane away! Hahaha. There was not any damage, just lots of rain! I have never seen so much water fall out of the sky! It was awesome!

This last week at the Visitors' Center was great. Every day we meet wonderful people, and I have the chance to bear my testimony of the Temple, and the atonement of Jesus Christ. What could be better? Today for P-day we actually got to go to the temple finally. We get to go every other month, but it has felt like an eternity. When I entered the temple doors, a wave of emotion overcame me and I felt like I was home. I am so grateful to be serving on Temple grounds every day! Guests often mention how peaceful they feel when they come. I know that that is the Spirit of the Lord, residing in their soft hearts and beckoning them to come unto Him. And many do. 

Our ward is also so great! We spent this last week just trying to get to know as many members as we can. I love love love the Polynesian people. They have a special spirit in their home that I cannot explain! And they sacrifice so much for their families and the missionaries. I am so blessed to be serving here. 

I don't have much time left today, but I just want everyone to know how much I love them. I am so grateful for all the people that have supported and prayed for me so far as I have served here. Adjusting to missionary work is hard, but I have finally found that as I place ALL of my trust in the Lord and do everything I can to serve Him, I would not want to be doing anything else. I want to serve Him for the rest of my life. "Pure Christlike love, flowing from true righteousness, can change the world." The fastest answers we will ever receive to prayer are for an increased amount of love. I keep seeing this every day. Heavenly Father loves us. He is waiting to bless us. Sometimes we just have to ask. Ask!

Love Sister Willardson

Aloha! August 5, 2014

Hello there! Sorry this email is late, my Pday is on tuesday now!

This week was FAST! I said goodbye to Sister H and Aloha to my new companion, sister Ohno! She is so stinking cute! She has been learning English in the MTC for a couple months, so she has actually been out just as long as me, we even go home on the same day! But that is forever away... soo...

This week we just spent a lot of time in our new area, meeting the members and some of the non members! So if I look tan in my pictures, that is why! haha I got a pretty funny sunburn yesterday. Anyways, we had a few miracles this week as well!

I found out that my investigator from England has a baptismal date! I have been teaching him for a couple weeks and sent the missionaries to him. I am so excited, he came onto mormon.org chat a month or so ago with wavering faith, and surrounded by atheist influences. He was searching for more, and I am so blessed to even be a part of helping him find it. He is an inspiration.

Sister Ohno and I also had the amazing experience of getting screamed at when we went to a lady's house! She is not a member of the church, and she HATES missionaries. We just felt like we should go offer service to her, and she screamed from inside the house at us, telling us to leave. It was awesome! She was yelling at us all the way until we left her driveway. Such a great experience! HAHA

We also got to teach an unplanned lesson to an nice woman in the area named Esther. She is Jehovah's witness, and she loves the Bible! We had a really great discussion with her about it, and she was fired up. I don't know if anything else will come of it, but since she is pretty much the only potential investigator we have in the whole neighborhood, I hope she will let us come back! Laie is funny because pretty much everyone is either a member, or sick of the missionaries knocking on their door.

This week, I just want to invite everyone to go to the temple! Even the temple grounds offer a special spirit that you cannot deny when you enter. Whatever trials or questions you may have in your life at this point, I promise you that as you enter temple grounds you will feel closer to God. He will answer your needs as you exercise the faith to draw nearer to Him. How blessed we are to have over 143 temples around the world!

Remember who you are. Remember your divine potential and inheritance. And keep smiling :)

Love Sister Willardson!

Aloha Oe to my first transfer!

Wow, it has been 6 weeks here in Hawaii! Time flies. And this last week was one of miracles! And surprises... Which one do you want to hear first?? I will start with transfer news ;)

*Drum roll* please..... This next transfer I will be moving to Laie 8th ward! I get an area!! And along with that... I will be training a sweet Japanese sister named Sister Ohno... And that really was my initial thought -- Oh no! Haha. I really don't feel adequate to train a brand-new sister. I haven't even finished my 12 weeks of training yet! Since the transfer news Saturday night, I have been really prayerful in preparing for her to arrive. I have never felt so anxious before in my life. I don't even know how to serve in a real area, I have been online! How am I supposed to do this!? I really do know that this assignment was inspired by the Lord. And I also know that the Lord qualifies who He calls. I have continuously been reminded so far on the mission that I cannot do this on my own. It is impossible. With the Lord though, I have seen my weaknesses turn into strengths. Everything is going to be fine. This work is too important to let someone like me to mess it up! haha. So I know that I will be stretched and fortified in this position as I do all that I can to be the best disciple of Christ that I can be. I cannot wait to meet my new companion on Wednesday. I already love her :) 

Now for the miracles. Holy moly. On Thursday, I was serving in the VC when we had surprise visits from over 200 Chinese guests throughout the day! Not only that, but a chinese woman came up to our director, Elder Priday, and in rapid Chinese (there was a Sister translating), stated that she had been waiting 10 years to be baptized, and that she wanted to be baptized before she left to go back to China. WHAT!! Within the day, at least 6 others came up in groups desiring the same exact thing. So our sweet Chinese sisters volunteered to teach them all 4 lessons and we set up a time for their baptism the next day. They ended up receiving all the lessons and getting baptized the very next day in Honolulu. There were 10 Chinese baptisms. And on Thursday, we gave out over 100 Books of Mormon. It truly is a miracle. The Church has already pierced the hearts of those in China, and many are eager to receive the restored gospel. Hearts are prepared. I cannot express how truly grateful and blessed I was to be even a small part of that miracle. Basically all I did was take pictures with all of the Chinese people because I was the only blonde American there. But... I was there. And the spirit was SO strong on the Temple Grounds. 

What does this mean for you? The gospel is beginning to reach parts of the world that it has never been a part of. I argue that it is already there. We can be a part of this divine work! Everything we do and say can literally change the course of someone's day, and even life. Let's try to be lights in this dark world! Let's open our hearts and share a little extra love with those that we come in contact with every single day! I promise that as you do this, you will begin to find more reasons to smile every day :)

Keep Smiling :) 

Love Sister Willardson

Surviving the Thunder

FYI,  Pictures of Sister Willardson are on on the blog and change each week.  Follow the link. 
Aloha! I am happy to tell you that I survived my first Hawaiian thunderstorm this last week! It was pretty crazy, let me tell you. There were flash flood warnings across the area, and it was thundering throughout the night! Some of the sisters that live in lower pads were evacuated to up where we live. I really thought it was the end of the world! Thunder is terrifying, especially in the middle of the night! haha BUT we all survived, thank goodness!

Anyways, this week was so great :) Thanks to everyone for all the wonderful birthday wishes and cards and packages! I really appreciated it! Those, along with the wonderful day that I had here at the Visitors' Center, made it one of the best birthdays ever!! 

This week online, we had a baptism! It was a woman named Savannah. She came on a couple weeks ago with questions, and we get her information and tried to help her with her fears. We found out on Monday that she had been baptized last week! It was amazing! Although we didn't do much, it was so nice to be even a part of her conversion. We are talking to many really solid people, that are interested in the Gospel, and are at different stages in their conversion. My favorite is a boy named Rickie, from England. We helped him set up a meeting with the missionaries in his area, and receive a Book of Mormon. He has so many questions! I love being able to be a part of helping these people come to Christ, and find more happiness in their lives. Everyone that I meet here at the Visitors' Center, or online, is searching for something whether they know it or not. I know that wherever you are in your life, the Gospel of Jesus Christ can help complete the missing puzzle pieces and bring us so much direction in our lives.

I have been thinking about Family History work a lot this last week. I don't know why, but I really feel the urgency of this Work. Isn't it great to know that we can be linked to our families for Eternity? No matter what. All we have to do is find them. I want to invite everyone to do a little extra family history work on MyFamilySearch.org this week! I promise that as you prayerfully search for family members and add more to your family tree, you will be guided to do so. The veil is thin. This work is urgent. Your families are counting on you to find them and help them to receive the blessings of the gospel that they could not do on their own in this life. You can do it!!

Keep being awesome! I love you all! Mahalo nui loa for all of your prayers for the missionaries :) We need them!

Love sister Willardson

Aloha! July 14, 2014

Aloha family!!

This week was great!! It started out a little rough, but it was also very strengthening for me. On Tuesday we got to go on exchanges and I got to spend the day with Sister R (from the Ukraine), an amazing missionary. We got to go out in her area, she is serving over the YSA wards here. We got to teach the Plan of Salvation to a wonderful girl. WOW. She is amazing. That was the last lesson she needed before her baptism on Saturday. I got to go to that, and it was such a special experience for me to be a part of that. Serving at the visitors' center is difficult because a lot of times we don't get to see the full conversion process of those we meet. This was the first time that I was able to be a part of someone's conversion -- seeing them before and after their decision to follow Christ and be baptized. While I had the blessing of teaching her, she really taught me. By exercising her faith and being so willing to learn, she had the courage to find out for herself that this is the true, restored gospel, and act upon her answer. No matter where we are in life, we need to continue to act upon those things we know to be right and true. We need to have courage to stand for what we believe, even if we feel alone.
 In other news, I learned how to make a haku, or head lei from real flowers! I felt so hawaiian! Here, if there is any celebration, we pretty much give the person a lei. It is such a fun tradition!

I am grateful for the chance that I have to be here, serving the Lord and being a part of this magnificent wave of missionary work! It is so important to open our mouths and share what we believe. People need it. People need that light in their lives. Life is hard. They need to know that they don't have to push through it alone. Christ suffered so that our burdens can be made lighter. I know that this is true with all of my heart, as I feel the blessings of His atonement in my life each day. 

Well that is all for now! Hope you enjoy the pictures!!

Love sister willardson

Aloha :) July 7, 2014

Aloha family :)

Well, I think that I am starting to understand a little bit of what everyone means when they say a mission is the hardest things you will ever do! It has not been easy. I feel like things keep coming up that are difficult! But that is okay. Something that I have learned so far, through personal experiences is that prayer is REAL. Honestly, I have never had a righteous prayer left unanswered. Heavenly Father loves us. He HEARS our prayers, even when they are just in our hearts. He also sends us angels in our time of need, to help bear up the burdens that we are unable to lift on our own. I know that this is true. 

I hope you all had a happy fourth of July! We sure did celebrate!! Although, grandma, we did not get to watch fireworks :( They went off after 9, when we were already in our pads. It is pretty funny to sing the national anthem with all the national sisters here. They did not know the words or the tune, so it was mostly full of shouting. I am so grateful for God's hand in founding and creating this beautiful country where we are allowed to live and practice religion freely. 

I know that this restored gospel is true. I am so grateful for the chances I have every day to stand up for what I believe in. I believe in Jesus Christ. I believe in living prophets that are led by Him. And I believe that God's words, found in both the Bible and Book of Mormon, are for us NOW. We are so blessed to be given so many ways that our prayers can be answered. I want to invite you all to share what you believe this next week, whether it be to a friend, or through the social media. Someone out there needs to hear the words of happiness that you have to share. You have the power to bring a smile to the face of another! Keep being awesome!

Love Sister Willardson

Aloha! June 30, 2014

Aloha Family!

I can't believe that it has already been a month! Time flies on a mission!

This week just came and went, like nobody's business!
Monday we got to go to my FIRST dinner appointment! Since we are serving online, we don't have a ward or area to serve in. BUT because my companion has connections she scored us a dinner with a wonderful family. I absolutely love the people here. On Sundays we get to choose which ward to go to for church, and I convinced Sister H to take me to the Samoan ward. HOLY MOLY. I did not understand a thing!! I felt like I was back in Italy, giving all my energy to understand what in the world was being said. It was one of the coolest experiences here so far. The spirit of the people here -- it is something unlike anything I've ever felt before! These people are so special. And loving. 

ALSO on Friday, Elder P, our VC director, took the new sisters to the Polynesian Cultural Center! We got to get dinner and see the night show! We get to visit the PCC on P-days, but we can only go to the night show at the beginning and end of our mission. 

Serving online is so interesting. Every day, a wide variety of people come on to mormon.org to chat with us. Every day. we deal with some crazies. They are very disrespectful to our faith and what we believe. In the beginning, it was very difficult for me to read some of the terrible things they would say to me. A few days ago, I was pretty frustrated, so frustrated that I just started laughing at myself for how ridiculous it all was. No matter what people say to me, I know why I chose to serve a mission. It is because this gospel is TRUE. The knowledge that comes from this restored gospel, coupled with the wonderful Book of Mormon, brings me so much happiness and direction in my life. Serving here on Temple grounds continually reminds me every day how blessed we are to have this gospel. While these crazy people attempt to make me question my beliefs, we also come in contact with people that have been prepared for the truth every day. We received three new investigators in one night on Saturday! Being a part of this work has been such a roller coaster full of blessings. I am so grateful to be serving online for my first area. It has helped me to learn the doctrine, and taught me to stand up for what I hold to be special and true. 

Our Heavenly Father has limitless blessings in store for us in this life. He loves us. He wants us to live with Him again. He wants us to be happy. That is why we are asked to do hard things sometimes. Whether it be taking the first step of baptism, standing alone for what we believe, or daily repenting/changing to become better, our Heavenly Father promises that He will not leave us comfortless. He will come to us in the very hour that we need Him. Have faith. Just trust. 

I love you all!! Have a great week! 

Love Sister Willardson

PS Happy 4th of July!! AMRRRICA!

Aloha!! For Realsies!

ALOHA EVERYBODY!!!

This week sure was an adventure! 

After receiving some final training from President, we left Honolulu for Laie on Wednesday! I got to meet my dear companion, Sister H from Japan. I am the only American living in our pad! Everyone else is Chinese/Japanese/etc! I love these sisters. I am already learning about Asian culture, and today I even picked up a single grain of rice with my chopsticks! They were so impressed hahaha. Thank you mom and dad, for introducing me to sushi and chopsticks :)

Serving in the Visitors' Center is a very different experience! As you probably know, we get to wear muumuus, we take visitors from the Polynesian Cultural Center by tram to Temple grounds, and we meet people from all over the world on a daily basis. This transfer, I have been called to serve as an Online Proselyting missionary, so I work on Mormon.org chat instead of a real area around here. It is very exciting! Apparently, I am the first missionary here to be trained while serving online instead of in a ward. I am not complaining because there is so much work to be done there. Also, this mission is seriously called the 40 pound mission because the people here are so loving and feed missionaries so much food! So I am avoiding that for a little bit ;) BUT just a heads up, you probably won't recognize me in 18 months! haha

Every morning we are blessed to wake up early and go running. My favorite spot to run to overlooks the ocean and you can feel the salty breeze. It is so cool to be able to have a Hawaiian vacation for 30 minutes every morning! We are very blessed to be here. Most importantly, however, we are blessed to be able to serve on Temple grounds every single day. The peace and Spirit here are so strong. I wish I could explain it better.

So one of the exhibits here is called God's Plan. It takes you through the lives of a simple, normal family from the ups and the downs, and pains and beauties of life. Most importantly, it teaches about the Temple, and because Heavenly Father loves us unconditionally, he has provided a way for us to be together as families for ETERNITY. I am so blessed that I get to see that every single day, and testify of its truthfulness to families that need these blessings. I am so grateful for you, my family. I KNOW that, no matter what, we can be together forever because of the blessings of the Temple. It is a powerful, true fact. As I look into the eyes of all the families that come into here to learn more about this gospel, I am filled with an overwhelming love for them that only reveals a sliver of the love our Father in Heaven has for us, His children. May we all pray to feel this love for those we come in contact with, so we might understand the love He has for us a little better.

This week hasn't been easy, but it has been so worth it. I love you all!! Keep being awesome!! 

Love Sister Willardson

Aloha :) June 9, 2014

Well Hello there, everyone!!

This week just FLEW by, I cannot believe it! This last week was so great. I cannot believe how much we are able to pack into 24 hours. It is a miracle honestly.

Speaking of miracles, I got my flight information!! I am leaving June 16th around 12. Starting this Wednesday I am doing special Visitors' Center training with a few other sisters. We will be going to Temple Square and everything!! I'm the only other sister that did not learn a new language. English all the way, baby!!

OH and thanks to Jacob Cooper, Tater Tot, Kelsie, Grandma, Sister Lamp and my mom for the letters/dear elders. It makes my day when I get mail!

So today since it is P Day we got to go to the temple and guess who else was there??? DAVID ARCHULETA. We just missed him, he came in right before we left but as we were leaving the temple worker said that he had just come in. HAHAHA random. In my past life I would have waited outside the temple doors for 2 hours to wait for him to come out. :D

I am so grateful for the opportunity I have had to be here and study at the MTC. It is not easy, but it is completely worth it. This past week was a little rocky for me and my wonderful companion, sister Christiansen. We were teaching three investigators (two were real, one was just our teacher). I'm just going to share one story, and I'd like to call it the Fortune Cookie Miracle haha. Gabby was the new investigator we took on this week, and our first meeting with her was crazy. She was suuuuper sweet, but very cold hearted and told us that she was not interested at all in the church, but she just wanted to learn about what we believed. She had many questions, but we were scared to answer them because we felt like she would kick us out if we shared our testimonies. I asked her to read a scripture from the Book of Mormon and she refused, and would not touch it. She would not read from any of our pamphlets either. At the end of the lesson, we were a little distraught. The next day we had an appointment to meet with her again and before the lesson, sister Christiansen and I prayed fervently that she would be touched by our message and her heart would be softened. That lesson, we taught about the Restoration of the gospel, Joseph Smith, and not only did she read from the scriptures, but she agreed to take a pamphlet! It was amazing. The third lesson we taught her, the spirit was so strong and we could tell that she was feeling it. We talked about the Plan of Salvation and we were reading through Doctrine and Covenants when she asked sister Christiansen why she had so many things hilighted in her scriptures. Sister C explained that it was because they all meant something to her. She read a random one about seeking truth and bewaring deception and Gabby started hysterically laughing. She said that the night before, she had eaten a fortune cookie that had said the exact same thing!!!!!!!!! I think that was a miracle. After that, Gabby was very open to what we were teaching and we could tell she wanted to hear more but we ran out of time. At the end of the lesson, we were finishing speaking about the plan of salvation when we said that we can all live with God again if we accept Christ and utilize His atonement, but in the end it is our choice. She said, "Who wouldn't want to live with God again?" Exactly. That was our last lesson with Gabby because she was being deployed with her husband later in the week. We took a picture with her and said our goodbyes. 

I am so grateful for the chance we had to teach and learn from Gabby. She is an amazing woman, and I love her. My heart ached knowing that we didn't get to have more time with her. I've learned this last week that the most effective teaching occurs when we have love for those we are teaching. All the miracles we had with Gabby were not due to our abilities as teachers, but because we were able to listen to her and guide her to learning of and coming closer to Christ. The spirit is the teacher, we are just the loving guides. 

From teaching Gabby, I now know that I CAN be an effective servant of the Lord in helping bring people closer to Christ. I am confident in this because I am confident in His love for all of us. Everyone deserves to know that they have a loving Heavenly Father, and that this Gospel blesses families, and that it is true. We as missionaries cannot force them to the truth, but rather testify of what we know to be true, and guide them to finding out this truth for themselves. We all need to exercise faith, no matter where we are in our lives. I put my faith in the Lord as I wake up every morning and put His name on the missionary tag over my heart. I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY.

Love you all!! 

Love Sister Willardson

Hello, Beautiful people!

This is my first email home from the MTC... I haven't been here for a week yet and it already feels like it has been a MONTH!! I don't even know what the date is, it is so crazy... The schedule here is like wake up at 6:30, go go eat go study go go eat study study eat study study go go go go. Hopefully that made sense.... hahaha

Real quick I want to thank Jacob and Kelsie for the special/wonderful packages and mom and Tater-Tot for the Dear Elder letters. It is the BEST to get mail, I love it!!!

Well despite the hectic schedules I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT HERE. I am so grateful for all of your prayers because I could feel them at the times that I was getting discouraged. Some experiences here are ups and downs, but mostly ups! My two teachers, Bro. Payne and Bro. Starkie are awesome. Bro. Payne looks exactly like Trevor Oberender, which has been pretty funny in class. He is also our "investigator," so I feel a special connection when I am teaching him! I am so excited to get to Hawaii and teach the people that I have already grown to LOVE. 

I love my companion Sister Christiansen! She is so sweet and we work very well together. I will talk more about that in a sec though, so hold your horses! So my district here is awesome!! They are all leaving next Wednesday for the DC south mission. I found out today that I haven't gotten my flight plans yet because they are keeping me an extra week for training specific to serving at the Visitor's Center. So I will be all alone and companionless :( BUUUT I heard through the grapevine that there is another sister here (I think from the Philippines) that is also going to the Hawaiian mission! But she is learning English so I'm hoping she will be finished soon enough so she can be my companion. IM SOOOOO EXCITEDDDD

Sister Christiansen and I are teaching two real investigators tomorrow, along with our "practice" investigator. The pressure is on!! Last week we were walking and our teacher came up to us and pointed at a lady reading the Book of Mormon on a bench and said "I want you to go talk to that woman and set up an appointment with her." UMM WHAAAT?? My comp and I were terrified but we said a quick, earnest prayer together and walked up to her and introduced ourselves. We ended up talking to her for a whole hour on that bench. Her name is K-min (It is actually longer but that is what she told us to call her bc we couldn't pronounce her name haha) and she is from Korea. She wanted to learn more about the church and she had just met with some missionaries here in the MTC so she was reading some scriptures that they assigned for her. She comes from a Buddhist background, and she had a lot of questions for us about faith and baptism. She was sooo sweet and agreed to meet with us again. One of the things she said to us as we were sitting there was "I know that if I can have faith in this book (the book of mormon), then I can believe anything that you say." WOA. I wish I had that kind of faith! 

That message has been residing with me for the past few days now. And it is crazy to think how right she was about her comment. The Book of Mormon is the KEYSTONE of our religion. This means that this church either stands or falls according the Book's truthfulness. I testify to you all that this book is TRUE. It is another testament of Christ and His characteristics. These characteristics, if we study and replicate, can make the difference between living just a happy life and a fully converted life. I want to live a converted life. I want to consecrate this next year and a half to my loving Heavenly Father and Savior because I owe them so much. Coming to the MTC, I was still hoping that serving a mission was what the Lord wanted me to do, and during my time here I have realized that I didn't need a slap in the face answer to know that I am doing what He wants. We are all called to be missionaries and share our knowledge of the restored gospel with those we meet. Looking at the MANY blessings I have had leading up to the mission and this past week, I know that the Lord has been looking out for me and helping me get to this point. That has been my answer. This experience at the MTC has been beautiful and wonderful and stressful and the best decision I ever made.  I know that there are people in Hawaii that are being prepared for this message. I am so stinking excited to meet them and help them find this happiness that I have taken for granted all my life. 

Also I think I have had chocolate milk for every meal (including breakfast) so far. Here's to praying I don't become lactose intolerant.... hehe

I love you all and I'm so grateful for the emails/letters of encouragement!! I am so blessed to have such wonderful family and friends. Read the book of Mormon. Again and again. It will change your life every single time. 

I LOVE YOU! 

Love Sister Willardson 

PS we are trying to get the computers to send pictures but we are still trying to figure it out... we will keep trying!