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Aloha, Family and Friends!!!

This week... Was so amazing. I wish I could express how humbled and grateful and indebted I am to Heavenly Father for His tender mercies and allowing me to be here. 

I don't have much time, but I wanted to share an awesome story that happened this week. I was on exchanges with Sister S in her area and we went out tracting her area because she was new to the area (as was I). Our goal for the day was to be genuine as we talked to people. We decided we would go to these 3 green houses that were next to each other to see who lived there. The first house was a less-active family, which was nice to know. As we approached the second house, we saw a blond girl in her 20's doing homework on the porch. She told us that she was not a member and she wasn't interested and to leave. So we skipped along to the third house and there wasn't a car in the driveway, but we thought we'd try anyways. We had to get through the gate to get to their front porch/door. When we knocked, suddenly a woman with super short shorts, a tank top and tattoos all over answered the door and stared at us in anger. She growled "Did you let yourself in through the gate?" And we were kind of in shock because we realized (without trying to judge) that she probably wasn't a member. We just stared at her and said yes. And she just kind of glared at us and said "one sec" and went back inside and started yelling something. Sister S and I were just kind of confused and scared and she came back out and stormed past us and said come with me and led us to her back yard around the house. Now, in most cases I would have been scared to follow but we did, and tried our best to act unfazed. She took us to some chairs behind her house and said "sit." and walked away. We sat. She came back and said "Is it okay if I smoke in front of you? This is my house and you trespassed so I can do what I want." In my mind I was like "dang, this has to be a joke, nobody in this world is this mean!" But we did say that we were super duper sorry for trespassing (we were) and that we wouldn't do it again. Then she said "okay you obviously want to talk so what is it?" So Sister S and I began telling her about why we were there and what we do as missionaries and that our message is centered on Jesus Christ. After some inspired questions, she began opening up and went inside and grabbed her bible and a BOOK OF MORMON! She put out her cigarette and started listening. We got to know her a little more, and taught her about the restoration and shared our favorite scriptures. She had many similar views with us about the purpose of life and she began to actually be really sweet. Something that was strange though was that every time I would talk she would look at Sister S and every time Sister S would talk she would study me. When she was finished listening and sharing, she thanked us sincerely for coming. She said that she knew that we really believed what we were saying and she gave us both big hugs. My heart melted for her. She said we could come back and "trespass again." One of the last things she mentioned to us was how sincere and genuine we were about our faith. That was our goal for the day! After we left, sister S and I looked at each other in awe. To see someones heart change so fast was an experience I have never experienced before! It was such a cool event to witness.  One of my favorite scriptures: 

And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?

Alma 5:26 

I know that the Lord has the ability to literally soften hearts. He has softened mine. I am grateful for the atonement and the ability that it gives us to not only repent and be clean, but to overcome our natural man. Without Christ's hand in my life, I know I would not be here. He truly is the author and finisher of my faith. And it is a power that I have been feeling every day while I have been here.

So now I have a question for you: If you have felt His power in your life, I would ask can you feel so now?

His arms are open and He is waiting for you to come to Him. I know this is true.

Aloha nui loa,

Sister Willardson

Busy busy busy! But we like it

Aloha family and friends!

This week was so awesome, and I want to start off by publicly announcing how much I love my companion, Sister N! She is so awesome, and pushes me to work harder, be better, and have more faith. I am so excited for this transfer. 

This last week was busy. Because of the new semester on BYU campus, we have been working hard trying to get to know everyone that is new. I feel like EVERYONE is new! hahaha New faces everywhere. 

But thankfully, we have been able to follow up with the nonmembers here in the area, and have made some great progress with them. I just love working and serving with the students here, they are SO easy to love.

We also had some miracle tours here in the VC! Right from the beginning of transfers, people have found their way in and Sister N and I have really clicked with them. We taught an amazing couple from Canada, and they stayed for at least two hours, interested in learning more! They even watched Meet the Mormons (which we have been playing here since the beginning of the month, I am pretty sure I can quote it now haha). We also had some amazing Chinese, Polish, and Brazilian families come in. All left with Books of Mormon and happy smiles on their faces. This is what makes me the happiest. I love meeting people, and sharing the treasures of my heart with them. The gospel of Jesus Christ has changed my life completely. This last week especially, I have been thinking about the blessings that have come into my life and family because of this beautiful Gospel, and the blessings are countless. I am so grateful to my Savior and Redeemer for His loving sacrifice that has made all of this possible. 

I love you all, and have a great week!

Sister Willardson

The Phone Call Miracles

Wow. This week was so awesome! I must say though, I am pretty exhausted. 

I'm not sure if you remember the miracle tour that I had with Sister M when we were on exchanges a few weeks ago. His name is Karim and he committed to baptism here at the VC. Well, this last week she and I called him on the phone this last week to check in and see if he went to church! When he answered he was super excited and said "Sisters! Guess who I am with right now!" And we were like uhhh... And he put us on speaker and told us to say hi! So we did :) And then we asked who was there and on the other end we heard, "This is the Sister Missionaries!" It was crazy, we were so excited! Karim was having his first lesson with the missionaries and he was making them dinner! And then he said "And I am getting baptized on February 14!" Ahhh! We died, we were so excited! I think they thought we were crazy because it took us a while to recover from our shock. We kept high-fiving each other and victory fisting, and I even involuntarily threw my pencil across the room. It was so perfect. We called back a couple days later to see how the lesson went and we taught about the Word of Wisdom and at the end, he asked US if we could end with a prayer and HE PRAYED! Over the phone! It was the sweetest thing ever. Man, I love that man. He has so much faith, and wants to change his life around and help his family to do the same. He is awesome.

Another cool thing that happened this week was that we got a random text from a random number telling us to call her as soon as we could. So I called and she didn't know how I got her number, but then I told her I was a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She just broke down into tears and shared how she has been searching for a church and how everything is falling apart in her life right now. She really has been through so much. I was able to say a prayer with her and testify of God's love. I helped her to get in touch with the local bishop, and left it at that. But, I know that it was no coincidence that she had accidentally texted the wrong number

So there you go, two phone miracles! And to think that I HATED calling on the phone before the mission! The Lord really does work in mysterious ways... :) And technology is awesome!!

I know that the Lord's hand is in every detail of our lives, and we just have to open our spiritual eyes to see His loving touch. Life is hard, and we face so many challenges every day. But these trials are meant to help us grow and be refined. That is the purpose of this life. And I wouldn't have it any other way :) I know that God loves each of His children, including me. And sometimes, that is all we need to know.

Make it a great week!

Sister Willardson

PS I was so excited that I forgot to mention Transfer news!! Well, Heavenly Father sure has a sense of humor. I am staying in YSA/Married student wards on campus here at BYUH, and I will still be serving as a sister trainer. I am literally sleeping in the same room as I have had for my whole mission so far, which is pretty rare. Yay for not having to move!! My new companion will be Sister N, a Korean from Chicago :) I CANNOT WAIT!! Bring on the miracles :)

Fireworks galore!!

Happy New Year, Everyone!

I hope you all were able to take some time to reflect upon this last year, and make meaningful goals for this next year! If not yet, no worries. It is never too late to start.

These last 7 months have been the hardest, most challenging and trying months of my life. They have also been the most rewarding and the best 7 months of my life. Looking back, I can see the Lord's hand in everything; He knew what I needed to grow the most. Such is life. If you look back at the past year's challenges, I promise that you will be able to recognize your growth and see His hand as well. 

My New Years was a blast! Literally! There were fireworks going nonstop from like 8 at night, through the night! We didn't get much sleep that night.... But for New Years, we celebrated by having a talent show with our Zone and by watching..... Frozen! It was the coolest thing ever!! (*pun intended*)

You might be asking... "what did sister Willardson do for the talent show?" And if you weren't.. Just skip this part because I'm going to tell you! I sang a Taylor Swift song with Sister S and Sister L. We changed the lyrics to make it more missionary appropriate, though. I also did the Haka with some other sisters!! I wish I could send the video it was pretty awesome!! Someday I'll show you the video!

In other news, this last week was super slow on campus and super busy in the VC! We had so many visitors from all over the world! I met one man that spoke Arabic from Northern Africa, that was pretty cool. On Sunday Sister C and I gave a tour to two men that are in the military and said they were agnostic. But, it was amazing to see their hearts soften to the gospel as the tour went on and we were able to give them both Books of Mormon at the end. That is my favorite thing about serving here at the VC. I love seeing the Lord soften and prepare people's hearts to receiving hope and truth. There are so many reasons that I love this Gospel. For me, it has changed my life completely. Without it, I would be helplessly lost. But with it, I have better understood my relationship with God and Christ. I really wouldn't trade what I know to be true for anything. The restored Gospel of Jesus Christ is beautifully simple and simply beautiful. This Plan is greater than us, but it is just for us. I am eternally grateful to my Heavenly Father for the tender mercies He has tailor-placed in my life. He loves us so much.

As do I!

Make it a great week!

Sister Willardson

The Reason for the Season

Well, family and friends, I hope you had a very Merry Christmas!!!

My Hawaiian Christmas consisted of a beautiful day full of Christmas carols and ham. Lots of ham. We got to go to carol at the Kahuku Hospital, and Oceanside Rest Home. That was my favorite part, aside from talking to you, Mom Dad Brooke Nate and Kalli! 

This last week was a really spiritual one for me, for many reasons. To be honest, it was difficult to miss my only brother's wedding, but I gained strength by focusing on my Savior, and strengthening my relationship with Him. On Christmas Eve night we got to go star-gazing, and I found so much peace looking up at the stars and thinking about God's Plan for my life. I have gained so much through this decision to serve a mission -- it has truly changed me for the better. Some of the experiences I've had so far, I could not trade for anything. I know that this is where I need to be. 

Small miracles came this week as Sister C and I searched for people to visit, serve, and strengthen. One of the non-members that we have been searching for came in to the VC with her family this last week! That one was a big miracle. Sister C and I also sang at the missionary musical fireside on Sunday, and I even learned some Chinese to use in hopes our potentials came to see us. Sadly, they didn't, but it was still a hit!

Well, I just want you all to know that I love you! I know that Christ lives. He loves us more than we can comprehend and He provided a way for us to find the peace we are seeking. He provided a way for us to be relieved of the burdens we feel, and He provided a way for us to live together again with our Families. I love Him so much.

Look for ways to serve this week!

Sister Willardson