600,000 Lights

Another Festival week.  It's been a great one.  I think the sisters are to the point now, where they are really learning how to be themselves when they are talking to people.  I love watching them interact and send the missionaries to these people they meet and testify of the Book of Mormon and just love every minute of this experience.  I'm like a mom.  But I'm really so proud of how these girls/sisters embrace their calling! This is definitely a time for a lot of reflecting, and seeing how good they are really makes me think about how my mission has been.  And I'm grateful there is still time to step it up and be better than I am.

One thing that I love about Festival is the number of international visitors that we've had.  So far I've sent missionaries to someone in Trinidad and Tobago, called someone in Zimbabwe, talked to people from India, South Korea, Vietnam, Puerto Rico, Sierra Leone, Ukraine, and a million other places.  My favorite place to take them is the creche room.  There are creche's from all over the world and it's amazing to see how all of Heavenly Father's children can have the same faith.  And even if the creche includes a turtle and a monkey in the manger scene, Christ is always at the center.  It's so meaningful.  That room has such an incredible spirit that is tangible when I walk inside.  I wish that I could take all of you there! Plus, they put these plug-ins in there that make it smell like Christmas and that definitely adds the magic of it all.

Another miracle we're seeing is that this Saturday, Tevin is getting baptized!  He is ready.  It's incredible.  To me, he is evidence that the study of doctrine changes behavior faster than the study of behavior changes behavior.  He is a miracle.  I'm still amazed at the power of the atonement to change people! At the beginning, Tevin was very angry, and bitter, and confused and I wasn't sure if we were going to make it to a second lesson.  And he had so many concerns with the first lesson, that if we hadn't had the spirit in our planning, we probably would have revisited Lesson 1 over and over again.  But both of us felt like we needed to teach him as if he'd accepted everything and just move forward.  As we did so, his concerns became fewer and fewer, and the light in his face got brighter and brighter, and now he's ready.  Last time we saw him he said that we actually likes church (what 16 year old guy says that?) and he feels ready.  He's happy now.  And it's true.  The gospel changes people!  Bah! I wish you could all see it! This has been one of the most memorable and fulfilling conversion experiences of my mission.  I don't know how to put into words all the feelings of watching Tevin (a 16 year old in the middle of 9 siblings, divorced parents, etc. etc) as he hated the world and all of the unfair treatment he'd received.  He was even called the 'devil child' by members of his family, so of course he had every right to be angry and bitter.  It consumed him.  He never smiled.  His eyes were always squinted just a little so that everyone knew he didn't trust them, and would sit in our lessons and just stare at the table.  But from the beginning, Sister Wankier and I knew when he accepted our message he would be the strongest one in that family.  I'm so grateful that Heavenly Father knew that both of us are the type of people who respond with extra doses of jokes and happiness when people are angry, because that is exactly what Tevin needed.  And Heavenly Father knew that.  We're sure Tevin thought (and probably still thinks) we're crazy as we were burning tea bags on his hand, mixing in ketchup with his ice cream, and doing every ridiculous thing we could think of to teach him the gospel.  The Spirit led, and little by little, he smiled more.  He came to church.  He prayed.  He read his scriptures.  He laughed.  He changed! He's confident in who he is, and he's at peace.  He trusts God and he's happy.  And it's real happiness. There's no way he could pretend to be as genuine as he is now.  Ah, it's amazing.  This is what truth does to people.  

So stay true to those things that are eternal.  I love you all!

-Sister Welch 

Winter is Here!

After I emailed last week, Sister Wankier and I went to one of the best Thanksgiving dinners I've ever attended.  It was at the Markoff cabin/barn/property (I don't know what to call it), and it was so much fun! As we were walking up to the cabin (which Nick Markoff (also known as 'Chief') built with his own hands) we started to see people dressed up in Pilgrim costumes.  Then the assistants came around the corner.  One was in an Indian costume, complete with a feathered headdress and moccasins, and the other was dressed as a Turkey.  So funny.  I will show you pictures one day.  

Elders Bigelow and Sanchez. (Sister Matsumori included this
picture in her blog for the parents of missionaries.)

It was great.  Then we got inside the cabin, which was just one huge room with three tables and a little kitchen, and we realized that everyone was dressed either as a Pilgrim or an Indian.  And you'll find out why in a second.  The dinner itself was great.  We listened to the Chief (who is 70) and one of his sons talk about their recent adventure with the other 2 sons.  Two weeks ago, the four of them raced a sailboat all the way from Maryland to the Caribbean.  Crazy.  I was trying to imagine this 70 year old man with his three sons in this little sailboat, going through hurricane Sandy on their way to the Caribbean.  And they survived.  Ah! They're crazy.  But that's just how this family is.  

After dinner, I learned why everyone was dressed as Pilgrims and Indians.  It wasn't just to remember the beginnings of Thanksgiving; it was to establish teams for the games.  They had set up rows of pumpkins on these shelves outside of a shed, and we had to use a bow and arrow to shoot the pumpkins.  We had three tries, and if we shot a pumpkin we got to collect any money that was underneath.  I was the only one of the missionaries to hit a pumpkin, (and I actually knocked it off the shelf), but no money.  Just pride.  :]  Then there was a three-legged race.  And bareback horseback riding (which we couldn't do as missionaries...probably a good thing because someone fell off of one of the horses.)  And more food.  What a day.  Then everyone went home, changed, and went to the Hanson's house for dessert and a talent show.  I loved it.  I want to adopt every single one of these traditions.  I loved that it was a whole day event and that it was just good family time.  That family loves each other, and it's easy to see why.

As for the teaching part of the week, our lessons with Tevin are going so well. He's changed. This past Monday when we were at his home, we noticed that his countenance was brighter; he's happier and better prepared for our lessons. We've pointed that out to him, and he didn't try to argue it. He's on date to be baptized on the 15th, and he will be ready. And it's interesting, lately I've heard so many stories from recent converts who said that they did not have a concrete answer until after they were baptized. I think that's how it will be with Tevin. He's keeping his commitments, and truly seeking his answer now, before he gets baptized.  So we're sure that he'll feel prepared enough to take the step because even now his heart is in the right place to do it. This is one of my favorite things about being a missionary - seeing people change. Tevin has definitely done that. He's sharing what he learns in the lessons with his family. He's understanding entire chapters of the Book of Mormon, whereas before he couldn't comprehend even the simplest verses. He's staying for all three hours of church. He's more helpful around the house. He prays now like he's talking to someone. He has stopped arguing every point of doctrine with us, and now asks questions that lead to conversion. He's come so far. It's incredible to see. My testimony of the power of the atonement has been strengthened because as Tevin has tried to live the gospel, that power has influenced him, cleansed his spirit, and strengthened him. Ah! It's amazing.

Margaret is wonderful as well. We weren't able to see her last week, but the Chinese elders went over to see her son who was home for Thanksgiving, and they spent some time with her. I've never had a district that is so involved with one another's investigators, but it's helpful and I love the unity.

We're seeing Claudia tonight and extending a B-date. For the past couple of months she's been telling us that she'd be baptized Thanksgiving weekend, and now that time has passed. Sister Wankier and I had a neat experience this morning, because we both studied for her, felt like she needed a lesson on gratitude, and yet what we studied was different from each other, but worked together perfectly. It was a sweet confirmation that this is what Claudia needs, and we are headed in the right direction. 

Also, we're teaching a woman in the ward and her 7 year old son, Romey.  We were going over the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and asked Romey to go get his scriptures.  He went into his room, came back out a second later, and said, "They're out of battery!"  It took a minute to register what he'd said, but then I couldn't stop laughing.  Oh, this time that we live in.  We'll have to work on getting him an actual copy that he can mark and that has pages.  Too funny.

Last thing.  Festival started last night (Ambassador's Night) and I was able to shake Elder Nelson's hand.  I love that man.  He is an apostle and I felt it as I heard him speak.  It was interesting to be among so many distinguished ambassadors, the Marriotts, and other high-class citizens, and then to hear an apostle so naturally and eloquently bear his testimony of the Savior.  The reverence and respect that came over the room was remarkable.  I felt that he was more influential and powerful than them all, and solely because of the purity of his faith.  The church is true. 

And stay true to it, and all that is eternal.  I love you all!

-Sister Welch

Happy Thanksgiving.

Editor's note:  The busiest time of the for the sister missionaries in the Washington DC North Mission is the time leading up to and during the Festival of Lights.  We did not get a letter Wednesday and the letter/blog post today is compact because they are training all the sister missionaries on their duties to make the Festival of Lights flow smoothly.

Right now I'm at the Visitor Center because it's Thanksgiving, and none of the libraries are open, and we just finished an extra training meeting with all of the sisters.  We're behind on our Festival Training, so we're trying to catch up.  Today we passed out the guidebooks to all of the Sisters. The guidebooks are survival books for festival and they are crazy to make.  20 pages, front and back, with every little detail about the VC and festival you could ever need.  Oh boy.  And since I don't have a lot of time, I'm going to attach a little training meeting agenda (since I'm on the computer where they're saved) and attach the skit we did to introduce our theme.  I'm so sorry this is so short, but time goes so quickly and I keep getting distracted because I'm at the VC and keep talking to the sisters.  :]  One of the best parts of the mission.

Love you all!  Stay true to what's eternal!

Love, Sister Welch

DCVC Training Meeting

November 22, 2012

Presiding: Elder Olsen

Conducting: Sister Welch

      (8:30-8:45) Welcome and Announcements

Announcements!

-         10^th Key: NST and outline the new kiosks

-         You should be finished with the Christmas Movies

-         How to fill out tours and daily report: by Sister Joost

-         Time for Elder Olsen

-         Birthday: Sister Wankier…it’s her golden birthday today!

Opening Hymn: #62 all Creatures of Our God and King

Chorister: Sister Finlay

Pianist: Sister Lin

Opening Prayer: Sister Blasco

Recitation and Testimony: Sister Morotti

      (8:45-8:55) Distribute and explain the Guidebooks

      (8:55-9:00) Festival Positions Skit

      (9:00-9:20) Position Walk Through (upstairs)

      (9:20-9:30) Creche Room – Reboost Theme: Sister Wong

      (9:30-9:40) Closing Prayer

Closing Prayer: Sister Gros

Skit - The Dear Christ Enters In

Scene 1: Today

Sister Scrooge isoffstage.  All other sisters are on stage, excited about Christmas,  fluffing trees, practicing ushering, and chatting amongst themselves.  Then Sister Scrooge walks in, very gloomy, sits on the bench, starts reading the Book of Mormon, with a sad/grumpy look on her face.

·         Lights are up.  Background Christmas Music.

Sister Scrooge: (sighs) I wish this would just be over.

Sister Miller: Sister Scrooge! Come fluff the trees with us!

Sister Scrooge: (rolls her eyes) No thanks.  (goes back to reading Book of Mormon)

Sisters talk to each other and Sister Wankier tells a story of a golden investigator last year at festival.

Sister Bechaver: (walks past Sister Scrooge) Come practice ushering!  We need some help.

Sister Scrooge: You’re all a lost cause.  I’m fine over here.  I need to catch up on my Book of Mormon reading.  (Keeps reading Book of Mormon)

Trainers (Sis. Miller and Welch) test the headsets

Sister Welch: Is yours working? Can you hear me?

Sister Miller: Yeah it’s working, but I feel like Justin Bieber!

Sister Scrooge: (sighs again.) I just wish this would all be over.  (gradually she drifts off to sleep.)

·         Lights go down to a spotlight. 

Elder Olsen enters.

Elder Olsen: Sister Scroooooge!

Sister Scrooge: Elder Olsen!

Elder Olsen: Why the glum face?

Sister Scrooge: That’s none of your business

Elder Olsen: Mankind was my bus-i-ness!!

Sister Scrooge: Uhhhh.  Okay.  I really do not want to be here right now.  Christmas is such a terrible, hectic time of year.

Elder Olsen: Ohhhh.  I see.  You must be remembering Christmases past.

Sister Scrooge: How could I forget…

Scene 2: Christmas Past

Sister Scrooge looks up, as if to remember Christmas past.  Visitors and sisters come on. Scrooge and Olsen move into the background.

·         Lights go up a little to reveal Sister Scrooge-Past and guests coming into the VC. 

Sister Scrooge-Past: (very excited) Hi! I’m Sister Scrooge! Oh my goodness!! How are you? Have you ever been to the VC before?  What do you like about Christmas? Did you know that we could have some missionaries come and bring you a Book of Mormon?

Larsons: Oh.  That’s nice. (smile and back away)

Sister Scrooge-Past: (to herself) Well, that didn’t work very well.  That’s okay.  The next one, I’ll slow down, and just start off with Merry Christmas…okay.  Okay. 

A stranger (Elder Hardy) walks up.

Sister Scrooge-Past: Merry Christmas!

Elder Hardy: Happy Holidays.

Sister Scrooge-Past: Oh. Well, Happy Holidays.  What brings you in?

Elder Hardy: My car.

Sister Scrooge-Past: (trying to laugh).  You’re so lucky.  Did you know that tonight when you get back in your car you could leave with a free copy of the Book of Mormon?

Elder Hardy: Look honey, I’m only here for the lights.  I’m not interested in your religion.  Have a good night.  (walks away)

Sister Scrooge-Past: (with a downtrodden look) What did I do wrong?

Another stranger (Sister Hardy) walks up.

Sister Scrooge-Past: Hi.  How are you?

Sister Hardy: I’m just fine.

Sister Scrooge-Past: Well, um, I’m a missionary, and, um, I’d love to share more with you…if you want….about Christmas, and a free movie? Oh, you don’t want it? It’s okay.  You know, just have a nice Christmas.  Bye.

Sister Hardy gives a sympathy laugh, pats Sister Scrooge-Past on the head and walks away.  A Sister walks up to Sister Scrooge-Past.

Sister Welch: Sister Scrooge!  Will you hold the End of Line sign? (hands her the sign)

Sister Scrooge-Past: (throws the sign on the floor) I’ve had enough! (storms out)

·         Lights transition to Sister Scrooge (present) and Elder Olsen.

Sister Scrooge: Ooooh.  I remember that night.

Elder Olsen: I’m sure you do.  However, this year can be much, much better.  Look.  Festival has started.  Watch the joy that surrounds you.

Elder Olsen fades into the background.

Scene 3: Christmas Present

Sister Scrooge looks up, to see visitors entering the VC, sisters GQ-ing them, and receiving upper boxes, MoL’s, laughing, and enjoying their time.

·         Lights go up to show all of the visitors and sisters.

Sister Scrooge watches for a while to hear how the sisters are talking to people.

Sister Word: Would you like a free copy? You would?! Wonderful!  Just fill out this little card…..(her voice quiets as Sister Scrooge turns to the next sister.)

Sister Miller: You know Sister Allen? Me too!  I love her! I’m sure she would love missionaries to come visit you...(her voice quiets as Sister Scrooge turns to the next sister.)

Sister Bechaver: I would love to send the missionaries! Where do you live? Really? That’s my area!...(her voice quiets as Sister Scrooge turns to the next sister.)

·         Lights fade a little.

The Visitors and Sisters fade into the background as Sister Lin walks up to Sister Scrooge and sits by her on the bench.

Sister Lin: Sister Scrooge.  What’s wrong?

Sister Scrooge: I just can’t do this Sister Lin.

Sister Lin: You think too much about yourself.  You need to think about Jesus…. (smiles at her in the Sister Lin way.)

Sister Scrooge: You’re right, but I’m trying.

Sister Lin: It’s okay.  I sing you a song.  (she hums a little of “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”) Sing: The dear Christ enters in.  (she nudges Sister Scrooge, then bounces away)

Sister Scrooge looks down, takes a minute to ponder, and Elder Olsen walks back towards her.

Elder Olsen: You know who Festival is about, don’t you?

Sister Scrooge: Yes…. (looks down)

Elder Olsen: That babe in Bethlehem is what we need to be remembering at this time.  (bears his testimony.)  Sister Scrooge, you weren’t sent here to fail.  You were sent to succeed.  And the only way you can is if you let the dear Christ enter in.

Scene 4: Christmas Future

Sister Scrooge: (head comes up, looking above the audience) Let the dear Christ enter in.  (Has an “a-ha” moment.)

·         Lights go up to reveal more visitors coming in.

Visitors enter and Sisters greet them and begin to talk. A Trainer runs out and has a trainer moment.

Sister Welch: Sister Lawrence is doing what in the reflection pond?! (runs off)

 Sister Scrooge walks up to a visitor (Sister Cardall) and begins to talk.

Sister Scrooge: Merry Christmas!

Sister Cardall: Merry Christmas!

Sister Scrooge: Aren’t these lights beautiful?

Sister Cardall: They are! They remind of the stars, especially the Star of Bethlehem.

Sister Scrooge: That’s why I’m here! To testify of that light that leads us to the babe in Bethlehem.  Did you know that there are more words of Christ?

Sister Cardall: I didn’t!

Sister Scrooge: Well, those words are called the Book of Mormon and I would love to send you a copy so that you can have one for yourself.

Sister Cardall: That would be wonderful.  I’d love to learn more about this.

Sister Scrooge pulls out a MoL card and Sister Cardall begins to fill it out. A Trainer runs in with the end of line sign.

Sister Welch: Sister Scrooge!  Would you hold the end of line sign?

Sister Scrooge: Of course!  (She takes the sign then pauses to think.  She starts to hum “O Little Town…”)  Sing: The dear Christ enters in.

Sister Miller and Tiny Tiimina walk in.  Sister Scrooge notices them.

Sister Miller: Come on, Timina.  Let’s go see the chreches.

Sister Scrooge: (towards Tiny Timina and mother) Oh! Merry Christmas!

Tiny Timina: Merry Christmas!  God bless us every one!

Elder Olsen: (as Elder Olsen)  Welcome to the Annual Festival of Lights celebration!….(introduces the Mormon Message Festival Movie)

Festival of Lights: The End

What a month! We had 90,000 visitors at the Visitors' Center during Festival and over 1000 of them accepted missionaries.  I met people from over 50 countries, all of the sisters developed a real unity, and I could sleep for probably a year now.  Wow.  What a month.  It was fun to see familiar faces too! Every couple of days I would run into someone I knew from school, or home, or just my past life.  Teancum Light, the Wigrens, and so many others.  It was weird to see my mission and home world collide, but normal at the same time. What fun.

Today's will be short and random.  I love having time in the area.  All of my investigators are moving out of my area.  It snowed the past two days, but didn't stick.  It's freezing! And now for a story from Sister Wong.  We were role playing inviting Daniel (Young Single Adult, cynical, ex-Baptist, investigator) to church.  It's fun to pretend to be him because I can use all of my polysyllabic vocabulary (wow, that sounded nerdy), but he reminds me of Dale a little bit, so it's fun for me. 

Anyway, I was being Daniel, and a little difficult, and all of a sudden Sister Wong had this moment of inspiration where she said, I want to tell you a story.  She said, pretend you are a father that lives in a world where there is this deadly disease.  It's highly contagious, and everyone is going to get it and die a painful, horrific death.  Of course, people are trying to find a cure, so doctors world-wide do frantic blood tests on every family.  They test your family and discover that your son's DNA is pure and he has the only blood that can be used to make the antidote.  You, the father, have to sign the papers to allow them to take his blood, and the portion where it would say the amount of blood needed is blank.  You ask the doctor, "How much of my son's blood will you need?"  The doctor looks down and is very quiet.  "All of it," he says.  "Your son is the only person who can save the whole world."  As a father, this is the MOST difficult thing you have ever done, but your son agrees, and you watch as he is sacrificed to save the whole world.  Now every Sunday, you watch as people celebrate Him while they take the sacrament and remember His body and His blood.  You wish they would be more respectful, a little more quiet, and that more people would remember his sacrifice and come to church, but you are a patient, loving and perfect Father and are proud of the few who remember our Savior Jesus Christ.

Let me tell you, this "Daniel" had a very hard time not crying while she told me this story.  It was powerful and I'm using it with all of my investigators now.

I love you all.  Stay true to what is eternal.

-Sister Welch

Festival of Lights: Week Two

This week has gone by so fast!  I can't believe that I'm already back at the library writing you again.  This letter will be a little shorter than normal because we are on a time crunch today, and I just want to give a heads up to anyone expecting a hand-scribbled letter: I'll write you in January.  I wish I had time to write as a Christmas present, but with Festival, it's just crazy.

I've learned a couple of things this week.  Number 1. Being SUPER excited about festival, even if it is super exciting, is a turn-off.  (...someone actually gave me the stink eye and told me I was nosey. Bahaha!)  Number 2. People do not appreciate learning that they have to be baptized before they can go in the temple (even though I get the biggest kick out of telling them that.)  Number 3. The Church is true! (My testimony of that is strengthened every day.)

Some of the best experiences I've had: A girl walked right up to me and asked me if we could just talk.  I found out she was 18, investigating, and dating an RM.  She was being taught by elders, and just needed a girl to talk to.  When I'm so used to approaching people, it's always a tender mercy to have someone approach me. 

The next night, I saw someone who looked like he was in his early 20's, looking at the temple plaques.  He was fascinated, searching, and absolutely wanted to learn more.  The temple had just drawn him in.  He accepted missionaries in a heart-beat.

Then Jenny Oaks Baker came with her three girls, and the youngest (Sarah), who is 6 and plays the cello, decided that I was her new best friend and followed me around everywhere.  I loved it!

I've also seen people who just need to know they're cared about and then they're absolutely ready for the missionaries.  It's amazing how far a little love will go.

We also had our Christmas party, and watched Kung Fu Panda 2.  It was hilarious to watch with missionaries.  At one point, Po (the panda) is asking his goose father, "Where did I come from?" and almost everyone shouts "Plan of Salvation!" or "premortal life!" or something like that.  Wow.  Only on a mission.  It just made it all the better.

Well, time to go.  I love you all.  Stay true to what's eternal.

-Sister Welch

Festival of Lights; Week One

To start off with, I just want to tell you how incredible Sheri is!  Before we could even ask her to come to church last week she said, "I want to go to church.  I'm going to ask my boss for Sunday's off."  So she asked her boss, and lost her job! There were other things involved, of course, but that was the type of thing they were waiting for to let her go.  And instead of getting mad and blaming us, she took it as a sign that this is right for her.  Oh happy day! She's amazing.

And now for two stories from Festival.  The first one happened on Saturday.  At the beginning of the evening I was thinking about numbers and about how many "Message of Love" I needed to get...even though I knew better.  This is about the people and their eternal welfare, not numbers.  But I'm human, and it's hard to make a connection, invite, strengthen their faith, really listen to them, keep focused, and help them want to share the gospel all in two minutes.  And yes, sometimes I think too much, but Heavenly Father is good to me, and let me meet my goal so that when I met Erik, I could be prepared to be a true instrument.

Erik was in the house with his two little girls (about 6 and 3 years old) when I started talking to him.  I know this was a Spirit-led conversation because I honestly cannot remember what I said.  But I do remember that Erik started talking about the temple.  He said he's come to the open house when we was four, and it had made such an impression on him, that he still remembered it.  I asked him if he'd like to see pictures of the inside, and he looked surprised, a look of "Is that allowed?" but took no time to say "yes".  I just glanced down at my watch and it just so happened to be time for me to go up to the front where the temple pictures were.  That was a little tender mercy in this huge miracle.

So we went up to the front, and as we were walking up there, he mentioned that the temple is such a landmark for him, because he grew up next to it. He said it's such a crazy world we live in, that he wants his girls to have something to keep them grounded.  I don't remember what I said or what we were talking about that would lead him to say that, but wow.  He's a seeker.  When we got to the front, we looked at the temple and the pictures.  Erik's girls loved them, and he just looked like he was in awe.We talked about eternal families, and his six-year old told us she wants to be married in the temple.  And, it gets better.  He asked me who the man was on the top of the temple which just led perfectly into testifying of the Book of Mormon.  I could not believe how smoothly this whole conversation was going!  I mean, I could believe it, but a miracle, nonetheless.  It just all fell into place.  Heavenly Father knew he was ready.  When I asked him if he wanted a Book of Mormon, he didn't even have time to respond.  His six year old just yelled, "Yes!"   We laughed and he said, "I think we need to take one, then."  It was a beautiful experience for me and the perfect reminder I needed that this work is in the Lord's hands.  He knows who he wants in this church, and we just get to be the instruments.

The next night, I was standing in front of the Christus when I heard someone say, "Sister Welch!" I turned around and there was a family standing there that I recognized.  The Mom said, "So you remember us?" and I said, "Of course!" and gave her a huge hug.  She looked so happy to be at the Visitors' Center and to see me that I was surprised for what she told me nest.  She said she had some news, and pulled out her camera.  Then she showed me this picture of an older woman in a wheel chair, and asked, "Do you remember her?"  It was her mother-in-law that had come with them to the Visitors' Center a couple of months before, and she was one of those people that I will never forget.  Everyone in the little family, (Mom, Dad, and two boys) were members, but the woman in the wheel chair (the Dad's mother) was not.  When they were here before, I was able to take her on a little tour about the temple, and offered to send missionaries, to which she accepted.  Then this sweet lady that had come back with her family to see me went on to say, "Well, she was baptized! And four days after her baptism, she passed away."

Oh my goodness.  I didn't know how to respond, and all I told her was, "That just makes me want to cry!" as I felt my eyes start to water. Then tears started falling down her face and she said, "It's okay to cry. We cried a lot when she was gone, but mostly because we were so happy that she had been able to accept the gospel before she left."

I know that this is Heavenly Father's work.  He knows who is prepared, and I am more grateful than I can even put into words that I get to be His servant.  This is real joy.  And this is what life is for: to learn, and serve, and live up to the glorious beings that he sees us as capable of becoming.

I love you all! Stay true to what you know is eternal.

-Sister Welch