November 15, 2012

We had to switch our Preparation day so we could go to the Temple when it was open. We just got back. We drove up with the Eagan's! A lovely recent convert member couple. The are from New York. Brother Eagan calls us "Mission-ettes".It felt SOOOOOOOOOO good to be back in the Temple. I kept hearing from the Spirit over and over, "Welcome Home." I tried to imagine my investigators in the Celestial room and figure out what it will take to get them there. That is how heavenly father sees us, as our potential.

Last night we had a miracle contact. The entire day of tracting and no one was interested; no one cared and some people were rude; usual. But we love em. Then we went to pick up a Laurel from our ward who is thinking about a mission and wanted to come with us. We had an extra 20 min, so we decided to tract her street. The first house we went to, her neighbor, they opened the door. I said, "Hi, we are missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints". And this lovely African American lady said, "Oh, girls come in here out of the cold!" WHAT?! Someone let us in? Her husband and their son joined us. They were SOO nice. It was her birthday today and they said us coming over was an answer to their prayers. The dad is Baptist, she use to belong to The Church of Christ. The dad is going to be doing a missionary task for his church next week and was wondering how it was to be done and he was nervous. But because we showed them that we can come out in the cold and at night to share the gospel, he was inspired and felt like we were an answer to prayer. We prayed with them. They had us hold hands and stand in a circle for the prayer. The father asked me to pray. The mom was saying things like, "amen" "mmhmm" "praise him" during the prayer after I'd say something she liked. It was so awesome. I've never had that happen before! They said we could come back.

Just think, if we decided not to tract that short 20 min, we would not have found them. I am praying that we will be able to teach them!!!!!!!!!!!!

A guy came to church for the first time!! A lot to digest. The sacrament talks were on Virtue, sunday school was the scattering and gathering of Israel and Priesthood was word of wisdom. We haven't been able to talk to him about it yet. But I am so grateful he came.

The gospel is so true. Missionary work in its smallest effort is worth building God's kingdom.

Tell the primary I love their CD.

November 5, 2012

I don't have much time today. 

We have not had many new investigators and some are dropping us or not interested. The work is tough, but the Gospel is true and real. I think I am learning that this mission really has been more for my conversion to the gospel of Jesus Christ. I thought it was to help others out, which it is, but in turn, the Lord blesses me with a stronger faith and conviction to live the way he needs me to.

October 31, 2012

I survived the storm! We had to be inside at 2pm on Monday. We stayed the night on Sunday night and on Monday night at a members house. They are amazing! The dad is a convert to the church and in the Bishopric and the mom served her mission here in Washington DC Vietnamese speaking. They have one little daughter. She loved having sisters for 2 days. We even got to watch "The Other Side of Heaven". Approved by the mission president. So this week has been slow for work. We've been able to offer service to many people though which is good. 

We are meeting with a woman who said she let us in because she "felt bad for us and our salvation". She thinks God and Jesus Christ are the same person. We gave her the first lesson and she believes that it is possible for that to happen to Joseph Smith. We gave her a Book of Mormon to read and pray about. She thought I looked familiar. We came back again and she said she prayed about the BoM and God told her, "No. It's evil. It's blasphemous". Well....not exactly what we wanted to hear. She has a lot of Biblical arguments. She use to be a Catholic teacher or something special. It is hard for me to find the line between proving a true point of doctrine without bible bashing or contention. She gets defensive easily. We testified of the BOM. We also talked briefly about where our authority came from and she believes it is also blasphemous. This whole second meeting things were quite chaotic: she was cooking food for the week (since she works during the week she can't cook).

 

We were just sitting at her kitchen table as she hammered us and asked questions. Her son came in and said, "Are you girls hungry? Did she feed you?" It became obvious that she didn't offer. Barbara said, "Oh I'm sorry. Are you hungry, would you like to eat? I have lasagna with buffalo meat." "Don't let her fool you. She's a really good cook. Mom I can't believe they sat here and watched as you made food. haha". It was funny. Things like that helped break the ice. She really is a nice woman, just concerned for two young girls in the world. She is a tall, skinny white woman with  short greying hair. Her husband became hungry also and joined us. He is a short, and a bit round. Super hilarious. He was cracking jokes and dancing the whole time. We stayed there for about an hour and a half! We became more of their friends. I asked em, "Well, what can we bring next week?" They all laughed but she said that we could come back and that we definitley had to see her before we left the area. It'll take some time with her. But I know I look familiar, and she let us in for a bigger reason than for feeding us buffalo lasagna. :) which was good.

We are also meeting with an investigator who is 25 and use to be Baptist..ish. When he was young, something must've happened because he said he threw away God for 13 years. Then he met the missionaries in March and started learning. He hasn't ever been able to go to church because he works on the weekends only....until THIS WEEKEND! I'm so excited he can come! He struggles with prayer. When he was younger, his aunt forced him to pray. I like him a lot, he is a good guy. Very humble. He doesn't know if the whole "Joseph Smith thing" is true. So i asked him if he wanted to know, and he said he'd heard that question before and he still doesn't know if he wants to know. 

Well, he's heard that question before because he hasn't really progressed since July! But we'll see what happens this weekend! 

We did service for an investigator, we pulled weeds and talked with her gorgeous daughters. We got to do some street contacting while pulling weeds in the front yard. Many people came by that I was able to jump up and talk with. My comp didn't really say a word, but she was inspired to serve that day. It is hard to always, well more often than not, be the one who starts up the conversation with some random stranger on the road. BUT! These are God's precious children, for whom He gave a Savior. So, I need to put away pride and fear and just talk to em.

Today we get to watch a movie for Halloween. We can't proselyte today because the leadership doesn't want it to look like we are dressing up as missionaries. Plus things could get dangerous. So we'll be with the zone. 

I am trying my best. It is hard sometimes but I am pressing onward ever onward to glory in His name.

-Sister Zibetti

October 22, 2012

Gainesville is awesome! It is rather large. We have many many neighborhoods of which we have jurisdiction and responsibility. We have a car to use and have 1000 miles each month. (We live out of our area, so we have to travel a bit more, hence the number of miles.) We try to save miles as much as possible, so we will drive to the church each day and have a lunch and dinner packed. Then walk to our destination, contacting people on the street on the way. We go back to the church to have meals. We do have bikes to use, but one has flat tire, well tube, so we need to get a new tube to replace it. Then we can do more biking. Hmm, biking in a skirt. I've yet to see how this could be an easy thing haha! I need to get biking shorts. 

I have not been to the mission home and I probably won't make it there. We had a mission Zone Conference. It was AMAZING. The spirit of missionary work is strong here. The AP's that we have are incredible. They with President Riggs got together to pray about where to put me and who with. They put me with someone else at first and said they hit a brick wall and that it wasn't right. Then they put me with Sister Hanson and it felt right. President Riggs shared that experience in Zone Conf. His wife is also amazing. This meeting went from 9am to 4pm. We had a lunch provided by the local RS sisters. I think these happen once a transfer. 

I actually serve in the Northern Virginia area. I have still not been to DC. The Temple is in the Northern DC mission and I think also the White House and all the famous museums and most monuments. It's about a 45 min drive there, unless you have traffic. Which most of the time there is traffic. From some of the cities in our mission, you can see the White House. My companion served in the same city as the Pentagon before coming south to Gainesville. So it just depends on which part of the mission whether or not you can see into DC much. We can take investigators to the Visitor Center in DC. I REALLY want to do that and see how their VC is run. Plus that would be an amazing experience for the investigator to feel the spirit there. 

We have a recent convert, converted before I arrived, who is awesome. He's 18 and super gungho about the gospel. He is trying his best to teach his family, who argue with  him, have disowned him and say he is now part of a cult. We stop by occasionally to keep his spirits up and help strengthen his testimony. He has received the Aaronic Priesthood and in 9 days will have an interview with the stake President to receive the Melchizedek. He is on fire and the Stake President has sought special permission to allow him to get the Melchizedek Priesthood so early on. Usually a recent convert must wait a year for that. He was just baptized on Sept 26th. He wants to go into the military after his mission. He's in the Army reserves currently. He can always tell who in the ward is part of the FBI, CIA or Secret Services. It's pretty funny. :) He always tells us. 

We have been tracting a lot. It seems almost like that is all we do! Which is fine, but hard sometimes. Many people think we are part of a political campaign for Romney. We then explain we are missionaries for our church and they say they "already have a church or religion". Or they are "already Christian and are saved". Oh boy. The thing is, they are right. They are "saved". Jesus Christ overcame death so that we all will do the same; resurrection. We will all live again, whether we accept him as our Savior or not. The thing they don't understand is that we must accept him as our REDEEMER. He redeemed us from sin, pain, sorrow and doubt. The way we accept Him as our Redeemer is to obey His commandments and live his Gospel the way He set it up: exercise faith in Christ's Atonement, change our ways and repent, be baptized with approval from God by using God's Priesthood power, receiving the Holy Ghost as a gift from God and enduring to the end of our lives; enjoying it too. 

So it is hard to get in the door. We've placed a couple copies of the Book of Mormon and almost always give a mormon.org card with our number on it. We do get a couple of return appointments which is awesome!

The thing for me is, I DO NOT want to baptize anyone who does not have a testimony and is not planning on staying in the church. That would be a destruction to their salvation. I don't care about numbers. It's quality not quantity that matters to me. 2 Ne 31:14. Read that and it'll make sense. I've talked to way too many less actives on the phone to let that happen. But whatever God's will is, I want it to be done. If it is baptism, then so be it, and that is the goal as a missionary.

This time on a mission is consecrated time, not a sacrifice of time. There is a difference you see. A sacrifice means you give something or all up. Consecration means you give something or all to. That is what I want to do on my mission. Give everything I have: my heart, might, mind and strength to the building up of God's kingdom on earth. It is not always easy. But that is how the Savior of the world did it, and I represent Him now, so I must follow and do the things which I have seen Him do. 

Things are so great! Tough but great. And that is how it should be. One of my favorite quotes is by Elder Neal A. Maxwell "The spirit is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable." If I am comfortable, then I am not growing. 

-Sister Zibetti

October 15, 2012

Things have been a little bit crazy! I didn't really have a preparation day last week because all the sisters were deep cleaning the Hatch house and packing preparing to leave. My preparation days are now a constant Monday. (Until April that is). The flight was 2 hours and I didn't get sick this time!! :) My ears did hurt really badly though because of the change in elevation that quickly. I talked to a man on the plane. We had some great conversations about our beliefs. He wasn't interested in a Book of Mormon, but I think I helped him remember what it was like to be a believer. I think he might go back to his own church soon.

 

My new mission address is to the mission home and the AP Elders divide all the mail and it gets sent to our apartment. We live in a very nice apartment. My new Mission President is President Riggs. He's served here for 3 months. He is 43! Crazy young, but he's great. He knows President Gilliland.

I am serving with a Sister from my Zone in the MTC! Sister Hanson. She's really nice. VERY service oriented. She decorated a planner for me on the second day I was here, just because I mentioned I needed a new one.

 

I am serving in Northern Virginia, which is the DC South area. I am in a city called Gainesville. It's like suburbia capital! So many neighborhoods. These homes are all so nice and big. We have investigators and I love it! AHHH! We street contact and knock doors. I see miracles all the time still. We knocked on a lady's door. She's a Christian and wanted to know what we believed, so we set up an appointment and came back the next day. We did the WHOLE first lesson. It was great. My companion has never been a trainer before, nor has she been responsible for an area. So she is really nervous all the time, sometimes a bit awkward. But hey, missionaries are prone to awkward situations. We knock on people's doors and talk about religion. Not many do that anymore, so we end up in some interesting situations. But it's all well and good.

 

We serve in the Gainesville Ward in the Centerville Stake. This ward is SO great! We are the only missionaries serving in it. I love all the members. I smiled ALL day yesterday at church. I couldn't stop. I am so excited to have my own ward to serve. I met our Bishop. He is AMAZING. I've never seen someone sacrifice so much for his ward. We are about 600 members strong. Some are inactive. There are 72 youth alone! Crazy huh? The Bishop is very sensitive to the Spirit. All he asked of us Sisters was that we help reach out and visit some less actives and keep up the good work.

I met a recent convert. He is 18 and SOO pumped about the gospel! He is doing everything he can to prepare for a mission. He LOVED general Conference. I am so glad about the new missionary announcement. That is so epic. That is such an inspired change, instilling good gospel habits in people at a younger age is all the better. I feel the second coming is getting closer :) The Savior will come to claim the righteous.

 

Traffic is crazy sometimes in VA. Most of the people here commute to DC every day to work. They wake up at 5:45am, drive for an hour and a half or so, then work and it's about 2hour drive home. So many go to bed at like 7. EARLY!

 

Do you have any other questions? I am well and happy and STOKED to have actual investigators.

October 2, 2012

I hope you had a great and fantastic day! It is so wonderful to be alive right now! When the Gospel of Jesus Christ is ON the earth! Right here. You're chillin in the light of the Gospel. It's amazing huh? There is a reason you were born at this very moment in time. You should read this awesome talk called "Why 1820?" You can google it. It's by Brad Wilcox. It's all about the Apostasy and the restoration. It's pretty awesome.

 

So this week for Angels, we have been teaching the Commandments. It has been a really wonderful blessing for me to see why we have these commandments and how much they protect us. I have been sooooooooooooooooooooooooo blessed to have been raised learning and following the commandments. If you imagine yourself driving down a winding canyon, you would expect to have guard rails around the curves right? Yes. That is what the commandments are. They protect us from falling off the edge. They are truly not like fences that keep us "under control".

 

I got to serve in the Bakery this week. Lucious Scovil is the greatest! He was the Baker here in town and often catered events in the Cultural Hall next door with cookies, cakes, and candies. While here in Nauvoo, he lost his son, then his wife gave birth to twins and 10 days later they died, then his wife died 3 days after that. Every struggle seemed to be coming at once. But he decided to stay with the church because of his sure testimony. 

Soon after leaving Nauvoo in 1846 with the saints, he was called on a mission to England. He had to leave his three surviving daughters with friends and other family. On his way out, he took sketches of the Nauvoo Temple and brought them with him. He commissioned someone in England to make 150-dozen plates with a picture of the Nauvoo Temple on it and a list of the 12 Apostles around the edge. He proclaimed the gospel and taught the power which the Temple gives. He KNEW what it was like to lose loved ones, but he KNOWS the sealing power of the Temple comes from God and can never be undone, depending upon our faithfulness. THAT is why he had all those plates made. To tell others that their families were meant to be eternal. We have 2 original plates in Nauvoo, and the rest are in the Salt Lake City museum.

He faithfully served his mission and came back and found his daughters safe.

 

A lovely member lady came into the Bakery, Magg. She couldn't eat the cookie because of allergies to gluten that she has recently found in her later years. The allergies give her awful rashes and often because she can't eat a lot, she is a little grumpy to her husband. (She said that, but she didn't seem grumpy at all. She's a Sister Janet Davis type.) As she was talking, a scripture came to mind, and usually when that happens, it is the Spirit saying: "Hey, use this scripture to help this person." So simple, and almost like a whisper, but I decided to share it. I said, "hold on! You reminded me of a scripture. Can I share it with you?" "Yes please." So I did. 3 Ne. 17: "Have ye any that are sick among you? Bring them hither. Have ye any that are lame, or blind, or halt or maimed, or leprous, or that are withered, or that are deaf, or that are afflicted in any manner? Bring them hither and I will heal them, for I have compassion upon you; my bowels are filled with mercy."

I didn't expect that it would really do much for her, but when I looked up, she had tears in her eyes and she said, "thank you" as she leaned over the counter to hug me and kiss my cheek. It was very sweet and exactly what she needed.

 

Later, my companion, who was serving in the Cultural Hall, told me a sister and her husband came over. Sister Dransfield had them dance together on the 3rd floor where there is a ballroom. :) We love to have people dance where the Prophet and many of the Apostles danced with their wives.  You will all have to try it some day too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

This coming week we'll be cleaning and packing and saying our farewells. I love all the missionaries here. The senior couples and temple missionaries are all incredible. All the sisters bought the same ring. We will have it as a reminder of each other while we are on our outbounds. :) It's hard to be leaving, but I'm STOKED for my second assignment.

 

A few pictures of us in Nauvoo

We have in Nauvoo what is called the "RagBag" It has a bunch of clothes that are free game. For an activity as sisters, we all dressed up crazy and took some pictures for fun.

Sister Kim and Me

My comp, Sister Dransfield, and me

Serving at the Heber C. Kimball home              

Beautiful Nauvoo Sunset

September 25, 2012

BIG NEWS!!

We received our Winter assignment! Guess where I'm going. I bet you couldn't guess if your life depended on it.

Washington D.C. South Mission!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Capitol Building

 Yep! All the sisters got their calls on Sunday night while we were at President's house for a meeting. I'll tell you where all the other sisters are going.

Angels surround the US to bear others up

Sister Dransfield: Richmond, Virginia

Sister Streeter: Billings, Montana

Sister Brown: Mesa, Arizona

Sister Umphenour: Spokane Washington

Sister Garner: Las Vegas, Nevada

Sister McInelly: Baton Rouge Louisiana!!

Sister Kim: Birmingham, Alabama

Sister Petricek: Columbia, North Carolina

Sister Ripplinger: Roseville, California

Crazy huh?! We are all around the borders of the U.S. God needs the Nauvoo Sisters to be the Angels round about to bear others up. I am very excited. My initial reaction was pure shock. "What? Me in DC? I'm gonna get killed!" I shoulda paid more attention in History classes. Although, I'm not there to learn the History, I'm there to Preach the Gospel as a servant and representative of the Lord.

The DC North mission is an ASL mission. So it is possible that I will be able to use my ASL in the South Mission. I am really hoping that is true.

I am going to be in DC during the elections.

That night, I prayed to Heavenly Father. I said, "DC, Are you sure?" Then I thought: What am I thinking asking Him if HE's sure. Of course He's sure! I slapped myself. "Heavenly Father, I need confirmation that this is where you need me." I prayed for my future mission president, companions, other missionaries and investigators. That night I could hardly sleep. For the first hour, my heart burned within me. THAT was my confirmation of, "Yes, my Child. That is where I need you."

So. Off we go soon.

Well, here is an experience in the VC (visitor's center) that I had the other day which was really special. An 18 year old boy called the Nauvoo VC front desk. One of the sweet Senior Sisters beckoned me over to receive the phone call. She said, "I need a real missionary to take this call." "What, you are a real missionary!" "Yes, but I dont' know what to say. Please take it." "Okay." This boy just said, "I want to learn more about your church." I told him we could get missionaries in his local area to come over and teach him if his parents were okay with that. "No. Right now. I really want to learn more. Can you teach me? I don't want to inconvenience you." The Spirit and I did the whole first lesson and some of lesson 2 and bits n pieces of lesson 3. Emphasizing that God, Jesus and the Holy Ghost are three separate beings.

After and throughout the conversation, I asked inspired questions from the Holy Ghost. He said, "Can I tell you something? I feel light. I never want this feeling to leave." I said to him, "That is the Holy Ghost. He testifies of truth and brings feelings of comfort. This feeling can be with you forever......Do you believe that God loves you?" He was silent for a while, then responded, "I've never felt it more than I have right now." "I know God loves you. He loves you so much that he sent his Son Jesus Christ to die for you, so you could return back to live with them." "Wow. How do you know this is true?" "I have prayed and asked God for myself, just like Joseph did." "Joseph was so brave." I replied, "He was." I taught him how to pray over the phone. He said he'd try praying later tonight. I told him he could have this feeling with him as he prayed.

We talked for about 40 minutes! He thanked me many times for taking the time to talk to him. I assured him every time that HE was most important and that this is what I wanted to do. I asked him if I could call him in a week. "Yes. Around this same time." "Yes. Now because you are 18, you don't need to get permission from you parents. But I suggest you do that and talk with them okay?" His faith is Episcopalian I think.

In closing I said, "You know who the opposer of Christ is?" "Satan." "Right. So I must warn you that you must be careful this week. You'll hear a lot of anti-stuff, even from those you love. And I NEVER want you to forget this feeling okay?" "I never want it to leave." He wanted to keep talking to me.

It was such an amazing and powerful experience. All the practice I've gotten on the phone, all the junk and hard times I had, all the no answers, have made this phone call worth every minute of it.

September 20, 2012

I just wanted to share an experience I had this morning. I got to go to the Nauvoo Temple and do Baptisms!!! It was so amazing! The Spirit was so strong in that room. I prayed to have a wonderful experience. Believe it or not, I did the work for a girl named Ambor. From Norway. A little different spelling, but basically my first name. God is so aware of me and so loving. Unconditional love.

This week we had Elder Choi (Chay) from the Quorom of the 70, and his wife, come to our mission for 3 days. He said in the beginning, "The reason why we are here is because the Lord sent us here. He has given me the key from the 12 Apostles to preside over and receive revelation for this mission as I am here this time." He will then report to the 12 upon his return. He gave the mission three training meetings. Each an hour and a half to two hours. Then us Young Sister Missionaries had him for an entire day! What an incredible 3 days of spritual high and uplift! My brain was ready to explode with spiritual information, it was amazing. I have come to understand more why after Joseph Smith had the 1st Vision, he was found on his back and exhausted. Spiritual experiences can wear you out! In a good way. I loved it! Sister Streeter and I sang for one of the meetings upon Elder Choi's request to have a young sister musical number. "Be Still My Soul". That same duet we did on the DVD I sent home to mom. You should watch it.

Also, I was asked to have an interview with him. Only three of us sisters were to be interviewed. It was pretty nerve-racking, but that is how God wanted it. It turned out be very simple and I felt his love.

Some of my favorite counsels I received through the Spirit from Elder Choi are quoted here:

• "GIGO. Gospel In, Gospel Out.

• If we don't study hard, we are in DANGER. My study became a survival game.

• Real teachers will lead others to change.

• Write down thoughts and feelings. I don't care if you draw! Just write things down as I speak and then act.

• Regard your investigators as your equals. God's children. See them with the potential of what they can become.

• We must become one with Christ to do his work. To abide in his love, we must keep his commandments; obey."

Then we referred to John 15. As a servant, I don't know what the master thinks, but as his friend, I understand what he thinks. I must think like the Savior and like President Gilliland. I must be one with them. As we become one, the devil has no power.

September 11, 2012

Sister Dransfield, my wonderful companion, had to get oral surgery this week and we traveled about 45 min to get there. While we waited though, we talked to this wonderful man. He is in the Army and has a wife and daughter. We were both scared to start a conversation with him and didn't know quite how to do it, but I couldn't handle not listening to the Spirit, so I started with "how are you?". And he was very open and kind. We somehow got to religion. He is Protestant and is so excited about his first daughter. We wrote him a little note and gave him our Article of Faith card.

Anyway, the Song we sang was special because Sister Dransfield invited a man to come listen who has been trying to come back to church and just moved to Nauvoo, and he came! He said it was beautiful and he wanted his daughters to grow up and have the faith that we 12 sisters showed as we sang in dressed in white. :)

Oh, I was so surprised to see Serena, Lex and Lily. The thought crossed my mind that Minn was close enough that they could make the trip, but I didn't think they would because of cost and time. It really meant a lot to me for them to come. Lily is HUGE! And so different, but still her. I could hardly recognize this large kid in Lily's body sitting in the stroller. haha! It was a wonderful surprise.

Well, something new we started last week is called: "Angels in the Outbound". This is to help prepare us for the outbound where we will be teaching lessons. We have one or two appointments set up each night with the Senior Couple missionaries in their home. They take on the pre-selected role of an investigator and we young sisters teach. Last week it was all the Restoration, this week it is the Plan of Salvation, next week is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

We are encouraged to teach the lesson, but also teach according to where the Spirit leads us and the need of the investigator. We are to teach people not lessons. I have come to realize how very important it is to have the Spirit with you. This is great practice.

I was teaching with Sister Mitchell, one of my FAVORITE sisters here. She is hard-working, selfless and super obedient. And I was doing the 1st Vision and she stopped me right before I was going to recite Joseph's own words and said, "And Sister Zibetti is going to sign it for ya." I looked at her and said, "As Sister Mitchell recites it." She recited some of the most powerful words in this Gospel as I interpreted the 1st Vision.

Maricela--the missionary who was playing an Investigator--had tears streaming down her face when we finished with "This is my Beloved Son. Hear Him."

It was a wonderful experience and I actually felt useful and like I can kinda follow the Spirit in teaching, because the lesson before, I didn't feel very useful. Sometimes ya just don't know what to say. But when you act, the Spirit directs and helps. He never leaves you without help if you go forth with faith and are worthy of Him.

On Friday I was paired up with one of my old companions Sister Brown. We were both very scared because we were to teach President and Sister Gilliland! I was quite nervous because we all KNOW how much they'd get into character and make it real for us. Well, they did, and it turned out to be a really great experience. In the lesson, I likened the importance of going church to going to the store. If you want pickles, you can't just sit around in your house and expect them to show up without you doing anything about it. What do you have to do? Go to the store. It is the same with going to church. If you want to receive the Spirit and happiness, you've got to go to the Lord's house where he is and come with an open heart and you can receive. So we committed them to going to church with an "open jar of pickles". haha. It worked and they said they'd try.

The President and Matron of the Nauvoo Temple, the Condies, did a sociable, like a fireside, on Sunday. It was amazing. Sister Condie grew up in Germany and lived through World War II. When people ask how old she was, she responds, "I was old enough to remember". She explained and demonstrated to us that although hard and awful things happen to people, God is still and forever will be more powerful than the destroyer.

September 4, 2012

I called this lady at just the right time. She said, "I knew I was going to get a phone call from a missionary today. I have been meeting with the missionaries and one of them asked me to abandon my Jewish family and heritage to join the 'family' of the Church. I didn't take that so well and I was ready to call the Elders and tell them to never to come back. But then you called and you explained that I can take it slow. You helped me realize that I should not get baptized just because I love the Elders or the members, but because I know the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true." I had just read the following scripture in my studies and shared with her:

2 Ne. 31:14 "But behold my beloved brethren, thus came the voice of the Son unto me saying: After ye have repented of your sins and witnessed unto the Father that ye are willing to keep my commandments, by the baptism of water, and have received the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost, and can speak with a new tongue, yea, even with the tongue of angels, and after this should deny me, it would have been better for you that ye had not known me." 

And I explained that she needed a testimony of Jesus Christ as the Son of God and her personal Savior. She was raised never believing in Christ. She said she has one foot in the door and one foot out. I told her she needs to pray and decide what path to take and then jump in with both feet. I said, "You know Christ is real." "I do." She has a testimony but is afraid to act on it. It will take her some time, but eventually she will decide, and make the right choice. Her son just recently died from colon cancer. She felt like her son was a saint and very unique. I felt like he was there with us cheering her on. "Do you feel him here?" I asked. "Yes, I do." "Then this is a good thing and the way you should be going. He wants it for you. He has accepted the Jesus Christ." "Yes. Thank you. If we were in a crowd of people, I would be able to pick you out, I feel that close to you right now." she said. It was a powerful experience.
I KNOW that God lives and that he loves us unconditionally. He never gets angry, frustrated or confused with our choices. Perhaps disappointed or sad, but never mad. He loves us so much. I have been pondering this week WHY God loves us. I still am not sure. The only conclusion I have come to is that it is because He created us. We are His. We are a creation that brings Him joy. His work and His glory is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. Us. His children.
One of my favorite quotes is from a really good friend of mine from when he was on his mission. He said:

"He [God] has promised us all He has, as we give Him all we have to give. That exchange is so imbalanced in our favor that there is no effort too great, no hours too long that we can give in serving Him, His Son and His Children."

Serving our Heavenly Father and representing His Son as a baptized member of Christ's church holds a sacred responsibility. We need to treat every moment and person with respect and honor and holiness. I must give all I have to the Lord and I enjoy doing it. We all must strive to be that way.

Also this week, we have started having teaching appointments! With fake investigators. Our lovely Senior Missionaries are acting as an Investigator and we teach them. It is so wonderful and powerful. Each time I think I get a grasp on a principle, I realize how much I don't know and don't understand. There is so much to learn and so little time. Teaching is one of the best things to do. The Spirit is the teacher, we as missionaries and members of this church are the guides.

 

We are singing this powerful song in church this Sunday. I recited the lyrics in my head as I sat in the Celestial room of the Nauvoo Temple.

"Heaven's light flows through the windows warming even walls of stone. In the refuge of the Temple, I find strength beyond my own. Filled with purpose, filled with power, granted gifts to lift the world. In God's house and in His presence, I find strength beyond my own. I can feel the power of Heaven as I stand on holy ground. And the Spirit whispers what I long to learn. Eyes are touched with understanding, I can see beyond this world. It's the place I reach for heaven and it reaches in return." 

 

Remember those lyrics as you sit in the Celestial room. :) 

 

The Nauvoo Temple

A man and his wife came to do the Temple to do Sealings today for some family names. The Spirit was so strong in there! The husband had tears streaming down his face the whole time because he KNEW what this meant to his great grandfather. He could hardly contain himself. It was very touching. I won't ever forget that.

 

Sister Zibetti

August 28, 2012

Call center. aka. Mira-Call center

Crowds have slowed way down, many missionaries have gone home, but we sisters are using every moment as golden time to study. We call on referrals for 4-6 hours a day. We call from a computer and have a headset. We try to share a message with them according to the Spirit and what the person on the phone talks about.

This week has mostly been calling. We have been calling on all of the referrals for the Pageant CD and missionary referrals. My companion and I's goal for calling last week was 660 and we accomplished 617. Pretty crazy. Most of these people don't answer the phone, but some do and some accept. Some are prepared. Some want missionaries, some, most, refuse. Some people just need to hear a message of uplift. No conversation goes the same. Some are less actives that I try to boldly and lovingly encourage to come back to the Savior.

I miss being on the floor of the VC and talking with people face to face. Looking in their eyes and figuring out what they need spiritually. Being on the phone really causes me to rely on the Savior and the Spirit to tell me what to say and how to say it. Which is good and how it should be. I need to rely on Him more.

On the floor this week I gave a Pastor a mini tour of the Christus statue. It took a while to get her to open up, but soon I got to discuss the Savior and the Book of Mormon. I recited My Missionary Commission which states: "I am called of God. My authority is above that of the kings of the earth. By revelation, I have been selected as a personal representative of the Savior Jesus Christ. He is my master. And He has called me to stand in His place, to say and do what He Himself would say and do if He were personally ministering to the very people to whom He has sent me. My voice is His voice, my acts are His acts, my words are His words and my doctrine, is His doctrine. My commission is to do what He wants done, to say what he wants said, to be a living modern witness in word and in deed of the divinity of this great and marvelous latter-day work. How great is my calling!" -Bruce R. McKonkie

It was powerful. She agreed to read the BoM.

Elder Golden of the 70 recently came to speak to us. When he spoke, it was so reverent and quiet that you could hear a pin drop in the large chapel. The Spirit was so strong there. One thing he said that I thought was prophetic was: "The point is being reached where Satan can no longer stop the church from going forward. It's almost reached the point of no return." Meaning the work will go forward quickly and fully very soon.
After that fireside, Elder Golden came over to President Gilliland's house and talked to us YSM's and YPMs. He said: "We don't study the scriptures to just gain knowledge. We do it so we can be cleansed by the Holy Ghost each time we study we are cleansed. It changes your nature." That's why reading scriptures must be a consistent process.

Sister Zibetti

August 21, 2012

I went on splits and went with Sister Petricek to an eye appointment. We traveled 40 min away to Burlington, Illinois. While she was in with the doctor (since there was no room for me) I sat in the waiting room. There were three people there and the Spirit kept saying, "talk with everyone, talk with everyone, you're a missionary". Ahh! Okay. I prayed to know which person I should talk to, since there were three. I made a decision and told Heavenly Father who it was. I know it is a right decision when my heart warms up. It is very subtle and I am still learning the language of the Holy Ghost.

I started a conversation by using a technique learned from President Gilliland: use their surroundings. So I said from across the waiting room, "Hey what does your shirt say?" She held it open and it read: 'making a difference in the lives of others.' I said, "So you like to make a difference in the lives of others?" "Yeah, I'm a CNA. Well, I use to be until my accident last october..." And she just opened up. Soon, I asked if she believed in God and if she prayed. She said yes. Eventually, I got to tell her about church and how her kids would be occupied for 2 hours in a different class where they learn about faith in Christ, while she and her husband could go to Sunday School together and then Priesthood and Relief Society, explaining both. She just brightened up at that idea. I got up and moved over to sit by her and gave her a mormon.org card with some missionaries phone number on it. 

She asked about my name tag and I explained that I am a missionary and told her I was called by a Prophet. I explained what a Prophet was and she said. "I feel like we are all prophets sometimes. That we can receive revelation for ourselves and families." I told her that was exactly right. It reminded me of a scripture in the Book of Mormon, so I shared. 2 Ne. 32:3 "Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do." The Spirit led me to that scripture, by simply making it a thought in my head. Following that prompting made a world of difference. I started explaining the background of the Book of Mormon and she got really interested. I showed her some of the pictures, talked about Joseph Smith and right as I was talking about Moroni burrying the plates, the nurse came up and called her name. I asked her if she wanted a Book of Mormon and if she would read it. She said yes. That was the only copy I had with me. It is the one I have all marked up. (Not the one I've had since I was 8 Mom) I asked her if she really wanted a marked up copy. She said, "If that's okay with you..!" I could see she wanted it, so I gave it up. It was a huge sacrifice because of all of the markings I've made in it over the past couple of months, but at the same time, I wanted to give her everything she needed so she could find joy, peace and truth.

It's strange to think that a year ago, or even 6-ish months ago, some of my most prized possessions would be my car or my phone, now it is a studied, marked up copy of holy writ; the Book of Mormon.

I have wonderful experiences all the time and very difficult and saddening experiences. Looking on the positive side helps. And having a wonderful, charitable, hilarious companion. A missionary's day is up and down. Mostly up. :)

Your sister in the gospel,

Sister Zibetti

August 14, 2012

So this week to prepare for the outbound, I got to go on splits with the sisters who serve in the city of Carthage. At first, I was very nervous to go in a home and teach a lesson, but I soon realized that missionary work is the exact same wherever you go. Just the setting is different.
 Instead of in the visitor's center, we were sitting in this woman's home and able to more fully teach because of the time allotted and the relationship we had with her. It was really wonderful. I used something in the lesson which I had read that morning for personal study. I love when that happens.

Also this week, we went tracting in Burlington Illinois! That was a great experience. Some people didn't want to hear anything, others wanted to listen. In the morning, Sister Cloward and I met a fellow and at first he was rough and defensive. Soon we got him talking and by the end, he was cracking jokes and laughing with us. We had the Spirit there most of the conversation. He doesn't have any hope in his life. He believes the law is so corrupt and doing good deeds is not worth anything. "You sow what you reap." We told him.
He was in the army for 19 years. So I thought he'd enjoy reading Alma 46, which is about the Title of Liberty and the amazing Captain Moroni. He has read the Book of Mormon before and says he's explored many religions. He still has a copy and committed to read it. So a fun experience.

Yesterday was my last day serving in Carthage Jail. :(. Sad day. Sister Brown said, "Wouldn't it be so great if a Deaf person came today needing interpreting on our last day here?" "Yes!!" And guess who came up the walk a couple hours later?! A SWEET Deaf couple. Some of their signs I could hardly understand, but Sister Brown and I were able to communicate. She and I switched off with interpreting and speaking for the tour in each of the different rooms of the Jail. It was really one of the most powerful tours I'd ever been a part of. The Spirit was so thick you could cut it with a knife. There is a tape we play in the Martyrdom room and as I interpreted it, Robert began to weep. The tears were so much that he couldn't hardly watch me sign. It was all very special.

We also had a Deaf family come to Carthage last Friday. The Lord truly had blessed us with using the language because we study so much, and because He has answered our prayer of sending Deaf people here.

The Carthage Sisters

I've been thinking a lot about rejection this week. With phone calls, tracting, and at other times, I get rejected as a missionary. And it is my responsibility, my calling, to represent the Savior. So I want to react to rejection in the way the Savior would. So I've studied this week a bit of what he did when he was rejected. 3 Nephi 12:10-12 "And blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake; for ye shall have great joy and be exceedingly glad, for great shall be your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets who were before you." Then the next few verses down says "let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your father who is in heaven." That is one of the ways the Savior took rejection. Being that perfect example of truth and light always. I must never let him down, for has never let me down, nor you, nor anyone else. He is pleased to take that persecution for His Father. He will be satisfied. I love my Savior, brother and friend. His Atonement is what gets me through anything and everything.

By the way! I have a new companion!!!!! I LOVE her! It's Sister Dransfield! She is amazing and wonderful and has the best, most contagious laugh. Her first name is Chelsea, and often reminds me of Chelsea Larsen. All the sisters are back in Nauvoo to serve. The second summer sisters are all going home tomorrow (except for two who decided to stay a couple more weeks) and it is basically just the sisters who are here for their first summer who are still here. It is so weird that they are leaving. It feels surreal and sad. They are a part of me now and will be greatly missed, but it is their time to go. And that is according to God's will, and I must not tamper with that. The YPM's have also left. Crazy! Time to prepare for outbound, but still focus on the here and NOW of Nauvoo.

Sister Zibetti

August 9, 2012

 Some things from this week, the second Summer sisters are leaving quickly. For most of them, this is their last week on the mission. We had a farewell breakfast. It is so weird that they are leaving! The YPM's are also going. We will only have one show going on: Rendezvous. Everything will be so dead and sad when they go. But the light in Nauvoo won't go out. We still have our purpose here and much to testify about; many souls to bring to Christ. I asked President what I could best do to prepare for the outbound since I was/am a bit nervous. He told me to study and practice teaching the Lessons in Chapter 3 of PMG. The Lessons are: The Restoration, The Plan of Salvation, The Gospel of Jesus Christ, and The Commandments. So I am studying them. We will go tracting this Saturday! We're going to a city called Burlington (because we can't in Nauvoo). I'm excited for the new things.

 

As sisters, President Gilliland allowed us to watch pageant again on the last night. Sister Brown and I were asked to interpret for a Deaf man. It was so fun though! It started raining, not hard. It was just one of the craziest things: There I was a missionary, in a spotlight in the middle of the crowd, it's raining and I'm interpreting for this amazing pageant behind me. haha! It was great. I truly felt at times my hands guided by the Spirit with how to sign certain concepts and ideas. I realized this week that if I want to go on an ASL mission for my outbound call, I must be preparing better now, so God can use a prepared missionary, so I am really trying to get in my Language study every day even though it is rarely scheduled.

 

One of my favorite things about this mission is that I'll give a tour to someone in Nauvoo, and later I see them and give them another tour. Or I just greet them at a show and then I later give them a tour at Carthage. That happened a couple times this week. God really does place us in specific spots so we can influence those around us.

 

This week, Sis. Brown and I decided to go to the Jail early and study the Book of Mormon in the Martyrdom room. It was powerful. The Spirit is ever present.

 

I'll tell you of an experience from my journal that happened on Tuesday. Two men: J and B. J was a member of the church his whole life except the last 3 years. "Why is that?" I asked him. "They invited me never to come back because I couldn't quit smoking tobacco." "Oh. I'm sorry." "So I didn't." He walked away. His friend B came up to me and said, "I'm Pentecostal. Is that really true about the Mormons? You can't be a member if you smoke?" I was hesitant on answering because I wasn't sure of the entire situation and what exactly J meant by "they" and "never come back". So I said, "We believe our body is a house of God, a holy place and..." "We believe that too! But although we highly discourage drugs, we don't kick people out who struggle. An addiction is very hard to overcome." "I believe you about that, and agree. We do believe though, that God has set a high standard and we need to follow it otherwise..." I could just feel his disappointment in us as a church. The Carthage movie was beginning, so it was time for them to enter the theatre. I went into the back room and prayed hard, apologizing that I did an awful job in the conversation; I hadn't responded well. I then asked Heavenly Father for another chance to testify. I asked the Senior missionaries for help and advice on the situation. Besides the fact that they all wanted to answer at once haha, they gave me very good, and spirit-directed ideas.

In the Martyrdom room, I testified how we must follow Christ, and I read 2 Ne. 31:12. "The Savior said, "follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do." That is our goal. No one is perfect, but we all try to live that truth. Joseph tried. Hyrum also. Joseph wasn't perfect, but I know he, and we, can be made perfect IN Christ". The Spirit filled the room even more and B was smiling; a new understanding had come upon him. J had a face of longing to be a part of the truth again, but perhaps guilt was stopping him, I'm not sure.

With all the courage God gave me, I stopped B and said, "To answer your question from earlier, he is always invited back and I hope he does come back." "Me too. I understand that one is not perfect and some might hold grudges." Later B came back into the VC and said, "Wonderful tour. I've got a lot to think about."

 

It was a wonderful experience.

 

Well I must be off! I love you!

 

-Sister Zibetti

August 2, 2012

I saw the Allphins! It all worked out perfectly! I was in Carthage yesterday morning and I saw Mark (the younger) and his family. I wasn't up next for the tour, so they went with another missionary.

When the rest of the Allphin family arrived, Chris and his family from St. Louis, Kara and Brother and Sister Allphin, I was up for the Tour! So they were able to hop on and I gave them the tour of Carthage. Mark rejoined. It was wonderful! They really are such a great family. We talked about missionary work and how the ward and stake are doing back home. It really rejuvinated my motive to work harder and be more diligent and urgent about the work.

 

This week, a Deaf couple and their hearing daughter (who are from Minnesota) came to Nauvoo. The dad taught at the MTC and his wife taught ASL too. We first saw them in Sacrament meeting. They noticed that we had interpeters and they came to watch. I discovered that while interpreting, it is more important to love the people than it is to make sure you get every word or concept translated. Making sure the person feels God's love. We later went around with them to a couple of sites.

 

Today I am going to sign a Birthday Card for President Monson from the Nauvoo Mission! I'm excited!

 

Well, here's an experience I had while calling on our Referrals. A nice woman answered the phone and I introduced myself and told her that her sister-in-law was visiting Nauvoo and thought of her (and referred her to the missionary program). I asked how familiar she was with the church. Her response, "I've been around the church for 45 years because my sister-in-law. I love her, but have no interest in that church." I got up the courage to ask, "Can I ask why that is?" "I believe the Bible is the only word of God, and nothing should be added to it. I'm a born-again Christian. So no thank you ma'am." "Okay..well keep your heart open." "Okay." "thanks bye." Well after the phone call I felt like I didn't do my duty as a missionary and give her a way to come unto Christ. I didn't give her the options to have agency in the situation. I should have asked her more about the Book of Mormon, and told her that it is the word of God. I realized that the thing that I DIDN'T want to do, was exactly what I was supposed to do. Elder Bednar said something similar, paraphrased "When you pray about something and the answer is usually something you don't want to do, then that means it is from the Spirit." Our natural reaction as humans is 'carnal' and 'of man'. I needed to yield to the enticings of the holy spirit and do the hard thing. So I decided I'd call her back and just ask if she's read it. "Hi, this is Amber (we use our first name with non-members), we were just on the phone." "Yes?" "I'm just wondering, have you ever read the Book of Mormon?" "I've been to the New York Pageant and learned things from it." "Oh that's good! But have you read the Book of Mormon?" "I've read books about the Book of Mormon." She was avoiding my question like the plague. "Okay, but have you read the Book of Mormon?" "No. I haven't and I never plan to." "Alright, well, can I ask one question?...If you have never read it, how can you KNOW it is not the word of God?" "...well, I just know..." Yeah. That was the end of our conversation.

 

I'm just glad I learned how better to recognize the Spirit.

 

Here is something from my journal:

 

I played the Piano this morning at Carthage when all was quiet. Elder Morgan (one of the Senior missionaries) came up to me and said with emotion in his voice and red-rimmed eyelids, "Thank you for playing the piano. It reminds me of my daughters. On Sundays I'd sit and they would play while I listened." It was sweet. He has twins and one died from cancer about 5 years ago, so it was a sweet little experience.

Pageant is done this weekend! I can't believe it!!!! It has flown by. Sister Brown and I got to practice interpreting it last night again and tonight someone will need it for real.

 

-Sister Zibetti

July 26, 2012

I do keep up with some people I've met. We call referrals and try to help non-members accept missionaries to their home. If they don't get to that point, we'll see if we can follow-up and teach them over the phone and email. 

I am still in Carthage. I LOVE it! We get to greet for Pageant in Nauvoo 3 times a week. It is not as busy as I thought it would be. Send people to Nauvoo mom! :) jk.

Well, a cool experience. On one of my tours in Carthage Jail, I had quite a few kids. Sometimes it's hard to keep them entertained and calm, while still keeping the parents engaged. We were about to enter the Martyrdom room and I told the group that it is a very sacred, reverent room and to be aware of that. As soon as one of the young boys walked in, I could tell he could sense that. He folded his arms immediately. In a place where so much sacrifice was given, it becomes hallowed and holy ground. Just like where the Savior performed the Atonement. In Doctrine and Covenants 135 it says: "Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world than any other man that ever lived in it." I know that is the truth because I feel it every day as I enter that room or walk the streets of Nauvoo. I love the Prophet Joseph Smith. I love that he translated the Book of Mormon. It is truth.

The same thing happens to us when we sacrifice things. We become more hallowed, holy and sanctified. It is an eternal principle of truth. So whatever you need to do to get to that point of holiness is worth it. And it is a process, not an event.

I've been following up with that girl I told you all about on the phone on Mother's Day. She emailed me a question. She said: "I'm just not sure God exists. How do you know that? How do you know there is a life after this one?" And it was difficult for me to really find an answer, because I have been raised, by goodly parents, who've taught me that I have a loving Father in Heaven my whole life. So it has never really been a question of whether he exists or not. It has been instilled within. I struggled explaining it to her but found a good solution by the help of the Spirit. I called her and over the phone we read Mosiah 4:9 "Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend". I asked her what she understood from that scripture. She gets it. I told her that Prayer is what brings you to the knowledge of God. That brings you closer to Him and He wants us to pray. It is a commandment, not a suggestion. She said she'd sincerely pray. I prayed and had faith that she did. 

So that is something that the world is missing, belief. And more than that: faith. Faith in God and His Son Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world.

I love you! Must be going. 

Sister Zibetti

BLOG for July 17, 2012

Hello!

The first night of Pageant was FANTASTIC! All of the Sisters got to greet that first night it was on. That's what we do as missionaries with Pageant. We start by grabbing Pageant referral cards, then we go and pray in the groves to get the Spirit of the Saints with us and motivate us to invite people to Christ, and last follow the Spirit to find out who to talk to. Usually the people who stand out are the ones I talk with. The Spirit hasn't been like: TALK TO HER! Just little whispers. We commit them to different things as the Spirit directs so they can improve their lives. (With Pageant Referral cards we ask members if there is a non-member they know who would like a CD of the music of the pageant. If they are the non-member we ask them if they want a CD and missionaries in their area will drop that CD off.) Sisters also post-greet, so after Pageant. Which ends at like 10:15ish. We are allowed to be in bed by 11pm and sleep in till 7am if we want. You don't post-greet if you live in Carthage because the drive is 30min. Carthage only greets on their preparation day and on the weekends.

 

We got to see Pageant on the second night it showed. I LOVE Pageant! It's incredible. My favorite line is said by Parley P. Pratt: "Because when you're here, we're here." The show tells a couple of stories of the Nauvoo period going from like 1839-1846. Joseph Smith's amazing leadership as a Prophet of God and the many lives he blessed. It goes over Joseph's and Hyrum's death and the carry out westward by Brigham Young. Every restored truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is touched on, plus more fundamental principles are taught. It is like Preach My Gospel in play/pageant form.

It's genius.

Missionary work goes SO well here! Yesterday I went on a tour with Sister Dransfield, who is the most lovely sister you can imagine, everything she touches turns to gold. We normally take Carthage tours on our own, but there were three non-members and a very impatient member (who needed to take a conference call at a certain time), so she asked if I would go with her. It went very well. Every now and then, the Father of this family would raise his hand in the air and say, "hallelujah!". haha! I loved it.

Afterward, we talked to him, while his son listened (his sweet wife was on the phone) for like 2 hours. He did most of the talking, but it was exactly what he needed and we were able to teach him a LOT. Just by discussion, the Book of Mormon and the Spirit. He honestly believes that God is in the details of our lives, so I asked him: "You believe that? Well, why do you think you are here at Carthage today talking to us?" He sincerely responded, "I don't know." but he could feel it was for a big reason. He looked into my eyes and then into Sister Dransfield's eyes and said, "You know. You two know God loves you, and me. You're strong." We ended up giving him a Book of Mormon, committed him to read it and attend church this Sunday. It was an incredible, Spiritually-led experience, and most definitely set up by our Heavenly Father. We shall see what happens.

I love serving Carthage Jail. It is incredible. We had a district meeting with all the missionaries who serve there. We have transfers on Thursday and I am nervous. I want to stay here another transfer...but whatever President decides is inspired, and I've accepted that.

I've been working on being humble and courageous at the same time. "True to the Faith" says it's possible, so I am trying to do both.

I am well and happy!

-Sister Zibetti

P.S. Yes I got that wonderful package of letters from the Primary! I loved it! Please tell them: thank you so much!

BLOG for July 10, 2012

 We had a lovely 4th of July Mission Breakfast last Wednesday! President Gilliland adressed us, which he does often and I love it! He is so inspired. He said to the 300 or so missionaries there, "You missionaries are incredible. There is no place in the world I'd rather be. And I have 10 kids. But there is no place i'd rather be than here in Nauvoo with you all." It was really special. Then the sister missionaries got to go to his house that night for a BBQ. It felt like home. :) We all sat around after dinner and asked President and his regal wife questions and just listened as they imparted wisdom and strength through the Spirit. It was powerful.

 

Super embarrasing thing. I saw two women, one who looked a bit older, with a 19 or 20 year old girl. Stepping up to meet them I said, "You are grandma and you are granddaughter?!" The older looking woman said, "No this is my daughter". oh boy. that's a great start to a tour. "Oh, I'm so sorry!" They said it was no problem. I prayed to heavenly Father that they would forgive me and at the end of the tour they did. The mom and the daughter both gave me a hug in the martyrdom room. The mother had been waiting her whole life to come to Carthage. It was special. I have wonderful experiences similar to that everyday.

 

As much as I can, I try memorize everyone's name in my tour group; if it is a smaller group. It helps me get to know them a tiny bit more than I do, so I can apply the message of Carthage and the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother to their lives. It makes the spirit all the more powerful and the visitors open up more to me once I use their name. It feels more like we are all a family, as it very well should, because we are. They feel more comfortable, and I hope, loved. I am trying to grow and learn and become like the Savior. He knows everyone by name and as His representative, I strive to become like Him in all things.

I took a Sister who served here last year on a tour of Carthage. I was so nervous! Because she knows all about it and I was scared she'd critique. But she didn't. I felt every ounce of love from and for her throughout the tour. Along with a non-member who is a resident of Nauvoo and has become one of my good friends here. The people are REALLY what bring the Spirit or not. I can testify all day, but if people don't accept it, it feels like my words just bounce off of the 200year old walls of the jail, instead of being sunk deep into their hearts. I love when they accept it; when they accept the Savior's teachings.

 

The cast members for the Pageant have arrived! Today it premiers! Sister Brown and I get to greet for it tonight and see it tomorrow. I met a family who will be in the cast. They are all set apart as representatives for the show. Even infants are set apart. All as representatives of the Savior. I could see the light of Christ in their eyes. It was wonderful. I gave them a challenge to pray and find out the reason they are here because no one comes to Nauvoo by accident.

 

So it is getting busier, slowly. I am stoked!

 

I can't believe I have been out here for almost 6 months!! AHH! It goes by so fast and I'm a week behind in my journal! Wish me luck with catching up!

 

Sister Zibetti

Blog for July 3, 2012

 Hello!!!!

This week has been so great. I am loving Carthage! I am with my MTC companion Sister Brown in a huge apartment. I tried to make mac and cheese for us and took the noodles out too early so they were a bit hard, then a few days later Sister Brown made hers like mush. Soon we will figure it out. It's just been fun.

Wednesday of last week, June 27, was the 168th year anniversary of the martyrdom. We had a Commemoration at Carthage Jail where we paid tribute to the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum. The young sisters sang "Joseph Smith's First Prayer" and the YPM's sang "No Ordinary Brothers" (which is a beautiful, sad, but motivating song about those two men.) A member from the Temple Presidency spoke and talked of a scripture I love that says, "Joseph has done more, save Jesus only, for this work".
Then President Gilliland spoke. He is such an inspired man. He always says what I need to hear, and I've noticed, what we all need to hear as missionaries of Nauvoo. I got to take people on a tour through the Jail after the Commemoration. It was powerful. It made it all the more real talking of the event on the very day it took place. Although it was a sad thing, it was supposed to happen. God has a plan for everyone, part of Joseph's plan was to die for the cause of truth.That night, we had a devotional as sisters with President in the Martyrdom room. Some sisters shared their testimony. All of the sisters are so powerful and beautiful. President said something very profound that I'll never forget, "We will all have our own martyrdom to go through in this life. We'll all have to prove ourselves and give our all for what we know is true." The spirit was so strong. That room has a feeling of peace like you wouldn't believe it could.

I got to do some service around the Jail this week! The grounds are beautiful. Picking weeds here is a sinch. Because of the humidity, the plants come right out of the ground, root and all. In Utah, that never happens unless it just rained. haha! This week I experienced the most humid day I think I've ever felt. Walking outside from indoors is like walking into a sauna. can't breathe!

A man walked in to the Carthage VC and he just had a personality I knew would mesh well with mine. I grabbed my compy and we headed over to talk. He was the bus driver for a youth group from St. Louis. He started his conversation in a humorous fashion like this, "Hey! I've come to see my cousin. (Smith). Can ya'll show me 'round?" with a big smile on his face. He is not really a cousin, but we joked about it. We showed him the 1st Vision mini statue and did our best to follow the spirit. We read part of the Book of Mormon introduction to him and he asked tons of questions, but some things clicked in his brain. We testified of its truthfulness and power. He would ask unimportant questions occasionally like, "These gold plates...where'd they get the gold?" or "Did Mr. Mormon have a last name?" haha! I loved this man! He took a referral card to fill out and a book of Mormon. He said he'd read it and in 365 days, he'd be back here to see if we found the answers to those two questions. haha! My job is to find out if Mormon had a last name. Do you know? I searched but haven't found anything yet.

It was a wonderful experience. I know the Lord puts people in our paths on purpose. If we are prepared as his servants to jump at the opportunity, we and they are blessed. We'll see what happens. :) Or maybe I won't see what happens in this life.

On Sunday I got to work in the Cultural Hall with Sister Brown. That was fun. A bit of history about it: Hyrum Smith dedicated the building and it had about 16 different uses back in the day. Banquets, court sessions, schools, funerals, concerts, plays, dances, recitals, Nauvoo Legion meetings, and police meetings. Brigham Young was even in a play called "Pizzaro" 19 days after the building was dedicated. So fun! A lot of people today imagine the saints having so many trials and having so much faith, which they did, but they also had fun!

But, most importantly, when the Saints prepared to move west, they took out the benches in the cultural hall and had enough space to make their wagons for leaving. It was fun to work there.

Sister Zibetti