FAMILY AND BEST FRIEND TRUNKY!!!

It was another great, miraculous week in the life of the Missouri Independence Mission.

Sister and Elder Rowe are a senior couple who serve at the Visitor Center with us. This last week there was a flood in their home and it did a lot of damage to their home and to a lot of their belongings. I was talking to Sister Rowe and I asked, "Where was the most damage? To your home or to your things?" She said, "Most of what is inside can be laundered but the biggest loss was my baby grand piano." ...Ouch. But then she proceeded to explain to me that it's just STUFF. She said that it's during times like this that you really come to realize what's truly important. It's not your most prized piano. It's not your 30 pairs of shoes. It's not even your home. That you come to realize that if you have your loved ones and you have the gospel... then, that's enough. No more truer words were ever spoken. She is an inspiration to me. I think my mission has taught me about STUFF... or maybe about how unimportant STUFF is. Haha. Downstairs in the Visitor Center we have a model of a cabin the saints would have lived in in 1831-1833. It's small, and they would have had up to 10 families living in ONE CABIN. And I'm thinking to myself, "YEAH RIGHT! Maybe for a weekend." But in the cause of zion, they HAD to make it work. And they couldn't be so selfish. I remember going to Vegas with probably 12 girls for Megan's Bachelorette party and we were CRAZY trying to fit everyone into one hotel room... And for those of you who were there, you probably remember that we were all really CRANKY because certain girls ALWAYS got the bed. And certain girls ALWAYS had the floor. And then... some of the girls didn't care. That was great. I remember that I didn't sleep much on that trip, but spent most of my nights up late talking on the phone in the Casino... Anyway... that's not the point... In ZION, they were of one heart and one mind. I'm sure it wasn't always EASY sharing a home with so many people. But they had the perspective of gratitude in their hearts. That it wasn't about, "ME and MY HOUSE and MY BED and MY SPACE." But rather this small cabin home was seen as a palace--- and they were EXCITED to invite everyone they could to come and live with them there.

I feel like it's such a great blessing on a mission to go into homes that feel like home. Feeling like you are surrounded by family even if your family is clear across the WORLD in Salt Lake City, Utah. (haha!) I can't even begin to list all of the homes and all of the people who I have become close to on my mission, but I'm starting to realize that as excited as I am to go home, it's going to be hard to leave them all here... President VanKomen emphasized in our Presidents interviews this week that Missionary work is about teaching PEOPLE, not lessons. He is an amazing inspired man and I love him very much!!!

I also love doggies... RANDOM! But SO TRUE! Friday morning training meetings are hard for me because we have to wake up an hour earlier than normal and we don't get to exercise and we get to get trained on rules, and doing referral calls, and obedience... and still being happy missionaries.... some of my favorite things to talk about. Blah blah blah. So Friday morning, we show up and I'm more tired than normal, and we get there and Elder Nelson says, "You all need to work on being on time." BLAH BLAH BLAH... and I start doodling in my notebook... Then he says, "We're not having training this morning, we're going to have breakfast at my house!" All the sisters are like, "YAAAYY!!!!" And I'm still being a jerk-face because I'm tired... but I'm excited even if I don't show it. Then we get to the Nelsons house and there is a DOGGIE TIED UP TO THEIR FRONT PORCH and I yelled, "DOGGIE!" (Sometimes I swear I still act like a 10-year-old. haha!) And the Sisters are all like, "Why is he here?" I said, "Because Heavenly Father Loves me!! IT'S SO TRUE. That dog made my whole day better! Sister Stanton rescued him from the street and brought him to E. Nelsons house. We called the owner and returned him. The owners car broke down in the Community of Christ Auditorium parking lot, so I EVEN GOT TO TAKE HIM FOR A WALK!!!! OH MY GOSH!!! HAPPIEST MOMENT OF THE DAY! ....Thanks for letting me share that! I was really excited! I can't wait to see my puppy Sophie! I'm so glad she isn't dead yet! Haha. I'm totally doggie trunky, and temple trunky, and... FAMILY AND BEST FRIEND TRUNKY!!! I miss you all so much! But I told Sister VanKomen in interviews this week that I was only going to allow myself to be trunky for 1 hour a day! So after emailing is over, I'm not thinking about ANY OF YOU THE REST OF THE DAY!!!

Haha. It's going to be a great week! We are going to teach 20 lessons and have a baptism at the end of the week and see LOTS OF MIRACLES!!!!! ---Happy day!!!---- Miracles! Miracles!!! This is the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that he lives and provides tender mercies in our lives everyday. With an eye of faith, things that seem impossible to overcome become possible to endure. Endure to the End. 100-yards. I'm going to give my best. My very best. All the way to the end. Even if it hurts. I'm grateful the Lord has helped me to get this far. The Lord is amazing! In his strength I can do all things!!!

I LOVE YOU ALL! Continue in love and faith!!!
Dream Big. Wish Hard. Love Always-
Jessica Rose

I am bound to the Lord

This week reminded me WHY I am serving a mission... Because the Lord needs me here. I am exactly where I am supposed to be.

Lately I've been reading the epistles of Paul. I love Paul! And he addresses the people in Ephesians as, "I, Paul, the PRISONER of Jesus Christ." Haha. At first I laughed HISTERICALLY and thought, I've felt that way... but as I let the spirit teach me I learned that there was a lot more than what I read. Symbolism in the word... Because to be imprisoned is to be TRAPPED, but what is TRUE FREEDOM? It is freedom through the spirit and the atonement of Christ. We best apply the atonement when we make sacred covenants with Heavenly Father. When we are baptized, for example, we take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ and we become BOUND to those covenants. Not that we lose our agency, but we are accountable to the promises that we made to the Lord. We become bound or imprisoned to the Lord as we promise to do his will.

In the book called The Three Pillars of Zion, it explains our covenant relationship with Christ like this: The new and everlasting covenant emerges from the atonement and makes us PARTNERS with Jesus in all things, both the easy and the difficult. By means of the covenant, we are yoked with the Savior to inseparably face every eventuality. In this relationship, we pledge to eachother all that we have and are and therefore we are entitled to draw upon the resources of the stronger partner in any eventuality. In everyway, we are ONE in the covenant. Neither are we divided or alone. Now, because of our covenantal relationship, life's adversities are consecrated to the Lord for the welfare of our souls... By experience, we discover that in the covenantal relationship, we are absolutely safe...

I, like Paul, am a Prisoner of Jesus Christ, I am bound to the Lord. I know that yoked to him. Even in my weakness I will do whatever will be asked of me. I will strive to be all that I was called to be. And I know that in this cause I am safe in the his love.

As we partake of the sacrament we promise to always remember him and to remember the covenants that we have made with him. May we always have perspective to understand the blessings of the Lord. That although they may not come within, days or weeks or years... THEY WILL COME.

My companion and I took a woman named Guadalupe through the Visitor Center this week. She has terminal cancer and one month to live. She was a woman of great faith. Like the faith of Job. That although this illness is eating her body, she KNOWS that in a perfected body that she will see God. She is currently meeting with the Elders in the Riverview Ward in Kansas City and will be getting baptized this week.... I am humbled and touched to be in this service. Guadalupe is an angel to me. She truly was sent to touch my heart this week. I have a deep love for her...

May we always remember the Lord in all that we do and remember that his promises are true.
I love you all!

Dream Big. Wish Hard. Love Always-
Jessica Rose

Cinco de Mustache

I know that my mom has a place in my heart that no one else can touch. No one can comfort me the way that her words can. No more tears have I shed than that of the shoulder of my mom. She is my mentor, my confidant, and my bestfriend. Words cannot describe my mom and the love and charity that she has for everyone around her. She inspires me. I love her very much.

This week begins the construction of the Kasas City Missouri Temple. The groundbreaking was on Saturday in which President VanKomen got to take a part. It is a beautiful templre from the pictures that I've seen. I can't wait to come back when it's done. What a great honor it is to have a temple so close by for those here in Independence. The temple will be located about 10 minutes west of the Historic Liberty Jail.

Last week, Casey Hopper FINALLY GOT BAPTIZED! ~Miracles! Miracles!~ Casey has come so far in his life since I met him. It is amazing to see how the spirit has truly touched his heart and has given him the courage to change. Casey asked me to give the talk on baptism, which was such an honor. And I got to see my favorite friend Sister Smith, and she gave the talk on the Holy Ghost. She prepared an analogy about how Dory from Finding Nemo was like the Holy Ghost... Of course I can leave it up to Sister Smith to make any ordinary experience... well, not very ordinary. Sister Smith is definately one of a kind and I still miss her all the time. That crazy Sister. I love her.


My new companion Sister Adamson makes me laugh a lot too. So we decided that we needed to have a Cinco de Mayo party, but by the end of the night we were SOOO TIRED. So I got home, took of my makeup and was getting ready for bed, and Sister Adamson stops me and reminds me that we haven't had our party yet! Haha. So, in remembrance of Utah we didn't celebrate Cinco de Mayo, but like many people in Utah, we celebrated Cinco de mustache! MOST HILARIOUS IDEA EVER! Sister Adamson and Sister Stanton make such great dudes! And I had Sister Adamsons trucker hat from Kansas. We had a lot of fun! Another fun thing that happened This week, Sister Adamson and I saw a TRACTOR PARADE!!! (Only in Missouri!) My camera was in the back seat of the car so I don't have any pictures, but trust me, it was AMAZING!!!


I love you all so much. As Dory from Finding Nemo would say, "Just keep swimming... swimming... swimming..." I'll see you all soon! In the meantime, Dream Big. Wish Hard. Love Always.

Jessica Rose

An attitude towards gratitude

We got transfer calls on Tuesday. I'm remaining here in Independence 3rd ward with a new companion, Sister Roo Adamson. Roo is really her name. Isn't that great? She is a doll! She's from Orem and went to school at Utah State. She played Rugby with Sister Smith before the mission, so... expect many more crazy moments to come! Haha. I'm sad that Sister Smith is leaving me... but her legacy and craziness will continue on!!! Haha. Sister Villalobos is in Riverview with Sister Knuckles and Sister Smith is in Odessa with Sister Fakai.

So, the email would not be complete without more crazy experiences with Sister Smith. However, this week I was far more funny than she was. WE EVEN GOT IN A FIGHT ABOUT IT. But I won! I had the funniest moment! So... we were tracting (knocking doors) and NO ONE WANTED TO HEAR OUR MESSAGE... but THEN there was this SUPER cute cat that started following us, and we got to a front porch and no one was home so I decided to teach the cat about the Seed of Abraham. His name was Abraham. THEN THERE WAS ANOTHER CAT... his name was Samson. He was pretty receptive too. I love animals. We laughed a lot. BUT THEN A MIRACLE HAPPENED. As I was teaching Samson and we saw a young man walking down the street named Cameron. He had a lot of questions we were able to answer. We got to teach him about the Book of Mormon and he came to another appointment at the Visitor Center with us. He is a GREAT kid. Then we sent him as a referral to Kansas City where he lives and the Elders are teaching him now. HOW COOL IS THAT? If I hadn't stopped and talked to Samson... we may not have run into Cameron. I have such a testimony of talking to everyone. Haha.

Okay enough of that. It was kind of a tough week with the work. But I know that even when life seems a little bleak, that it still looks great on paper. I have a lot to be grateful for. "Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he's been robbed... Most putts don't drop. Most beef is tough. Most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration. Life is like an old-time rail journey- delays, sidetracks, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed... The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride." -Jenkins Lloyd Jones. Gratitude unlocks the fulness of life. It turns what we have into more than enough... There is no need to play the "My life will be perfect WHEN" game... I'm trying a new attitude that my dad taught me, it's called "My perfect life."

Look around you right now. Think of 10 things you're grateful for. Do you have a roof over your head and food to eat? I'm guessing the answer is yes. Do you have at least a few good friends or close relationships? Then appreciate them too, right now. Keep going, and practice being in the present and being grateful for what is here and now at least a couple times a day.
You're also probably sitting there thinking "yes but." Yes, but I want more money, a better relationship, more time to travel, to be thinner, happier or whatever. It's one of the great mysteries I'll never figure out. The minute you stop focusing on what you lack, start focusing on what you've already got, and add the "magic" ingredient of action, you actually begin to attract more of what you want. It's an amazing formula for really living your perfect life!

Today I am grateful for laughter. I'm grateful to have the truths of the gospel. I am grateful for my family. I am grateful for my friends who still write me letters (the rest of you are JERKS! JK!) I even love my friends who DONT write me letters. I'm grateful for the springtime. It is beautiful here. I'm grateful to have the opportunity to serve in the VC and testify of the gospel everyday. I'm grateful for Sister Bradley who I still get to see everyday! I'm grateful for the Lord for providing TENDER MERCIES on a daily basis. Today I got to see Elder Ryan Swayt who is going home tomorrow. He's going to be a good friend when I get home. THAT was a tender mercy. Serving with Sister Adamson is something that I'm grateful for. I'm grateful for great ward members who take such good care of us... the list could go on and on.

A good friend sent me a letter this week that really touched my heart. I hope she wont mind if I share a part of her letter with all of you. "Yesterday was fast and testimony meeting. A Down Syndrome man got up to enlighten us with his testimony... I have never had a testimony touch me so much in my life. He said the words, "I am thankful for me." ...Here he is saying how it is hard for him to get from place to place, he is severly disabled, and yet he sdtill thanks his Heavenly Father for himself." ... D&C 78:19 "He who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious." I believe that. I believe the power of a good attitude and a little love can turn a dark day into light. Those who bring sunshine to others cannot help to keep it from themselves.

I love all of you so much. I'm grateful for your love and support always. Never forget, "You are my Sunshine... my only sunshine..." Shine on. Dream Big. Wish Hard. Love Always-
Jessica Rose

That's what you needed to learn

Hello everyone. Another great week in the trio means more crazy moments with Sister Smith and Villalobos. So, in trying to train Sister Smith to be a Visitor Center Sister, we were on a tour together in front of the Christus. After we had finished the intro, she yelled "I get to push the button!" Then she proceeded to HURDLE over of the large plants to make sure that she got to the button to make the presentation play first. Crazy competitive girl! I love her SOOO much. Last week we went "roo huntin'" with nerf guns. This week we went "walabee hunting" after Sister Collado, a sister from New Zealand. Hahaha... We also decided to make my life a sitcom. Sister Smith is the producer of the new upcoming show LONE TREE HILL. Joseph Smith said that a lot of trees standing together could withstand storms just fine, but one tree standing alone has to get deep roots really fast to withstand the winds. Sister Smith said, "It's like your mission! Lone. Tree. Hill." I almost died of laughter. "On the latest episode of Lone Tree Hill..." BAHAHAHA. It's probably not that funny to all of you at home, but I'm loving it! President VanKomen is now enforcing the OLD music rule again in order to try to "increase spirituality." For about 6 months, we could listen to anything white handbook approved. AKA. Jessie Clark Funk, EFY, anything Christian. NOW, it's back to ONLY Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and Hymns... And I'm back to being a grumpy gus!!! Haha. I'm kidding. Sister Smith and I found a way to make it fun. So, we turned on some classical Vivaldi and Sister Smith says, "This is great! Just make up cartoons in your head! ...Silly little gray cat!" Hahaha!!! Oh man... Transfers are this week and I don't expect us to stay together which I'm super sad about!!! I don't know what I'm going to do!!! Last time I lost Sister Smith, I got Sister Bradley... So I'm kind of praying that I get Sister Bradley back again for a THIRD TIME. I know it's not reasonable or even probable... but a girl can dream! Sister Smith and Villalobos are probably SO excited to get rid of me though. This week, I thought Sister Villalobos was in the car and I drove off and didn't notice she wasn't in the car until I'd driven about 3 blocks down the road, and I jammed Sister Smith's elbow in the car door. Haha. I'm the worst companion ever!!! But we sure do laugh a lot!!!

This week the Community of Christ conference came to a close and they made some changes in their church and there is already a new break off church! ~sigh.~ It was fun to visit with so many members of their church however. It was interesting to see some of the differences even though we have the same restoration.

I had an amazing experience on Sunday that I wanted to share with you. So Melody is a beautiful 16 year old ballerina and a Recent Convert to the church since last June. She's been going to her old church a lot, because she doesn't feel like she has any friends--- except for me. But she has a STRONG testimony of the restored gospel....But recently, she just got a new boyfriend who goes to a different church, so I was thinking she was lost. -Where is your faith, Sister Wathen?- We've been working with her a lot and so, miracle #1--- Melody came to church on Sunday and sat by me and my companions! After Sacrament meeting she asked me if she could go with me to my adult class. I told her she would have to go to the "young Sunday School" but that I would go with her just this one time. So I go on a split so my companions can stay with our investigators who also attended this week. So Melody and I walk in, and a member of the bishopric is there and I could tell he was scrambling. I asked, "Is there something I can help you with?" He said, "Two of our Sunday school teachers didn't show up." I told him I would be happy to teach the class. And I said to them what elder Snow had told us a few weeks ago, "I don't have a message for you. But I know that God does." So I told them revelation starts with questions. I asked if they had anything they had been wanting to learn more about. One young woman raised her hand and said, "The second coming." I started to teach of the signs of the second coming... then paused. Listen to what the Lord wants you to say, Sister Wathen. He didn't want me to teach about what happens at the second coming, but how we are to prepare for the second coming. We do that by building Zion. Like the city of Enoch. A city of one heart and one mind. So then we talked more about Zion. I asked them if we had Zion in our ward, if they had Zion in their families. Then I asked, Do we have Zion in this room??? Are we all of one heart and one mind? So we did an activity. Kind of a get to know you type of game. What are your favorite hobbies. If you prefer to play sports go to the left side of the room. If you prefer reading a book go to the middle. If you prefer shopping go to the left. Then I asked other fun questions. Then I said, If you consider yourself shy go to the right, if you consider yourself outgoing go to the left. Then we talked about Zion again. To reach out to those who are maybe different than you in order to be of one heart and one mind. They decided that in order to be Zion in that room that they all had to be friends and that they all had to have a love and concern and charity for one another. And I said, "THAT is exactly what the Lord wanted to you to learn today." At the end of class two beautiful young women were talking to Melody and invited her to go to the mall with them this Saturday and I wanted to jump for JOY! THEY GOT IT!!! They got the message. I was grateful that the Lord directed me to that very spot that Melody could have FRIENDS so she wouldn't feel so weird going to church. I've decided that it's time to change the status quo. And I'm starting with me. In order to build up Zion, I have to be a better friend, not only to strangers on the street but to those in my midst. A better friend to those whom I already love. So this is my shout out!!! I LOVE YOU ALL SOOOOO MUCH! Tomorrow I have 3 more months until I'm home! And I will give you all HUGE HUGS! <<
I was reading about Abinidi this week and I told Sister Smith that I really wanted to be like Abinidi. I wanted to be brave like him. She said, "You have time to BECOME like Abinidi. Don't forget. He was really old!" haha. She is right. The Lord is CHANGING me. I can feel it. I can almost see it! But I'm not there yet. I have to keep pressing forward. I was talking to Elder Nelson about the same thing and he told me, "Sister Wathen, Abinidi couldn't be Ammon. Someone had to hold the sheave." Haha... Elder Nelson is so deep! What he meant was that I couldn't be Abinidi and I couldn't be Ammon. That I just have to be the best Jessica Rose that I can be. I have to lead my OWN legacy of faith. I want love to be my legacy. So I will strive to love the best I can. To DREAM THE BIGGEST I CAN DREAM. TO WISH THE HARDEST THAT I CAN. TO FIND A SHOOTING STAR....AND TO LOVE... always.

Everyone of you can be that light on a hill. Just find it within you. You don't have to be Joseph. You don't have to be Daniel. Just be YOU and shine bright.

I love you all!
Forever and Always, no matter what-
Jessica Rose

Enlightend by the rearview mirror

Just another crazy beautiful week in the life of Jessica Rose. Let me just start off by saying that I LOVE Sister Smith as a companion. We have a lot more fun now that we're not both SICK all of the time like we were in Concordia. I have never laughed so much in my entire life. We're so polar opposite, but somehow we manage to use our differences to have so much fun together. This week was her first week at the Visitor Center and so we focused on making her a LADY. Sister Smith is very tom-boy, very rough around the edges. So I kind of felt like I was living "Princess Diaries" or "My Fair Lady" as I instructed her not to fall on the ground and pout when she dropped her pencil, and not to SHOUT, and not to jump down 5 stairs at a time or slide down the banister. HILARIOUS! I LOVE this girl! She tolerates my Princess Complex! Last night we made a DRAGON DUNGEON movie. The Lacey home is remodeled as you all know, but it's super ancient. Downstairs in an unfinished limestone basement. So we went on an ADVENTURE, and decided to make a movie about a DRAGON... THEN, (this was not a part of the script) SHE RAN UPSTAIRS, AND LOCKED THE DOOR AND I WAS IN THE BASEMENT BY MYSELF, SCREAMING BLOODY MURDER BECAUSE I WAS SURE THE REAL LIFE MONSTERS THAT LIVE DOWN THERE WERE GOING TO GET ME! ....Then she unlocked the door and we laughed for like 20 minutes. We also got Nerf guns and decided we were going to attack the Riverview Ward Sisters, who live upstairs with us. Sister Adamson used to play Rugby with Sister Smith before the mission, and knows her nickname is Roo. So this video was titled, "We're gonna go... Roo hunting!" My goodness!!! We are ridiculous! We laugh at everything! I love her!

It is such a tender mercy to be with her. Sister Villalobos still has to keep us in line, because we're constatnly play fighting over SOMETHING! Haha! So aside from my amazing companions, I have AMAZING NEWS, Casey (Who I was teaching in Concordia) came into the VC on Monday and told us that his troubles were cleared and he's getting baptized May 4th!!! He asked Sister Smith and I to speak at his baptism. Sister Villalobos, Sister Bradley and Sister Scott will be coming with us, since they all taught Casey too. Casey wants them to do a musical number. I LOVE CASEY! I'm so happy that his life is FINALLY starting to fall into place! MIRACLES! MIRACLES!!!! Haha.

It's finally Spring time here in Independence!!! Sorry to everyone in Utah for all of the snow, I'm praying some sunshine your way! It is beautiful here! There is no other sky as blue as the skies here in Missouri, and there is no other grass as green, or trees as lush as they are here. It's no wonder we call this the Garden of Eden. It is just beautiful! Elder Nelson, our Visitor Center Director, moved into a new home this week, so he held and open house and we all got to go visit! It was a lot of fun!

This week the Community of Christ (Formally known as the Reorganized Latter-Day Saints) is holding their World Conference, which takes place for a week every other year. They vote on new doctrines and rights for the church. They operate with Delegates, who debate over different topics, THEN it goes up to the First Presidency. The Delegates are talking about some pretty hot-button topics this conference. Then after the first presidency puts their say in, it goes out to a general vote, and majority wins, and that becomes the doctrines and rights of the church. Anyway, I've had the chance this week to take two men from their Quorum of the 70 on Tour, as well as many of their delegates and members. It has been interesting. We all have the same heritage, so it is neat to share more about that with them. They don't believe in eternal families the way that we do, so it's been interesting to talk about that as well. The three of us also had the chance this week to teach some Jehovah Witness Missionaries about the Book of Mormon. They approached US actually, and we thought they wanted to bash, but they asked their questions, and we gave them both a copy of the Book of Mormon and we told them to continue in faith, that there were people out there waiting for the message of Christ. It has definitely been one of the most interesting weeks of my mission!

I had this really profound moment this week as we were driving to one of our appointments. On a street corner I saw a homeless man holding a sign, "Homeless Vet. Need help. God Bless." And out loud I said, "I only have my credit card. I wish that I could help him." Then kept driving... THEN I HAD THIS MOMENT as I looked behind me, that with all of the traffic behind me in my rearview mirror that there was not A SINGLE PERSON within my sight who stopped for that man. And I thought, how sad is that. It's like in the Book of the prophet Mormon where he says, "Ye do love money, and your fine apparel, more than you love the poor and needy, the sick and the afflicted... Ye adorn yourselves with that which hath no life, and yet suffer the hungry and needy, and the naked, and the sick and afflicted to pass by you, and notice them not?" WILL NO ONE STOP TO HELP THIS MAN? ...Then I had another moment, his sign didn't say he needed money. His sign said that he needed help. It wasn't just that no one stopped to give him money, but no one stopped to be his friend. And it started to weigh on me, and a thought came to my mind. "Keep your money, I want CHANGE." It's not about building people mansions, it's about reaching out with love. Satan will try to tell us that what little good we could do, wouldn't really make a difference. WELL DON'T LISTEN TO HIM! That is a big fat, Satanic lie! Everything little thing we do creates a change in the world. I began thinking about my calling as a missionary. That this is not about money... This is not about the a NUMBER- number of baptisms, number of lessons taught... This is about CHANGE. This is about helping people KNOW that God loves them. Letting them know that they have a SAVIOR WHO DIED FOR THEM and rose again. That there is HOPE FOR CHANGE.

I'm so done with the status quo. Keep your money, I want change. That change is starting with me...
Dream Big. Wish Hard. Create Change. Make a Difference... and above all. LOVE ALWAYS.
I love you with all of my heart! Continue in love and faith. Forward, onward, upward.

Jessica Rose

The Two Most Important Words

I love the spirit of Conference Weekend. Miracles always seem to happen this time of year! We were fortunate to have many of our investigators attend sessions telescast at the ward, some of them were able to come and watch all 4 sessions! Many of their testimonies grew as they listened to the words of our living prophet and apostles. As me myself, I watched about 2.5 sessions... Other times I was in the visitor center giving tours. I'm grateful that they print all of the conference talks in the Ensign next month! Reguardless of what I may have missed, I felt the spirit directing me and providing answers and needed council for my life and my stewardship as a servant of the Lord.

My favorite talks... The ones about love and forgiveness... Love, of course, is the great commandment!!! Good thing it's my favorite! I only got to see a part of Elder Holland's talk, but conference after conference he seems to be one of my favorites. I love that he said, "True love endures." With family, with friends, with investigators who don't keep commitments... Love tells us that we cannot give up on the hope that people can CHANGE when they make mistakes. "We CAN be rescued," he said. It reminds me of a William Shakespeare quote, "Love is not love which alters when alterations finds." But when things get hard. When things CHANGE. True love remains the same. If this is love. If this is real. It will conquer all things, and nothing will stand in the way of us. Love believes. Love hopes. Love endures all things. President Uchdorf is becoming another regular favorite. He spoke of being commited to be the Lord's hands. To love at all times. He said that true love requires ACTION! To uplife and build, to support and heal. I pray that I can be his hands and always be a positive uplifting influence in the lives of my fellow brothers and sisters. That I might be seen as a light and an example of love at all times. -Love. Love Love.-

I loved all of the talks about strenghening families and securing the priesthood in the home. There were some many inspired talks about the home. It was inspiring to me. I loved that so many people talked about the value of a righteous woman. One of my quotes from my quote book says, "Women of God can never be like women of the world. The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. There are enough women who are course; we need women who are kind; There are enough women who are crude; we need women who are refined. We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith; We have enough greed. We need more goodness. We have enough vanity. We need more virtue. We have enough popularity; we need more purity." I am inspired and devoted to be a woman of faith. M. Russel Ballard said, "It is for YOU to lead the women of the world."

Elder Nelson's talk on families was amazing. He is always amazing. This week, his beautiful grandaughter, my former companion Megan Maxfield came through the mission with her family. I love them so much! It was great to see her! She talked about things and home and told me that she couldn't wait until we could be friends after the mission! She looked beautiful! She still shone with that same angelic light that she did as a missionary. She inspires me. Megan Maxfield is a woman of faith! Her grandmother, Wendy Watson Nelson is another woman who inspires me. She is a woman of faith.

Easter was so much fun we went over to a recent converts home for lunch and had an Easter Egg hunt with her three boys (Thanks to my mommy for sending the goodies!) It was a lot of fun! Those boys were sweet hearts! Then we had Dinner Sunday Evening with President VanKomen and Sister VanKomen at Sister Williams home. Our investigator Caroline was there too. By the way... She commited to be baptized April 17th!!!

Other investigators: Rodrigo started paying tithing. He loves the Book of Mormon. Even during conference, he couldn't put it down!!! Haha! He has a baptismal interview next week! Bill and Trisha... Sister Missionaries to the rescue again. We love them.

So... BIG NEWS!!! I'M IN A TRIO NOW!!! My former Companion Sister Smith and her companion Sister Jenkins had to get transfered out of their area and now she is here with me and Sister Villalobos in 3rd ward. What a tender mercy! I love that girl! She arrived yesterday afternoon and we have just been laughing ever since!!! I LOVE HER SOOO MUCH! What's up with me getting my ex companions back? Kinda crazy right? So Sister Smith has had a rough couple of weeks, so she was grateful for this change. Now that we are in a trio we had to move in another bed. Our room is small so president approved that one of us could have our own bedroom. That would be ME. This is pretty much unheard of that I would have my own room AND my own bathroom AND my own closet. But I am LIVING IT UP for the next three weeks. It's the best!!! This morning, 6:30 AM I was awoken by Sister Smith shooting her nerf gun at me! I LOVE HER SOOO MUCH! Haha. We have so much fun!

Randomness:::: We got a new kiosk at the VC this week. It has some fun homefront commercials on it. I'll try to send one home every week. My favorite for this week is called, "I want a drink!"

Updates on President VanKomen: He's doing well. We had interviews with him this last week, and with tears in his eyes he said, "With all that I have been going through, I know that there are many of you who have been through a great amount of trial and hardship on your missions as well. I do not know why such sacrifices would be required. But remember that the Lord is on our side." Sister Villalobos in her sweet Spanish accent told President, "I know you don't have to worry President. Because I've been praying for you." Then we were all crying. President then said, "No matter what happens I know it's going to be okay." The faith of President VanKomen amazes me every day. I would ask for your continued support and prayers in his behalf.

I proclaim as did President Monson. The two most important words: Thank you! Thank you for your love and support towards me and this great work I am embarked in. May you be blessed for those things which you stand in need of! I love you all!

Dream Big. Wish Hard. Love Always.
Jessica Rose

This was no Coincidence

INVESTIGATORS: We met with Rodrigo again this week. He is wonderful! He is committed to be baptized. He has some things he will need to work out, so we don't have a set date yet, but I'll keep you posted. We were discussing Joseph Smith's first vision, and we turned to James 1:5, and he felt the spirit so strongly. He was truly touched. After we bore witness of what he saw, Rodrigo said, "Look at verse 17. Every good gift is from above... I know I'm heading in the right direction. That you sisters are a gift from above." I went on to explain how ALL friends are a gift from above. But he explained that he felt like the Lord has truly blessed him to have the chance to meet with us. I can already see the changes in his life.

We also met with Caroline. She has a testimony of the Book of Mormon but is not ready to make certain commitments yet. We've only been meeting with her for two weeks, but she is amazing. She went to the Relief Society Enrichment Activity last Saturday and Bishop Cato told her, "It looks like you've been here for the last 20 years." She just fits right in with everyone in the ward. Everyone just loves her!

We had this REALLY amazing miraculous experience this week. The Elders had given us a Spanish Speaking referral to go visit. Ishmael who lives on 17231 Stone Oaks #7. Then they called us and told us that they had made a mistake. The address was 17241. So we went to contact him and as we approached the door there was a notice on the door that the resident had been kicked out. Eeek! So, then we decided to knock on the neighbor's door to see if they might know where we could find Ishmael. His neighbor's name was Bill. And he said that he didn't know his neighbor too well, but he hadn't seen him around for several weeks. Hmm... But the Elders JUST gave us this referral. -Weird.- So then, of course, we start talking to Bill about the gospel. And he explains that he has been looking for a church. He has been looking for a way to unify his family. He explained that it was not a coincidence that we knocked on his door. That we were there for a reason! "You don't believe in coinsidences either?" I said. We laughed. Then, I went to the back of my planner to set up a return appointment with Bill and realized that we had gone to the OLD address, then it was made SURE that it was NOT a coincidence that we had knocked on Bill's door. I'm excited to see him again next week!

VISITOR CENTER EXPERIENCES: Sylvia Bell also came into the Visitor Center this week. She is someone that I helped baptize when I was serving in Fourth Ward. She is my angel. When I saw her. I cried. And cried and cried and cried. (I'm such a girl!) It was just such an amazing experience because I hardly recognized her!!! When I met her last April, she had no sense of self and doubted her faith in God. She was too young to have experienced all that she had gone through. She was too young for thick black makeup under her eyes. She was too young for makeup covering bruises given to her by undeserving guys... SHE WAS TOO YOUNG. And the Lord put me in her path. And I related to her. I had stood where she had been. And it was such a blessing to be a part of her life because as we taught her the gospel last year I saw the light of Christ change this 13-year-old girl's heart. In a life full of chaos, she found a new hope, despite of her same old difficult circumstances. In 4 months of knowing this girl... she changed. This week, she was wearing a beautiful pastel colored shirt, and her hair was long and beautiful. I could hardly believe my eyes. She is such a different girl than the girl I met last year. The gospel has changed her life. If the ONLY reason why I served a mission was to find her... It was worth it. She is my angel. It was soooo good to see her.

This week President VanKomen had his nephew in town from Washington State. "Bishop VanKomen" and his beautiful wife and 5 darling children. They were all so sweet. There were four girls and one boy. That little boy already had the spirit of a missionary. I guess he takes after his forefathers. HAHA!!!! I read him a quote from President Kimball: "You young boys need not wait to be great. You can be superior missionaries. Strong young men. Happy trusted church leaders. You need not wait until tomorrow." Take the prophet Mormon for example. He was only 11 years old when his father first recognized his potential and his faith in the Lord. It was an awesome experience... a little intimidating maybe. But amazing! Update on President VanKomen: He started treatment last week. He looked great. He said he felt great. Continued prayers would be appreciated.

This week at the VC I have had some tender mercy time while Sister Bradley and I have both been on shift to have the chance to sit down and just talk. It's strange how attached I am to her still... my OLD companion. Haha. I'm praying her back to me a third time. We'll see if it happens!!!

OTHER INFO FROM SISTER WATHEN: I finished reading a GREAT talk by Elder Holland called Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence. I have read it once before, but it was really profound to me this time around. Elder Holland explained how this life is a contest for our souls between good and evil. The adversary would have us FEAR. Fear rejection. Fear decisions we have made. Fear the future. The Lord would NOT have us fear. "Don't you DARE draw back in fear Sister Wathen!" <<< That is what it said to me! God will HELP US. The Lord would have us TRUST in whatever is expedient in him. In Exodus 14:13-14 it says, "Fear ye not... The Lord shall fight for you." I have seen that on my mission. The way the Lord has fought for me. The great thing about this battle between the Savior and Satan is that the hero has already won! I'm grateful to be on a winning team! "Cast not away therefore your confidence!"

I had an interview with Elder Nelson, the Visitor Center Director this week. He expressed how when I first I came into the Visitor Center with an energy and excitement and youthful vivaciousness about me. He said, "You were ready to conquer the world!" I said, "Yeah, and then reality hit." He paused and looked at me with this "Elder Nelson Look" HAHA. If you knew him you would understand. He said, "Sister Wathen. Your mission has changed you since you were at the Visitor Center last. The experiences you had at Liberty and out full proselyting have refined you." He said, "You left the VC a beauty queen, but you have come back a lady." ...wow. Really? I guess it's hard to see change when you're with yourself everyday. But I felt that was so humbling to hear. The Lord really HAS changed me while I've been out here. The Lord has done great things for me. Even in my hardest trials, he HAS made it ALL work out for my benefit. And I am nothing but grateful for the experiences he allows me to have everyday. I know I must live these days up to their full potential. Only 4 more months!!! I can't believe it's Easter Weekend! Just remember that he lives! And don't FORGET to watch General Conference. As you watch conference this to yourself, "What do they know? What have they seen? And what are they doing about what they know and what they have seen?" These are prophets, seers, and revelators. They know what things the Lord wants us to prepare for. So I would invite you all to listen with your SPIRITUAL EARS and SPIRITUAL EYES (See Rev. 2:11) Have a wonderful week and continue forward in faith. Forward, Onward, Upward.

Dream Big. Wish Hard. Love Always.
Sister Jessica Rose Wathen

Heros, Miracles and Blessings

Hello everyone! This is going to be one of those LONG LONG LONG emails. If I have time to say all that I WANT to say! So much has happened. And I got JIPPED a P-Day... So I'm feeling a little behind. Haha.

So first things first. Sister Bradley and I BOTH got transfered out of Concordia, Missouri! We were so sad to have to say goodbye to some of our favorite families and investigators! It's getting easier to say goodbye though... because I know I'll get to talk to them all again soon!

I'm serving now in Indpendence 3rd ward with Sister Villalobos who is from Mexico. English is her second language, so sometimes she says the FUNNIEST things! She makes me laugh! But she is a HUGE sweetheart! She's kind of quiet, but has a heart of gold!

We live in a newly remodeled home on Willis, right by the Visitor Center. It is BEAUTIFUL! It was actually donated by Brother and Sister Lacey, a couple from the area. It is such a blessing to get to live here. The home is much like something we would see in Utah. I LOVE IT!!!

So about the 3rd ward, Nine months ago, I told Bishop Cato (the bishop of the 3rd ward) that I was going to pray myself here... and today... here I am! And he still remembers that I told him that! The Lord must have been listening. We are promised that if we are faithful that we will get whatever we desire if it is according to the will of God. I LOVE THIRD WARD! It is the highest baptizing ward in all of Independence. Really... it's just because the members are SOOO great! And... they are HILARIOUS! This Saturday the relief society is having a Bob Barker, Price is Right Birthday Party! Sister Villalobos and I will be on shift at the VC, so we'll be unable to attend. But it will be great!!! Connie and Melody were recent converts that I helped prepare for baptism while I was serving in Indpendence 4th ward, but now their records are in 3rd ward. They're both active and lovely as ever! I also have an adoptive grandma here in 3rd ward- Her name is Sister Williams. She is a seniors sister from Highland, Utah serving as a geneology missionary. I love her. She gives me good advice and great hugs!!! It is such a blessing to be here!

We have some great investigators. We have an investigator named Rodrigo who we just committed for baptism! He's got some things to work on, but his spirit is prepared. He's great... more on him another week.

I'm back at the Visitor Center. Back to studying history! I have missed it SOOOO much! My first day, I gave four solo tours! I surprised myself by how much I remembered. Actually, it wasn't me... The SPIRIT knew that this work I'm involved in is IMPORTANT so he blessed me with remembrance. I took a couple on tour this week from Springfield, Missouri and to me they appeared to be just your ordinary LDS couple. When I was taking them through, I felt pressed upon to speak more on W.W. Phelps than I normally would. I explained how he had fallen away from the church. He had betrayed Joseph. Phelps was one of the key players in Joseph Smith ending up in Liberty Jail... but he returned and asked for forgiveness. Joseph told him, "Friends at first are friends at last." And W.W. Phelps was faithful until the end and is now buried in the SLC cemetary. Despite of EVERYTHING he did in his life, the MOST IMPORTANT part of his journey was his return. In the end, W.W. Phelps is a HERO. Praise to the Man is a song to celebrate Joseph's life, but W.W. Phelps holds credit for this song. He is an incredible man. I then closed by bearing my testimony of the Savior and his church. After I had finished, I noticed the man was crying. He then continued to explain to me that he has been inactive for years, and came on this trip with his friend (not his wife) looking for peace, and the courage to go back... He said he had found his answer... I am always humbled when the Lord uses me as his instrument. For I know that these words are not mine. They are his.

A young boy named Joey walked in out of the rain last week. As he entered, I felt his spirit. He was sitting on the couch and I felt prompted to talk to him... So we talked, and talked and talked... He is not a member but has felt like he needed to come in the VC for a while. He has had a hard past, which was a past I could relate to.... and we talked and talked and talked. About the gospel, about the miracle of the atonement, about the miracles that continue forth today. And he's getting baptized April 17th... Another Miracle Mark (<<< from the beginning of my mission). There are miracles all OVER THE PLACE! The spirit here is so strong.

I wish I had time to write more... but this week we had Zone Conference with Elder Snow of the 70 and we saw President VanKomen. He is looking well. He JUST started treatments. The Conference was POWERFUL! I'll share more insights later.

I love you all! Don't forget to dream big. Wish hard. And Love Always-
Sister Wathen

Reflections of Christ

This exhibit is currently at the Visitors Center in Independence.



For more information go to http://www.reflectionsmg.com/reflections-of-christ-videos.php

DC 121:8-9

And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high;

thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.

Thy friends do stand by thee,

and they shall hail thee again with warm hearts and friendly hands.

Jessica above, is giving her home address to some people from Northern Utah.

They called us last Sunday and sent these pictures this week for us. They have reported that she is doing a great job and was very knowledgable. Pictured here with their daughter and her husband. She does seem happy, How sweet is the work.

Jessica at work! This is the printing press that was destroyed as the Mormons were forced out of Independence.

W.W. Phelps, the church printer, also resided here with his family. On July 20, 1833, locals demanded a halt to publication of the paper. Upon Phelps' refusal, the press was thrown into the street and the office demolished.

In all living, have much fun and laughter.

This week I put an earnest effort into being more optimistic. Having Sister Moody as a companion really helps. She is a really good friend. We have fun.

I put some quotes up on my wall in my room. President Hinckley said, "In all living, have much fun and laughter. Life is to be enjoyed. Not endured." So I'm trying to have fun. Laugh more. My other favorite quote is from NEMO. Man! Nemo is going to carry me through my mission! "Just keep swimming... swimming... swimming..."

I have more good news! Melody Olberg is getting baptized! Melody and I have become really good friends. Mostly because she is a ballerina/Disney Princess... Let's just say we have a lot in common. Physically we have similar attributes too. It's fun! Connie (Melody's mom who was baptized in April) calls me her other daughter because Melody and I are so much alike. It's fun.

The Bell parents are still going through their ups and downs. We committed them to be baptized June 26th, but the parents haven't come to church the last 12 weeks that we've been teaching the family. But Sylvia and Patrick come EVERY WEEK. It's frustrating to see families who want to have better lives, and they SEE a better way, and DESIRE a better way, but lack commitment. ~sigh~ And sometimes the emotional roller coaster in their house is exhausting. And I don't even live there! Keep them in your prayers. I think they can do this, but they have a lot of work to do.

D&C 18: 10 "The worth of souls is great in the sight of God." EVERY SINGLE ONE OF HIS CHILDREN IS IMPORTANT AND LOVED BY OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN. Sometimes it seems like it would be SO easy to give up on people, especially really peculiar people. But something inside of me can't do it. Something in me says "let no one parish". Even if it's exhausting. I can't help but see that they have potential to be something more than they are. I know that the Savior can help us become our best selves. The Savior is always with us to comfort and guide us. Sometimes he is in front of us to lead us and show us the way. Sometimes he is beside us to give us a shoulder to lean on or to support us. And sometimes he is behind us to let us develop faith and make our own decisions but he is always there to fall back on. He is always with us. And I am also reminded that the Lord himself was perfected through His tribulations.

I love being at the Visitor Center, BUT MAN IS IT HARD, I can endure. My Disney Princess heart is ACHING out here. But the Lord can help me. Plus like President Hinckley said ADD LAUGHTER!!!!

Love you all at home. Keep that sunshine shinin' through!

LAUGH MORE.

Dream Big. Wish Hard. Love Always- Jessica Rose

 

Heavenly Father sent me to Independence

This last week has had the biggest highs and lows of my ENTIRE mission. We've been working with the Bell family for about 8 weeks now. Sylvia and Patrick were scheduled to be baptized Sat. April 25th. So last P-day (Wednesday) we went to their house for a lesson and let’s just say it was bad... I love that family, but it was a rough night. We ended up being kicked out of their house and the baptism was off. We cried. Of course we cried. But the mom asked us to keep meeting with Sylvia and Pat even though they weren't going to be baptized. The kids were heartbroken... Then we went by the house again Friday night to say hi to the parents and the mom told us the baptism was back on! I don't know what changed their minds but Sylvia and Patrick were baptized on Saturday. It was one of the happiest moments on my mission so far. I love that whole family, but have an especially close relationship with Sylvia. I've said it a lot before, but she and I really are kindred spirits. We just have a lot in common.

She wrote me a letter later the night after she was baptized and gave it to me the next day. In it she said, "I feel so clean. So right. So pure. I was almost expecting the water to turn black with my past, and coming up from the water, everything looked different. It felt quite literally like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. Even the overcast skies show beauty. You are a true hero and the best friend anyone can ask for."

I have so much gratitude in my heart to know that my Heavenly Father sent me to Independence to find her. To help her learn about the gospel that has changed her life as well as my own for the better. She and I really will be friends forever. I love that girl. Finding her and teaching her and helping her understand her divine potential as a daughter of God has made this mission worth it.

Speaking of moments that make this mission worth it, I wrote last month about two men from Midland China: Nick and Athos. Well, I got special permission from the Mission President to stay in touch with them since they will not be able to learn about the gospel in Midland. But I received an email from Nick today and in the letter he said this: "I am very pleased to meet you, and thank you for your kind assistance. That experienced is an unusual. I've learned a lot from you. It's unforgettable in my life. I have got the book of mormon last weekend. Now, I come to this book every day."     I know the Book of Mormon changes lives. I know it changed mine. I know it changed Sylvia's. I know it is starting to change Nick's. ~sigh.~ ...         My life is pretty great. 

I had the great opportunity to spend some time with Ted Nelson this week. For those of you who don't already know, he is my ward mission leader from Murray 24th ward at home. He is a wonderful man with many great spiritual insights and knowledge. He has a wonderful testimony and serves the Lord well. It surprisingly DIDN'T make me miss home. Because it made it feel like home wasn't so far away. It's been a good week. Next week will mark my 3 month mark, which means I am 1/6th of the way done with my mission already. Wow. It's weird when you break it up in fractions. Don't worry everyone. I'll be home in no time.

This weeks personal study was AMAZING! Yesterday serving at the Visitor Center was SLOW, so that meant that we all had a LOT of time to study. I found that the mysteries of the scriptures were being unfolded to me. City of Enoch, Urim and Thummim, Millennium, Eternal Life, The New and Everlasting Covenant, Worlds without End... I mean DEEP AMAZING MYSTERIES. It was AWESOME! I love studying!

Dream Big, Wish Hard, and Love Always

Love you!

Jessica Rose

 

Spring flowers in front of the visitors center

Heavenly Father always hears our prayers.

Yet another amazing week in Missouri... Miracles are still happening here everyday. There is a baptism tomorrow of a man I was able to teach a few lessons to. His name is Marc. His story is amazing.

The first time Marc came into the visitor center he was wearing a baggy hoodie and jeans. Being a college student and a father of two little boys I could tell he was pretty fatigued by life. In the visitor center we are not allowed to give tours to men by ourselves so Sis. Black and I teamed up to give him a tour. He explained to us how he felt like he was drawn to come here (Yes, there are people like that!) and to see what our visitor center was. He had been searching for the truth and felt like he needed to raise his children in a church, but he didn't know what church to join. Sister Black and I talked to him about the gospel of Jesus Christ and how it has been restored to the Earth today. We taught him about modern prophets to lead and guide our church today. We taught him about Joseph Smith and how he was searching for the answers just like Marc was. After we told him about the first vision, he got a little emotional and explained, "Sometimes when I'm alone I pray to God. But sometimes I don't know if he listens to me." Sister Black and I both bore our testimonies of prayer of how Heavenly Father ALWAYS hears our prayers. And even if we don't always get an immediate answers... he will answer. We gave Marc a Book of Mormon and read him Moroni's promise about prayer in Chapter 10:4-5 "And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things."

Marc came back the next day, and I wasn't here, but Sister Black was. He also lives in Sister Black’s area and so she and her companion have been able to teach him for the last four weeks. He is getting baptized this week. His wife is not ready to make any changes yet, but Marc knows she will come around. He has had some pretty miraculous things happen these past few weeks that testify to that. Every time we see him, he looks so much happier and lighter. He knows that God answers prayers. He has a testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ. He knows that Heavenly Fathers promises to us as his children are eternal. He knows we can look forward to much hope towards the future. (Thanks for letting me bear his testimony.)  He is amazing though. I got to teach him again last week and give him a tour with Sister Stanton through the History. I feel it a great privilege to have been even a small part of his conversion. He is truly an amazing man.

This week was also conference. I love conference. There were so many things that stood out to me. I loved all of the messages of hope. In this crazy world we live in it seems so easy to give up on hope, or to think that God has abandoned us. But I testify that he has not. I feel of his love everyday. I love when President Monsen said, "Your future is as bright as your faith." I know that the blessings of the Lord are predicated upon worthiness and desires of the heart to have them come to pass. I know that we can have peace because of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I love the passage he shared saying, "Be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world." I know the Savior gives us the strength we need to be triumphant.

The other thing that REALLY stood out to me was how much the prophet and apostles emphasized the importance of temple attendance. I know that going to the temple is SO important. There is so much work to be done and such little time to do it! I encourage all of you at home to become worthy to hold and temple recommend and go to the temple as often as time will permit. I know that the temple can bring solace to your life and will help you better understand your purpose in this life. I know that going to the temple means that we can allow Heavenly Father's miracles to come forth. Through temple work we receive the covenants for not only immortality, but ETERNAL LIFE. I know that through the temple we can be sealed to our families FOREVER. I know that by attending the temple that, like I said before, we bring forth miracles through the Savior to seal other families together for all of eternity.

I am so grateful for the temple and the important role it has played in my life. I love my family very much and pray continually for the chance that we might have to go to the temple together one day. I also look forward to the time I will get to have an amazing man take me to the temple to be sealed for time and all eternity. I know that is the greatest blessing we can receive.

The work is moving forward. We have Connie's baptism coming up soon. We're also teaching two new young families with CUTE LITTLE BOYS!  It's amazing. I'll keep you all posted these upcoming weeks.

Until then my friends.

Dream big, Wish hard, and Love always-

Jessica Rose Wathen

 

 

Snow and the refiners fire.

This week was a lesson in that there must be opposition in all things in order for Heavenly Father's work to progress. We know in 2Ne.2:11 it says, "For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things." I'm learning to let go of my will... and learning that when I turn my heart over to the Lord that he knows better what needs to be done than I do.

We turned two of our investigators with baptismal dates over to other missionaries. Michael is now being taught by Elders, and Sonia decided she wanted to attend a Spanish ward, so she is being taught by the Riverview sisters. But we still have a baptismal date for Vickie in May after she marries Richard, and we also have Connie Sue! Connie's baptismal date is set for the 18th. Hooray! It was hard for me to turn two of our investigators to other missionaries because I get so emotionally attached to people. But I'm learning that there are new friends to be made everywhere. That Heavenly Father has more people out there for us to find who are in need of the gospel.

This week it SNOWED! And it wasn't that bad. It was only 4 inches. But even in the mid-west they don't handle snow the way that Utah handles snow. Snow plows didn't come all day. A lot of churches were closed (fortunately our ward was not). I am not a fan of the snow. I was sad. I was joking about how Heavenly Father MEANT to send me to Hawaii on my mission...but I think he's trying to help me get further appreciation for the early saints of the church, because another thing that makes Missouri snow different than Utah snow is that it FEELS 1000x colder! And you all know that I am such a baby about the cold. But the early saints in the 1800's lived through these conditions without heaters, many didn't have even indoor fireplaces. Many of them were still making there way HERE during the winter, and I can't even imagine having to LEAVE here in the cold, not knowing when you would find ground to build homes again. When the saints were driven out of Missouri by the extermination order, the weather was so cold, that the grass was frozen to be sharp as needles and it would stab the bottoms of the feet of the women and children who were escaping. Their shoes were worn out and so their feet would bleed, and the only way the men could find them was the bloody footprints they left in the snow. (I have nothing to complain about!) The pain of the women and children provided a way for their husbands and sons to find them... Sometimes opposition is put in our way to help us.                           

So when opposition comes our way, we really have two choices: let it bring us down, or learn from it.  I'm trying to embrace the changes around me. I'm trying to embrace the fact that the Lord needs to break me to build me up. I don't like change. I don't like being uncomfortable. But this week I realized that if I remain comfortable that I can't be broken. If I can't be broken, I can't be refined. I have to let this mission change my life, even if it's hard... Without opposition Heavenly Father's Plan would not work. We learn through Adam and Eve that because of the fall they would experience joy and sorrow, do good and sin. Without the bad there really could be no good. Without opposition the purpose of life to progress = would be unachievable.

I was studying this week, and I found a scripture I really loved in 3 Ne. 2= 7:27. It says, "What manner of men ought ye be? ...Even as I am." The Savior wants to teach us to be more like him. He atoned for our mistakes, and so he could show us the way.

I am so grateful for my Savior and for the potential that he saw in me when I was 18 years old.  Despite of who I was... Despite of who I AM. Even in my weaknesses today, he loves me anyway, and helps me through my struggles. I know that he sees so much potential in me and in all of us as Children of God. It's just up to us to find it within our hearts to turn to him and LET HIM CHANGE US. I'm still resisting the change a little, but I'm going to TRY to embrace it. I've learned that sometimes he "brings us low, to pull us higher." I know that it is only by submitting my heart to Him and his work that he can help me.

Keep me in your prayers. Change is happening all around me, and I am so grateful. I know it's going to be hard, but I know that it is the refiner’s fire and it will only make me stronger. Love you all!

Dream Big, Wish Hard, and Love Always-

Jessica Rose

 

It's really windy here... Which you can assume because we've ALL seen the Wizard of Oz. CRAZY wind. No joke.

I would like to begin with one of my favorite songs by Britt Nicole that I have told you all about before: "I wanna set the WORLD on fire, until it's burning bright for you." ***NOTE: Emphasis on WORLD. Serving a mission here is not only giving me the opportunity to share the gospel with His children in Independence, but literally the WHOLE world. I had an amazing experience this week. In fact, it is so amazing, that I won’t share anything else about this week until another time.

 

On Sunday morning I was working at the Visitor Center and two Asian men from Midland, China came in. Their names are Athos Wu and Nick Yang. They spoke a little English. They are currently working in Chicago for a short period of time to get some training before returning to China. They saw a picture of Missouri and wanted to take a weekend trip out here. Strange though... Because there really isn't much out here to see... Never the less, they were somehow guided to come into the Visitor Center. This was also not coincidence. These two men knew very little about God and had no religious background. In Midland, China there is no religious freedom, and therefore no religion. But they came in with beautiful hearts and a light in their eyes.

Sister Jacobs and I took them through God's Plan For His Family. The last room talks about the darkness of the apostasy, but how the light of the gospel has been restored to the Earth today. I was so overwhelmed by the spirit in that presentation. I had never thought before of JUST HOW BLESSED we are to have the restored gospel and to have a knowledge of Jesus Christ. Because in China, the great apostasy is STILL happening!!!  These two men who came in knowing very little about God expressed to us their gratitude and testimony. They expressed how their hearts felt heavy and how they felt God's love. As they learned for his plan for them, they expressed with deep gratitude the "truths we had shared to their hearts", so they could know how to live with their families forever "in the sky." We taught them about commandments and obeying God. We told them the commandments could be found in the scriptures. They had never heard of scriptures before. My heart was so full. They were like sponges, just taking it all in. They were so excited about everything we were telling them. I could feel the spirit so powerfully. I knew that God was very aware of them and their searching hearts.

When we told them we would give them a Book of Mormon, their faces lit up! We played the Christus Statue in mandarin Chinese. They both sat in front of the statue quietly and a  couple of tears trickled down Nick's face. Both of them talked about how their hearts felt good.

We let them watch a video clip of President Ukdorph and Athos asked, "Why are there so many languages?" We explained to him about the Tower of Babel and how it was a curse. The spirit prompted me to think of Christ. Christ may have had a "language" but his language was a language of spirit. No matter what the words are that come from our mouths we can all recognize the message because of the spirit telling our hearts. I was so grateful for that experience because after I expressed the feelings in my heart after hearing the presentation, they said they felt the same way. The language of the Lord is spoken through the spirit. His language IS universal.

We showed them a video called the "witness of Christ." It's about the miracles of Christ's life and atonement. I explained to them that just as Christ performed miracles on the Earth in ancient times, that he continues to perform miracles in our hearts today. I explained how when we pray with broken hearts, he can heal us. they did not know the word "pray." So I explained and asked them if we could pray with them. After Sister Jacobs offered a prayer we asked them if they would like to pray. They said they would... I had the opportunity to hear a man pray for the first time in his ENTIRE life... The words that came from his heart were so beautiful and full of gratitude and sincerity. When we looked over to see if Nick would like to offer a prayer, we found him, head bowed, eyes closed, offering a prayer in his heart. It was one of the most powerful experiences I have ever had in my entire life. I am so grateful that Heavenly Father directed these men into the Visitor Center. We gave them both a Book of Mormon and told them we would have missionaries teach them while they were still in Chicago.

We had to go to a meeting with our Ward Mission Leader in the basement of the Visitor Center. The Assistance to the President is also in Independence 4th ward. After the meeting, the assistants and ward mission leader left and we got a phone call from Elder Seethaler (one of the assistance). He called us to tell us that the Asian men were sitting on the Temple Lot reading the Book of Mormon. My heart was filled with so much joy. It is amazing to me how Heavenly Father prepares his children; how these two men from Midland China, working in Chicago, found their way to Missouri, and into this visitor center and receive a Book of Mormon. THEN not having any knowledge of the area, they were lead by the spirit to go sit on the temple lot in the place where Joseph Smith stood and dedicated the area for Christ's second coming. They know little about Christ, but their spirit's understand what their minds are just starting to learn...

Monday morning we got a note that read: "Sis. Jacobs and Sis. Wathen- Chinese men "finding happiness." "

I was His instrument to plant a seed of faith in two men from CHINA who wouldn't have had a chance to find the gospel at this time in their homeland. If they grow in their faith and are baptized when they are in Chicago, they could be leaders of the Church when Midland opens up to receive the gospel. If there was one thing I could do my entire mission, it was teaching those two Children of God how to pray. If I do nothing else, that would make my whole mission worth it.

I love you all. Hope you're doing well. Expect to hear more from me soon!

Dream Big, Wish Hard, and Love Always-

Sister Jessica Rose Wathen

PS. While I'm on the subject of the world.... I received word from Elder Sathiyanathan in India. They have 5 baptisms scheduled for this upcoming weekend! MIRACLES!