tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83634175761415516412024-03-13T02:20:59.356-07:00Sister Heather SueHappy Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569673835876179323noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363417576141551641.post-53013815173959487412014-10-27T16:31:00.002-07:002014-10-27T21:26:44.485-07:00Last transfer is Shelley Idaho. The Baton is officially passed to her brother.<div class="adn ads" style="background-color: white; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; color: #222222; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 8px;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This is it! This is it? How can this be the end of my mission? How can I adequately describe how I feel right now? So many emotions and memories are coming to my mind. I have been working with my whole heart, praying that the time would slow down...it only sped up. But this experience has been better than I could have imagined, this has changed my heart. No literally my heart might be in the shape of New Jersey (so says my companeria's). But I think it might be, and it is going to break leaving. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But if I do have to leave this Garden State, this will be a week I will never forget. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Half the week I didn't sleep at my apartment. Here is a quick recap of my week (more to come in person) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> We went on our Departing trip (I think I talked about that last week?)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Departing temple trip. The contrast from the hustle and bustle of NYC and the temple is night and day. Loved everything about it except for the traffic....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> TAC day my last one and Heavenly Father has really been helping me hold it all together. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_886960813" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Sunday</span></span> gave a talk in Sacrament meeting on obedience and had some pretty spiritual experiences. Going to miss this ward! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Back to <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_886960814" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Saturday</span></span> because it was a very special day....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_886960815" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Saturday</span></span> I became companions with Sister Pastores again! We drove with a senior couple into the City for Al's endowment. It was the most powerful and sweetest temple experience that I have ever had. Al was smiling and had tears in his eyes when we all sat in the Celestial room. This is not the rough and tough man we started to teach a year ago. The gospel has transformed him into the man Heavenly Father wants him to be. I sat there soaking in the spirit thanking my Heavenly Father for that tender mercy. I can testify that there is nothing sweeter than seeing someone change and embrace the gospel IN the Temple. Nothing. The temple is what it was all about. The Joy I felt at that moment was a glimpse of what is to come as I remain faithful. It was a piece of the Joy of eternal life. I have felt pieces of that joy before on my mission, but sitting with Al at the temple by far surpassed anything I have ever felt before. TRUE JOY. Many people have touched my heart here in NJ, but Al has a huge piece of it. It was a beautiful experience and I was so grateful I got to share it With Sister Pastores. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And so that is why it is going to be hard to leave. Dad you were right, it is harder to leave then to come. It is so much harder to leave. I have been subconsciously touching my name tag, savoring the days before it will not be physically visible for the world to see. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The past 18 1/2 months I have worn His name over my heart. I have shared His Gospel. I have been His hands..... I have felt His love. and every second has been such a blessing. It is ALL because of Him, our Savior, that this JOY is possible. It changes lives. Mine included. All of the work I have done is for Him. I am eternally grateful and indebted to Him for his love and sacrifice! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Elder Houghton, I'm passing the baton to you. Hurrah for Israel brother! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now it is time for me to get transferred. This transfer is a little different. I will no longer be wearing a black name tag for all to see physically, but I will have one etched into my heart. I will continue to share his gospel...this time as a member missionary. I will still try to be His hands. This is going to be the hardest transfer of all, but with my Saviors help I am ready for the challenge. "For I am NOT ashamed of the Gospel of Christ...for it is the power of GOD unto everyone that believeth" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And I do Believe! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Signing off from the Garden State</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sister Heather Sue Houghton</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sister Pastores at the Manhattan Temple</td></tr>
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Happy Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569673835876179323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363417576141551641.post-90104655984199890802014-10-27T16:20:00.000-07:002014-10-27T16:20:16.619-07:00October 20, 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Hello Familia!</span><br />
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This week has been a whirlwind....so many beautiful....wonderful things have happened. and most of all my testimony of my Savior has been strengthened. I love Him. </div>
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Our companionship is rock solid, I'm not trying to brag, but these Sisters are on Fire. We have been doing our best to teach and find and share the message! We shared the Restoration with everyone we taught, I LOVE sharing the First Vision part, I selfishly... pray that I get to be the one to share it with the member/Less-Active orr Investigator. There is power in Joseph's words. It is true! The church has been restored because of that moment! </div>
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Well last week I completely forgot that It was my 18 month mark, I didn't even think about it....I forgot that I had to pack for departing trips and when my companeria's reminded me it was mad dash trying to get things together for the trip...I count it as a huge blessing from the Lord! I am completely loving being a missionary. If I decide to stay here in New Jersey, please understand that this place has my heart and ya'll can come visit me out here one day :) needless to say when they say it is harder to go home than come out they are compleltly right. But I am loving every single mili-second of my last week as a full-time representative. Every second</div>
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Holy Cow. </div>
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I went on my departing trip! Yesterday we went to Ellis Island, Liberty Island, saw lots of 9/11 monuments , got a private tour of the Basilica in Newark( A very large cathedral that a Pope went to) they even let us sing church hymns. Felt like the cathedral in Hunch back of Notre Dam...wait that might be called Notre Dam? but whatever the case it is beautiful. We took soo many pictures. I loved being with all the Departing Sisters. There is a special bond with someone when you come out on a mission together and then leave together. They (with my comps) will be my Forever friends. </div>
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Holy Cow #2 </div>
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I had my Departing Interview With President Taggart. (embarrassing story....I called Him President Jeppson three times.....) He is such an incredible leader. He gave me lots of advice about incorporating the Mission schedule into my life.....and so let it be known I will be getting up and going to sleep at a descent hour :) (ya'll can lift your chins of the ground now, missions change us 110%) I have been so blessed with good leaders on my mission. They are imprinted upon my heart forever. My interview didn't get over until <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1284090" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">9:00</span></span> last night, we had to sleep over at anothers Sisters Apartment so we could get be on time to curfew. That will be a total of 3 nights in a row sleeping being away with my bonita comps, guess its just preparing me for the inevitable.... :/</div>
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Holy Cow #3</div>
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I just had my last District Meeting. My last Role-play (in D-meeting) I literally just had my HOT SEAT. Hot seat: An even when departing missionaries, share stories/experiences with their zone. and I just had mine. It was a surreal moment, sitting in front of everyone in a large comfy chair, sharing embarrassing moments. I got pretty emotional! But I held it together. Literally the only thing helping me right now is the Enabling power of the atonement. He is the one helping me get through all of this departing stuff we have to go through. Christ is the one who is helping me, and has helped me my whole mission. He has taken my hands and pulled me through the bad, and guided me through the good. He is the one that has made the biggest impact on my life. HE has brought me eternal happiness! :) I am in-depted to him forever and ever. HE is the LIGHT. I am grateful for this ultimate sacrifice! </div>
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This week has many more adventures coming up! I am going to the Manhattan temple tomorrow and then on Saturday with AL! II can't remember if I told you but He is receiving his endowments, and I couldn't be happier. I love this Joy! </div>
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Thank you, thank you for your love and continued support on my mission. I am grateful for each and everyone of you! </div>
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Love you all!</div>
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Sending love from Joisey</div>
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Sister Houghton (pronounced Hawt-ton)</div>
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xox</div>
Happy Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569673835876179323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363417576141551641.post-48920961012620693082014-10-19T10:25:00.000-07:002014-10-19T10:25:40.887-07:00October 14, 2014<br />
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Hi family!</div>
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I am sitting...staring at this computer screen with no
words. How can I describe my love for this work? or my Savior? Maybe love isn't
even a strong enough word to describe how I feel, but I will say that I love
this calling. </div>
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There is never a dull moment and always so much
change. Something I used to hate before, and now I sort of love it. The
Assistants called us and told us we were getting a new companion....Sister Cobb
:) She is one of the most positive and loving sisters in the mission, reminds
me a lot of Jazel from Enchanted.... Its been great! Never a dull moment,
and some bonding experiences I won't repeat here....(but if you want to know you
can ask me in person in a little while) I got to start my mission in a Trio and
now I am ending it this way, how blessed am I? </div>
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<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0IT7odYN8gkPxAV34rkpQd0ziWOjqzGmFPQ1oZRV0B_SWStx_C8qMsK2otGNxZbgCETfWNcGYWmZVktRF4grXYzYp-oNc1i-kxQCVEu2PBdU6P527GTTJQTXwQByxiXIL9sThM-Yl1sd/s1600/DSC08514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0IT7odYN8gkPxAV34rkpQd0ziWOjqzGmFPQ1oZRV0B_SWStx_C8qMsK2otGNxZbgCETfWNcGYWmZVktRF4grXYzYp-oNc1i-kxQCVEu2PBdU6P527GTTJQTXwQByxiXIL9sThM-Yl1sd/s1600/DSC08514.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">famous mission wall</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvhh8NsH99i60ceihMhnsKvSeln54k9ua77ZLMeIs5o4qLWykO32vmcl3xNQI68n3yMPGxKet6OcUR046lUo9QCgcAA07sQ_2yaBIjIOvqxVvdKfJ-zwZvzZKpgCBYHL81fG7AAdZAIkg/s1600/DSC08516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvhh8NsH99i60ceihMhnsKvSeln54k9ua77ZLMeIs5o4qLWykO32vmcl3xNQI68n3yMPGxKet6OcUR046lUo9QCgcAA07sQ_2yaBIjIOvqxVvdKfJ-zwZvzZKpgCBYHL81fG7AAdZAIkg/s1600/DSC08516.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">back of mission card </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">is almost double as
long as any other missionary, soo many transfers </span></td></tr>
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To mix up our finding approach we decided to try something
new, we stood at a corner of 7/11 waving our Book of Mormons and singing church
hymns. It was one of the funnest hours of my life. try it :) insta-happiness. </div>
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- 7/11 contacting on walking day</div>
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Made cake like a poached egg...our oven doesn't work</div>
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We have been in less-active heaven lately. Those who are coming back to activity are
progressing and changing, almost like they are a new person. I love
seeing the changes.</div>
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We were supposed to watch the Joseph Smith The Prophet of
the Restoration with Sister Ransom at the chapel, well I accidentally forgot
the DVD, definitely not a first time this has happened! We weren't sure what to
do, but said a prayer and felt strongly to talk about the Word Of Wisdom. It
turned out to be a spirit filled power house lesson. and then it hit me, maybe
Heavenly Father gives us a "Stupor of thought" so we can rely on him
more. Trust in the Lord thy God with all thine heart. He will guide us. </div>
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We had two sessions of stake conference to go to, (all so
incredible) and a fireside that Elder Perry broadcasted. It was about the World Fair in
1964. The Church put on a Mormon exhibit and the effect revolutionize
missionary work. Because of that exhibit there was over a thousand convert
baptisms every year after the fair. In 1963 (one year before the Fair) the New
York Mission-which covered all of New Jersey, Connecticut and New York had 6
convert baptisms. A HUGE difference. The church said that the "Meet the
Mormons" is going to have the same effect as the Worlds Fair. Can you
imagine? I've been trying to but I can't. This is an amazing tool to use, so go
and see it and invite people to see it! BTW Grandpa and Grandma Houghton I love
how you worked closely with the Nepali man. It was a fun to see a small part
of your mission over there :)</div>
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I have been studying, praying and serving with my all heart my whole mission. Now I get to push harder and fight with everything I have, my time is
ticking and I want to be able to say to my Savior I gave my all to Him. I know
that this is His work. He lives and knows us individually. I love you
all! </div>
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Sending Love from Jersey</div>
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Sister Houghton</div>
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the fam! :) </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtiMmV08k7jp7Wc-uoEMhoBge2g3EJCHtAI1zxRGHbfATxmPfqlGMEkkZO3_ieFt74ULhLxMpReXqT00Wng-82qdNqXCjSf1AD6UQXu_phcK_40ahovsnyRPm-JP1-8dgTO4FiOUesTpEw/s1600/DSC08510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtiMmV08k7jp7Wc-uoEMhoBge2g3EJCHtAI1zxRGHbfATxmPfqlGMEkkZO3_ieFt74ULhLxMpReXqT00Wng-82qdNqXCjSf1AD6UQXu_phcK_40ahovsnyRPm-JP1-8dgTO4FiOUesTpEw/s1600/DSC08510.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Proof the mission
changes you...I ordered sushi</span></td></tr>
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p.s next Monday I will probably be at Ellis Island so I will
email Tuesday? </div>
Happy Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569673835876179323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363417576141551641.post-11177658184106671802014-10-06T16:59:00.001-07:002014-10-06T17:07:04.356-07:00October 6th, 2014<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.72px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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Hello Hello Familia!<u></u><u></u><br />
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Happy October! The leaves are changing and I can feel Fall in the air. It is hot one minute and then freezing the next, I have almost brought back the 90's style of tying a jacket around my waist again. <u></u><u></u></div>
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Mom thanks for that cute card! (and the moonies) Sister Rogers loved it as well. <br />
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We had a surprise here in the beautiful NJMM. We had a special showing of "Meet the Mormons" I laughed, I cried. It will touch your heart. Especially the Candy-bomber (my heart melted at his story) and the Mom. She is incredible. A story any missionary/missionary family will love, any convert...or someone just struggling. WATCH MEET THE MORMONS. It will bless you, Lift your spirits and you will feel the Spirit. :) Unfortunately, we don't have enough people in NJ requesting it, so it doesn't look like the movie will be playing here :( It is going to change the face of missionary work, oh well, we will continue to try. <u></u><u></u><br />
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Sister Ransom spent all<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1934776291" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Sunday</span></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>with us watching Gen Conference, she has officially stopped smoking-(as of<span class="Apple-converted-space"> F</span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1934776292" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">riday</span></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>:) and chopped off her hair to start a whole new self. She has changed! I met her on an exchange almost 8 months ago, she was completely less-active and now she is back! and feels happy. She is glowing. Miracles of the gospel :) We are still in the Finding mode, but are seeing miracles as we are contacting. I just simply love this work. <u></u><u></u></div>
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Do you remember the picture of Sister Scotto? She's the Elderly woman that wears her sparkly boot shoes to church. When we went to visit her at the old folks home she had bought each of us a pair! She told us she has really been struggling and our visits help her get from one week to the next. I was touched by her gift and simply love her. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 12.72px/normal arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">The sparkly shoes, maybe we will do a dance act at the next ward function. </span></td></tr>
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How about General Conference!?! Did you catch the themes? What was your conference take away? This is mine- the brethren addressed the issues of the world by inviting us to look to the Prophet. Follow his guidance. Receive Revelation and to be Of the World not IN. How about Jorg Klebingat? Wow, what a bold man. Sister Rogers and I tried to discover all we could about this man, This is what we found out: he is 47 and called as a General Authority while being a mission president in Ukraine.</div>
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I loved his list of things we need to do so we can be "Spiritually Confident" when we face the Savior. Reminded me of Alma's self-reflecting questions he asks the wicked people in Zarahemla. God's the same yesterday, today and forever. <u></u><u></u></div>
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And Elder Ballard -( Mom you mentioned him in your letter.) But wow! What a beautiful comparison for us and the gospel. "#1 rule stay in the ship. If you leave the ship you will surely drown" Without this Gospel I would be lost! I would be drowned. If you are lost, come back. The great ship Zion is for all of us. There is no capacity limit. This ship will give you the safety from the storms outside. I know that this is the way to safety, to total and complete happiness. Come Join the Great Ship ZION. This ship is heading to a beautiful destination. <u></u><u></u></div>
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The close of this General Conference was very tender for me. It struck me that this is the last time I would watch general conference as a full-time Representative. With his name tag over my heart. I touched my name tag and said a prayer of gratitude for all of the many wonderful experiences I have had. <u></u><u></u></div>
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I love this work! :) I am so grateful to be here! Thank you for all of your love and support! <u></u><u></u></div>
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Sending love from Jersey<u></u><u></u></div>
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Sister Houghton<u></u><u></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">At the Meet the Mormons Premier in NJMM, this is Sister Merkley.</span></div>
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<br />Happy Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569673835876179323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363417576141551641.post-24564126276897501212014-09-30T09:15:00.001-07:002014-09-30T09:33:03.217-07:00<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hello my beautiful family!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Thank you for your letters and emails. Rach congrats on all of your running. So proud, you can whip me into shape and Jenn congrats on your play! Be prepared to act out some stuff for me :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We had Elder Anderson of the Presidency of the Seventy come to speak to us. He explained that the church is growing fast...so fast that it will be doubled in numbers soon. and we will need double the amount of leaders ie bishops, stake pres, relief society pres, primary pres.... and it hit me. One of the reasons of the age change, (now almost two years ago) is to prepare the MANY future leaders of the church. There is a big work to do and this mission is all to help us prepare for this growth. Heavenly Father has his hand in all of this, He knows what He's doing :) I'm so grateful to be on the right team. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I'm sure you've all heard about "Meet the Mormons" I have watched this trailer so many times I can't count it. I'm just a little excited for this to come out. President/Elder Anderson said that they showed this movie to an audience of non-members. After watching it 70% said they would let the missionaries into their home...70%! This is a great tool the church will have to show we are human, but humans with an incredible belief in our Savior, Jesus Christ. To get it to show in New Jersey we have to request it online and have members request it too...we are working pretty hard to get the members to request this film because of what it will do for the missionary work around here. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Today I have one month left to wear this name tag. I've been reflecting on my mission. I love it. These past 17 months I have experienced the gospel, felt the joy of serving the lord and learned more than I can write in this short amount of time. I have encountered miracle after miracle and learned line upon line of Gods plan for each of us, and felt of His love! There have been points here I have had to cling to my Savior to make it through....It was those times that I came to understand the need for the Atonement. It is these times that I treasure the most on my mission. He has strengthened me when I had nothing left to give. I am grateful for these trials. Like a refiners fire, I can't become who He wants me to be without going through some pretty hot flames. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So I will continue to sing this loud and proud </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"Onward, ever onward, as we glory in His name</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Forward pressing forward as a triumph song we sing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">God our strength will be; press forward ever</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Called to serve our king!" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I'm ready and excited to give all I can my last month as a set apart representative. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I love you all! Thank you for your love...support and encouragement! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Sister <span class="il" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 204);">Houghton</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Had a miracle last week while emailing and met a man named Jeffrey (6'5 black guy) that came over to us and asked if we could meet. He's searching for truth, he was leaving the library when we first met him, when we said hello he turned around and followed us in and said there was something different about us. He calls us the "little sistas" He was supposed to come to church but had a meeting yesterday, he called to apologize and said "I'm so sorry I missed,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I had a meeting, I wish I could have been having a meeting with Jesus like you little sistas were" We think he is awesome and are excited to share our message with him!</span></div>
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North Jersey Wawa is a bus that takes you into NYC</div>
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Happy Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569673835876179323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363417576141551641.post-85151492672961317332014-09-15T20:23:00.000-07:002014-09-15T20:23:10.522-07:00<div class="adn ads" style="background-color: white; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 8px;">
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We've had a great week here! found out this morning that BOTH Sister Rogers and I are going to be together another transfer. I love her a lot and I'm grateful to serve my last one....MY LAST transfer here in Freehold. I've had several moments the past week when it HIT me, that this is my last transfer...like when I made my last planner and started to cry. I'm being a big ol' worry wort. I can't control it but I'm grateful I still have 6 weeks to work and serve. I love this place more than I can describe. New motto- "Oh Lord, I have trusted thee, and I will trust in thee forever"</div>
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Besides all the emotional stuff we are making progress here in the land of Freehold! Last Monday we found a VERY prepared women on a street corner in Matawan while looking for a person interested in our message. She immediately opened up to us about her spiritual journey and some of big difficulties going on in her life. The spirit was strong and we said a prayer of gratitude to have met her. Walking away I realized we met her on the exact same street corner, we had found a VERY prepared Spanish man the week before. I told Sister Rogers we were going to stand on that street corner every <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1763493371" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Monday</span></span> at that same time. We have found the promised land :) </div>
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We have been instructed (side note some of my language is now sounding a lot like the scriptures. Sister Rogers pointed it out to me this week) to get 3-6 hours of service a week, the members have been really helping us out and we are now becoming certified organizers, cleaners and old folks home guests greeters. Truly we are in the service of God when we serve others. It's been incredible. </div>
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We got in contact with a less-active Sister who had been avoiding us for a while. We both felt we should just read from the Book of Mormon with her. The beginning of the lesson we felt some negative feelings.... stress? contention? not a good feeling in the air. I said a prayer for help and as we continued to read from the Book of Mormon the Spirit slowly poured into the room. She opened up to us and told us some fears, concerns and how she could feel something different as we read. She said "I miss this" The whole atmosphere of the lesson changed. After the prayer we all took a moment to listen and feel the spirit. She asked us if we could come back the next day. All of this reminded me of the crucial role the Book of Mormon has in our conversion process. The Spirit only testifies of truth. This Book changes lives. It has changed mine. I treasure it more than any other possession I own. It contains the fullness, the whole gospel on the earth. I know it is true. I love sharing this knowledge with others. I simply love being a Missionary!</div>
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Good news! Our Jewish friend loves the Book of Mormon, He is getting really close to accepting Christ as the Savior. We are so close.</div>
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Thank you for your prayers, letters, love and examples! I love you all! </div>
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Sending love from the Garden State,</div>
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Sister Houghton</div>
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P.S Sister Pastores is TRAINING!!! :) I am a Grandma again. I feel so blessed to have such a great mission family. </div>
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Awkward story</div>
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We were Teaching a Brother who is less-active in an old folks home about the restoration. This man is a few french fries short of a happy meal...if you know what I mean. Every time we asked a question about prophets or Heavenly Father he would clasp his hands and say "You are so beautiful....soo, sooo sooo beautiful" or "I bet your boyfriend at home can't wait for you to get back...." (no idea where he even got that idea) anyways we would try to tie what he said back to the restoration. It was getting pretty awkward. He said he LIKES women and has kissed at least one other resident in front of us..? Needless to say we are going to be staying FAR away from him.:)</div>
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Happy Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569673835876179323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363417576141551641.post-78333759969752781732014-09-15T20:15:00.000-07:002014-09-15T20:15:56.411-07:00September 8 2014 I Would walk 500 Miles.<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.7272720336914px;">Hello my beautiful Family! </span><br />
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What a week we have had here in the land of the Free,-- it's as if all of our days literally BLEW UP. I'm not kidding. I told Sister Rogers that I've never seen anything like this. However, on the good side we still love being missionaries:) When the going gets tough....the tough get going. I've said that saying at least a hundred times this week. </div>
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We also ran into a tinsy problem. we had a crucial appointment with a less-active member on walking day and no ride to get us there. We prayed to know what to do and felt that God had given us legs for a reason and we would walk there. (I was actually realllly excited about it) We walked over 15 miles, drank lots of water and after 71/2 hours of walking we made it home. God does provide a way, sometimes we just have to be willing to act. On the way home we saw miracle after miracle. One man we contacted said he would be baptized. He lives in a different ward but I have a good feeling about it. Its all the same team :) We also contacted a man in Spanish who is actually an investigator for the Spanish elders, I had never met him before. He said I had very good Spanish, I was just thinking that is the Spirit, because my Spanish is NO BUENO if you know what I mean. </div>
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We had a recent convert move into our area. She was baptized a month ago on St Martin (an island in the Caribbean) she's my age and so cute. I would love to be best friends with her. She is married and has a 14 month old son. If her family finds out she was baptized she will be disowned. It is a crazy situation. I realized how blessed I have been growing up in the gospel. I took it for granted. I know her families hearts will be softened....one day--<span style="font-size: 12.7272720336914px;"> ok maybe not in this life but she has such great faith and I can see Great things for her in the future. God has a plan for each one of us and He knows us! </span></div>
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I love this work, even the hard weeks. I would walk as far as He wants me to, to spread this message. This is the truth! </div>
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Sending love from Jersey</div>
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Sister Houghton</div>
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(Pronounced Hoi-ten here)</div>
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Fun fact A woman in my ward is dating a man from Todd's stake, he said he is keeping an eye out for him .</div>
Happy Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569673835876179323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363417576141551641.post-87940645303006641572014-09-03T17:41:00.003-07:002014-09-03T18:31:06.169-07:00September 2nd, 2014<div class="adn ads">
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Hello Family!<br />
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Wow, I loved reading all of your emails. You all know exactly what to say and do to lift my spirits encourage me. Thank you! Thank you! I have such an amazing family! </div>
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We have experienced a little speed bump in our road. We had an incredible lesson with John, he told us he was ready for baptism. He wasn't able to come to church <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_889297627" tabindex="0">on Sunday</span>, and some things are going on right now we can't really describe we will need to push his baptism back, but any prayers on his behalf would be very much appreciated. Our cute Jewish Investigator Sy (cute as in 87 years old cute) told us he is almost completely convinced that Jesus is the CHRIST the Savior of the World. It's these little (but really huge victories) that will make all the difference. After we asked him to be baptized he said "maybe....hey maybe I'll be a preacher for the Mormon church too" ha baby steps Sy, baby steps :) </div>
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I literally cannot believe it is September. How does the time fly by so fast? This past week It hit me, that my mission is coming to an end. AN END! How can this be? I can't believe and don't want to think about it, I love this place with my whole entire being. I LOVE New Jersey, the diversity, the people the work! My heart is here in this lovely Garden State. How can I leave it? </div>
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I feel like my whole mission I have been preparing for this time, working on refining myself to become the missionary God wants me to be. This is the time for me to apply all of the things I have learned and use them in my last two months as a full time representative. I don't want to waste a second. But I know that I can't do this alone. I am tired physically and spiritually. I know this work is not easy, I was thinking about some things and It hit me today, non of this work is about me, absolutely non of it, it is all about our Savior. This is the work of souls. and I know that with His help I can do all things. and so I will not stop. I will not back down. I know who I am fighting for. This is His work. The Standard of Truth has been Erected and NO ONE can stop the work from progressing. And so I will continue to work hard, fight to the end. </div>
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Thank you for all you do! I love you all, keep up the great work in the Russet State</div>
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Sending love and hugs from New Jersey</div>
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Sister Houghton</div>
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Fun Fact: Aberdeen New Jersey (a town in our area) is the hometown of Babe Ruth. Yankees anyone? </div>
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Sister Rogers is wonderful and even made me b-fast today, woot woot :) </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is sister Scotto, we felt very strongly we needed to visit her all of a sudden <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_889297628" tabindex="0">on Sunday</span> we showed up right before closing hours at the old folks home, when she saw us she smiled so big and said "I knew someone was coming to visit me!" I was so grateful that we listened to the Spirit</td></tr>
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Happy Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569673835876179323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363417576141551641.post-5895963964766455512014-09-03T17:37:00.002-07:002014-09-03T18:36:32.445-07:00August 25th, 2014<div class="gE iv gt">
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I almost jumped out of my seat looking at the Ogden temple pictures. I am in awe. So beautiful!! I might cry when I see it in real life. </div>
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Wow. We have had an incredible week here in FREEEEhold. To start we went to the battlefield orchards to pick our own peaches I believe it is fruit from the heavens. We literally picked peaches in the battle fields, the battle fields of the Revolutionary war. Walked till our feet almost fell off because sometimes Sister Missionaries direction is not good. We were saved by some very nice Egyptians at the gas station, and they might be coming to church (yay!) Today (why I am emailing later) we went to the Jersey Shore and the boardwalk. I feel like I can now be a true Jersey-ian. All I needed was a fin-fun and my life would be complete. but mostly what made this week incredible was the spirit I have felt like almost no other time on my mission and maybe my life. It has been incredible. </div>
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Our mission president has made it a HUGE focus to have "spiritual connections" with people, listen and ask the right questions to help them feel the spirit-- and wow! we have been praying for guidance and direction to have these connections on a daily basis. We met Debbie walking her dogs (petting dogs is a great way to start talking to people, I know! this might be the reason I'm not scared of dogs anymore) she had lots of plan of salvation questions, but there was something else there, we both felt the spirit guide us with the right words, questions and testimony. After we said a prayer with her she said she had never felt that way before, and started to cry. Sister Rogers and I both embraced her and were able to teach her about the spirit. When we left Debbie she said I will never forget you. It goes both ways. We will never forget Debbie. </div>
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We met with our investigator John. He is like I've said before a big guy. BIGGGGG guy. He also has a lot of back pain, while we were teaching him the first part of the Restoration he had to do some yoga moves to relieve the pain, kind of intimidating if you ask me. But he has the biggest heart. Teaching John is unlike anything I have ever seen or experienced. He loves to evaluate and ponder each concept, talk about some deep thinking. The thoughts he has, I have never thought of before. I know we are teaching John, but in many ways he is teaching us. The Spirit was guiding us, when we got to Christ's Earthly Ministry we stopped and felt the spirit guide us to ask him what he knew about Christ. He paused for a long time (before this he was unsure if Christ was his Savior) and then something incredible happened. He started to describe his faith in Christ. A beautiful sweet feeling entered the room. As he spoke the feeling became stronger, and more intense. He shared his hopes and then after a while his knowledge that Christ lives. Once he stopped speaking, we could barely speak, the Spirit was strong. we asked if he could feel it. He told us he was "on fire" and it was unlike anything he had ever felt before. The Spirit was testifying along with John about our Savior. His sacrifice and His love for each and everyone of us. John told us he is "in Love with the Gospel" We absolutely love him, the gospel is changing him. </div>
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It is hard to describe exactly what happened in this lesson. I was reminded that this is exactly what we are here to share. That HE LIVES. He died for us. He knows us individually. He loves us. At the end of the day this is what it is all about. "And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ"<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: Lucida Grande, Lucida Sans Unicode, Lucida Sans, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f9f6ed; line-height: 18px;"> (2 Nephi 25:26) </span></span> It is because of Him that all of this is possible. I love him with my entire being for it. I love this work. I am blessed to wear his name above my heart. </div>
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I love you all! Thank you for your love and support<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These girls live in Philly but we sometimes teach them when their here in Jersey. They came to church and LOVE us, I think love is an understatement, we are best friends, ha they remind me so much of our little cousins, I wish they lived here.</td></tr>
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Sending love from Jersey</div>
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Sister Houghton</div>
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Happy Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569673835876179323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363417576141551641.post-23312935948500353292014-08-24T20:36:00.002-07:002014-08-24T20:43:58.911-07:00August 18thHello Familia!<br />
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It's been another beautiful week here in Freehold. I think
the culture shock has worn off and I have fallen in love with this VERY diverse
area. Sometimes I think I am in Alabama, England, 1700's, California...back
woods West Virginia, I could keep going, needless to say I love it and am
learning lots here. </div>
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I have CONQUERED some major fears this past week</div>
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Playing the Championship game of Softball at our all mission
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Conquering story 1</div>
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Last Monday we had a mission wide Softball tournament,
everyone in the zone had to play or the team forfeited. I was trying to be
discrete and hide, I'm a chicken what can I say. They discovered I was hiding
called me out and it turned out to be so much fun! </div>
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Conquering story 2</div>
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A member found out that I have a phobia of playing the piano
in front of people, sweet sister Rogers told them I could play? they
wouldn't let us leave until I played a hymn and they sang along with me. </div>
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What I've learned- Not to let my fears control me, these
aren't crazy things, but they were big to me. The stripling warriors " were
exceedingly valiant for courage, and also for strength and activity...they were
true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted" Alma 53:20 and
hey If the Stripling warriors can do INCREDIBLY hard things...I can face my
fears! God will give us the strength we need.</div>
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side note (I am still not changing my mind about roller
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Also I lost the hearing in my left ear again, I woke up in
the middle of the night in quite a bit of pain, my left side became swollen and
it hurt to talk, no worries. We went to a Dr's and he said I had a double ear
infection, he put me on some pills and drops and 5 days later I am good to go.
Bless that modern medicine. </div>
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I also left our phone at the soft ball field and we had no
way to get it back, we then realized that we had literally no gas, zero, zilch,
nada. We rolled into a gas station (here in NJ people pump your gas for you)
the Egyptian man spoke no English, I was trying to use hand signals for 5
minutes to communicate we needed a phone to call our phone. It was a mess, BUT
our zone leaders saved the day and brought our phone a couple hours later. I
wish I could say that won't happen again...but I'm related to my mom. :) </div>
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Dad you wanted to know about our new mission president,
President Taggart. It is different. I was expecting more rules, but there are a
lot less rules, and our buried word list doesn't exist anymore. He is really
into technology and is doing a lot of good for our mission. I am learning new
things and grateful to serve with him. </div>
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Our Teaching pool is growing, slowly but it is growing!
Sister Rogers is a wonderful companion and I'm learning a bunch from her. Our
golden investigator is a member referral. John is a man of many martial
Art (he told us its ART not arts) He teaches and really focuses on having good
energy and staying in balance. When his friend told him about the church he
felt something different. We met with him outside the church on a bench. (after
a little wig out from a giant sikada- look them up they are nasty) We had
planned to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ, we only finished faith when we
both felt like we should bring up baptism, we asked him to follow the example
of Jesus Christ and be baptized and he immediately said YES! There is something
special about John, he has a true desire to change he reminds me of Alma
"Oh what joy and what marvelous light I did behold" and he is
experiencing that. He came to church yesterday. His life is changing and he is
feeling the Joy of the gospel more and more everyday. </div>
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I got to give a talk yesterday about Hope and Enduring to
the End, I talked about that Havasupai hike....and making it to the oasis,
after the face plant. Life is not easy, but our Heavenly Father has a beautiful
place prepared for us if we are faithful. The same principle applies to my
mission. I have experienced some of my own mission face plants here in good old
NJMM, I have felt exhausted and literally no energy, but I have also
experienced some of the most beautiful spiritual moments of my life, some of the
highest highs and beautiful friendships. This is the greatest calling and I
want to be like Paul my last few months and declare "I AM NOT ASHAMED OF
THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST" I know with my whole entire being that this is
his gospel and the only way we can be saved, the only way to feel that
joy. </div>
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I love this work and am grateful to serve here! </div>
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I love you all! Thank you for your support, love and
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Sending Love from New Jersey</div>
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Happy Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569673835876179323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363417576141551641.post-70524711042358434002014-08-13T10:52:00.000-07:002014-08-13T10:52:28.820-07:00August 11, 2014Hello Hello family!<br />
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I'm now e-mailing you from the beautiful area of..... FREEHOLD, New Jersey. Yes, Freehold, doesn't that just sound patriotic? its because it is, lots of revolutionary events happened here</div>
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Fun Facts (I know) about this area. </div>
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#1 There are fields... literally farming fields everywhere. Feels like I'm in a green Idaho</div>
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#2 This is a VERY Historic town, our church is built right next to the battlefield orchards..where the famous George Washington had the battle of mommoth? (I'm 99%sure about this info)</div>
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#3 Some of these homes are bigger than my High School</div>
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#4 I went on an exchange here almost 6 months ago, Heavenly Father works in mysterious ways. </div>
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#5 I've had some of my most embarrassing moments already </div>
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My companion is the sweet Sister Rogers from Richmond Utah, she's been out for about 10 months and just a great teacher. I'm excited to learn and grow here. </div>
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I also got ALL of the beautiful birthday packages. I. Loved. It! Thank you all so much for the cards, and cute jewelry, and I love the skirt :) That is something I would wear at home, Muchos Grasias :) </div>
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Elder Houghton welcome to the East Coast. Let's give these people Salvation :) one. two. three HOUGHTONS! </div>
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We have a lot of finding to do here, I know that we are going to find prepared people. and we already have! We were knocking a street, and literally asking everyone for referrals, this man referred us to his neighbors. His neighbors are these cute Asian girls, in the middle of teaching them, my nose started to bleed, and not a little drip either. Quick background on my life before the mish I NEVER had bloody noses. Literally anything to do with blood made me feel light headed, I said a quick prayer and felt immediate strength and luckily Sister Rogers had some tissues, bless her! The whole 40ish minutes we were talking about the Gospel I had a constant heavy stream of blood. Somehow I didn't scare them off and they want to know more. (Amber, who knew we would be so in synqe? your story made me almost fall out of the seat laughing, I hope you took a picture on the plane... mom always said crisis+time=humor. I testify that is true. I hope your feeling better Am!</div>
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We have had some spiritual experiences with the less-actives we are working with. And 5 of them came to church. Which is HUGE, here. We know that with Heavenly Fathers help we can experience miracles. And we intend to do everything we can to help. Ammons words describe exactly how I feel "Yea, I know that I am nothing, as to my strenght I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things" Alma 26:12. </div>
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I'm incredibly grateful to be here, to learn more in these last 12 weeks than I have before. I love this work. I love the Joy, the happiness and peace it brings to everyone and to ME. I have felt it and am so grateful for this power in my life. </div>
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I love you all! Thank you for your support and letters! </div>
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Sending love from Historic Jersey</div>
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Sister Houghton</div>
Happy Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569673835876179323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363417576141551641.post-61287025567290929732014-08-04T18:44:00.000-07:002014-08-04T21:32:42.092-07:00August 4, 2014<div class="gE iv gt">
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You survived another MTC* drop off. I'm so proud! The reunion looked like it was lots of fun.... I can't believe how much older everyone looks. Uncle Eric you and your whole family are in my prayers, I love you all! </div>
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We've simply had an amazing week </div>
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<div>
The Episcopal Church called us and said they wanted us to present "Mormonism" at their church. We were ecstatic, but also VERY nervous, we prayed and prayed and PRAYED for guidance, and fasted for help. We attended their service, and had the class right after. The class had lots of questions for us, we went through the history of the church...what better way to present our history than share the Restoration....when we shared the first vision with the members of the congregation, the room was completely silent, the spirit was testifying for us. It will be a moment I never forget on my mission. We testified to every person in the room that we knew these things to be true. They had lots of questions for us, some of the questions that would have made me terrified at the beginning of my mission but both Sister Crow and I felt Guidance and direction to know exactly what to say and we were able to answer every single question, with the spirits help. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Some questions like Polygamy (it was asked toward the end and one man said "thank you for addressing the elephant in the room") blacks and the priesthood, do dogs go to heaven?....(that one sister Crow took care of, but I am becoming more of an animal lover on my mission. I have told people their dogs were cute and meant it! ...) temple sealing...and baptism for the dead. The minister testified to her congregation that is something the members of the church when Christ was on the earth did, she said "I wonder why we don't do that anymore" she quoted 1 Peter 4:6, with other doctrinal points she also testified that Christs church did those things. It was incredible. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After we went to our church and it hit me how simply beautiful this gospel is. The chapel is simple and lets the spirit be the true teacher. I am grateful for the power that is in sacrament meeting when conducted by the priesthood of God. Or when members of the church testify of the truth. I said a silent prayer of gratitude to have this simple gospel in my life. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Pat and Diego both bore their testimonies in sacrament meeting. I had the thought that if this was my last Sunday in the ward I would remember it forever......</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Wellllll I found out this morning that I am getting transferred. I was a little surprised. I love this area, I LOVE this ward. I know that this is Gods will and I will Go and DO whatever the Lord wants. I have come to the conclusion that getting transferred is something the Lord wants me to learn. This will be my 10th transfer conference, and my 7th area. Pretty rare for a Sister Missionary. But I'm grateful for this opportunity, I know I have a lot to learn and I am excited to spend the next 3 months. "But if ye will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart and put your trust in him, and serve him with ALL diligence of mind, if ye do this, he will...deliver you" Mosiah <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2042400489" tabindex="0">7:33</span> </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I'm grateful for the surprises and the opportunities this mission brings. I love this work!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sending love from New Jersey</div>
<div>
Sister Houghton</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
P.S I'm going to be a GRANDMA!!! Sister Andrus is training! I am so excited for her, she's going to bless that new sisters life. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
* The day Elder Houghton went into the MTC we had MIRACLE after MIRACLE. That night I was reflecting on this miraculous day and it hit me... Every member of the family is blessed when a missionary is serving, even the missionaries in the field.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xBHGagSv8CmV6AiQ3IRwPtR83OiXi9EqoO-jo5d1Js5DPfshyOyReqOwAuVUykWdmGVbUX5n7GgJoi_IiTyB1PkboWEHecBnEg61BnkmNfJo1VjZRcKo01QI137a6Na5HFzuR5UU5c_6/s1600/DSCN1125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xBHGagSv8CmV6AiQ3IRwPtR83OiXi9EqoO-jo5d1Js5DPfshyOyReqOwAuVUykWdmGVbUX5n7GgJoi_IiTyB1PkboWEHecBnEg61BnkmNfJo1VjZRcKo01QI137a6Na5HFzuR5UU5c_6/s1600/DSCN1125.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal">
At the top of the Newark chapel. This is right next to the
steeple.</div>
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</tbody></table>
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Happy Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569673835876179323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363417576141551641.post-84145781774377353222014-07-27T23:00:00.003-07:002014-07-27T23:00:34.334-07:00July 21, 2014<br />
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Hello Family! </div>
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<br /></div>
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It has been a crazy p-day. We have been trying to email four
different times today. There was interviews at the chapel and lots and lots of
craziness. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To get to the good stuff </div>
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<br /></div>
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Last week I DID full on Karate with a brother in our ward,
he's a 7th degree black belt or something crazy like that. We learned how to
HI-YA, and HA and kick and some other really cool moves that I cannot even
pretend to spell. I have a whole new respect for those karate people out in the
world. I could barely walk the next day. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Went on an exchange to Elizabeth. I LOVED IT. Literally a
whole different world, we meet lots of amazing people. One man we contacted
even came to our FHE activity and read a specific paragraph in the 'Gospel of
Jesus Christ' pamphlet we gave him to the whole ward. Miracles!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Side Note #1- on our morning run we found a box with two
holes that said "Dead Cat...Please Take away" I laughed and laughed
and laughed. Is that bad of me? You never know what you find in Elizabeth.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Side note #2- I learned how to say a prayer in Spanish.
Thank you Hermana Schaefer :) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Helped run the Stake Primary activity, we did some skits and
mostly just fell in love with those little sweet children. It was all about
becoming a missionary. We made little name tags for them and they were all so
excited to be a missionary. I was too :) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On Saturday we went to check the baptismal font to make sure
it was ready for Diego's BIG day and found 8 BIG NASTY black beetles crawling
everywhere, and yes I did not scream :) We got some bleach and attacked. We
started the font and worked on other things for the baptism. 3 hours
later....we remembered. We sprinted down the hall, the whole time I was
thinking how are we going to explain flooding the church to our Mission
President. But we had a huge miracle and I had forgotten to turn one of the
focsets on, and no water had bubbled over. Huge miracle. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And for the Good Stuff.....</div>
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<br /></div>
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DIEGO WAS BAPTIZED!!!!!!! Diego's story is one of a kind and
just incredible. I wish I could explain all of it, but needless to say it was
an exciting day, almost the whole ward stayed after to support. I was able to
share my testimony and all the memories from my baptism came flooding back,
there is something special about baptisms, one of our brothers and sisters is
making a covenant with God. A special promise! to follow him.The spirit is
always present testifying of truth and it was strong yesterday. Diego bore his
testimony. He talked about his new life, he is redeemed. :) It was a great day.
(look up the song "redeemed" I'm not sure who sings it but its one of
my favorites...."I am redeemed, he sent me free" it describes what he
said completely)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are searching and praying for guidance here in this
beautiful Scotch Plains area. I am grateful to be here. To fight for my Savior,
I LOVE this work. We are Redeemed through our Savior, Jesus Christ. He has set
us free, from SIN and DEATH. I'm grateful for this knowledge and can't wait to
go out and find more people ready to hear this gospel. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And I can't wait to fight alongside my Brother out here in
the Beautiful East Coast! Hurrah for the TRUTH!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I love you all! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sending love and hugs from Jersey</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sister Houghton</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Can you please voice record Todd"s farewell?? :) I would love
that! </div>
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Happy Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569673835876179323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363417576141551641.post-6963879041697032682014-07-27T22:55:00.005-07:002014-07-27T22:55:58.542-07:00July 14, 2014 Happy Birthday<br />
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Dearest Family</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hope everyone got their free Slurpee....we defiantly got
ours :) Thank you for all the Birthday Wishes and letters, so wonderful! I
can't believe I'm 22....I am old?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This past week has been interesting with our investigators.
We went to see Marie, and she is not willing to change some beliefs right now,
I bore my testimony to her and told her when she was ready to change to call
us, I have learned that dropping Investigators is one of the hardest things
I've had to do on my mission. It is a complete act of faith. Trusting that
there is someone else we need to meet. Marie had become one of my favorite
people, my heart physically broke, I'm grateful that I was able to teach her
and I know someday she will be prepared. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We have been banned from teaching Frankie due to some
questionable encounters and phone calls..in the middle of the night. That
literally put our number of investigators to...uno. But I have realized that this
is a great opportunity for us to completely trust and ecxersize our
faith. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We were praying to know were to contact/knock and both
Sister Crow and I felt prompted to knock a certain complex at the very bottom
of the area. This little neck/section of our "vineyard" has some
unique characteristics about it...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
#1 there are over 60 Apartment buildings with close to 20
apartments in each one (missionaries dream :))</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
#2 99.9% of the people are from India (we call it Little
India...Curry anyone?) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
#3 because of #2 most of the people don't have a Christian
background (almost all of them) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This revelation was a little of a shock to both of us, and
it has been an act of faith to GO and DO. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When we got there on Saturday we both felt like which
building should we start at? Sort of overwhelming...well God is a God of Order
so we headed to #1 and knocked for a couple of hours. That whole time we met 2
people who were not Indian, and had no success. I thought why are we even
knocking here?...EVERYONE IS HINDU! Immediately I felt completely guilty for
thinking that, Mormon said "we receive no witness until after the trial of
our faith" right? so we went back yesterday and the first door we knocked
we met Santosh! He opened his door with a BIG smile on his face. He said he
wants to learn more and is going to have his son sit with us in our next
lesson. We were speechless. It hit me, God knows us. He KNOWS who needs to hear
about the gospel. We don't. If we just TRUST him he will guide us. TRUST HIM.
HE TRUSTS US. And so we will continue to knock and pray and testify. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Diego is doing better than AMAZING. He is INCREDIBLE. The
Bishop and a family in the ward came with us to teach him some commandments and
give Diego a blessing to help overcome some minor addictions. It was such a
beautiful blessing and Diego said he felt like he wasn't even in the room. He
came to church on Sunday and is just hungry for knowledge. It was a beautiful
Sunday. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Just wanted to say that we had some huge tender mercies on
Friday, which happened to be my birthday. and the end of my license. we had
appointments in a town a lot farther than we could walk, and thanks to prayer
the assistants and you MOM AND AMBER the license arrived just in time. I can
still DRIVE! such a tender mercy. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I love you all! Keep sharing the gospel! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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I can't wait till another Elder joins me out here! Just a
couple more weeks- Elder Houghton :) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sending love from Jersey</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sister Houghton</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2NM6mnHT9-jRJUtsv0z-X_EHrysxDCieLgFH30OoeTNG_dwRRBkAMEPT9IFVZwtbibgmNkSg1GIFen6ugY30bvevaHTcpy1aRbNY5QWBJTmWRqOkU9jlHH2EB8-CjnjTza2CqANVTViVC/s1600/P1050054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2NM6mnHT9-jRJUtsv0z-X_EHrysxDCieLgFH30OoeTNG_dwRRBkAMEPT9IFVZwtbibgmNkSg1GIFen6ugY30bvevaHTcpy1aRbNY5QWBJTmWRqOkU9jlHH2EB8-CjnjTza2CqANVTViVC/s1600/P1050054.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">7-11 Birthday Slurpee:)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh54DnPmiG5wP4XwRlBD9LSr3qq6lPKh0cOtZc7caisSIfXedeRNruXjGRZ4NmQNRCBIllNODWnty3rLUCtuyriVXPJIQdefxllQHX4Rj5E5pmrwWFCXc_BnCC2ECe4Kda5XC3oEvXEQNVW/s1600/P1050040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh54DnPmiG5wP4XwRlBD9LSr3qq6lPKh0cOtZc7caisSIfXedeRNruXjGRZ4NmQNRCBIllNODWnty3rLUCtuyriVXPJIQdefxllQHX4Rj5E5pmrwWFCXc_BnCC2ECe4Kda5XC3oEvXEQNVW/s1600/P1050040.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Birthday (the one one the right is SISTER SMEDLEY our
cousins- cousin :) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Happy Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569673835876179323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363417576141551641.post-47469250178108776012014-07-09T07:09:00.002-07:002014-07-09T07:10:53.983-07:00July 7th 2014Happy Holidays Familia!<br />
<o:p><br />
Wow. Reading about Prep really touched me. Wow. For
some reason this past week Prep has been on my mind. I couldn't figure out why
I was having thoughts about him. now I know why. I'm always learning how the
spirit speaks to us. Prep is a special spirit. I am praying and thinking about
him. Their whole family has been and will be in my prayers.</o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
He is such a
trooper and a fighter. Please give him a big hug from me. Alma 38:5 </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p>There is something about July...I don't know if its the bbq's....free
7/11 Slurpee's :) fireworks, rodeos... or my birthday that makes the month my
favorite. On my mission I've learned July is a celebration month....and my
favorite because there are MORE people are on the street to contact, More
families are home! (Every missionaries dream) AND people don't want the AC to
leave their homes sooo sometimes they will invite us in! Its a month of
opportunities! I just LOVE this month.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p>We've had a very busy week...dropping people or getting
dropped. We are defiantly in the finding mode (pmg says we should always be
finding...its just a little bit more now, ok a lot more) I'm grateful to have
this opportunity to start over and find and find and find. I know God has
prepared people out here. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p>For some good news.....</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p>Diego!</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p>Well Diego is simply incredible. I have never NOT IN MY
ENTIRE life met someone like Diego. He absolutely loves the gospel. When we go
to teach him he wants to jump right into the lesson, he asks us questions about
things we haven't talked about yet, when we went over the Plan of Salvation He
shared his testimony with us about the truth of the plan, I almost started
crying, well he basically taught us the Plan. I wish I could bring all of you
into that lesson with me so you could experience the spirit in that room. HE
always talks about how happy he is now that he knows about the gospel. Gospel
brings Happiness</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p>Still no updates on Katie yet. We haven't been able to meet
with her lately.....we are still praying. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
We will find out on Tuesday what Marie's answer is.....</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p>Also I just want to say something more about the
weather...ITS sticky sticky, sticky hot. I didn't think I could sweat so much.
um gross I know. I call it Insta-sweat here. You walk outside and BAMB, kind of
like instant moisturizer (sorry TMI I know, I know) so walking Day was HOT, we
made it to our appointments soaked in.... well anyways it was a great day, we
saw some storm clouds in the distance so the senior couple who came up on a
team up with us ran us home to get umbrellas. The umbrellas were NO MATCH for
the HUGE typhoon like rain that hit. My umbrella turned inside out, and
the rain pelted us. NO one answered their door. ( I don't blame them, it was
crazy outside) The streets turned into moving rivers. The whole time I kept saying
this is building character. right? Cars drove by and just like what happens in
the movies when a car drives by a huge wall of water hits the people standing
off to the side, well I testify that can really happen in real life. We WERE
SOAKED. Even through all of the unfortunate events. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the beginning of the rain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Sister Crow and I
just kept laughing, and laughing and singing church songs at the top of our
voice. For numbers it was not a successful night, but I learned something from
sloshing around in the 6 inches of water- the trials are going to come,
"The winds and the storms shall beat upon you" (and they definitely
did and will) "BUT it will have NO POWER OVER YOU, because of the ROCK
upon which ye are built" If we center our lives on our savior, we can survive
the trials. And we CHOOSE how we are going to handle them. I realized that even
though everything was going wrong, we had something to celebrate, something to
shout to the world! THE GOSPEL. A RESTORED CHURCH. A SAVIOR. This is all true.
I'm so grateful for this knowledge! </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p>Hurrah for the TRUTH! </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I love you all! Keep sharing the gospel. CTR. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Sending love from Jersey,</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Sister Houghton</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
Happy Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569673835876179323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363417576141551641.post-3904057380618651892014-07-01T06:50:00.001-07:002014-07-01T06:50:39.276-07:00June 29, 2014<br />
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Hello Beautiful Family,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Congrats to everyone who ran RAGNAR! (or who helped out) I'm
so proud :) sign me up!..but really. :) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We all had to say goodbye to President Jeppson this week. I
don't think any one of us here could hold in the tears. He has been our mentor,
our guide and a HUGE support. He helped me through some of the toughest times
in my mission. Words can't describe how grateful I am for him. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
We had a big transfer
conference that the WHOLE mission was invited to :) Sister Crow and I ran in to
the chapel (reverently of course...) to get front row seats and record some of
the testimonies. It was a meeting I will never forget. 30 missionaries in total
went home. We listened to 2 hours of testimonies. Needless to say we were
spiritually fed and in the words of one of the leaving missionaries we felt so
pumped we were ready to "Hit someone in the face with the Book of
Mormon!" Saying Good bye to President and Sister Jeppson was hard, BUT we
were ALL given Permission to HUG them, BOTH! so I got to HUG President JEPPSON!
It was like hugging my own father. Like being home :) Something I have not
experience in 14 months. I will treasure that memory, that meeting, and the
spirit in that room, forever.</div>
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Good bye President Jeppson</div>
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President and Sister Jeppson</div>
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We saw Diego on Walking Day, and we were sweaty. It honestly
wasn't that hot, but the humidity does something to our bodies? needless to say
we were one sweaty mess getting to all of our appointments. Diego (the one that
has read the whole Book of Mormon Already) was our last appointment of the day,
and I couldn't stop my Jaw from hitting the ground...over and over again.
Seriously he is amazing. Here is just a small example He has read the whole
book of Mormon, Pearl of Great Price and part of the Doctrine and Covenants.
Ordered from Deseretbook.com "Whose on the Other Side" by Brent L.
Top (which was sitting on his coffee table when we walked in) and reading the
Articles of Faith by James E. Talmadge. He told us about his journey to find
the true church. Looking and nothing seemed to fit, and then he remembered the
Mormon Church that was by his home in the Dominican Republic and the 3 Mormons
at his High School that always seemed so happy. The spirit was palpable and I
was blown away by his faith and love for this gospel. He told us he knows the
information and now he just wants to learn how to recognize the spirit.
We taught him on Saturday and in the middle of the lesson he asked where
the closest temple was. He is know preparing for baptism in the next
couple of weeks. </div>
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Update on other Investigators:</div>
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Bill- we stopped teaching him, we each bore our testimony to him, he's
simply not reading and praying to know. we told him to call us when he reads 2
Nephi 31. He ended up coming to church and told us he's going to read? maybe we
just needed to step away from him so he would have motivation? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Katie, Donna and Joey- they've been avoiding us. This one
hurts. They won't answer the door or call us back. We are praying really hard
for them.</div>
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Marie: We went to have a lesson with her and she bore her
testimony to us about Joseph Smith. She's passed her baptismal interview but we
don't know whats holding her back. We are praying for guidance with this
one. </div>
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<br /></div>
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The last couple of weeks were challenging, and it became
apparent to me to TRUST in God's plan. Even when we are rejected, over and over,
and simply feel overwhelmed. From one of my favorite songs it says "You
will never stand alone You were never called to bear the burdens on your own,
where there is fear, love will take control and lead you on" Christ will
never leave us. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I know Diego is not the only one on this journey to find the
true church. There are many. Heavenly Father IS preparing people to hear the
message. I know as we rely on him, we will be guided to those ready to find the
truth. READY to make changes. DON'T GIVE UP. We must never back down, the
Standard of Truth has been ERECTED. Let us keep fighting for Him. HE
lives! </div>
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<br /></div>
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I'm excited to go out and "Hit some people with the
Book of Mormon" ;)</div>
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<br /></div>
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I love you all! Have a fun 4th! Keep sharing the good
news. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Sending love from Jersey</div>
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Sister Houghton</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fun Fact-the 27th was the 170 year anniversary of Joseph
Smiths martyrdom...maybe not such a fun fact? </div>
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<br /></div>
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Beat Joe Cicon in chess. A huge accomplishment, he's a
chess pro and super smart. The family is amazing and feeds us every other
week </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teaching a group of amazing women</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
Happy Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569673835876179323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363417576141551641.post-90783495366614736042014-06-26T08:52:00.001-07:002014-06-27T12:18:34.997-07:00June 22, 2014<br />
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<br />
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Hello Familia,</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This past week was the biggest roller coaster I have ever
been on...spiritually speaking. </div>
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<br /></div>
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We are not alone. </div>
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<br /></div>
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We've experienced some of the most heart breaking situations
with our investigators. Sister Crow and I were kicked out of our investigators
home, and found out that Joe is in Jail for 4 years now?....Bill doesn't want
to be baptized and neither does Marie, AND Donna, Joey right now, and Katie is
no longer answering us. All 6 them. We were heart broken, President was going
to come to our baptism, (his very last as a Mission President) and we felt
we had let him down. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This may not seem like a lot, but as a missionary this is
our life. We have been praying and dreaming and thinking about each of these
people to help them progress, and it is heart wrenching. Before sacrament
meeting yesterday I couldn't control the tears. I love these people here, we
felt we had done everything we could to help them progress. I said a prayer
asking for strength to help this area grow, I felt completely beat. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All of a sudden a member came out of the chapel and said
"Sisters, there is a young man sitting in the back row of the chapel, he
has read the whole Book of Mormon and read all about the church on the
internet, he wants to be baptized." I looked at Sister Crow and started to
cry. I was overcome by this HUGE tender mercy from a loving Heavenly Father. He
never said this work would be easy, BUT that it would be worth it. At that very
moment I remembered we are not alone. Heavenly Father requires that we do
everything we can and when we CANNOT go on any longer THEN he will provide help
for us. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We had a linger longer after church and Diego said that he
wants to serve a mission. He is simply incredible and prepared. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We went to the temple. I love the city and it was a tender
mercy to be able to travel there, we take the subways and the path, which means
there is A LOT of people to talk to. :) what a great thing for missionaries,
right? The subways trap the heat and humidity, its hotter down there than
outside, we spent three hours trying to find our way to the temple, we all
arrived sticky and sweaty but So HAPPY to be able to enter into the House of
the Lord. It was a tender mercy and all of us left with a renewed desire to be
better. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sister Crow and I also went to Ellis Island to help
with family history. We mostly help people look at ship manifests and get
the people in charge to answer the real questions...:) People from ALL over the
world are turning their hearts to Elijah literally ALL over. I love watching
people find their ancestors there, sometimes I can't understand what their
saying, but I can see their reaction. (hand signs are a must) everywhere more
and more people want to become involved with their history. It is amazing. I
met a WHOLE family of Mormons from Logan Utah. I wanted to shout "Your of
the covenant too!" but I contained it, they were so kind and took a
picture of me with their cute kids to send to you, so sweet. I was touched by
their kindness.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This work is not easy. I've never experienced the adversary
working so hard to stop the work from progressing. I have realized that we will
NOT appreciate what our Savior has done for us until we experience pain, trials
and temptations. I know this work is not easy, BUT it is worth it. This is
simply the truth. I love these scriptures in the Doctrine and Covenants"
And this is the gospel, the glad tidings, which the voice of the heavens bore
record unto us- that HE CAME into the world....that ALL might be saved by
him" (D&C 76:40-42) and we ALL can be, make the decision now to turn
to him, He has already paid the price! In the tough weeks we can still continue
moving forward. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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I am grateful for his love. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I simply love all of you! Have an incredible week, and good
luck with the Ragnar! Keep spreading the truth!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sending love from Jersey</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sister Houghton</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fun Fact: Takes 20 min to get to NYC from we're we
live...unless your following missionaries then it takes 3 hours</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
love you! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
xox</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Happy Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569673835876179323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363417576141551641.post-46185812582296632912014-06-26T08:50:00.001-07:002014-06-27T12:20:29.123-07:00Jun 16, 2014<br />
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June 16</div>
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<br /></div>
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Hello Family :) </div>
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<br /></div>
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I hope ya'll had an Incredible Fathers Day....Dad I'm happy
Your an official Idahoan with all your fishing gear now, I will try to embrace
my new roots by eating some kind of potato's tonight. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We've been blessed this week spiritually and physically.
First of all we somehow avoided a major car accident and hitting about 30 of
God's creatures this past week. (they are literally everywhere) I started my
robe on fire making Cream of Wheat for breakfast this morning. woops, luckily
we took the battery out of the fire alarm due to some our past burning
experiences. We also had a wedding AND Marie passed her baptism Interview!
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes a Wedding, This ward has been unbelievably helpful in
helping provide for and help us prepare this big Day for Katie and Joe. Bishop
Woll provided all the food, and it was incredible. Sister Slaugh brought the
decorations for us, (I know you don't know these members, but I just wanted to
include them in the letter because they are simply incredible!) Sister Goff
provided the music, Sister Righetti and Ashley Smith helped set up and Sister
Cicon played the piano, I am SO blessed to be here. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But the room honestly looked so beautiful, I was even
impressed, we hung white sheets up over the white boards and put Ivy around it,
we also commandeered all the flowers and shrubbery from around the chapel to
fill the room. We even had fresh flowers to work with, Katie was so happy and
Joe told me that he almost fell over because she was so beautiful walking down
the aisle. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What I learned from this experience....Weddings are
STRESSFUL but with God’s help we can do anything. The lord provides a way to
KEEP his commandments and now Katie and Joe can both be baptized! Katie's
baptism is planned for this Sunday and Joe's should be in a couple of weeks. If
you could pray for Katie we would be so grateful!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Marie's baptism was supposed to be yesterday, but we ran
into some complications, she couldn't get work off, and we were devastated.
Literally. But we are praying that things will change in a couple of
weeks. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We had an All mission conference and President and Sister
Jeppson spoke to us, they are INCREDIBLE people, and have been through so much.
President opened up to all 250 of us and shared the most difficult times in his
life, he spoke about the confusion and hurt he felt when his brother was
kidnapped and murdered, and then when his father died, and the pain when he
entered the MTC when the Dr's discovered cancer in his leg and had to cut it
off, (one of the reasons President is such an amazing man, his an Amputee and
you would never know, he plays sports with us and is never EVER complains) and
then 2 years later STILL went on a mission. All of these experiences and
stories were some of the most spiritual and sacred stories I have ever heard
about trusting in the Lords plan. I cannot even do it justice, but the very
last trial he shared with us, was the most powerful and touching. His 7 year
old son was killed from bee stings, President tried to save him, but couldn't.
In the hardest time in his life, he said he held the body of his son and cried
to God for help, and heard God say "TRUST in me, I will never leave you,
but I require you to TRUST me" And that is why Presidents theme is
"TRUST" To trust in His plan, this work and in our Savior.
Every meeting we have he carries a wooden plaque around with the words
"TRUST" It has become a motto for all of our lives.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our Heavenly Father requires this of us because HE CAN see
the BIG picture. He knows the plan perfectly. If we rely on him, and continue
we WILL be saved. "Trust in the Lord with ALL thine Heart....in all thy
ways acknowledge him and HE SHALL DIRECT THY PATHS" and I'm so grateful
for it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is His work, I am so blessed to be a part of this huge
force. Nothing is greater. Keep fighting, Keep pushing, and KEEP trusting in
HIM! I love all of you soo much! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sending love from Jersey</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sister Ho-Ho-Houghton </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fun Fact #1 Pizza is actually called a "Pie"
here </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
Happy Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569673835876179323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363417576141551641.post-37469110601444078512014-06-02T20:58:00.003-07:002014-06-02T20:58:45.346-07:00June 2, 2014
Hi Family<br />
<o:p> </o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
It has been a week of miracles and SUPRISES. Mosers,
thank you for the surprise package. Aww you know the way to my heart
is anything with sugar in it. Mom, thank you for the package, you are so
great. AND that letter, it was wonderful :) inspiring, and I am one lucky
chicka to call myself a Houghton. So blessed anyways (Houghton pride?) sorry I
digress</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
We've had a week full of spirit led and spirit filled
lessons, Ice cream runs (they save lives) and one Emergency Transfer.... Two
weeks ago Sister Andrus had a dream she was emergency transferred. I told her
to not say that because you just never know...well NEVER say
NEVER--. surprise, we found out Wednesday that my companiara, Sister Andrus,
was being" Emergency transferred" and Sister Crow (MY MTC COMPANION!!!) was coming here
due to a questionable creeper following after her. She's a beaut what can I
say? Well that was hard having Sister Andrus leave. I love her a lot, But I am so
thankful we got to be together for 9 weeks. I am also so excited for her to
move to her first next area and experience a change. I felt like a proud momma.
She is going to tear it up. And Sister Crow?? my first companion- EVER. I have
a lot of love for this sister, she is the epitome of quiet dignity
and I am excited for all that I will learn from her. We never
know what the Lord has in store for us. Before the mission,
I hated change. You know that, but after moving 6 areas in 12 months and
many wonderful companions I have learned to love change. (ok just a little
more) It's never easy but It's how we grow, and GROW is not an option on a
mission. Its inevitable. "I will Go and Do" what He asks of me. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
That might not sound like big news, but on a mission that
means packing and saying goodbye and lots AND lots of trust in God.
Through all of that we have been able to see the hand of the Lord in our work,
and had a wonderful week. The WHOLE Rankin family came to church
again. They are incredible, I feel like they are my aunts and uncles, I
want to run over and hug all of them every time I see them. But I will wait
till that is legal, of course :) They are incredible.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
My first lesson with Sister Crow was teaching the Law of
Chastity with Donna, Katie, Joe and Joey. Sometimes that lesson can get to
be a little uncomfortable/awkward. Its not what you say, but its HOW YOU
SAY IT. Well we had been praying and praying for guidance to know what to do,
Katie is pregnant, and we could see a clear direction of what to do, we
presented them the options, and it JUST so happens that the
day before their baptism is JUNE 21. This is a special day
for me. Ya'll know why. Wellll it wasn't to hard to talk about a wedding
that day, we asked them to pray about it, and let me tell you WE PRAYED
AND FASTED for them. On Fast Sunday they called and said......"THE
WEDDINGS ON!!" lots of jumping and hugging and praying for gratitude.
We are trying to get things worked out and might need to have the wedding or
baptism on a different day but God has defiantly been guiding us with this
amazing wonderful family. They are making Incredible steps in their lives
and the feeling of peace in their home is so apparent. The Gospel
Blesses our Families and MOLDS us into better people. They weren't able to come
to church but things are going well with them. </div>
<br />
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We are not alone is this work. In every trial, challenge and
obstical we have someone to guide us. I read about the faith of the Stripling
Warriors, they faced one challenge after the other but "did
not DOUBT" and had "no FEAR" They were taught by their
mothers (and fathers) how to live the gospel and TRUST in God. I feel
the same way. I am forever grateful to my parents. Now is the time
to put FAITH instead of Fear and trust in God in every aspect of the
word. As missionaries we have to remember "Ye have not chosen
me, but I have Chosen you" We were all chosen to work together to
bring about this great work. How lucky are
we? </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I had my last interview with President Jeppson, we talked
about having the faith to Stay active Forever. It is a choice we must make now.
When the challenges come, leaving the church will never be an option. His
theme has been Love-Faith-Effort: TRUST. Trust in Him, doubt not, fear
not. I'm grateful to have served with such an incredible mission president. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I love this work. I love you! Thank you for your love and
support!</div>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-B7pHfl35we1b4TKiculxOw5z0bO0o3vTwH2BNuBz1jTIevps8kxMscLDTWiRnH771PjIVZFnPyVeJiAsweeSJ1Ljp9lYzzqDHINk0DhC9Sll-A6QXyG02hMMoy9BLJeyi40UB3x2HgD8/s1600/IMG_0360%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-B7pHfl35we1b4TKiculxOw5z0bO0o3vTwH2BNuBz1jTIevps8kxMscLDTWiRnH771PjIVZFnPyVeJiAsweeSJ1Ljp9lYzzqDHINk0DhC9Sll-A6QXyG02hMMoy9BLJeyi40UB3x2HgD8/s1600/IMG_0360%5B1%5D.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> Bill our
investigator.... we just love him.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<o:p> </o:p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZ4kYj1rMCM4JRN0V1y5jEkqMXETRcujMfU8mdQi7LvaG1FZCOPQbndY1xO0T4px23ehS9S58mqkqZJ_dN7Xa09jDchkXq3KvLKSDGMF9c3KO2PsJPZ8RMdogdPJ10Bhw1-JYyoQow6WF/s1600/IMG_0343%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZ4kYj1rMCM4JRN0V1y5jEkqMXETRcujMfU8mdQi7LvaG1FZCOPQbndY1xO0T4px23ehS9S58mqkqZJ_dN7Xa09jDchkXq3KvLKSDGMF9c3KO2PsJPZ8RMdogdPJ10Bhw1-JYyoQow6WF/s1600/IMG_0343%5B1%5D.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sending love from Joisey</div>
Sister Houghton<br />
<br />
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P.S I got a hot dawg from a hot Dog stand. I'm an official
jersian :) </div>
P.P.S TODD leaves in less than 2 months! :) <br />
</div>
Happy Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569673835876179323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363417576141551641.post-12917999268446497492014-06-02T20:38:00.001-07:002014-06-02T20:38:06.749-07:00Memorial Day 2014
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HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY Family!</div>
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This has been such an incredible week. Its starting to get
warm, humid warm, sweating from every pore kind of warm and I am so happy. :)
This week we were attacked by flying silk worms, (I want to gag every time I
see one) I can't describe how nasty these things are, they fly from trees and
latch onto your clothes, I'm scared out of my mind. I really try to control the
fear in lessons, sometimes I can't help myself. But I really am trying. On the
positive side we were given dingle hoppers! (new Fin-Fun product?) from our
investigator Frankie, they can be used to brush your hair or scratch
your back, pretty nifty, huh? and then at church we had 12 people come, huge
tender mercy and we were running around like crazy. It has been such an
exciting week. </div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Dingle hoppers! </span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Also I think the Lord heard your prayers, we were fed almost
everyday last week, and sometimes more than twice a day. Feel free to pray for
less dinner appointments ;) </div>
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All last week we have been feeling prompted to see two
specific less-active sisters, when we showed up both of them said that they had
been praying for someone to come. These two specific tender mercies have shown
me just how simply our Heavenly Father is aware of EVERY single one of his
children. He wants them to feel his love. Romans 8:16-17. We are the HEIRS of
God. How lucky are we? </div>
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We had a miracle lesson with Frankie and Franklin, we used
the cups (plastic cups to build up the church, its a great visual...and maybe a
sister thing?) to teach the restoration. Frankie told us that he needed to be
baptized and he was going to pray about it! We almost jumped up and shouted for
joy... but that might have ruined the spirit of the lesson. It was a powerful
moment and we feel he is ready for this step. :) </div>
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....Donna, Katie, Joe and Joey have been doing wonderful! We
taught the plan of salvation and they loved it. There has been a change happening
with them, they are becoming happier, it has been incredible to watch. At the
end of the lesson we asked them what they needed to do to get to the Celestial
Kingdom. Both Joe and Joey said they needed to be baptized......and now the
whole family is preparing for their baptism date at the end of June. They all
came to church and Joey said he felt the spirit extra when we were singing the
closing hymn. Such a tender mercy and confirmation that this is true for him.
Its really hard to describe how Sister Andrus and I feel about them, Love
isn't a deep enough word. They are wonderful and we are blessed to watch this
transformation take place in their lives. </div>
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Memorial Day is a really big holiday here, there was a
parade out of our window this morning, and I love, LOVE, LOVE parades, at the
beginning of the parade they started playing the Mormon Tabernacle Choir as the
background music..... Sister Andrus and I looked at each other in awe. I had to
make sure we weren't still in Utah? nope we were in New Jersey and they were
playing the Mo Tab. It was a miracle! Little by little everyone will be exposed
to the truth. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB7Pgd0AyvQRHInM79neOcWWAEu7CMCVD-R5tzmMN2xSoXTqFJ3YBYQ5xDjRhLxT13RROOYTgp5DXzBkdBszHU__ixLq0sDYjhcX2Xg64RNHfyIdX2FIL4uWmXyqNNi6xdyaX6iHiP5Ayz/s1600/IMG_0358%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB7Pgd0AyvQRHInM79neOcWWAEu7CMCVD-R5tzmMN2xSoXTqFJ3YBYQ5xDjRhLxT13RROOYTgp5DXzBkdBszHU__ixLq0sDYjhcX2Xg64RNHfyIdX2FIL4uWmXyqNNi6xdyaX6iHiP5Ayz/s1600/IMG_0358%5B1%5D.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Its been a great week. Thank you for your love and support
and help and encouragement and letters and prayers. I AM SO BLESSED. I hope you
have an incredible Memorial Day and an even better week! Hurrah for the
truth. </div>
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Sending love from Jersey</div>
Sister Houghton<br />
<br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
</div>
Happy Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569673835876179323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363417576141551641.post-31893644421937546012014-05-26T10:21:00.001-07:002014-05-26T22:15:50.288-07:00May 19, 2014<br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hello beautiful
family,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">WOW. CONGRATULATIONS
TO TODD, on Graduating AND on getting your call to NEW YORK!! what? We will
have served in the same state! God works in mysterious ways and I cried reading
your call, I'm so excited to be able to serve with you for a few months. Hurrah
for Israel Brother!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This week we went from
teaching a Baptist, to an Evangelist to lots Catholics, a Born Again, a Jew, and even a Muslim. I love New Jersey. We walked and walked and ran into a
lot of Spanish people, which is pretty rare in this area. Every time we contacted
one I would think to myself I should have paid more attention in Spanish
Class.... but thanks to some previous companions and exchanges in Spanish areas
we can successfully contact someone in Spanish and get the message across, well
sort of :) Our very last contact last night was in Spanish to a man by the name
of Louis, at first he told us he was a "MORMUN" then he told us he
was still an "investigator" in Peru but had moved here and couldn't
find the church. We testified that the EL Libro de Mormon is verdidero (The
Book of Mormon is true) and he said Si! He left so happy he had found the true
church in america, and we walked away saying a prayer of gratitude, Heavenly
Father had been preparing us ALL week to help us remember and practice our
Spanish so we could effectively communicate with Louis. Heavenly Father always
helps us accomplish what we need to do. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Church was incredible,
Marie was able to come while Sister Andrus was giving a talk (which was so
great) she kept saying "Amen" and giving her thumbs up, I simply love
her. AND Donna and Katie came to church, AND so did Bill. It was a very busy </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Sunday</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> and I am so grateful for the ward here. The members are incredible and
always supporting us, introducing themselves to the investigators and simply so
loving. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">This past week has been a new experience for contacting. I have felt like the group of people pressing forward to the Tree of Life, while the people in the Great and Spacious building are pointing fingers and mocking us. We have been laughed at, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">hollered</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> at, fingers pointed at, but we KEEP smiling and pressing forward. I feel so blessed to be here serving a mission at this time. There are many prepared. We just need to keep pressing forward and we will find the ones who are ready. So very blessed to be here. I love this gospel and I love this calling. Thank you for your love and support!</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sending love from New
Joisey<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sister Houghton<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Happy Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569673835876179323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363417576141551641.post-91929700862525648772014-05-24T10:41:00.001-07:002014-05-24T10:41:03.774-07:00May 12, 2014<br />
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Hello Family! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I loved seeing all of your faces yesterday and hearing your
voices, feels like I just called home for Mother’s Day last year? OH boy, time
is really flying. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
TODD I am ECSTATIC for you to get your call, remember it doesn't
matter where you serve....it matters WHO you serve. :) Give the lord your whole
heart and you will love every second of your mission. (Even the hard ones)
Also...when people have a hard time pronouncing Elder Houghton just say it's
like Santa Clause "Ho-Ho-Houghton" trust me it helps. But getting
called "Hot-en" isn't too bad either ;) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My whole mission my jaw has been giving me some issues, and
as time has gone on it's becoming more and more swollen. Just call me Chipmunk.
It really is just pay back for when I used to laugh at Amber's cute wisdom
teeth checks, she got pretty swollen...The mission nurse sent us to Dr. Thomas,
he is a member and has helped the mission in many ways. They took my blood in
the office, I was so nervous, Sister Andrus held my hand and I didn't pass out.
victory! After that I got pretty slap happy, and did some embarrassing things,
becoming a Dr is <span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">definitely</span>
not in my near future. A masseuse came in and gave me a massage, wow. I think
all Dr's visits should end in one of those. :) We came out to our car to see a
parking ticket stuck to our window, got to love parking police. Lesson learned
ALWAYS put extra quarters in the meter. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We had been praying for Heavenly Father to guide us with our
plans, we felt prompted to put a less-active who has NEVER been home the 8
times we've tried. By the time we got back from the Dr's, paying the ticket it
seemed almost silly to drive the extra 30 minutes just to try one more time. We
decided to just knock somewhere closer and save the miles. But as we were
driving to our new spot both Sister Andrus and I felt like we needed to stick
with what we had told Heavenly Father we would do the night before. When we
pulled up...(we were holding our breaths) and there in the driveway was a car! Miracles.
We knocked and met Sister Angel. She is
a special woman and told us that she has desires to come back to church. .After
we left we said a prayer thanking Heavenly Father for the guidance and that
tender mercy. It was an incredible night. I learned that Heavenly Father ALWAYS
does his part, the rest is up to us, we must exercise our faith and stick to
the plans we've made (unless prompted by the spirit) :)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sunday Pat was confirmed a member of the church. She was
feeling pretty sick and tired but she came and I've never seen her so happy.
She is a faithful woman and I've been blessed to know her. After everyone raised their hands to
welcome her she said "THANK YOU" I just wanted to go over and hug
her, (but that definitely was not appropriate) Also saw one of my friends Sean
from the Y at church, I'm serving in his home ward. Such a small world! </div>
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<br /></div>
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I love you all lots and lots! Thank you for your love and
support and just being you. You’re all incredible examples. Keep being
missionaries! Mom- So proud of you for Studying PMG. Maybe we can have
comp studies when I get home? </div>
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<br /></div>
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Sending love from Jersey</div>
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Sister Houghton</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
P.S Dad- loved seeing your face and hearing your voice. I'm
positive you have some calming therapy in your voice.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mom- you looked so pretty! :) so exited for you to start
your new job today. "Hello this is Fin Fun" :)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Amber and JT- your still the cute newlywed couple, can't
believe its been 2 years</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Todd-Mr Shelley? so happy your loving it and graduating!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jenn-umm cute! cute nails, and loved getting your dance pictures!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rach- Thanks for the dance move, you better believe we are
having dance parties!!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwGzInapgiwF_hnjfeMRLxpMkEtl7VrG2hmWyjbEbO6Vh13yPEtimWX5DDrxUxjvhX3BuBNFjhATtJIO2ka32Q_nzbQBJTLq-V1f-oHo-Bs_5dUlL4-mHUZtUhoA7wHkarmMtqwyNEqXQ/s1600/P1040848%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwGzInapgiwF_hnjfeMRLxpMkEtl7VrG2hmWyjbEbO6Vh13yPEtimWX5DDrxUxjvhX3BuBNFjhATtJIO2ka32Q_nzbQBJTLq-V1f-oHo-Bs_5dUlL4-mHUZtUhoA7wHkarmMtqwyNEqXQ/s1600/P1040848%5B1%5D.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking a Bunny Rabbit for a walk.<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I love you all!!! xox</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Happy Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569673835876179323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363417576141551641.post-86157954883442792732014-05-10T07:09:00.000-07:002014-05-10T07:38:46.164-07:00May 5, 2014<br />
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Hello Family! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wow, this week has been better than my words can explain! God
has been guiding us and directing us. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last Wednesday we were hit with a huge storm, I like to
refer to it as a typhoon--and all of our appointments cancelled. We prayed and
prayed for guidance to know where to go, we went to our backups and knocked for
2 hours, we prayed again asking Heavenly Father to put prepared people in our
path...according to our faith, and then door after door we knocked we found
prepared people, lots of potentials and 4 new investigators, Maria started
crying when we shared our message, she said she had been praying for God to
send her someone to show her the way back and to feel his love. Heavenly Father
knows our needs, and he will answer them. That night we made a special dinner
to take to Pats house to go over her baptism interview questions. We took
Sister Andrus's famous Pizza pockets to her house and turned the oven on to
cook them right up. After a couple minutes we started to hear a strange
sizzling/bubbling noise coming from the oven....turns out the oven was turned into
extra storage space, that Pat had forgotten about and we were about
to cause a huge electrical fire...not safe, we ran back to our apartment cooked
them and took them back to Pats. We ate dinner on Cat plates and forks with Cat
hair stuck in between, we might have coughed up some hair balls later on. </div>
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We volunteered at Ellis Island this week. It recently opened
up since Hurricane Sandy. The exhibits are still pretty
devastated right now. Our job is to walk around the family
history center and "pretend" we know what we are
doing...pretend is the key word here because it was some advanced family
history work. We are not allowed to proselyte but if they ask questions we can
answer :) We met people from all over the world, mostly French "wee
wee" lots of Irish, and of course Italians :) They all were so happy
to find their ancestors names, and I can see why family history is a BIG part
of missionary work. "And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the
children, and the heart of the children to their fathers" people are
having greater desires to know about their families, all part of our Heavenly
Fathers plan to Hasten the Work. </div>
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Eye spy....</div>
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</div>
Sunday we had Stake Conference, The stake Patriarch spoke on
the three key elements of a Patriarchal blessing. 1. God KNOWS YOU, He LOVES
you. 2. He wants you to RETURN to Him again 3. He wants you to experience the
blessings of the Temple. It was an incredible meeting and made me want to look
and focus on the specific promises in my blessing, they are given to us, from
our Father in Heaven, with promises that apply to the now....and the
eternities. It was an incredible meeting. Pat loved it and was
excited to get baptized. We decorated her stall, (it’s a Sister thing) and
after she got in whites she said "Ok....now throw me in there" It was
hilarious because Pat is a soft spoken person and then every once and a while
she says the funniest things. She told us she's not a lost sheep anymore and
then started to Bahh like a sheep.I almost fell to the ground laughing, I love
that woman.<br />
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President and Sister Jeppson came to the baptism, it went
smoothly, (thanks to a lot of help from this ward) Pat picked out all the
speakers and songs for the program, and asked Sister Andrus and I to sing, oh
boy, I almost had a heart attack, I was so nervous, but with Sister Andrus's
help (she has a heavenly voice) we sang "Teach me to Walk in the
Light" we pulled through and I didn't pass out- a success. We had two
priesthood holders help her into the font, and assist her going down gently into
the water. She's still too weak from the
cancer to climb up and down steps by herself. It was a special moment,
after the baptism, when she looked up, smiled and said "I'm a
new WOMAN!" She turned her jacked around to even symbolize
starting new. It was a special moment. After the service she turned into a
speedy demon we could barely keep up with her. We stopped by her home
later and told us that this is the best decision that she has ever made.
Reminded me of the promise of Joy in Doctrine and Covenants 18: How great is
our joy now?</div>
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I'm so grateful for
this work and the love and joy and happiness it brings. It's not easy, but it
is WORTH it. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtIiIAUYHVl0zPB_aGSdfaRC0nd0F-4z2l4C9UPHb2le0-PPMF12tL6gfGWTPU_X5nh2l8Llq8SvhLWa1NWx128F5wHEXBtMsU9Uwl2epm-Ldda__H5wMtg52xJVGmOKn-5sXBdf8C4guS/s1600/IMG_0223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtIiIAUYHVl0zPB_aGSdfaRC0nd0F-4z2l4C9UPHb2le0-PPMF12tL6gfGWTPU_X5nh2l8Llq8SvhLWa1NWx128F5wHEXBtMsU9Uwl2epm-Ldda__H5wMtg52xJVGmOKn-5sXBdf8C4guS/s1600/IMG_0223.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> President and Sister Jeppson came :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
TODD. Your mission papers are in!! :) My guess is Chile
or....NEW JERSEY MORRISTOWN either way, I can barely sit down because I'm so
excited for you!<br />
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<br /></div>
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I love you, I love this work, and I love my Savior!
Let's spread the good news!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Sending love from Joisey</div>
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Sister Houghton</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-oB3Yc3RreDJPlXZDHuV50ivJqnlpyZLqvuIV10OzuP1gdUIGgmllhyR6a-u6BPhrd-d_tNcDeJkmulLHxZLSFvbZGDeNeHbWJfQENKP2KiRFRimvQDq6IBhhkSOYVjmt86GB-czG366R/s1600/IMG_0241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-oB3Yc3RreDJPlXZDHuV50ivJqnlpyZLqvuIV10OzuP1gdUIGgmllhyR6a-u6BPhrd-d_tNcDeJkmulLHxZLSFvbZGDeNeHbWJfQENKP2KiRFRimvQDq6IBhhkSOYVjmt86GB-czG366R/s1600/IMG_0241.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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CTR power </div>
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</o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihgDnDjSl9ZyoRirjYe4XyzQaEOQlOnNOsykzzYVAuTkqGsvzn8tJbvC5vPf6i0kpsGzueVL0yb3OVcoZ7G5uLaCOy0UzCI8xxBnE0bC7mssKeTe2MRqT3Q84hLMnjNM5CdRkUp_ZGOTAY/s1600/IMG_0236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihgDnDjSl9ZyoRirjYe4XyzQaEOQlOnNOsykzzYVAuTkqGsvzn8tJbvC5vPf6i0kpsGzueVL0yb3OVcoZ7G5uLaCOy0UzCI8xxBnE0bC7mssKeTe2MRqT3Q84hLMnjNM5CdRkUp_ZGOTAY/s1600/IMG_0236.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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Our first baptism together! </div>
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<br />Happy Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569673835876179323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363417576141551641.post-32615831952988464362014-04-29T15:26:00.002-07:002014-04-29T15:27:36.823-07:00April 28, 2014<b><span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hello from the BE-UATIFUL East
Coast,</span></b><br />
<br />
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<b><span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This week has been incredible....besides
accidentally getting locked out of the apartment for an hour or two, we
almost tried to shimmy up the drain pipe and climb the roof to get in....and
then leaving my name tag...and then losing the phone, I'm starting to think
forgetting things really could be hereditary? But besides all of that it really
has been incredible. God is guiding us. There is no other way to
explain it, we have been uplifted, encouraged and strengthened.</span></b></div>
<br />
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<b><span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We found a family! A
whole family. They are all looking for peace and direction in life; it
was a powerful visit for us. From the moment we walked through the door
the spirit was guiding us to know what to say, we talked about our purpose in
life and the way to get back to our Heavenly Father. The 17 year old son told
us that he felt something special and that this is what his family NEEDS right
now. (And forever :)) when we got back our car we started hugging/crying and
said a prayer to Heavenly Father for that tender mercy. The spirit guides this
work.</span></b></div>
<br />
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<b><span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We were tracting in an apartment complex, with
little success minus James- the Christ loving rapper who performed
for us :) we were getting ready to leave, but both felt we
should try one more door and we found Tami, a less-active that wasn't on our
ward list. She said she has been wanting to come back to church but needed a
sign, and turns out her mother who is also a less active is someone Sister
Andrus and I tried to see 3 times last week. The spirit has been prompting and
guiding us to find this family. It is a huge tender mercy.</span></b></div>
<br />
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<b><span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pat is doing great, and is getting
baptized </span></b><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">this Sunday</span></b><b><span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, we call it "Maythe4thbewithyou", it will be
after Stake conference and she is so excited. She is still undergoing some
heavy cancer treatments and we would love and appreciate prayers in her behalf.
She is one of the most loving and determined people I know, she can barely walk
but is always at church with a huge smile on her face. She is incredible. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyLznnHRaRKGPahZKqlB5gkv0WRFvkQQkp59njUrCvZFbmk5Gr5XQ5-hVq5TaqNwEfJeVefDu6GKHrmX7J_tsSNSH2FcQbSCMrSc-Kz3MFn-uP_NXX9n6vXVF9DWPiHakB64mkCTcFyjcj/s1600/IMG_0179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyLznnHRaRKGPahZKqlB5gkv0WRFvkQQkp59njUrCvZFbmk5Gr5XQ5-hVq5TaqNwEfJeVefDu6GKHrmX7J_tsSNSH2FcQbSCMrSc-Kz3MFn-uP_NXX9n6vXVF9DWPiHakB64mkCTcFyjcj/s1600/IMG_0179.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal">
This is dear Pat at the Lasagna Dinner our ward hosted. All
the missionaries got to bid on dessert and you better believe I went for the
cookie/brownie :) pure heaven</div>
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<br />
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<b><span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This last week I have come to feel the
Scripture in D&C 84:88 to be true " I will be on your right hand and
on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round
about you, to bear you up" We are never alone. Even when it’s hard. And it
does get really hard, we always have that promise. HE will not leave us
comfortless. We will be guided. We WILL be directed, this is HIS work. I'm
grateful to be a part of it.</span></b><b><span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></b></div>
<br />
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<b><span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I love you. Thank you for your love and
support and letters and hugs..(the spiritual type) I love this work! Let’s
share this JOY.</span></b></div>
<br />
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<b><span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sending love from the Garden State</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 23.25pt 7.5pt 0in;">
<b><span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sister Heather Sue Houghton<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
Happy Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569673835876179323noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363417576141551641.post-77260283923716670022014-04-29T15:12:00.000-07:002014-04-29T15:21:48.031-07:00April 22, 2014<br />
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<b><span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Happy Spring! <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b><span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I love spring. There is something special in
the air....more people are out and about AND the flowers have been blooming
here in the lovely Garden State. This past week, we found some golden people
contacting, ran up and down the street testifying of the resurrected Christ,
(Happy Easter!) was almost kissed by an old Italian man (it was a close call)
Bobby a street contact told me he loved me.....(yes I was VERY awkward about
that) ran over another Sister missionaries foot..... in a car. She was ok, but
has a car tire imprint now on her foot. I feel horrible about it. AND I shook
hands with an Apostle of the Lord. </span></b></div>
<br />
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<b><span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We celebrated my year mark (I can't believe
it...) on walking day. We walked to Pats home and had been praying long and
hard for what to teach her, we both felt STRONGLY to teach the Word of Wisdom.
Right when we sat down Pat said "Sisters, I need to show you
something" She pulled out a magazine and started to read to us about the
benefits for living a healthy life, eating right and avoiding some foods and
harmful things. She told us she needed to be healthier but wasn't really sure
how....well Sister Andrus and I just smiled at each other and then went into
the Word of Wisdom. Heavenly Father knew what Pat needed at that very
second. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Easter </span></b><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sunday</span></b><b><span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
we were fed by an amazing family in the ward, I love this area and feel very
blessed to be here. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b><span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">L. Tom Perry came to our mission yesterday
(his wife is President Jeppson’s cousin, he set them up :) ) It was incredible
to be taught at the feet of an apostle, he spoke on the order of the Apostleship
and the priesthood. What I learned is that God is the same yesterday today and
forever and ORDER is a part of God, a way to grow and learn. His church is the
exact same blue print as when Christ was on the earth. It was a powerful
experience for all of the missionaries there. He opened it up to questions at the
end; one elder asked "What does it mean when you say you are a special
Witness of Jesus Christ?" He said that when called as a General Authority
you must give your life to the Lord, and become a special witness to the World
that He lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then he stopped and said
"There are things that are so special and sacred I can't repeat....at this
time, BUT I am a special witness of Him" We all shook his hand and I was
touched by how much love he has for everyone he met. It was a special meeting. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Studying the atonement this week I've come to
understand that it is BECAUSE Christ was resurrected He has healing power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The scriptures describe it as "Healing
in his wings" we can be fully and completely healed because of his power
and the mercy he has for us. </span></b></div>
<br />
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<b><span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I'm grateful to be here. Every day is a
challenge, an opportunity and a blessing! 2 Nephi 27:26</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sending love from New Jersey</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #555555; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sister Houghton<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2MbUWnJqkTyMzhp-hNz6r4BJ5iY7FTj5B_tScBhCL63xUNoO3x9HFmfIY47jgZqwSS5VkJhVnnEg61e7DQkQXlGcU26jyFbAyjpRZlnoAXgezQ0pXP-dewXL-98-L_5H8F5s1YbamW7HB/s1600/IMG_0183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2MbUWnJqkTyMzhp-hNz6r4BJ5iY7FTj5B_tScBhCL63xUNoO3x9HFmfIY47jgZqwSS5VkJhVnnEg61e7DQkQXlGcU26jyFbAyjpRZlnoAXgezQ0pXP-dewXL-98-L_5H8F5s1YbamW7HB/s1600/IMG_0183.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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Sister Concepcion. Love her. She is an amazing woman. She fed us yesterday. :) </div>
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Happy Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09569673835876179323noreply@blogger.com0