Email from 12/17

Hello!

This past week has been a whirlwind—literally. Too many things to do and not enough time. We dropped off Sister Dorneles at the mission home, hardest day of my mission so far. She has been such a wonderful mentor for Sister Ward and me, now it’s time to put on my big girl pants.

I jinxed it last week when I said it’s been the warmest winter of my life. We literally have had 3 walking days in the snow. I love walking in the snow BUT Sister Ward and I both thought we were about to lose our toes one night. I told her if we didn't get toe warmers I might not make it home. (Ok soo I was a little dramatic, but it was COLD) we stopped at a Walgreens to buy the life saving toe warmers. One of the workers kept staring at us, which isn't anything new...but I felt like there was something different to her. She came up to us and asked if we were "Mormons" We smiled and said yes! She told us she had been praying for a sign to come back to church and had just started reading the Book of Mormon 2 days earlier, (Warmed our hearts right on up) and had never seen any members of the church at work until we showed up. Alicia is now ready to change her life and come back to church. I'm grateful that our toes almost fell off, for the spirit guiding us and for this work.  

Because of the snow storm on Saturday everything but sacrament was cancelled on Sunday....? Not really a lot of snow on the ground but what can ya do? We had Louis his girlfriend Klare and daughter Kira come to church! They have been investigating the church for a while and now ready to change. Al is also set for baptism at the end of the month. He is wonderful and we are excited for him!

I have discovered a couple things this past week, One I am a really good at shoveling snow. I think I can thank the many cold winters in Utah for that (dad too) and Two time goes so fast and every second is precious on the mission. I have loved every moment out here (even the hard ones) and don't want to take one for granted. I am grateful that I have a little bit longer to serve out here. This is the best work, the best rewards and the only way back. I’m so grateful for this gospel.

I love you all! Thank you for your support and love this holiday season! Let’s not forget who is behind all of the festivities!

Sending love and hugs from the Winter State

Sister Heather Sue Houghton

President and Sister Jeppson

Email from 12/09

Hi Family!

I hope you’re not all ice blocks! It sounds like everywhere in the U.S is snowing....and it has barely even snowed here. Warmest winter of my life. Oops probably just jinxed it. 

This past week has been wonderful and so busy. We had an exchange In West New York where I tried to put my Spanish skills to the test. Basically I just said "El Libro De Mormon is BUENO" over and over street contacting people, should really have paid more attention in Spanish class. I also got a bloody noise, which turns out to be a great contacting tool. I decided I really like walking areas annnnd am praying that they will open an English walking area for Sisters.  On Saturday I had an exchange in Jersey City, and we literally had so many miracles. We were getting into the car after getting juked and I saw this woman walking up to her door, I felt prompted to go and talk to her, she was wellll not the nicest person when we first started talking to her but I felt prompted to ask right away if she was baptized. She admitted she was and wanted us to leave, I felt very strongly that we should stay and asked if we could help clean her house and her attitude completely changed by the end of our conversation she said we could come back anytime. Miracle!  Almost the same experience happened with a less-active 5 minutes later, Learned a powerful lesson on following the Spirit.

I am learning a lot from these exchanges and getting so many incredible ideas on how to become better. Now hopefully I can implement them :) 

We went to see a former that Sister Dorneles taught while she was here a year ago; Louis is an eternigator from Hungary, when I saw him I instantly loved him. We had a really powerful lesson and his friend, Claire that speaks almost no English said she wanted to be baptized and Louis said seeing Sister Dorneles was the sign that he needed. It was a huge miracle after a pretty tough day. 

We watched the Christmas devotional and one of our family investigators came! The mom, Maria, cried during the last song. It was powerful! I love this holiday year and I could just imagine how ya'll were watching it...or watching it behind closed eyelids ;) 

With Christmas coming up a lot of magical things are happening in the mission. So grateful to be out during this time of year were more people are aware of our Savior, and remember what he has done for us. It is my prayer that we will ALWAYS REMEMBER HIM.

I love you all! Please be safe in the ICE cold! Stay safe!

Sending love from Joisey

Sister Houghton

New Zone

Cake Boss Delivery Truck :)

Email from 12/02/13

Hello Family! 

I'm transferred!

Leaving Paterson was hard, we packed up all my stuff (which is now turning out to be a lot of stuff) I got to transfer conference ummm just a little bit late. Transfer conference is really fun, President goes through each zone specifically and each area, you never know when your name will be called and who your companion is.... its nerve racking but so fun to see who's with who...maybe it’s a girl thing? I thought I was going to Brunswick but another Sister Training Leader was assigned there, it wasn't until zone 1 that he called my name, to be a sister training leader with SISTER WARD.......annnndd SISTER DORNELES!!! I couldn't believe it, I was so overcome with emotion I just stood there hand over mouth, bawling, I get to be with both of my trainers again. This has never happened in the history of this mission. We are in the beautiful area of Emerson, right next to the Hudson Front and the George Washington Bridge. We only get Sister Dorneles for an extra 2 weeks to help train us and then she will go back home to Brazil. I love both of these sisters so much.

This area is beautiful and very different from my last area, finding is a little more difficult but I know that with Heavenly Fathers help we are going to find those prepared. We literally had 3 thanksgiving dinners and have been fed almost every day; this ward is talked about in the mission for being so missionary focused. They pass around a calendar for the members to fast for the missionaries during the month and try to share with their friends, I have a lot to learn from these wonderful members and I'm grateful to be here in this area. 

 There's a woman who has Parkinsons in this ward, we wash her hair once a week. She is so fatigued that she cannot stand without help. It was a special experience to watch Sister Dorneles and Sister Ward tenderly hold up this sister and delicately wash her hair, I was so touched thinking about how gently our savior holds us up in our time of need, when there is no energy or power left in us he is there to hold us and guide us along, we cannot go through life without him. 

My thoughts and prayers are with you Judie! You have impacted my life in ways that I can't describe. I love you with all my heart! "The Lord...did speak peace to our souls, and did grant unto us great faith, and did cause us that we should hope for our deliverance in him" Alma 58:11 I am praying for you and Don and your whole family! xox! 

I love you all! Have a wonderful week

Sending love from Jersey

Sister Houghton

Email from 11/25

Hello Familia!

There have seriously been so many miracles I don't have the time to write them all. We have three baptisms scheduled in 2 weeks and A WEDDING! yes, dream come true we have been planning a wedding for our Investigator Pricilla so she can get baptized. It's been a fun week, two of my favorite things....the gospel and wedding talk! We also had some close encounters driving, the angels are working really hard in New Jersey, also we got on this road headed straight for the George Washington bridge, if you leave the mission you get driving privileges taken away, but somehow we didn't and everything is good :)

With transfers coming up I have felt like a change was coming....and it is. President Jeppson called me last night and asked me to be a Sister Training Leader. I still feel new, honestly don't know if the new feeling will ever go away, I feel very HUMBLED, a little OVERWHELMED and EXCITED to work with these 100 sisters on a more personal level. I am learning what it means to rely more completely on the lord than I have ever before. This also means that I am leaving "the promised land" and Sister Pastores. It’s hard to leave someone and someplace that I love so much, a HUGE part of my heart will be staying here too.

 

We have some amazing investigators, we were teaching a sweet lady about the Book of Mormon and after we finished we asked if we could help with anything, she said she has a huge mice infestation and while we were talking they were running around us, she asked if we could help kill them, now before my mission I might have run out screaming, but missions do really good things to people and I said a little prayer for strength and voila we are scheduled to go in to de-infect the house...well actually Sister Pastores will be because I will be gone....but I was prepared to :) We also have a new investigator that was referred to us by her childhood Mormon friend. She has been very sick lately and looking for help and support. She is GOLDEN. I had a very strong impression in the lesson that she would be baptized. All because her friend remembered her and sent the church to help. It made me realize how many prepared people are just waiting for the message! and if we do our part the work will bloom. We are seeing so much change in this area, the branch members are excited to help with missionary work and coming out with us…. so many miracles every day!

 

Looking back on the last 3 months of my mission I have learned so much about love, and coming to Christ. This morning I have been thinking a lot about some of the people we have taught Gracie is set for the 15th of December, she has been going through a really hard time but so determined to turn to the lord. She came to church yesterday even though her tire was compliantly flat. I'm going to miss her. Gerson was at church too, and set for the 8th of December, last week he received his answer that the church is true! Eva a referral and her 3 children are actively reading the Book of Mormon and slowly but surely progressing! My first experience teaching a whole family and I have truly come to love them. Pricilla is just waiting for her fiancée  to come home, so they can be married and she can get baptized, she wants to go through the temple in a year with her daughter Nemesis (she is a little nemesis too, but I love her) Robert and Maribelle are active in Primary and their mom brings them to church every week, The whole Grolon family and Al come out on team ups with us and fed us often. I am so grateful for all of the experiences I've had in this area. The gospel changes our lives!

I don't know where I will be this Thanksgiving but I am excited for the new opportunities! I hope ya'll eat an extra pumpkin pie just for me...you know I love it!

I can't help but feel extremely THANKFUL for all of your love, support and encouragement! I don't know how I got to be so lucky to be in the Houghton Family but can't help but Thank Heavenly Father for all of the many things we are blessed with! Let’s share that joy!

 

Sending love from the Garden State

Sister Houghton

 P.S watch "In prayer of Thanksgiving" Daily" on mormonchannel its goooooood :)

Email from 11/18

Hi beautiful Family!

I've officially been our 7 months....so crazy. Time is flyin' literally scary how fast it goes.....

Remember how I was REALLY forgetful before my mission, losing keys, my phone basically everyday. I was hoping that would change and I would be organized and know where everything is at all times wellll...unfortunately I'm still the same person. I had an interview with President Jeppson last week (he's such an incredible man) we drove ALL the way home when I realized that I had left our phone in his office....woops. Whose responsible? not me. So we drove ALL the way back to get the phone and had a nice little chat with President. 

AND THEN that night we went to see a less-active sister, she was offended and not ready to come back...and is actually studying to become a minister. BUT we are not giving up on her. We had NEVER before been invited into her home (visited her at least 20 times, not joking) miracle! she let us in. We talked to her for a little bit, shared a scripture and then left. that night I couldn't find my planner. Which is nothing new, because I lose it all the time, but I woke up in the middle of the night and just new I had left it at this good sister. We texted her and sure enough, I did. BUT because I left my planner/copy of the Book of Mormon she looked through it, and re-read some of the Book of Mormon again she told us she knows its true which is something she refused to even talk about before!. It was such a tender mercy from Heavenly Father. That day I was grateful for my forgetfulness, the opportunity Heavenly Father provided us with an excuse to go back and see Jeanette again. It was a spiritual experience and when we left Sister Pastores and I just started to cry, we can't describe how we felt but we both KNEW right then that she was coming back. 

Yesterday was an amazing day at church! we had an "ETERNIGATOR" come to church! We have been meeting with her for almost 3 months! MIRACLE! She has been wondering if she should get baptized, we talked to her about revelation that we can receive at church, After sacrament meeting she pulled me aside and told me she had been wondering if she should get baptized, during sacrament meeting she opened the Book of Mormon to Mosiah 18 and read about Alma baptizing at the waters of Mormon. She knew this was an answer from Heavenly Father! Reminded me of Nephi giving his last advice to his family saying "thus saith the father the words of Christ will tell you ALL things what ye should do"The scriptures HAVE power and will tell us the answers we are looking for. I'm grateful for this tool that we have to use to guide us in life.

I have been really humbled by some living situations here, and my heart goes out to what they are going through.  Never before have I felt so blessed to be raised with the gospel in my life. 

Also raked more leaves than I have ever seen at our Branch Presidents house. want a good work out? Rack for like 2 hours, yep still feeling the burn. 

 

 

Love this work! Love you and all of your support! Have a wonderful week and good luck sharing the gospel. 

Sending a TON of love from Jersey

Sister Houghton

 

Email from 11/12

Family!

Thanks for the updates, sounds like Jenn was a SUPER STAR, so proud of you sis! (You must get it from your big sis or something... ;) )

Heavenly Father is not only helping us along, he's running with us! Robert and Maribelle were baptized on Sunday, after their baptism they sang "When I am baptized" Sister Pastores had been practicing with them for weeks for this moment and it was powerful! They were still dripping wet from baptism water, beaming and singing in their cute 8 and 9 year old voices. Because of that moment we have another baptism date set for the first of December with Roberts’s aunt. I said a prayer of gratitude for the opportunity to teach these sweet children. This whole family is really dear to my heart, watching them come back to church and see the change that only the gospel brings. Lasting happiness :) 

We also got to go with Al to the Manhattan temple! It was a special experience because he brought Andrea and her two daughters (Robert and Maribelles grandma/aunts) seriously love this family so much. They were blown away by the beauty of the temple but more importantly the spirit there. Al had a really special experience and in one year will be able to go through the whole thing. Also The City at night is gorgeous and I just was reminded of how much I love this area, and this mission...hopefully I'll feel the same when it really starts to get cold. Hello Winter. 

Sister Pastores got an email that her family is all safe and sound in the Philippians, but my thoughts and prayers are with those that are suffering right now.  

I'm so excited that you’re helping the missionaries out! It is like a huge burden is being lifted off our shoulders when families are helping in the work. So proud...in a righteous way of course.

This is hard, but the best kind of work, I'm grateful for all of the door slams, rejections and disappointments because I KNOW that this is true, I cannot deny it. God is our loving Heavenly Father, we have a brother who suffered for ALL for us, The Gospel of Jesus Christ is BACK. I thank Heavenly Father every single day for the opportunity to be here.

Love you all so much! Thank you all for your support and love!

Sending tons of love from the Garden State

Sister Houghton

Email from 11/04

Hi family!

This has been the most beautiful fall that I have ever seen, the trees are DEEP reds and oranges and yellows. Sister Pastores and I have almost gotten in a couple of car accidents because I can get a little distracted...but the leaves are falling now so I can focus.

I got to give a training in District Meeting on Faith LEADING to Action...our district calls ourselves the "Faith Wizards" I found this magical tree in Garfield and voila we ended up with 6 beautiful wands! We are official faith wizards now and I can tell you that we take these wands everywhere, and use them...sometimes carry them with us (all joking of course) in reality those wands don’t have power, the real power comes from our faith in Christ and using that to act. If its Heavenly Fathers will anything is possible. There is special POWER when we use our faith to act. We are seeing miracles here in Paterson. The branch is growing bigger than I have ever seen (the Branch President too)

We've had some really special experiences this week, I felt strongly that we needed to see a less-active that was in the process of moving when we pulled up we found her in a VERY stressed and desperate state. She's been going through some really hard things and felt like there was no way out. We were able to testify of God’s love for her and share a gospel message, we ended singing I am a Child of God (Sister Pastores has taught me the power of music...even if you have a terrible horrible voice), the spirit was tangible and she said one of the most heartfelt prayers I have ever heard. I was reminded of the importance of following promptings, when we act we see miracles like this every single day. Heavenly Father wants to use all of US to help his children who are struggling; I pray that we are always listening. 

Robert and Maribelle are set for baptism this Sunday. They are counting down the days till they are BAPTIZED and asked if they could sing "I like to look for Rainbows" at the service. It's going to be a very special service for me. Sister Pastores and I are giving the talks and the missionaries in the branch are going to sing. They are some of the sweetest children I have ever met Mosiah 3:19 to the max. (putting off the natural man part of course ;))

Halloween was on walking day, we had to be in by 6:00 but there were a lot of people who were getting us confused with trick-or-treaters. Contacting was really good because the whole town was out trick or treating....good conversation starters :)  I made pancakes in the shape of pumpkins to celebrate.

I love you all! Thank you for the wonderful Halloween surprise! Sister Pastores and I were jumping up and down with excitement! I am so lucky to be here!  Love you!

Sending love from Jersey
Sister Houghton

Email from October 28th

Hello familia!

"Faith can give you the strength to press forward and face your hardships with COURAGE" This literally has been my motto this week. Even through the hard times we are seeing Heavenly Fathers hand in his work. I am grateful every day to be here.

We had zone conference and Sister Jeppson put on a Hot Dog costume and talked to us about eating healthy no "Hawt Dawgs" (she's hillarious) we learned how to ask more focused inspired questions something I Had made a goal to do earlier that week! On saturday we had International Night! We have been telling people about for months! Everyone brings food from their country to share. I tried food from everywhere....even some some that looked like throw up and tasted like cat food. We invited our investigators to come and THEY CAME! annnd the ones we weren't expecting to come did too! I couldn't help but jump up and down when I saw them. It was a wonderful night.

The Paterson Branch put on the smoothest running Primary Program that I have ever seen, no kidding this is a Miracle. Quiestest sacrament meeting Paterson has had EVER. We had lots of non-member familiy members come and from the opening song of "I am a Child of God" they were crying. It was a really touching experience, and the soon to be investigators :) said they would be back again. Little children have power when they share their testimony through song. Maybe the mission age should be lowered to 5? ;)

Druing Sunday School they had everyone introduce themselves and cute Sister Bosket (a returning member) stood up and said in her southern accent "Hi I'm Caroline Bosket and I'm here to serve my king" We ARE ALL here to do just that, to serve our Heavenly Father so we can one day return to live with him again. I love the simpleness of the gospel and the power of those words.

We made Robert and Marabell a countdown calendar for their baptism, and they are so excited, they both had parts in the Primary PRogram and said their parts so wonderfuly! I felt like a proud mom...sister? I got a lot of waves/thumbs up from them in the bleachers. So cute :)

I love you all soo much and I'm so thankful you all had a safe hike to Havasupai and back! SO impressed with how brave ya'll are, becasue I definatly would not be cliff jumping.... NO JOKE. AND you looked amazing hiking that whole way! Way to go. :)

With the Halloween holiday coming up remember that "Perfect Love casteth out all FEAR" Moroni 9:16 Let's remember who is really in charge! Have a wonderful Halloween dinner, eat lots of nasty looking food (but the kind that tast good too! ) I think I will make a little Houghton halloween suprise dinner for Sister Pastores, she's never had Halloween before :)

Oh also I contacted a man that was walking his cat...it was on a leash, it's a very good conversation starter. I love Jersey.

Sending love from Joisey

Sister Houghton

Email from October 21st

Hello Family!

Heavenly Father is helping his work go forward and a sprinters pace here in Jersey! Literally miracles everywhere.

Al was confirmed on Sunday, he thought he was late so he came running into the chapel his hair was flying, cutest thing I have ever seen. After he was confirmed he sat down and said "I'm so warm, I don't want this feeling to ever go away" Melted my heart. Al is so excited about the gospel and the chance he has to be a member.

We have started teaching two of Al's future grandchildren and they are getting baptized in November! They are the sweetest kids and we are so excited to help them embrace the gospel. I love teaching children they are just like Mosiah 3:19 humble, patient and FULL of love! We are excited for them. Also I might get to help plan Al's wedding.....fingers crossed ya'll know how much I LOVE doing that! Speaking of weddings, A 67 year old man asked me to marry him, I don't think he was functioning on all wheels because the day before he told us to get lost. Got to love it here.

We had a MIRACLE media referral  We showed up Monday night with the bible she had requested...and of course a Book of Mormon :)....we gave her the bible and she started crying, she said she had a dream where she heard Heavenly Fathers voice tell her their was a special bible she needed to read and she saw a "Big bible" in front of her. The spirit was so strong and we testified to her of the bible and the Book of Mormon! She and her husband are going to read them together and we are excited to teach them! Also they are Philipino...and I have a Philipino companion, these things don't just happen. Heavenly Father is in charge :)

Two other woman that we taught this week had specific dreams about us. One of them kept saying she had seen my face in her dream, and that she knew this was God talking to her. Well I can honestly say never in my life had I met this woman before but Heavenly Father was preparing this woman for the message of the restoration. This week I have been blown away at the love Heavenly Father has for each of his children. He knows the way to best communicate with each of us, we are his children after all :)

I'm excited for you all to hike to Havasupai! I remember how much I HATED Hiking and walking the 10 miles with a heavy backpack to the bottom of Havasupai seemed like an ETERNITY and I definitely  was not the happiest camper around..... we almost made it to the bottom of the canyon when I tripped and face planted at mile 9. I was ready to give up. It was hot, I was sweaty, exhausted, emotionally on end and to top it all off I was now bruised and bleeding (you all know how I am with blood) I literally  felt so hopeless sprawled in the rocky path. BUT then Dad was there to pick me up, he brushed away the dirt and encouraged me. He told me I could make it, just a little bit long..."it's around the corner" well lets just say there were MANY corners until camp came into site but he lightened my heavy load and with his help I was able to hike the last mile into beautiful Havasupai. Thinking about this experience this morning I realized that's exactly what the Savior does for us when we feel helpless, exhausted and alone, he is there to pick us up from off the ground, wipe our tears away and remind each of us that WE CAN MAKE IT! and then guides us to the beautiful place prepared for all. I'm grateful for our Savior and for his ultimate sacrifice for EACH and EVERYONE of us. He lives.

I love you all! Hope you have a FANTASTIC WEEK! Please be safe down in the grand canyon and try not to face plant ;)

Lots of love from Joisey

Sister Houghton

SHOUT OUT TO RACHEL DAWN!!!! GURL You are turning 14!!!!!!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY ON FRIDAY! you best believe I will be singing to you from Joisey. I love you Sista! 

Email from October 14th

HI FAMILY!

I can't express ENOUGH gratitude for praying for Al this week! We've seen miracles all week long.

We had a couple more principles to go over with Al before he could be baptized, AND not enough days to get it all done. I said a prayer and we realized that the only way he could be baptized in time is if we saw Al on walking day. We put our trust in the lord that a way would be prepared for us to get to Moonachie. well....we literally could not find a ride and we only had an hour to get there. I felt like we could walk there.... we only had a few highways to cross and with the help of Garmin' we made it half running/walking in an hour and 15 minutes, and we were able to teach Al (on his porch) so he could be baptized on Sunday! I learned that sometimes we have to put our faith into action. Heavenly Father will provide a way ONLY after we do our part...and do everything we possibly can.

AL was baptized! He came out smiling and happy. Watching someone you love so much enter into this sacred promise with our Heavenly Father is hard to describe, I couldn't help but say a prayer of gratitude for all of the miracles that we have seen and for AL making these changes to start his journey on the path. Also Tom Devingo (someone I got to teach in Caldwell) was baptized yesterday! I couldn't go but I am so excited for him! Miracles are happening here in Joisey. 

We helped a man push his car up the hill to a gas station. Found some new investigators! Ate Korean food, Philipino Food, African food and Italian food. AND we are NOT getting transferred. My very first time ever, not going to transfer conference. I'm excited for the opportunity to stay in this area and find more people to teach!

The gospel of Jesus Christ changes lives. I'm grateful to be here in this LOVELY GARDEN STATE (you can check out our mission theme song on YouTube New Jersey Morristown mission song...its really cool and I might be in it)

ALSO you are all the best. Thank you for your love and support and the prayers. Time to get to work! Lets go and share the gospel to the whole world.

I LOVE YOU

Sending love from the beautiful Garden State

Sister Heather Sue Houghton

P.S You can see our names on the mission blog about Al's baptism njmm.org....pretty sweet!

Hello my BEATUIFUL FAMILY!

 

This last week we have seen Heavenly Fathers HAND in his work! This is the best calling. I got to mow a lawn! (Felt like I was home) ate Goose Liver, it’s actually not that bad, but I might have dry heaved when they told me what it was. AND AL's on track for baptism on SUNDAY! He stopped drinking coffee and watched 2 whole sessions of conference! He even shaved his beard. It is amazing to see the changes the gospel brings in people's lives.

I have never EVER been soo excited for conference, we had a countdown. It felt like CHRISTMAS DAY! But better. I loved the action words the speakers used to encourage us to join in the movement, "COME" "FOLLOW" "ACT" "SHARE" "INVITE" "RELY" all of these words require our effort. We must show Heavenly Father we ARE excising our faith AND because of that he will be bless us for our work!

 

Yesterday we went to see an "Eternigater" (someone who has been listening for the missionaries for a LONG time) When we got to her house she saw us and shut the blinds. An obvious sign that she doesn't want to talk to us....Sister Pastores started to walk away but I heard the scripture "FOR I AM NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST" (Romans 1:16) almost shout in my head. I told her to wait and we knocked again.  This sweet lady opened the door and LET US IN! (Miracle!)

 

First time we meet with someone we try and discern what their needs are. This is one of the reasons why the spirit is the key role in telling us where we should take the lesson. BUT she had a 2 year old a grandson who was going CRAZY, like Tarzan of the jungle cray cray. He was throwing volleyballs at us, (I think Sister Pastores has a bruise on her face because of it) yelling, running around, beating his chest. I'm not kidding. It was crazy and so hard for us to discern what she needed. I felt the hymn book in my scripture case almost start pulsing and I knew the spirit was telling us to sing. Nowwww... ya'll know how much I like singing in front of people. I would probably rather eat goose liver again, BUT I knew that was what the lord was telling us to do.

 

We pulled out our hymn books and started singing "Love at Home" The effect was immediate. Little Tarzan boy stopped crying and thrashing on the floor and sat next to his grandma on the couch. The spirit just flooded into the room and we were able to talk about the gospel of Jesus Christ and discern this wonderful lady’s needs. By the end of the lesson she committed to pray about the Book of Mormon AND the Church (something she never had done before) She said "This time I really will ask God" I'm grateful for the power of the hymns (even if I can't hold a note) I know that Heavenly Father was helping us find a way to touch her heart.

 

Right now we are teaching a Bolivian family. a Chinese man (who doesn't believe in God...yet) a Jamaican woman, and some people from Mexico. Man I love Jersey. The work is going forward! I LOVE THIS GOSPEL!

Now’s the time for us to LIVE what we heard at conference! I love you all and I'm soo grateful for all of your love and support! Now let’s go share this happiness with others!

 

I LOVE YOU ALL SOO MUCH!

Hugs and kisses from the Garden State

Sister Houghton

Sept 30 2013 Email

Hi FaMiLy!

I loved seeing all the SPUD pictures. I’m actually impressed with how that little town embraces their potato love. Gives potato's a whole new meaning out here.

Time is a weird concept; I can't believe it’s the last day of SEPTEMBER! whaa? Time is just flying. We've had miracles here! 3 INVESTIGATORS came to church! (First time in this area) Nothing makes missionaries happier! There was a baptism and some less-actives came to church!  

Hearing the bad news about Caliente I couldn't help but laugh a little....that would happen. He has been through so much. (A lot of it my doing...ooops) May it rest in peace, speaking of cars; we had a little incident this week... We had just dropped off some Sisters in Union City (traffic there is CRAZY, I'm not even kidding--Horrible).  The car in front of us started backing up. I made a goal to not honk here, because everyone and their dog does but oh man I hit the horn. The man just kept backing up and he hit us and then drove away. I didn't know what to do, there was a cop on the side of the road so I waved him down and he ran after that man. The car is only scrapped a little, but still it’s a mission car and I'm responsible for it. Side note police officers over here mean business. They are probably the most intimidating humans I have ever met on earth; their arms are the size of my thighs. Anyways the cop brought the man over and said he wasn't going to fill out an accident report...even though the man hit us and drove away? (Only in Jersey right?) The missionary in charge of cars told me to get a report no matter what. I sucked up all my courage and told him that wasn't acceptable and we needed a form. He seemed a little surprised but gave me one to fill out by myself.....Man I was scared. When we got back to our town a group of 13 year old bike bullies rode around our car for about 5 minutes. We were just stopped in the middle of an intersection. Oh I love this area, never a dull moment.

We are teaching a family! The children Edward (14) David (12) and Monique (9) they all want to get baptized! It’s been a fun new challenge for us to teach little children. They only stay focused for a minute or two, but they are the sweetest kids and I love them! We also taught primary on Sunday to the 7 year olds. One of two kids was fighting over a tie I took/wrestled the tie from them, they looked at me and said "Oh BOY, she's strong!" I seriously considered flexing my muscles for them but decided that would detract from the spirit. It was a wonderful Sunday! And so much fun to teach children and feel their love for the savior. Mosiah 3:19 We must become like a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, FULL OF LOVE all these attributes most kids have. I realized I had a lot to learn from that primary class. In a way they were teaching me.

Sister Pastores and I are doing GREAT! I just love my Filapina (not spelled like Philipina). We are working on Unity and teaching thought the spirit. He is after all our third companion. Our favorite place to talk with people is this awesome trailer park. It’s almost like our second home. We also went to Liberty Island to help volunteer with the Family search names. It’s fun to meet people from all over the world, but it also makes me feel like a failure because I only speak one language. Oh well one day I will master another.

WHO IS PUMPED FOR GENERAL CONFRENCE?!?!?!?!? It literally feels like Christmas! We have been counting down the days till we can hear the words that Heavenly Father wants us to hear! Sister Pastores and I keep hoping and maybe praying that part of the sealed portion of the BOM will be available to us....if only :) We went to the church to watch the Relief Society General Broadcast. They had satellite issues so we heard part of a talk. I was thinking only in jersey and then all of the woman starting singing hymns together and it turned out to be a very spiritual experience and a good bonding time with the woman in this branch. I was humbled and felt guilty for thinking that. I'm grateful for this gospel and the unity we have when we are living righteously! LOVE THIS CHURCH!!!

Let’s all prepare ourselves to hear the words of the prophets! I love you all!

Sending love from the beautiful state of New Jersey

Sister Houghton

September 23, 2013 email

Sakpasai?? (What’s up in Creole)

I LOVE wearing this name tag, this work and OH MAN is the church true!

Things I've learned this week:

• It’s important to clean your apartment otherwise cockroaches can evade.
• Utah seems like the holy land.... literally
• Being a mom means dealing with Throw up
• Car insurance must be really EXPENSIVE in New Jersey
• Angles surround our car when we drive, I'm not kidding
• I speak in the "we" form, even when writing in my journal at night
• Drunken people say the funniest things
• Driving in NY traffic is insane. Also a good leg workout. 
• Heavenly Father provides a way for us to find people to teach
• Miracles come from obedience

I can't believe I've been out 5 months. Where has the time gone?  It’s starting to get really chilly here; Poor Sister Pastores is cold 24/7. I think it’s the Pilipino blood.

Nydia (the referral that we had been teaching) dropped us REALLY hard; she had gotten some false information. Sister Pastores and I couldn't help but cry and cry and cry! We love her so much and want to help her. We prayed for strength and felt the spirit come over us telling us everything was going to be ok. I hope one day she will accept the gospel!

We had a special Leadership training to help us improve our teaching skills and teach with the spirit! It was powerful! President told us to use what we learned into our lessons that night...sooo we prayed really hard and saw miracles. We went to visit a LA and met Al her boyfriend! With the help of the spirit we were able to talk with him about the gospel and he asked US when he could get baptized. We have him set for the 2nd Sunday in October. Miracle!

We had a special "Passaic Day of Service" Activity on Saturday with half the mission. We wore Mormon Helping Hands clothes and cleaned up Passaic (probably my favorite city in the area, nobody speaks English) and now we have some new investigators! yay!  The link for the YouTube video they made is at the bottom, a lady from the ward gave me the link.

A lady (a new investigator) was completely drunk yesterday and kissed both Sister Pastores and I.   She’s such a sweet woman and really needs the gospel, obviously we have some word of wisdom issues to work with, but she loves Jesus and sits on the steps of her church every day. We said a prayer with her and as we were walking away she yelled at the top of her lungs "THANKS FOR PREACHING THE LORD TO ME!!!! I DRINK TO MUCH BEER.......I LOVE THE LORD. COME READ THE LORD TO ME AGAIN. YOU GIRLS ARE BUUUTIFUL." Everyone stopped and stared at us as we walked by. Well at least they know who we are now :)

We have a LOT of less actives in this area and we met one yesterday that was just attacking us, with faults he found in the church, like the Sabbath being on Sunday and people saying 'I know the church is true" trying to tell him stuff wasn't working, it was only after Sister Pastores and I bore our testimony on different elements of the gospel did his heart soften and he said we can come back and teach him like a new investigator. He said the closing prayer and asked that we would find success and help people. It was like night and day from the first part of the lesson. Testimonies have power (when combined with the spirit) I'm grateful for the 3rd member of our companionship. Without him we can't teach!

I LOVE wearing this name tag, this work and OH MAN is the church true! Lots of work to do! I love you all! Have a wonderful week! CTR. Make good choices! 

Sending love from Jersey 

Sister Houghton

 this is the link

youtu.be/jzGjAhGCcWM

Email from 9/16

Hello Familia!

Whew -- Missionary work is tiring! I love it. Every night we lay on our beds exhausted, but completely happy. I love Paterson.

Adventures that happened this week:

• Gave an impromptu talk on missionary work in sacrament meeting (...what better thing to speak on?)
• Ate Pilipino food
• Parallel Parked!
• Bore my testimony to an Atheist
• Told I was crazy for serving a mission :)
• Bore My testimony to a staunch Italian Roman Catholic
• Live on a street of straight up Italians, “bongiorno”
• Bore my testimony to Born Again Christians
• Got Juked (stood up)
• Bore my testimony to a Buddhist
• Felt the Spirit every day
• Smiled, even when people turned us down
• Learned how to be a better companion
• Life as a missionary is challenging but soo GOOD

We have been trying to talk to everyone, even the two Spanish men that couldn't understand English.  I thought Portuguese and Spanish church words are the same apparently it’s not or maybe it’s because I was saying it. We met some really good potentials street contacting and we are excited to meet them for reals!

At the end of one of our lessons we asked our investigator if we could do anything to help her, she started sobbing. She told us that she has no food and is starving. There was literally nothing in her fridge, my heart just broke for her and I couldn't hold back the tears. We ran out to our car and gave her the lunch we had, she was so grateful for anything to eat. I can't even imagine how the Savior must feel, but he has felt her pain, and then that made me want to cry even more reflecting on his suffering. Serving out here has opened my eyes to see how deeply the savior has suffered for us. He knows you! He wants you to utilize the atonement, we have the key to get back to our Savior and now we just need to use it!

Every day we are seeing miracles and meeting so many people that need the gospel. I can't even write them all. I love this work and this gospel and my companion and the scriptures and this weather and the people here!

I also LOVE YOU ALL! Keep sharing the gospel!...and when necessary use words :) D&C 84:85 I love you all!

Hurrah for the GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST!

Sending love from Joisey

Sister Houghton

On Mon, Sept 9, 2013

Hi Family!

Oh man! I just love all of you soo much!

This last couple of weeks has been a blur; I honestly cannot even remember what day it is today? Time is flying. In the last two weeks I have been tripled out of my area, doubled into another area, and training. I had a little bit of anxiety BUT I know that this is HIS work and I'm just putting my trust in Heavenly Father, he knows what’s up, always :)

I'm training the cutest little (I mean little 4'11) Philappino. She has an adorable accent and is so EXCITED to work. How much luckier can I get? This is her first time in the United States and she is just surprised by the cultural differences, it is so different and I hope and pray that she will feel more at home soon.

We were doubled into Patterson...Patterson South to be exact. just for the record, this is the one area that I was thinking "Oh man I hope I never serve there" ha famous last thoughts right? But I love it! It reminds me a lot of New City;  lots of humble people.

Our first day out here, I forgot the phone at the apartment (sound familiar mom ;) ) we had to drive back and get it...then I forgot the ward directory....we had to drive back to get it...then I went to the wrong appointment...and had to drive home to figure out where the real address was and show up 45 minutes late...oops See a pattern? I’m hoping I will be able to figure it out soon. My poor companion!

Sister Pastres came down with a bad sickness; she was down for 3 days, on a "broth and water" only diet. I managed to call 25 of the 27pages of members on the Branch list. There are 500 members in this ward and maybe 50 active. There is a lot of work to do. I'm excited. Some of the phone calls were very...interesting. I love Jersey. Also “Jesus the Christ” is becoming one of my favorite books! Read it!

We have been living with the Passaic sisters (love them) for the past week but today we moved into our official apartment! IT IS SO CUTE! EVERYTHING in it is bran new! It feels like Christmas, I was dancing around just soaking everything up. Oh man. It is beautiful, but I’ll have to  parallel park. Oh boy.

This week we are praying really hard to find people to teach. We know there are people who are prepared; we just need to find them.

So like usual I'm a little stressed, but loving it! I wouldn't want to be anywhere else right now. Thank you for your support and love!

LOVE YOU!

Sister Houghton

Also my last companion Sister Sprague said my spirit animal is a bunny....haha (get nervous easily...jumpy etc) I think it might be true. haha :)

August 26th 2013

Hi From Joisey!

Just so ya'll know this is the last week in the transfer and next week we won't be able to write, no libraries are open on Labor day, Next Monday we are GOING TO THE TEMPLE, one of Sister Dorneles's  investigators  was baptized a year ago and he is going to the temple, and because her old companion is home we get to go!! We literally were crying and hugging each other we were so excited. There is literally NOTHING like the temple.

I have had so many thoughts running through my head this past week, mission work is a rollar coaster, never a dull moment.

THANK YOU for sending the Prince of Egypt CD I almost cried! THANK YOU THANK YOU! I might have also run around the apartment and kissed the CD. The same music OVER and OVER makes you go crazy. We have been LOVING IT. (also thank you for the chocolates, my district says thank you!)

We met with one of our investigators (after he had dropped us) he's an ex-convict that has gone through a lot. We prayed about what we wanted to talk to him about, we all felt really strongly about teaching the restoration. We have really been working on comp unity getting everything to run smoothly and passing off more often. Everything was going great, the spirit was in the room and then the time came for Sister Sprague to share the first vision. A still peace flooded into the room, the spirit was almost palpable. When she finished we all just sat there with tears . Tom looked at us and sad, "Wow, do you feel that?" He is so excited about the gospel :) He is getting baptized the end of September! He still has some hold backs about the trinity thing. We have shared scriptures with him and told him that he just needs to ask in faith and he will get an answer. If you have any suggestions for us to use, scriptures? or something that would help him understand feel free to share :)

Walking day we had an appointment in the next town over....walking it takes about an 1 ½ hours to get there. We were soo excited to see this investigator. When we got to the apartment she wasn't home (Missionaries call it the Jersey Juke) so we just decided to walk to our dinner appointment and teach people along the way....I love walking but apparently distance in cars and on foot are A LOT different. J We ended up walking 3 hours to get there a total of 5 towns. We met lots of people. I love walking and I am hoping that one day a walking area will open for English Sisters here :)

Tracting has been a little difficult lately because of the incident that happened in Vegas. We have not been invited into a single house this past week, I'm praying the people here will open their hearts and let us in.

We are seeing a notable change with the members, they are starting to become actively engaged in missionary work, inviting their friends to meet with us and finding people for us to teach. EVERYONE can catch the wave of missionary work.

I just finished reading The Title of Liberty... (and Captain Moroni :) ) In the midst of all the confusion he stood up for his beliefs and literally WAVED his beliefs for all to see. It's my hope and prayer that we will be like Captain Moroni. That we will STAND up for the gospel of Jesus Christ and share what we know with others. :) We don't need to wave a flag but the Book of Mormon works pretty good too ;)

Hurrah for Israel. Hurrah for the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

Sister Houghton

PS I LOVE YOU ALL SOO MUCH! Thank you for your love and support! I'm sending lots of hugs from Jersey!

Now go wave your own title of liberty..... (the Houghton Title of Liberty works pretty good too ;)