Last transfer is Shelley Idaho. The Baton is officially passed to her brother.

Hello Family!

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. 

But if I do have to leave this Garden State, this will be a week I will never forget. 

Half the week I didn't sleep at my apartment. Here is a quick recap of my week (more to come in person) 

 We went on our Departing trip (I think I talked about that last week?)

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....

 TAC day my last one and Heavenly Father has really been helping me hold it all together. 

Saturday Temple AGAIN :) and we had a ward Trunk or Treat and Chili cook off, there was a HUGE turnout and 1/3 of the people there weren't members of the church :) Sy came with his trunk FULL of candy. 

Sunday gave a talk in Sacrament meeting on obedience and had some pretty spiritual experiences. Going to miss this ward! 

Back to Saturday because it was a very special day....

Saturday 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. 

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. 

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!  

Elder Houghton, I'm passing the baton to you. Hurrah for Israel brother! 

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" 

And I do Believe! 

Signing off from the Garden State

Sister Heather Sue Houghton

Al made it to the temple!!

Sister Pastores at the Manhattan Temple

October 20, 2014

Hello Familia!

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. 

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! 

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

Holy Cow. 

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. 

Holy Cow #2 

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 9:00 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.... :/

Holy Cow #3

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! 

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! 

Thank you, thank you for your love and continued support on my mission. I am grateful for each and everyone of you! 

Love you all!

Sending love from Joisey

Sister Houghton (pronounced Hawt-ton)

"the tunnel" 9/11 memorial

Book of Mormon to the world

Playing the sax with sy our 80 year old investigator (he's a saxophone professional) 

xox

October 14, 2014

Hi family!

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. 

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? 

 

famous mission wall

back of mission card is almost double as long as any other missionary, soo many transfers 

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. 

- 7/11 contacting on walking day

Made cake like a poached egg...our oven doesn't work

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.

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. 

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 :)

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! 

Sending Love from Jersey

Sister Houghton

the fam! :) 

Proof the mission changes you...I ordered sushi

p.s next Monday I will probably be at Ellis Island so I will email Tuesday? 

October 6th, 2014

Hello Hello Familia!

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. 

Mom thanks for that cute card! (and the moonies) Sister Rogers loved it as well.

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. 

Sister Ransom spent all Sunday with us watching Gen Conference, she has officially stopped smoking-(as of Friday :) 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. 

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. 

The sparkly shoes, maybe we will do a dance act at the next ward function. 

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.

 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. 

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. 

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. 

I love this work! :) I am so grateful to be here! Thank you for all of your love and support! 

Sending love from Jersey

Sister Houghton

At the Meet the Mormons Premier in NJMM, this is Sister Merkley.

Picking my own peaches.

Hello my beautiful family!

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 :) 

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. 

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. 

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. 

So I will continue to sing this loud and proud 

"Onward, ever onward, as we glory in His name

Forward pressing forward as a triumph song we sing. 

God our strength will be; press forward ever

Called to serve our king!" 

I'm ready and excited to give all I can my last month as a set apart representative. 

I love you all! Thank you for your love...support and encouragement! 

Sending love from the Garden State

Sister Houghton

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,

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!

fun fact: wawa means baby in spanish...my district leader told me that

            in South NJ wawa means cool gas station 

           North Jersey Wawa is a bus that takes you into NYC

Hello Family! 

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"

 

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 Monday at that same time. We have found the promised land :) 

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. 

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!

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.

Thank you for your prayers, letters, love and examples! I love you all! 

Sending love from the Garden State,

Sister Houghton

P.S Sister Pastores is TRAINING!!! :) I am a Grandma again. I feel so blessed to have such a great mission family. 

Awkward story

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.:)

September 8 2014 I Would walk 500 Miles.

Hello my beautiful Family! 

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. 

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. 

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-- 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! 

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! 

Sending love from Jersey

Sister Houghton

(Pronounced Hoi-ten here)

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 .

September 2nd, 2014

Hello Family!

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! 

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 on Sunday, 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 :)  

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? 

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. 

Thank you for all you do! I love you all, keep up the great work in the Russet State

Sending love and hugs from New Jersey

Sister Houghton

Fun Fact: Aberdeen New Jersey (a town in our area) is the hometown of Babe Ruth. Yankees anyone? 

Sister Rogers is wonderful and even made me b-fast today, woot woot :) 

This is sister Scotto,  we felt very strongly we needed to visit her all of a sudden on Sunday 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

August 25th, 2014

Family!

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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" (2 Nephi 25:26)  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. 

I love you all! Thank you for your love and support

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.

Sending love from Jersey

Sister Houghton

August 18th

Hello Familia!

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.  

I have CONQUERED some major fears this past week

Playing the Championship game of Softball at our all mission activity, AND playing the piano at a members home

Conquering story 1

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! 

Conquering story 2

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. 

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.

side note (I am still not changing my mind about roller coasters) 

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. 

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. :) 

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. 

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. 

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. 

I love this work and am grateful to serve here! 

I love you all! Thank you for your support, love and letters! 

Sending Love from New Jersey

Sister Houghton

August 11, 2014

Hello Hello family!

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

Fun Facts (I know) about this area. 

#1 There are fields... literally farming fields everywhere. Feels like I'm in a green Idaho

#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)

#3 Some of these homes are bigger than my High School

#4 I went on an exchange here almost 6 months ago, Heavenly Father works in mysterious ways. 

#5 I've had some of my most embarrassing moments already 

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. 

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 :) 

Elder Houghton welcome to the East Coast. Let's give these people Salvation :) one. two. three HOUGHTONS! 

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!

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. 

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. 

I love you all! Thank you for your support and letters! 

Sending love from Historic Jersey

Sister Houghton

August 4, 2014

Hello Family!

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!  

We've simply had an amazing week 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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......

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 7:33 

I'm grateful for the surprises and the opportunities this mission brings. I love this work!

Sending love from New Jersey

Sister Houghton

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. 

* 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.

At the top of the Newark chapel. This is right next to the steeple.

July 21, 2014

Hello Family! 

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. 

To get to the good stuff 

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. 

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!

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.

Side note #2- I learned how to say a prayer in Spanish. Thank you Hermana Schaefer :) 

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 :) 

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.  

And for the Good Stuff.....

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)

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. 

And I can't wait to fight alongside my Brother out here in the Beautiful East Coast! Hurrah for the TRUTH!

I love you all! 

Sending love and hugs from Jersey

Sister Houghton

Can you please voice record Todd"s farewell?? :) I would love that! 

July 14, 2014 Happy Birthday

Dearest Family

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?

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. 

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. 

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...

#1 there are over 60 Apartment buildings with close to 20 apartments in each one (missionaries dream :))

#2 99.9% of the people are from India (we call it Little India...Curry anyone?) 

#3 because of #2 most of the people don't have a Christian background (almost all of them) 

This revelation was a little of a shock to both of us, and it has been an act of faith to GO and DO. 

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. 

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. 

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! 

I love you all! Keep sharing the gospel! 

I can't wait till another Elder joins me out here! Just a couple more weeks- Elder Houghton :) 

Sending love from Jersey

Sister Houghton

7-11 Birthday Slurpee:)

Happy Birthday (the one one the right is SISTER SMEDLEY our cousins- cousin :)