Hi family!

 

Wow. Thanks for your letters and emails! 

 

Four  days and  I will hit my HALF WAY MARK! It feels like I've been here for no time at all....and then my whole life time. I honestly don't understand it? BUT  I am so grateful for everyday to be out here. 

 

We have been protected this week....and  met some really funny people! We found a less-active that told us he has 700 wives, had an amazing meeting in Morristown and got a BIG OL' kissed by one of the cutest little old Filipina's because she loves the gospel. 

 

When the cold hit a lot of really cool things happened, the car doors froze shut, the trunk wouldn't open after we clicked it (and then 5 hours later it sprang open in the middle of driving. Literally gave me a heart attack.) Tracting the screen doors froze over, just could not see them through the ice. I literally gained a WHOLE new respect for missionaries serving in the freezing cold tundra....its brutal. But we saw so many miracles this week! 

 

Found out that Christians records are nowhere to be found, which means that he needs to be baptized again, which is actually a HUGE tender mercy. He can be washed clean of all the mistakes he's made and start all over again. We are praying that he will take this news well....He's amazing and so wonderful. I've been wondering why Sister Ward and I were put together again, and I honestly think it's because well one I need to learn more from her and because Heavenly Father is giving us a chance to see success together. 

 

Love this work and the opportunity to serve alongside such amazing missionaries. This is our Saviors work. He is at the head. 

 

I LOVE YOU ALL! 

 

Sending love from Joisey

Sister Houghton

 

ANND today's a really special day because its JENNIFERS 16th BIRTHDAY!!!! Jenn you go girrrllll. can't believe your getting so old. :) 

 

And will you tell Judie that I love her and she looks beautiful. I'm praying for her

 

love you! 

 

Email from 1/06/2014

Hello Familia!

Wellllll HAPPY NEW YEAR! I can't believe it's already 2-0-1-4?? Where does the time go? I celebrated the New Year the best way out here....asleep :)  Spiritual exhaustion is REAL.  New Year’s Eve the people living above us were throwing a HUGE party, I was worried I wouldn't be able to sleep with all the commotion going on, but I only woke up once when they were banging pots and pans and yelling at the top of their lungs – must have been the New Year or something :)

Also good news! Sister Ward and I aren’t getting transferred! YAY! We now get to go on exchanges with 8 different sets of sisters instead of 6. I'm grateful to learn from them and their example.

I found out on Wednesday that my MTC companion, Sister Crow was in the hospital VERY sick. We went on a temporary exchange so her companion could shower and I stayed with Sister Crow in the Hospital. I have so much love for Sister Crow, she was my very first companion, seriously so worried about her...but you know how I used to be with sickness's...before the mission the inner germ-a-phoebe me would not have been able to handle the throwing up etc. but missions do great things, none of that even bothered me. I'm hoping and praying that she will be able to get better soon. 

  

This week's adventures include tracting in mansions, (turns out servants aren’t as nice as they appear on the TV) walking in knee deep snow to appointments, trying to share the gospel in Spanish...no bueno?, a VERY spiritual Mission Leader Conference, choosing to grocery shop at the Korean, Egyptian, Pilipino, Mexican, Dominican, or Italian Grocery store?...the options are endless: Shoveling like pro's, Running home in the freezing cold to make curfew, and lots and lots of finding. We know that there is someone prepared out here; we just need to find him...? her? them! :)

A Philippian sister in the ward that knows sister Pastores's family. They are so sweet

Our mission theme this month is...REPENTANCE D&C 16:6.I've come to understand that repentance isn't just a change from BAD to GOOD. It can be from good, to BETTER. Every single day we need to recommit ourselves to follow our Savior and become more like Him. Let's not procrastinate the day of repentance, that day is today! 

I love you all! Hope you had an incredible week.

Sending lots of love from Joisey,

Sister Houghton 

p.s. Happy birthday Mommita! :)

SO excited that your 50 mom! I ate some lasagna to celebrate your big day :) sounds like the Houghton home was just a party last week. :) So excited that you were able to be with all the family.

I LOVE YOU!

xox

What a view!

Thanks for the Christmas Socks :)

Email from 12/30

Happy New Year Family! 

WOW. I'm so grateful that ya'll are ok! From the pictures of the car, it looked like a pretty bad accident; I might have been having a small panic attack reading that email but it was just impressed on my mind that Heavenly Father needs you right now!  We never know what Heavenly Father has planned for us.  A member of the ward in Emerson passed away yesterday morning and it was a rough sacrament meeting for everyone, but made me realize the importance of the plan.  Without it where would we be?? 

It was amazing to see all of you, you all look amazing....so much bigger and older? I can't believe what 8 months can do. 

I was so blessed this Christmas! There were so many wonderful gifts from you, members of the ward and strangers. I'm grateful for the gift to serve a mission and to be here in Jersey!  I’m mostly grateful for the gift of the Savior and His atonement.  We had a great Christmas lunch at a members home, everyone was speaking a different language and we had no idea what was going on, but it was so fun to try new things....(I ate from a WHOLE roasted Pig). 

It’s been a rough week. We have been dropped and rejected and dropped....Our baptism fell through, and some other unfortunate things happen, Sister Ward and I have been doing a lot of praying and a few tears....some hugs too, but I heard moms words come to my head "It's always Darkest before it's Dawn" and even though we are starting from the ground up again, I'm grateful for the opportunity to turn more to my Savior and rely on Him to help us find those who are prepared. "Be faithful in Christ.... and may Christ lift thee up....and the hope of his glory and of ETERNAL life, rest in your mind forever" I am grateful for that never ending gift. What better time to start new than at the beginning of the year. Let's make 2014 the best year we can, turn to the Savior and become more like Him!  

Share with the world!

Again so thankful that everyone is ok, I love you all and so blessed by all of your love and support! Be safe and Always remember Him! 

Sending love from Jersey

Sister Houghton

Email from 12/23

Merry Merry Christmas!!

Can you believe that in 2 days it's CHRISTMAS??? It’s the most WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR! and I get to be out here! I'm so grateful! Sister Ward and I have almost opened up our presents every time we pass the tree.....patience is obviously a virtue we are still trying to obtain. Sending your Christmas package has been a little bit of a challenge, I'm hoping I can send it today...If not HAPPY NEW YEAR :)

The mission has been a-buzz with Christmas festivities. We had an ALL mission conference on Friday (there's almost 300 of us now) Alex Boye spoke to us about setting EXPECTATIONS to succeed, because with Heavenly Fathers help we can do anything. It was a powerful meeting and he even sang and did some fun dance moves. Then he put on an English fireside last night singing Nativity themed songs for members and investigators all over jersey.

Alex Boye

TOM!!!! the investigator/ex-convict we taught in Caldwell! He was baptized after I left, came to the fireside yesterday and is now a home teacher!! he is so happy! 

Heavenly Father is blessing this area; Al's baptism is scheduled for this Sunday! Al picked this day out because it's his birthday, it’s going to be a very special day for him. We have a new Investigator Donald....who I'll tell you more about later :)  He is set for January :)  I had two exchanges this week, one in Bayonne a Spanish area and let me tell you I was dreaming in Spanish, could not understand a thing, but gift of tongues is real. IT is apparent to me how Heavenly Father has prepared them well for this calling. They were both amazing exchanges, I am so grateful for all that I'm learning from them. (I also got to go running on the edge of the Hudson River....overlooking the water and lights, most memorable run of the mission)

  

 

We contacted a man named Christian who said he had been praying for help. After we left he looked at the card, went to mormon.org and REALIZED that he was a member of the church and had been baptized in the Dominican Republic! He told us he wants to come back to church and have the spirit in his life. I'm grateful for the spirits promptings!

Love this gospel! Love this work! Remember that "He is the light and the life of the world. Yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened" Let's carry the spirit of Christ with us through the rest of the year. Let’s spread the good news!

I love you all! Remember to be nice :) Remember to say your prayers! Remember to think of our Savior!

Sending lots of hugs kisses and love from New Jersey

Sister Houghton

P.S. I don't think anyone will be able to replace my shepherd skills in the family nativity... or was I the sheep?

P.P.S remember to go youngest to oldest going up the stairs

P.P.P.S Leave Santa Cheese (it works)

P.P.P.P.S give mom and dad a back rub for all the work they do

love ya!

  

Heather's Zone

 

It’s the the the the........THE GRINCH :)

  

ooooooh...... ahhhhhh....THATS IT. I'm NOT going! :) 

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