Week 7

Dear Friends and Family,

Happy Halloween!!! Where in the world did October go? How is everybody doing?  I hope that you are all happy, healthy, and just loving life.  Thank you for all of your love and support I am truly so grateful for each of you.  You have all played such a huge part in my life, and I am here because of all of you.

We had a training this week with all of the newer missionaries, and their trainers.  The training was given by the President Weston, and the Assistants.  Before the training started President Weston said, “You are all the new leaders of this mission.  You need to learn fast, and be ready to train because we are going to need you.” AHHH I am not ready for this!!  I have so much to learn, and so many things that I need to work on.  I wanted to ask him if he realized that he was talking to me and didn’t mean somebody else!  I just want to be a missionary haha!!  I know that Heavenly Father definitely has a plan for me, and that he has confidence in me.  I know that I can do anything through the Lord.  Keep me in your prayers.  I need all that I can get.  

It has been another great week.  I continue to realize why I am here each and every day.  This gospel is such a blessing in my life.  Claudia and Ramsey are doing so wonderful.  They are still on to be baptized on November 10. During one of our lessons we were teaching them The Gospel of Jesus Christ.  We asked Claudia why she wanted to be baptized and she just started to cry.  She said, “We want to change.  We want to do what God wants us to do, we want to be happy! We aren’t just going to get baptized and then start sinning again, but we are going to change for good.” At that moment I was so humbled.  This is why I came on a mission.  If I would only change this one family it would all be worth it.  There truly is nothing greater than watching someone change because of the gospel, to see the light of Christ in their faces.  This is what missionary work is all about.  This is what the gospel is all about.  There is no greater joy!! I am so excited for them to get baptized next week, but I am mostly excited for them to be sealed together for time and all eternity. 

So saying my prayers at the end of the day well let’s just say we go go go all day long, and then when I finally sit down I pretty much fall asleep.  So the other night I was saying my prayers and had fallen asleep whoops.  When all of a sudden I farted and woke myself up!! It was hilarious.  Sister Belka was asleep so I couldn’t laugh with someone ha! I can’t believe some of the stuff I tell you, but you all know I am crazy!!

I had a really great experience at the trail center this week.  A sweet lady who was all alone came in, and just looked at me and started to cry.  She said, “Wow, there is such an amazing feeling here.  The pioneers are here with us.  I needed this today”.  We both just sat there and cried as I shared with her my first experience walking through those doors, and having the exact same feeling.  This truly is such an amazing place.  The spirit is so strong here.  Each day I come, and learn more about the pioneers I grow to love it more and more.  As I learn of their stories of faith, and courage.   I am so grateful be a part of such a great place, and to be able to learn and grow and become who my Heavenly Father wants me to become.  Each day I am reminded of why I need to be here.  Not just to bring others unto Christ but to bring myself closer to him each and every day.  

One of my favorite parts about being a missionary is to back Sister Belka up in the car.  It is so great ha ha NOT!!  Especially when we are in the middle of an intersection, and she can't quite make the turn so I have to run out and back her up.  It is hilarious when she means to go in reverse, but puts it in drive.  I have come up with some really good dances to back her up.  The other day I wasn't paying very good attention, and was dancing and she almost hit me.  It made me laugh.  We both are quite the pair, but we have a good time.  

I love being a missionary.  There is nothing greater.  This work is amazing!! I am so grateful for the gospel and the happiness that it brings to me in my life.  I know that this is the only true church.  That Christs gospel has been restored to the Earth today.  That we have been blessed with all of his Authority and power.  I know that Christ lives.  That he atoned for each and everyone of us.  He is the only way back.  We must repent every single day, and become clean.  So that we can become worthy of the spirit, and be intune with those promptings from the spirit.  Strive each and every day to be a little better!!! I love each of you and hope that you have a HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Sister Whitt

P.S Labor and Delivery!! Oh how I miss you! Somebody needs to write me, and catch me up on everything.  In my dream the other night I delivered Jodi's baby.  Is Jodi pregnant ha ha? Has Jax had her baby?  I know you are all busy, but come on you know I am all your favorite and you all want to write me.  I miss you all so much!!

Fall is in the air....

Sister Belka, Sister Whittaker and another companionship that I am assuming all live in the same apartment.  Having something to eat.  From the looks of the pictures below, I am also assuming is a district meeting.

 Sisters Whittaker and Belka doing some Fall Service.  Looks like fun!

District Meeting.....

A day in the life of Sister Whitt.....week 6

 Sister Whitt and Sister Belka helped to plan the wedding of investigators, Claudia and Ramsey.  From the picture below, I am assuming that Sister Whittaker provided the wedding music.  So glad she has this talent.

 Claudia and Ramsey, the bride and groom

 The wedding party, which has got to be the bride and grooms family....Families will be together forever.

 Sister missionaries don't ever lose their crazy side.  Sister Whitt and Sister Belka

 Having a treat.....yeah ice cream!!  You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream!

 Showing off their traditional sister rings, a tradition for greenies and their trainers.

Another day in the life of Sister Whittaker has come and gone.  Exciting things are happening....

Week 6

Family and Friends, 

Another week has come.  I can't believe it.  The days feel like weeks, but the weeks feel like days. I love it!! I continue to love this work.  I am learning so much each and everyday.  It truly is such a blessing to be here, and I thank my Heavenly Father for allowing me to be apart in it.  As for this week we have been so busy as usual.  So I want to tell you a little bit about the trail center.  There is just one visitors center.  We work here 4 days a week.  We take our tours by ourselves.  So we aren't with a companion.  This has been hard for me because of the little information that I know, but they just through you in it.  I know that I wouldn't have been able to learn any other way so I am grateful for that... MOST DAYS!! We start off with a 15 minutes film.  During the film I go and pray to invite the spirit, and to also know what there needs are and prepare for the tour.  It has been such a humbling experience.  Heavenly Father truly does speak to us, and he allows me to know what these people need to know.  I had a really neat experience on tour this week. I was giving a tour to a man and his wife who are from Mapleton.  They were Brother and Sister Carter.  They used to be apart of a branch presidency at the MTC.  I learned so much from them through the tour, but was also able to watch the spirit touch there hearts as I shared stories about the pioneers, and bore my testimony.  At the end of the tour he asked me how long I had been out, and when I told him only a week he was in awe.  Now I don't say this so you all think I am great, but I say this because this gospel is so true and so real.  I know that Heavenly Father is blessing me each and every day.  As I am obedient, and do everything in my pour I am able to teach with the spirit.  I am able to do his will.  Through the tour I was able to walk hand and hand with the spirit. He is my constant companion every day.  I am so blessed each and every day. 

Claudia and Ramsey are truly amazing.  They are making amazing progress.  We had the wedding on Friday and it went so great.  We finally found Claudia a dress and she looked beautiful.  It was so fun to plan a wedding, but I am glad that it is done so we can focus just on the work.  What I loved most about the night is when we sang Families Can be Together Forever and they just sat and cried.  They have told us many times that the wedding is just a stepping stone for them to be able to get baptized.  I am so proud of them and the decisions that they are making.  Being able to watch see them change, and to see them use the power of the atonement is truly amazing.  They are trying to stop chewing tobacco, and they had relapsed, and weren't telling us, but through the spirit we both knew what had happened.  So I started teaching them about the Atonement, and all of the grief and worry that shown on their faces was now gone, and replaced with a sense of peace.  They were converted by the spirit.  We continue to work with them.  They will be baptized on November 10.  I can't wait.  

So some funny things that have happened to me.  One Sister Belka and I were studying and I went to stand up, and my dress was totally tucked in my garments ha ha!! She frantically was trying to get my attention before anyone saw.  I just looked at her and said it's a good thing were best friends.  Bless my heart.  Well then the other day I was walking out of the Bathroom when the same thing happened except I was by one of the senior missionaries.  Luckily I finally realized it before I walked right in front of him.  He just laughed, and we both made a joke out of it.  I have also fallen down the stairs again.  It was literally hilarious, but the funny thing was Sister Belkas face it was priceless as she sat and tried to catch me, and then I finally got my balance and fell again.  Oh bless my heart!!  I still struggle and have my moments. 

I had a really neat experience the other night.  We were going to meet with one of our investigators named Cathy, and she wasn't home.  Well in getting there Sister Belka and I was dancing and singing in the car and we missed the exit twice.  Anyways as we were leaving I had this feeling totally overcome me that we needed to get out of there immediately.  There was a cop in the parking lot. I have never felt such a strong feeling overcome me before.  I literally thought I was going to throw up.  So we left so fast.  We will probably never realize what had happened and why we weren't supposed to be there, but what I did realize is how protected I am when I am being obedient, and doing everything that I am supposed to be doing.  Heavenly Father used our dittzyness to make sure that we missed our exit.  His hand is in every part of our life, but we have to be doing our part so we don't miss those promptings of the spirit.  

Elder Watson (who is the director of the trail center) pulled me into his office the other day, and told me that I need to learn fast.  That I need to learn everything that I possibly can from Sister Belka.  That I needed to be obedient because he needs me as a leader.  This scared the crap out of me.  We have 26 sisters right now, and 20 of them will be gone by March.  I know that Heavenly Father truly is with me every step of the way, and will help me to become who he wants me to become.  Keep me in your prayers. 

I love being a missionary.  There is not greater place then I would want to be.  It truly is such a blessing to be here.  I love Sister Belka.  She is such an answer to my prayer.  She is the salt of the earth, and I am grateful for her.  I learn so much from her each and every day, and am so grateful for her.  There is nothing greater then missionary work.  I challenge each of you to strive to serve somebody this week.  To talk to everyone and to love everyone.  Look at everyone as God would look at them, and find the good in everyday.  

This gospel is true.  I know it because I have found out for myself.  The book of Mormon is the word of god.  Jesus is the Christ, and these are the Latter Days.  We have to be doing everything thing we can to bring others unto Christ.  I love you all, and pray for you daily. 

Sister Whitt

Week 5

Dear Friends and Family, 

I am in NEBRASKA!!! I can't believe that I am officially a missionary.  I feel like just yesterday I entered the MTC, and now I am in the field.  I loved the MTC, but words just can't explain how great it is to be in the field. When we first got here on Tuesday we got to hang out with President for the night.  We each had an interview with him.  I truly know that he was called on God to lead this mission.  That he is in this mission for a purpose!  He is such an amazing man who I already love.  He told me that I have the best trainer in the whole mission.  That I can be an amazing missionary if I truly learn from her.  He told me that she is the top missionary in the WHOLE mission.  I am serving in the Rockbrook Ward.  My trainers name is Sister Belka. President was right she is amazing.  I learn so much from her each and every day.  She truly is my best friend.  She is obedient with exactness, and does everything that she is supposed to do, but not only that she is so humble.  She knows that this is Gods work, and she does everything she possibly can to be a successful missionary.  She is amazing.  Heavenly Father is truly aware of me.  I was so scared to find out who my trainer was because I want to make my Heavenly Father proud, but he truly does know our needs and has answered my prayers.  My concerns became his concerns, and he has blessed me so much.  We live in a house with two other Sisters.  We totally lucked out.  Our house is very nice, and I love the sisters that we live with.  

Sister Belka has been serving in this area for 3 months, and so she has worked really hard, and found a lot of investigators.  We actually are preparing a wedding as we speak for this Friday.  It has been so fun!!  Two of our investigators Claudia and Ramzey are getting married on Friday, and then getting baptized on November 10.  They are a rock solid family.  We meet with them about everyday.  They are so humble, and so excited.  They both chew tobacco, and so we have really been working with them through this trial.  They start classes this Wednesday.  They have such faith and know that Heavenly Father can help them through this.  Sister Belka is an amazing teacher, but she allows me to get right in there and teach.  She will just pause, and I know that it is my turn to speak and bare testimony.  

We also are teaching another girl named Sharon who is so great.  She is ten years old, and truly is amazing.  She keeps all of our committments, and is really trying hard to do everything she is supposed to do.  Her mother is a less active and so we are working with both of them.  I committed her to baptism on November 17 and she accepted.  I can't even begin to tell you how excited I was.  It totally caught me off guard when she replied yes so fast!! I wanted to jump up for joy!!  We are so excited for her. 

Gladys Knight goes around the US and does firesides for non members and less actives.  She directs an amazing choir, and bares testimony.  She is amazing.  We had four investigators there.  The spirit was so strong.  I learned so much from being there.  It was held in the chapel.  The choir was amazing they were clapping, and dancing!! Ah it was so great!! I wish we sang with such soul ha ha!!  Her husband bore an amazing testimony and told of his conversion story.  He grew up baptist, and so he pretty much layed the line down. He said that each of them are going to be held accountable in heaven if they don't accept this message because they have been taught with the truth.  They were so bold I loved it.  Gladys was amazing as well as she told her conversion story.  They spoke with such  power.  It was like you could cut the spirit with a knife.  I know that this played a huge role in Sharon accepting the invitation to be baptized.  Our mission received 80 referrals from that night.  It wasn't as many as we wanted, but we were so excited.  Three of those were Sister Belka's and I.  This work is progressing so fast!!

I have truly seen Gods hand in my life as a missionary each and every day.  It is amazing the people he places in our lives, and the places we go.  Everywhere is guided by the spirit.  We had an experience where we were calling to find a ride for our investigators to get to the concert, and we were going to call Sister Johnson, but then decided to call Sister Bentley.  Sister Bentley asked if we could meet her somewhere to get the tickets.  Sister Belka and I just started laughing because we had totally forgot them, and had no idea where to look.  So we pulled over because we were 20 minutes from home and called the sisters who live with us.  We then said a prayer and asked to know where to guide the sisters to look.  After the prayer Sister Belka looked at me and immedietly knew right where they were. Another experience was when we were driving to go and see the Eliwise family, and we had this feeling to stop at Claudia and Ramzeys.  They had been really struggling with chewing, and needed us at that time.  Another time was when we were driving home.  We hadn't eaten dinner because we were running around like crazy and so we decided to stop.  We kept driving for somewhere to eat and decided not to stop when we saw Taco Bell.  So we stopped in and the cashier said I am looking for a change in my life.  I want to change and have direction.  We both just looked at each other and smiled, and then shared a message with him.  It was amazing. God's hand is truly in our lives all the time. 

So we work in the Trail Center 4 days a week from either 9-3 or 3-9.  When I first got here they took us on a tour.  There is a room called the memorial room that over looks the temple, and the cemetary.  I was immedietly filled with a sense of peace.  A sense of knowing that this is where I am supposed to be.  I knew that Heavenly Father was aware of me, and that he didn't want me anywhere but here.  I not only felt of his love, but the love of the pioneers.  I know that they are here in this memorial.  They are looking down on us, and helping us invite others to come unto Christ.  This place is amazing!! There is such a strong peace here that in indescribable.  I know that this is where Heavenly Father needs me to be. 

They kind of just threw me right into giving tours.  I was terrified.  I feel like I know nothing about the pioneers, but I do know that if I rely on the spirit I am able to teach whatever these people need to hear.  I have so much to learn, but am so grateful for the opportunity I have learn each and every day!! I love being a missionary! I love being a representative of Jesus Christ.  I have never been so happy, and so at peace, and I know it is because I am supposed to be here.  I love this work, and can't wait to continue on.  

Sister Whittaker

Arrival in Nebraska

 Sister Whittaker with President and Sister Watson, after arriving in Omaha, Nebraska

 Sister Whittaker and new companion Sister Belka, her trainer from Salt Lake City

 Sister Farnsworth (MTC Companions) with Sister Whitt

 New Companionships

Trail Center Visitor Center, 1st Area of service along with the Rockbrook ward.

Week 3

Family and Friends,

I can't believe another week has come and gone!! Can I just tell you that there is nothing greater then being a missionary.  My life is so much cooler than yours j/k, but no really!! Missionary work is so great!!  This week has been the changing point in my mission.  This week has shaped me into the missionary that I want to become.  Yesterday I was extremely humbled and changed for the better.  I realized that Heavenly Father is truly aware of me.  He knows I can do this and knows that I will be a great missionary, but I won't be a great missionary because of the things that come out of my mouth or the things that I do, but I will be a great missionary because I finally realize that everything happens because of God.  That this is his gospel, and through him we are nothing.  He deserves all of the credit.  It doesn't matter what anybody else thinks, but only what God thinks.  I finally realized that I needed to step it up.  I needed to learn the doctrine of christ and have confidence in myself that I can receive revelation and teach through the spirit.  I had a really neat experience happen yesterday.  Our teachers told us that we need to plan, study, and teach for our investigators that we would be teaching last night.  She told us that Heavenly Father will speak directly to us and be specific with anything and everything we need to know about our investigators.  She said you will know if they are a less active, member, or a non member.  You will know what there needs are and concerns, and you can know this before you even meet them.  That Heavenly Father will speak to you through revelation of the spirit.  This seemed a little crazy to me, and a little scary that god could really be so specific, but I realized that if this was gods will I would do it.  So sister F and I will all the faith that we had prayed for gods guidance and help that w could receive revelation.  After we ended the prayer I was immediately filled with the spirit stronger that I have ever felt.  My chest was literally filled with a power that is indescribable.  I looked and Sister F and said she will be a Less Active and she said yup!! I then said she feels as though god has abandoned her, and she needs to feel of God's love, and she agreed.  We were then asked to prepare our lesson for her.  I felt so strongly that we needed to teach her about being humble.  During personal study I studied Alma 32, and during companion ship study I found out that Sister F read the same thing.  So then it came time to go and teach our investigator.  She walked in, was a less active, and was struggling with the fact that she had done everything right in her life, but god wouldn't bless her.  I was in awe.  Everything that I had felt that she would be she was.  So we then taught her.  I taught with such confidence, and gained an instant love for her.  It truly was amazing.  I know that this won't happen everytime on my mission, but it was a huge testimony to me that Heavenly Father truly does hear and answer our prayers.  That he is aware of us, and our needs, but most importantly it showed me that I need his help, and that he is there to help me through every step of my mission.  It was a very humbling experience. 

I am now officially in Visitor Center training.  I am with 30 other sisters, 22 of who are going to Temple square.  Part of training we have been able to go to Temple square twice.  The first time we went we were able to have a tour.  It was such a great experience.  I have been to temple square many times, but this day was different.  The spirit that I had with me was different.  It was great to be on the other side of things.  Today we went as well and got paired up with a companion.  I was with Sister Kang from Korea.  She was great.  She has been serving for 6 months.  She struggled a little bit with the language, but she definitely had a strong spirit about her.  We only talked to members which was different.  I won't lie I am very grateful to be able to go to a prosiliting mission as well as visitors center.  I will get the best of both worlds.  It was great to be up there and play as a real missionary. I am entering the field on Tuesday and could not be more excited.  I am so nervous, but so ready to serve.

So as a missionary you pray a lot, and so sometimes we start to do funny things when we pray.  Last night I went to say my prayers, and I started out with Labor and Delivery can I help you ha ha!!  I do miss my job a little bit.  Sister Bullock started her prayer off my counting to ten.   Let's just saying being in the MTC does some crazy things to you, and you literally start to go crazy!!!

Being with a bunch of Elders is pure entertainment.  They are totally scared of the sisters and it is hilarious.  The other day I was walking up the stairs and the Elder literally threw himself against the wall.  It was a riot.  When we have devotional and you want to get in the doors all you have to say is Sister coming and they all freak out.  It gives us a good laugh. 

Our Elders left on Tuesday.  I never realized that I could grow to love people so fast.  We were all put into the district for a certain purpose and reason.  Heavenly Father's hand is definitely in all things.  I learned so much from each of them and will be forever grateful for them.  I was doing really good at saying goodbye until Elder English shook my hand as tears ran down his face as he thanked me for being the missionary I was.  Then I lost it.  They became my family, and I hope and pray that they will be great missionaries. 

Being a missionary is the greatest decision that I ever made.  I am so happy, and I know that is because I am supposed to be here.  I am so grateful for the blessings that Heavenly Father has given me.  For the trials that I have had to go through.  This definitely isn't easy, but I know that it will be worth it.  It will bless my life forever.  Our teacher asked us yesterday to realize all that Christ has done for us, and asked us what we are going to do today and the rest of our lives to pay him back.  This hit me hard. There is nobody else on this earth who will ever do as much as he did for us, but yet at times in our life we forget that.  We will never be able to pay him back for what he did, but we can definitely strive each and every day to become more like him.  I can't wait to bring others closer to christ, and allow them to feel of the love of the Savior and his Atonement.  I hope you all are doing well.  Strive to be a little better each and every day, and don't forget about the Missionary in the MTC.  She would love to hear from you, but also appreciates all of the letters and packages she has already received. Love you all!!!

Sister Whitt

MTC happenings of Sister Whittaker

This is Sister Farnsworth.  Sister Whitt's MTC Companion......AKA one of the "Crazy Sisters" 

 Fellow Sisters in the gospel....

 Elders in sister Whitt's district at the MTC

Sister Whitt is still up to her crazy tricks!

Week 2

Dear Friends and Family,

I can't believe that I am already on week number two.  I love being a a missionary!! It is the best kept secret in our church.  This week has been a great week.  Definitely challenging and hard, but there is nothing like feeling the power of wearing that name badge on your chest, and feeling Heavenly Father's power.  I have come to understand that this truly will be the hardest 18 months of my life, but I know that it will be the most rewarding.  There is nothing greater then feeling the love of my Heavenly Father 24 hours a day. 

This week we taught all of our investigators.  It is amazing to look at the progress that I have made in just two weeks.  So here at the MTC they don't teach you the doctrine behind the gospel, but they teach you fundamentals to help invite the spirit, and seek what your investigators needs are.  So all of you preparing to go on a mission.  Learn the Doctrine now.  There is a reason and a purpose that they ask you to be prepared before you enter the MTC.  I had a really neat experience with Matt again this week.  He committed to baptism.  Even though he was just a pretend investigator I could not have more excited.  Our next lesson with him he took two steps back.  I was very sad for him, but through out the lesson I knew that what he knew before was still deap down in his heart.  I prayed so hard to know exactly what to say to help Matt.  I am hear to testify that the spirit is real.  That if we do everything that we possibly can do that the spirit will do the talking.  I looked at my companion after the lesson and was in awe.  I have never had an experience quite like that where I was able to rely on the spirit.  The spirit teaches me something each and every day.  Those times where things don't go quite the way I want them to I am instantly reminded of my purpose as a missionary.  To bring others to Christ.  That it doesn't matter how many Baptisms I get or how many scriptures I memorize, but what matters is that I am obedient, and rely on the spirit. 

Something really funny that happened this week was right after Gym.  Sister F and I were in the shower, and we always seem to make fun of everybody who sings in the shower.  I shouldn't just say sing, but literally belts there little hearts out.  So I was like Sister F opera let's sing opera style.  She just started to laugh, and then she starts singing all Jazzy.  So I am trying to harmonize with her.  I am literally belting it out at the top of my lungs, and laughing so hard.  Well then she starts singing all pretty, and we all know I can't sing so I just laugh.  Well then I realize that it isn't her voice ha ha!! So I was like um Sister F are you singing and she starts laughing so hard, and was like NOPE!! Oh my word so now I am literally dying, and laughing so stinking hard!! BLESS MY LITTLE HEART!! Got to love being a missionary, and the crazy things you do.

I ran into Elder Anderson this week.  He looked just about as nervous as I did the first day, but I got to sit down and talk to him the next day, and he is happy as ever.  He is going to make one amazing missionary!! He is so humble, and there is just something special about him.  I am so proud of him.  Who would have ever thought we would be missionaries together. 

I have truly gained a testimony of the Book of Mormon while I have been here.  It is my life savor.  Heavenly Father has definitely blessed with a better understanding of it, and helped me to really apply it to not just my life, but also to my investigators.  It truly is the Word of God.  If you don't alreay know it then get on those knees of yours and ask, but not only that READ IT!!  Those days where I don't think I can do this and I open the Book of Mormon and and instantly strengthened with the love that Heavenly Father has for me.  I know that he is aware of me, and my struggles.  That he is always there for each of us, and that is because he loves us.  He has all power, and anything is possible through him. 

So I am really sick of the food haha!!  It is all starting to taste the same, but I sure do love BYU creamery Ice cream that we get on Wednesdays and Sundays.  It is the highlight to my day.  So here at the MTC they don't have Caffeine.  Well we all know of my addiction to caffeine and how it keeps me awake and sane.  This has been quite the challenge for me.  So my dear sweet elders who I love so much found out there there was a Caffeine Cartel here at the MTC.  That is totally top secret.  So since they love me so much they totally snuck in and found it.  The elders were selling them for $3, but seeing how cool my elders are they got them down to $1.  Let's just say that it totally made my day.  Caffeine has never tasted so good in my entire life.

Thanks to everyone for your love and support that you have showed me.  I am truly blessed to have so many good influences in my life.  I love being a missionary!! I have never been so happy as I am today!! This work is amazing.  I know that I am far from perfect, but through the Savior we can all be made perfect.  Have a great week!!!

Sincerely,

Sister Whittaker

A day in the life at the MTC

These two are known as the "Crazy Sisters".  Need I say more.....Sister F (Farnsworth) and Sister Whitt

 Showing how much they love the "mentos" that were sent to Sister Whitt, special from her Dad

 Friends for life...

 Companions....typical pic

 The traditional map picture....Love it

Week 1

My Dearest Mother,

Can you believe I have already been gone for a week now!! I can't believe that I am a missionary!! Words can't express the Joy that I feel of being a missionary!!  This is the hardest thing that I have ever done, but I have never been so happy.  People say all the time how different you feel when you are a missionary, and I never believed them until I got set apart.  It is like a have a whole different meaning in life.  I feel of such a stronger power.  A power of God's love for not just me, but for the people in my mission.  There is nothing better then looking down on my shirt to see Sister Whittaker.  To know that I am a disciple of my Savior Jesus Christ.  To know that I can make a difference in peoples lives.  That I can bring them this amazing gospel.  This Gospel that brings us true Joy and Happiness.  I have never been so blessed.  I have never been so happy!! I know that it is because Heavenly Father is aware of me.  That he knows each of us personally, and he knew that I needed to serve a mission. 

My Companions name is Sister Farnsworth.  She is tall, has red hair, crazy as I am, and is my best friend.  We are already known as the crazy Sisters.  Which I love.  I know that Heavenly Father truly has a plan for me, and that he put us together for a reason.  I learn from her each and every day.  She has a spirit about her that is indescribable.  The moment she opens her mouth to speak the spirit is instantly there.  I love her, and am grateful for her.  I also have a great district full of lovely 19 year old boys.  They are each great!!  A lot of the companionship's have been struggling lately and so Sister F and I have been working with them.  It is amazing to watch them learn and grown each and every day!! 

At the MTC you get to teach investigators.  Two of our Investigators are our teachers.  At first I was like well this is cool, but they are already members.  After my first lesson I realized that we aren't just teaching lessons we are teaching people.  The other day we taught Matt about the Book of Mormon.  I was so nervous and stressed.  I wanted him to realize how important the Book of Mormon was to me, and the blessings that it could bring to his life.  I studied and planned, and prepared to teach this lesson.  As I taught that lesson I wasn't the one teaching.  I was teaching through the spirit.  I have never felt so close to the spirit before.  The things which I had planned weren't the things that Matt needed to hear.  I know that I was able to teach him what he needed to hear, because I was worthy of the spirit.  The spirit here at the MTC is amazing.  I get to feel of it 24/7.  It can be a little overwhelming at times, but there is nothing better.  As I look back to the first day I got here I am in awe because of how much a have changed.  How much I have grown, and how much my testimony has been strengthened   This gospel is true there is no doubt about it. 

On Sunday we got the privilege of hearing from Sheri Dew.  I was so excited!! She is such a powerful speaker.  She taught us about who we are, and our role as women.  It was so amazing and something that I will never forget.  That night we also had a fireside with Tracy Watson.  He talked about the Book of Mormon and how it needs to be our best friends.  Friends and Family there is no greater book then the Book of Mormon.  Read it every day, but don't just read it FEAST upon it.  This week as I have FEASTED upon in every day I have realized the blessing that have come from it.  I have seen the Lord's hand in my life each and every day, and I know it is because of this book.  This book is the center of our gospel.  It is what holds us together.  So that is my challenge for all of you this week. 

Of course I have to have a little fun while I am here.  I mean I am still Jordyn right?  Sister Farnsworth and I have this amazing toothbrush dance that we do each night.  It is the funnest thing!! We end up spitting everywhere because we are laughing so hard.  Since I have been here I have fallen down the stairs and grabbed sister F boob (It's a good thing we are close).  Last night we were getting ready to teach a lesson and Sister F and I were laughing so hard for some reason and we couldn't stop.  We were trying to pray, and it just wasn't working out for us all.  Well I totally farted, and we both literally almost peed our pants.  It was so dang funny!! I can't believe I just told you all that, but hey you all need to laugh.  Don't worry though we pulled it together and were able to teach a great lesson.  My roommates call me crazy everyday.  I for some reason like to sing everything, they have met STELLA, and they hear my british all the time. 

I love being a missionary.  This is where I am supposed to be.  There is no doubt about it.  I learn each and everyday.  I am blessed each and everyday, and most importantly I am HAPPY!!  I am so grateful for this opportunity I have to be a servant to the Lord for 18 months.  It will be the hardest time in my life, but the most rewarding.  I will give it my all and be the best Sister Whittaker there ever was!!!

Love,

Sister Whitt

Saturday....1st letter in the mail from Sister Whitt

My dearest family,

How are you all doing?  I am now officially a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ, not only that, I am a representative of my Savior Jesus Christ.  Words can't explain the feelings I had as I got set apart and also when I arrived at the MTC.  Everybody told me you would feel different and I honestly didn't believe it, but now I do.  I felt such peace and comfort.  I felt a power that I have never felt before, most importantly I felt joy and the love that my Heavenly Father had for me.  I am so excited to teach this gospel.

Yesterday was a bit overwhelming, but really good at the same time.  My companions name is Sister Farnsworth,  She is 5'11 and has red hair.  She is from Arizona.  She has such a light that radiates about her.  She is very outgoing and I know I will learn alot from her.  There are two other girls/sisters in our district, who are great.  We all share a room and do everything together. I truly was blessed. I know Heavenly Father knows what is best for me and has a plan for me.   I learned something today that I think will help me so much on my mission and that is to love everyone as God would love them.  God has such a strong powerful love, one that we never will understand fully, but we have to try our best and strive each day to be better.

Last night we had a teaching workshop.  We had 3 different investigators, each story being a little different.  One that stuck out to me was the 2nd one.  He was a man from Italy, who believed his son was stuck in limbo, because he was not baptized.  He lived in such pain and guilt.  We we taught him the Plan of Salvation, the light finally came back to his face.  We all sat in silence and just listened and felt of Heavenly Father testifying to us of this truth.  As I watched his face, tears rolled doen his face, I realized why I was here.  I realized the joy that I could bring to peoples lives.  I realized that the people of Nebraska need me.

Family, I can't tell you how excited I am to serve.  How grateful I am for this opportunity.  I know it will be so hard, but one thing I do know is it will be worth it.  I love this gospel.  I know it is true and that through it we too can live with our family forever, that we may also have joy in this life.  Know that I love you and think of you often.

Love always....Sister Whitt

PS  Cathleen won and put my tag on!  However it was so great to see familiar faces.  I also saw Karie Miller, Denece Johnes and Becca Rothey.  Oh and I saw Mitch.  He looks so happy and seems to be doing great.   oxoxoxoxox

Day 1

Thought you would enjoy this as much as I did.....my friend Becca works at the MTC on Wed nights.  Her son is Ryker Mathews, and he starts for the Cougs.

Love to all

Marnie

Subject: Jordyn

Hey,

Just wanted to tell you that we were working at the MTC last night and I hear someone calling my name..... wow what a fun surprise to turn and see Jordyn (Sister Whittaker).  I gave her a big hug and chatted for just a second cuz she was heading into a meeting.  She introduced me to her companion.  Cute cute girl so I am sure that they will get along marvelously.  Jordy seemed so happy and was doing great.  Her companion was a student trainer at BYU and knew Ryker.  She said that he was one of her favorites and that he made her laugh all the time.  Isn't that funny.... what are the chances.  Anyway, I thought you would like to hear that.  Don't worry mom, she is going to be just fine.  I have no doubt that she will be a great missionary.  

Becca

MTC Arrival

Family Goodbyes.....hardest thing one has to do

Parents....so very proud of Sister Whitt and her desire to serve the Lord.

Wyatt, Sister Whitt's first nephew, I think he was the hardest for Sister Whitt to say goodbye to because he will have grown up so much in the time she is gone.

Best friends

More best friends

Sister Whitts amazing brothers

The curbside drop off.....the Elders who were her escorts asked her when she opened the car door, "where is the missionary?" Sister Whitt said "I am the missionary"  the Elders then realized they were the luckiest Elders at the MTC.

One last goodbye from the favorite Dad....

A hard goodbye from the MOM.....its rough to say goodbye to one of her chicks!

Its official....

And off she goes....

to serve the Lord and to be a representative of Jesus Christ. She will be amazing!!

Last lunch together....

Before the dreaded MTC drop off, it has been tradition for the Whittaker family to enjoy one last lunch together before the missionary arrives at the MTC.  We decided to go to Firehouse Subs (which was really great).  

 A last goodbye with her very supportive, amazing grandparents....such a hard thing to do!

These are 2 of Sister Whittaker's most favorite people.....we love them!

Sister Jordyn Ann Whittaker serving in the Nebraska, Omaha mission at Winter Quarters and the Mormon Trail

Sister Whittaker begins her Mission Experience

For the next 18 months, I (Jordy's Mom Marnie) will be posting of Sister Whittaker's amazing experiences, along with pictures.  This is such an exciting time for Sister Whittaker that we didn't want her viewers to skip a beat on what is in store in her life....We love her, are so proud of her, and look forward to an amazing 18 months in the mission field.

The Setting Apart......

Our Stake President, President Welch set Jordy apart as a missionary and representative of Jesus Christ.  He blessed her with amazing things that would help her throughout her life and throughout her mission.  Our immediate family was able to all be there and the Melchezidek priesthood holders in our family was able to participate, which was truly amazing as well.  Sista Whitt will be a fantastic missionary and will bless the lives of so many, including her greatest fans her at home. (Her family)

Last visitors.......