"And the Lord said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old?"

 --Genesis 18:13

5 kids. It's like I'm Mormon or something. 

Mormon. Barefoot. Pregnant. And old. 

If you don't get the analogy, don't worry about it. Basically, I'm training again. And I'm actually really excited about it :)

But still. Pray for me. 

Love you all so much! 

Sincerely,

Sister Wells

P.S. Mom, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE PACKAGE. That's good stuff. I'm going to divvy it out and deliver presents these next few days. I'm so excited :)  

Dear President Weidman,

I'm so glad you enjoy my letters as much as I do. I have sort of treated this time as my "accountability to self" time as well as "accountability to President" time...and I talk to myself a LOT. Which is part of why they're so long. It's just a nice opportunity to reflect. So, thank you.

For example...as you're well aware, I'm training again. I can't help but wonder if this is a direct answer to my most recent e-mail/prayers in which I complained about becoming an old, "stale" missionary. Either way, I'm grateful and nervous and excited all at once. I'm starting to love her already. Of course I will sorely miss Sister Fthough. She is so solidly GOOD and great all at once. She'd be a great leader/trainer.

...as you're also aware, I won't be working with Sis. L as Visitor's Center Sister Trainer anymore. This was the more shocking surprise of transfers. I'm sad and nervous and excited for the change. 

Sidenote: Sister L told me about how she found out she was being released, and for the record, I find the ambiguous & confusing "thank you for your service as VC Sister Trainer" release phone call completely amusing. Don't be afraid to be bold, President. We can take it. :) 

As always, thank you for being inspired and prayerful about all of these changes. This is probably the most surprising transfer any of us imagined, which means it has to be from a higher source.

This week:

We're working with two part-member families on very different levels. One, ***** (age 9), has a baptismal date for February, and is the cutest investigator I have ever had. She has such a genuine desire to read the Book of Mormon and come to church every week. We're working on helping her family to be a little more active--which is largely through the fellowship of other families in the ward who have kids the same age. We're hoping to plan a combined FHE for next week. The other part member family may be more of a long-term project. Technically the wife is a new investigator because we taught her some of the principles from PMG and she invited us to come back next week (which, we discovered from the sisters in her previous ward, is a big deal for her)...however, she said that she's not interested in the lessons right now. The lesson we had with them was powerful stuff. I feel her trust in us, and we have high hopes and faith that our relationship with turn into something more.

We haven't been able to contact a few of our other investigators, which is always sad, but I look forward to doing some faithful finding with my new companion this week. We'll let you know how it goes. 

Another neat miracle this week was the lesson we were able to teach in Relief Society. We were called and invited to teach on Sunday morning, and though it was an intimidating prospect, we were grateful for the chance to serve and get to know our Relief Society sisters better. After as much prayer and preparation as the few hours we had would allow, the lesson turned out pretty well! I feel more trust from the members now. 

I went on exchanges with Sister O this week, which I attribute many of our miracles to (we had 2 member presents and 1 LA lesson that night! It was very fulfilling). One of our member present lessons was with a new Chinese investigator (it was a transition lesson), and though he seemed a little intimidated by the 6 of his on his doorstep (2 sets of missionaries and 2 members), it turned out beautifully. Everyone taught and testified and I feel that the faith of every person present was deepened.

Ironically enough, my favorite night of miracles was on the night of Friday the 13th. And it's funny because I was sort of having an off day until darkness fell and the Visitor's Center became packed. There was a non-member Latino couple that came into the center and wanted to be shown some of the exhibits about Christ. The wife remembered coming there 10 years ago w/ a friend and when her husband was having a bad night, she surprised him by bringing him here. I had the chance to show them the Christus and Savior of the World, and Jesus (the husband) was crying through both exhibits. He wanted to feel clean. He wanted to be healed. After teaching briefly about the Restoration, I testified of how we can experience True and complete cleanliness and healing through Jesus Christ. They accepted a missionary visit and a copy of El Libro de Mormon. 

So, I was happy about that. That I got to be the one to testify and be apart of this incredible miracle was a miracle in and of itself. I literally felt Christ healing and calming my anxious heart as I invited others to allow Him to do the same. (Again, it's almost silly how well He meets all of our needs at once). 

But THEN...I had 2 more miraculous experiences. One with a non-member family who was about to leave the center. Two older-ish parents (probably late 30's) and a young boy in a pirate's costume. It was a brief conversation, but they told me about how much they love being parents and how they had put it off for so long because they never knew what a joy it would be. The father had left the house in a pirate's hat that morning just because "there are only a few years of your life where you can do that" and he didn't want to miss out. It turns out they have been meeting w/ missionaries here and there and found out about the church through one of their member friends. They're still "on the fence" but they said they would most certainly be coming back. I told them that this is a place where they can get answers. ...I'm not sure why that was such a miracle to me. But it was.

And THEN...I talked to a couple who had both been recently reactivated. The girl was about to serve a mission, and over the course of our conversation, we were able to create a personal mission plan for her and two of her non-member friends. And same with him. I was able to share some personal experiences with them about how all of their past experiences--mistakes and trials and weaknesses included--could be consecrated for the Lord's purposes. Alma the Younger status. It was just a great MOMENT you know? It was so easy and natural and I felt the Lord consecrating my experiences for THEIR good, and...I don't know. It's just all so TRUE and love-filled. 

I love the Gospel. I love my mission. I love you and Sister Weidman. Thanks for everything! 

Sincerely,

Sister Wells

Sister E and I in the Christus. Good friend who's on her way home...

"I know. I have been to Utah. They are different from us." --Comment in RS last week

Hey fam!

Lovin' life:

Christmas chaos in the VC. Private Public Affairs events where I got to wear heels and shake lots of fancy hands. *****'s baptism (where I finally had THAT moment, you know? When it's like..."OH. This is what all those RM's talk about...").  Ward Christmas party. 

...installment #2 to come. W/ pics.

Dear President Weidman,

Things are picking up! 

We found three new investigators this week--two of which were through less-actives or part-member families. We met the third on the street, but he lives in an apartment building with an active member missionary, which is why he even stopped to chat with us in the first place. Though we may end up needing to transition a one of them to the Chinese elders, we feel incredibly blessed to have a little more of a teaching pool now. We also have a lesson scheduled with a new PMF in the ward as well as a less-active and her interested friend. 

Possible reasons for the change of tide: 

1) The ward Christmas party was a HUGE success. A good handful of less-actives and part-member families were there and that's actually where we found one of our new investigators. Our WML sent out personalized invites to each of these focus families with a note from the bishopric, which made a big difference. 

2) We worked and planned better this week, which I suppose accounts for some of our success. We tried to maximize our finding, teaching, baptizing time. 

The real reason for the change of tide:

Heavenly Father answers prayers. And I think He just enjoys blessing us overall, which I'm really grateful for. In that regard, I can't help but sigh when I think about this past week. He knows what we need and when we need it. I sometimes hate that my own personal needs are so high on His agenda because I was supposedly here to serve HIM. But I just can't seem to stop NEEDING things from Him. Just praying for my needs and desires to match His. 

We're trying out this whole Deep Faith, High Expectations deal. Friday evening, we prayed to find a new investigator who was ready to be baptized and who would help bridge the current gap between the RC Misfits of the ward and the rest of the ward. (We were told to be specific). And then on Saturday, before and during the ward Christmas party, we made that our focus. And a few of the people we met and set appointments with may fit the description! We'll see how it all works out. 

Personal tender mercies:

I got to return to my beloved Mar Vista ward on Saturday afternoon to see one of my investigators, *****, get baptized. It was inspiring and an answer to prayer on every level. She is a fiery recent convert who is a direct fruit of member missionary work. I'm going to convince Brother J to do a little documentary on YouTube about her conversion story as part of the Hastening of the Work of Salvation effort. I love her more than I can express, and am so grateful I got to be apart of her story.

There was a moment at the ward party where I finally felt like a missionary in the Westwood 1st Ward. As we were coordinating fellowship and talking with everyone and contacting referrals and making appointments, I realized all at once how much I love these people. I know I have said that I love them already...and I did. But I feel more like I belong here now, which is a tender mercy. 

Moments I got to testify during the fancy party (the Public Affairs event) at the Visitors' Center on Tuesday Night. I had one Jewish guest directly ask me about my personal conversion. :) 

Current goal:

I feel stale and old. It's taking way more energy than I thought it would to fight the 1-year plateau effect. In lessons and at the VC, I find myself saying things I've said a million times and even though I know the spirit will still testify...I just don't feel the power as strong as I did the first time I said it, you know? So. I'm working on it. Applying trainings, setting new goals, acting with faith to bring forth miracles. 

Other blessings that are helping me through this icky plateau thing: 1) My amazing companion, who helps me to feel good about myself during this weirdly self-conscious period of my mission and who teaches & changes me by her humble example. 2) My calling in the VC, which forces me to consistently and constantly "step up my game" as I learn from and for the other sisters, who I love and admire more than ever. 

I love the work, President. I say that in every letter, but I mean it differently every time. 

I know that Heavenly Father loves me and He loves you. We are so grateful for what you do for us, and love you and Sister Weidman so dearly.

Sincerely,

Sister Wells

 ...A whole lotta pics.

Some of the fancy party at the VC and of party decorations. Sis C in the purple dress (we came out together). Sis E in the black dress. Sis F in the blue sweater.

***** and I after the Christmas party...the J's and Sis E and L (Mar Vista missionaries) and ***** and I in front of the JOY sign. So fitting, no?  And my compa and ***** and I at the baptism (***** is a RC we're working with in Westwood 1st ward. She's in the red dress). And...the Creche exhibit (part of the Christmas merriment here at the LA VC. Lights, free concerts every night, nativity display, and MADNESS).

My compa in W. Hollywood. She's a rockstar.

Beautiful sunrise on Thanksgiving morn :)  

Sis. W and Sis F and I on Thanksgiving (big family party=so fun). 

*****, Sis F, and ***** playing the piano at *****'s house for dinner. Weirdest night of my life.  It will require its own episode of the VC Sitcom. (also on that night: Street contacting a group of male models in tuxes who just finished a photo shoot. They are that good looking in real life. FYI. And as sad as you would imagine them to be. )

...Life is a blast! Love you all!

I love you people. Thanks for the notes and the prayers and such. I feel 'em good and deep. 

...and I mean that. You are my tender mercy of the week. 

One of my friends pointed out this awesome passage in D&C 128 to me: 

"I am, as ever, your humble servant and never deviating friend." 

Isn't that beautiful? 

...just thought I'd share. 

P.S. My Thanksgiving was great! I'll send pics next week. 

Hello President!

So, we had zeros this week and a few odd experiences in our area--a combination that left us feeling rather icky yesterday. But we are blessed as we follow the counsel we received in zone conference. So, here's how we're doing and how we're going to be better this week:

We continue to have moving experiences as we talk with everyone we come into contact with. That goal hasn't changed.

As we began calculating the amount of time we spend finding, teaching, and baptizing, we were rather disappointed. We're going to try and cut down on travel time and be more efficient in our appointments. 

We are going to try and meet with more members this week and we are going to mix in some visits to potential investigators found in our area book.

We will keep PRAYING ALWAYS and BETTER. And with more gratitude.

The Good News: the Lord continues to bless us even when we're slightly emotionally unstable! 

Miracles: 

I had the opportunity to call Sister S's cousin in the Teaching Center. (Sidenote: Sister S is incredible. Passion and charity and all sorts of good missionary characteristics). As I called her mom to get her cousin, ****'s, phone number, I found out that their entire family had been fasting for me and the phone call I would be making to her. I was intimidated and inspired all at once--especially because Sister S had expressed such an incredible love for her cousin. I was excited to make the call because I could FEEL that pure love as I spoke to her and her family. And of course, it ended up going really well. I spoke with **** for 45 minutes or so and had an amazing conversation about her journey of faith and her gratitude for her family and her sweet cousin. She was so incredibly touched and grateful for my call. We bonded, and I felt every relationship involved growing stronger. Including that of **** and her new husband. They were just married a month ago, and she had yet to fully share with him how she feels about God and Christ, etc. After our initial conversation (in which we discussed the power of family prayer), she told me that she was finally able to have that conversation with him and that they would start praying together regularly. She didn't want me to SEND missionaries...but she said that her heart is open and that if missionaries showed up at her door, she would let them in and accept it as a sign that this really was something she needed to look into. ...So, we all fasted for the companionship serving in her neighborhood in Albuquerque, NM. We have so much faith, President. :)

It was the probably among most meaningful experiences I've ever had in the Teaching Center. I feel so blessed to have been a part of it. It has given "member referral" an entirely new meaning in my eyes. 

I love the work, President. For the first time, I feel a little panicky about all of the factors we've got working against us, but I'm working on regaining the faith necessary to move the work forward here in the Westwood 1st Ward. Because I know that Heavenly Father knows...well, everything. And He wants to move the work forward here as badly as we do. So. We're praying and fasting and setting goals. Because those things always seem to be the solution to everything, don't they?

The biggest tender mercy of my life is my sweet companion. Sister F is AMAZING, President. Humble. Faithful. Obedient. So sensitive to the spirit. I am learning so much from her and I want to be better for her. She will be a phenomenal trainer whenever you feel inspired to call her. That's my 2 cents :)

We love you and your family. It was a pleasure to meet them last week. You're all in our prayers.

Love,

Sister Wells

Follow-up e-mail:

...I don't know if I conveyed enough of the hope and gratitude I feel in that e-mail.   I have learned and am learning so much in this area.  The members, especially, really are so impressive and wonderful to me. They are creating Zion in the midst of LA, and they are so kind and GOOD. They are Heavenly Father's instruments here in LA and in my life.   And because of their goodness and faith, I know the work will pick up here.  I really know it.  And regardless of the numerical results, I feel my personal discipleship deepening.

MillaGrows & Such

Friends and Family,

MillaGrows=the gringo way of pronouncing Milagros, which means "Miracle" in Espanol.

I love you all a LOT. 

Thank you for the package. It was a tender mercy and perfectly timed. Fiber One bars win! :)

Love,

Sister Wells

Hello President!

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you are enjoying time with your family.

Thank you for an inspiring Zone Conference. As usual, it was a well-timed experience of repentance and renewal of commitment to improving the way we are working here in Westwood 1st.

Goals I made during the conference:

Pray always and better:  At night, pray out loud in the closet. Pray more honestly, humbly, and specifically.  Have companion and personal prayer whenever we even have the thought to do so (not just limiting ourselves to the "set" opportunities).  Make Heavenly Father apart of our daily and hourly goals.  (I was so impressed with the two elders you invited to bear testimony at the end of Saturday's conference, President.  It was inspiring.)

P-Days:  Our "10 gospel conversations per missionary" goals will stay the same, and we will be more prayerful throughout the day to have those opportunities. We'll practice contacting in the grocery story, etc.  I will be more prayerful in keeping my focus on the work in all of my p-day activities.  The content and recipients of my letters are centered around my missionary purpose.  I will write to someone on my personal mission plan list at least once or twice every p-day.

Obedience:  8am and 10:30pm. 

Less-Actives:  As we visit the "unknown" list provided by the ward, we'll consistently ask the Lord to consecrate our path with opportunities to find new investigators and to keep our mind focused on our purpose (and not just "checking them off the list").

Practice teaching:  Keeping our teaching simple and accurate. That must be why they say you have to KNOW the Doctrine deeply in order to teach it in its simplest form.  

LOVE OUR MEMBERS:  I generally haven't had a hard time loving the members of the wards I have served in (mostly because I have been blessed to serve in some exceptional wards and at a time when everyone is focused on missionary work), but I do need to check myself and my ambitious ideas for the "member missionary" efforts of the ward.  We're prayerfully finding the balance in how to humbly share some of the previously successful ward mission plan ideas with the bishop of the Westwood 1st ward.  He is very open and excited about the same kind of ideas though, so it shouldn't be a problem as we make it clear how deeply we love and respect him and the keys he holds for the ward. He has an amazing passion for the work, and it's been fun to see his energy and excitement for the Farsi elders.  You chose a great ward to send them to. 

PLANNING:  Every night, I'd like to count up how many hours were spent directly finding, teaching, and baptizing. 

So, those are my Zone Conference goals. Ready for the Miracles?

VC) 11/23/13 (With our mini missionary, ********)

***** came into VC to research for a role he was playing in a scene for one of his classes. He's an actor. Very funny. Gregarious. Very real. He's also black (and obviously loved the Alex Boye video :)  Raised Episcopalian, but now he's more of a non-denom.  He believes Christ existed and was a good person, but not in all of His miracles, etc...(at least, that's what said at beginning of tour).

Showed Christus, God's Plan, and taught about Restoration. Has BOM. Committed to read it. As we were in the Christus, he opened up a ton--especially as ******* (from WW2nd ward--she just happened to be in the Christus at the same time and started talking to him) shared a really personal experience about her non-member husband and her child passing away.  

He was kind of freaking out a bit (in a funny way, not in a crazy person way) about how "deep" the tour went and how much he was opening up to us.  He's been sober for 7 years.  There was a tragic car accident that occurred when he was in NY at that time in which someone was killed and it shook his faith in God for a long time...until AA meetings got him back into that.  He has felt that he needs to strengthen relationship w/ his mom and God's Plan gave him some of those answers/insights.

He knows it wasn't a coincidence that he came into the VC tonight...there were a lot of answers to prayers going on. Including for our mini missionary. Who testified powerfully throughout the tour and shared a personal experience that brought him to tears.  She told him that him coming in that night solidified her desire to serve a mission in a few years. 

Committed to read and pray about BOM and was reluctant at first, but agreed to meet w/ missionaries...of the Westwood 2nd ward. Aka the same ward that his favorite member, *******, is apart of.  

...There are moments on my mission that are just so overwhelmingly miraculous and perfect.  It's almost exhausting.

Our area miracle took place on Friday Morning, when we met with *******!  We met ******* on the street on my 2nd day in the area (on our way to a dinner appointment). She was incredibly nice and set an appointment with us for Friday.  And then she KEPT the appointment, which is often the bigger miracle.  We brought a member, who was perfect for her.  And she was incredibly open--asked all of the right questions, etc.  But the testimony-builder for me was the reason she gave for meeting with us.  There are a lot of things surrounding the circumstances of her life right now that make it the perfect time to meet the missionaries (newlywed, some powerful experiences recently that solidified her testimony that God does, in fact, exist, etc.)...but the one that stuck out to me most was her friend, *******, who she met just a few years ago and who is a member of the church.  She said her friendship with ******* had been an opportunity for her to ask all of the questions she's ever had about the "mysterious" Mormon church.  ******* served a mission.  ******* is one of the nicest people she's ever met.  So, in that moment that ******* met us on the street, she thought of ******* on her mission in Slovakia, and she knew she had to listen. 

...I know this may seem like an average, run-of-the-mill golden investigator story. But it's a testament of seed-planting, and it's a testament of how being a "member missionary" only requires honest discipleship and charity-filled relationships.  This is Hastening the Work of Salvation, and this is what I was especially called to witness here. 

I love everything and am grateful for everything--especially my dear companion, Sister *******, who proves herself time and time again as a True disciple and a loving friend.  She is phenomenal. 

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Sister Wells

It's been a great week in Westwood 1st! 

Though we haven't had a lot of time in our area this week, the few hours we have had have yielded wonderful results!

On the very first day in our area, we managed to get an appointment with a less-active that they had been trying to get a hold of for a few months now. She is very interested in coming back and committed to meet with us weekly. She also committed to invite her non-member neighbor over to join her as we review the lessons with her! Finding through less-actives will be the theme of my time in Westwood 1st. 

On our second day in the area, we spent about 10 minutes street contacting on our way to and from a meal appointment and we managed to find 2 new investigators. It's yet another testimony-builder that the Lord consecrates whatever time and efforts we'll give him. Especially as VC sisters. 

From what I can tell, the ward at least as somewhat of a 5-5-5 system--which is impressive to me. They have asked us to visit a large "unknown" list, which is going to be our main plan for finding and reactivation for this next transfer. Now it's just a matter of figuring out how we can support the bishopric in their recently announced "Next Step" program (which is essentially the ward mission plan). They invited all of the members to set a goal for themselves as their "Next Step" in coming unto Christ as well as a goal for their non-member/less-active friends and neighbors as their "Next Step" in coming unto Christ. I look forward to hearing more about it in our coordination meeting on Tuesday. 

In said coordination meeting, we'll also be meeting with and discussing the Farsi elders' role in the ward. I'm assuming you've briefed them on that matter, but if not, your input would be helpful. We look forward to supporting them however we can. 

We have a few-ish investigators, though it looks like we may need to drop 2 of them (or that they may have already dropped us). We should be meeting with the third semi-solid investigator, *****, sometime this week. I have heard a lot about her and look forward to meeting her.

My companion is wonderful! I have never taught with someone so easily. The teaching is mostly balanced and there seems to be complete trust on both sides. I really look up to her, president. She is humble and willing to work hard. What has amazed me most is how open she is to new ideas and yet she has amazing additions and ideas of her own that make everything BETTER. I feel like I'm on a powerful team with her and the Spirit. It should be a great transfer.

The Visitors' Center is doing well. Sister ***** has "shown me the ropes" and I now feel much more comfortable in my new assignment. Humbled. But comfortable. I did my first exchange with Sister ***** and was blown away. She is humble and loving and a solid teacher. I had/have a lot to learn from her.

Below is our Transfer Vision--formed using the "Area Standards of Excellence" guidelines provided in District Meeting. Also note the "Open Your Mouth" goals. I apologize for poor formatting. 

I hope you're having a wonderful week. You and Sister Weidman are certainly in our prayers as always.

Love,

Sister Wells

Also, some pics:

Last workout with Sister ***** before she went home. Pigtail day. SO FUN.

Fat free cottage cheese. 15 grams of protein. 0 Fat. How do they do it???

Sis E at a Persian bakery on one of our last P-Days together. 

Sis E and I sharing our dirty shake and fries at 50's Cafe.

*****. The first baby I will hold when I come back to visit this place.

Moffats! Fun surprise visit! ;)

Sis E & I with ***. Last lesson. So sad. 

Me with the *****. They are the coolest family. She's super active, but the rest of the fam just isn't. She has an amazing AMAZING heart though.

Me with Sis. *****. Amazing member missionary. Was a Soc major and has just made me a better missionary/person/I love her a lot.

Our leaving VC Sisters. We lost FIVE last week--including my trainer, Sis. *****. It was an emotional morning.

The view from one of our LA members' balconies. *****. Designer of Queen Vee Jewelry. Aka the necklace Rihanna wore last week. (How cool is my mission?)