Sister Heather Ripplinger's Letter May 24, 2012

Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2012 10:19 AM
Subject: The Miracle Town

My friends and family,

What a wonderful week!!!!!!!! I strived with everything that I had to stay focused on being a missionary, but as soon as 6:00 am rolled around this morning, I couldn't sleep anymore. I was SO EXCITED to hear about State Track!!!!!! =) My little brother is a stud muffin and I am so proud of him!!!!! 

Nauvoo is as wonderful as ever and I have some miracles stories to share! One experience this week was EXCEPTIONALLY miraculous. 

Yesterday three men walked into the Visitor's Center and I quickly discovered that they were visiting from ITALY! They were going on a wagon ride and then planning to leave shortly after. As soon as I looked at them, I felt a little push of the Spirit. I just felt like I should tell them I went to Italy, so I did. The senior sister that gave them tickets told them about the Women's Garden and said she'd show them where it was. I felt a little frantic, like we needed to take them on a "tour" out there, but the sister just walked them over and pointed. Then they left for the wagon ride!!! I watched the clock like a hawk so that I would know when they were back and expected to be in the garden. Sister Cloward was with me and as soon as I saw the wagon come back, we walked toward the garden. Time never seemed to go by so slowly!!! Fifteen minutes passed and everyone seemed to be loading in their cars to leave. Where were the Italians!!??

 I asked Sister Cloward if we could walk to the end of the garden and just look around to see if we had missed them. We walked all the way to the back.... NO SIGN of them!! I was beginning to feel a sense of urgency. In desperation, I asked Sister Cloward if we could kneel down and say a prayer. So out in the garden, skirts, dirt, and all, we knelt down to plead with Heavenly Father. I said the prayer and told Heavenly Father that we were ready to open our mouths and teach truth to these men and that we had faith they would still come if it was His will. I prayed that he would please help us find them, or that He would bring them to us, according to our faith. I said amen, we stood up, turned around, and twenty feet in front of us, these three Italian men were walking toward us. OH MY GOODNESS. "Wow, Heavenly Father, that was amazing!!!!"

There had been no signs of them for 15 minutes after the wagon came back, we knelt down and prayed, and then they were basically placed at our feet. We greeted them with big grins. Two of them were probably in their 50's and one in his 30's. The youngest one spoke English pretty well and said, "Hey! How long ago did you go to Italy?" We talked briefly about Italy and then he (Fabrizio) asked if both of us were Mormons because he had some questions. He started off with, "Tell me how Mormons are different from all the other religions." We jumped right into the gospel conversation and he had a lot of good questions. I absolutely LOVED it. We had to break everything down into VERY basic English and make sure he understood, then he would translate to the other two in Italian. Somehow, it came out that his uncle had died, and after years without any religion, Fabrizio started desiring religion in his life again. We asked him if he thought he would see his uncle again, and that brought us right to the Plan of Salvation. He was very involved in the conversation and it was incredible!!!

As Sister Cloward and I switched off explaining, I would pray with all of my heart while she was talking that he would be able to know that we were speaking the truth and that we would know what to say. Sister Cloward is like a rock. She is just so dependable and strong. When I start to feel like I need to spiritually recharge and pray for a second, she just comes right in with the next perfect thing to say or explain, and I just know she's going to be there when I need her. She speaks up and she does everything with love- she's a really, really good teacher. He said that his friends agreed with everything we were saying. After an hour and a half, we invited him to keep learning in Italy. He seemed surprised that we had missionaries in Italy, but he AGREED TO MEET WITH THEM!!!!! We told him that it would be much easier for him to learn because they speak Italian and we could keep in contact until the missionaries got to his home. He filled out a referral card and words simply cannot express how I felt. As we were talking with him, it was as though I could see the Rome Temple behind him. I could see his potential and I could almost see him in his ward in Italy. Sometimes when I'm talking with people, I know that they need the gospel in their lives and that they'll be baptized, but when I looked at Fabrizio, I just knew that he was going to be a strong member. I am learning more and more how to listen to the Spirit and discern. I also gain more and more faith in Heavenly Father's perfect knowledge and plan. During my first few weeks here, I would have asked myself how in the world do three Italians end up at the Nauvoo Visitor's Center, but now I expect them to come and I make sure that I am ready every single day to do and say whatever Heavenly Father has planned for that day. 

Sister Dransfield and I were upstairs in the Call Center and quickly we were back down on the Visitor's Center floor. With only a few seconds of being there, from across the room, Sister McKnight yelled my name. This man wanted a tour about Nauvoo. For some reason, he looked familiar, and I was a little bit flustered. He was kind of abrupt and rude, and I could tell this was going to be an interesting experience. Sister Dransfield joined us as we headed toward the Joseph Smith's First Vision statue. The man was spouting off doubts about Joseph Smith, the gold plates, men speaking with God, and what we believe. I said a prayer in my heart that we could melt him down and that the Spirit would teach and touch his heart. I thought that it was very interesting what came up. We were very careful not to get into a Bible bash and strived to address him with love and get to the soul behind the man.

As we continued trying to understand and love him, he said, "Ok, I am going to tell you something that I have never told ANYONE before. Because I probably won't ever see you again and for some reason I feel like telling you. "Many years ago, before I was married, I was having an affair with a married woman in Colorado. I was riding my motorcycle and decided to stop and take a rest. I laid down in the grass and closed my eyes. When I opened my eyes, I saw something that you probably won't believe. I saw the face of Christ sketched in the sky. It was like a sign that He was telling me not to go to Colorado to meet up with this woman. But my body told me otherwise, so I ignored Christ and went any way."

I thought it was so interesting that he told us that. It led to recognizing good and evil, etc. He then made a statement that "you could look at anyone long enough and think that they had a halo over their head". I didn't quite agree and said that I've looked people in the eyes before and knew that they had evil intentions, but that there are people that you can look at and know they're a good individual. I then asked, "What do you see when you look in OUR eyes?" He responded, "Well, you are so confident in yourself, full of assurity, seem close to God...like you really do talk with Him. You seem ....proud of what you've done with your life...and I want that assurity, but I just don't have it." "We can tell you HOW you can have that same assurity for yourself." We tried to help him fill out a referral card, but he said he'd come back later. "You two have given me a lot to think about. I'll be thinking about this conversation for a long time now." We had testified of God's love, life after death, and the Atonement. He kept asking, "What if this is as good as it gets? What if life does end at death?" Sister Dransfield and I held strong to our testimonies and bore them with confidence. That man left a different person that he came in. I could see a change of countenance and his heart was softened significantly. I have never had my heart so intently set on touching a stranger's heart. He came in stubborn and full of doubts. Because of those doubts, my testimony came out very strong and sure. I do not allow myself to doubt or question what I KNOW. Sister Dransfield is so amazing-down to earth, real, has a great sense of humor, happy, valiant, beautiful, and perfect. I LOVE teaching with her!!!

This DARLING family came into the Visitor's Center and I immediately fell in love with them. The dad had just graduated from dental school and they were moving across the country. The mom and the children all had beautiful olive skin. I just absolutely adore that mom. The youngest little boy was trying to climb up on the statue of Christ and touch his feet. Instead of reacting like some parents I've seen, she just scooped him up in her arms and sat down at the feet of Christ. She hugged the little boy and said, "Do you know that I love Jesus?" She loved the little guy and talked about how much Jesus loves him. I LOVED seeing that precious little moment. That the kind of mom I want to be! She reminded me of my own mother.... who taught me with love. Mothers really do change the world. 

Monday night, I was in the Call Center. (We call the individuals that were referred and invite them to meet with missionaries). It's probably the most difficult thing for me because I can't look into the people's eyes. There was one referral from a grandma who referred her granddaughter's boyfriend. haha I talked to the grandma and got the inside scoop on Dan, and have been trying to call him for two weeks with no luck. I sat down and the first person I felt like I should call was Dan. So I called...and he answered his phone!!!!!!! I talked with him and he AGREED TO MEET WITH MISSIONARIES!!!!!! I was so excited about that! It's really tricky to call strangers on the phone and help them accept strangers into their homes, but Heavenly Father has people prepared. There is going to be one happy grandma this week!! WOO!!!!

Sister Coyne and I were sitting outside on the steps one evening, and I saw my FIRST LIGHTNING BUG ever!!!!! 

We sang in Sacrament meeting last week and it went really well. The fireside is this Sunday and everything is really coming together. I just have to add that the Atonement makes the difference in my life in soooo many ways. I have had very little time to practice a piano piece that is really challenging, but somehow, as I've strived to be diligent, the piece has come together. It really is a miracle! I am so excited for Sunday! 

Elder and Sister Terry (the temple missionaries that I LOVE) are going to meet us in the temple today to do sealings. Elder Terry found me at church on Sunday and asked me if we would be the children and they could represent the parents. I JUST LOVE THEM for inviting us to do that!!!!!! I am soooo excited!!!!! They are both very special people and I love them a lot! Later in the day, Sister Coyne and I are going on the oxen ride that just started this week and we're going to cruise down town Nauvoo. =) 

Transfers are tonight at 6:30 in the 70's Hall (which was the first MTC back in the day)!!!!! Last year, everyone was switched every transfer, so it will be interesting to see where we all end up! I could be in Carthage for the next four weeks and if President Gilliland follows the previous trend, I will have a new companion! However... President is an inspired man and I know that he will do what Heavenly Father knows we all need. I'm excited to see who I will be with for the next month. I LOVE NAUVOO!!!!!!!!

I know I always say this, but thank you for all of the love and support. It really means so much to hear from the people I love and I am always inspired by the good people that have helped shape me into who I am. Thank you, thank you. 

Love, 

Sister Heather Ripplinger

(P.S. I realize that my paragraphs are not grammatically correct. I'm not so much worried about  that, but I just want you to know that I do it because it helps me separate thoughts as I'm typing at the speed of light.) =)

Sister Ripplinger's Weekly Letter, May 17, 2012

Family and Friends:

We keep thinking we will get through one of these letters without crying, but it doesn't happen.  Our sweet Heather soaks up every inch of Nauvoo.  Our Driggs friends know who Cruizer is, for the rest of you, he was Heather's beautiful Palimino horse that she did 4-H and horse shows with.  They used to run across the fields across from our home, in the summer, bare back and running full speed, his pretty yellow mane and tail matched her pony tail.

Heather's P-day must have changed to Thursdays.  Enjoy!

Blaine and Nikki

Sent: Thursday, May 17, 2012 10:33 AM
Subject: Prepared and Perfect

My family and friends,

So many miracles have been happening!!!! Friday morning, I was serving in the Lucy Mack Smith Home and I was deep in thought. I was talking with Heavenly Father and trying to listen to the Spirit. I felt like I needed to refer someone from back home. I left this person with a Book of Mormon and the lesson pamphlets, along with a letter. So, with pure faith, I wrote down her name and information. Then, prayerfully, I decided on which sister to give the card to... Sister Cook is going to call one of my precious friends back home and whether she agrees to meet with missionaries or not, I was determined to be obedient. Shortly thereafter, the miracles came.

A couple came into the house and throughout the tour, several items came to my attention that were no coincidence. The man LOVES family history, teaches it in St. Louis, and just returned from a trip to the Salt Lake Family History Center. He had Mormon ancestors in Nauvoo and was curious. Of ALL the places to stop in Nauvoo, they showed up in Lucy Mack Smith's home first. What are the odds? As we visited more, I discovered that the woman was a Jew and she had some bitter feelings against the Church because of the Hollocaust names that were taken to the temple. (In my family history class last semester at BYU, they placed a huge emphasis that we only do family names now.) Sister Brooks came back from the other tour and started talking with us. I kept looking at her to see if she felt anything, because from the beginning of meeting this couple, I felt like I needed to offer a copy of the Book of Mormon, but when I discovered the bitter feelings of this woman, I was hesitant. Sister Brooks looked at me like she felt the same thing, but I just didn't know what to do. The couple walked out the door, but left their car parked right by the house, then walked down the street. We closed the door and immediately started pouring over thoughts. I offered a prayer and what I said kind of shocked me. I said amen, and Sister Brooks jumped to her feet, grabbed a copy of the Book of Mormon and a Family Proclammation, then said, "We need to sit outside on the benches to wait. I picked up my scriptures and we went outside. We waited an hour and I was confident that they would be back before we left, but I had a feeling things would not go as we expected. I was blankly staring at my open scriptures because I was thinking about what we needed to say. I refocused in on my scriptures, and I realized that Nephi was saying that he has charity for the Jews because he IS a Jew!!!! The thoughts started coming quickly and Sister Brooks and I started talking about what we felt. The woman is Jewish... the Book of Mormon starts off with this family that left Jerusalem... the man loves family history and connecting his family lines... oh wow!!! The couple came into view and my heart started pounding. All the sudden this other car pulls up and a family jumps out that wants a tour!!!!! Come on Satan, give me a break! I jump up and tell Sister Brooks that she should wait for that couple. I felt like she had something that they needed to hear. So I took the tour (probably the most speedy tour that family has been on yet) and then with the most convincing look of poise, I walked over with Sister Brooks as the couple arrived at the car door. The woman was very anxious to leave and jumped immediately in the car. The man, however, came straight to us. We had the most quick and intense conversation as the wife yelled at him to get in the car. She was one angry woman! The man listened to us intently and we asked, "Would you like a copy of the Book of Mormon?" A huge grin split across his face. "My mother gave me a copy years ago as a young boy. I have been looking for it over the last several years. I WOULD LOVE ONE." He hopped in the car and little did he know that in the book was a copy of the Family Proclammation, a pass along card, a referral card, and a picture of the Savior. Sister Brooks and I waited until the car pulled out of site, then we collapsed on the bench. WEW!!!!!  =)

The next day, I had a really good feeling- someone would come in that was prepared. Rather suddenly and early in the morning, these two men walk in the door. Immediately, they start asking questions about the temple. Sister Coyne and I actually were together for this tour (usually I am flying solo on these tours). This was an answer to my prayers because over the last weeks, I have been praying intently that I could have good experiences teaching with Sister Coyne. The men started asking really good questions. "So your temples are like the ones in the Bibles?" One question led into another good question and soon Bill asked, "So if you are the restored church of Christ, you have apostles, right?" We said yes and he seemed flabbergasted. WE took him over to the display of the apostles and prophet. They listened to the testimony of President Monson, in which he talked about the Book of Mormon. Bill started asking more questions about continuing revelation and General Conference, etc. I explained how the Book of Mormon came to be and he responded, "Well if I'm going to know that the book is true, I am going to have to ask God myself and ask HIM if it is true!" I had to refrain from bursting into a huge smile. I asked if he would like to have missionaries bring him a copy of the Book of Mormon and they could explain further about everything. HE AGREED!!!! He quickly filled out the referral card and asked how long it would take for the missionaries to get there. He left with a beaming glow and I smiled at Sister Coyne. We went into the Conference room by ourselves and had a great big high five!!!!! This was the first time we were together and received a referral!!!! YAY!!!!! I prayed for a long time that night. My prayers had been answered and I only have one more week with Sister Coyne in this transfer. 

Mother's Day was WONDERFUL!!!! It was so good to visit with my family and I am SOOO proud of the people that I am sealed to for time and eternity!!! I feel so much strength inside of me because of my family. That evening, all of the young sisters and I went to visit Sister Gilliland. We all gathered around the piano and sang songs together. It reminded me so much of being at home when I would play the piano and all of my family would gather around and sing. I LOVED IT!!!! 

Next week is the fireside that the young sisters are in charge of. Sister Cook is in charge of it all and she has done a GREAT job in planning. All of us are singing a few numbers together, there are a few special numbers, and a few speakers in between. I was asked to speak and have been pondering a lot about what I should say. All of the missionaries in Nauvoo come and it is open to the public. Also, I was asked to accompany Sister Zibetti and Sister Streeter as they sing "Be Still My Soul". The song is absolutely BEAUTIFUL. However, the piano part is really challenging. It has four key changes and moves around a lot. I have to make the most of the hour I get to practice each week and I'm praying that somehow it will work. =) The Sisters have gorgeous voices and I'm really excited for it!!! 

I absolutely LOVE the senior couples here. There's a buzz in town about these cool necklaces that all of the senior sisters are making.... well... you would never believe this, but I got "hooked" on it, too. =) haha It reminds me of home and Sister Sims was so nice to teach me how to make them. The crocheting skills are being revived! During our 5 minute car rides to and from our sites and the VC, I work as quickly as I can and I've made 5 of those darn necklaces. I guess it's part of being initiated as a missionary in Nauvoo. =) 

The Terry's are temple missionaries that Sister Coyne and I made friends with. Last prep day, we went over and played "Mormon Mad Gab" and we were laughing and having a good time together. I love them!!! I'm trying to figure out how I can weasel my way into convincing one of the teamster elders that he could steal a draft horse for me to ride on preparation day, but... odds are not looking good since it's against the rules to ride horses as a missionary. =) One can only dream about such things as a missionary! I often look out the window and see the beautiful green fields and dream about Cruizer and racing across fields as fast as we could go. Nauvoo is SO beautiful!!! We drive past the temple every day and I love it!!!! 

I LOVE being a missionary!!!!!!!!! I love running with some of the sisters in the morning. I love learning about the people of Nauvoo. I love the visitors that come here. I love the missionaries. I love my companion. I love feeling the Spirit in news ways. I love studying the gospel, falling into bed at night with a content and exhausted heart... Sister Coyne tells me that I bear my testimony in my sleep and teach about gospel principles. One night I was talking to someone about the importance of family history and how it relates to the Plan of Salvation... the next day, Sister Coyne said she used my speech with someone she actually talked to in the VC. Oh, it's a good life. =) 

I love you all!!!!!!! I am SO grateful for the righteous influences in my life! Remember that the Savior and His Atonement give us the strength we need. The Atonement enables us to perform at the level that we were designed to. The most powerful Being in the universe is the FATHER of our SPIRITS!!!! 

Love, 

Sister Heather Ripplinger

Sister Ripplinger's Letter May 10, 2012

Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2012 11:33 AM
Subject: Nauvoo Bliss

Dear friends and family,

This week was SOOOOOOO awesome! I have so many miracles to share and as I think about each one, I have to look at my name tag and realize that I AM A REAL, DEAL MISSIONARY!!!!!! These things are really happening!!! =) How great is my joy! Yay!

First, I would like to talk about Sister Coyne. Charity never faileth. The last few weeks were pretty tricky because she is one tough cookie. All of her walls were up and I was really having a hard time melting those walls down. There was just distance between us, figuratively speaking. I knew that she was struggling, but she wouldn't open up her heart. Finally, last week, as we were finishing up planning on Thursday night, I asked if she was doing ok. She replied, "Don't worry about me. I'll be fine. You need to get ready for bed." I looked her straight in the eyes and from the bottom of my heart said, "Sister Coyne, NOTHING is more important to me than YOU right now." Tears began streaming down her face and the walls came down. We sat on the floor in our bedroom for two hours that night as we talked about what was going on in her heart. I was sitting with my back against the bed and she laid down and put her head on my lap. Poor Sister Coyne. One problem that I discovered was that she has been taking medicine for the last three years, but ran out of it a few weeks ago, so she just stopped taking it!!! She had a rough life growing up and she never felt like her companions loved her. She said, "You are the first person that has ever taken the time to listen. I can tell that you really do love me." Since then, it has been like a completely different companionship. 

When we're driving along, we turn up this funny, bouncy version of "There's Sunshine in My Soul Today", and Sister Coyne looks like the happiest missionary on the earth as she's grooving along in the driver's seat. =) Oh, it just makes me so happy. She pours a glass of milk for me each night, she shares her headbands and jewelry, she compliments and loves me... I share my peanut butter with her as we plan and try to help her recognize just how divine and wonderful she is. The other night, we were trying to fall asleep, but talking way too much to do so. haha As we giggled and told stories and talked about everything, I was laying in my bed on the other side of the room with a huge grin on my face. THIS was the companionship that I had to keep envisioning over the last few weeks. I've gained a testimony that when you strive to see others as their best, and treat them like so, they start to catch that vision. She's volunteering to offer the prayer in meetings, setting high goals, and always looking out for me. I seriously cannot express the sheer JOY that I feel. I love Sister Coyne. We went to this cool bridge earlier this morning and both went adventuring underneath to get cool pictures, laughing and trying to avoid splashing in the creek. It was SO GREAT!!!!!

There is a girl named Kaylee that lives in Nauvoo. She is almost 17 years old and raised in a Catholic household. Heavenly Father helped her find the Visitor's Center last year and make friends with some of the sisters and performing missionaries. This year, when we all arrived, I felt kind of out of the loop like I had missed out on that friendship just because of the situation. I stayed a little distant, but the Spirit told me that I needed to soften my heart. I finally told Heavenly Father that I was willing to do whatever I was supposed to with Kaylee. The very next morning, she came in and I could tell she had a lot on her mind. We sat down in two chairs in the Visitor's Center and she started talking. The Spirit prompted questions that I should ask and Kaylee started to recognize what she really knew to be true. She wants to be baptized, but she feels like she needs to wait until she's 18 because of her mom. We had a really good talk. I was kind of surprised because all of the second summer sisters said that she always avoided commitments and talking about becoming a member. Out of nowhere, the Spirit prompted me to ask, "Have you ever thought about receiving a Priesthood blessing?" She looked surprised and answered, "Yes, I actually have..." I asked if she would like one and that one of my favorite senior elders was around in the VS. She AGREED!!!!! In the blessing, I had the distinct impression that she will be baptized and she will have a few experiences soon that will prepare her. Kaylee doesn't know it, but SHE is an answer to MY prayers. I have been praying that I can see baptisms from Nauvoo. I don't know if it will be this summer or next summer, but it is going to happen. =)

I had the opportunity to serve in the Cultural Hall (a historic site) and I LOVED it!!!! I have been trying to envision what I feel like the Spirit is prompting me to do. I am trying to be in tune with the Spirit enough that I can feel the angels around me. In the top floor of the Cultural Hall, there is a big dance floor with beautiful windows at the end of the room. It's the original floor from the 1800's and I could just imagine the couples like Joseph and Emma waltzing around. I went up and said a little prayer, then I started waltzing around in my pioneer dress with a huge smile on my face. I could just imagine wearing some pretty gown and swirling around. I felt like a few of my ancestors were were getting a kick out of that. Awww. I love Nauvoo!!!! 

A young man came into the VC and somehow, Sister Dransfield and I ended up in front of the Christus with him. He had been in a terrible car accident a few months ago and barely survived. He was in the ICU for several weeks. He said in the hospital, he had a dream that Jesus gave him a second chance at life because he was supposed to serve a mission and get married in the temple. We slowly discovered that he had been a drug addict, an alcoholic, and had several tattoos. He had gone to talk with his bishop and can go on a mission in about a year from now. I could tell there was a lot more deep down in his heart, though. As we kept talking, in total sincerity, he asked, "Why would Jesus give ME a second chance?" Sister D and I were able to testify of the Atonement and I shared the story about Alma the Younger. He didn't remember ever hearing it before. A man really can be changed from someone against the church to becoming one of the best missionaries ever. "You mean that I could be a really good missionary someday? Could I be as good as both of you?"  When we allow the Atonement to heal us, our hearts are changed and we become sanctified and pure. We had a really good visit with him and at the end he said, "This has been one of the best days of my life. Thank you." 

On Sunday, I fasted that I could be more in tune with the Spirit and  I fasted about receiving referrals. About helping people continue learning about the gospel and receiving all of the blessings. A young adult group from Utah came to Nauvoo and a VERY unexpected miracle came about. 

First, I have to reflect back to when I was 15 or 16 years old. I started having dreams that I was teaching the gospel to people with black skin. I always imagined we were somewhere in Africa. But when I got my call to Nauvoo, I thought, "Wow.... Heavenly Father, how could I have been SO WRONG??? Nauvoo is where all of the members of the church come and it is probably the safest, non-threatening, and pampered mission in the world." Well, let me shed a little light on the situation. From the Call Center upstairs in the VC, we can call individuals that have been referred and we can call all over the world, if by some miracle we got a foreign referral. We can teach those individuals over the phone until the local missionaries can get there. In some cases, if it was in an area where missionaries were not located, we could teach them to baptism and then the missionaries could go baptize them. But how in the world do you get referrals for a place like Africa???? Let me tell you.

A young lady that had been baptized three months ago came with that Utah young adult group. She had dark skin...kind of looked African, but I figured she had been adopted and raised in America or something. As we started sharing spiritual experiences, she was asking about sister missionaries because she wants to serve a mission. Suddenly, the Spirit struck like lightning in my heart. "Wait, where are you from?" She responded, "Oh! I am from Cameroon, Africa! I am just going to school here for a while." WHAT?!?!?!?! She started explaining, "I wish I could be a missionary in my country because the missionaries will never find all of my friends that would so like the Church." AHHHHH!!!!! I quickly explained that I can contact missionaries ALL OVER THE WORLD and send missionaries straight to her friends. Her eyes lit up and my heart jumped with joy. WOW. The Heavenly Father slowed time down for a second and as I looked into her eyes, those 16 year old dreams flashed through my mind. I tried to remember the faces I saw and they had beautiful, black skin, just like her. They had the same hair and big, brown eyes. They were from Africa. She referred 12 or 13 friends. I get to call them tonight and help them find the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Who knows what will lead from this one encounter of Sister Ripplinger and Tecinia in the Nauvoo Visitor's Center. Well, Heavenly Father does and He's had it planned for a loooong time and has been preparing our paths to meet. I am going to teach people in Cameroon Africa.

Heavenly Father is PERFECT. We just need to trust Him. He has a perfect plan for us and it is so much better than we could have ever imagined or hoped for. Trust Him. Jesus Christ and the Atonement are the way that we can reach our full potential. The most powerful Being in the universe is the FATHER of OUR SPIRIT. Jesus Christ is our BROTHER and the way has been provided. Do all that you can to follow diligently and have courage. Look at people and see them for what they can become. Pray to Heavenly Father that you can have the Spirit and be able to see them as He does. Charity never faileth. Just LOVE and miracles will happen. Take your love to your loved ones and your frustrations to the Lord. BE HAPPY!!!!!!! The Gospel of Jesus Christ is restored to the earth. We don't have to live in darkness. As we become more like Christ, joy will penetrate our souls and we will be so eternally and blissfully HAPPY-even in times of trial.

I am so grateful for all of the good people that have influenced me throughout my entire life. Thank you for all of your love and support!!!!!!

Love,

Sister Heather Ripplinger

=)

May 2, 1012 Letter from Sister Ripplinger - The Black Name Tag

Friends and Family,

 

      What do you call a line of rabbits hopping backwards? It's a receding hair line!!!! We have a lot of those in Nauvoo. =) haha! I absolutely LOVE having the senior couples around! I have a few favorites that I sure do love to work with. Two days a week, I serve in a site and it is always different. Usually, I serve with one senior sister in a site like the Print Shop or Heber C. Kimball's home, etc. At some sites like the Family Living Center or Carthage, there are a few senior couples and Sister Coyne. In the Visitor's Center, there are usually two young sister companionships and a few senior couples. There are so many opportunities and I'm always kept on my toes-learning the information for each site I serve in. I am LOVING it!!!

 

      On Friday, I was able to be part of "Nauvoo on the Road"!!! A few senior couples, Sister Coyne, and I packed up a trailer full of pioneer stuff and traveled to Keokuk, Iowa for the public Civil War Reinactment. We had different stations set up like pioneer games, candle making and baking, and rope and brick making. In the morning, Sister Anderson and I were able to "work" at the game station...hardly working. =) So several elementary schools around the area come and rotate through all of the different stations- some which included listening to "Abe Lincoln" speak about his life, watching Confederates race around on horses, etc. And then there's good old Nauvoo on the Road!! Because of certain laws in this area, we usually are not allowed to wear around name tags and we can't bring up the gospel- no proselyting. However, if by some chance, someone asks us a question, we can answer.

       For some reason, we were allowed to wear our name tags that day, if we chose to. Most of the senior couples didn't, so I was debating about it. I prayed about it and felt like I needed to leave the name tag on. I hoped that someone would ask about it. I was told that no one ever asks about them and that our main purpose at this little carnival/fair/public park get-together was to help people have fun and see the Nauvoo sign. I prayed all day and miraculously, I saw a few divine signatures.

       As the youth groups came through, I tried to talk with the high school age volunteers that kept track of everyone. I was able to relate back to the good old days of high school and prove that I was not a nun. =) One young man started talking to me and said that he was going to submit his mission papers soon. The young guy next to him said, "WHAT?!?! You're a Mormon?! Dude, why didn't you tell me that before! I was going to be baptized right before my parents moved us out here! Then the missionaries never called me again and I didn't get baptized!" I looked at the future missionary and with a grin said, "You need to take him to Church with you!" Both anxiously agreed and walked away as the horn sounded for them to rotate to the next station.

       Another group of 8th graders came to see the candle demonstration and for some reason, the timing was off and we had about 10 extra minutes to try and entertain them. I started talking with this really nice group of kids. One girl must have noticed my name tag and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, because she, out of the blue asked, "Hey! Have you ever been to Super Saturday?!?!" I had no clue and asked what it was. She told me that it was a big Mormon youth activity that her friend had invited to her before and it was really fun! I jumped on that opportunity and asked if anyone else had been to it. None of them were members and wanted to know what this cool activity was. I started talking about Klondike Derbies and EFY get togethers and told the one girl that she should ask her friend about other activities. The guys were really interested to hear about Derek's Eagle Scout stuff and packing trips. When the horn sounded again, they all asked if I was always in Nauvoo. They said they totally want to come and have me tell them more about what I did when I was their age because I seem so happy about life.

      

       On Sunday, I had the wonderful opportunity to serve in CARTHAGE!!!! YAY!!!! The tour through the jail is about 45 minutes long and includes a lot of information and details. I learned the night before that we would be serving there, so there was not much time to prepare. I am always so humbled to see how the Spirit helps me learn things so quickly. There is no way in the world that I could remember everything on my own. I remember preparing speeches for rodeo queen contests, speeches for my high school class, 4-H demonstrations, etc. Most of those were 10 minutes things and I would spend a lot of time getting ready. In Nauvoo, I study as hard as I can whenever I have a minute to, but without the Spirit, I would never be able to do it. We went to church and meetings in the morning and immediately after, drove out to Carthage. I always pray and pray for help.

       The sisters that are usually out in Carthage said that it's been super slow and they only take a few tours all week. We arrived and were taking tours all afternoon, and the senior couples were taking the next groups right behind us. There was a family from northern Idaho that came with us on the tour and we deviated from the outline a lot because Sister Coyne and I both felt like there were certain things that family needed. There was also a young couple that came in last minute and Sister Coyne definitely received the revelation for that tour. I knew she was speaking by the Spirit and talking about things that they needed to hear. Go Sister Coyne!!!! I love it when the Spirit is so strong! Serving in Carthage was a tender mercy. I've been wanting to serve there so badly!

 

       In a training meeting on Sunday, we talked about being completely consecrated and strictly obedient. I've had those things on my mind throughout my mission thus far. I could feel the Spirit so strongly and I desperately want to be the very best I can possibly be and be all that Heavenly Father needs me to be. I was pleading on my knees Sunday night that I could give more. I felt like there was more to give. I asked that He would use my past experiences in some way. Words cannot express the deep sense of urgency and desire that I have in my heart. I am aching to give more because I've got more in me.

      Monday morning, I served in the Family Living Center and I felt like it would more appropriately be called the Miracle Center. One of the senior sisters came in with a bunch of fabric she had cut out to sew teddy bears for humanitarian aid. I JUMPED on that opportunity. Usually, the FLC is one of the busiest sites, but NO ONE came in during the morning. I worked happily on those teddy bears and felt that sense of fulfillment that I was praying for. Sister Coyne and I went to lunch and still no one had come in. I finished up the last teddy bear and all the sudden, people just started coming. As certain people walked in, I felt distinct promptings that I needed to talk to them. Two young men came in, both expecting mission calls, and I really tried to encourage them to do missionary work before they leave. One of them referred his friend for me to call and I just might get to see a miracle happen soon. A mother and her BYU student daughter came in and I could tell that the poor mama had a lot on her mind. I took them over to the candle area and we didn't talk much about candles. =) 

The Spirit told me to testify of the Atonement and that Heavenly Father is merciful. I discovered that she hadn't been able to do an endowment session for ten years because of an allergic reaction to perfume and the temples were always so busy with good smelling women. She has done initiatories faithfully EVERY WEEK for the last TEN YEARS. While in Nauvoo, she felt like she should try and go to a session. When she arrived, there was ONE couple in her session. For the first time in ten years, she was able to go through an endowment session. Tears filled her eyes and I could just feel of her sincere and pure heart. Her only living family member (aside from husband and children) is expected to pass aways soon. They had come all the way from Utah to visit her uncle who was on his death bed. My own testimony of the Atonement was strengthened as we talked about the trials we all face and the strength that comes from Christ.

 

       Yesterday, a huge tour group of people from all around the country (not LDS) came pouring into the visitor's Center. I started talking with one woman that I knew would listen. I took her to the statue of Joseph Smith and the First Vision and poured my heart out in the five minutes that I had. Everyone started running out to the bus that would soon be leaving. It was kind of funny because everyone was SO frantic. As her husband grabbed her arm to leave, she stopped and put a hand on my shoulder, looking straight into my eyes. She said, "Thank you. Thank you for telling me about this. I know that it is true because of the way your eyes sparkle." I gave her a temple pamphlet with information about how to contact the missionaries in a split second, and she was gone. She'll get baptized sometime soon.

 

       Something I want to emphasize is what President Uchtdorf taught. The most powerful Being in the UNIVERSE is the Father of your spirit. There is no limit to your potential. Heavenly Father needs you to become the person that you were designed to become. He has sacred and precious work for you to do. That may seem overwhelming when we feel weak, inadequate, overlooked, and imperfect. Satan wants you to feel like you can't do it-that you can't make it. Heavenly Father provided a way for you to accomplish all that He requires and Jesus Christ and His Atonement is the way. Heavenly Father can make weak things strong. If you feel like you are weak and incapable, know that YOU ARE CAPABLE. He calls upon the weak things of the earth to bring about a great and marvelous work. All you have to be is worthy and willing to act on promptings of the Spirit. Do not be intimidated. You are enough. With Jesus Christ you are EVERYTHING. I invite all of you to watch the video link that I posted below and then prayerfully talk with Heavenly Father about what He needs you to do and how you can do those things. Pray to know that you are special. =) Because you are.

 

       I have seriously considered sleeping with my precious black name tag on... I love it so much! But even more, I love that I am a MISSIONARY and I can be an instrument in the hands of God to bring people to the TRUTH. To guide them onto the path of eternal life and joy.

      I. AM. A MISSIONARY.   =)

 

Thank you for the letters and words of encouragement. They mean so much to me and I am so grateful for all of you!!!!!

 

Love,

 

Sister Heather Ripplinger

 

 

P.S.

Here's the video!!!! I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!

Mormon Messages

http://www.lds.org/pages/mormon-messages?lang=eng&query=sanctify&cid=email-shared#sanctify-yourselves