Sister Ripplinger's Weekly Letter, July 31, 2012

Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2012 2:19 PM
Subject: Once Upon a Time

My Friends and family,

This week was simply amazing!!!!!! Just when I think it can't get any better and I couldn't be more happy, the blessings keep on pouring down. I feel so humble and truly grateful for this time in Nauvoo and that I am blessed to be with Sister Umphenour. Even if we aren't right next to each other, I receive so much strength and motivation from her. She is a hard worker and I LOVE her. This week, we had some neat experiences together and we both had our own little experiences that were miraculous. Sometimes I feel like we're living in a fairy tale, but really it is just a dream come true. I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY. 

So last Friday, this young man and his parents came into the Visitor's Center. He was about 6' 5", had curly hair, and was extremely fidgety. His parents informed us that they both believed in Yoga. When they said, "We believe in Yoga", I thought they said that they believe in Yoda. bahaha As we went through a tour in the VC, the mom started making connections between the Mormons' beliefs and their beliefs. The young guy was looking around and seemed off in his own little world, but he stayed close by. We taught about the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith and the mom kept on connecting beliefs. Toward the end of the tour, Sister Umphenour and I were looking at each other and weren't sure what to do. It was kind of a weird situation, they had made it clear they had their own beliefs, the son was wandering around and we weren't sure if he had listened to anything we said... so it was just kind of a weird ending, but I felt like maybe the son had actually listened as he was wandering. They wanted to look around the Women's Garden, so we just let them go, then got together and asked what we thought we should do. I told Sister Umphenour that I felt like we should offer the son a Book of Mormon, but didn't know how to go back into the conversation. Right then, the son walks around the corner and comes back to us. He asked if we had anything else we thought we might want to share with him. Say no more! I asked if he would like a copy of the Book of Mormon, he said yes, he filled out a referral card, and he said he really enjoyed learning about the prophets in the Americas and about Joseph Smith. He thought it was neat there were more prophets. I guess he was kind of listening, after all! Almost as quickly as he came back, he was gone again. Elders get to go teach him!!!!! YAY!!!! =)

I was serving in the Log School and this big, happy, laughing family comes in. The senior sister I was serving with seemed somewhat unhappy with their entrance, but I was kind of excited. YAY! It's a big, happy family!!!! As we got into the tour, I pulled out the flash cards with words that are mispelled from the 1800's and they try to guess what they say. I figured I may as well have fun, so I was teasing them a little bit. =) They reminded me a lot of my Ripplinger extended family.  At the end of the tour, I felt like I should tie in the Book of Mormon with the learning theme. I had hardly mentioned it, when one guy raises his hand. He wanted to know what exactly the Book of Mormon was and where it came from. I started explaining and they were nodding their heads and asked a few more questions. At that point, the next tour was waiting to come in, so I stepped outside with them and they kept asking questions. They loved hearing about the temple. Some of them had gone through the open house ten years ago! I was able to testify to this great big, extended family and several of them filled out referral cards because they wanted to have missionaries come teach them!!!!! YAY!!!!!!! 

At Pageant grounds that night, I was walking over toward the seating area with Sister Umphenour, and as usual, we decided we would divide to conquer. The first person I notice is a 70 year old man sitting with an umbrella over his head. (It was raining) =) Sometimes it is hard to know which person I need to talk to when there are a hundred people milling around, but I knew he was the one. I sat down and started talking. He's been to Jackson and LOVED it. He thinks it is one of the prettiest places on Earth. He started asking questions about the Mormons and his wife came back with her own umbrella. She sat down and jumped right into the conversation with questions, as well. We had a really, really nice talk. I got a kick because in the Pageant, there is a man who wants to learn about the Church and the Book of Mormon, but he doesn't want anyone to know that he's curious. They were acting like him. =) Darlene asked me, "So if one wanted to...join your church, how would they go about doing that??" I smiled a great, big smile and told her that if a person were to want to join the church, they would need to have missionaries come visit them and teach them a few of the basic lessons about the Church, they would need to attend church a few weeks and make sure they met the Church standards before being baptized. She nodded her head as she took notes on a notebook!!!!! Then she asked where she might find missionaries and if there are any in Missouri where they are from. I had her right down their address and phone number and told her that missioanries would come right to them. She got a huge smile and she hugged her husband. "Honey! We will finally be able to join the Mormons!!!" As I walked away from that conversation, I wanted to close my eyes and pour a big glass of water on my head. I knew it was hot outside, but did that really just happen?? YEP!!!!! YAY!!!!!! =)

Sunday afternoon, Sister Umphenour and I were taking a tour with a man that was a little less than pleasant. As we tried to talk with him, he was just really grumpy and made us follow him around as he read the display signs. Then he told us he wanted us to show him around the Women's Garden. I didn't feel like it was going anywhere, but Sister Umphenour and I felt like maybe we should go. We walked around and tried really hard to make it a spiritual experience. As we were starting to walk back toward the VC, three young women and a mom passed us. When they said "hello", they watched us intently and kept watching us as we walked past. I felt like we needed to stop, but I didn't want to ditch the man we were with!!!! At the same moment, Sister Umphenour stops dead in her tracks and veers over toward the girls. Go Sister Umphenour!!!!! I knew I loved her! I walked with the man to the doors, said our good byes, and then I ran back over to the girls. The mom is a cast member in the Pageant, the two girls were helping with Pageant, and the other girl (who is not a member of the Church-Courtney) has helped with catering for Cast members for about four years now. They befriended each other and brought her to the VC. We took them on a tour through the Women's Garden and I could feel the Spirit. We talked about God's plan for each of us and how we have no limit to our potential. We tied in the Book of Mormon, as well. Courtney was participating in everything and totally soaking it up. At the end of the tour, we invited her to meet with the missionaries and she said YES!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!!! I loved that experience because the Lord led us to be in the right place at the right time. Sister Umphenour was inspired to stop and talk with them, everything worked out smoothly, and now this darling young lady (22 years old) is going to take the lessons and she's reading the Book of Mormon!!!! 

Same day in the Visitor's Center. Two old women named Ellen and Helen came in. They both were asking golden questions. Ellen said she believed that everyone needed to be baptized to go to heaven, but she knows several people that she loves who haven't been baptized, some of which have passed away already. We talked about proxy baptisms and she completely agreed with the idea. Sister Umphenour showed them the scripture in 1 Corinth 15 about baptisms for the dead. They were shocked and I felt the Spirit come. Then they asked if we believe in baptism by immersion. We do and they agreed because it seems like that is how Christ was baptized. Although I know they felt the Spirit, they weren't quite ready for missionaries. We thought they might come to the Sociable/fireside that night, so after the program, we looked for them. Sister Umphenour spotted them, and we quickly walked over to them. Long story short, we asked if they would like a CD of the music from the Pageant, Helen asked if the missionaries HAD to bring everything they wanted, we said they did, she said..."Oh you girls are persistent. =) Don't give up on me just yet. We'll be back for Pageant this week and maybe God will have convinced us by then." hahaha We were ok with that and felt it was right. They'll be back and I got a kick out of those two darling old ladies that are best friends with names that rhyme. =)

Monday morning, Sister Cook and I started to take a very sweet, sincere man and his two daughters on a tour. The girls are really young and I could just see sincerity in his eyes. We discovered that two missionaries had stopped at his door and left a Book of Mormon, while also mentioning that he should come to Nauvoo. So he came. We taught him the first lesson in front of the statue of the First Vision and explained the Book of Mormon. The Spirit was strong and we were able to testify of Christ and the Atonement. I could see that he was hurting inside. I later found out that his wife had left shortly after the youngest daughter was born. Sad... =( Sister Cook left for a few minutes with the little girls and I was able to talk to Thurman about repentance, baptism, and the Holy Ghost. He said that when the missionaries came to his door and while he was in the VC that it was like a whole different world. He felt peaceful and hopeful. I got his contact information and elders are meeting with them on Thursday!!!!!! =) I have a feeling he will be baptized within a few weeks. He is so pure, sincere, and seeking the truth. I love that little family.  

Alright, last miracle that I have time to write about and perhaps I should pinch myself. I'm still kind of in shock that this all happened. Yesterday, a lady named Joanna walks in with a man that introduces her to me, tells me that she's felt the Spirit, took one lesson from missionaries along the way on their road trip, and he doesn't know what to do now. Well I didn't know what to do either! haha I took her over by the First Vision statue. After a few moments of talking, she said that she just feels the Spirit so strongly. I asked her what the Spirit was telling her to do. She said she felt like she needed to be baptized. Without thinking too much, I pulled out my planner with the baptismal interview questions. I told her that in order to be baptized she would need to be living the Gospel standards and would need to attend Sacrament meeting at least a few times. She told me that she's been attending a Sacrament meeting over the last few weeks, she stopped drinking alcohol because she wants to be closer to God, and she has been reading the Book of Mormon. She doesn't smoke, drink coffee, or anything like that. She was paying "tithing" in her other church and believes it is good to thank God by giving ten percent. She has a solid belief in Christ and God. We went over all of the baptismal interview questions, talked about repentance in preparing for baptism, committing to God and herself on one other commandment. Her husband passed away a few years ago and she was just so amazing!!!!! I could feel the Spirit so strongly!!!!! I took her over by the Christus and we sat down. I asked what she remembered from her lesson about Joseph Smith and the First Vision. She believes the Book of Mormon is the word of God and that Joseph Smith is a prophet. So we read in 2 Nephi 31 about baptism and she had tears flooding down her face. I also told her about the blessings of the temple. We had a great big hug and just sat in silence. It was incredible. So .... she's on a road trip and isn't sure when she'll go home because she feels like she doesn't belong anywhere. I told her that she needs to pray and ask God what He wants her to do because she needs to get established somewhere in a ward. She and the man that she randomly met (who actually happens to be an excommunicated member) started walking up toward the temple and I ran up to President Gilliland to ask what I should do!!!! haha So I have Joanna's contact information and everything. They're in Nauvoo for a few days and I guess we'll figure out what to do now! Baptism in Alaska? Maybe she'll stay in Nauvoo for a while or go up to family in Minnesota. She'll have to figure a few things out before she can be baptized, but...still!!!!! It was so exciting!!!!! Last night I had a dream that she was baptized in the Mississippi River. =) haha 

I absolutely love being a representative of Jesus Christ. I love seeing people change for the better- seeing the hope in their eyes when they feel the Spirit. This has gotta be the good life. =)

Love,

Sister Heather Ripplinger

Sister Ripplinger's Weekly Letter, July 25, 2012

My dear friends and family,

Every night I fall asleep with a smile on my face, I am so grateful to be a missionary, and I am so happy that Sister Umphenour is on the bunk bed below. Transfers took place on Thursday and we STAYED TOGETHER!!!!!!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! =) Words simply cannot explain how happy I am about that, but maybe those exclamation points will help you understand. =) I get to keep her at least until the end of August. She means so much to me and she's been there since my first hour in the MTC. We ate those well known MTC meals together, braved the early, frozen mornings with our elders to attend the Provo Temple, exercised so hard I could barely walk down stairs, emerged from the MTC on a dark morning to arrive the Salt Lake Airport and meet our Nauvoo family, and now we are experiencing the Nauvoo Pageant together, and continue to create memories that I will forever treasure. I LOVE HER. Hooray for the Umphinator!!! =) We served in Carthage on Sunday, after not serving there at all last transfer. We made a pizza and then the two of us squooshed on a cushy chair in the living room to study the outline for the tour of Carthage Jail. I feel like we're two peas in a pod. She continues to motivate me to work hard and we continue to find joy in the journey. Life is GOOD!!!!!! =)

This huge extended family group came from Mexico and they made me so happy! They were all happy and beaming as they gathered around the Christus. I ran over and asked if they would like me to take the picture, so they handed me about 15 cameras. =) As I was taking the pictures, I was teasing them a little bit. I would say, "Uno....dos..." and they would yell, "Tres!!!!" Later that evening, I saw them all on Pageant grounds. They ran over to me and asked me to take one more picture for them. I started counting "one...two..." and they yelled (in English), "Noooo!!!!! =) You need to count in Spanish because we don't understand English!!!" We all laughed and I just loved them. =)

Sister Umphenour had a really neat experience this week!!!! She was talking with two ladies from Mexico that aren't members of the Church. She only had a few minutes before they went into the theater to watch a movie, so we went up to eat lunch really quickly in between. We came down just in time and she took them over by the Christus. She was kneeling down in front of them, talking, and I was so incredibly proud. I love Sister Umphenour SO much. It made me so happy so see her down there having such a wonderful experience. She was beaming and I knew she was testifying. She came back with a huge grin on her face and quickly showed me a few referral cards that had just been filled with information. These two ladies had self referred and we may or may not have squealed out loud just a little bit. =) YAY!!!!!! 

I met a man named Bobbie and I couldn't figure him out at first. I came to find out that several years ago, his dad had taken the missionary lessons and chose to be baptized. Bobbie came into the picture right before the baptism, the missionaries told him that they'd baptize him the same day as his dad, THEN they would teach him the lessons....oh goodness. So Bobbie was baptized without taking the lessons, the missionaries never had anything to do with him, and he was pretty much forgotten. I sat down with him and started talking. He had no idea what the Book of Mormon was. He's never read the Bible. He didn't know who the golden guy on top of the temple was. I was able to explain a few of his questions and teach him about the First Vision and the Restoration before I had to leave for my next shift. He gave me his contact information and I am going to send some missionaries over to teach him the lessons. I am so grateful that we crossed paths. He came in wanting to watch the Restoration movie so he could learn about Joseph Smith and now he can actually be taught about the Restored Gospel. He had been lost for nearly TWENTY YEARS!!!!! 

I called Linda (the same lady I contacted at BYU Living Legends and said the prayer over the phone with) this week to check on her. She is meeting with the elders and progressing!!!! She came to Pageant and absolutely LOVED it. She was so excited that she would get a copy of the music on CD. We talked for a few minutes and she says that she feels something different with us Mormons, but she doesn't want to disappoint her parents, who were strong Baptists. We had a good talk and she said that she needs to follow the direction God is giving her, but it sure is hard. I was able to tell her about one of my relatives that converted to the Church in England and was disowned by her family (This would be Grandma Annie Irlam Wiseman). Linda responded, "That had to have been a pretty strong woman. Maybe I can be like her." I'm excited to see what happens!!!! I've been writing back and forth with her and she sent me a crocheted book mark. It made me soooo happy!!!! =) 

Dennis is making incredible progress, as well. He continues to make me work hard and think deeply. =) I can tell that he is soaking up the Gospel because he really thinks about things. He feels that God wants him to continue searching our beliefs and he feels peaceful. Something he had a lot of questions about was the Priesthood. I reviewed Joseph Smith receiving the Priesthoods and talked about the different Priesthood blessings that can be given, the authority to heal, comfort, seal couples in the temple, etc. I was able to share a personal experience and it was so neat to be able to feel the Spirit so strong. Dennis is increasing in faith and he's being converted. It makes me soooooo happy!!!!!!! It is so fulfilling to see him progressing! Woohoo!!!!

On Pageant grounds, I met a man from Brazil and he referred several friends from back home. THAT was exciting!!!! Now we just need to find someone that speaks Portuguese and can invite those people to meet with missionaries. =) Luckily, we just got a senior couple that are PERFECT for this. The Lord provides a way for His work to go forward!!!! 

I really love calling people over the phone for Pageant referrals. I've learned a lot of life lessons in the process of inviting these people to accept a CD with the music from Pageant and to meet with missionaries. =) One person will be completely grumpy and yell at me to never call them again. I write a big, fat "no" on the pageant card, and put it in the "no" pile. The next person I call squeals with joy and would LOVE to receive the CD and have missionaries. This particular woman said she had seen missionaries once, but was afraid to talk to them, so she let them slip away. She was overjoyed with the opportunity to have them come straight to her home and to also get a free CD of Mormon music!!!! She said she has thought about converting for years, but never saw missionaries again. One life lesson that seems very apparent and obvious is that we must be consistent and steady. Literally, one moment someone completely rejects the message of the Gospel and then next instant, someone else is practically hopping in the baptismal font. So- no matter what, I always want to be the happy, steady and sure, consistent, and dependable disciple of Christ that the Savior needs me to be. Hooray! =) I also recognize more and more that everyone is on a different part of the path that Heavenly Father has prepared. And it's ok. =) We just keep striving and progressing. 

I LOVE being a missionary. I love my precious companion. I love Nauvoo. I love sweating in the Nauvoo heat. Isn't it great to suffer for the Lord? =) haha I actually really like the humidity. This morning, I thought it was so nice outside!!!! As we were driving over to the temple around 9:00 am and I saw the temperature. 90 degrees. It feeeeels good!!!!! =)  I love going to the temple each week. LOOOOVE it. I can feel my testimony of the temple strengthening and deepening. This week, I've been studying the Book of Mormon edition of the Ensign from a while ago. It has been WONDERFUL. I love the Book of Mormon. I am just... quite simply....one extremely happy missionary and I love doing this work. 

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

Love,

Sister Heather Ripplinger

Sister Ripplinger's Weekly Letter July 19, 2012

Sister Ripplinger's beloved Sister Umphenhour

My dear friends and family,

This week was sooooooooooo AMAZING!!!!!!! Pageant is happening and the miracles are POURING down. As Sister Umphenour and I looked at our numbers for the last week, it was completely obvious that something was up. It is so NEAT to see how the Lord's hand is in this work. We just go, go, go all day and strive to follow the Spirit  and the miracles HAPPEN.

Last Saturday was a crazy day. There were tons of people in the Visitor's Center AND we had our "mini missionaries" with us. So like young men can go on "splits" with elders for a little while, we all had young women with us. They came from Iowa and all seemed super excited to be a missionary! It made me smile and made me very happy. It was quite the adventure because each missionary had two young women. At one point, my two companions and I were standing talking to two bikers that had come in. As soon as we started talking with these people who were obviously not members of the church and they started asking questions about the temple, two OTHER young women left their own missionary and joined OUR conversation. hahaha So there we were, FIVE "missionaries" all standing right in front of these two bikers. I'm sure it was a sight to see and the two bikers gave me a funny look. =) Well, I guess we all of us didn't look TOO intimidating because the biker couple wanted to learn more and agreed to have missionaries come to their home. MIRACLES HAPPEN. 

On the same day, just a few moments later, I noticed a man dressed in green (Dennis) standing by the display about Carthage Jail. Although there were tons of people milling around, it was as though he was the only person in the Visitor's Center. The Spirit was so strong and I didn't even notice anyone else around. My little companion, Sister Abel, and I went over and started talking with him. I immediately knew that he had a sincere heart and the Lord had prepared him. His eyes were deep and I knew he was searching for something. He had seen the Pageant the night before and had a few questions. We started talking about symbolism of baptism and what it means to us when....... this completely random guys pops into our conversation from out of no where!!!! I got the weird feeling and I knew he was an anit-Mormon guy. Then all the sudden, a member jumps into the conversation and says that he is a convert and can use the Bible to prove that Mormons are right. THOSE two start Bible bashing and my little comp looks at me like, "What the heck?! Where did they come from??" I wondered the same thing and said a quick prayer in my heart. Dennis leaned over and asked, "Do you mind if we leave this conversation?" Prayer answered. We were OUT of there!!!! I took him down by the Christus with a copy of the Bible and the Book of Mormon. We talked for about 20 minutes and I was able to testify of the Book of Mormon and of Joseph Smith. The Spirit was soooo strong! I asked if I could give him a call and follow up and he agreed! The next day I called him and I answered some questions he had. The conversation was reeeeally good. The next day I called him and taught him the Plan of Salvation. It was so awesome because he was actively engaged, I could testify, and the Spirit directed me in answering his questions. He has GOOD questions. This week during my personal study, I was pouring through the scriptures. I have never felt so anxiously engaged in finding scriptures in the Bible to work with the Book of Mormon. I have never used the Topical Guide or cross references so much. I LOVED searching like that. Dennis doesn't know it yet, but he is strengthening my testimony even more. He is a deep thinker and he makes me think deep..really deep. He's not the "simple and surface" kind of investigator. He knows the Bible, he has a strong belief in Christ, and he is going to be a really, really good member. =) I know that Heavenly Father is helping me soooo much. During my personal and companion study with Sister Umpenhour, the Spirit helps me know which questions to study...and then that night, Dennis will ask the very questions that I studied that day. That alone, is a miracle. It is so humbling because I know that Heavenly Father truly does know Dennis' heart. So by the second night that I had called him, he had read to 2 Nephi 23 and had a few questions. I was able to explain what the scriptures meant and he is soaking up the Book of Mormon. It is soooo exciting!!!!!! He says that God is telling him to keep learning more and it is all making sense to him. He frequently says, "I agree with everything you just said. Not many people believe that." The Church is true!!!!!!!!! =) I think next week I will have some really exciting news to share. =)

On the same day as the biker couple and Dennis, a member and her friend came into the Visitor's Center. The friend's name is Ashley and she was VERY interested in learning about the temple. She said that she LOVED the Pageant and loves the feeling of the Mormons. She wants missionaries to come to her home and teach her!!!! I STILL get so excited when people refer themselves and agree to have missionaries come!!! wooooohooo!!!!!

Another woman was wandering around the Book of Mormon display as we were about to walk out the doors of the VC to head home for dinner. I felt the Spirit tell me to offer her a Book of Mormon. I stopped in my tracks, asked Sister Umphenour to hang on just a second and I went over to her. I didn't talk for more than two minutes, offered her a copy of the Book of Mormon, she graciously accepted and said she had been wanting to read one for quite some time, accepted to have missionaries come to her home, and then we left!!!!!! I am always so humbled when things like that happen. The Spirit gives us so many promptings each day and it makes me wonder how many of them we miss. I am striving to listen very carefully to the promptings of the Spirit and to just act on them, without wondering. I'm so grateful that my companion is so patient and willing to wait when things like that happen, too. I feel so incredibly blessed!!!!

There was a daughter and her dad in the VC waiting for one of the performances. I started talking with the dad and discovered that he is long time farmer. We started talking about crops and little kids sitting on the tractor with their dad while he's bailing... =) It reminded me of when Derek would go out with Dad and fall asleep within five minutes. =) They were very warm and friendly. I needed to leave to go seat for the show, but before I left, I asked if they had ever met with the missionaries. His eyes lit up and asked if I meant those young men with white shirts and ties. I smiled and he accepted quickly. YAY!!!!!

So many miracles are happening. I'll try to keep you posted on everything. I also just have to say again... I LOVE SISTER UMPHENOUR. I LOVE, love, LOVE her. I feel like we're best friends. We work, we laugh, we run, we call, we sing.... we have ice cream or watermelon dates every night after we finish planning. She is just awesome. I can always count on her. Even if she has a bad experience with an anti-Mormon, she doesn't let it get her down, she keeps going and does so with a pleasant attitude. I appreciate her so much. Even if it is blazing hot on Pageant grounds, she just goes, goes, goes. Even if we get chigger bites, we just laugh and scratch, and keep going. She's a hard worker, she's steady and constant. I am forever grateful that I was able to be with her again. Transfers happen again tonight (which I cannot believe). This transfer flew by. Time flies when you're havin' fun. =) We'll see if we get to stay together. 

I LOVE being a missionary sooooooo much!!!!!!!! I know that this is the Lord's work and I am so grateful to be part of His army. I feel so humbled when these miracles take place. He is over all! I know that Heavenly Father is aware of us. He hears our prayers and He knows what we need. Jesus Christ is our Savior and it is through Him that we can accomplish all that is required of us. We are not alone. 

Love,

Sister Heather Ripplinger

Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven!!!!!!!!

Sister Rippinger's Weekly Letter, July 12, 2012

 My dear friends and family,

 

I LOVE NAUVOO!!!!!!!!!!

 

The Nauvoo Pageant started this week and I feel like the pageant grounds are on fire with the Spirit. I LOVE being a missionary here!!!! There is a little pizza shop downtown that we like to go eat at. The owner gives missionaries a really good deal on pizza AND he even changes the music overheard while we are there. It changes from the modern, popular stuff to hymn arrangements. =) haha It makes me smile and I appreciate so much this man's effort to make us feel welcome. It's so cute!!!!

 

Little moments that make me laugh.... the performing elders sometimes leave their bags in the room where the sisters have training meetings. They squirm and blush as they wiggle past all of us to grab their bags. We all giggle as they squirm around. haha! Also, the other night, a few of us sisters were in my bedroom and we were taking funny picture on the bunkbed. I set the timer, darted as quickly as I could onto the top bunk, bounced right as the camera flashed, and went flying off the bed. Sister Cloward and Umphenour grabbed my legs just in time. So there we were- me hanging upside down, them holding onto my legs, and all of us laughing hysterically. Oh....life is sooo good!!!! =) This morning while Sister Umphenour and I were on the temple grounds, waiting for the other sisters to come out of the temple, we were sitting on a little bench in the shade by the flowers. Suddenly, the sprinklers came on. We were both out of there quicker than you can blink. There were people laughing at us as we high fived with big grins at our quick escape from getting sopping wet.

 

Miracles are happening all over the place and I am just so incredibly grateful for all of the wonderful experiences we are having. I love Sister Umphenour sooooo much and I am just treasuring up these moments. She motivates me to work harder than I know how to and I feel like I have a bright sunshine standing at my side when we talk with people. She is strength and she has power.

 

A few weeks ago, I had contacted a man named Don at the temple grounds. The missionaries in his area had followed up and then changed his online status to being dropped! I was shocked because he seemed so interested, so I gave him a phone call. I introduced myself and asked if he remembered me. He was very cordial and excited to talk, which surprised me. I asked if the missionaries had visited him and he said they had, but didn't come back again. His wife just had back surgery and he's been taking care of her. He was so friendly and nice, just like when I met him! I've been following up with him since, and things are going well. They are going to try and make it here for Pageant!

 

My dear friend, Linda, that I mentioned in my email last week, has been doing really well. I met her at the BYU Living Legends program when we were greeting. I called her on Friday and she seemed shocked to hear my voice. She said that their phone had been down for the last 24 hours, no one had come to repair it, and no calls had come through recently. She was surprised to hear the phone ring, picked it up, and when she realized it was me, said, "You must have a connection with God!!!" =) That little experience made me really happy.

 

I called one of the young ladies in Cameroon, Africa named Lea. (Laeticia, the girl that was studying in Utah for a few months, had referred several of her friends back home, and I've been working with three of the girls she referred). Teaching over the phone is somewhat difficult when it is with someone in Africa! haha Lea has a thick accent and there is a lot of static on the phone. HOWEVER, I absolutely LOVE this time with her. I'll keep you posted on more updates! =)

 

The Visitor's Center is getting more and more busy! I noticed a family walking around and felt like I should go over and talk to them. I had a temple pamphlet in hand. When the mom (Punam is her name) saw the picture of the temple in my hand, she gasped and asked if she could see the pamphlet. I taught a little about the temple and asked if she would like to know more. She said that she did and she also wanted to learn more about Joseph Smith. She wrote down her info!!! She was a very sweet lady and I could tell that they were a good family. They had beautiful, dark skin and I'm excited to see how things go with them. =)

 

I was standing by one of the entrances and a mom (Lori) and daughter came right over to me. Lori said, "We just HAVE to tell you something. My husband is not a member of the Church and he has been sitting by us talking about how much you "glow". And by the way, we LOVE your dress!!" We giggled and I asked more about her husband. He has met with several sets of missionaries, but always backs out when they get to the Word of Wisdom because they put pressure on him and say things that make him mad. Right then, he walked over toward us. I was excited to talk with him and I noticed tht he had cowoy boots on. Normally, I don't ask questions like this, but the first thing I asked was, "HEY!!! Do you like horses?!?!" He got a HUGE grin on his face and we started talking horse talk. He trained them when he was a young guy and LOVES running through the fields. Oh man, did we have things in common! =) We talked for a few minutes and they had to go into the theater for one of the shows, so I watched for them afterwards. They came out looking for me, which I was grateful for. We went down by the Christus statue and he said, "Hey! How did you know this is my favorite spot?!" We sat down and started talking about the temple. I didn't say much and he blurted out that he met ONE missionary in his whole time of meeting with missionaries that he thought could convert him and that he needed another one like that. I started asking questions and listening as he explained that this elder he had met only one, was on splits and came to their home. The Spirit that he brought was so strong that Richard thought it was the Savior, Himself. That comment gave me the chills. That missionary was so strong and pure that Richard recognized him as a represenative of Jesus Christ. Richard went on to explain how judgemental the ward members are of him, how unwelcome he feels, and how the missionaries in the past have said all the wrong things to make him retreat and defend himself. As I tried to understand him, I began to understand where he was coming from. His wife and two children were crying and I could feel the Spirit burning. At this point, I needed to leave for my next shift. I had hardly mentioned that I needed to get going, when he stood up and asked, "Wait, Sister! I need to know how to get hold of you again. You are the missionary that I've been waitin for all these years." I felt like the Spirit vibrated in my soul at that moment- the Spirit was so strong!!!! I got their contact information and I am so incredibly excited to follow up with this family. Lori gave me a great big hug while the others went to use the restroom and she just held onto me. She said, "Thank you. No one has ever done that before. He's never opened up like that before- EVER!!!" I felt a deep spiritual connection with their family. I love them!!!!  

 

I also had the opportunity to talk with Linda's husband. I was starting to feel a little concerned that I hadn't spoken with him at all, after developing such a good friendship with Linda. One morning when I called, Linda was asleep and I was able to talk with John for about 40 minutes. We had a great conversation and he recognizes how important families are in our church. They are both so precious and sweet. They are making progress and their faith is increasing!!!!!

 

There are several other little miracles that have been happening and I am sooooo grateful. I love Sister Dalton's talk from the General Young Women broadcast about sparkling like the crystals in the temple lights. The light shines on the crystals, and the crystals let the light shine through. As a missionary, I just make sure I am pure and clean, and then Christ's light can shine on everyone in the room. The Spirit touches the hearts of those people we talk with and helps them feel of the Savior's love, as well as the love of our Father in Heaven. We are a small part of their eternal conversion process and I see everyday that Heavenly Father has a plan for each and everyone of his children. I love being a missionary. SO. much. I love Sister Umphenour. I love Nauvoo. I love the temple. I love the Nauvoo Pageant and I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I love my Father in Heaven and my Savior. I love my family. Men are that they might have joy...says the Book of Mormon! =)

 

I love all of you for your love and support. I truly am grateful for you. Let's build up the KINGDOM OF GOD!!!!!

 

Love,

Sister Heather Ripplinger

 

Sister Ripplinger's Weekly Letter, July 5, 2012

Hey friends and family!!!

I know that this is a big statement, but I really, truly think that this week may have been the best week yet in my mission. It was sooooo wonderful. I am so humble and grateful for the many miracles and tender mercies that Heavenly Father blesses me with every single day. 

I am absolutely LOVING Sister Umphenour!!!! I loved her in the MTC and I still LOVE, love, LOVE her. =) We have little watermelon-eating dates every night, we have cleaning the car races to get the work done as quickly as possible because it is getting quite toasty outside, and I just feel so much strength from her when we are talking to people in Nauvoo. She is a powerhouse and she is a great strength in the Lord's work...AND we have FUN working hard!!!! Life is really good. =)

We were driving back from a service activity one night and drove past an old barn. I glanced over and saw a HUGE herd/flock/pack of raccoon peering out from the dark!!!! There were about TWENTY of them!!!! It was so cool because, usually, you only see one raccoon rummaging around by himself, but THIS time, there were TWENTY raccoons!!!!! =)

We were greeting for BYU Living Legends one night and a HUGE miracle happened. Sister Umphenour and I were passing out the programs and we both felt like we needed to divide and conquer. I looked toward the back of the crowd and saw a couple sitting by themselves. I felt like I needed to talk to them, so I walked over to give them a program and they immediately started asking me questions about my family, the Church's family values, temple sealings, etc. They also mentioned that they see missionaries all over the place (they're from this area). They mentioned that one night their car wouldn't start in the grocery store parking lot, two young elders stopped to help, they said a prayer, and the car started. The couple's faith has already been increasing, as well as their trust in the missionaries. So I asked if they had ever had the missionaries in their home and the man quickly said, "No." I felt like I didn't know what else to say, and I didn't want to push them, and the woman on stage was about to say the prayer...so I started to stand up as I said good-bye...and the woman, Linda, grabbed my arm. "My dear friend, I need you to pray for my family. I know that you are a servant of God." Her eyes were deep and suddenly, all of the family questions started to make sense.  I sat down next to her and she gave me a great big hug. I asked if I could get her phone number and give her a call later, and she quickly pulled out her program and started writing. The prayer was being said, so I closed my eyes. As I said "amen", I looked over and she had written down ALL of her information, including phone number, address, and everything. Then she said, "You are an answer to my prayers- you have given me hope that my family can be happy again. Thank you for coming and talking with us." I felt a deep spiritual connection with them and as I walked back to the VC with Sister Umphenour, I realized that Linda is a HUGE answer to MY prayers. She is such a sweet, sincere, and wonderful lady. 

I tried to contact Linda over the phone for a few days, but she never answered. I kept trying, and on Tuesday, the husband answered. He said that she had just walked in the door. I could hear shuffling and then she answered. I said, "Linda, this is Sister Ripplinger. Do you remember me?" I felt the Spirit as she started talking with me and she said that she had been praying that I would call that day. She was struggling and said she hadn't been able to sleep since our conversation before the show. She said she felt peace and she needed that peace in her life. She told me that I was God sent, and she wants to know what I know. "The Lord sent you to me for a reason, of that I am sure. You are just like Jesus." Over the phone, I was able to testify of Christ and teach her about the Book of Mormon. Through reading the scriptures, I find peace every single day and I find the guidance that I need. I can tell that she has a lot of faith in Christ and she wants to do the right thing. She told me that she studies the Bible regularly and she had some good questions. She wanted to know why I believe so strongly in the Book of Mormon, and I felt like I should read from 3 Ne 11 since she already has so much faith in Christ. As I read it, I could hear her sniffling a little and then she asked if she could say a prayer for me. I responded, "Right now??" =) I wasn't quite expecting that, but she went ahead and said a prayer. It was one of the most tender, little prayers that I have ever heard and it melted my heart. I could feel the Spirit so strongly as she thanked Heavenly Father for having me call when I did and for sharing my peace. I had little tears dropping down my face, too, and asked if I could say a prayer for her. As I said the prayer, I just soaked up the moment. This was one of the moments that makes everything worth it.I know that Heavenly Father has prepared her and she is simply amazing. I lover her!

This week I played the Christus narration in four different languages, including German, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, and Korean! I LOVE the diversity!

Sometimes I feel like I'm in Idaho again. During the winter, we would wait to hear the phone call in the morning saying that school was cancelled because it was too cold! In Nauvoo, all of the teamsters wait to see if it is too hot and humid to take the wagon and carriage rides. hahaha I get a kick out of listening to them all relay temperature comparisons, etc. =)

There are so many opportunities each day to testify and there are so many miracles happening all the time. This week, one of the most special and tender experiences of my entire life took place. I don't necessarily think I want to write about it here, but it was one of those things that can never, ever be forgotten. I can testify that Heavenly Father knows the desires of our hearts. He knows us PERFECTLY and He knows what we need. He is MERCIFUL and I know that He loves me. I know that He loves all of His children and He wants to bless us. I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and He gives me the strength that I need. The temple is a house of the Lord and I invite all to live worthy to attend the temple, and to go as frequently as possible. I LOVE being a missionary in Nauvoo!!!!!!!! 

Have a wonderful week!!!!!!!!  =)

Love, 

Sister Ripplinger

A Sister Jardine Sent This to Parents, July 4, 2012

Brother and Sister Ripplinger,

I just had to take a minute to quickly thank you on behalf of the world, for raising the most magnificent daughter! I had the privilege of serving with her today in the Stoddard Tin Shop. She was absolutely delightful and such a spiritual strength, that I feel uplifted just being with her. That of course means that you as her parents must be amazing. I wish that you could see her work and watch as she gives “light,” to the people who come to Nauvoo. She was kind, thoughtful, and just sweet. I know how hard it is to have her away from you, but, we are all better for it. I will keep my eye on herJ

Sincerely,

Sister Verlinda Jardine

Sister Heather Ripplinger's Weekly Letter, June 28, 2012

Finally!  We thought her P-Day was Monday, then nothing on Tuesday, then nothing on Wednesday, but finally this morning!  Her letter was worth the wait. Enjoy!  

Blaine and Nikki

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Heather Ripplinger <heather.ripplinger@myldsmail.net>
To: Nikki Ripplinger <bnripp@yahoo.com>; nauvoo president <nauvoopresident@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, June 28, 2012 10:38 AM
Subject: The Umphenator is Back

Dear friends and family,

GUESS WHAT?!?!?!?! Sister Umphenour and Sister Ripplinger are companions again and LIFE. IS. GOOOOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOOOHOOO!!!!!!!! =D Words simply cannot express how INCREDIBLY grateful I am for Sister Umphenour and I have absolutely been in HEAVEN!!!!! We went to transfers last Thursday and when President Gilliland said that I was back with my precious MTC companion, I could hardly contain my sheer joy. I think I gasped outloud and a huge grin rushed across my face. I am sooooo excited to be with her!!!!!!! YAY!!!!! =D Sister Brown and Sister Zibetti are back together again, too! It just makes me so, so, so, soooo happy. =D (sigh) After our planning session in the evening, we cut up some watermelon, turned up "Redeemer of Israel" on our sa-weet little CD player, cranked up the fan, and soaked up the joy of our reunited companionship and our big room with our bunk beds and all.... oh yeah, we're living the good life. =D

Needless to say, this week has been FAN-TASTIC.

Last week, we were greeting at Sunset on the Mississippi and a man stopped me to ask a question. I sat down by him and started talking. He asked me what religion I was, we started talking, and I quickly discovered that he believed in Christ, but he didn't believe necessarily in organized religion. He was one tough shell to work with. Usually, the sisters leave right after the show starts and we start serving in the Referral Center, but I felt like I needed to keep talking to this man. Soooo... he totally zoned out the show and we kept talking. It took about a 1/2 hour, but he did end up referring himself. He's going to Florida for two weeks on vacation, and when he gets back, the elders in his area will be over to meet with him!!! Woohoo!!!! THAT experience was a miracle because the band, combined with tons of missionaries singing on stage, are easy to keep your attention. The Spirit helped things along, we were able to phase out the commotion, and had a really good conversation. 

The BYU Living Legends team was here this week and we were able to watch the show, as well as attend a fireside that they did. They are absolutely AMAZING. The fireside is one of the very best that I have ever been to. These team members are from different Polynesian and Native American heritage. There were a few speakers in between several musical numbers. The Spirit was so incredibly strong and I will always remember how powerful that meeting was. I LOVED IT. 

One afternoon that we were in the Visitor's Center, two older men and a young guy came in and I could hear part of their conversation as they were looking at the Book of Mormon display. Sister Umphenour and I went over and started talking with them. The oldest man was extremely skeptical and had all types of objections and thoughts to share. I started praying really fervently and pretty quickly he walked away to go look around. The other two men stuck around and we were able to explain some of their questions about the Book of Mormon. We pulled up the talk "You Matter To Him" by President Uchtdorf on the digital display and the Spirit was really strong. It was really interesting to see how the atmosphere changed from when they first walked in, full of doubts. We were able to testify and I know that they felt the Spirit. The older two men walked away for just a few minutes and the young man said, "Hey, tell me the name of this church again..?" We told him and he said that there was one of our church houses right across the street from his house. He said that he wanted to go there on Sunday and attend one of our meetings!

Monday morning, Sister Umphenour and I were standing next to each other working on memorizing a scripture  when a mom and her two young daughters walked in. I felt the Spirit really strongly and before I knew what was happening, I was sitting at the Apostles digital display watching some of the testimonies with the youngest girl that is 11. She was totally soaking up the videos and was jumping up to choose the next one immediately after the previous one finished. We started talking and she was so incredibly prepared to hear about the gospel. I was able to explain, in as simple of language as I possibly could, the  three degrees of glory and how our bodies will be reunited with our spirits when we are resurrected. She responded, "Wow! That makes so much sense because someone that is really, really, really good shouldn't go to the same place as someone that was just kind of good!!!" I smiled and thought, "Being a missionary is so AWESOME!!!" I looked over and Sister Umphenour was talking with the mom and older sister. GO COMPANION!!! WOO!!!! That brought me so much joy! They all came together and the little girl I had been talking with asked if missionaries like us could come to their house and talk more about the three kingdoms. The mom said YES and they are going to meet with the missionaries!!!!!!! WOOHOO!!!!!! I really loved that experience because I knew the Spirit was testifying to them that we were speaking truths and because Sister Umphenour was awesome!!!!

Shortly after that experience, I noticed a woman walk in that I felt like I needed to talk to later. Someone else took her on a tour and was telling her about the history of Nauvoo. I was talking with other people in the meantime and wasn't able to see what happened. I started talking to two other people that were sitting in the chairs on the far end of the VC and I don't think they realized that I, myself, was "Mormon". It was quite funny and they were asking about the big, white building on the hill. I grabbed a temple pamphlet and started explaining and to my pleasant surprise, the same woman that I had noticed earlier walked up. She was here with these two people I was currently talking with!!!! I was able to explain the importance of the temple and the other two were interested, but didn't seem like it meant much to them. HOWEVER, this woman was totally soaking it up. I invited her to meet with the missionaries in New Mexico and she said YES!!!!!! Dominique is GOLDEN.

In the Brigham Young Home, there are a bunch of broken dishes that were excavated behind the house and there is a GREAT spiritual lesson to be learned from them. A missionary several years ago took the time to go through the broken dish pieces and put them together. He first glued the pieces together, so you could see it was a plate, but there were still big spaces in between and gaps in the cracks. Next, he took clay and filled in the empty spots. Then he sanded the plate, and continued the process, until the plate looked perfect and like it had never been broken. So there are several dishes sitting on the table and each demonstrate a step of the process. You see the broken pieces that are only glued together, all through the process, to the last one that looks like it had never been broken. Think about how that relates to the Atonement. We are like the dishes! We have flaws, imperfections, we might be broken. But the Savior can take our broken pieces, and through the repentance process, we can be made whole. He can take all of those cracks and gaps and make us into "plates" that are perfectly perfect. After we repent, the Lord remembers our sins no more. We have a totally clean and perfect plate-because of Jesus Christ. Even if we think we are THE most broken and ruined plate, Christ can help us change and become perfected and beautiful. Even if we think that we are the most hopeless, useless, and terrible person on the face of the entire earth, Christ can change our lives and help us turn them around. He can help us become the beings that Heavenly Father designed us to become. We have to give Christ the pieces, though. We have to turn our hearts to Christ and desire to experience that change. As we repent, we experience that change, the turning of our heart to Him, and the Lord will remember our sins no more. We can feel the relief of having those unnecessary burdens lifted and we can become clean every bit. 

I love to read in Alma 36 of the Book of Mormon. Alma testifies of his own personal experience with the Atonement. Throughout the chapter, he says that he was "racked with eternal torment, for his soul was harrowed up to the GREATEST degree and racked with all his sins", he felt that he should be banished and extinct and shouldn't stand in the presence of God. He had the pains of a damned soul. He was racked with torment while he harrowed up by the memory of his many sins. AND THEN he remembered to have heard his father's prophesy concerning  Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who would atone for the sins of the world. Alma the Younger says, "Now as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart "Oh Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains... when I thought this, I could remember my pains no more, yea I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more. And oh, what JOY and what MARVELOUS LIGHT I did behold, yes, my soul was filled with JOY as exceeding as was my pain." He remembered Jesus Christ and allowed the Atonement to be part of his soul. He became a changed being and had power to testify of the Atonement because he had personal experience with seeing how his life was changed. I KNOW that each of us can have this same experience. Because of the Atonement, we can be forgiven. We do our very best, and then Christ makes up the rest. We need to enter the covenants of baptism by the proper authority, receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and partake of the Sacrament each week. As we partake of the Sacrament, worthily, and repent, we are purified and sanctified. Our mistakes, our flaws and imperfections are forgiven and we can progress. I KNOW that as we strive to progress and become more like the Savior each day, that we will be filled with the same JOY that Alma described. I know it works because I experience it every day. 

There are so many other precious experiences that I would love to write about, but I don't have time. Yesterday was the day that Joseph Smith was martyred in Carthage Jail. The sisters and I sang at the Commemoration and then we had a testimony meeting in the Martyrdom room. It was absolutely WONDERFUL. The Spirit is so strong here and I LOVE being a missionary. 

I really, truly LOVE being with Sister Umphenour.She is rock solid, so strong, steadfast and immovable, and I appreciate her soooo much. She is a great strength to me and I feel like I have my wings to fly. She is happy and constant, is a hard worker, and I LOVE her. I LOVE being a missionary here and I am soaking up these precious experiences. 

Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven!!!!!

Sister Heather Ripplinger

Sister Heather Ripplinger's Weekly Letter June 19, 2012

More miracles in Nauvoo.  Enjoy!

Sent: Tuesday, June 19, 2012 9:19 AM
Subject: Catholic Priests and Nauvoo Miracles

My Dear friends and family,

This week has been absolutely AMAZING!!!! I have a lot of experiences to share, so I am going to type as quickly as I possibly can.  Also, I need to apologize because I originally said that my preparation day is on Mondays...which it was for one week. Every part of my day is scheduled and things in Nauvoo are always on the fly. Today my preparation day is on Tuesday. haha! Transfers are this week (which I can hardly believe it's that time again) and so my prep day may be switched again next week. Just assume that I'm alive and well. If I die, they'll let you know!    =)

So I was standing by the front desk in the Visitor's Center and this Jewish man walks right up to me and states, "You Mormons talk all about Christ, about what He taught during His life, and think you know everything about Him. Well, I think it is ridiculous because none of you have ever even been to Jerusalem or seen the place where He suffered for all of your sins." I was a little surprised by his bold approach, but a grin split across my face as I responded, "I was in the Garden of Gethsemane about a year ago. I LOVE Israel!" His jaw dropped in shock. "You mean to tell me that, you, a little blonde girl have been to the Holy Land???" I said that I had and started asking him about his life in Israel. We talked for about 15 minutes, when he stopped and said, "Of course YOU would be the person that I chose to tell my opinion to. Ridiculous." He smiled for the first time in our conversation and said, "Well, it was nice to meet you, any how." 

I had the opportunity to serve in the Seventies Hall this week and a huge miracle happened!!!! Four young adults wandered in and asked what the place was. They had been on a road trip and saw a sign about Historic Nauvoo, so they decided to stop. They said that this was the first place they had stopped in Nauvoo. Three girls and one guy that were Methodist. I went upstairs to the artifact museum with them and we started talking. One girl was wandering around looking at the artifacts, but the other three were involved in the conversation. I asked a few questions about their religious beliefs and then one girl asked me, "What do you guys believe about people being healed like when Christ was alive?" I was able to bear my testimony about the Priesthood and share a personal experience. In the middle of my story, the wandering girl zipped right over and started listening intently. "The authority of God is on the Earth." I felt the Spirit really strongly as we kept talking and they kept asking questions. I asked the young man what it meant to him to be baptized by fire of the Holy Ghost at one point. Another tour came up the stairs, so we all went back down and kept talking. Toward the end of the conversation, I asked all of them how they had felt about everything we had discussed. The girl that had been wandering around responded, "I was just looking around and then as I heard what you were saying, I felt like I had been plugged into an electrical outlet or something. I was drawn to what you were saying and I didn't even know the whole story. I really felt incredible." The young man (that I had asked about the Holy Ghost) responded, "I felt like I might have been baptized by fire of the Holy Ghost because I felt different than ever before...in a really good way. I feel super peaceful." They recognized the Spirit!!!!!! I invited them to meet with missionaries and learn more. All FOUR of them accepted and wrote down their contact information. YAY!!!!!!!!!! It made me feel so awesome that they had all felt the Spirit and recognized it. It also taught me to never try and guess who is feeling the Spirit or not because originally, the one girl wasn't even part of the conversation, and then she turned out to be the one that I felt was most prepared. Heavenly Father knows His children. 

A few youth groups came into Nauvoo this week and it was SO much fun to talk with them. I LOVE YOUTH. There was one young lady that had just graduated from high school and was talking about how sad she was because her brother was on a mission and had missed everything. Hmmm. I could relate to that little lady! I told her that my brother had just graduated, too. We started talking and got to be friends! She ended up referring a friend from back home, too. Later in the afternoon, she came over to me and asked, "So... is your brother that just graduated going to college in the fall??" I held back a big laugh and asked, "Why yes he is... he's going to BYU Idaho!" She burst into a huge grin and said that she was, too! Basically, I said that Derek's a stud muffin, she wanted to know if he was a legitimate stud muffin, I confirmed that he was, and she told me to give Derek her phone number. Oh boy.... =) hahaha 

One of the best stories yet. Once again, I was in the Visitor's Center, I turned around and two Roman Catholic Priests (dressed in their long robes and all) walk right up to me. I'm not usually intimidated, but let me tell ya...when two Priests in their robes start wanting to know about the history of everything in the heavens (or at least Nauvoo), I think, "Alrighty, let's go talk about religion!" GULP. 

Priest #1 was the local priest in Nauvoo. Priest #2 is a visiting Father from another state. Priest #1 tells me he wants me to enlighten his friend about the history of Nauvoo. As we go along, I take them over to the map where the Nauvoo Temple stands out like a light on a hill. Immediately, Priest #2 starts asking questions about the temple. I am so incredibly grateful that I was taught by example of my parents growing up. He was asking detail questions. The Gospel is true, so I could answer all of them...but it was apparent that I was talking with a Catholic Priest. Holy smokes...he gave me a run for my money. As I listened to his questions with love, I could feel the Spirit telling me that I needed to talk to him without the other Priest there. Later on, I took them over to a digital display that has videos that explain rooms in the temple and have a little movie, like when they have open houses before the temples are dedicated. I said a prayer in my heart, "Heavenly Father... please get rid of that other priest for a few minutes and I will do everything within my power to follow the Spirit and say what this man needs to hear from Thee." RIGHT THEN, Priest #1's cell phone rings and he says, "I'm sorry please excuse me for a moment." He stepped out the door. In my mind, I thought, "Take your time, Mr. Priest, Sir!!!!!" YAY!!!! =) 

I chose to show the sealing room video. As it started to play, my heart stopped as I realized what would be said at the end of the video. Elder Holland basically says, "Heaven wouldn't be heaven ...without my wife and my children." GULP. "What have I done!?!?!?!?!" This is a PRIEST, that will never be married, never have children...and I'm probably going to offend him!!!!!" The Spirit told me to calm down, so I did, but I was slightly (ok, incredibly) concerned. The line came about heaven and then the video shut off. I closed my eyes with a grimace and waited to hear what he had to say about all of it. I opened my eyes as he looked up at me. His countenance had changed and his eyes were incredibly deep. He asked, "What ...is heaven to...you?" I felt the Spirit really strongly and I responded, from the bottom of my heart, "Heaven is where I can live in the presence of God...with my family." His eyes were fixed on mine and he said, "I grew up and always knew I wanted to bring people to Christ. I knew that in order to be a Priest, I would never have a wife or family. I had never even considered having my own family....until right now." The silence was like thunder. I felt like the earth had shaken a little bit. Then Priest #1 walks back in and said they needed to get going. Priest #2 shakes my hand in both of his hands and says, "Thank you. You have given me much to think about and I never expected to consider a family. I felt something new here." And then they walked out the doors. I was with those two priests for TWO HOURS. Talking for 10 minutes about Nauvoo's history and the rest of the time was talking about the Houses of the Lord, the temples. 

Sister Coyne and I have the WONDERFUL opportunity to contact people at the Nauvoo Temple on Sunday in the afternoon. I just have to say that I absolutely LOVED that experience. Tons of people that don't have the gospel in their lives are driving along the main road and slam on the brakes when they see the beautiful white building on the hill. Two men pulled up and hopped out to take pictures. In a matter of just a few minutes, I spoke with one man. He wanted to know when another temple would be built so he could see in the inside, he wanted to know who the two men were in the statue (Joseph and Hyrum), and he wanted to know why I was giving up part of my life to wear my precious name tag. Well, the Spirit directed me to ask a few questions, I did, and he wanted to have missionaries come to his home to teach him. He wrote down his contact information, the Spirit was strong, and then they drove away. It always amazes me how quickly things can happen. When it's right, it's right. Heavenly Father has people prepared and there is no questioning His perfect plan. Don is going to have missionaries in his home in a few days!!!!

There was a young woman that drove about 1 1/2 hours to come to Nauvoo. She is a member of the Church, was adopted at a young age, and has a rough life. She was sitting in a chair and without any effort on my part, she wanted to refer a friend to hear about the Gospel. As she was filling out the referral card, I felt like she needed some loving. We went down by the Christus statue and sat down. I could see in her eyes that she was hurting. We talked for about an hour and I felt like we had known each other our whole lives. She said she was going home that night, but the next day at church, I saw her face in the crowd. All of the Young Sister Missionaries and I sang "I Know That My Redeemer Lives". When the meeting was over, she jumped up and came right up by the stand. She was motioning for me to come down. I got to her as quickly as I could. As soon as I was there, her arms wrapped around me, put her head on my shoulder and began to sob. Her whole body was shaking and I just held on to her tight. As mortals, we have many burdens to bear. This daughter of God was especially struggling and it was such a precious experience to sit by the Christus, figuratively, at the feet of Christ, and testify of how He can make our burdens light. 

I know with all of my heart that Christ can make our burdens light. As we strive with all of our might to become like Him and to submit our will to Heavenly Father's, we can find joy in life and be truly happy...even though we have challenges. I am so confident that the Atonement is real and that Christ is aware of us, that He loves us perfectly, and that we can be made whole. I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior. He is my best friend. Each day I am drawing nearer to Him and to my Father in Heaven. My kneeling prayers are becoming a precious part of my day and I feel of God's love every time. I know that if we will make time to pray, sincerely-with all of our hearts- we will be able to feel of His love. You can know of His love for you. 

I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!    I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT. 

Sister Heather Ripplinger

Sister Heather Ripplinger's Weekly Letter, May 28, 2012

Sent: Monday, May 28, 2012 10:32 AM
Subject:

Friends and family,

Sister Coyne and I are together again for this transfer and my preparation day is now on Monday!!!! It has only been a few days since I last wrote, but I have good things to report!

Last week on prep day, we went on the oxen rides, ate lunch with some of the temple missionaries, including the Argyles! =) We went to David's Chamber, cruised around downtown and I bought my first Nauvoo t-shirt, ate dinner with the "Temple Andersons", and then went to our transfer meeting! There were three companionships that stayed together and we now have our complete family of sisters!!! The last three came out of the MTC this week!

I absolutely LOVE going to the temple each week. I have started a new tradition that I am very excited about. I have a map of the world in my room and I am going to use pins to mark each country or state that someone comes from that accepts and allows missionaries to continue teaching them as a result of coming to Nauvoo. Also, I will keep track of the individuals that I do work for in the temple. Last week in the sealing room, the daughters that I represented were from India, South Africa, Netherlands, New Jersey, and Italy. This week, we did initiatories,  and the women were from Hungary. The Nauvoo Temple is absolutely BEAUTIFUL and it amazes me where the names of individuals come from!!!!

Sister Coyne was called to serve as the Coordinator in the Referral/ Call Center, so she is frequently upstairs working away. Because I am her companion this transfer, I get to help her call ALL OF THE MISSIONS IN THE WORLD to talk with them about Nauvoo Pageant Referrals!!!!! These referrals are unique because the missionaries get to deliver a Pageant CD to them and share the gospel message. The neat thing is that all of us sisters call the person referred first and invite them to meet with the missionaries. This way, the missionaries in the different missions, show up at the door with someone who has already said, "Yes!" to learning about the Restored Gospel. This week, we worked on all of the United States missions. Sister Coyne figures that it will take both of us 18 hours to call all of the missions in the world. I LOVE to call them because it makes me realize how God's work really is spreading over the entire earth because I get to CALL over all the earth!!!! =)

I have started another tradition! I bought a little journal book and I take it to the different sites that I serve in with the senior sisters. Inside, I have written questions like "What do you wish you would have known when you were my age?" and "What gospel traditions did you have in your home?" etc. I am absolutely LOVING the responses that these wonderful women write. I figure I have all of this experience and knowledge in one little town, so I better learn everything I can! One sister told me how she loves receiving Priesthood blessings from her father. At the end of his life, he was so ill he couldn't sit up, so she sat down on the floor right next to him and he gave her one last Priesthood blessing before he died. That was a tender one for me.

Yesterday was a WONDERFUL Sunday! We have Sacrament Meeting at 8:00 with all of the missionaries and guests. Later in the morning, President and Sister Gilliland spoke as part of our weekly training. President Gilliland brings in this huge sword and we are all immediately curious. He pulled off the leather cover and placed it on a stand. Of course, it is this shiny, strong, piece of art that glistens in the light. It had a fancy handle and all. We took a good look at it, then he pulled out a little, plastic dagger. What kind of a weapon are we when Heavenly Father pulls us out in battle? Well I sure want to be that glistening sword! I really liked that analogy, as the Spirit taught me. We don't know when someone will come into the Visitor's Center that is prepared to receive the gospel, or when someone will walk in that has had doubts their entire life. Either way, Heavenly Father needs us to be worthy, willing, and ready to teach the truth. I want to be that strong sword that glistens in the light- the representative that Heavenly Father can trust with ANYONE from ANYWHERE. 

Sunday in the VC was coming to a close, Sister Coyne had spoken with two women that were watching the Joseph Smith movie, and she had gone up to the Call Center. I was talking with a young mom about Nauvoo sites and noticed the two women. I sent the young mom to another sister to get a map of Nauvoo and barely caught the two women before they walked out of the building. MIRACULOUS that I did... because things went very well. Terrie said that she has been coming to Nauvoo for 20 years and just can't get enough because of the feeling that is here. We started talking and she explained that she had grown so close to God over the last few years. She feels like He has been preparing her to receive more knowledge and understanding of what His plan for her is. She goes fishing, catches ten fish, and throws one back in so that God knows how grateful she is for the fish. She studies the Bible everyday. She feels this peaceful feeling when she prays and feels confident that God loves her and hears her prayers. She wants to tell other people about God and her relationship, so that they can have it, too. She feels like there should be a prophet on the earth like in the Bible stories. 

I was talking with her and I just thought, "If I let this woman leave without knowing that she needs the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I will have made a HUGE mistake. She is SO prepared." Well, the Spirit directed and she wanted to have missionaries come to her home and teach her more. She said she feels this undeniable peace in Nauvoo as we were talking about Joseph Smith. She's going to have missionaries teaching her in her home!!!! YAY!!!! (The joyous feeling NEVER gets old!) She also came back last night to the fireside that the young sisters were in charge of. She brought a friend and her husband. After the fireside, all of us sisters were lined up and talking with all of the senior couples. Terrie, her friend, and husband started to head for the door and I said a prayer that the Performing Elders would catch them before they left. I watched closely and my prayers were answered. Two of the elders ran over and started talking with the husband. He ALSO filled out a referral card, not knowing that his wife had filled one out earlier with me!!!!!! Their little family is going to receive the GOSPEL!!!!! =) As soon as I possibly could, I ran over and talked with Terrie. She said, "Hey! What do ya know, my husband is interested in this, too! He's never agreed on religion that I have talked about before! I feel like this may finally be the one for us!"

I see every day, how Heavenly Father's hand is in my life, and in the lives of all those I come in contact with. I know that He hears our prayers and that He has a plan for each of us that is perfect. We just need to take action and follow impressions that we receive. We all need the truth and we need peace. I LOVE being a missionary and helping people find what they've been looking for their entire lives. I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!! My testimony of the Savior is growing stronger and stronger every day, and I know that we need Him. We could do everything in our power, and it would still not be sufficient without Jesus Christ. But with Him, we can do all things that are required of us and we can become everything that Heavenly Father designed us to become.

Love,

Sister Ripplinger