Miracles in California, Sister Ripplinger's Weekly Letter, October 22, 2012

Dear friends and family,

This week was absolutely INSANE!!!!!!! There were definitely
challenges and obstacles to over come, but amazing things
happened!!!!!!

We picked up a new investivator  named Ericka and started meeting with
her on Monday night. She is absolutely INCREDIBLE!!!!! The first night
we met, she was telling us how badly she wants to change her life, how
she wants to leave the past behind, and move forward. We taught about
the Atonement and committed her to baptism on November 17th!!!!! =)
She has such a sincere desire to do good and when we taught her about
repentance, she said that she wants to go meet a friend for lunch that
she hasn't talked to in a long time and make things right, she wanted
specific scriptures to read from the Book of Mormon about faith and
repentance, she said she had heard that we don't drink coffee and
asked if it was true (then immediately said that she would never drink
coffee again). Before we could even ask when we could come back, she
asked US when we could come back. We met with her several times this
week and she is absolutely on fire! I have to share a few things she's
said that make me love her. =) So after we taught one night, she looks
right at me and asks, "Wait! Does this mean that I have to marry a
Mormon?" I smiled and responded, "You're gonna WANT to!" She got big
eyes and said, "You are RIGHT! Anyone else is going to make me SIN!!"
hahahaha I got the biggest kick out of that! Then she said that she
feels so good inside and she wants to stand on top of a building and
yell to the whole world that they should repent so that they can feel
as good as she does! This week she went to the store and bought church
clothes for herself, her 7 year old son (Dylan), and her 9 month old
baby (Alana), she bought her own set of scriptures (Bible, Book of
Mormon, D&C,etc) and had her name engraven on them, she came to the
big Relief Society activity on Saturday and met several of the RS
ladies, we went to lunch with her and she asked if she was allowed to
drink soda (she wants to be exactly obedient), and so many other
things. She is just incredible. I know that the Lord led her to us and
prepared her to receive the Gospel. I am so eternally grateful that I
was able to be there when she first started on the path. At church
yesterday, I introduced Dylan to the elders and he had a big grin on
his face. He said to them, "Someday I'm going to me a boy missionary
like you guys!!" Well, if Ericka didn't do it already, Dylan just made
my heart want to burst with happiness. The other night when we were
teaching them the first lesson at a member's home, Dylan walked over
to her and said, "Mom, the Book of Mormon is true! You should pray so
you can know that, too!" =) I love them!!!!!

Pat is the man that recently lost his wife. We've taught the Plan of
Salvation and gone over Christ's Atonement. He's healing slowly and
his faith is increasing. He's been reading the pamphlets we leave and
his eyes are starting to light up. He still doesn't want to pray and Iwhat he's supposed to say. I took a sheet of paper and wrote on it
like a letter, the top saying "Dear Heavenly Father..." the next lines
were "Thank you for ____" and "please help me with___", then closed in
the name of Christ. We went back a few days later and he has kept that
little paper with him everywhere he goes. He told me that he takes it
with him everyday when he goes to his wife's grave and he prays. That
makes him feel better. That absolutely melted my heart. He's a good
man looking for hope!

The missionaries have been teaching Muang for months now. (She's from
Laos). This week, we were preparing her for baptism. She is a good,
good lady and I'm so proud of her! She was baptized on Saturday. That
baptism was really special. We asked a member of the ward named Kia to
baptize her. He's Tongan and he's getting ready to be sealed to his
wife in the temple in a few months. We were praying about asking him
and Muan wanted him to, so we went ahead and asked him to baptize her.
He was thrilled! The family told us that he was practicing all week.
=) That melted my heart. At the baptism, when they were both dressesd
in white in the font, and he rose his hand to the square, I felt the
Spirit really strongly. The next day in Sacrament meeting Kia spoke
and he talked about baptizing Muang. He said that it was the most
powerful spiritual experience of his life.

Scott and Cindy Tate were also baptized on Saturday! They've also been
meeting with missionaries for a while. He quit smoking and they had to
work through a few things, but they made it! They were both beaming at
their baptism. Last week I came in just in time for a really intense
lesson and I felt like that immediately brought me close to them.

Melody and Gabrielle are the two sisters that came to church for the ry first time last week! This week they made leaps and bounds of
progress. Bishop Wylie has been absolutely wonderful in fellowshipping
and loving them. He has been over to their house with his son to help
them with yard work. Those two should get baptized soon. One afternoon
when we stopped by to visit, we were out in the yard with all of their
flowers and I thought about that Primary song about faith. =) I
couldn't resist and so I sang the song. Melody teared up and said that
she'd never felt like she had friends before. I can tell that several
people in the ward love her all ready and I'm so grateful for the
Gospel of Jesus Christ. I'm so excited for them to finally have that
in their lives. She said that she feels really peaceful when she prays
and she knows that God is there. Aww.. I love that!

So, I guess the smaller news is that transfers happen tomorrow and I
am going to Loomis!!!!!! I get a new companion that has been out about
six months and we're going to be in an area that is on fire and has a
lot of investigators. I'm really excited to meet everyone there and
get to work. President Weston is going to let me come back for
Ericka's baptism (I'm SUPER grateful for that!!!!!) and maybe a few of
the others if they get baptized while I'm in California. I've loved
the people here and I'm grateful for the experiences that I've had
already. I'm ready to work my heart away and to love like crazy!

This week, I have really relied on a motto that I learned while I was
in Israel with Brother Lund. "Take your love to your loved ones, and
your frustrations to the Lord." I've pourded my heart out in prayer
and I know that the Savior's Atonement really can give us strength and
heal us. We just need to turn to him, forget ourselves, and go to
work. This is the work of Salvation! I love my Father in Heaven and I
am so grateful that He has given me this time to be a missionary. I
LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!!!!!!!

Love,
Sister Heather Ripplinger

8583 Watt Avenue
Antelope, California
95843-9117

Sister Ripplinger's Weekly Email Letter, October 15, 2012

My dear friends and family,

I LOVE CALIFORNIA!!!!!!!!!! This week has been AMAZING!!!!!!!

I was placed in a trio for the time being and transfers are next week.
I think I have been with the best two sister missionaries in
California. Sister Rupp and Sister Mitchell are AMAZING!!!! They are
easy going, mellow, hardworking, and diligent missionaries. I LOVE
THEM!!!!!! I feel so incredibly blessed to be with them. I know
they've been working really hard in this area. The people here are SO
humble. I've met several of the ward members and investigators and I
LOVE them soooo much already!!!!!

My first day in California, I was assigned with these two sisters and
we went right to work. I didn't unpack my things for a few days and I
still haven't been to the grocery store! I LOVE the fact that there is
so much work here!!!!!! In the last two years, they've had 20
baptisms. I feel like there is a lot to do and I know that people are
being prepared.

One investigator has been meeting with missionaries for a LONG time,
coming to church, and being awesome, but hasn't been baptized yet. I
met her and immediately LOVED her. This week we taught the Word of
Wisdom and Law of Chastity and she's doing really well. She is from
Laos and I just felt like she's super ready for the gospel. She's
getting baptized this Saturday at 3:00 pm!!!!!

Another couple has been meeting with missionaries for a while and the
woman feels reallly strong. I can tell that she's gaining a strong
testimony. The husband is working on overcoming smoking. He's gone a
few weeks without it and he's going through packs of gum like it's
going out of style, but he's hanging in there. Both the husband and
wife are scheduled to be baptized this Saturday at 5:00 pm! Last night
we had an intense lesson about the Law of Chastity and it took a
totally different turn than I was expecting. Their son is gay and the
mom was kind of offended by the part about marriage between a man and
a woman because of her son. We had to be really careful about being
senstive to the subject. I could feel the Spirit and by the time we
left, I felt like things were ok. We're going to visit them tonight
and plan to see them every night this week. I realize how difficult it
is for someone to stop smoking and to take on a whole new lifestyle.
It's HARD! And I admire these people sooooo much!

This week we started teaching two sisters that have lived in the same
house since they were born. Their mother passed away last year and
they've stayed there the whole time. These sisters are in their 60's
probably. They are INCREDIBLE!!!!! Yesterday, they came to church for
the first time in their entire lives!!!!!! It was so amazing to see
them sitting in the congregation at church, listening intently and
taking it all in. When I look at Gabrielle, I see her as a leader in
Young Womens. I see so much potential in here.

Another man, in his 60's lost his wife a few months ago. She was a
less active member of the Church, and he'd never had anything to do
with religion. This week we were tracting and found him at his house.
He is SOOOO humble and prepared. Yesterday, we went to teach him the
Plan of Salvation and the Spirit was SOOOOO strong. That was the first
time that I've seen someone so prepared to listen and truly needed
healing. He was totally receptive to everything and he said that he
feels something peaceful when we come. It was absolutely INCREDIBLE.
It is amazing how the Lord prepares people.

The ward is absolutely GREAT! We've had several members present in
lessons and they contribute SO much to the lessons. They share
personal experiences and their testimonies. I feel so much strength
here. The Bishop is phenominal and I absolutely admire him so much.

Yesterday, church was insane. We had about 10 investigators and other
people we are meeting with at Sacrament meeting, and we were busy
introducing them to members and making sure everyone felt welcome and
had a place to sit. I LOVED IT. I absolutely LOVED it.

I recognize that Heavenly Father's plan really, truly is PERFECT. I am
busy studying for investigators during my personal study time. If I
hadn't been in Nauvoo for six months and had the situations that I
did, I know that I would not be ready for the work here. Because I had
so much time to study and prepare, I learned the scriptures better and
I am able to use them in teaching. But I know that came from my time
in Nauvoo. Since I've been in California, it has been GO, go, GO. I am
so grateful that people are prepared and I'm so grateful for the
people here, my good companions, and to be a missionary. I absolutely
LOVE this work and I love this area.

I know without a doubt that Heavnenly Father's plan really is perfect.
He knows us perfectly and if we will submit our will to His will, we
will be blessed beyond our comprehension. I know that He hears our
prayers. He loves us perfectly. We need to do evereything within our
power to become who He intends for us to become by listening to the
promptings of the Spirit.

This is the Lord's work and this is His kingdom on the earth. I know
that Jesus Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of the all mankind, and
especially that He is my Savior. Without Him, I am nothing. I LOVE
BEING A MISSIONARY. I LOVE THE PEOPLE OF CALIFORNIA. I am so grateful
for my family at home and for my family in Nauvoo. I would not be here
today if it weren't for my dear friends and family. I LOVE YOU!

Love,
Sister Heather Ripplinger

P.S. The picture is of President and Sister Weston. I LOVE, love, love them

Sister Ripplinger's Weekly Letter, October 1, 2012

Sent: Monday, October 1, 2012 10:47 AM
Subject: ♥ Farewell Nauvoo ♥

My dear friends and family,

Starting next week, here is my new mission home address:

Sister Heather Ripplinger

8583 Watt Avenue

Antelope, California

95843-9117

I'll let you know when I am assigned to a specific city! 

This week, I have been thoroughly enjoying the spirit of Nauvoo and have been soaking up these precious experiences. On Tuesday, Sister Christensen and I went to the Nauvoo Groves for our personal and companionship study. Yesterday, we were assigned to serve in Carthage Jail for the afternoon. We had a little bit of time when it was slow, so we went up to the Martyrdom Room. I sat right next to the window that Joseph Smith fell from and read D&C 135. It is absolutely incredible to be in the very place that I am reading about.  Sometimes reality hits me and I can't believe that I am in NAUVOO... I'm in the very places that Joseph Smith-the PROPHET was!!!!!! I LOVE IT!!!! 

I was in the VC and a lady walked in that I really felt like I needed to talk with. I briefly spoke with her when she walked in, but she kept going because she wanted to look around. I just kinda shrugged to myself and waited patiently. =) A few minutes later, she walked back over to me and asked if she could ask me a few questions. She felt really peaceful around Nauvoo, she loved that we had a big statue of Christ in our building, and she wanted to know about that big, white building on the hill. I smiled and we started talking. I love to use the temple pamphlet because it has pictures of the different rooms in the temple. The Nauvoo Temple has several different rooms and they are labeled in the pamphlet as Creation, Garden, World, and Celestial Rooms. As I looked into this lady's eyes, I could see that she was seeking more knowledge than just the history of Nauvoo. So I explained how the temple is symbolic, or that everything represents something. I basically taught the Plan of Salvation for about 30 minutes, right there in the Visitor's Center. I placed great emphasis in the fact that everything in temple points us to Christ.  When we finished with the picture of the Celestial room, she looked at me with bright, shining eyes and said, "My dear, I came here wanting to know more than just the history of this town. I wanted to know what you guys were all about. I have to tell you that I am pleased beyond measure with what I've found. I believe everything that you believe. I know that I existed before I came here, I know that families are crucial in God's plan, and I know that we can return to God's presence if we follow Christ. You people truly are trying to follow Christ. Now tell me, what is this book that you all read? The Book of M....what is it?" I smiled and briefly explained what the Book of Mormon is. She was just glowing and asked where she could find a copy of it. I explained that there are missionaries all over the world and that two missionaries could come to her home, bring her a copy of the Book of Mormon, and explain more about what we believe. She looked at me, a little hesitant, and asked if she could maybe just get a copy from a library or something. My heart panicked a little, "Oh no!!! I NEED to get the missionaries to her! She is prepared!!!!" Then the Spirit pushed me. I responded, "You could borrow one from a library. However, I feel very strongly that you will want your own copy. These missionaries are young people, like me, that want to talk with you more about Christ's Church on the earth." I felt this deep sense of urgency when I spoke and looked into her eyes. She looked right into my eyes and responded, "Ok, I feel like this is important, too. When can they come to my house?" This truly is the Lord's work. 

Sister Zibetti and I were on exchanges together this week and went to teach one of the senior couples. We were walking along the sidewalk, when I looked over and thought, "Oh hey! Look! There is a huge snake!" All the sudden, I jumped three feet in the air and yelled to Sister Zibetti, "AH!!! There's a HUGE snake!!!!" We bolted like lightning back to the car and one of the senior elders came out to save us. hahaha He took a lawn mower and was rolling over the snake. The HUGE, big, fat, ugly snake coiled up and started striking at the lawn mower. That is the first snake I've seen in Nauvoo and oh goodness, I am so grateful! It was HUGE!!!!!!

At this point in time, we are going back through the Pageant referrals that we couldn't contact earlier. I had a miracle happen that was really neat. This one card for a Kelsey had been called several times. When I dialed it, I realized that I wasn't going to be able to contact her. So I immediately called the member's number. Corinne answers and tells me that Kelsey is actually right next to her, and Kelsey's phone only gets texts. I spoke with Kelsey right there and it turns out that she had JUST moved to college and would LOVE to have missionaries come visit her. Her parents had not approved her going to church when she was living at home. So as soon as she turned 18, she moved out, and now she wants to have missionaries come!!!! Woohoo!!!

I was also able to serve in the Heber C. Kimball home this week with Sister Call. I LOVE THAT WOMAN. I really kinda felt like I had died and gone to heaven. We sat out on that lovely porch together and enjoyed a little breeze, the beautiful trees that are changing colors, and just talked and talked all day long. We took a few tours, but for the most part, I think Heavenly Father let me have that beautiful experience before I leave Nauvoo. Sister and Elder Call went to Israel, Egypt, and Jordan two years ago, so I LOVED talking with her about those experiences. I feel so incredibly blessed to have been able to visit those places and to have someone else that has experiences those same things. =) Thus, I am just a really happy sister missionary. 

One man that didn't seem particularly fond of Mormons came up to me in the Visitor's Center and asked if I was one of them Mormons. When I said that I was, he asked if I was also going to Brigham Young (referring to BYU). I smiled and said that I was. He chuckled under his breath and said, "Ya, I thought so. You're just like I thought. One of them Mormons that go to Brigham Young. Well, ya know what? If you Mormons knew anything about your prophets, you'd know that all of them, except Joseph, went to the University of Utah. You ever thought of that? It's the school of your prophets! So why don't ya go there???" I smiled and replied, "Well, I'm never going to be a prophet, myself, so I'll stick with BYU." He muttered under his breath and walked away. I guess he isn't a big fan of BYU. =) Oh well! haha I LOVE BYU!!!!!!!

The General Relief Society Broadcast was AMAZING!!!!!! My prayers have been very specific this summer and during the last few weeks, I've been praying for specific things from General Conference. In the RS meeting alone, I have already received several answers to prayer. What is neat is that a lot of the answers came from things that the Spirit taught me, and some were word for word what they said. The leaders of the Church truly are inspired and servants of the Lord. They are pure and good, so the Spirit can work through them to teach us. I am SOOOOOOO excited for General Conference!!!! It's crazy to think that in April, I was in the Conference Center as part of a missionary choir. I will NEVER forget that experience. Now I'm in NAUVOO!!!!!!!! This has gotta be the good life. =)

This is my last email from Nauvoo, the BEAUTIFUL. With a grateful heart, I look back at what I have learned and experienced here. I have learned many things.

Next week, I will be in CALIFORNIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! =D We get to go to the temple with President and Sister Gilliland one more time right before we leave, then we leave Nauvoo early Tuesday morning for the airport!!! I've been praying to have missionary opportunities while I travel, so I'll be excited to report what happens! =D My hearts is bursting with rapturous joy as I think about hopping into an airplane again and adventuring into the unknown. I have no idea who my companion will be, or if I'll be in a trio for a little while. I don't know what the face looks like that will be greeting me at the airport in CA. I don't know how many interstates will be looping around each other or how many cows might be in the field. =D haha I feel so full of faith and I really am so excited!!!!!!!  I'm just excited to meet the people and get to work!!! I have been praying for these people all summer and I already feel a deep sense of love for them. I'm grateful that Heavenly Father is sending me to California. Here we go!!!!! =D

♥ Farewell, Nauvoo! ♥

Love,

Sister Heather Ripplinger

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

Sister Ripplinger's Weekly Letter, October 10, 2012

Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 2:37 PM
Subject: CALIFORNIA!!!!

My dear friends and family,

 

I am in CALIFORNIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And it feels GOOD!!!!! =D I already LOVE it here. LOVE IT.

 

The last week in Nauvoo was wonderful. I was in the Visitor's Center one morning and two men walked in. One was a member of the Church and the other was a Korean man that was riding his bike across the United States. He's lived in Los Angelas for a few years now. This member somehow ran into this biker and felt really strongly about bringing him to the VC. They came in and watched the Joseph Smith movie and afterwards, the member immediately asked if we had a Korean Book of Mormon. We sure did!!! As I was walking up the stairs from the storage area, I felt really strongly to ask him if he had met missionaries before. I handed him the Book of Mormon and asked. He said that several years ago, in South Korea, missionaries had taught him English!!! He anxiously agreed to meet with missionaries in L.A.!!!!!! It was a quick and really amazing miracle!!!

 

Saying good-bye to my Nauvoo sisters and my dear Sister Christensen was really difficult. I have really come to love them. We were able to attend a temple session and eat dinner at President Gilliland's house all together before we left. It was such a great blessing to be able to go to the temple one more time. President Gilliland gave us Priesthood blessings before we left and I am truly looking forward to what lies ahead.

 

So Tuesday morning, we packed up the vans at 7:30 am and drove to St. Louis. None of the other sisters were going to fly with me, so I was on my own. I hugged the last sisters good bye and had tears streaming down my face. They walked away together and I closed my eyes, said a prayer for strength to jump in with both feet, then opened my eyes. I had been praying that Heavenly Father would place people in my path in the airport or on the planes. I looked around and tried to listen to the Spirit. I sat down and pulled out my Book of Mormon. Immediately, this man sitting across from me looks up and asks if I'm ok. I smiled and wiped away the tears quickly. Rodrigo's flights had been changed last minute, and had just barely been switched to my flight to Dallas, Texas. He is from Mexico and was just in the US on business. We started talking and before I knew what was happening, he wrote down his home address and said he wanted missionaries in Mexico to stop at his home and teach his family. He has two little kids and he's seen missioanries before, but they've never stopped to teach him before. I gave him a Plan of Salvation pamphlet and I saw him reading it on the flight. =)

 

On the plane, I sat down and started talking with my neighbor. His father had just passed away and Mario was returning from the funeral!!!!! We started talking about where his dad is now and we read from Alma 40. He was soaking it up. He wanted to know all about the Book of Mormon and I was able to teach the Plan of Salvation to this young man that had just lost his dad!!! Before I could offer, he asked if he could take the Book of Mormon and read more. His flight had also been switched last minute because flight schedules were off. MIRACLE!!!!

 

I had to switch gates at the airport to take my next flight to Sacramento. For some reason, my boarding pass did not include the gate number and I was going to have to find a digital screen to find my gate. As I walked toward the information desk, the man standing in front of me asked about the Sacramento flight. He helped me find the right place and I know he was sent by Heavenly Father to help me get where I was supposed to be on time.

 

There was also a nice member on that flight and as soon as I walked into the plane, he popped up out of his seat and yelled, "SISTER!!!!" He had a huge grin and was so excited to see a MISSIONARY!!! =) It made my day!  haha

 

So....I was kindly escorted by this member named Scott and he walked me out toward the luggage pick up area. And there....standing with a glow around them... was my President and Sister Weston and their little daughter, Lizzie. =) I immediately felt their love and I love them. They were SO good to me!!!! I honestly felt right at home and so loved. We went to dinner and then they dropped me off with some sisters in the area for the night. I don't have my companion assignment yet, but I will shortly. I am SO excited to be here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

This email is kinda quick, but know that I'm doing GREAT and I am so ready to get to work! I feel so grateful that Heavenly Father answered my prayers and let me find a few people that were prepared on my way to California. I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!!!!!!

 

Love,

Sister Heather Ripplinger

Sister Ripplinger's Weekly Letter, September 19, 2012

My dear friends and family,

This week has been ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

The week started out kind of rough, which I knew meant that something really good was about to happen!  I could feel Satan attacking, and I just had to keep eternal perspective-remember that this phase is temporary. I've adopted the new motto "Fight Hard" when it comes to putting up a fight against Satan. Don't ever let him get you down. Keep going! Endure well and make the most of the situation. Find joy in the journey! 

So a few funny things that happened this week... Sister McInelly and I were serving on the main floor of the Visitor's Center and this couple from New Zealand walks in. A senior missionary told them that there were Australians in just a few moments before. Instantly, the man's head whips around and he yells, across the Visitor's Center (in a thick New Zealander accent) "Aussie! Aussie! Aussie!!!! Oy! Oy! Oy!!!!"  hahahaha Maybe you had to have been there, but it was hilarious. =) 

Another funny experience... Sister Dransfield and I had to teach President and Sister Gilliland the Plan of Salvation lesson. (They were role playing investigators). They gave us a run for our money. We got out of there and Sister Dransfield and I drooped into the car. Glad that's over with!!! hahaha Just kidding, we loved it. It was a good learning experience. It's just kind of terrifying to teach your mission president and not let him trick you into traps. =) 

I had a neat experience when I called a certain referral from Pageant. I called this man (Jerome) and immediately upon introducing myself, he went off about how much he hates Romney. Jerome is gay and he thinks it is ridiculous that we live in America and he can't do what he wants. I felt like I needed to keep listening, patiently, so I did. After about ten minutes of this angry explanation, he told me that Mormons believe that gay people are bad and that God doesn't love them. He said that his sister had just barely called and chewed him out for being gay. I could just feel that he needed to feel of Heavenly Father's love for him. So I testified that Heavenly Father loves him so much and is aware of the hurtful things that people say and the difficulties that he is experiencing. I felt an instant change. Jerome started crying on the other end of the phone and said that no one had ever told him that God loves him. He told me that he became gay because he never felt loved during his childhood. I could feel Heavenly Father's love for this guy-so strongly. In the end, Jerome agreed to let missionaries come visit him and he said that he had a lot to think about because he knows he needs to make changes in his life. 

There was another person that had been called several times and hadn't answered the phone yet. I saw the card laying on the floor and felt like it needed to be called again. So I called and the man answered!!!!! He is working on the roof at a Stake Center and graciously said that he would love to have the missionaries come teach him because he had such a good feeling when he was working on the church house. 

It's the time of year that we get to serve on Mormon.org chat again!!!! We learned how to use it in the MTC, but haven't used it since. Sister Christensen and I were on there one day and having a whole bunch of weirdos come in. She had never done chat before and was wondering if it was like that all the time. So we said a prayer and I asked that we could have a good experience and be able to share the gospel with someone that was prepared to receive it. A few minutes later, a young man named Nick (from England), pops up and has a few questions. Four months before, elders had stopped him on the street, gave him a Mormon.org card, and briefly spoke with him. He looked at the card a few times, then lost it. Then a friend of his, gave him another Mormon.org card and he decided he wanted to look into it. So, here he was on chat with us! We answered his questions and had a REALLY good conversation with him! We asked if he would like to have the elders come and share more with him and he was SOOOOO excited!!!!! He gave us all of his information and we sent the missionaries over to visit him the next day!!!! It was such a neat experience! Heavenly Father heard our prayer. 

Elder Choi (member of the First Quorum of the Seventy) and his wife were in Nauvoo for the last several days. I had the privilege of speaking in Sacrament meeting with him right behind me. =) Right before the meeting started, he walked in and shook our hands on the stand, then sat down. All the sudden, a flash back of General Conference a few times ago came flooding back. He spoke in General Conference and I remembered exactly what he spoke about. I looked over in his direction and gulped. hahaha I had to say a prayer that I would remain calm and deliver the message I had prepared. That prayer was answered and I was just fine. But it was still really cool. =) 

The next day I was one of a few missionaries that got a personal interview with him. That was absolutely amazing. As I sat down and started talking with him, I had this feeling that it really difficult to describe. As I looked him straight in the eyes, I just felt of Christ's countenance. I felt incredibly peaceful and right at home. Before he came from Salt Lake, he was given keys to come on this special assignment. I could feel that authority and power radiating from him. It made me think about how familiar we will be when we see Christ again. I think it will shock us. I know that talking with Elder Choi seemed oddly familiar and I could feel of the Savior's love. Needless to say, the interview was one that deepened my testimony and my faith. He wanted to know about my favorite parts of being a missionary, what has been most difficult, and so on. I have loved being able to attend the temple every week, gaining close relationships with faithful sisters, and being set apart as a missionary. It's been difficult to serve in a Visitor's Center and not be able to finish what I start. I am so grateful for the experiences that I've had here. It takes a lot of faith and my faith is being strengthened. Elder Choi looked deep into my eyes and responded, "You have been called to labor in this vineyard for a time, Sister Ripplinger. He has many more experiences ahead. Do not worry." Just seeing the way that faith burned in his eyes strengthened my testimony. 

The next morning, we woke up at the crack of dawn for mission-wide training. Sister Streeter and Sister Zibetti sang "Be Still My Soul" and I was able to accompany them on the piano. I never cease to be amazed with Heavenly Father's merciful hand. We had very little time to practice that song the first time, which was several months ago. We practiced for a short time this last week, and then performed it in training. Somehow, that difificult, changes key four times, song just worked out. =) I'm so eternally grateful!!!! I had the opportunity to hear from Elder and Choi and his wife speak Sunday evening in a fireside, Monday and Tuesday morning in mission training, and THEN, all of us sister missionaries had a full day of special training with him. We went over to President's house and learned all types of profound and really good things. We were able to have pizza all together for lunch and I absolutely LOVED it. At one big table, all twelve sisters, President and Sister Gilliland, and Elder and Sister Choi gathered together. 

Having them here has extended my vision of my future. Heavenly Father helped me understand more about what is going to happen in my life and what will be expected. I received SO MANY promptings from the Holy Ghost that I took 10 pages of notes. Elder Choi and his wife sacrifice so much to serve in the capacity that they do. He talked about how when they were called into the Seventy, they had to give up all of their hobbies and little things that they do for fun. They literally are full time servants of the Lord. And I could FEEL of that, bursting from them. They have consecrated their lives to serving the Lord and they radiate His love. I want to follow their examples. I want people to feel of Heavenly Father's love when they look in my eyes and feel it beaming from across the room. They were simply amazing. I just learned so much- from their examples and from what they taught. 

This is the Lord's work and I'm so grateful to be a missionary!!!!!! I'm soaking up these last few weeks and I love spending time with the senior missionaries. They are such incredible examples. I love them!!!! I love Sister Christensen and am so grateful that I get to be with her. Life's really good. =) 

Heavenly Father loves you soooo much! I love you, too! 

Love,

Sister Heather Ripplinger

Sister Ripplinger's Weekly Letter, September 24, 2012

My dear friends and family,

I am completely composed as I type this.... =)
Guess.....WHAT....?!?!?!?!!?!?!?!?! We all got our new mission assignments last night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are going all over the place!

I'm going to ROSEVILLE, CALIFORNIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The other sisters and their assignments:

Umphenour-Washington

Kim-Alabama

McInelly-Louisiana

Dransfield-Virginia

Zibetti-Washington D.C.

Petricek-South Carolina

Brown-Mesa, AZ

Garner-VEGAS!!!

Streeter-Montana

Last night, we had district meetings and then went over to President and Sister Gilliland's house for a "fireside". Sister Gilliland taught us how to be healthy and all for our new areas...then El Presidente' joined us in the living room. He whipped out a white piece of paper and smiled. We all squealed and panicked!!! Oh my goodness! This is it! These are our new mission calls!!!!!!!!!!! He sat calmly on his king chair and announced them one by one, alphabetically. We were all holding onto each other's hands with death grips and I could feel all of us trembling. =) haha I absolutely LOVED it!!!!! When he announced that I was going to Roseville, California I just knew that was the place for me. I'm SOOOOO excited! It's right by Sacramento. 

Earlier this morning, we went to an endowment session in the temple and I was praying for ideas of how to prepare in the next two weeks before I arrive in good ol' California. I have an article about Elder Oaks being interviewed by the press about gay rights and I haven't made time to study it yet. The press asks him several difficult questions and he answers them like an Apostle. =) I feel like I need to study that really hard and be ready to respectfully stand for families. I received several other promptings and I'm just really, really, really excited about going to California!!!!! YAY!!!!!! =D 

We fly out of St. Louis on October 9th! I'll probably have a few layovers and I'm excited to be in the airports again. =) I'm excited to be in a big town area, I'm excited for a winter in California. I'm REALLY, really excited to be able to teach in homes and I already love those people that I'm going to meet. Oh how great is my joy. =) This has gotta be the good life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

I'll let you know my mission address and everything as soon as I know. =) 

I've loved being in Nauvoo and LOVED going to the temple once a week. I'm going to soak up these last two weeks and make the very most of them. 

Men are that they might have joy and we only have but one life to live, so let's live it up! =)

Love,

Sister Ripplinger

Sister Ripplinger's Weekly Letter, Sept. 10, 2012

From: Heather Ripplinger <heather.ripplinger@myldsmail.net>
To: Nikki Ripplinger <bnripp@yahoo.com>; nauvoo president <nauvoopresident@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, September 10, 2012 11:37 AM
Subject: The Final Four....Weeks

My dear friends and family,

Life in Nauvoo is absolutely wonderful right now!!!!! The sky is a piercing blue color today-not a cloud in the sky. The temperature is PERFECT!!! There are four weeks left until we fly out of the St. Louis airport to our new missions. We had transfers last night and the verdict is..... drum roll.... I get to keep my beautiful Sister Christensen!!!!!!!!!!!!!! =) I was so incredibly happy to be able to stay with her for one last transfer before she goes home. She has a heart of gold and she is so loving. She is a great leader and I absolutely LOVE spending time with her. She's the kind of person that just does what she knows is right and doesn't judge others. Just because of who she is, she inspires me to be better and better. I LOVE HER!!!!! She is one that I know I will be friends with forever and ever. 

I feel like I've progressed into the Advanced Missionary Training Center. =) Each night, we have role play teaching appointments with the senior missionaries. They have been assigned a specific role to play and we get to teach them the main missionary lessons. Each night, we have a different temporary companion that we go to dinner with and teach two lessons. I am learning SOOO much from these experiences! First, it is really good practice to be able to teach with all types of different personalities. Every night, I'm with a different sister, so I get to learn from them! Everyone contributes different strengths. One sister comes from a family where her dad isn't a member of the Church and she and her mom are converts. She can relate to the investigators because she's been there before. Another sister absolutely loves and adores her family and has an incredible gift to be able to testify of Heavenly Father's love. Each one of the sisters here has special and unique qualities that I'm striving to learn from so that I can relate to the people that the Lord has been preparing. Of course, I am learning sooo much from the senior missionaries. They are all absolutely incredible, jam packed full of knowledge and experience....try to outsmart one of them! =) But it is very helpful to teach them because it makes me recognize what is important to include in the lesson and what's not. Sometimes it makes me chuckle because here we are, these young missionaries...teaching former bishops, stake presidents, mission presidents, Relief Society presidents, faithful members of the Church, and people that have worked in the Church Educational System  their entire lives. Needless to say, I'm studying my heart out. The gospel really is so simple, and yet we can study diligently our entire lives, and still keep learning and progressing. I LOVE IT!!!! During one of our lessons, the woman (Sister Green) came out with a ROOT beer bottle that looked like a big, brown bottle of beer. hahahaha I love it when my dear friends take the role on completely and ham it up!!!! Of course, we knew that it wasn't a real bottle and we just have to keep going, even though I want to laugh. =) 

One night I was with Sister Dransfield, and she had just had surgery on her poor mouth. We didn't have a dinner appointment because we were greeting for the evening show, so we went back to the house for dinner. She had an ice pack on her face and I could tell she was hurting. We made some tomato soup and toast, and I realized how much I love the little moments. I love Sister Dransfield and her darling personality and I loved just eating a bowl of soup with her. =) 

I am also realizing how this mission is preparing me for my future life, not just life as a missionary. We get to eat dinner with temple missionaries some nights and they are gushing with gospel knowledge. I LOVE it when they share insights about the temple. Elder Cook shared a scripture in Micah 4:2-3. As he read the scriptures, the Spirit taught me how that related to the temple, and I felt like a little bit of heaven split open. It was sooo neat! The temples are packed full of symbolism. The temples are built (Let us go up to the mountain of the Lord) and people flow to them. "And He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths..." 

Elder Flake was a mission president in Australia and shared with us some things he taught his missionaries. He'd take an empty frame up and ask them what they saw. Well...they didn't see a picture of anyone in the empty frame. He taught how their spouses and children exist, but they just aren't in the picture yet. We need to serve our missions with all our hearts and then the frame will be filled in when the time is right. Our family members exist, we just don't know who they are yet. =) I thought it was so cute! Some of the sisters were gagging because it was "too much for them"...hahahaha but Sister Dransfield and I thoroughly loved it. =) I love hearing from the senior missionaries- they are so wise! 

Elder Aulestia is someone that I admire a lot. He is a good, good man. He served as a mission president in Peru and I just feel his goodness radiating from him. He shared his conversion story with me, which I absolutely LOVED. When he was 18 years old, he saw a bunch of smiling people walking into an LDS church house, so he went in to see what was going on. He walked in, looked around, and no one stopped him. He walked on out and no one said anything. 15 years later, two elders started teaching him the missionary lessons. He listened, but refused to do anything else. He went through several sets of elders and heard the lessons several times- well enough that he knew them by heart. Years later, a new elder, fresh out of the MTC came into town. The two elders that were serving in the area asked James (Elder Aulestia) if he would mind accompanying this new elder for teaching appointments. =) (I just started smiling at this part of the story...) James agreed to go with this annoying young elder on the agreement that only the Elder would teach and James could be completely silent. So... of course this poor little guy needed some help. And the Lord knew what James needed. Elder asks if James can please help him and share the First Vision. James is annoyed and says that he isn't even a missionary and he knows the darn lesson! James speaks up and shares the First Vision. Then he asks the investigator, "Do you actually believe this story?!" The man anxiously nodded his head and said that he did. James looked the man in the eyes and knew that he really did believe it. He got mad and left in a hurry. The same thing happens a few times- he gets to basically testify of Joseph Smith and the people believe it. He is shocked and tells the other elders to never come to his house again. A week later, the PROPHET was in town. The phone rings and it's the elders. Long story short, James and his family went to the stake center to meet the prophet, the kids LOVED the prophet, James left angrily, and the stake president stopped him on his way out the door. The look in that stake president's eyes convinced James. James got baptized and years later, he is Elder Aulestia- a former mission president and a current missionary in Nauvoo. He's an incredible man. Who woulda thought? =) 

Elder Aulestia taught me some things that he taught his missionaries in Peru. A good missionary doesn't think BAPTISM, she thinks TEMPLE. A good missionary teaches them to get to the temple and receive those ordinances. She also watches for strong families in the ward to fellowship the investigators and pairs them up according to needs and commonalities. Exact obedience is absolutely key. 

I am soaking up these last few weeks. We serve on the Visitor's Center main floor for about 1 1/2 hours and call the rest of the day. Then we have dinner and teaching appointments with the seniors after 6:00. I set a goal to read True to the Faith, the Bible Dictionary, finish reading the Book of Mormon again, and to write in more apostle and prophet quotes into my scriptures according to topic before we leave in October. I LOVE being a missionary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Family and friends... I love you! Thank you for your love and support! I find so much strength from all of you! 

Love,

Sister Heather Ripplinger

Sister Ripplinger's Weekly Letter, September 3, 2012

Our Dear Family and Friends:

I've told you before that I had not seen Blaine truly cry until this year, but today was about the fifth time this year.  We knew that Sister Ripplinger knew when our son, Derek, opened his mission call on Thursday night, because we felt it, and later the mission secretary called us to find out, but we didn't realize how much Sister Ripplinger missed being with us to open it.

The Spirit is felt deeply in our home this week, as Sister Ripplinger continues to serve in Nauvoo with all her heart, and our sweet son, Derek, opened his Mission Call to the Massachusetts Boston Mission - which covers Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, parts of Vermont, New York, and New Hampshire! And he heads to BYU-I this week for one semester.  How blessed we are!

Blaine and Nikki

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Heather Ripplinger <heather.ripplinger@myldsmail.net>
To: Nikki Ripplinger <bnripp@yahoo.com>; nauvoo president <nauvoopresident@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, September 3, 2012 9:19 AM
Subject: Angels to Bear You Up

Dear family and friends,

Life in Nauvoo is really good and it's very peaceful at this time of year. We have finally received rain and what a blessing it is! Everything is still lush and green. The temple is as beautiful as ever and I love Sister Christensen.

Linda Rice is slowly trying to make progress. This week I sent her the missionary pamphlets in the mail (which I "order" through my online area book and the Church sends the material). I thought I was sending her the pamphlets for the first THREE lessons...turns out that she received ALL of the pamphlets in THREE different languages, including English, Spanish, and French. Good thing she only speaks English. hahaha Oops! 

We have been calling several hours a day on the Pageant referrals. I had a neat experience talking with a guy named Christian. I had a huge pile of cards to call, but his was sticking out just a little bit and I felt strongly that I needed to call it first. He is from California and accepted to have missionaries come visit him. I felt like I needed to talk with him more and we ended up discussing Heavenly Father for about 20 minutes. He had doubts about whether God exists and if anyone hears his prayers. He asked me how I know that God exists and I had the opportunity to bear my testimony. When he asked me that question, I felt the Spirit take over and I knew that this young man needed to  receive a very specific answer. What I responded was not something I would usually say when someone asked me that question. Before I started to answer him, I took a long pause and I knew that Heavenly Father needed Christian to know something specific. I had no idea where he was as we were talking, but I literally felt a sense of urgency to testify and let him know that God is his Father in Heaven and is aware of him. I also had the distinct impression that this young man was about to commit suicide. I don't even know how to describe that impression more accurately. I just knew that something was wrong and that the call came at a crucial moment. He sounded like he was in a dark place and he didn't have hope in his voice when we first started talking. At the end of our conversation, Christian said, "I think you just saved a soul today. Thank you."  I got off the phone and just sat there quietly for a few minutes. That was a reflection moment. 

I have been praying fervently and diligently that Heavenly Father would send help to the people that are prepared and are just waiting for the missionaries to teach them. Joanne is the lady from Alaska that wanted to be baptized, when she was here in Nauvoo. She has returned to Alaska now and the Relief Society President has completely swept her into their ward family. Joanne said that she feels so incredibly welcome there and several people have invited her over for dinner. The missionaries are going to teach Joanne at the home of the RS president. I LOVE THAT RELIEF SOCIETY PRESIDENT!!!!!! She is an answer to my prayers. 

There have been SEVERAL people in the Visitor's Center that are not members of the Church and what an opportunity it is to talk with them and teach them about the Restored gospel and about the temple. Romney is providing MANY opportunities for people to investigate the Church. Several people come in and wonder if we are even Christian....guess what! We are VERY much Christian. =) So many people open up their hearts when they start to learn of the truth. I LOVE IT!!!!!

I feel like this week has been more of a growth opportunity for me than anything else.

My brother received his mission call this week (he's going to BOSTON!!!!!!!). I have felt divine help come in the times that I needed help. I love my family with all of my heart and I love my brother, Derek. The night that he opened his mission assignment, I was in the Referral center making calls. I was just doing my thing when all of the sudden I felt the Spirit really strongly and I knew that Derek had opened his white envelope. For a moment, it was really hard. "Heavenly Father, please let Derek know that I'm there in spirit." I had little tears trickling down my face. And then I felt a Heavenly promise be fulfilled and I felt angels around me that were there to bear me up. I was able to keep calling. That night I had more people say "yes" and accept missionaries than any other time that I have called. I have such a strong testimony of divine intervention and the Atonement. The Lord will always give you the strength to keep going if YOU will be committed to keep going. We have our agency. We have to fight hard. We can't give up or slow down. If we are devoted to serving the Lord, we will receive the strength that we need. We have to make the choice to serve God with all of our heart, might, mind, and strength...and be tough, even when it's hard. If we do, we will see miracles and receive tender mercies. I couldn't have made it on my own that night. I am so grateful that Heavenly Father heard my prayers and that my brother is going to join the army of missionaries. Incredible experiences lie ahead!!!!! =)

I also know that we have to make the conscious decision to soften our hearts. When challenges come, we must trust the Lord with all of our heart and lean not to our own understanding. =) Heavenly Father is perfect and we just need to trust Him. We just live the gospel with all of our heart and keep our hearts soft as we trust our Father. He has promised that those challenges that we experience are for our gain and they'll make us stronger. He will always provide the way for us when we are keeping the commandments and doing our very best. Without the Savior, we are nothing. Because of the Savior, we can endure well, find joy in the journey, perform the Lord's work, and return to our Heavenly Father's presence. What a blessing that Gospel of Jesus Christ is. I LOVE being a missionary. I LOVE Nauvoo. 

This has gotta be the good life! =)

Love,

Sister Heather Ripplinger

Sister Ripplinger's Letter, Week of August 27, 2012

Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 10:51 AM
Subject: Improve the Shining Moments

My friends and family,

I feel awfully humble and my heart is full of gratitude. This week has been really, really tender and full of wonderful experiences. 

This morning, we went to an endowment session in the temple, and I noticed a young man that looked like he might have just received a mission call. He was sitting next to his daddy and they were both glowing. I had lots of thoughts going through my mind in regards to my own mission, but I also kept glancing over at them because they reminded me of my brother, Derek, and my dad. Derek's going to receive his mission call this week, and he will go through the temple soon. After the session, I went over to this darling family and asked the young man if he had just received his mission call. He said that he is going to serve in England, and leaves in November. AND he is from the Rexburg area and went to Sugar-Salem High School. Well, it doesn't hit home much more than that. It was a huge tender mercy and oh my, I know that Heavenly Father loves me and is aware of everything. I am sooooo excited for Derek to receive his call!!!!!!!! =) 

Thurman is absolutely incredible. He is also a huge tender mercy from the Lord. I have strived to be diligent with my study time, to have a completely loving and open heart, to follow the Spirit, and to do the very best that I possibly can. Every mission has it's challenges, just like every person on earth will have their struggles and difficulties. All summer, I have tried to find all of the prepared people that Heavenly Father brought to Nauvoo that I possibly could, and helped them self refer, so that the missionaries in their area can keep teaching them. I haven't talked to most of them since they referred. However, I felt like I needed to keep in contact with Thurman for a while. He always wants to pray and he is soaking up the Book of Mormon. I have taught him about the temple and how he can do the work for his deceased family members. He lost a sister when they were really young and I could just feel his testimony beaming through the phone as he told me that he had set goals to do his family history and take their names to the temple. He is so excited to be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost, receive the Priesthood, and prepare for the temple. I taught him about fasting and invited him to think of a purpose to fast for. We both fasted yesterday for the Elders to help prepare him for baptism. When I feel his glowing testimony, I just close my eyes and bow my head. Every struggle or challenge is so eternally worth it. Thurman is going to influence generations and generations of people that came before him, and his daughters and future generations. He plans to be baptized in September. Oh, how great is my joy!!!!!!!!!  

A couple came into the Visitor's Center and I was (again) amazed at how prepared some people are. I started talking with them and they immediately started asking questions and making connections. They wanted to know why we are on earth, what Christ's role is in our life, the nature of God, and if we believe in baptism by immersion. They agreed with all of our beliefs, and expressed several interesting points. They LOVE how family oriented the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is. They strongly believe that Romney will protect the family and his leadership will keep the country in order. They wanted to know all about my own family, and what my relationships with them were like. They wanted to know how often I hear from my family. Well... =) I get an email from them every week, as well as a 10 page essay from my mother about all of the family's happenings, a letter from my dad, and letters from my siblings. I took this couple down by the Christus and taught them about the First Vision. They soaked it up and then said they'd like to go for a walk in the Women's Garden. They went out and I gathered up some things for them to take home. They came back in about five minutes later and the woman said, "You know, we were talking and you guys believe all the same things that we believe, if not stronger, AND you guys support and cherish the family. We are serious about joining your church." Needless to say, they wanted missionaries to come visit them and it was an absolutely incredible experience. They were AMAZING!!!! Marylynn looked at my name tag several times, and at the end of our conversation, she said, " I LOVE how the JESUS CHRIST part is in big letters and it is so obvious that you all believe in Him as your Savior." 

There was a family in the Visitor's Center, and I had talked to the "mother-in-law" before they went in to watch a movie. The daddy was black and the two little kids had awesome, fluffy black hair. Elder Anderson called the VC and said there was a black man that wanted a copy of the Book of Mormon and had filled out a referral card somewhere along the way in the sites. I got the word and right then, that family came out of the theatre. I ran over and simply asked (even though I knew this family was LDS, which makes no sense, but I did anyway), "Would you guys like a copy of the Book of Mormon?" They all looked at each other and the mother-in-law asked me if I remembered they were LDS. I said that I did, but I just needed to ask. The mom of the two little girls spoke up and exclaimed, "We have our own scriptures at home, but do you have a Book of Mormon we can give to our friend??" Come to find out, they had done a Pageant referral with their friend, the friend had agreed to have the missionaries come, but nearly a month later, the missionaries still haven't shown up. Long story, short... They referred Sherry and I gave her a phone call. She was very anxious for missionaries to come and I told her I could send her a copy of the Book of Mormon and I would send another referral through the regular system. She was so excited and started asking questions because she was so ready for the missionaries! I taught her about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon and she soaked it up! I thought it was miraculous how all of that worked out. Heavenly Father's hand is in everything!

Another man came into the Visitor's Center with two of his siblings. He wandered over by the Book of Mormon display and was studying it intently. Come to find out...he is a pastor of another religion and has been reading the Book of Mormon. He mentioned the Bible, and I asked him a question that led him to tell me all about his religious study of the Bible. He believes that if Christ had a church on the earth, it would have apostles, a prophet, temples, they would baptize in the name of Christ, and they would pay tithing. He looked at me, deep in the eyes, and asked, "Do you believe all of that??" I smiled and simply said, "Yes! There is a prophet on the earth today and if you turn around and look right behind you, there is a display of all of the apostles, as well!!!" He looked flabbergasted and turned around. He moved quickly over to the display and started listening to their words (little clips from recent talks). He was just entranced with that thing for a few minutes. He stopped and looked over at me with deep eyes. "These men are apostles of God." He was RIGHT!!!!! =) He seemed completely shocked to know that we believe in all of the things that he had personally concluded would be part of Christ's church. And I was completely happy to tell him that missionaries could come and explain more to him. He wrote down his information anxiously and wanted to know how long it would take them to get there. He also wants the missionaries to come speak to his congregation. Holy guacamole!!!! It was soooo neat!!!!! The Lord had obviously been preparing this man because he already understood specific parts of the Gospel and just needed to know that those things exist and that the authority of God is on the earth!!!!! At that moment, I felt like lightning struck the earth. This is the Lord's work.

As President Monson said, "You have but one life to live." I love that. This is the time to prepare to meet God and it is the time to seize the day, to make every day it's best, and to improve the shining moments!!!! We have so many blessings and there is so much work to do. Find joy in the journey!!!!! This life is full of challenges, because we need the opportunities to grow and progress, and life is full of joy! Men are that they might have joy...says that Book of Mormon. Sister Christensen and I have been enjoying the journey. I love her. =) We live downstairs in the basement and it's kind of like our own little world away from everything else. There is a big, open space in the bathroom area and yesterday, I taught her how to waltz....to church music!!! =) It was so much fun! We have the funny, little jokes and I just love being around her. 

This week, I was starting to get frustrated with Elders in other areas that weren't teaching people that are keeping the commandments, and are practically ready to fill up the baptismal font themselves, and hop into it. I realized that we cannot judge other people. I don't know what is going on in their lives, or what things they are struggling with. I've also realized that a lot of missionaries are just struggling to find their own testimony. The mission field is a battle field and we are part of the Lord's army. If we are keeping the commandments ourselves and striving to do all that we can to help the work, things will happen as they should. Heavenly Father is aware of everyone and He will provide the way. 

I set a refreshed and renewed goal that I need to push myself harder as a missionary and I need to be ready to hit the ground running when I get to my new area in October. I have six months to do the work in that area. I've been praying with all of my heart and preparing with everything I've got. But that's when the enabling power of the Atonement comes in. I've got more to give because of the Savior. I've set a goal to dig deep into my heart and find more. Give more. Work harder and be ready to give even more. We can all be better member missionaries. The Ensign this month is all about missionary work... it's important! We can help further the work, we can all be a greater strength to the missionaries in our own areas, and we all need to step it up. I invite everyone to pray for missionary opportunities and to take the opportunity when the Lord provides the way. I know that this is the Lord's work. It is the work of Salvation. We are part of the Lord's army!!!!! I LOVE being a missionary. 

Love,

Sister Heather Ripplinger

Sister Ripplinger's Weekly Letter August 20, 2012

Sent: Monday, August 20, 2012 3:51 PM
Subject: Conquistadoras

My dear family and friends,

This week has been wonderful! I realize that sometimes I am trying so frantically to share all of the details about the Lord's tender mercies and in the process, may confuse you. =) haha SORRY!!!! So I will be in Nauvoo until October 10th, then we will all go to our new mission assignments. We will find out where we are actually going about ONE week before we leave. So that part will remain a mystery for a while longer. If anyone receives revelation for me, please let me know! =) In the meantime, we are in the Referral Center several hours each day and we are gradually getting ready for the next phase. I'm studying my heart out, trying to come up with creative teaching ideas, and to know that Preach My Gospel inside and out. I've been teaching a couple of people over the phone because the missionaries in their area aren't there yet and it is a HUGE blessing to me. I love to see their personalities light up as they learn about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Thurman is absolutely amazing. He is making GREAT progress and is absolutely golden. He has such a pure and good heart. I prayerfully give him a chapter in the Book of Mormon to read each day and he spends about 2 hours reading and studying every morning before his girls wake up. He went on a picnic the other day with some neighbors and their kids. He had just read Alma 36, took the Book of Mormon with him on the picnic, and shared the chapter with all of his friends. They were super interested and all want their own copy of the Book of Mormon and to hear about what the Latter-days Saints teach. He's already a missionary and he is just waiting to get baptized!!! Woohoooo!!!!! He and his little girls came to Nauvoo this week and it was sooo good to see them!!!!

Sister Christensen is a blessing in my life! I'll call us the Conquistadoras because we can't be the Conquistadors and also because she's teaching me how to conquer the world. She's already served in Oregon during the winter and she has VERY useful experience and advice that I'm learning from. I am striving with all of my might to be a powerful missionary and I am striving to learn everything I possibly can from my amazing companion. I love her already!!! She is LOVING and CARING. I LOVE THAT!!!! =) She loves people that just makes everything else work great. She was out in Carthage most of the summer, and there is a significantly different feeling when she's around. You can just feel of Heavenly Father's love for His children when she's around! We have already had many good memories and I feel like we've been friends for a long time. This morning, we woke up early and met the Teamsters (senior elders that work with the horses) at the barn. We helped bring the horses in from the field, watched all the horses park themselves in their very own stall and chow down on their grain. We had a blast out there and I absolutely LOVED being around horses again!!! 

This week has been packed full of good memories and lots of missionary work. We've had some mice in the Visitor's Center this week...so that's been hilarious to be part of. Elder Anderson and Elder Watts were chasing one mouse around the floor and it scurried into the women's restroom, right behind Sister Gustuvson. I ran in to try and save her, the bathroom doors were flying open as we tried to get out without a mouse running over our feet, we escaped, and eventually Elder Watts saved the both of us. Those little mice move quickly! haha 

We've been calling on referrals a LOT lately. There have been some international referrals or people that only speak Spanish, so Elder Anderson was calling on some of those. He spoke Spanish as a young missionary and 40 years later, he's using it to serve people all over the world! It was neat to help him call someone in Argentina and hear him suddenly start speaking Spanish as a crazy lady on the other end of the phone start talking really quickly. He geared into the conversation, she ACCEPTED, gave him their address in ARGENTINA, and the conversation was over. (Keep in mind that people were talking in the Call Center, static was terrible on the long distance call, and he spoke Spanish 40 years ago.) He finished the phone call, took a huge, deep breath, stood up, pulled off his suit coat, and said, "Holy cow! It is REALLY HOT in here!!!!" hahahaha I was SO proud of him. I could feel the Spirit as he was talking to her in broken Spanish.

Now her family is going to get the missionaries! Yay!!!! He called several other international referrals, too. The work is going forward! =)

I called a lady in Missouri that is an "ordained minister" for her church. She was VERY nice and started chatting away with me. She was SO nice. When I told her that I was a missionary, she exclaimed, "Oh my goodness! Do you ever come to Missouri?!" I told her that there were probably missionaries in her area and she informed me that she had an extra apartment space that she would be willing to let missionaries stay in if they ever needed a place, she would love to feed any of them that needed meals, AND she wanted to know how close by they were because.... she wanted to have the missionaries come talk to her congregation. ....!!!!!! She said that she's been studying the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and she felt like God wanted her to join "us", so she wants her own congregation to convert, as well. That aught to keep the elders over there busy! =) It was a really INCREDIBLE conversation and I never cease to be amazed by how prepared people are. This is OBVIOUSLY the Lord's work and He has a really, really good and detailed plan. A perfect plan. The work will go forward with power!!!!!

Two people that I found tracting in Burlington went to church with the elders this week!!!! Woohoo!!!! I'm really excited to hear about those people and I was especially grateful for the opportunity to tract. 

I included some pictures this time!! This is my lovely Sister Christensen....I love her! She's from Colorado and graduated from cosmetology school. Did I mention that she is wonderful? =)

I LOVE being a missionary!!!!! I love Sister Christensen. I LOVED being around the horses this morning and I'm so grateful that the Teamsters treat us like queens... =) The temperature lately is absolutely PERFECT. Life is really, really good.

I KNOW that Heavenly Father loves us. He lets us struggle and become stronger, AND blesses us with miracles and tender mercies beyond measure. Like I enjoy singing...Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven! Elder Golden shared something with us last week that I would like to share. This was deeply profound to me. "The temple is not a house of the Holy Ghost. The temple is a house of the LORD."  Think about it. I was also reminded that the Holy Ghost purifies and sanctifies us. It is important to feel the Spirit frequently and constantly. When was the last time you remember feeling the Holy Ghost? When was the last time you received a prompting? If it's been a while, I invite you to read from the Book of Mormon every single day for the rest of your life, but start with every day this week. =) KNEEL down in prayer every morning and night. After you say everything that you feel like saying to Heavenly Father, STAY ON YOUR KNEES. Stay there and wait. There is so much work to be done on the earth. I'm confident that you will receive revelation. Go to the temple regularly and make sacrifices to go. If you aren't worthy to attend the temple, GET WORTHY. You need to have the Spirit's influence in your life! You will come to know just how much Heavenly Father loves you, how much the Savior loves you, and you will realize how precious you are in the sight of your Father. Have courage and be of good cheer. =) 

Love,

Sister Heather Ripplinger

Sister Ripplinger's Weekly Letter, August 15, 2012

My dear friends and family,

I have a new companion- Sister Christensen!!!!!!!! Yay!!!!! This week all of the Performing Missionaries and some of the Sisters went home. Life is incredibly good and the weather is PERFECT.

Although there are miracles every week....this week was ESPECIALLY incredible. 

Wednesday afternoon, I was calling referrals. The secretary comes running in and grabs me to take a phone call. This random lady, Ilene, was in Nauvoo last week. On their way home to Nebraska, all 27 of their family members stopped at this little restaurant right before closing time. A man that works there graciously invited them in and called home to have his family come help serve the guests. Ilene loved the little family, kept the receipt from the meal, and went on back to Utah. The next three nights after returning home, she said she couldn't sleep. She kept thinking about this family in the restaurant. So, this little lady, full of faith, calls the Nauvoo Visitor's Center in effort to act on the promptings she had been receiving. So, then I'm handed the phone and hear this story. All she has is a phone number for this chain restaurant in Nebraska. That's it. She didn't know the names of the people that served them or anything. I got the phone number, said a prayer, and then called Nebraska. An employee answered and I briefly explained the situation and that I was looking for a dad who called in his kids to serve this huge family right before closing. Miracle- she thought about it for a minute and responded, "Oh, ya! That's the chef!" I asked if I could talk with him, she told me that his name was Anthony, and before I knew it, he was on the line. He remembered the family, said he loved them, and had a good feeling when they came in- but didn't know their names or anything. I asked him if he would like to meet with the missionaries and have the Nauvoo Pageant CD and he said he would LOVE to!!!!!!! He had just moved to Nebraska from Florida a WEEK ago, had seem the missionaries in Florida, but they had never talked to him. However, he always had a good feeling about them. So now the missionaries are meeting with them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Total miracle!!!! I called Ilene back to report and she burst into tears. Maybe now she'll be able to sleep at night. =) I loved that experience and I am so grateful that Ilene acted on the promptings she was receiving. THAT was inspiring. 

Remember Thurman from last week. He's the man with two darling little girls that I met in the VC a week or two ago. I called to check up on him because I felt really strongly about his family. The elders had cancelled their appointment last Thursday with him, and then cancelled three more times since then. Thurman and I had a good talk and I could feel that he is totally prepared for the Gospel. We read in 2 Nephi 31 and then talked about how it applies to our life. (Hoping and praying that he gets the BAPTISM idea)... =) He already has the foundation of the Restoration and Priesthood authority-I can feel it and everything he says is so perfect. He says that he feels God's love when he reads the Book of Mormon and he makes two hours of the day time to read from it!!!!! I asked him what he needs to do now and he responded, "I need to be baptized- by someone holding the proper authority." Talk about prepared!!!! YAY!!!!!!!! =) The elders got over there yesterday, and they are working on a baptism date. I'll keep you posted on that, but I was just so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

On Friday, I went TRACTING over in Burlington and I LOVED it!!!!!!!!!! I was excited and totally pumped up as we drove over there-not nervous, but super excited. Then I got dropped off at the curb with Sister Mitchell. This lady walked by with a scowl on her face, dog beside her, with just as mean of a face and a growl. Suddenly, I panicked just a little. "Oh my heck!!!! I'm going TRACTING!!!!!" =) haha I quickly got over the fear and realized how much I LOVED it. The night before, we had planned what streets we would be one and I felt really strongly one street right on our boundaries. We went along, knocking doors, talking to anyone that was on the streets, and found some good contacts. However, I felt like we hadn't found the most prepared person yet. But I did't know what to expect because I've never gone tracting before!! Do you find super golden people? I learned very quickly, miracles happen. We got to the corner of our boundary street and Sister Mitchell asked if we could walk right across the street to the house on the corner with a huge dog barking on the lawn. SURE. Let's go to the house with the huge dog! haha So we went over, knocked once and someone whistled for the dogs to come in the back door. No response. We knock again and see the curtain swish a little bit. Someone had peeked out! We wait, knock a third time, no response. Well, what can we do? So we start walking away. (This is the cool part). We are at the curb, about to cross the street, and I felt like someone shoved me out into the road...and it wasn't Sister Mitchell...and I didn't trip. The momentum pushed me out into the street. I suddenly look up at there is a big work truck about 10 feet away from me that slams on its breaks. I was a little shocked and we moved quickly to get out of the way. Suddenly, Sister Mitchell spins around about the same moment that I do, and she walks straight over to the men in the truck. She says, "We are representatives of Jesus Christ. Would you be interested in our message?" The man at the wheel quickly responds, "NO, we are NOT interested." The man in the passengers seat lights up, eyes huge, countenance glowing, "I WOULD BE INTERESTED!!!!!" He was almost jumping over the driver to get the card Sister Mitchell was handing him. I whipped out my planner and asked for his name and phone number. (All of this happening in a matter of seconds). The driver puts his pedal to the medal, drives off, and we realize that we are standing in the middle of the street and cars are waiting to go by. Ah! So we jump onto the sidewalk and look at each other. WHAT JUST HAPPENED?! The Spirit was SO strong. I LOVED this experience.

Later that day, I was assigned with Sister Smith. We stayed on one street the whole three hours of tracting and found several really good contacts. I'll quickly share my favorite experience with her. This family was having a yard sale and we stopped to talk. I asked one of the little girls what her favorite thing about summer was, she responds that she loves going to church and that her favorite part of church is singing. Sister Smith and I sang "Families Can Be Together Forever" in hopes to share our message in a way that the little girl loved. =) The Spirit was really strong as we kept talking with them and I knew that they were prepared. When we finished, the mom immediately asks us, "What church do you go to? We want to try that one!" Sister Smith and I smiled at each other. We stayed for a little bit longer, explained the Book of Mormon, and left them with a copy of it. A neighbor girl ran over right as we were about to leave, asked if the black book was "our Bible", and the daughter and mom responded, at the same time, "It's OUR Bible, too, now." 

 

The work of the Lord is going forward and I LOVE being a missionary. I gain a more and more firm testimony that Heavenly Father is in the small details of our lives. He truly does love us and is aware of us. He really does have a plan of happiness. I meet people for the first time and can feel of the love that the Savior and Heavenly Father have for them. I love to see their faces light up as they feel the Spirit. It means so much that Heavenly Father has been preparing them to receive the Gospel. Miracles are happening. I LOVE IT.

Elder Golden, a general authority, was in town this week. He spoke at a mission fireside in the Stake Center, as well as to all of the sister and performing missionaries at President's house. As he spoke, I felt like heaven cracked open a little bit. The Spirit was so strong and I will never forget that experience. I received some very distinct impressions and I am so grateful that he came. I just KNEW that he was inspired. Tender experiences. I LOVE being a missionary. 

Love,

Sister Heather Ripplinger