Sister Ripplinger's Weekly Letter, April 30, 2013 Clean Hands and Pure Hearts

Sent: Tuesday, April 30, 2013 11:18 AM
Subject: Clean Hands and Pure Hearts

My dear friends and family,

One of my favorite things about Nauvoo is that we are able to attend the temple each week. This morning we went to an endowment session with six of us sisters and it was wonderful! One of the temple missionaries whispered to us on our way out, "There is a special spirit in the sessions when you sisters come. Thank you." I love the fact that we see the same faces in church on Sunday, in the sites, as well as in the temple. 

There is a young woman from TAHITI that is living in Nauvoo for three months for a work experience. She walked into the Visitor's Center and I had the opportunity to explain a little about the temple and the Plan of Salvation. She said that she felt this indescribable peace in Nauvoo and when I was talking about the temple. She had walked on the temple grounds earlier and felt that same feeling. When I found out that she would be in Nauvoo for a few months, I got the powerful feeling from the Spirit. I'm excited to keep in touch and see what happens. 

We met this outstanding couple from Australia yesterday and I was VERY touched by their story. Both are converts to the Church. The man said that one day he was reading from the Book of Mormon that someone left out  in a hotel room and he knew that was the Church for him, so he found missionaries and asked when he could be baptized. But his wife, however, was one tough cookie to crack. She avoided the missionaries and church members like a plague. Finally, after a year, she told her husband that it was either her or the Church. He said that he would have an answer for her in a week. After a few days the Spirit touched her heart and she called the missionaries. She was baptized shortly thereafter. Since then, they have been sealed in the temple, he has served as a bishop and is now serving as a district president. They were in the United States for about a month to attend General Conference and visit the historic sites, as well as to see the missionaries that taught them years ago. It gave me a better vision of the eternities and what years down the road may be like. We have no idea the potential of the people we love, but we better love them like crazy because they are God's chosen children and they have work to do for Him, as well.

I had the opportunity to serve in Carthage Jail on Sunday for the first time since last fall and oh, how I loved it! The tulips are blooming and the weather is warming up. I love it when I walk out of the Visitor's Center and hit a wave of warmth. The humidity is starting to kick in and I like it!!!!! Next week, all of the sisters get to take a morning out of the sites, and we're going on a little three hour pioneer handcart trek together. I'm so excited for that!!!!!!! Living in Nauvoo really is like living in a dream. The Spirit is so incredibly strong, the people are so incredibly kind, and so many miracles happen. I LOVE IT!!!!!!

One man that came into the Bakery when I was serving there shared a really neat experience about his conversion. When he was in his 30's, he started having dreams that heavenly messengers were visiting him and teaching him about Jesus Christ. Finally, one said that this was his last visit, but he had a question for the man. "Do you have clean hands and a pure heart?" This man looked down at his hands and the question hit him deep in his heart. He woke up kind of troubled by the question and kept thinking about it for a few days. Then one day these two young men showed up at the door and he told them to get lost. Before he could shut the door, one young man (a missionary) said, "I just have one question for you. Do you have clean hands and a pure heart?" This man stopped dead in his tracks with big eyes and stared at the elders. He let them in and was baptized three weeks later. Those missionaries were in tune with the Spirit and Heavenly Father knew exactly what that man needed to have his heart softened. MIRACLE!!!!

So I have an embarrassing story to tell...that made me laugh really hard. My whole mission experience has been wonderful and I try to be diligent with my time. California was absolutely insane and busy, which I'm grateful for. Since arriving back in Nauvoo, things have been just as busy. Sister Zibetti and I are always planning something or trying to help someone keep going, and occasionally try to brush our hair in the morning. In addition, we are training new missionaries that are full of energy and want to learn everything we have to offer. So you can imagine, by the end of the day, I flop into bed, dead tired. So one day, Sister Mills and I were serving in the Log School House with two other senior sisters. Not a lot was happening that day and hardly anyone was in town. So I put together my little scrapbook of all my California pictures and wrote in names and experiences, etc so I will always remember them. Then I read about 50 pages in the Book of Mormon...then I did a few Preach My Gospel activities...then we sat in the sun and talked with the seniors, then I wrote in my journal...you get the picture... haha At about 4:00 pm, in the last hour, I was just hanging in there to stay awake. There are only two chairs in that site, which we had the two senior sisters sit in. Sister Mills was working on a cross stitch project on a little foot stool and I was leaning against the wall, sitting on the floor. I'll just get right to it... at about 4:00, I slithered down and fell into a deep sleep. I'm out like a dead woman, laying on the floor, when all the sudden, I hear a creak in the floor. My eyes crack open and President Gilliland is standing there. (OH MY GOSH!!!!!!)  I get this sheepish little grin and say, "Hi, President..." I started to try to sit up and he told me to just stay there. He talked to us for a few minutes, then he left. We were all laughing and I just thought, "I need to repent..." hahahaha The next day in our weekly meeting that Sister Zibetti and I have with him, President and Sister Gilliland talked about not wearing ourselves out and mentioned that in some of the sites, there were beds upstairs that we could take naps in if the sites were slow. I just figure once I make it through the Isaiah chapters, I'll be able to stay awake. =) 

One day, my companion and I were sitting outside in the sun by our site. We were soaking up the warmth and a temple missionary came out of his house across the street and brought up pop-cycles. Such a sweet heart!!!!

I love being a missionary!!!!!!! I love being back in Nauvoo, I still love my California family, and I love those back home. I am so grateful for your love and support. Heavenly Father hears your prayers and He loves you!!!!

Love,

Sister Ripplinger

Sister Ripplinger's Letter, April 23, 2013 Life, Encourage, Inspire, and Bless

Sent: Tuesday, April 23, 2013 10:34 AM
Subject: Life, Encourage, Inspire, and Bless

My dear friends and family,

The thunder is rumbling, the wind is blowing, and Nauvoo is radiating the Spirit as much as ever before. I LOVE NAUVOO!!!!! We received about 40 more new couples this week and the 40+ performing missionaries will be coming in next week. Nauvoo is a tiny, little place, just packed full of representatives of the Lord. I'm so excited for all of the miracles that can happen in such a sacred place. 

Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon in a VERY short period of time, which is absolutely miraculous. He started on approximately April 7th and completed it on July 1st. I had already set a goal to read the Book of Mormon with my family at that pace (85ish days), but when I discovered that he started it in April, I decided that I wanted to read it during the same time period at the same pace. So as I am reading it, I am marking references to angels ministering to people and when prayers are sent to heaven. It is always incredible to me that every time we read the Book of Mormon, something new stands out and we learn what we need at that time. During the last month, I have had a lot of thoughts about angels visiting their family members and it is amazing what I'm learning from the Book of Mormon through the Spirit. I would invite everyone to read the Book of Mormon in 85 days because it will strengthen your testimony of the Book of Mormon, as well as of the Prophet Joseph. Mark references to a specific topic that you feel inspires, such as the doctrine of Christ (faith, repentance, baptism, the Holy Ghost, enduring to the end, etc), or when prophesies were fulfilled, when prayers were answered, references to charity, faith, obedience, or whichever. Your testimony will be strengthened significantly and  the Spirit will teach you new things that you need to help you come closer to Christ.  It will also strengthen you in your capacity as disciples of Christ. "Your ability to teach with power from the scriptures comes in large measure from the time you personally spend studying them." Preach My Gospel pg 180

We have people in Nauvoo from all over the world already. I've talk with them from New Zealand, Japan, and Australia. There are people from all over the United States coming and it is so incredible to see God's children. Something that I absolutely love to think about is that EVERYONE we see walking around the store, on the streets, that we take on tours, that we interact with...are all children of God, they are our brothers and sisters. We are all a part of God's family! There is so much power in that. It allows me to be completely comfortable talking to anyone that I see and to just look forward to learning what their story is and being directed by the Spirit to know what to say. I LOVE IT!!!!!!

This week, there have been a lot of storms and a whole lot of rain. There have been some flooding problems and we had the opportunity to help out. We all went out to fill sand bags and everyone really enjoyed it. I'm grateful to be serving with so many sisters that love work and have a good attitude about working in the cold and shoveling sand. They were all singing hymns as we worked and they are awesome. I love them! One morning at about 6:15, an extremely loud crack of thunder shook our whole house. Most of us were in a deep sleep, and poor Sister Dransfield was having a dream about tornadoes. She woke up when the house shook and frantically ran to the window and shouted, "SISTERS!!!! A TORNADO!!!!!!" I was half asleep and looked over at her. Everyone started laughing when she explained that she was having a bad dream and the thunder made it seem so real. The thunder storms here are INCREDIBLE. I LOVE to hear the thunder and watch the bright strikes of lightening in the sky. It is so beautiful and makes me feel a little bit of the power that our Heavenly Father has. 

A lot of my thoughts this week were focused on the sisters I serve with. I love them. I've been striving to develop a vision of what this summer will do for the rest of our eternities and what I am to learn from them. It is an absolute blessing to serve among so many powerful missionaries, including those senior missionaries. They inspire me and I treasure the experiences I have with them. I have been studying President Eyring's talk "Help Them Aim High" and I've been pondering and praying to know each of the strengths of the missionaries here. It is so neat to see the Spirit teach me and recognize how precious they really are.  My trainer, Sister Coyne, got married yesterday in the Nauvoo Temple!!!!!! We were able to attend her wedding reception last night and it was sooooo much fun!!!! She looked beautiful and was so happy. It was fun to be there and to spend time with the missionaries. It kind of made me flash forward to how we will all be friends for the rest of eternity and will be attending each other's wedding receptions and other big events, that we'll help each other, and have memories that will continue through our lives. Haha. I LOVE IT!!!!!! Only in Nauvoo do you get to attend events like for your previous companions... =)

A lot of the experiences I've had this week, I can't really share, but I am so grateful for everything that's been happening. I know without a doubt that the Lord hears the prayers of His children and He answers them. I have had so many of my own prayers answered throughout my life and I love to see when others have those same faith building experiences. We are all improving and progressing, we are all on the path that leads us back to our Heavenly Father. It is our responsibility to help one another along the way and to seek opportunities to lift, encourage, inspire, and bless others. I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve as a missionary. I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!!!!!! But I'm excited for all that lies ahead in the rest of my life because I do not intend to stop sharing the gospel when I give up my name tag. The Lord wouldn't put so much effort into helping me along, if He didn't intend for me to keep using what I've learned. We have the knowledge of the truth and the blessings of eternity and we need to share them with others!!!!! Jesus Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of the world. He will help us overcome our weaknesses and He will never give up hope. We just have to keep trying. As Elder Holland so well stated in Conference that God knows we are imperfect and He's still willing to work with us. All God has ever had to work with is imperfect people. We just lean on the Lord and let Christ take His role in our lives as our Savior. I am so grateful for the Atonement and for Heavenly Father's plan for all of us. This is God's kingdom on the EARTH!!!!!!!! 

Love,

Sister Heather Ripplinger

Sister Ripplinger's Letter, April 16, 2013 Blessings from Heaven

Sent: Tuesday, April 16, 2013 10:21 AM
Subject: Blessings from Heaven

Dear family and friends,

I feel so blessed to be back in Nauvoo. The Spirit here is incredible and we have so many rare opportunities in this special place. Over the last few days, we've been doing a lot of training and learning. However, we had the opportunity to attend the temple with all of our sisters, went out to Carthage Jail last night for a testimony meeting, we watched Rendezvous in Old Nauvoo, the Joseph Smith Movie, Remembering Nauvoo, visiting several of the historic sites, etc. One of my absolute favorite parts of the day is driving up the hill at night to go home and driving right next to that beautiful Nauvoo Temple, glowing in the night. 

My companion that just came from the MTC is Sister Mills. Heavenly Father has blessed me with her. She is full of fire and energy, she is like a sponge and wants to learn everything that I can possibly teach her, she remembers everything, she isn't afraid to talk to people, and she is just WONDERFUL!!!!!! She has a gorgeous singing voice and I love sitting next to her in church and for our companion study. She's from Cache Valley, Utah!!!!! She is very patient when I have to leave with Sister Zibetti to plan schedules or do assistant assignments. She goes on exchanges with Sister Zibett's companion, Sister Richardson. They both are wonderful. All of the sisters this summer are absolutely wonderful. There is a spirit in our home that is just so strong. We are all growing close together and there is unity. 

I've been striving to develop a vision of what Heavenly Father needs me to do this summer. One of my goals is to help these sister missionaries truly become sisters in Zion. I know that we are all together for specific reasons and I want to have unity and strength within us. When I see them, I see future leaders of the church, mothers that raise disciples of Christ, wives that strengthen and love their husbands, and strong daughters in God's kingdom. I want to have eternal perspective and learn life long lessons together. President Monson gave a talk in the Priesthood session a few conferences ago and spoke of a missionary who would strive to see everyone he spoke with dressed in white. I strived to do that throughout my mission. Last week, I had the opportunity to actually see these sisters dressed in white in the temple and it was powerful. They are all strong and faithful. I'm just so excited to be with them this summer!!!!!

We had the opportunity to be in President and Sister Gillilands' home a couple of times this weekend and I absolutely LOVE those opportunities. They both sit in chairs in front of us and we all gather around on the couches (semi-circle) and sit on the floor in front of them. Imagine 20 sister missionaries all gathered around their mission president and his wife. I LOVE IT!!!!!! I feel very blessed to be back with the Gillilands again. So many things that they taught me last summer stayed with me all winter and will stay with me for the rest of my life. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to learn from them. Sister Zibetti and I also get to serve around President Gilliland a lot and he is teaching us a lot about leadership and I'm learning from him. Oh, I never would have expected all of the things that have been happening. I love this work so much!!!!!

This week, as I was running in between meetings and everything that was happening, I saw four men wandering around together and felt like I needed to speak with them. I looked at my watch and didn't have much time before I was supposed to be upstairs, but I veered off and started talking to them. Three of the men were visiting from Saudi-Arabia and wanted to know about the Mormon religion!!!!! I had the opportunity to testify in a few short minutes and it was just incredible to think that Heavenly Father already has people coming from all over the world. I am sooooo excited to see what happens this summer. I know that the Lord is hastening His work. I can feel this sense of urgency in every fiber of my body. I LOVE THIS GOSPEL and I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!!!!!!

"The more people you love, the happier you will be." Sister Gilliland

Love,

Sister Heather Ripplinger

Sister Ripplinger's Letter, Traveling the World, April 12, 2013

Sent: Friday, April 12, 2013 10:46 AM
Subject: Traveling the Country

My dear friends and family,

I'm going to send a few emails with pictures from the last month..... (we are only attaching 2)

I am officially in the beautiful place, NAUVOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The last few days have been full of the Spirit and also full speed ahead. 

Wednesday morning, I left my precious Sister Benally in Loomis at 4:00am. President and Sister Alston ( in mission presidency) drove me to the Sacramento Airport and off I went. I made it through security just fine and right onto my plane. We were scheduled for a three hour flight to Dallas, but that turned into quite the adventure!!! As we were getting close to Dallas, there was a huge storm and the airport closed down. So, we circled around in the sky for a little while and were about to run out of gas, so we had to make an emergency landing into Louisiana. 

There we waited for about 1 1/2 hours to refuel and for the storm to settle down in Texas. Finally, we headed back to Dallas and again, had to use some time in the air because they weren't ready for us to land yet. At this point, I had completely missed my flight connecting for St. Louis. So I jumped off that plane and ran for the desk. Heavenly Father provided the way and I was able to catch a different connecting flight....which was taking off in ten minutes. So I sprinted to the other end of the airport and caught the plane about three minutes before it started backing out. 

I sat down in my seat with this funny little smile, thinking, "Well.... I made it!!!!!! There's got to be some reason why I'm on this flight, instead...." I looked over at the man sitting next to me, probably in his 40's, and I could feel the Spirit. This is the guy!!!!! In the meantime, the pilot stopped the plane and announced that an emergency light had come on and we would have to delay the flight for maintenance. So we waited on the plane for about an hour before we got up into the air. Anyways, this man and I  immediately started talking and I discovered that he was from NORWAY!!!!! He was on a business trip! We were talking about his family and somehow got into religion. He was saying that his family is Lutheran because that is kind of the traditional religion over there. Then he started asking me about our church. I was able to testify of families, the temple, and the Book of Mormon. We were talking for a few hours and then he went to use the restroom. In about 30 seconds, I fell asleep...before he got back. I was tired!!!!! haha 

I slept for about 45 minutes and then woke up when they announced that we would be landing soon. As I woke up, he asked how my nap was, then immediately started asking more about the Church! As we were talking, he reached in his pocket and pulled out his business card. On the back, he had written me a note saying that he would like me to call him later in the week once I got settled in my new area and to teach him more about the Church!!!!!!!! I smiled and said that I'd love to! I was kind of shocked that I hadn't even had to ask if he would like to learn more! I had taught a little, then fallen asleep on the job, and HE asked ME if he could learn more!!!!! We parted ways in the St. Louis airport, and I just knew that he was the reason why all of the storms and maintenance problems had to happen! 

So I arrive at the St. Louis airport and walk toward the luggage pick up, expecting to see President and Sister Gilliland and a bunch of my other Nauvoo sisters....but there was no one around! haha (I had borrowed cell phones throughout the day to keep President updated on my location and any news I had about when I would be arriving, so he knew which gate I would be coming from). I looked around, and didn't see anyone, so I just laughed and figured I should probably go find my luggage. I was hoping that in all of the flight switches and delays and everything, that my luggage would arrive around the same time that I did.... As I was waiting by the luggage pick up, looking for my suitcases, I saw President Gilliland with a few other sisters frantically walking behind him, on the opposite side of the area. I got a great, big smile because I was so happy to see them and shouted, "Hey, look!!!! Missionaries!!!!!" They all turned, saw me, and the sisters started running toward me. It was soooooo good to see a few of my dear friends that I love so much. It was like we had never been apart. We all hugged each other and then President Gilliland stretched out his hand and said, "Welcome home." Ahhhh!!!!! It felt so good!!!!!! 

As soon as I arrived in St. Louis, President took Sister Zibetti and I aside and asked us to serve as the Assistants to the President for the rest of summer. He said that he had been praying that the Lord would let us know in advance so that we wouldn't be in shock and that we would be ready to jump right into everything because President would be leaving the next day for the weekend to attend a mission president conference. (Our Heather did know this call would come, before she left Nauvoo in the spring)  On the drive to Nauvoo, he would be giving us all the information about the next week and everything. WELCOME HOME, indeed!!!!!! haha

 I looked at Sister Zibetti and just smiled. I absolutely LOVE her and I am so excited to serve with her. This summer is going to be CRAZY!!!!! 

Apparently, everyone had a crazy day. All of the new sisters had arrived from the MTC on time, but most of the rest of us returning sisters had a bunch of problems. A few of the sisters had ended up in the same airport to fly to St. Louis and got caught up talking with each other, and they totally missed their flight!!!! hahahaha The merciful Lord provided a way for them to get another flight and still get to St. Louis. 

A few of us had flight changes and delays due to weather. They said that the tornado alarms were going off in the airport right while all of us were supposed to be landing. The new sisters were going to try and head to Nauvoo in a separate van so they could get home at a decent hour, but the drivers were afraid to get caught in a tornado because the sky looked so bad. hahahaha Eventually, the new sisters and a few returning sisters finally got on the road with some of the Presidency and another senior couple. There were six of us that didn't get into St. Louis until late evening. We stopped at Golden Corral for a quick dinner, and then we were on the road home. It was pouring rain and thunder the whole way. President Gilliland gave us all the information and everything we would need to do during the next few days. Bring it on!!!!!  We stayed in a different house than everyone else that night and got there at about 11:30 pm. We were all passed out asleep by midnight because we were exhausted. 

We had breakfast at President's house at 8:00 am, the companionships were announced, and then the Gillilands were off for their conference! One of the most exciting moments of the last few days was when I got to see President and Sister Call, as well as President and Sister Grygla. I loved them last summer, and now they are in the mission presidency, so I will have the opportunity to serve with them all summer long!!!!!!!!! My heart just boomed with joy when I saw them. We've been working as a team the last few days, getting the new sisters debit cards, their contact info, going over driving records, assigning designated drivers, creating the site schedules for the sisters, getting everyone moved out to Carthage that has been assigned there for the transfer, going over the Visitor Center displays, riding the carriage, watching the Joseph Smith movie, getting all the sisters their site dresses, assigning rooms, preparation days, fridges, and everything else. Oh yes, and because there are so many new sisters, Sister Zibetti and I are TRAINING new missionaries, as well. We will have to balance our assistant assignments with training. My new companion is Sister Mills and she is so cute!!!!! I'm excited to serve with her!!!!!! 

Last night, we were all supposed to head back to the main house to load up Carthage sisters suitcases, and get the rest of us (who got back late Wedsneday night) moved into the main house. We had everything loaded in the van and trailer and the senior couple took off for the main house. The five sisters and I loaded into our own van to drive over and the car wouldn't start!!!!!!!!!! We said a prayer and it just wouldn't start. The house is about a mile down the road. I laughed out loud. It was like 9:00 at night, freezing cold, and we were stranded. I asked which one of them was in really good shape, and then Sister Dransfield and I started running down the road to get help. So we are running in our dresses, long coats, and sister missionary shoes. hahahahaha 

We laughed the whole way there and I think we had angels carry us half the way because we made really good time. As soon as we got to the house, we told the senior couples that we needed help and they left to go get the other sisters. Sister Dransfield and I plopped on the couches. We just laughed and realized that we both felt like we might throw up because we ran so hard. Then the other sisters told us we had received mail and we were fine. haha Eventually, everyone that needed to get to Carthage got there and everyone else made it safely home to the Hatch House. I am so grateful for the senior couples and the Presidency members.... they help us so much!!!!!! 

Today we get to attend the TEMPLE, go grocery shopping in Keokuk (over the river), and we get to watch Rendezveous tonight. I LOVE preparation days!!!!! So from now on....well for this transfer, unless something drastic happens, which it may.... I will be emailing on TUESDAYS. 

I am just really grateful for the SPIRIT and that the Lord is in charge..... I have been loving the last few days! I'm so excited to be back in Nauvoo!!!!!! I was thinking about what heaven will be like... I was apart from my Nauvoo family for six months, and when I saw them again, it was like we had never been apart. I think that's what heaven will be like. The people that you love will just be so close still. I LOVE THE GOSPEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My mailing address is:

P.O. Box 215 

Nauvoo, Illinois 62354

Have a wonderful week-end!!!!! 

Love,

Sister Heather Ripplinger

Steve's Baptism in Loomis, CA

Sister Ripplinger trained Sister Benally, who is now going to train this new Sister, Heather called her the grand-daughter.

Sister Ripplinger and Sister Benally before they parted in Loomis, CA

Veronica's Baptism in Loomis, CA

Pat's Baptism in Loomis, CA

Sister Ripplinger's Weekly Email Letter, April 8, 2013

Sent: Monday, April 8, 2013 12:55 PM
Subject: Until We Meet Again

Dear friends and family,

Oh, the California sun is shining, as always and I am just soaking it up. My time in California is complete tomorrow evening and I can hardly believe it! This week was absolutely wonderful. I'll just share a few things about it.

Veronica was baptized this weekend. Oh my goodness, it was such an incredible experience. She came out of the dressing room, wearing white, and she was just beaming with joy. She had a huge smile on all night and my heart was so full of joy as I watched her. So many people came to her baptism, that we all had to meet in the chapel. So many people love our dear Veronica and she is a powerful example to everyone. I was able to play the piano and Sister Benally led the music. The speakers did an incredible job. When the time came for the actual baptism, everyone crammed into the Relief Society room by the baptismal font. Veronica came up out of the water and described that she felt as though she were coming up out of a cloud because she felt so light and like the weight was taken from her. She was just RADIATING.

 

We all filed back into the chapel while she was changing and I was surprised when our ward mission leader stood at the podium and said that by request of Veronica and with the Bishop's permission, Sister Ripplinger would please come forward and bear her testimony. He explained that I had been serving among the people here for six months and would be departing for Nauvoo this week. I gulped and walked up to the podium. I looked out at all of my precious friends with humility and gratitude. I was just overcome by the Spirit and I received the confirming witness that I'd been waiting for ...that I had finished everything that I needed to complete in this area. I bore my testimony (and I did not cry!!!) and just felt so much love for everyone in the chapel. Veronica had requested that we sing "God by with you til we meet again". I felt like I was in the movie "The Other Side of Heaven" when the elder is leaving the people and they sing that song on the beach. Oh, it was a wonderful night.

 

Most of the ward was there, loving and supporting Veronica, so I was able to say good-bye to them. It was a precious and tender evening. I absolutely loved it. I can hardly believe that Veronica is BAPTIZED!!!!!! Several other investigators were there and I am so grateful that they were able to feel of the Spirit and be part of the experience. There are several baptisms coming up and I am so grateful to know that I had the privledge to learn from God's children in Loomis. They have taught me profound life lessons that have changed me. The more people that we love, the better heaven will be!!!!!

Several experience happened this week that just humble me.

I've been pleading with the Lord that I will have opportunities to share the Gospel as I fly down to Texas and then up to Missouri, where I will be reunited with my Nauvoo family. I am so looking forward to seeing my Nauvoo family. Experiences that I had in Nauvoo last summer shaped me for my experiences in California. Without serving in Nauvoo, I would not have been the missionary that I needed to be in California. I look forward to all that lies ahead in Nauvoo and I'm ready to go forward with all of my heart and everything that I am to give it all I've got. I am a missionary. I am on the Lord's errand. I am here to serve my King.

Be member missionaries!!!!!! Heavenly Father needs you. We need you. Your friends need you. Thank you for your examples, your love, and your support. I could not do it on my own. Without the Savior, we are nothing. But with Him, we can do ANYTHING that Heavenly Father asks us to do.

Love,
Sister Heather Ripplinger

Sister Ripplinger's Weekly Email Letter, April 1, 2013

Sent: Monday, April 1, 2013 5:01 PM
Subject: The Final Stretch

My dear friends and family,

It's the final stretch in California and I can't believe it. These last few weeks have been so incredibly miraculous and I'm about to kill over. Whenever people have really strong spiritual experiences in the scriptures, it seems like they fall over to the ground and sleep for a few days, but I'm not going to be able to stop yet. The Atonement has been a crucial part of my life lately, in the strengthening aspect. I feel the Spirit so strongly and I am just giving it everything I've got. 

Transfers happen this week. My dear Sister Benally is going to train a new missionary. I know that she is kind of nervous to train already, but I know that she is perfectly capable and she will continue the miracles in Loomis. I'm so proud of her and I love her with all of my heart.

This weekend, our precious Steve was baptized!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was one of the most incredible weekends of my entire mission. The last few weeks, we were doing everything within our power, praying for him, we put his name in the temple, we text him throughout the day to strengthen him and help him live the Word of Wisdom. He would text us back that he was smoke free and grumpy as heck. He told us that black licorice helps him, so we went to the store and bought a ton of black licorice. He made it, he is strong. Friday evening, he thought that his daughter who lives 3 hours away wasn't going to have a ride up for the baptism, so he started to drive down at 9pm. A miracle happened and she was able to get a ride with a few other people from that area. Saturday morning, we got everything ready for the baptism. When we first started meeting with Steve, he didn't want anyone at his baptism. However, with time, he has opened his heart to many ward members. The room was completely packed for his baptism. When he walked down into the font, he looked so peaceful. When he was baptized, he came up out of the water and was perfectly still. After a moment, a huge smile came across his face, then he turned toward all of us and smiled. He looked so pure and happy. The next day when he was confirmed in Sacrament meeting, the Spirit was very strong. He is absolutely incredible. Sister Benally and I had the priviledge of teaching him right from the start and now he's on the path to the temple. 

Veronica has been waiting and praying for the opportunity to be baptized. About two months ago, I had the distinct impression that we needed to meet with her four to five times a week, doing formal lessons and helping her feel the Spirit. The chances that everything would work out well for their family were very slim, but we didn't want to give up hope. Then one day, we received a text that she was going to be able to get married!!!!!!! THIS WEEK VERONICA GOT MARRIED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Her baptism is this week. I can hardly believe that it is finally working out. Miracles absolutely happen. She received a Priesthood blessing from a very special member of our ward that is serving in the temple presidency. Oh my goodness. I felt like the heavens split open. I am so incredibly excited to see what happens in Veronica's life. She is going to be a VERY powerful instrument in God's hands.

That man that we've been working with for six months and wouldn't budge, came to church last week! About five months ago, I wanted to drop him. I had no patience for him because he wasn't progressing at all. But we should never drop an investigator, unless THEY tell us not to come back. But we will never give up hope on anyone because God never gives up on us. We kept praying and working and trying every option we could think of. We went through several ward members, trying to find the right one. Then we found the one. Since then, miracles have been happening. We invited him to Steve's baptism and HE CAME!!!!!! Then he came to church the next day, too!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It has been very humbling for me to work with this 66 year old man. At first, I was frustrated and hated meeting with him. But I kept pleading for charity and to see him like Heavenly Father sees him. With time, my heart has grown and I've come to love him. When I look at him, I feel like I can feel a little bit of the love that God has for him. He has come so far, but it is because of the Spirit and Heavenly Father's plan. 

Another man that we've been working with in a part member family, I absolutely LOVE. We went to a baptism with this family and it was a wonderful experience. He came to church twice in a row and wants us to come back frequently. I have been giving that man everything I've got. 

There are so many others that we are working with it is just a miracle. The Lord has blessed us with opportunities to work and to teach. We have had experiences to push ourselves and to also enjoy the precious moments. This week I was able to attend the Sacramento Temple one last time. As I was in the session, I kept imagining the moment when I would walk into the Celestial room and see President and Sister Weston. I was anxiously waiting for that moment. When I finally went into the Celestial room, the room was brilliantly light and there they were, standing hand in hand, smiling across the room. That moment hit me hard. I thought about later along in the journey when I'll get to see them in the Celestial Kingdom. Those two have absolutely changed my life forever. I know that serving with them is part of my eternal progression and they taught me by their examples. They are the perfect examples of charity and love. I have thought about all of the people we meet in our lives. I firmly believe that the more people we love, the better heaven will be. 

In Sacrament meeting yesterday, I was asked to stand and bear my testimony because I would be leaving. I looked out at my precious Loomis 3rd Ward and felt such a powerful feeling of love come over me. I have been among these people for six months and I've given it all I had. I've done the best I could. I love these people with all of my heart. During the closing song, I just couldn't take it anymore. I couldn't sing because I choked up in tears. Tears began to pour down my face and then the closing prayer came. The man prayed specifically for me. As he said amen, I leaned down with my elbows on my knees, face in my hands, and I just cried. Sister Barry (one of my favorite people) leaned over and wrapped her arms around me as I cried. Several ward members came over and gave me a good-bye hug. Oh, how I love these people. 

Perhaps the most difficult thing for me to do is leaving my precious companion, Sister Benally. I am trying to be tough and just work and enjoy every last second. But deep down, I just don't want to say good-bye. I find comfort in knowing that I taught her everything I could. We have worked our hearts out together and been through the thick and the thin. We've done our best to represent the Savior and to help people along the path.  Before I picked her up at the mission office back in January, I received a Priesthood blessing that said I would be training a trainer. I kept that in mind over the last 12 weeks and I've done my very best to teach her everything I know. She is ready. She is going to train a new missionary after being out in the field for 3 months. 

I fly out of Sacramento next Wednesda, April 10. But there is still work to finish here this week. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity I have had to serve in California. I've been changed forever. And I look forward to serving in Nauvoo again. I know that there is much to do still. But I have to focus on one thing at a time. =) I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love,

Sister Heather Ripplinger

Sister Ripplinger's Weekly Letter, March 25, 2013

Sent: Monday, March 25, 2013 6:24 PM
Subject: Quick Update

Hey, I'm sorry to do this, but we only have a few quick minutes to email. I will just send a quick update.

This week, Pat was baptized and it was a WONDERFUL experience!!!! I will send pictures and the program when I get a chance. 

We have been working with one man for the whole six months I've been here and he's never come to church. We prayed a lot to find the right investigator, and we finally found her. She picked him up and he actually came to church for the first time!!!!!!! 

There are lots of good things happening in the next few weeks. It's CRAZY busy! I'll update later.

Love you guys!!!!

Sister Ripplinger

The Lord's Work, Sister Heather Ripplinger's Weekly Email, March 18, 2013

Sent: Monday, March 18, 2013 12:45 PM
Subject: The Lord's Work

My dear friends and family,

In my family's email this morning, they described this terrible blizzard in Idaho. I feel sorry for all ya'll in the artic tundra! Hang in there!!!!!! haha! On Saturday, Sister Benally and I were outside all day and I'm working on my sun tan. Hopefully everyone else will get a little bit of the California sun coming their way....

This week has been really wonderful. One of our investigators is scheduled to be baptized in two weeks and it is really, really challenging for him to live the Word of Wisdom. HE IS LIVING IT, but it is incredibly difficult for him. We are calling, texting, and having lessons every single day to help him keep the Spirit really strong in his life. Sometimes it is hourly texts of encouragement and he updates us, "Still smoke-free"....."still smoke-free".... It is almost like we can feel what he is going through. This is helping me understand how difficult it really is to over come addictions. These people have so much faith!!!! They are changing their entire life-style and preparing to receive the saving ordinances. This man is doing everything within his power and he is praying like crazy. It is so rewarding to see his faith increasing as he realizes that, with the Savior, he can make it. He can keep the commandments. We are so proud of him!!!!!!!

We have been working with a family in the ward and this week, the youngest son was baptized!!!!!!! It was such a sweet experience to watch his dad baptize him and to see all of the ward support there. His grandpa gave a wonderful talk about the Holy Ghost and it was such a blessing to be in that room. The Gospel really does bless families!!!!

This week was kind of challenging and so I asked for a Priesthood blessing from some elders in our district. I was trying to fight off a sickness and was not willing to give up any time to be laying in bed. I know that the elder who spoke was VERY inspired and said exactly what I needed to hear from Heavenly Father. One part really stood out to me and said that there are specific people that I need to findbefore I leave California. I felt the Spirit really strongly and that got me all pumped up to find those people. 

We immediately went out to find this less active member and his friend that he's been wanting to introduce us to. We went to where they were sitting for lunch about an hour earlier, but they were gone. We were standing there in the parking lot and I saw Sister Benally look over toward this group of young people standing by the bus stop. She quickly looked away and I had the distinct impression come to my mind. "Pay attention to what she says AS WELL as what she DOES." I immediately asked her what she was thinking. She responded, "Nothing." Then she looked over at the people again. I looked at her big, brown eyes and asked again. She
responded, "Nothing!" as she started to climb into the car. The Spiritwas strong at that moment and I wasn't quite sure what we were supposed to do, but I popped the trunk of our car and reached in for some pass-along cards so we could talk to the big group. I shut the trunk and Sister Benally looked at me with this terrified look, then took off toward the bus stop. 

I smiled to myself and followed her. As we walked up toward the group, I was praying that we would know what to say and who to talk with. Immediately, one lady with a baby shouts, "I'M ATHIEST!!!!!" Sister Benally started asking about her baby and the lady just opened right up and started talking about what had happened in her life. At one point, she said that she believed in God, but because so many bad things happened, she couldn't believe He was there. We were able to testify and she agreed to meet with us again. MIRACLE!!!!!

Right after that experience, we went tracting and we found two other people that we were able to teach a brief lesson and they agreed to meet with us at the Church and to learn more. MIRACLES!!!!!!!!!!

One evening, we were tracting and walking along the street on the way back to our car. The weather was perfect and the sun was setting. It was absolutely beautiful. I looked over at my precious companion and just thought, "This has gotta be the good life." I feel so blessed.

This week, the ward youth went to the temple and took the family names of one of our investigators. There are about 60 individuals that are waiting for their temple work to be completed. It was an absolute miracle that the man allowed his family names to be done, that he had so much work already connected, and that the youth were able to be part of it all. The young women went over to his house about two weeks ago and we are trying to help the family situation improve. MIRACLES!!!!

Yesterday in Relief Society, they announced Veronica's baptism and several of the women gasped and began to cry. It has been a long wait, full of support and love from so many ward members. It made me step back and look at the big picture. So many miracles have taken place and I have to appreciate every single one. It is an absolutely huge miracle that she is getting married next week and will then be baptized.

I absolutely love this work. I love this time to serve as a missionary. I am so grateful for Sister Benally and for the great strength that she has. We have grown so close together and I love her lots and lots. She's not just a companion, but she's one of my best friends. We cherish every moment-the times when we jump for joy and
the times when we are praying on our knees for help. The Savior is right here with us and I feel the Spirit working within the people we teach and interact with. This is the Lord's work. This is His kingdom on the earth. What a blessing to be alive. I love the Gospel!!!!!!!

Love,
Sister Heather Ripplinger

Apostle in California, Sister Ripplinger's Weekly Email Letter, March 11, 2013

Sent: Monday, March 11, 2013 12:58 PM
Subject: Apostles in California

Dear friends and family,

 

I would like to share a quote that my mother shared with me last week! "Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see." -Corrie ten Boom- I LOVE this quote!!!!! This week I really strived to see things with eternal perspective and to get the big picture. It is absolutely amazing how different everything seemed. Nothing changed, except for my perspective. I am so grateful for this time that I have to serve my King and to be a full-time missionary. Heavenly Father really does have a divine plan for all of us and we need to train ourselves to see the "unseen".

 

This week, Elder Neil Anderson, an Apostle of the Lord, came to visit us in California. It was an amazing experience. Our whole mission met in Roseville and we were anxiously seated in the chapel as we awaited his arrival. I could FEEL the Spirit before he even walked into the chapel. It was one of those all consuming feelings where my heart felt like it was going to burst. A few moments later, he walked in with his wife, followed by Elder Christensen of the Presidency of the Seventy, as well as President and Sister Weston. He greeted us all, one by one and shook our hand. I will never forget the feeling when I looked straight into his eyes. I could see the Savior through him. He seemed so familiar and the Spirit was so strong. I had been praying all month that I would be able to have a strengthened testimony of living Apostles of Christ when I met him. My prayers were answered. As he stood before us, I listened intently and could just feel the Spirit testifying that he really has been called as an APOSTLE of the Lord. As he spoke, the Celestial Kingdom became more realistic. That place is going to be full of wonderful people and it is going to be well worth any challenges we ever had in life. I want to be the very best I can be and I want to do everything within my power to bring as many people to the Savior. Sister Benally and I were seated in the very front row, so we were literally about five feet away from him the whole time. One time when he looked me straight in the eyes, he said something that left a deep impression on me...it was exactly what I needed to hear. These really are men called of God to serve as Apostles and Prophets on the earth today!!!!!

 

We received a referral from the mission office this week for a woman that was sick and needed a Priesthood blessing. Her relatives in Missouri had sent her information to the office. So we went over with Priesthood holders and she received a blessing. While we were there, she shared that her husband had passed away about six months earlier and she had really been suffering since then. She told us that when he passed away, she felt like his spirit had left his body. She said that no religion had ever taught that a body and spirit were separate, but she felt like that was what happened. She also told us that she knows God answers prayers and shared a specific experiecne she had earlier in life. As she was sharing these things, I just thought about how Heavenly Father prepares people to receive the Gospel. Now we are teaching this precious daughter of God!!!!!!!

 

This week, we went to dinner with a family in the ward and they invited one of their friends that had been baptized about three months ago. When she walked in the room, I almost gasped outloud. My mind flashed back to one of the first weeks I was in California. I was on exchanges with another sister in another area. We were doing service with one of the less-active members of the ward and were talking about her friend that she had kind of thought may be interested in the church. I told the member that she should act on the prompting, so she called her friend right up and we went out to lunch a few minutes later with the friend. During lunch, I tried to help this girl feel comfortable and also testified of the Gospel. That same girl was baptized a month later, and here she was-standing in front of me!!!!!!!! I had no idea what had happened since then, but it was a little miracle to see that she was already a member of the Church and was doing really well!!!!!!!!

 

There is a less-active lady in our ward that everyone has been trying to contact for YEARS. We have been trying to find her, as well. One day, another lesson fell through and we were in that area, so we went over to her house. There was a little girl out in the front, running around and we were excited to see life on the property! We gracefully lept out of the car and ran around the corner to try and talk with the girl, but she was gone! We walked to the front door and knocked...and knocked...and knocked...with no answer. I was thinking, "All right, I know you're in there!!" haha So we went around to the basement door and knocked. After about five minutes of knocking, this older lady came and answered the door. She came and out started talking with us. We started talking about family history, and she was suddenly really interested in the conversation. Now we have been over and few times, she is returning our phone calls, and she is coming to the Relief Society party tomorrow night! MIRACLE!!!!!!

 

 I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord's kingdom on the earth. I know that the men we call Apostles are truly Apostles of the Lord, Jesus Christ. I know that if we remain faithful and endure well, the Lord will bless us beyond our comprehension. We cannot even begin to understand how wonderful the blessings will be. The challenges on the earth will be difficult, but we can make it! Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can make it. We just have to turn out hearts to Him and follow Him. He will help us along the way. I love this Gospel and I love being a missionary. 

 

Love,

Sister Heather Ripplinger 

 

Fried Pickles, Sister Ripplinger's Weekly Letter, March 4, 2013

Sent: Monday, March 4, 2013 4:19 PM
Subject: Fried Pickles....Mmhhhmmm

Dear friends and family,

I need to get a new phrase to start my letters off, but for this week it will remain the same. THIS WEEK WAS AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will just sum everything up really quickly because we are going to go out and enjoy the sunshine!

Veronica is getting MARRIED in a couple of weeks and then she can be BAPTIZED!!!! She has been faithful and valiant all this time, attending church each week and keeping her commitments. She is getting batized Easter weekend and oh my goodness, we are SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!

We are trying to use our baptisms as finding opportunities, so we are having our investigators make a list of those people they would like to invite and watching for people that are not members of the church. Then we take different opportunities with ward members to make nice baptism invitations. Our investigators are excited to invite their friends and family and I look forward to seeing what happens. The Spirit is so strong at baptisms and I feel like this will really be a significant way to find new investigators. It is fun to see the expressions of our precious friends' faces when they see their very own invitations for such a significant and special event. OH, HOW I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Steve is doing really, really well still. His whole life is changing and it is so neat to see his countenance brightening up, as well as seeing how everything is coming together. His whole style of life is improving and he is just glowing with happiness. I LOVE to hear him pray or to bear his testimony. Anyone who comes to the lessons with us always rises from their knees with tears streaming down their face when he prays. It is so beautiful to feel the Spirit as he speaks with
his Father in Heaven. We have been preparing the program for Steve's baptism and he isn't really familiar with many of the hymns because he is so new to the whole environment. He asked me to play the piano and sing "When I am Baptized" (a primary song) one night during a lesson. We went over to the piano and as I started to sing the words, "I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain.." I looked over at him and the Spirit just over came me. He is like a living Alma the Younger. He has made so many changes in his life and has truly experienced the Atonement. I had tears pouring down my face and we all broke down in tears. Wow- what a powerful moment.

Barton has been struggling for months. We have been praying for him and one night, we went over for a lesson and he opened the door with a huge, beaming smile. We all just kinda stared at him for a minute. Was this the same guy?? He anxiously welcomed us in and invited us to sit down. Barton is usually very sick and reclined in his chair in the corner. He can't read because the pain is so significant. That night he prayed outloud and he also read outloud from the Book of Mormon. It was a neat experience because he's never been able to do that before.

Veronica set a goal to finish the Book of Mormon before her baptism and she's going to make it!!!!!!! It's pretty neat that she'll have read the WHOLE book before she is baptized!!!! We are so proud of her!

Jacqueline's husband will be here next week!!!! They have been apart for two years and he will finally be able to be with the family again. (He's been working in Germany). Their whole family is so excited for him to come. Jacqueline is just bursting at the seams to get baptized. It's neat to see the excitement in her eyes. She will be a wonderful member. 

One of my strange things that I have come to love in California is FRIED PICKLES. One of our favorite places to stop in and eat at makes them. One day, Jacqueline was kinda sad and I suggested fried pickles. She ate some and she felt better!!!! =) The simple joys of life...haha

We have been working with several less active members, recent converts, and investigators on their family history. It is sooooooo exciting!!!!!!!!!!!! I feel like we are on this great treasure hunt and I love the feeling in the room when they find one of their relatives for the first time. It is priceless.

I went to my last Zone Leader Council in California this week. It has been such a blessing to be surrounded by such great missionaries and to learn from their examples.

Sister Benally is one of the greatest blessings of my mission. We are running at a dead sprint and I'm giving it everything I've got. It feels SO GREAT and I am so tired at the end of the day. I LOVE missionary work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And I love working in the California weather. =) LOVE IT!!!!!!!!

Love,
Sister Heather Ripplinger

The Lord's Kingdom, Sister Ripplinger's Weekly Letter, February 25, 2013

Sent: Monday, February 25, 2013 1:30 PM
Subject: The Lord's Kingdom

My dear friends and family,

 

The California sun is shining and Sister Benally and I are in HEAVEN!!!!!!! We have been so busy this week that we literally are updating teaching records until 10:20 pm and then we sprint around to get ready and turn the lights off for the night at 10:30. We have lessons scheduled like crazy and we have to make time for tracting and finding new investigators each week. The members are absolutely catching the missionary fire and it is SO AMAZING!!!!! Yesterday in our Relief Society meeting, the teacher was sharing about how she was preparing the lesson on being a disciple of Jesus Christ. As she was studying it, she kept thinking about her neighbors. She and her husband had intended to invite the friends over for Family Home Evening or a ward activity for years now. She felt a strong prompting to finally DO SOMETHING about it and she grabbed her husband and marched right over to the friends house. In front of all the women in RS, she proudly announced that she had invited them over for dinner to meet with the missionaries and they graciously accepted!!!!!!!!! So Sister Benally and I were beaming and all of the women in the room could feel the Spirit. Several of them made comments that they needed to follow her example. Sister Benally and I may have to start going on splits in the evening because we literally can't cover all of our appointments and be available for the lessons that members are setting up. Oh my goodness, I absolutely LOVE missionary work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

 

"God hears every prayer in our heart- even the unspoken ones." Emma Smith

 

We have been getting our investigators involved in family history and it is soooooooo exciting to see what is happening!!!!! One of our investigators LOVES family history and has been working on connecting all of the family lines for YEARS. This week, we taught about family history and temple work. He gave us permission to take all of those family names to the temple!!!!!! We only looked at the info for about 20 minutes, but already there are over 50 names ready to be taken to the temple! The youth already had a temple trip planned for mid-March and they will be doing some of the names. We are trying to help this investigator feel welcome at church and involved. He agreed to let the youth come to his house so he could help them find some of their own family names to take to the temple that day, as well.

 

We stopped at the gas station one afternoon. Usually, we just pay at the pump, but this day, we decided to go in. My companion went into the restroom, and I was just standing in the little station, so I started talking to the lady at the desk. She expressed that she had been in a bad car accident the weekend before and had somehow been protected, even though the car was totalled. She felt like God had protected her. She had gone through a divorce and she's been struggling a lot lately. She said that she had been praying to see a miracle and then she had the car wreck and was protected. She was testifying of how God still performs miracles today. Earlier in my personal study, I had been reading in the Book of Mormon about miracles still happening. I whipped out a copy of the Book of Mormon and started sharing that chapter with her. She looked at me with searching eyes. I testified that God still loves His children and that she had received an answer to her prayers so that she would know He loves her. We had a quick, but powerful conversation and she gave us her address and phone number. Go figure- she is in the process of moving and she is moving into our ward boundaries this week. =)

 

Steve is doing really well. One of the best parts of my day is to kneel down at the end of our lessons with him and to hear him talk with his Heavenly Father. He is so sincere and genuine. He is truly being converted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His baptism is coming up soon!!! Yesterday in Sunday School, we were talking about prayer and our relationship to God. Everyone was sharing personal experiences about how their prayers were never answered, but they still had faith anyways. Steve quietly spoke up and shared how his prayers have been answered lately. He and his son had some problems a few months ago. He hadn't talked to him since then and was unable to contact the son. Steve started meeting with us and a week later, after he started praying, the son finally called. Steve had asked us where the story in the Bible was about the Prodical son and he started studying it, so he could have patience with his son. Now they've talked a few times and things are slowly getting better. Steve shows up to church in a white shirt now and he is so sweet and humble. Sometimes he says that he believes in the Atonement because he never, ever would have guessed that one day he would be a church attending, praying man with a Book of Mormon by his bed.

 

I LOVE TRACTING. You never know who is going to be behind that door!

 

We've been working with one part member family and they are really struggling. About a month ago, we invited them to go on a date. Yes, to just go out on a date and spend time together. This couple doesn't sit near each other on the couch or hardly talk to each other. Over the last few weeks, they've started sitting by each other and holding hands occassionanlly. This week, they proudly announced that they had GONE ON A DATE together!!!!!!!!!

 

My dear Sister Benally continues to be a great blessing in my life. I love her! She is always willing to do whatever is necessary and to go the distance. She is absolutely amazing. She has such a kind and loving heart, and she is very gentle. She loves our investigators and I love her for that. I feel so much strength from her and I will forever be grateful for this time with her. We might be dead by the end of this transfer...but we'll just keep going and going some more. =) That's what the Atonement is for. We could not do this work on our own mortal strength. There is no way under the Heavens. The Atonement gives us strength to keep going when we're tired, to look for the different route when one doesn't work, to never give up on the investigators, to have faith that there are more prepared, to kneel down at the end of the day and thank Heavenly Father for our blessings, and to give the Lord everything.

 

I LOVE THIS GOSPEL. I know that the Lord's kingdom is on the earth and that Christ leads the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through a living prophet. I am SO excited for General Conference in about a month!!!!!!!! We get to hear from our prophet, President Monson, as well as other leaders of the Church. I LOVE being a missionary and I am deeply grateful for the Atonement. I love my family and I am grateful for all of your support. Keep praying for those missionary experiences!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is the Lord's work-it is real and it is really important!

 

Love,

Sister Ripplinger

Sister Ripplinger's Weekly Email Letter, February 18, 2013, Missionary Life!!!

Dear friends and family,

 

Time is just FLYING by and I can't believe it. Sister Benally and I are working like crazy and I absolutely LOVE her. She is always willing to do whatever is necessary and there are several days when we just eat a quick sandwhich in the car between appointments because we don't have time for a full lunch hour. She is willing to sacrifice everything and I love her for it.

 

Steve is doing REALLY well. This week we had a ceremony where we threw away all of the items he owned that were not in line with the Word of Wisdom. He showed up at church in a white shirt this week and just really happy. He is AMAZING!!!!!! He gets baptized in two weeks! He is such an example to us because he is so willing to do whatever is right.

 

We had our zone conference this week and it was AMAZING!!!! I loved it. President and Sister Weston have so many wonderful insights and they teach us by their examples. At the end of the conference, all of the missionaries leaving in the next three months bear their "departing testimonies". I wasn't even thinking about it. When my name was called, my heart kind of stopped. I went up and bore my testimony. As I looked out over my fellow California missionaries, my heart was full of gratitude for everything I've learned from them, for the experiences we have had together, and for all of the work that has been done. I'm not leaving Cali yet, but that made reality hit me a little bit. I am really grateful that I get to finish up hard with my dear Sister Benally in Loomis. We are going to run at a dead sprint all the way!

 

This transfer we get THIRTY-ONE new missionaries!!!!!!!! I am really grateful to know that I am staying right where I am. Today we are telling a lot of the elders good-bye that are getting transferred. There will be a LOT of new missionaries in our zone, which is really exciting. I can't believe a whole transfer has gone by already!!!!! There are a lot of exciting things happening in the missionary work!!!!! I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!

 

All of our investigators are doing really well. We have some baptisms coming up in March and it is really exciting to see all of them so excited for it. I'm grateful for this time to be with Sister Benally. I LOVE HER. I love this area and I love the people in our ward and that we are working with. I love it!!!!!

 

I hope that everyone has a wonderful week!!!!! We have but one life to live. Live it up!!!!!\

 

Love,

Sister Ripplinger

Sister Ripplinger's Weekly Email Letter, February 11, 2013

From: Heather Ripplinger <heather.ripplinger@myldsmail.net>
Subject: LOVING the WORK!!!!!
To: "Nikki Ripplinger" <bnripp@yahoo.com>
Date: Monday, February 11, 2013, 3:22 PM

My dear friends and family,

This week has been AMAZING!!!!!!! I only have a few minutes to write
because we have a big Preparation Day plan to go on a hike, so this
will be quick.

Steve (our new investigator that's getting baptized in a few weeks) is
doing GREAT. He's living the Word of Wisdom and just soaking up the
Gospel.

We pickd up a new investigator named Dacoda (pronounced Dakota) and he
is doing really well. The Astle family invited us over for dinner with
him and we taught the Restoration. Then he came to church this week
and we're meeting with him again tonight. He has been looking for the
truth and he's totally prepared!!!!! I'll update you more next
week!!!!

We have a few more investigators set with baptismal dates this week
and it is SOOOO exciting!!!!!!!! Everything is finally coming
together.

I LOVE Sister Benally sooooooo much!!!!! We are running at a dead
sprint to the finish and working our hearts away. We are busy teaching
all day long and have to make time to find food, at this point. Members are
on fire and really excited about inviting their friends over for us to
teach. It is kinda cool to see that fire of the Spirit catching within
them. They have the missionary spirit and this work is moving forward
like crazy!!!!!!!!

I LOVE being a missionary. I'm really grateful to hear that Elder
Ripplinger, my brother,  is doing well...I'm not surprised. He will be INCREDIBLE. I love this Gospel and I'm just giving it absolutely everything I've
got. I love this work. I love my Savior. I love the people here. I
love my companion. I LOVE LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a great week!!!!!
Love,
Sister Ripplinger

Sister Ripplinger's Weekly Letter, February 4, 2013

Dear friends and family,

 

This week has been AMAZING!!!!!!! WOOHOOOO!!!!!! I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Last week, I mentioned that a completely "random" man showed up at church and we set up an appointment to teach him the next night. I had a really strong impression about Steve when I met him at church and I was really looking forward to seeing what would happen. Monday night, we met with him for the first time. We had the young man who had spoken in Sacrament meeting (John) there, as well as a young woman who is submitting her mission papers this week (Whitney). When we pulled up into the church parking lot, Steve got out of his car and had a look on his face that was hard for me to read. We asked how his day was and he responded, "It was good...until about 10 minutes ago."

 

My heart dropped as I wondered what had happened! He went on to explain that a miracle had just taken place. He was driving to the church and didn't want to be late, so he sped through a red light and a police car pulled him over. In his heart, he kind of thought that was a sign that he shouldn't meet with us, so he said a prayer and told God that if He wanted him to meet with us, please help him make it on time. How many people do you know that run through a red light and get away with it? NONE. Well, the police walks up to Steve's car and says, "Today is your lucky day." Then he drove off. Steve was able to make it to the church on time and he said he now knew for sure that God wanted him to be there. MIRACLE!!!!!!

 

We went into the church with John and Whitney and we went into the back of the chapel. We pulled up some chairs and the meeting began. From that point on, I felt like I was in a dream. It was absolutely phenomenal. The Spirit completely took over and it was an amazing experience. He had already promised himself that he wouldn't work on Sundays anymore because he wanted to attend church. He had been reading the Book of Mormon and was in Mosiah. He felt the Spirit on Sunday at church and had been having faith promoting experiences. John's talk was an answer to many of his prayers because he finally understood the Atonement. He was still in shock that I somehow "read his mind" (discernment through the Spirit), and he feels the Spirit everytime he walks into the church.

 

Not that we were great teachers by any means- the Spirit completely took over that meeting and I felt like I was in a church movie. Everything he said was perfect- he is SO PREPARED for the Gospel. He has basically hit rock bottom and wants to change his life. We read a specific verse in the Book of Mormon and applied it to his situation. He said that because of his background, he has the need to be independant-even from God. He was abandoned in a trash can as a baby and had terrible experiences through his whole life. He is divorced with two kids that won't have much to do with him. He said that it is hard for him to humble himself and pray because he doesn't want to have to need anyone else.

 

Because of the experience he already had about 20 minutes before with the police officer, we were able to help him see that we all get to points where we can't make it on our own. We will all be backed to a wall of faith when we finally realize that we need our Savior and the Atonement. With the police officer, Steve had made the mistake of running through a red light, and because of that choice, was stuck. There was no way out. And THAT is when he decided to pray because it was out of his control and he had no where else to turn. It was like a light overcame Steve. The Gospel was connecting in his heart and the Spirit was teaching him. At the end, we all knelt down in prayer and it was such a precious experience to hear him pray to his Father in Heaven. It was such a heart felt prayer. That night we committed him to baptism for the first week in March. We have met with him almost every day since and his faith is growing stronger and stronger. He is finding how the Gospel applies to him and it is SO NEAT!!!!!!  

 

We were teaching the Word of Wisdom this week and a member made a really great comment that got the point across. So the member looks at me and asks, "If I were to take a knife and stab Sister Ripplinger, would that be murder?" The investigator gasps and exclaims, "Well, YEAH!!" Then the member asks, "If I were to poison Sister Benally would it be murder?" The investigator looked at him like he was crazy and the other woman just laughed. "Yeah, it is definitely murder!" The member responds, "Well what if I were to just put a little bit of poison in their food, day by day...and then it eventually killed them?" We all agreed that it would be murder. He then taught, "Smoking is just like that. You are killing yourself, little by little." That teaching analogy proved very inspired because all the sudden it connected in our investigator's heart. He committed to live the Word of Wisdom that night.

 

That is all I have time to write about today, but so many other miracles happened this week!!!! Things are starting to move along and it is SO EXCITING!!!!!!!!!!! The stars are aligning and I feel like the heavens are opening. It is SO EXCITING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST!!!!! I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!!!!!! I LOVE THE MIRACLES AND THE CHALLENGES THAT MAKE THE MIRACLES WORTH WHILE. Without all the struggles first, the miracles really wouldn't mean so much. I am grateful for Heavenly Father's perfect plan and I'm grateful for this time I have to serve my King. The Atonement is REAL. I am seeing it active in my own life and in the lives of those around me. We truly can change and become better. We can be healed. We can become all that Heavenly Father wants and needs us to be. This is the Lord's kingdom on the earth- I know that with all of my heart.

 

Thank you so much for your love and support. It means a lot to me. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Love,

Sister Heather Ripplinger