Here I go again!

Merry Christmas all y’all! I hope you have a wonderful day with family and friends and that you feel the light and the love of Jesus Christ in your life today! Christmas as a missionary is one of the best ways to spend Christmas. There is nothing sweeter than serving the Savior during those holidays that we celebrate him. 

Well, as some of you know, I was asked to train a new missionary, or a golden! Sister Roberts has now joined me in Woodstown as a brand new set of eyes and a brand new missionary! She is so awesome! She’s from Dayton, ID and has a love for the gospel that is amazing! She’s got great desires to do the work of the Lord! I got her on Wednesday after a few meetings and spending some time in good ole Valley Forge! It’s a little weird to go back and see places I haven’t seen in so long! 

Thursday was pretty normal, we went to the Storehouse, did weekly Planning, all that jazz. We also had some pretty awesome stuff happen! WE GOT OUR CAR BACK!!!! Finally, it took it long enough to get it! Our dearest Mahonri is now back in tip top shape and get us where we need to go! It’s so awesome! We also got to teach the Ayala family, and they were so great! We talked about the Book of Mormon and how it’s just a story of a family who wants to get closer to God. Beatris (the mom) said “That’s exactly what I want for my family!” I know that the Book of Mormon will help us grow closer to God. 

Friday we had our Christmas conference. It was so good! I got to see Sister Bush and Sister Taylor again! It was so fun to see their happy smiling faces! We had a wonderful conference all about the miracles in the year and the conversion stories of this year. We talked a lot about remembering, and what we want to remember from this last year. I thought over my last year, my only year of being a full-time missionary, and thought about the laughs, tears, joy and sadness I had felt. I thought about Agnes and James. I thought about Sister Shin, Sister Abbott, Sister Kuta, Sister Bush, and Sister Taylor. I thought about the many members who had become like family. 2017 was a year for the books. A year I never want to forget, I learned so much. 

Saturday was so good! Maggie was baptized! It was such a wonderful service, but it was also super crazy. We forgot to bring a towel, the water was green, and she had to go under twice, which she did NOT want to do. She was a good sport though it all though, and after she was baptized we asked her how she felt and she said “I got chills, I’m not gonna lie.” Maggie is one of the realist people I’ve ever met, her love for the gospel is contagious, and I’m so excited to see where her service in the church takes her. Sunday she was confirmed, the Spirit was UNBELIEVABLE. It was so strong, and it brought tears to my eyes to think about how far Maggie has come, it also made me reflect on all the other confirmations I was able to see come to pass. My heart continues to swell with joy and happiness as I look over my mission and see the blessings of the Lord around me. 

Yesterday we spent the day taking Christmas cookies to our investigators and wishing them a Merry Christmas! It was so fun! We got to do some service for our investigator, Mariah, and that was just the perfect way to start Christmas! We then headed over to the Whitcombs where we had dinner and acted out the nativity. It was so fun, and I could feel the Saviors love. 

Well, Christmas is a special time of year, and a time of year I hope we all strive to keep with us. President Monson once said “To have the spirit of Christmas you need only drop the last syllable. It is the Spirit of Christ.” May we all have that spirit with us through the year. Think of how much better the world would be if we all kept that spirit with us, but before the flood comes a trickle, and that trickle starts with you and me.

Alma 7:10-13

“And behold, he shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem which is the land of our forefathers, she being a virgin, a precious and chosen vessel, who shall be overshadowed and conceive by the power of the Holy Ghost, and bring forth a son, yea, even the Son of God.

And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.”

Always,

Sister Jackson

Sent from Woodstown, NJ 🌳

Maggie

Maggie's Baptism

Maggie

Christmas Day with Sister Roberts

“These are days never to be forgotten, days of harmony” -Oliver Cowdrey

Well fam and friends, another week has come and gone. The transfer is over, and my best friend is leaving me for her next adventure. It’s like leaving family, Sister Taylor has been with me from day one and now she’s headed somewhere else. It was so sad last night when we got transfer calls, we did not see that coming, at all. It’s really weird to see her go, and I’m going to miss her greatly! She’s going to do so good in her last area though, she’s going to kill it! 

This week has been mucho insane. Let’s start from the top, shall we? 

Tuesday we had exchanges with the Cherry Hill Sisters! It was so fun! I got to spend the day in Cherry Hill with Sister Scott! We did a lot of finding, and taught a recent convert! This recent convert has a glass eye, a cochlear implant, and an amazing testimony and love for God! It was so fun to read the scriptures with him and to discuss their meaning with him. He’s got lots of great insight! 

Wednesday after exchanging back we had to stop by the police department to pick up some final paper work and as I was explaining who I am and the date and time of the accident the cop goes “Wait, was this the car accident with the nun?” And we explained for the 50th time that we aren’t nuns, we are missionaries. It was pretty funny though. After that we went into Penns Grove and saw some awesome miracles! We met a few awesome potentials and got into contact with a bible referral! We got to give her her bible and as we talked about the Book of Mormon she was very open to it and set up a return appointment! It was so awesome! 

Thursday craziness ensued. We did our normal Thursday stuff, like weekly Planning and such. Then we had back to back lessons. We met with Terressa! She was our waitress a few weeks back at the Woodstown dinner, and it was such an awesome lesson! She brought up baptism! She told us that she’s been looking for a fresh start and that she thinks baptism can give that to her. We also got to go to the Storehouse, which is always so fun! The Storehouse is a very happy place, I love it so much! 

On Sunday we had the interesting experience of being interviewed by two Muslim people! Nasi, the wife, is doing her masters thesis on religions. So they attended church and then interview us and Bishop Whitcomb, it was so cool! 

The most interesting part of of the week is when we met with a man who will be referred to as Amalikiah. He was found by Sewell and showed interest in the gospel, and then we met with him. He was very kind and charming, but as soon as we sat down it all changed. We started to teach the Restoration and he goes, “Can I share something with you?” We say yes, and he begins to pull up Anti material, bible scriptures and all that jazz. As he’s trying to convince us we are wrong Sister Taylor goes “Are you here to learn or to prove us wrong?” Amalikiah was so caught off guard that he said “Well, both! I was praying to witness to some one of the truth of the gospel and then I met you and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity.” We tried to hard to testify to him about the truth, and each time he denied it, over and over again. Eventually it got to a point where we just ended it, and that was that, but it was a very interesting experience.

The best part of all of this is on Friday, right after our Amalikiah experience, Sister Taylor and I were able to attend the Priesthood Restoration Site in Harmony, PA. The Spirit was so strong there, and I knew without a doubt that it was true! The spirit testified over and over again, but the most powerful part was as we were standing in the Smith home. We were in what is believed to be the translating room and we each took turns testifying of the Book of Mormon on the soil it was translated. The Spirit was tangible, undeniable, and real. The Church is true. The Priesthood is restored. The gospel is on the earth again. The Book of Mormon is the word of God. It will all be here until He comes again. 

I know this all to be true. Truly I join with Oliver of old in saying “These are days never to be forgotten, days of harmony, days of hope, days of peace.”

“I don’t know how it all worked out, but I know God did it.” -Sister Berhan

Much love,

Sister Jackson

 

Priesthood Restoration Site

weight of the gold plates

New Jersey District

Tag Picture - Susquehanna River

Priesthood Restoration Site

A missionaries weekly by Charles Dickens

Hello all! I don’t even know where to start this week. Turns out it was destined to only get crazier as time went on! A lot has happened since I last emailed you, but here is a quick and simple way to put it. We are now in a trio, we have a car (it’s not the one that got in the accident, that’s still in the shop, fingers crossed it’s done by Christmas), and we are covering two areas until transfers next week. It’s been quite the ride. I’m not even sure where to start, so let’s just take it from the top I guess! 

Monday after we had a rather delicious dinner at the Woodstown Diner we headed over to meet with a family in our ward! It was lots of fun, and we taught the last half of the Restoration (because we taught the first half the time before that)! It was so great! 

Tuesday was so fun! After District Meeting we went on exchanges with the Sewell sisters! I got to spend my day in Sewell with Sister Young, and it was so much fun! We stopped by a few people and we met this awesome group of YSA’s while we were out finding! We were able to show them #LIGHTtheWORLD and invited them to learn more about the restored gospel of the Savior. It was so awesome! 

Wednesday, after exchanging back, we spent the day in Penns Grove where we met some super awesome people! One was a 16 year old girl who was coming home from school as we were knocking on her door, we told her we had an awesome video we wanted to share with her and her family. She went to go see if her mom wanted to watch and then came down to tell us her mom didn’t want to, but she did! We showed her light the world and we talked about the Savior and what He has done for us. She bore a beautiful testimony about how Jesus Christ has blessed her life. 

We also had a great time street contacting on Wednesday, as we were walking around an apartment complex we saw a YSA aged girl walking around with a shopping bag of a popular shoe store. So me being the awkward missionary I am said “Hi! Did you go get yourself some new shoes?” She was totally thrown off guard, but it worked! We just struck up a conversation with her! She showed us her new shoes and told us about the job she had just applied for, and we got to share light the world with her! She was very open and interested in learning more about the gospel! 

Thursday was rather adventurous. We had our usual Thursday activities, weekly Planning, the storehouse. At the Storehouse we had a little too much fun. They needed people to bag fruits, veggies and mixed nuts, so we were on bagging duty. The mixed nuts were the best part, each time one was cracked we had to take it out (there was a TON) and put it aside. Anyway, some of these looked rather interesting and to prove just how tired I am at one point a put a piece of a walnut inside an almond shell and said “It looks like a dolphin, jumping out of the ocean!” At another point there was a very cracked Pecan and my response was “This looks like one of those artsy fartsy paintings.” Then things got even crazier. We received a call from Sister Randall telling us that a sister was going home and we needed to be her companions companion. So that night we drove with these sisters to PA (Shoutout to Havertown! You’re missed!) and then drove back to NJ. So now we have a car, another area and another companion!

Friday was a fairly normal day, kind of. We went to lunch with a Sister and then went to visit Sister Johnson! It was so good to see her, we haven’t seen her for a while and it was so nice! After that we drove up to Sewell (the other area we cover) and went to go do service at the library up there, so many books my friends. After that we did some stop bys in Sewell and then came back to Woodstown to meet two recent converts who moved into our ward! They are so awesome! They joined a year ago, and just recently moved here from Tennessee! We ended our night at the RS Christmas party! It was so fun to just spend time with the Relief Society ladies! 

Saturday was quite the day again! We started off with going to breakfast at a Masonic temple, and helping out there! We went from there to lunch with the Vann’s and then got to go see Maggie in her school play! Don’t worry we had permission! She was Charolette Fizwigg in A Christmas Carol! She was so stinking cute! We also got to sit by her parents and her older sister and that was so fun! We were able to get to know them a little bit more and to get a better understanding of them! It was just so fun! 

We were going to go to stake conference that night, but we decided not too. Later that evening we got a call from the Zone Leaders and we realized we should have gone. President Skiahema had told the adult session about Maggie and her story, including a picture of her. So that was going to be fun! We tried to decide if we should warn Maggie or not, but we had some other stuff we needed to do, and then we were off to bed before a decision was made. 

Sunday we got ready and headed to the Whitcombs to drive up to Cherry Hill for Stake Conference. Maggie was also with us, and we decided we needed to say something. So we just told her what we knew, and everyone at stake conference who had seen her picture came to introduce themselves and tell her congratulations on her baptism date. It was a little overwhelming! Stake Conference was really good though, we got to sit on the front row, and we heard a lot about repentance and the Atonement, it was very good! 

Sunday evening Sister Berhan went on splits with a member from Sewell ward for a few lessons and to get some work done over there! It was so awesome of the sister to offer to do that! While we were on splits Sister Taylor and I got to meet with Maggie! It was so awesome, she’s so solid and has such a great testimony! She told us her parents had some questions and she got to explain the plan of salvation to them, she also told us that she felt like a missionary right then and there. She is just so awesome! We are so excited for her baptism on the 23rd! 

So yeah, that’s been my week. It’s been one for the books that is for sure! Even with all of the craziness that has happened this week we are still going strong! I know that Heavenly Father watches out for each of us. After all, His whole purpose is to “bring to pass the immortality and enteral life of man” (Moses 1:30) and in order to bring about that purpose He has to know what’s going on in our lives! 

Brothers and sisters, I know the gospel is true with all my heart. We got to teach the Restoration this week and I felt the spirit confirm once again the truth of the message. I know without a doubt that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that we have a living prophet upon the earth today. I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God. Within it are held the words of eternal life. When ever you feel lost, confused or misplaced know that Christ felt all of that for you, and before you. He knows better than anyone how you feel in those moments, turn to Him. Immerse yourself in His words and then pray and ask for guidance. You will get an answer, I promise you.

“Fall on your knees. Oh, hear the world rejoices. oh night divine. Oh night, oh night divine.” -O Holy Night

Much love,

Sister Jackson

Sent from Woodstown, NJ 🚜

 

Sister Taylor, Maggie, Josie

Service 

The Vanns

The Whitcombs, and Maggie

“It has been a most interesting 24 hours” -Sisters Whitcomb, Jackson & Taylor

Hello all! This week has been feather interesting and here I am to tell the tale! Let’s start off at the beginning shall we? 

Monday evening was awesome! We had dinner with a member at the local Woodstown dinner, it was amazing! Our waitress came over to give us the check/clean up and the member asked her where she is spiritually. Before we knew it we had her information and a return appointment! Such a miracle! 

Tuesday was crazy. We had district meeting as usual on Tuesday but we also had interviews! we spent the majority of our day at the Vineland building. After interviews is when it got crazier than ever. We had exchanges with the Medford sisters, Sister Horan came with me and Sister Taylor headed up to Medford! As Sister Horan and I were headed home we were involved in a car accident, never fear though! Heavenly Father was totally looking out for us and we are both just fine. I’ve got some whiplash and a few bumps and bruises but everyone walked away from the crash. This ward is amazing too, the Bishops wife came rushing to our aid and was able to help us get home Tuesday night.

Wednesday we woke up and had plans to get out and go walking (since we don’t have a car) but those quickly changed. We received a phone call from our vehicle coordinator who gave us tasks we needed to complete this day, basically it was a “this is your mission should you choose to accept it” type deal. It all had to be done within 24 hours, so we got to work. We had to go to the department and get the car released, go to the tow yard and give the tow guy the release form, and then get it towed to the auto body shop 15 minutes away. This took up most of our day in case you’re curious. We did find an awesome potential before we went to exchange back though! She was so open to us coming back! Then we went to exchange back and the hero of the last 24 hours, Sister Whitcomb, drove us to exchange back. Well, we get there, only to find out that the sisters ride had a transmission break down and they were going to be late, so we did seminary with Heather. After Sister Taylor got back to us each of said at least once that it had been a most interesting 24 hours. 

Thursday was not as interesting as the rest of the week. We did our normal Thursday things, weekly Planning and such. We then got a ride up to the Storehouse and went to the Whitcombs for dinner, again seriously my hero’s this week. 

Friday was also super chill, we had MLC (shout out to Sister Summers and Sister Walker for driving up from Harrington, DE to get us to PA). It was a great meeting! We talked a lot about obedience and living the gospel joyfully. The gospel is so good! Live it, I promise it will make you happier than you’ve ever been! We spent the rest of the day just talking with people in Woodstown!

Saturday was great! We had the relief society craft day, TONS of nonmembers came and we got to talk to one of them quite a bit. She was super sweet! We also had a great time in Swedesboro after that, we got to see Jan! Because of health issues we have been unable to see Jan for a few weeks, but she is as awesome as ever! She wants to find the truth, and we are more than happy to be her guides! We also had the award Christmas party! Can you guess what it was themed? If you guessed #LIGHTtheWORLD you are right! Sister Taylor and I were in charge of the program so we did the best missionary job we could! We had service stations and did a little presentation of how to use Light the World! I hope you’re all doing something to light the world this year! It’s a great time of season to be charitable and loving! How does your charity never fail? 

Sunday we met with Maggie after church! She’s so amazing. We taught a quick lesson with Kate and Sister Whitcomb and it was awesome! Maggie is progressing so well to her date of December 23rd! Sister Taylor and I are so blessed to work with her and to have her light in our lives! She is so excited about the gospel, and it reminds me of how good the gospel really is. I just love it! 

Brothers and Sisters, I just know that Heavenly Father watches out for us. President Kimball once said “God does watch over us.” I KNOW that that is true. He lives, He loves us and He surely cares for us! He’s never too busy for us, and His hands are all over our lives. Truly God is in the details of our lives! He steps in when He needs too, and He shows us how much He loves us in the little things He does for us everyday. He is always lookin out for us, because He loves us and He is our literal Father. 

I love you all, I know God is in this work. I know Jesus Christ lives. I know you are loved. 

1 Nephi 1:20 “......But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance.” 

Much love,

Sister Jackson

Sent from Woodstown, NJ 🚜

Josie and Sister Taylor

Santa and Mrs Claus

Happy Holidays! #LIGHTtheWORLD

It’s been like three days, but here is a quit update for those who have stuck around this long! It’s been a little warmer out this way. I swear it’s worse than Logan! One second it’s bite your nose off cold and the other it’s “I’m sweating in my cardigan and leggings.” I wish it would just make up its mind or something! 

We had a great Thanksgiving! We had dinner with two members, one had Prime Rib for the meat and the usual sides! It was very yummy! The Sister is a great cook, and she’s from Canada! She’s just so sweet! We then had dinner with the Stecher’s, who are amazing! It was so good food and some chocolate cream pie that was to die for! All in all it was a great thanksgiving where we stuffed ourselves and brought the rest home! 

On Friday we stopped by a former investigator who has been rather spotty for a while. She was in the middle of some cleaning and was stressed out due to some family problems that had been happening. We immediately asked if we could help! She was so shocked, but let us right in! We spent some time with her helping with laundry and with doing the dishes, and it allowed her to open up and to begin a friendship. As we served we talked about her relationship with Christ and the Spirit was so strong as we testified that the Savior was there for her even though she was going through a hard time. It all ended with a kneeling prayer offered by her, and it was great! The Spirit was so strong as she prayed, and it brought tears to her eyes. As we left I just felt joy, and I understood the Saviors love for this sweet woman more. When you serve those around you and put your “arrows out” you will do so much good. Even more than you will realize. 

We also met a lady just the other day! We were looking for a former investigator who lived at her address. We knocked and he didnt live there anymore, but she was very sweet! We told her about Light the World and that we were sharing the video and she let us right in! We visited with her for about 30 minutes and taught her a short lesson, we found out that she met with elders about 9 years ago and still has her “Mormon Book” somewhere! She very happily set up a return appointment for this week! It is going to be so great! 

We got to see Maggie again this week! She is so amazing! We taught an awesome lesson and she just was so in to it! She is so sweet, I wish you all could meet her! She’s such an example to me of someone who wants to follow the Savior so badly and is so in tune with the Spirit! It makes me want to be more in tune! We followed up with her on how she’s been feeling about baptism! A few lessons ago we talked about setting a date, and as we followed up in this last lesson she said she is nervous but excited and every time she prays about it she feels the spirit with her! December 23rd is the day people! We are so excited for her and we have seen the Light of Christ that is within her continue to brighten! 

I know the church is true. I know God loves you. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God was was translated by a prophet call of God. Brothers and Sisters, is there a better way to light the world than by sharing the gospel? No! Share the gospel by your actions, your words and your countenance. It doesn’t have to be big to change a life. #Lighttheworld

Choose to be glad this week! It will show! 

D&C 128:22 “Brethren, [and sisters] shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory! Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad.”

Much love,

Sister Jackson

Sent from Woodstown, NJ 🚜

Thanksgiving Day with Sister Stecher

Don’t forget to “feat upon the words of Christ” while you’re feasting today!

Hola mi familia! I hope you’ve all prepared to stuff yourselves with turkey and other delicious foods (ravioli being #1)! I know I am! Two dinner this year and so I’m pretty sure I’ll be stuffed! It’s been a great week this week! We saw a lot of miracles and a lot of the Lords hand!

We met with Maggie this week! She’s so amazing! When we met on Tuesday we taught the Restoration and she only had one question, the rest she just believed. At the end of the lesson she prayed and asked right then if the church was true or not. We met with her again Sunday and she’s already recognizing the Spirit! She said she’d been praying about the church and that when she prays she feels peace so she knows that it’s right. We taught the Plan of Salvation Sunday and again, she just took it all in. She wants to be baptized on the 23 of December. She has been such a miracle for Woodstown and a blessing in our lives. She loved church today, and she’s becoming great friends with the girls! It’s really a tender mercy that I get to teach her, I’m so humbled and thankful that I get to do that. The Lord is so good! 

We found a great new potential this week! We had had one of those days where our plans totally changed. We were in one area and it didn’t feel right so we ended up in Salem. We were walking around just doing stop by’s to see if we could catch people at home and we were seeing nothing. We were both just dying to testify to someone, to just get a little human interaction besides “No”. As we were walking there was a man outside on his porch, I felt the spirit tug me to say something. I just said hello and kept on my way. We walked around a tree and I felt the spirit again, “This is one you need to talk to.” We struck up a gospel conversation and talked about all sorts of things. He was very open minded to us coming back and told us multiple times that he wants to come and check out our church. Sadly he had to work this week so he couldn’t make it, but we are seeing him in a few weeks so hopefully he will be able to come then! 

We also met this other amazing potential! Sister Taylor described it the best! “I love finding. That’s not something you often hear a missionary say, but I love it! Why? That’s where the miracles come. That’s where we first see the stark beauty of how God’s children are being prepared for the gospel and how we are being led to them. On Saturday we had some good finding time. It was cold and a bit rough because no one was home, out on the street or interested in talking to us. But a few hours later as we were knocking on a potentials door, her neighbor Monica came out onto the porch and we struck up conversation with her. Which led to sharing Light the World and a message about service. Which let to a conversation about God and a return appointment. With a woman who is super excited for us to come back! And that is why I love finding. Trial of faith, then the miracle!” 

This week we also met with a lady named Monique! Monique was baptized when she was 9, moved out here and couldn’t find the church. A member actually found her! We didn’t have her records and this member found her because they work together! Somehow religion was brought up and Monique told her that she was a Mormon, the member freaked out! It was awesome! We got to meet with her and her kids who are so sweet! We talked about 2 Nephi 31 and how the gospel of Jesus Christ will always bless us as long as we keep living it. It was a really good discussion! 

On Monday we got to have dinner with Brother Roberts and his friend Betsy! We ate at the Woodstown dinner and I throughly enjoyed it. We talked a lot about the scriptures especially Ether 12:27 and how God will make us strong. We also showed the old video for #Lighttheworld it was so great! Speaking of TOMORROW the church releases the new #Lighttheworld program! Tune in to Mormon.org for more information and get involved this Christmas season! Serve as Jesus Christ would serve! 

We had an amazing leadership training this week! President Randall talked a lot about practicing how to hope the people we work with and Sister Taylor and I have been practicing ever since. It was a great use of time and a very Spirit filled meeting. One thing I kept thinking of in the meeting was the Saviors gentle rebuke to Martha in Luke 10:40-42 and how He showed great love to Martha. I’m sure that she felt His love for her as He showed her what was more important. Much like we need to do with our missionaries (co-workers, children, spouses, whoever), we need to show them what’s more important, or the eternal scheme of things. We need to show them a better way. 

On our way back from leadership training I got super annoyed at people trying to merge (see attached video). The way people merge here are not how they merge at home. Merging goes one of two ways “zip around people, and pray they don’t hit you.” Or “AHHHH MERGING!!!” So yeah, we were late to our appointment and stuck in traffic for a ridiculously long amount of time. 

We had exchanges this week with Cape May! It was awesome! I got to spend the time with Sister Anderson in Cape May! It was such nice weather, not too hot, not too cold! A nice change from Woodstown where it has been freezing! We got to teach one of their investigators named Norman! He’s an older gentleman who loves the Book of Mormon and has lots of questions about it! It’s so awesome and he’s so sweet! Sister Anderson and I had so much fun! 

We had a rather fun adventure this week. We came home one evening and turned on our heater, the thing is, it was blowing cold air. We turned it off, but it never turned off. It blew cold air for 48 hours. We were frozen. Finally we got the number for maintenance and in two days it was fixed! I came back from Cape May to a very loud heater. So we had to call maintenance again, and they came and fixed it, and now we have a quiet, nice heater who keeps us very warm!

Wow, there is so much to be thankful for this year. Being a missionary has made me realize how thankful I am for the small things. I’m thankful for my companion, and all my past companions, for the people I’ve met on my mission, for President and Sister Randall. I’m thankful for the feeling you can only get when Christmas is right around the corner, for family and for friends who you can always laugh with. I’m thankful for moms meatloaf and homemade ravioli. I’m thankful for heat, for changing leaves, and for dogs. I’m thankful for sunsets, sunrises, the ocean and the beach. I’m thankful for forests, raspberry shakes, and long days in the sun. I’m thankful for apple pie, fireworks, and ice cream. 

Most of all I’m thankful for the gospel. I’m thankful for a loving Heavenly Father who gave us this earth and all of the beauties in it. I’m thankful for the Plan of Salvation and the fact that we have the knowledge to get home. I’m thankful that families can be together forever. I’m thankful for the Book of Mormon. I’m thankful to be apart of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the true church. I’m thankful for living prophets and apostles. I’m thankful for the priesthood. I am thankful for our Savior Jesus Christ, and the fact that He was always Plan A. I am thankful for the Atonement He preformed that allows all man-kind to overcome all the things we face in this life. 

I’m thankful to be a mission and to testify of all the things mentioned above everyday. I’m thankful to know the Savior like I know my mother. I’m thankful for my life, and for the way I get to be an instrument for God. He truly loves us, cares for us and watches over us. God is real, His Son, Jesus Christ, came to earth. They love you, and They love me. 

Happy Thanksgiving! What are you thankful for?

2 Nephi 9:51 “Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy. Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the words which I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One of Israel, and feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in fatness.”

Much love,

Sister Jackson

Sent from Woodstown, NJ 🚜

 

Josie, Sister Trommlitz, Sister Taylor, Sister Anderson

Dinner with Betsey and Brother Roberts

Crossing the Deleware Memorial Bridge

No heat!

Aloha from the rainy state of New Jersey! It’s been freezing out this way.
I am 95% sure that it was not this cold out here last year. I’ve been
freezing for a week. It’s okay though! With the help of Our faithful car,
Mahonri, and of my clothes from last year we’ve been able to stay somewhat
warm!

I figured I’d add a few fun facts about Jersey today:
- everyone here says “wooder” instead of water
- they are obsessed with “No Trespassing” signs
- you have to pay to leave. Not to get in. Just to leave.
- they have the ugliest bugs I’ve ever seen
- the sassiest people who have ever lived live here
- I STINKING LOVE THIS STATE

Last week I mentioned a few people who were very promising. Ashley being
one of them. We met Ashley on exchanges with Newark and she had a great
desire to learn more about the Savior. This week Sister Taylor and I were
able to meet with her! We taught the Plan of Salvation and talked a lot
about how the gospel blesses our lives and how she has seen Christ in her
life. She had some great testiomies of the Savior and who He is to her. She
also shared with us how knowing Him has blessed her life. It was a really
great lesson!

We also got to hear from Maggie! She is the one who attended Sewell ward
for a few weeks and then expressed a desire to be baptized! She reached out
to us today and we set up a time to meet with her on Tuesday so that will
be so great! She is so amazing! She already has great member fellowship and
has been attended church and has been reading the scriptures. All she
really needs is the lessons! We talked with Sister Whitcomb (the bishops
wife and Maggie’s friends mom) and she told us that Maggie wants to be
baptized as soon as possible! It was so awesome! The Lord truly provides
for us when we put ourselves to work!

We met with Santiago this week with our ward mission leader and his wife.
Santiagos family doesnt want us meeting at his house anymore so we met at
the church and gave a great chapel tour! It has been so long since I have
done a chapel tour and it was so awesome to just walk though and talk about
why church is so important to us! Santiago also seemed to really get what
we were saying about church and about Christ and why He is the center of
everthing we do. We talked a lot about how the gospel is happiness. I
caused me to think about how the gospel is really my light. If I didn’t
have the gospel, where would I be? It’s kind of a scary thought....

We taught our investigator Scott this week. He is so awesome! He’s got a
great love for Christ and a desire to find a new church. However; he’s been
praying about our church and doesn’t feel like it is right for him. He
assured us we are still friends but that he is no longer going to be
looking into the church.

Going back to the cold side of my week we had two exchanges this week! I
got to spend some time with Sister Horan in Medford! We spent a lot of the
day walking around talking with people! It was kind of funny because I
forgot to grab my coat before I left for the day and so as we walked I
froze! The next day we went to stop by a few people and met a former
investigator and he told me multiple times I was going to catch a cold if I
wasn’t careful! He told me next time he seems me he expects to see me in a
coat. His exact words were “You’d better be in a coat next time girl!”

Our other exchange was with Cherry Hill and Sister Janjua came to join me
in Woodstown! We spent most of our day in Penns Grove out walking. I
remembered my coat, and scarf, and gloves, and hat this time and I was
still pretty chilly! We then had dinner with the Relief Society President
and I tried oyster mushrooms. They were interesting.....we also found a
little pizza joint that sells their pizza half price after 8pm
#missionaryheaven

Speaking of missionary heaven. I had THE almost legendary pizza this week.
The Fifes are a family in the ward who love the missionaries! They had us
over for dinner this week and Brother Fife made his homemade pizza. It was
so delicious. I could have eaten the whole pizza by myself. It was so good.
We then had Fifes delight for desert which was basically heaven in pie
form. It was a good evening!

Friends and family, the gospel is so true. How could it not be? This week
I’ve been thinking a lot about the Book of Mormon. We’ve been working hard
to get our investigators to read from it and to understand the importance
of it in our lives. In Preach My Gospel is says “*Reading, pondering* and
*praying* about the Book of Mormon are critical for an *enduring conversion*.”
President Monson in the October general Conference exhorted is to read from
the Book of Mormon Every. Single. Day.

Now why is this so important? Why is the Book of Mormon the keystone of our
religion? Well, it’s a Book of scripture that has only been translated
once. There is only one version of the Book of Mormon. The Savior is
testified of on every page. As you loose yourself in its pages, I promise
you that you will find yourself. I know that that version of yourself that
you find will be happier, lighter and be content with the life you are
living. The Book of Mormon is not just “another book” it is *Another
Testament of Jesus Christ. *Tad R Callister said “These are *messages* with
a *heartbeat*.” I know that this is true. The Book of Mormon is true, I
know it with all of me. It has upheld me, strengthened me, and turned my
day around. No book can do that. It’s true, it has to be. However, don’t
take my word for it, read it for yourself, and then do as Moroni directs in
Moroni 10:4-5
“4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would *exhort you that ye
would ask God*, the Eternal Father, *in the name of Christ*, if these *things
are not true*; and if ye shall ask with a *sincere heart*, with *real
intent*, *having faith in Christ*, he will manifest the truth of it unto
you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the *truth* of all things.”

Ask the only One who can tell you the truth of all things. Ask God, our
Heavenly Father, and He will guide you. I know He will, because He has done
so for me.

“The Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the
keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by
its precepts, than by any other book.” -Jospeh Smith, Jr.

Much love,
Sister Jackson

Sent from Woodstown, NJ 🚜