August 24, 2015

August 17, 2015

Hello friends and family!

We went on our first splits this week with the Szeged sisters. We had a wonderful time, had programs, did finding and ended up giving out 6 Book of Mormons! One of my favorite finding techniques is tabeling. It’s where you set up a table in the center of town, lay out pamphlets and Book of Mormons and stop and talk with as many people as possible. Although, I wasn’t able to get their contact information, I was able to bare my simple, yet powerful testimony of what I know to be true and hopefully if the Lord has prepared them, that will leave a long lasting effect. The most important thing is how we make them feel, its not the doctrine that will catch their attention, but our own testimony.

We had an incredible program this week with one of our investigators who has two adorable sons. We talked about the Book of Mormon and reflected it back to baptism. It all seemed to come together perfectly, and Sister Sholly and I knew what we needed to say because of the spirit. We felt prompted we needed to ask them to be baptized. The spirit was so strong and they confidently said yes! They have been praying and reading everyday and are searching for the truth.

Kecskemet is full of all kinds of miracles! Sister Sholly and I are working hard and loving every second. I hope you have a wonderful week. Don’t forget to find the good in each day and do something nice for someone. I love you all!

Sok szeretettel,

Sister Whittaker

August 10, 2015

Well hello everyone!!

It was so hard to say goodbye to Szeged but I am loving my new home here in Kecskemét. It is a beautiful, old european city. They have about seven churches in the square, ice cream shops on every street, and we have been blessed with air conditioning in our apartment. All is well!

August 4, 2015

Hello Friends and Family,

Sadly, another transfer has come to a close and I am leaving Szeged and heading to Kecskemét. I have loved serving in Szeged and it will always have a special place in my heart. I have also loved the opportunity to serve with Sister Heath. She is so Christ-like, and has one of the biggest hearts I know. She is always concerned for everyone and always has a smile on her face no matter the circumstance. I have learned so much from her. I love her. I will miss her so much.

We had quite the experience this week while out tracting. A buff, overly tan man in a speedo answered the door, snapped his underwear and mentioned how great he looked. He said I had beautiful eyes, asked me to be his queen, and kissed my hand. In the end he wanted to get up picture with us while we held up the Book of Mormon. Oh.. the people you meet on the mission.

This week we had an incredible program with our investigator. He said:
“I finished the book!”

“You finished Alma?” Sister Heath said.

“No, the whole book!”

You could see the light and happiness in his countenance and his excitement to tell us what he had learned. In the end he had taught himself, the Spirit taught him. He bore the most simple, sincere testimony about the Book of Mormon. “I know the Book of Mormon is true,” “My life has changed because of it. I don’t get angry and I don’t fear for the future. I know it’s true because of the wisdom and truth I’ve received from it. I have turned closer to God because of it.” I too, love this book and every time I read from it and study it out, I’m able to know what God needs me to do. I have received all my answers through it and there is no doubt that with spiritual eyes, we can open up the heavens and receive all kinds of answers from a loving Heavenly Father.

While I’ve been serving on my mission, I tend to sometimes focus on more on my weaknesses and less on my strengths. In those times of insecurity and doubt, prayer is our most valuable gift. Through it, we receive peace and reassurance. This week was extremely difficult for me. So I put it to the test, and after speaking with God, I sat and waited. I didn’t make the mistake of trying to hear God’s voice, but paying more attention to my own thoughts. A thought came to me and I turned to my scriptures for the answer. God is real, prayer is real and I know He heard my prayer. After reading, I felt a rush of warmth and the weight off my shoulders. I felt hope again and a skip in my step. God will always answer our prayers and He always sends the Spirit to direct us.

Hungarians are the kindest, most thoughtful people. One morning we went to the Piac, (a food market) with our investigator. We ran into an acquaintance of ours who worked there. She started to pack up blackberries, handfulls of spinach and a big bag of plums for us. “Well of course I’ll buy it all from you!” I thought. As I began to get out my wallet she insisted I put it back and gracefully accept the gift and thanked us for our service as missionaries. Yet, with the little they have, they are willing to give to others all they have. How grateful I feel to be around such loving, Christ-like people.

We headed up to Buda for interviews with our new Hungarian mission president, Szabadkai. He is such a sincere, humble, loving man who is very close to the spirit and individually concerned about each missionary in the mission. I wish I had more time to serve with him.

There are two things that missionaries miss and can’t get here is, Reeses and Rootbeer. This week we found a store in Budapest that has American products. I felt like a kid in a candy store. Luckily we didn’t buy the whole store out but we sure savored ever little bite.

I want to thank you all for your prayers and support. I hope you all have a wonderful week and don’t forget to do something nice for someone else. God bless.

All my love, and more, Whittaker Nővér