Sister Wingate's Blog

February 4, 2010

2010-02-22T09:45:00.000-08:00

Great news this week with hard work.....We receive 24 people's numbers from a man that we can contact and share more in Botswana, and NEW! Zimbabwe and South Africa :) That is such a blessing....also we have given some of our Botswana people to other sisters because we are over flowing with people to contact and only have 2 hours because of the nine hour time difference from here to Africa. It is amazing and we have spoken with many wonderful people - they are so humble and accepting of the teachings of Jesus Christ and ready to learn and grow - they are beautiful people. We also received 10 people's numbers from one person on Temple Square when we were out talking with people the other day ....and then in the Referral Center (On the phones) I got 23 phone numbers for friends and family members to call - it has been a wonderful week and people have been so willing and understanding to share Jesus Christ with others that they love. We are excited this week to attend the Temple - we have a time block of a couple hours a day that we can go to the Temple for the next 2 weeks ...that will be fun to go to the Temple and spend so much time there :)!!!! We are so blessed in this mission to be able to gather together and hear from our Mission President on a moments notice.

January 28, 2010

2010-02-22T09:43:00.000-08:00

Today we met 2 men from New Orleans and were able to speak with them and share some of the Family History center with them - how important family is and then able to help find some ancestors of theirs yay! They were survivors of Hurricane Katrina, how amazing - one of them said that their friend had 12 feet of water in the kitchen...and then another friends house had a cow living in the kitchen for a couple of weeks, until someone came and got it out! how funny.......
There is a talk that you should read ----I read it this morning it is called

"The Best is Yet to be" by Elder Holland (EVERYONE SHOULD READ!!!)

http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=8a4faf79ec2b5210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=f318118dd536c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

January 21, 2010

2010-02-22T09:40:00.000-08:00

We are going to the Masonic Temple today for a tour - to see what it is all about - and learn more....and then tonight having a gathering at one of the Sisters houses for a little relax and fun . I had a dream that I got called outbound. Whatever happens I know that it is what heavenly Father would have me do... I am learning and growing each and every day it is such an amazing experience!!! I've seen a huge change in myself and my priorities.

January 14, 2010

2010-02-22T09:38:00.000-08:00

Well to let you know about my companion her name is Sister McKinlay and she is from Michigan -just returned from 2 transfers outbound she went to Minnesota -she is 23 and a wonderful missionary! We get along SOOOO Goood!!!! It is wonderful and fun, we laugh ALL the time!! I feel so blessed to be with her it is a lot of fun!

Today we were able to contact someone in Sierra Lionne in Africa - and from there received 5 phone numbers to others who want to hear more...so we are talking to people there now as well ----how amazing!!! This mission has changed me so much already and given me strength in handling different situations and given me much knowledge on life. It is a wonderful and strange experience to know every day that a piece of the "Old You" is sloughing off and you are able to see the shiny new you underneath....I hope that I will be able to keep up the studying and interest in all things like I have more ----even to a greater extent than now!

The weather here is random....NO snow!! and we have only had about 2 or 3 snowstorms other than that...Nada! - spring is just around the corner!! I am excited to see what else happens this transfer -life is going good and I just moved next door to where I lived before in a lovely apartment. I have been trying to cook more - and it has been SOO fun - so I bought an apron this morning for fun...to cook in :) and I love it!! So next week on our P-day we are planning a gathering with our district in chat and having a dinner and get to know you time...so it should be a lot of fun and I am going to cook!! WOO HOOO.

December 12, 2009

2010-02-22T09:36:00.000-08:00

Well I have some really exciting news from CHAT - we have 2 baptism schedule January 2nd 2010......are you ready, sitting down....in Botswana!!!!!!!!! In AFRICA! ohhh man it’s cool : ) that is 2 so far...we have other friends to talk too....but it’s amazing, that we came to Temple Square and now have a chance to help others, in Africa!! It’s amazing : ). YAY!!
It really is getting quite cold here, but we try to stay indoors as much as humanly possible...and since we are in CHAT that makes it even better...either CHAT or the North Visitors Center is where I am : ) Well CHAT is IN the North so I'm always here : ) Life is going good, a lot of work to do .... I love it - there are so many sisters that I just love. I know people ALL over the world now. Sweden, England, Argentina, Russia, Mongolia -and those are just the Sisters that I am really close with. So it’s amazing!!
Here is the link to watch the Christmas Devotional the First Presidency. I was able to go (all the Sisters on Temple Square went...) The Talks are ALL about family, Jesus Christ and season of Christmas....it’s about an hour, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is performing as well - it’s beautiful!
http://www.lds.org/broadcast/christmas/0,6609,4617-1-81-1801,00.html

Updates!

2009-12-06T20:25:00.000-08:00

I have finally updated the blog. I am sorry that it has taken me so long. Don't forget to look at the newest pictures. Have fun on reading what is going on in the world of Sister Wingate.

November 20, 2009

2009-12-06T20:20:00.000-08:00

Well Life is going great here on the mission, It gets exhausting staring at a computer screen for so long each day, and teachings, and Loving everyone….But can I say…it’s amazing work!! To bring others closer to Jesus Christ, to know who HE is…not just some random guy who died, but Someone who is of PERSONAL importance to us all! And Heavenly Father, is not just “GOD” the ominous being all around, everywhere, that is a mystery….but HE loves us, and when we make that connection, that HE loves us…that is when prayer becomes real and sincere, because we are talking to our Literal Father in Heaven…He cares. It’s great to see the change people make in their lives for it all…that everyone has a desire to be better, the light of Christ is in EVERYONE and that is amazing!! We have had a rough week, we had an investigator, ready for baptism, and there was a big situation that took place, and it didn’t work out in the end….it was a very long, sad process…but in the end we had to put him in the hands of the bishop in the local ward. We have grown to love all of the people that we teach, even though it’s through email and over the phone, to feel the love that Heavenly Father has for them, even when people fall, and feel like they aren’t worth it…we love them more, not because we feel bad for them, but because they are our own brothers and sisters…from a loving Heavenly Father!! ALL is invested in this work, and it’s a draining time some days –constant prayer, agonizing in your brain what will happen, devastation if people are hurt or sad or don’t want to continue, crying, laughing etc.….but again…all worth it! It’s going great here! And I’m working to be a better missionary every day, we are all weak but Heavenly Father gave us weaknesses so that we may be stronger as we turn to Him for Help!! : )
You know I have a feeling I may be with Sister Mondaca again this next transfer (which we find out Monday!!) and transfer day is Wednesday….it’s crazy! I’m going to be in my 3rd transfer!! And after this next transfer I will have been here 6 months about…so it’s going by super fast!!!!!! I’ll have one year left, after this next transfer ha ha its insanity!!! The holiday’s are coming up, how insane is that!! We will be having a mission dinner it seems, and then getting off “work” at 5 pm instead of 9pm so it’s a nice break for that Holiday time!! Life here has been fun, full of ups and downs here…but it’s such an amazing learning experience, I feel like you won’t recognize me when I get home….who are we kidding, at the end of the day I’m still me just a better version and I love that!! I feel like I’ve had a lot of experience and time to grow, and learn things that I wouldn’t normally learn in (Life) but this is life, this is real, and I love the work…I am learning stories more and more about the Bible and Book of Mormon…there is never a point that we can stop progressing, so it’s amazing! I’ve realized that at the end of the day all I can do is change myself, not others…and the purpose of being on a mission is not to change others, or force them to “convert” but it’s their own choice….we are just mere guides along this journey…it’s something that is between us and Heavenly Father, our feelings in our heart and mind….not anyone else.

November 13, 2009

2009-12-06T20:15:00.000-08:00

Sister Cheta, she is from Argentina, she always calls me Mom ha ha…she is so sweet, and we have a great time together. I always try to take care of the roommates with food and dinner so that we can spend time together… It’s a lot of fun, and we enjoy our time together.
I have some amazing news from just today, a couple hours ago in fact- we talked to this man…well he just turned 18 yesterday!! And he was asking if there was really a God, and he has the most sincere and sweet heart that I can even describe….over the course of the conversation we shared with him about prayer….about how much Heavenly Father loves each and every one of us, individually, that we are ALL children of a loving Heavenly Father, and that there is a plan for us…so that we can know our eternal purpose as well as here on earth…and it was such a spiritual experience. The situation went from him questioning if there was a God to being able to FEEL the truth and a difference, the prayer that we shared at the beginning of our talk with him, was one of the first prayers that he had been a part of in his life. He said it felt so right, we asked him to pray that night and in the morning to know if the things that we were sharing were true…..we talked to him this morning, and he said HE FELT that it was true, that he wants to know more, that he hungers for the words that we were sharing, it is amazing! We then asked if he continues to have those feelings, if he would be baptized, and he said YES!!! He said, “I don’t even know what baptism completely is, but I know that I want it” so we explained more, and set a date for him to be baptized!! DECEMBER 5th 2009….That is his goal, and we are so excited to get him to that point, at the end of the day – we aren’t doing anything, it is a personal conversion, a personal prayer and readiness that it takes to be able to listen to the words which we speak. At the end of the day it’s their choice, our choice, ONE Persons choice to choose whether they listen or not, we can't force it on no one….we are mere guides on the journey to follow Heavenly Father, and wow, what an experience that has been. We will continue to meet with him over the next 3 weeks and teach more so that we can continue down this path together, it’s amazing!!
We have learned so much this week, we had a CHAT meeting with the mission president and he talked to us regarding all of the things that we need to do in order to become better teachers…..and after that talk, all of us had a new perspective of the “work” which we were doing, it is such a blessing to have a Mission President who wants to be the best in the world, and us to be the BEST Missionaries in the World as well…..I know that he is chosen by God, that he is an inspired man, and it’s wonderful to hear his words.
We have been soo busy, we have high goals to reach, and want to be productive teachers…so we are studying and learning and researching, it’s an amazing thing to be able to be here and learn so much!! I have never felt so right about anything in my life….and its great, because when I have doubts or questions I’ve tried to find out the reason or purpose behind it, and I find answers all the time…it makes more and more sense as I study. Its sooo great!!!!

I feel like time has been so slow, but flying by all at once, it’s a weird feeling…we’ve been working so hard that P-day seems to happen then I blink and here it is again…its always such a short day, we have so much to do and so little time! At the end of this next transfer I’ll have 1 year left…and its gonna fly… : ) I’m at my 3 and a half almost mark…its slow but fast all at once!!

November 6, 2009

2009-12-06T20:11:00.000-08:00

So this week has gone by sooooo friggin fast its crazy! We have such little time before transfers again…already 3 months on the mission….so crazy! *And I wouldn’t know how long I’ve been here…except someone asked if I thought it was crazy that we’d been here 3 months…so yeah ..IT IS!!
Our roommates left on Tuesday for Park City..they spend a week up at Family Search up there, so we are all alone in our apartment… great day!! Not really…it is sad, we don’t like it….*were like a little family..so its sad! But they are coming back on Tuesday so that is good news!! Life here is great; the weather has been surprisingly great! Blue skies, and not too cold…but yeah…it’s going to get there soon, I don’t like it!!
We have been studying so much lately..because of all of our investigators and all that! I cracked open the Bible and have been starting from the beginning, along with the Book of Mormon and Pearl of Great price…so I’m LEARNING A TON!!!!! It’s such an awesome feeling to be able to explain this to people…that it’s something I can comprehend and through studying of my own, I am able to help others and help them understand more clearly!! It’s great!!!
Well for winter, I bought boots…..and they are great!! Today hopefully we will make some arts and crafts for fun!! Just little things to put up in our house, or at CHAT so we can remember different sayings or things as we talk to people…its gonna be fun!! We don’t have much time on our p-days and today we got a late start…we were teaching…but we will see if we get to crafts or not!! :D ……
So to tell you about our newest investigator (*someone wanting to learn more about the church……) we actually started talking to him on the CHAT yesterday from Mormon.org…and it was awesome! *Jason we will call him, he came on with all these amazing questions and just so fun to talk to …so we set up a return appointment today…and we decided to call him on the phone, and talk –it was an amazing conversation!!! He has such great questions and insight, its soo much fun to share thoughts and view different opinions…he is meeting with missionaries in his area right now, but has more questions so we are there to help! HE is 30 years old…and looking in to “Mormonism” so it’s awesome that we can be there to chat along with him, it was a great conversation today, being able to share so much with one another *when we talk on the phone, Sister Mondaca and I are at separate computers but on a conference call next to one another, so we are BOTH talking!! It’s such a neat experience…we are going to talk again with Jason again tomorrow…so we will see how it goes, but he has a great spirit, and an open mind so it’s amazing!!!

October 30, 2009

2009-12-06T20:07:00.000-08:00

Things are going great here :D I can’t believe we are already in week three of the transfer….SLOW DOWN!! I hope that sister Mondaca and I are able to be together another transfer…only if it’s what Heavenly Father wants…but it would be great for the Holidays…to cook together and have fun!! We shall see…anywho! Life is busy these days…we are always on the go, and today for P-day we had ZONE CONFERENCE…it was fun, but strange…we wore JEANS! Crazy! It was so strange…to feel “normal” ha ha …we went to heritage park “This is the Place” Monument, and did a huge Service project :D it was a ton of Fun!! This little village is used to reenact pioneer times, a mini village straight from Brigham Young’s time, people volunteer to go around and talk to people and have this “live village” so all the pioneer clothes they use,, have to go somewhere RIGHT? Right….so WE (well a couple companionships) were assigned to the Closet there..it was a ton of fun! We hung up clothes, and were silly with bonnets on our head…but when we were done, it was SPOTLESS!! It was amazing, I wish I had a before and after of the room. Such a fun experience!! We are trying to eat healthy, and as a little roommate family, so I get to cook here and I love doing it! My roommates are amazing and beautiful people…very blessed for this transfer it’s amazing!! Right now..it’s cold…and I am wearing sweat pants and t-shirt under my skirt… ha ah with boots it’s pretty funny!! I’m laughing at least!! What else…well our investigators are doing great, we are busy busy busy! But it’s amazing work..we are always in the back room of the RC ha ah…not a soul knows us anymore…all the time we spend back there! But its sooo fun!! Life is going great…

October 23, 2009

2009-12-06T20:02:00.000-08:00

I love my new companion!! We have been together now for almost 2 weeks…it’s crazy! I wish it would slow down ha ha…we are loving CHAT it’s an amazing experience to talk with people from around the world!! We have one man who was a convert for 1 year, stopped going to church and it’s been 30 years now, but he still remembers how he felt from that long time ago, and he wants to go back to church…so we are helping him do just that! It’s amazing!! Superb!! We spend every waking moment in the CHAT it seems, but that is not a bad thing…we have appointments and people that we teach every day!! Our own investigators!! We can teach to baptism if that is what they want, such a blessing! It’s at mormon.org (check it out!) We have been missing lunch and dinner…because we are always chatting ha ha finding people to teach, helping answer questions, give comfort – such a great thing!!! But don’t worry we look like two moles in a corner….we have all of our stuff strewn about in the cubicles next to each other…complete with our water bottles, packet of insta flavor juice and snacks galore….so we eat!! In fact I’m eating red vines, and Pumpkin bread at the moment….trail mix from Costco, the kind with M&M’s in it is great as well…also pre cut mango from Costco to snack on….we try to eat healthy!! Haha… I feel like I should just live at the Square….today we had a meeting at 7am….we went home at 9pm last night…it was dark outside *pitch black…both times, so I’m thinking to myself..”I just went to bed, why am I walking down the hill again?” …ha ha its great work and I’m sleeping like a baby lately!! Over all life is good here!
The other morning we woke up to find strange men working on the windows…they were painting the window sills…and we were like, ummm..hey there is a man in the window..that's weird…and then as they painted they had to lift all the windows 2 inches…it was frigid in the apartment for the last two nights ha ha!! So great! Life is going good though here, it’s a lot of fun… Right now I’m pooped…and need to get home for laundry!

Pictures

2009-12-06T19:25:00.000-08:00

Sister Enkhbold -my friend from Mongolia...she is learning English, and is soo much fun!!

Sister Doggett and I- at transfer conference last transfer :D

A taste of Transfer conference..all the sisters leaving!

Sister Baylis and I - I met her with Jennifer last conference...and she is from Russia, and then a citizen of Israel now! COOL!

Sister Storer (Left) and Sister Packer (Right) Sister Packer just left for her outbound..Montana!!

Sister Cummins -in my class :D, Sister Slight (outbound now...Florida!!) and ME!! on transfer night :<

My artistic ability...I had time on my hands last transfer :D

Sister Aslam from Pakistan :D so funny!! LOVE HER!

Me sleeping on a bench...what else?!

Me in a giant pile of stuff...ha ha

The view from my bed!! Amazing

Sister Garcia and Sister Pena singing ..and Sister Kai in the background...being a goof ball...being "inspired" by their singing ha ha

Sister Mcclellan Sister Fluckiger and I ...getting ready to go home! Back to the Square :D

Sister Doggett and I...so fun!! MTC roomie!

Weird pic. I know...I'm sitting on a mini rocking chair ha ha

CHAT district!! WOOOO HOOO In front of "This is the Place" house...thing...one of them :D with President and Sister Holmes..also Sister Kai on bottom left *She is one of the Assistants..so great!!

A train they take tours on...and its our time to get on the train, and mosey home!

The other cooler version of me in a cape ha ah

We have a cemetery in our back yard..no joke!!!

Over 55 people are buried here...the Prophet and his family

Sister Mondaca and I behind a tree...on the way home to nap!

Sister Mondaca and I behind a tree again....still having fun!!

Sister Mondaca, the temple and the SKY IS PINK!! SO PRETTY!!! These are from today.....back from the service project and stuff, they are recent ...before that, its from the beginning of the transfer! Hope you can see all of them...let Cheri know as well of the photos!!

FYI

2009-11-06T12:48:00.000-08:00

If you are going to be in the area and would like to see me you can schedule a tour with mission services @ 801-240-1706. Other wise you may have to just ask around. If you want to send me something and don't know what- gift cards are the best way to go- (missionary funds aren't that big.) Walmart and then just those visa gift cards would be super. (not needed but a suggestion)

A story back in October

2009-11-06T12:07:00.000-08:00

On the way to the South Visitor Center there were 3 ladies looking a bit lost so we stopped to talk with them, they were asking about the Tabernacle and if the could go in, we said "yes of course and we can take you in," so we did! They were preparing for The Nashville Tribute Band to come in that night playing with lighting and sound. (If you get the chance please look up the song "Tribute to Joseph Smith" by Nashville Tribute.) I had a chance to talk to there 3 women to find out their story. One woman- who was asking about the Tabernacle- she is a member of the church and she had met these two other ladies while camping @ Zion's they were tent neighbors. They started talking and found out that these two ladies were from Switzerland and the member lady (Terry, for stories sake) she had many family member from there and had even traveled there with her husband, They made quick friends and so Terry invited them to come to Temple Square when they got up to Salt Lake, they all agreed. So the two ladies, Elizabeth and Evelyn were from Switzerland, Elizabeth spoke a mix between English and French. Evelyn Spoke only French. We walked into the Tabernacle and I shared only a little history of the building as simple as I could put, having a couple times to try and explain differently but here was the amazing part, after I told Elizabeth about the Pioneers and how hard they worked on traveling 1300 miles carrying very little with them even losing their family members. She says this, "I can feel something different when I came here, it gives me...."(she shakes her body)-I say "chills"- "yes" she says, there is something you can feel in your heart, amazing that they worked so hard." *at the point in my head I'm so overjoyed to hear her say aloud what so many people feel when they come to Temple Square but do not realize right away or at least vocalize like she did! So great, then we continued to chat, at this point waiting for a French tour to come so Evelyn could understand...but she (Elizabeth) asked about the Organ -11,623 pipes 122 original carried from Australia, hard work put into everything all because of the Book of Mormon explained that Book of Mormon goes with the Bible to testify of Jesus Christ and that's why the pioneers traveled so far and sacrificed so much. Because the really believed! She stopped looked at me and said, "your..(motioning for something of feeling, a word to describe what she felt) I said, "like my testimony." She said "yes" and again searching for another word to complete her thought. She pulled out here English/French Dictionary after a few moments of thumbing the pages she says with excitement "STRONG!" Your Testimony is strong, I can tell you believe these things in your heart and in your head equally. Both are important, a balance." Wow that just floored me, to see this woman seeing and expressing just how I felt was crazy! The other Sisters came for the French tour, but that was a wonderful experience indeed! Made me smile. Moments like those make the hard times worth it!

FYI

2009-10-22T11:03:00.000-07:00

If anyone that is Family wants to email they can...and I will write back ASAP at jessicaewingate@myldsmail.net

October 16, 2009

2009-10-22T11:00:00.000-07:00

Today is now my P-day Friday, alert the news!! I have a new companion and everything has changed in the last 3 days!! So my new companions name is Sister Mondaca we have had soo much fun together! Monday morning we go to a giant conference all 150 sisters...and find out what the next 6 weeks will bring...so this transfer #2 bring Sister Mondoca, we are in Cover zone and CHAT district yay! our p-day is friday and my favorite color is Red..dark red...ha ha.. Anywho we officially changed companions on Wednesday morning...after all the packing and moving and crazy sleepless night I had to wake up at 3:30 am to drive with Sister Mondoca to the airport to drop all of the Outbound sisters off and I was sleepy the whole time ha ha...back to bed that day only to wake up a couple hours later to rush around get ready and drive to the airport 3 more times it was great fun, all the while getting to know my new companion!! So then we were on the square around 1 that day, because of all the airport runs...our first experience as companions on the square, hold your breath people this gets goofy! ha ha..So we pray before we go up to the square to be guided where we need to go, and follow the Spirit...we walk upstairs and then out the door we go, uh oh *where do we go now?! ha ha then I thought....hmmmm How about the Assembly Hall, sounds great!! So we walk over there ...and I'm thinking, hmmm who are we supposed to find here...then boom * I look over and see her.. Judy and started talking to Judy and then along comes Bill and Dorothy ...all from Chicago and in town for a convention about Parks & Rec...so neat!! We walked around with Dorothy, Bill & Judy for an hour and showed them all the buildings and answered their questions, along the way they were joking and teasing with each other...they had the greatest accents, they were all old friends and were so funny to listen to speak we Loved taking them on a tour!!! It was amazing fun, wish you could have been there :D....Then another time we were in the North visitors center walking to the RC and suddenly I just turned right, and Sister Mondaca was like ok...following ha ha...and we found Phil...He has been going through some very hard times lately, and needed to chat...we were able to feel the spirit so strongly and relate to his problems and really talk with him and give him advice that would help him in his life, a quote I think of from the movie "Joseph Smith Prophet of the Restoration" is ...."the worth of every soul is great in the eyes of God" ....that everyone we speak to is important regardless of their religion, bringing up, or current standing or place in the world...we love talking to everyone and really being able to connect!! This whole time that we have been in our new apartment we have been sprucing it up if you will, no one has lived there for a bit of time, so things are funny there...and we spent a lot of time cleaning and making it cute!! One thing that was sad though...is that our refrigerator (brand new) didn't keep our food good...so we had to have a trash party and throw it all away...everything melted and went bad from sitting there for 2 days without the fridge working, no good and the people to came fix it hadn't...so today we went to President Holmes and he had to call in to have them fix it....they said they did fix it yesterday....and he kept inquiring, then they find out that they fixed a different fridge in the apartment downstairs. LOL!! So funny and random!! So long story short, we came home from Costco to find OUR fridge in the downstairs area of the house (its a house split in to 3 apartments 157 A,B,C) we are upstairs...and it was in the entry way...so funny! so hopefully it will get better now that its being worked on and not someone else's ha ha..So lets see Thursday we just worked on unpacking...and cleaning some more, its hard to feel organized with 4 girls sharing one room, 4 bunk beds, a tiny closet, a non working fridge and no milk for cereal....but after yesterday and cleaning and getting it all organized its a super cute place, we figured out where everything goes and its great!! So cute now...just waiting on a few things to touch it up and its great!! I have a view of the Temple and Church office building right from my window...I got top bunk..its beautiful at night!! Ohh I am soo cool, why? Because I have a pager...oh yeah back to the 80's, its used to get us if Mission services needs our help for something or people want to get a hold of us! It’s neat ha ha....funny?! yes.....A man called in to the RC (referral center) just at the last minute that I was sitting there...literally because I had even closed out of the program we use to call people, so I have no idea how the call even came through, I had a feeling I should stall before leaving the RC so I did, and John called....Looking for Direct TV ha ha a lot of people get the #'s mixed up but its great anyway...so we laughed about that and I told him about the number he did call, and asked if he wanted to have a video about Christ and have the missionaries share a message about Jesus Christ with him, and He Said YES! It was great, I love random calls like that, but especially when people are so open and receptive its fun to talk with people!!! Well last but not least, Today!! this morning we woke up, our fridge still not working, late for a Dr's appt. for Sister Mondaca, Foot Dr. and had to turn a list of food that spoiled in our fridge to President (if we recall earlier that was taken care of ha ha) after that we had to run up stairs to the Van...parked at a meter...we only had 15 min...and the time had run out, so up we run!! Rushing to the Van, right outside the South Gate...and then we tell the lady that is ok if she moves her car up a spot so she won't be in the tow away zone...then she looks at my name tag, and says "You are just who I am looking for" ...and I'm like...uhhh how do I know you?! Ha ha then she hands me this package and says "I'm Elder Smith's Mom..." (he is an Elder that was in my district at the MTC and always making everyone laugh with his latest rendition of Enchanted musical LOL!) anywho...in the MTC I got a little sick and Elder Smith had Gummy vites..they were delicious and he said if we write his mom (sister bailey and I at the Time) that she would send us a package.....well weeks went by and nothing....so sad!! But today she hand delivered them (she is from Hawaii, in town for a wedding...and found me on the street corner) she said she prayed to find me, and deliver this package and we got to chat and hang out for a bit! It was great :D...so random and lovely! Went to Costco to shop for some food, we were shopping having a great time, and had to run for training for our district...CHAT! so we get to the cash register and are all ready, and then....our cards won't work, and the man at the cash register was looking at us like we were silly,...and we didn't know what to do, So we were just going to put the stuff back or figure out what to do when a lady with her daughter comes up to us and says "let me pay for those" we said No No No you don't need to do that.... she insisted..she paid for our grocery's at Costco, and saved our lives...it was such a nice thing to do!! People can be so great around here!!! Anywho one last thing...the CHAT, I'll explain that and then I'm out of here until next week, we have CHAT, so that people can go to Mormon.org and CHAT with missionaries...we will have a program set up so that we as a companionship can teach lessons online to people from beginning to baptism if they want! So at Temple Square we are the first District to try it out here...SO EXCITING!! We already talked to one today and have a follow up appointment for tomorrow...so exciting!! Its a lot of fun, but people come on with questions and as a companionship we answer their questions and everything right there...it can progress to phone calls and computer as well, so its a lot of fun and there are 5 companionships doing it right now...today was the first day of training, we shall see how it continues!! So exciting :D I will tell more later.

October 13, 2009

2009-10-22T10:48:00.000-07:00

Ok so I’m writing today with news of the transfer…so I am changing companions my new companion is Sister Mondoca (still not sure of spelling) from California. She is super cute!! We are actually moving to what is known as “GP” the houses that are not far from the apartments that everyone else lives at…in “DA”…which is where I am currently living –DA 204 so I’m moving up the hill to a house :D should be a fun experience!! So today is moving day…or otherwise known as utter chaos day here on Temple Square...ha ha…. We are going to be in “Cover Zone” under the district of CHAT……..this is a new amazing thing that President Holmes actually just made possible this transfer that a couple pairs of sisters are going to be able to start working on!!! It’s so cool, the concept behind it is we are chatting with people who are interested in learning more about the church, we teach them lessons if they would like, up to the point that they get baptized!! So we have the opportunity as sisters on Temple Square to baptize people….it is just starting out here but I’m sooooo excited to see what happens! I know it will be amazing! Hmm…what else…oh my P-day is changing…I think it will be Friday but I’ll know again sometime this week :D so I get 2 p-days this week (well this one is for moving…not really relaxing so its good) So I’ll let you know officially if its Thursday or Friday!! Umm…we had Transfer conference Monday morning and we met at 7:30am…everyone was there….and it was for the sisters who are going outbound this transfer……crazy!!! So the theme for this Conference was “Yankee’s Stadium!!” We sang …take me out to the ballgame…and then as the names of the sisters were called who were going outbound they put on a t-shirt with a Yankee’s logo on it!! And then had a little baseball game inside it was cute :D then at the end everyone took turns (who was going outbound) standing on a big box ripping open their call and yelling where they were called too!!!! It was sad and happy, a lot of tears and cameras every where!! This mission changes the most out of anywhere….every 6 weeks there is something different…new sisters, old sisters returning, sisters going outbound…etc. and even within that there are new tasks…new companions…new apartments and that’s all I can think of right now…ha ha….So its crazy but fun!!! Life here is getting better as time goes on, as far as learning things goes! Thank goodness 1st transfer is over ha ha…everyone says it’s the hardest because you have to learn soooo much new stuff that it’s overwhelming!! But I can see from the short 6 weeks I have been at Temple Square that the changes that are being made are amazing and the mission is growing and wants to be run at its top potential!! President Holmes wants the mission to be up to full capacity at 204 sisters –that includes on the square and outbound…so the mission is gearing up for some big things to happen, and just to be able to do things at top potential and use everyone! It’s such a blessing, so amazing!! I love the Mission President and his Wife soooo great :D!! So today is moving day….I have a lot to move…but shouldn’t take too long, I hope…nothing like loading all of your belongings in to these giant grocery carts and hauling it up a hill to your house….that image is just hilarious to me, and I’m sure that the reality of it will be even more amusing…maybe pictures will come from it…who knows!

October 6, 2009

2009-10-22T10:41:00.000-07:00

Today I was in the RC-Referral Center…and I said a prayer just after I made two calls and no one answered! ….I asked Heavenly Father to help me talk to people that needed to hear what I had to say and be open…I talked to 8 people on the phone and 6 people said that they wanted to learn more and meet with missionaries! I love this work, because it’s not my job to be “preachy” to people but just tell them what I know and how it’s changed my life forever and eternity and how it can help them, but they can find out for themselves…not just take my word for it! One phone call in particular…a girl 27 ish…she ordered a free Bible…I believe…so I was calling to make sure she received it…she said she had…and last time she had met with missionaries…but she had a bad experience and because of a lot of different things she didn’t have a good experience…so we talked for about 10min.. and she told me of how her mother is a devout Baptist and how she started to really talk badly about Mormons when she found out that her daughter met with missionaries…and this made the daughter even more confused and have a difficult time…so I offered my own suggestion, to meet with Sister missionaries…to be open and honest of how you feel so they can know what you expect and then just to take it slow…then she can make her own decision which is informed and choose for herself…she was so sweet, and by the end she expressed that she would love for the Sisters to come over and explain more…I love it! Its an amazing thing when you see people change…well Hear people change…that you can have an impact on some ones life that you do not know…that you are just on the phone with, but they are sent to you for a reason! I love it. Well I have been meeting an awful lot of people from all over the world…especially Scotland ha ha at Conference a Scottish man came up to me, older (senior missionary) and was telling me all about life in Scotland woo hooo! I love it…also meet people from Australia…they all said that I was more than welcome to come stay when I visited Australia that we could be friends! LOVE IT they are all amazing people that come here! Heavenly Father really knows what we need, even if it is a trial or tribulation, He wants us to grow and trust in HIM!! The day after conference weekend…Monday we were told that we were allowed to sleep in!! AmAZinG! Till 9 am…then was able to ponder life and have some great prayer that morning just relaxing and loving life! We all needed it here…our feet were about to fall off ha ha. A pedicure sounds nice right about now…I would like my foot between a rock and a hard place..seriously…I want them rubbed ha ha…any volunteers? LOL!!

September 22, 2009

2009-09-25T17:06:00.000-07:00

Well a little info/random stuff from temple square :D. Spider Veins : a problem that all Sister missionaries here on Temple square face eww…oh no and yes I’ve already started that experience, so oils are being used diligently in hopes they will not stay!! Aggg…. Ha ha it’s crazy…all the nylons and puller uppers and sucker inners we have to wear and standing for 12 hrs a day doesn’t help those ole spiders in my legs ha ha. Well the other night all the dishes were dirty …and so I was forced to eat my lovely Oriental flavored Ramen (that cost 18 cents @ wal-mart) on a plate…using a knife ha ha it was fun!! I’m really feeling like I’m in the jungle here!!! I’m wild. The other day…well last week The Mormon Tabernacle Choir recorded a new cd *applause* …not only that but Andrea Bocceli (blind Italian opera singer) came here to record in the Tabernacle with them!! Crazy…CD in stores sometime around Christmas…we’re guessing :D ha ha. (Andréa Bocceli sings “time to say goodbye” also showing at the Bellagio fountain Las Vegas LOL!) Its getting cold here in UT big surprise…So the last couple days its been scarf city and trying to stay warm…but I love it – for now ha ha. 69 Degrees here is the HIGH! INSANE. Here the Senior Couples are SOOOO freakin cute…I love them and getting to know their cute stories of how they met…they are super funny and one in particular Sister Estes…she always gives hugs! LOVE IT!
Story Time!!!!
Ok so yesterday was full of “Miracle Moments” 1st one occurred when we went to Subway (the best meal for a missionary) ohh and also Chicken salad sandwich at Nauvoo Café..ok I’m going to get one in 5 min now.. ha ha) I digress…So we walk in and there is this guy in a Cannibal Corpse shirt ( its disturbing to put it gently) so my companion comments on how scary the shirt is…and then we started chatting as we ordered our sandwiches…his name…Jason. He is a big guy half Tongan and had random tattoos all over and two earrings…appearances are nothing though…he was soo nice! We talked to him to find out that He had served a mission in Oklahoma City and that he used to be a member of the church but no longer was because his faith was tested and some bad things came up …he lost that faith…but through talking to him he knew a couple different places..like where Lompoc was, and Santa clause lane It was fun to talk to him…and just realize that he still had faith in the church….even though he practiced being a wicken today…It was great to talk to him and see that he was such a nice guy and that you can’t judge a book by its cover…it was a great experience!!
Another story was last night I was in the RC (referral Center) where we call people who want more information and talk to people who call in a request free info. So anywho one man that I talked to was actually calling in for Direct TV (there is one number different in the phone #) so we get a lot of those calls….Anywho this man from Arkansas Hugh-Don Robinson called and at first wasn’t interested in anything that I had to say but seemed nice…so I just kept talking to him to figure out what kind of a person he was …turns out after 10 min that he told me that his wife had passed away a year ago …that he was out in Arkansas by himself with his wives two cats and was all alone…feeding the Hummingbirds in the summer (450lbs. of sugar) and Black bear that came along every once and a while…so it was amazing, I found out that he is a truck driver…retired but works every once and a while and just the sweetest man with a southern accent!! So NICE.. he made my night …so I shared with him a little about life and Jesus Christ and how he knows exactly what we are going through, it was an amazing experience at one point I had tears in my eyes listening to how heart broken he was about loosing his wife…at the end of the conversation I invited him to talk to missionaries…not to convert him but to share a message that would give him comfort and he agreed!! He was so nice…it made my night…hopefully this story will give the slight justice to the reality of the situation…I loved that experience so great!! I’ll have to keep praying for people like him to call…makes it worth it here!!

September 15, 2009

2009-09-16T11:34:00.000-07:00

Hey there :D things are crazy here in Utah...yesterday it rained - hurricane crazy rain for a bit - I got soaked! Woo hoo ha ha...so the work goes on. So this morning went for the first time to the Salt Lake temple...wowzers its amazing...beautiful on the inside, like nothing I've seen before way cool!!! Things have been going much better this week, just a ton of work, lots of people to talk to and keep spirits and energy up for 12 hrs a day is challenging but worth it...sleep here is like ...OK I'm going to close my eyes for rest and five seconds later..boom the alarm clock is ringing. Someone needs to turn the sun off for about 5 more hours :D ...but its great!! Let’s see...well I've been on exchanges with the District leader and zone leader so far...it’s a lot of fun and we do that in the first transfer so everyone can learn a couple different ways, it’s very fun and I love the sisters - Sister Allred is super cute from Arizona Scottsdale woo hooo and then sister Tuiasoa she is the Zone leader and then the Assistants to the President Sister Ketcher and sister Kai from Hawaii and hilarious :D So I’m making more friends here slowly but surely....and starting to figure out how things work here. I have a couple stories I want to share since I have some time...well the other day I was on exchanges with Sister Tuiasoa (she is beautiful) from California ..we were standing at the West Gate waiting for people to come in and give them a tour at random on the spot...it was slow that day...so we were just chatting and for some reason we turned around (our backs to the gate) and was saying hi to another sister or something...then we turned back around and boom...ED, he looked like Mr Clean :D but he was so nice and just ready to go on a tour..so off we went - he is probably around 40, married, in town on business, and just stopped by out of sheer curiosity (because his boss is Mormon) so he has only been to church 2 times in his life willingly he says :D ha ha. and then not really ever been out of BC (British Columbia ) until 3 years ago to travel ...but he was very nice!!! So we started our tour and then all of a sudden this random guy comes running in the gate with a mini suitcase and spastic a little...we come to find out that he is a member of the church and familiar but was so funny during the tour asking the most random questions about the chimney on the AH (assembly hall) and random details of pioneers...so funny :D . then there is Ed sitting there just smiling and nice wondering who this other guy is ha ha ha...anywho Ed was really receptive to what we were saying ( a nice thing about temple square is that we aren’t there to preach to people...otherwise I wouldn't be here...no one wants to be preached too...) (rather just explaining about buildings and pioneer stories and incorporate some doctrine so people know what’s going on :D ) soo cool...so we take them on a tour for 30 min. at the end Ed gives us a referral (he wants to be delivered a free book of Mormon from the church and meet briefly with the missionaries for more information) YAY! So amazing...then I mentioned the North Visitors center...how it tells more in depth about prophets and Joseph Smith etc. he asks us to take him there...so Sister Tuiasoa and I take him to the North Visitor Center...to a place in the "basement" called scriptures & revelation...very neat place...lots of interactive kiosks...so anywho we take him around tell him about Joseph Smith and the first vision...then about the values of the people now and of the pioneers and what they went through... he kept saying that he was getting chills and weirded out a little because he felt so good about what we were saying. So that was amazing and it was a great experience to share how I came to know the church, that it’s not about what others tell you or say or their testimony...but ultimately its between you and Heavenly Father, that he will tell you on His own if the Book of Mormon is true. He was so excited. On paper this story is a little less exciting - I lack the words to express it. But it was an amazing opportunity and people like Ed make being on a mission great...it just gives you hope and to know that it’s true. Well tomorrow is Zone Conference...and apparently we do something fun for the first half of the day, an activity, and study as well...so I look forward to that!! But pretty much you work all day...you eat whenever you can, snack whenever possibly, eat even if you don’t like what your chewing and then sleep ha ha... so it’s great!! Unfortunately here on Temple Square no one feeds us...not even for fun, we have to make our own meals...buy our own food, and generally we have no time to actually cook, lots of ramen and pasta and rice - but its yummy....I eat cereal or bagels in the morning..Special K red berry is delicious ( I drink soy milk now too..) its good..and blueberry bagels with cream cheese and a vitamin water (only a 1$ at Wal-Mart) ha ha ...funny thing about Wal-Mart is last week a guy stopped us and we ended up talking to him for 30 min. ( a return missionary) and we got a friend referral for someone in Russia I believe...so we contact everywhere at every time and the rule is here guests come first (p-day, break, anything the guest is most important) so that sort of break is often taken away but for a better purpose than sleep ha ha. I hope everyone is doing super great. Oh before I go everyone needs to try seedless grapes (red) and put them in the freezer...it’s my new favorite treat. They are addictive (yeah it’s just plain grapes so its weird) but yummy none the less.. Hope all is well...write me :D

Utah Salt Lake City Temple Mission
Sister Jessica Wingate
50 NW Temple Street
Room BSVC
Salt Lake City, UT 84150-1006

September 8, 2009

2009-09-10T05:55:00.000-07:00

Tue, Sep 8, 2009

My first Transfer -Temple Square 09/08/09

Life is good here…difficult at times and tiring but I’m pushing through… Keep sending the letters I love getting mail. I love your letters and just to know what’s going on and that you love me still. :D My P-day for 6 weeks at least is On Tuesday so you can expect to hear from me then. :D I can’t write any other day…One because I have little time and two it’s against the rule! Weather here is good getting a little colder. The rules here are pretty strict as far as dress goes – always a collard shirt and only black and brown shoes (if I go outbound then I can wear the other stuff. :D yay!) but for now I’m just trying to get situated…luckily I have collard shirts :D Soo…the other day on the way to work ha ha we were walking to the square and we talked to Elder L Tom Perry. Elder Perry is over the missionary department in SLC –he is one of the Twelve Apostles! He was just walking around that morning …so nice~ a perk of the job ha ha. So a little about where I live- We live right by the conference center…about ¼ block from the square –every morning we walk out the door and boom there it is…the temple in all of its glory! Crazy and great view ha ha. My companions name is Sister Nock she is from North Carolina – She is half Tongan and German. She is in her 10th transfer and I am starting my 1st :D youngin here. Life here is challenging very grueling schedule sometimes only 20 min. for a meal because an extra tour came up or we speak to everyone…I am on my feet from 9 -9 so sleep is lovely!! NEVER SEEMS ENOUGH :D This morning we went to an aerobics class that our roommate sister Osuna puts on – dance, kickboxing, aerobics stuff…sweet :D then ran up this giant hill back home. For us church is split up, we have sacrament on Sunday then relief society on Monday –because were always doing tours here…and not really any Sunday school we just have personal study or companion study for that!!! This work here is hard business….a lot to sacrifice and pain to go through – but my testimony of how real this church is, is amazing… I’ve seen and felt how much God loves me here and how much he knows me. But I’m glad that I’m on a mission and thank you for supporting me… I know that this church is true…the more that I have let down my walls it has blessed me…the more that I have prayed sincerely the more Heavenly Father answers my prayers…I love it….but its not perfection here but I’m growing and learning!!

P.S. Jessica is now receiving her mail at Temple Square. I don't have the physical address right now. You should be able to still write her at Dear Elder .com. Temple Square. The address will come soon. Thanks

August 28, 2009

2009-09-04T15:10:00.000-07:00

We started our visitor center training on Wednesday...its in the same building but we have two new teachers - sister Murphy and sister Andelin both are way cool - sister Murphy already told me I would go down in history with her...she really likes me apparently -said she could see how much I loved everyone and the light of Christ so strongly...I didn't believe her at first but that made my day. We are learning how to give tours and explain all of temple square :D its a lot of history and work but its amazing...what’s super awesome is the fact that at temple square there is no longer a set schedule for the days or tours you have to do...you just get to walk around and talk to people and take them all over the square so its more personal!!! AWESOME!! I am learning soooo much here!! On Tuesday we have Firesides (which is just a large meeting where someone awesome comes to speak). It was Elder Scott, he is one of the 12 apostles!!! IT was amazing...he talked about prayer and feelings of the holy ghost, and gave all missionaries an apostolic blessing for the gift of tongues and then for protection a shield from God...it was amazing and the spirit was so strong his stories were amazing, I wrote every word he said!! I've been spending 20 min. praying at night now its changed my outlook on life! I think that if you met me now you would be surprised how happy and full of life I am. It’s amazing, I didn't think it was possible in such a little time, but being here and learning sooo much has stretched me and made me sooo happy and seen how this Church really is true and beyond anything I could have every dreamed. Up in the visitor center training room there is a door next to it (with a key pad) only we know the combo to...and it has a mini visitor center in it so we can give tours!! There is also a big screen tv...because we HAVE to watch videos during our study time :D shucks ha ha but we have to study them at the same time!! But its fun. On Saturday we are going to Salt Lake to do a short 5 hr. learning session...were going to have a companion switch with a sister from temple square and then go out and teach with them for the first time...luckily that day we can return back to the mtc at night, to recoup but then we will know a bit more what to expect!!! We try spending as much time outside as possible studying or walking around...but the weather is often super random, really cloudy and cold in the morning but beautiful and sunny in afternoon but its beautiful and doesn't hurt that out of our 4th floor window we can see the mountains!!! Working out...I work out about 4 times a week, they give us gym time but it depends on our schedule but I'm sore from working out so hard...I've gained weight -its all muscle though :D ha ha.

August 19, 2009

2009-08-27T09:28:00.000-07:00

Well it's been 2 weeks today! Crazy, it's been slow fast, the days are long (6:15am - 10:30pm) but very rewarding. The first day at the MTC - Missionary Training Center here in Prove, UT was overwhelming to be honest, the hustle and bustle of new missionaries being branded with the "dork dot" (orange sticker you wear for a couple hours your 1st day to show your new), finding your room, being lost, finding your companion, getting an official name tag,... but I've made it through -no longer a "dork" now it's like I've been here for years. I can give guided tours and know the best places to eat HA HA HA!! My companion is Sister Bailey - from Hawaii original - from New Zealand - she had a great accent, and we've been having a great time together. We are a lot a like which has proved to be amusing and we support each other every day. Classes here are great! We have two teachers Brother McConckie, & Brother Heasley very different but both hilarious and great teachers! A regular days schedule goes something like this : wake up 6:15am class at 7 am- 8 am. Breakfast 8- 8:45 am class 9am - 1pm 1pm-1:45 lunch 1:45-6pm class 6-6:45 dinner 6:45-9 class 9-9:30 Daily planning 9:30-10:15pm time to get ready for bad, write in journal, clam down and at 10:15-10:30 guiet time. Lights out at 10:30 PROMPTHY:)! Sometimes there are meetings, gym, personal or companionship study thrown in depending on the day. The Elders here are great! Sister Bailey and I got super lucky yo have and awesome district, 41A yeah! I am loving life here! I'm so happy that I'm on the mission!! All of my outfits are cute and I am getting used to wearing flat shoes and nylons all the time, but It's going great! Thank you for all of your support & love!! Will write more later, I know this church is true with all of my heart!

Love Sister Wingate

P.S. write @ DearElder.com (Temple Square Mission at the Provo MTC until Sept. 2nd)

Address until Sept 2nd
Sister Wingate
ProvoMTC Mission (Temple Square)
MTC Box #242
2005 N 900 E
Provo, UT 84604-1793

Moraih, Me & Mom before I got on the plane for Salt Lake!
BYE.

Peta Godfrey dropping me off at the MTC
Aug. 5, 2009

Back row: Sister Daggett, Sister Pena, Elder Gates, Elder Knapp. Elder Brown, Elder Vidrine, Sister Bailey, Sister Wingate
Front row: Elder Facer, Elder Wayland, Elder Schaffner, Elder Poulson

41 A Awesome!

41 A all together 1st Sunday

Companions 1st Sunday

Bailey, Pena, Daggett, Me in front of the temple acting like Beauty Queens

Posing at the Provo Temple 1st Sunday

In the far back left Brother McConckie (Teacher) next to him is Elder McConkie (little brother) and the rest of 41 A

Left to Right:
Elder Green, Elder Blackburn, Elder Smith, Elder Maughan, Elder Giles, Elder Burdette,
Elder Mitterling, Sister in front")

Sister Bailey and I in class 1st week

Elder Smith, Elder Giles another hug angle

Sister Bailey & I Day Dreaming

Elder Knapp & Elder Wayland 41D
They are great and focused

Elder Gates Hilarity 41 D

Elder Poulson & Elder Schaffner 41D
at the temple

Beautiful mountains

Provo Temple

Elder Smith loves giving hugs -Elder Giles got one big bear hug

Elder Giles, Elder Maughan, Elder Burdette
admiring the beauty of the temple

Elder Langston and the mountains

Elder Smith out for a game of golf? Hilarious

Elder Burdette enjoying the temple

Elder Maughan (Mahn) with Sister Bailey & I
(Look in the background at Elder Smith)

Elder Giles with Sister Bailey & I
out District Leader

Sister Bailey, Elder Smith -being goofy, me

Sister Bailey, Elder Burdette, Me, Elder Blakburn
2nd Sunday having fun in the grass

Sister Wingate, Sister Bailey, Sister Lo
Sister Lo just left for Australia unfornately her great companion Sister Karren Left early that morning so no pic"(

Sister Bailey & I, Elder Smith, Elder Blaclburn, Elder Gates in back (41D)")
Documenting each crazy day!

Sister Bailey & I going to do service at 6:30am

Me, Sister Daggett, Sister Pena, Sister Bailey
making goofy faces 1st Sunday temple outting

Woo Hoo! Provo Temple -awesome!

I'm a missionary, Strange")

District 41A leaving being silly

District 41A leaving the temple

Sister Bailey and I with the 1st Elders we taught a lesson to.
Elder Smith(went to Tulsa,OK) and Elder Allan (Eugene,OR) and their companion we never really met.

Sister Bailey and I saying goodbye to Elder McConckie (our teachers little brother)
leaving for Brazil

Sister Bailey, Sister Pena, Sister Wingate, Sister Daggett
Posing pretty at the Provo Temple 1st Sunday temple trip.

Elder Langston Do not leave clothes unattended -good job")!

Elder Smith, Elder Blackburn, Sister Wingate
being goof balls on 1st P-day in laundry room

P-days are great!

We had an amazing experience that day at the temple, met a lady (Brittany Wolstenhime) we made friends -an amazing story!!

Sister Bailey and I walking to the temple Wednesday morning.

Us looking professional on Tuesday (Suit coat Tuesday)

Sister Wingate: it's Tuesday, it's great, getting ready for the Devotional that night

Elder Smith in love with his suspenders

Elder Smith & Elder Blackburn
They love being companions, while doing laundry on P-day

Being strange Kung Fu warriors

Sister Bailey and I on P-day about to fight

Just kidding

Now were friends

Pictures!

2009-08-13T17:36:00.001-07:00

Pictures will be added randomly... Click the pictures link at the top of the blog to see them!

One Week Already!

2009-08-13T17:27:00.000-07:00

Please write me letters, one day here seems like 3-4 ha ha but seriously I want to hear from you! You can write on DearElder.com and it comes straight to me.( Sister Wingate - going to Temple square SLC)

So a little about my time here....its been an amazing experience so far, the first couple days were a real tough thing to get used just because SOOO much was going on and it was confusing...just jump right in to things- but after the 1st day it got much better and now that its my one week mark I'm super happy to be here! My first P-day (preperation day) and I get to wear flip flops...and b-ball shorts and no nylons for some of the day...we work 15 hrs a day.... 6:15 wake up class 7-8 breakfast 45 min. class 9- 1 then lunch 1:45 class or study time until 6 then dinner then class then at 9 we have planning with our companions until 9:30 9:30-10:15 we have planning more and getting ready for bed. quiet time at 10:15 and lights OFF at 10:30 crazy huh?!

I love the schedule and my favorite thing about the day here is Breakfast :D its great combo breakfast - eggs, hashbrowns, sausage or bacon and Sprite with every meal yummm... but breakfast is favorite!! I am learning so much here and even in one short week (that feels like I've been gone 3 months) I have already felt a drastic change in how I am....and its amazing!! Its not all easy breezy here but the harder times make learning a lot easier and better to rely on Heavenly Father...the Spirit here in the MTC is SOOOO strong it never leaves...we are soo blessed!! Today we went to the Temple to do an endowment session, amazing!! Its so much fun, and Sister Bailey and I met a lady in there who was crying..so we talked to her...she thinks she is getting divorced so we tried to cheer her up and chatted a while which was amazing. I have no fear of talking to random people anymore its just whoever we see we talk to if we want to :D.

Ok so we have 4 missionaries in our room and its Sister Bailey (my companion) from New Zealand originally super cute girl and then other sisters Sister Pena (Penya) Sister Doggett they are super cute and we are so random but love to have them as roommates. As a companion ship we follow eachother everywhere!! Even to the bathroom...unless were in our dorms at night then we can walk the halls alone :D sweet! Its fun...I have a top bunk and its sweet.

Like i said earlier....i'm learning SOOO much and its fun getting to know the Elders and sisters around in our district. One of the Elders (elder smith) has recently decided to start singing random Disney musicals any time he feels like it...walking in the hall at food time and its hilarious - i've even got videos :D yay! I try to document life here daily so I have a lot to show :D I miss everyone and hope everyone is doing well!!

Sister Wingate

In the MTC!!!

2009-08-13T17:24:00.000-07:00

05 August 2009

Today was a crazy ride! I arrived at the MTC at 3:30 and right away went to a meeting...at first I was wondering what exactly I had gotten into, but I went to my room after - unpacked and then my roommates/companion showed up. Sister Pena, Sister Doggett, and my companion Sister Riley (from New Zealand) they are all great girls and I'm excited to get to know them better! We have a small room probably the size of the living room that has 3 sets of bunk beds and then closet/desk things a bit squished but its great because right now there are 4 of us in a 6 bedroom place - things were hectic today but things will settle down - I hope :) haha. I've got my work cut out for me here up @ 6 because we have to be places at 6:35 & 7 (wake up usually 6:30 am) so it's going to be fun waking up that early. Day 1 of 18 months (540ish days!)

Love Always,

Sister Wingate

My First Post!

2009-08-03T00:50:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone! I am just about done with all of my final preparations before I enter the MTC this coming Wednesday!!! Thank you for visiting my Blog! More to come soon!