18 Months....????????

April 24, 2017

Hello family and friends!!

Another great week has come and gone. Wow. I can hardly believe how fast time is going. My subject line is true: I hit my 18 month mark last week. That is so weird to me. It feels like I have been here maybe like 6 months.

This week was so great. It was kind of a blurr. So, I will try my best to remember what happened!!

I had my last Zone Training this week. It was so good!! At the end, the Zone Leaders asked me to come up and bear my testimony, and that was a little heart wrenching and weird, but, all is well. I made it through!

We had a cool miracle this week! Sister Willmore and I were out trying to find people to teach, and we saw this man smoking in his garage. We went over and talked to him, asked him how he was doing, and he said "'Great! I've got my whiskey!" Then, he held up his two liter bottle of whiskey. It was pretty funny! His friend came outside and offered us a beer, and we of course said "no thank you!" Usually in those situations, the spirit would tell us to leave, but it did the opposite. It was weird. We started talking to those guys some more, and stated our purpose. Then, they actually started to ask some very sincere questions. We ended up teaching them the full restoration, and it was a really cool lesson. At the end of the lesson, we were able to give them each a copy of The Book of Mormon, and they committed to read it. One of the guys looked at us and said "Well, ladies, you did one thing today.. You made me believe in angles." It was so sweet. Then they both started saying that we were glowing, and it was such a cool experience. It wasn't in a "creepy old man" way, it was more in an "adorable dad" way. So sweet. We are so glad that we talked to them.

We have been spending sooo much time finding, and not even finding anyone. So, it has been a little discouraging. But, we actually found a couple of potential investigators yesterday!!!! It was a miracle!! We were in a pretty nice neighborhood, and we met two very nice families who said we could come back. So, please keep Nicole and Ashley in your prayers!

Sister Willmore and I volunteered at the food bank again today. It was so much fun! Other than that, I don't really know what to share about this week! But, I am so grateful for the gospel. I know with all of my heart that it is true. I know that this is Christ's original church, and that it has been restored in its fullness. I love the gospel, and I love being a servant of God, and a Representative of Jesus Christ.

Love,
Sister Missy Hutchison

18 months....?? Our last month picture!!

love them!!

Nebrasquad.. Like old times!!

Zone Training! 

God Bless America

I tried "Runza". I am now a true Nebraskan. I had heart-burn all night and Sister Willmore literally had the "runssaa". Worth it, though. 

yum

Post-Easter email

April 17, 2017

Hello Fam and Friends!!

It's Monday again? Goodness, time needs to slow down!! It is all going by way too fast!!

It was another wonderful week this week in Nebraska! It was pretty productive, so that's always good!! I will try my best to remember what I did.

Last Monday, I forgot to tell you that Sister Willmore and I used our Preparation Day time to volunteer at a food bank! Oh my gosh, it was so fun! It was also very sad to see such poor people with hungry children. But, it was very rewarding being able to give them food and smile/talk with them. I loved it. Sister Willmore and I are going to do that every week now!

We still have been doing A LOT of finding.. It gets kind of discouraging with how much time we spend finding, but how many people we don't find, but that is  okay. WE HAVEN'T LOST FAITH AND HOPE :) We know that God is preparing His children for us!! Patience is definitely a Christ-like attribute that I have learned to develop.

Although we haven't had much luck in our area, we have still been able to see miracles serving at the Trail Center. I was able to online chat with a certain gentleman, and he originally started chatting with me to talk about The Bible. After a little while, I taught him about The Book of Mormon, and he wanted one! He told me about how he believes God has been preparing him in his life to receive His gospel. It was neat! I was able to teach him the restoration and he agreed to meet with local missionaries (he's from Canada). Another chat I had was another gentleman who came on asking very obserd questions about how mormons date, haha (it is so funny to hear the world's perception about Mormons). He was sincere, though! He opened up, telling me how he came from a very broken family, and he can feel the love that Mormon families have for each other. He kept telling me how he wanted that love in his life. I was able to testify of the importance of the family, and he agreed to meet with local missionaries, as well (he's from England). Even though we aren't seeing much success in our area, we still are fulfilling our purpose! That is all that matters :)

I had an intense tour this week! As soon as I got on shift, I took over another sister's tour. The 20 year old son was a recent convert, but the mom and grandparents weren't members. At the end of the tour, there is a replica of the Salt Lake temple, and the Spirit told me to testify of eternal families. So, I did! Awe man... I got attacked!! They kept saying things like, "So, are you saying since we're not members that we're not a family??" and they kept building off of each other and the member didn't say anything! I was on this tour alone, so I didn't have a companion to back me up. So, I said a prayer in my heart during them saying terrible things to me, asking Heavenly Father what I should do. I got the impression to simply testify of The Book of Mormon. I cut them off, held my Book of Mormon to the square, and said "I was raised in the church, and my knowledge is still not perfect. But, what I do know is that The Book of Mormon is true." Then I explained that it's the keystone of our religion, and that they can come to know that it's true for themselves. It went completely silence. In the midst of the silence, the mom said "well, then I have to get myself one of those." I gave her a copy, and the rest of the tour kept on walking, but the mom stayed behind. I was able to explain to her a little bit more about The Book of Mormon. I asked her if she had a faith in Christ, and she just looked at me with tears in her eyes and completely opened up to me. She told me how she had a 5 year old son pass away, and it really had shaken her faith. I was able to read a little bit of Moroni 8 with her, about how little children are perfect. I always have had a little table of contents in my copy of The Book of Mormon that has questions of the soul, and where to find the answers in the Book of Mormon, but I knew she needed it more than I did. I gave that to her, and she was grateful. I invited her to be baptized, and she said that she would. It was an amazing experience. I truly was able to witness the spirit changing someones heart! There is so much power behind short and simple testimonies.

My Easter was wonderful!! Sister Willmore and I woke up with a beautiful sunrise lighting up our room :) then, we made some pancakes and eggs. It was delicious! Church was great, as well. It was so spiritual and every single talk was so inspired!! Then, a cute family in our ward fed us Easter dinner. It was SO GOOD. The kids in the family were so cute. They made us an easter basket out of paper and staples. Then, they took their own candy from their baskets and filled it! It was so sweet and thoughtful! The parents said it was all the kids idea :)

I have such an overwhelming love for my Savior. I know that He is Risen. I know that He has such an individual love for each of us. I love being a representative of Him, and being able to testify of what I know to be true. I am grateful for my mission, and how it changes me every day. I pray that we will all serve the Lord, and let a mighty change wrought in our hearts.

I love you all! Have a fantastic week!!

Love,
Sister Missy Hutchison

Us and Sister Levicki! She is such a sweet woman in our ward.

This couple came into the Trail Center! They are the Chidesters :) After talking, we realized that we are related! My Grandma Darlene is Brother Chidester's cousin! Crazy coincidence!

The Clay St. Apartment complex family

The Dannenbergs and our cute Easter basket that they made us :) 

Our Easter Breakfast. Sister Willmore and I are starting a new breakfast business. 

Easter Dresses!!

Nebraska Sunsets! 

The Start of the Last Transfer!!

April 10, 2017

Dear Family and Friends,

What's up?? Another week has come and gone! So crazy! It was kind of a wild week, though. First of all, SISTER WILLMORE AND I SURVIVED TRANSFERS!! I wish someone would have been filming us when we got the phone call, we freaked out because we were so happy. So, I guess it's official: Walnut Creek is my last area and Sister Willmore is my last companion! I cannot even believe that I am in my last transfer, but I am so excited to see what this transfer brings. :)

Like I said, this week was kind of wild. The beginning of it kind of dragged because all we were basically doing was cleaning and having an anticipation about transfers.The rest of the week was kind of  a blurr! I will do my best to remember :)

Sister Willmore and I did a lot of finding this week! We have knocked on SO MANY DOORS. We did find one potential woman! Her name is Erica, and we told her that our message could bring peace into her life. She told us that was exactly what she needed right now, and went on telling us that it was the 1 year anniversary of her grandpa's death. She said her family was having a hard time, and so we should come back and share our message with her whole family. We gladly accepted that offer! We are excited to go back and see them.

We did some service for a cute family we are working with, the Dodd family! They are so sweet, and we help on their farm (Yes, I did farm work). After we were done, Mrs. Dodd gave us a dozen farm fresh eggs and tomato soup which was made from home-grown tomatoes. Best food ever!

Saturdy was an interesting day of itself. We met this man that was totally rejecting us, and then as we walked away we heard a huge shaddering sound. We turned around and saw that his giant glass bottle of liquor fell out of his trunk and shaddered everywhere, and he was just cussing. I hope that was a sign for him, haha. Our dinner appointment on Saturday was funny, too. We were STARVING and we got to our dinner appointment and discovered that all that was made was mini chocolate muffins and like 3 apple slices. Sister Willmore and I couldn't help but laugh afterwards. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining; I'm grateful for the food! It was just hilarious because she basically said "I was too lazy to cook." #Nutrition

Satuday night was the adult session of Stake Conference! It was awesome! Our Stake President gave a supr bold talk. He basically said that if we are unwilling about our callings, than we don't love God. BOOM.It was powerful. On the drive home some guys kept riding our tails and driving next to us making kissy faces and practically jumping out the window trying to get us to talk to them. It was interesting being hit on.. Haven't experienced that in a while haha!!

We had our official Stake Conference yesterday, and it was SO GOOD. Every talk was about showing God that we love him, and realizing our divine potential. It was probably the best Stake Conference I have eer been to. :) We were sitting next to a cute woman in our ward, and her little boy kept holding my hand and kissing my cheek. He even said "Sister Hutchison, I love you!" It was precious!

All in all, it was a good week! I am so excited for Easter next Sunday. I love being able to reflect on our Savior's life and His Atonement for us. I know that He lives. I know that because He was resurrected, we ALL will be resurrected one day. It doesn't matter what we have done in life, who we are, or where we are, we ALL will be able to receive that gift. It is incredible :) He is risen, and He is risen today and forever. I love my Savior. I am so grateful to be a representative of Him at this time. If you haven't already, PLEASE watch the new Easter Initiative on mormon.org. I can promise you will feel peace, and feel closer to your Savior. :) Have a wonderful week!!!!

"1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. 2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: 4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. 5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay." Matthew 28: 1-6

Love,

Sister Hutchison

Sis. Willmore and I found a nice open field :) We love Nebraska!!

"the hills are alive.."

kind of the same as 1

Easter Initiative #PrinceOfPeace

Wendy's can't be promising forever families....

Sister Willmore and I made a commercial this week... If you have ever seen the "Get the London Look" commercials, you'd understand. HAHA.. This is what happens when you keep us together one more transfer. 

Spring has Sprung!

April 3, 2017

Hey Family and Friends!

Wow, what a wonderful week it has been!! I honestly don't remember much of it because it went by so quickly, but I will do my best!

It was a super rainy week! Spring has officially sprung here in Nebraska. Our week consisted of a lot of "finding". We didn't have a lot of luck, but that is okay! It always cracks me up when people open the door, see us soaking wet and say "Wow, girls. You look freezing! You shouldn't be outside! Stay warm!" Like, LET US IN. Haha, it's okay :) We are doing our best to find people to teach, so I know the Lord has some good things planned ahead of us.:)

I had an awesome personal study this week about "conversion". I wasn't sure what I wanted to study that day, so I prayed and flipped open the Bible Dictionary  and that word was on the page I flipped on. As I studied conversion more deeply, I discovered that in order to be truly converted, you must be actively exercising the Doctrine of Christ in your life. As we  do these things, is allows our hearts to change, and our faith will become a knowledge.

I LOVED GENERAL CONFERENCE. I think it was the best conference I have ever listened to. I felt like every single talk was for me! A couple of my favorite talks were the ones by President Nelson, and Elder Holland. President Nelson's talk was all about the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. We have to be exercising Christ's Atonement daily. It is only through His Atonement that we can be healed and have true happiness. I love how he mentioned that the event of the Atonement doesn't save us, but it was the sacrifice of the Savior; we must ALWAYS recognize that. Elder Holland's talk was about being confident in who you are, and being confident in others, as well. This gospel is all about progression!! We must not discriminate, but we must love. :) His comparison with needing "all of the voices in God's choir" was awesome! Each of us has a divine potential, and has the ability to change. I loved his quote when he said, "Come as you are, but don't plan to stay as you are.."

Obviously, there were more amazing talks. I will send you a copy of my study journal if you want to know what I thought of the rest of them haha :) But I am so grateful for the gospel in my life. I am so grateful to live in a dispensation with modern prophets and apostles. As Sister Willmore and I were on our way to watch conference with a member, we saw all of the cars that surrounded us and felt so sad that none of them knew that a Prophet of God was speaking that day. I am so grateful to be on a mission, and to constantly be strengthening my testimony by trying to help others gain one. I love sharing the gospel. It is my life, and nothing brings  a greater happiness. :)

Transfers are this week. Sister Willmore and I feel like we are probably getting transferred, so we will see how it goes. I can't believe I will be starting my last transfer in a few days. Crazy!! Anyways, I love you all. Thanks for the support and love. Have a fantastic week.:)

Love,

Sister Missy Hutchison

we didn't take a lot of pics this week.. So.. This is me currently and Sister Willmore intently emailing. 

Some of the fav sistas

Nebraska is Home

March 27, 2017

Hey Family and Friends!!!

Wow, this week has gone by so fast! It was wild!!

First of all, TODAY was a blast. Sister Willmore and I went and took some fun pictured in downtown Omaha. There is a little park there that has amazing statues of the pioneers. It makes it even more special being able to serve at the Trail Center. :) Then, we went to the Pedestrian Bridge, and took pictures on the Nebraska/Iowa line. It was a lot of fun!

We had Zone Conference this week, and it was INCREDIBLE. The whole focus was about having a Mighty Change of Heart. It was amazing being able to reflect back on how my heart used to be, and how my heart has changed so far on my mission. The key to a Mighty Change of Heart is living the Doctrine of Christ. As we are doing so, it allows us to be worthy of the Spirit, and we will desire to become better. As we are purifying ourselves, we are allowing the Holy Ghost to change us :) After Zone Conference, we had Zone Olympics! It was so much fun. I actually won push-ups and sprints!! Yes, I was very sore the next day. But.. It was worth it. 50 boy pushups won me the gold! (plastic)

I don't know how many of you were able to watch Womens Conference on Saturday, but it was so great!!! There was a talk by Bonnie Cordon, and she focused on Proverbs 3:5-6. It reads : "5 ¶ Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." She talked about how we should not be "leaning", because as we lean it means we are off balance! As we are standing strong as a witness of Christ, we will be immovable! I loved that so much! So powerful. That connects to missionary work so well. I CANNOT do this alone; there is no room for leaning. I must give all that I have to Heavenly Father, and he will help me be a true representative of His Son.

Sister Willmore and I had an interesting/cool experience this week. We had a little bit of time before our dinner appointment, so we went to go find in an apartment complex. We went through one apartment building, but felt like we shouldn't knock on most of those doors. So, we headed to the building next to it. The first door we knocked on was a man named Tim. He came right outside and was happy to talk to us. In the middle of our conversation, he asked us if we were wearing contacts, and we told him no. He told us that he studies eyes, and ours are very different for some reason. He was looking at them in all different angles but couldn't figure out what was different about them. It was cool because we know that he was seeing the light of Christ. At first, he was very hesitant, but the more we talked, the more interested he became. We asked him why God had us knock on his door, and he instantly opened up about everything he was going through. He has had a tough life. He asked where our church was, and said we could stop by again. There is even a member of the church that is on the floor right above him! Hopefully we will be able to see him again soon :)

I am sorry right now in advance for all of the pictures! There are a lot this week. But I hope you all have a great week :) I can't wait to hear all of your insights on general conference!!! You are in my thoughts and prayers. I love this work with all of my heart. I know I am where I need to be, and I have never ever been happier.

Love,
Sister Missy Hutchison

17 MONTHS!!!! So crazy

Rain pic!

our junk food... 

NOM Olmpics! (worked off the junk food)

Pioneer statues!! 

Found myself a Boyfriend! 

Running with the girls

My mission!!! Pioneers + Nebraska!

Omaha!!

Nebraska/Iowa

two places at once! 

same! 

this one is important because I will never be able to jump this high again.

Another Week in NOM!

March 20, 2017

Hey Fam and Friends!

I can't believe it is already Monday again. The weeks feel like days and the days feel like weeks. :) That is about the best way I can explain it.

It was a pretty great week this week. I feel like it was super crazy, so a lot of my week is a blurr. So, I will do my best to try and remember. All I know is last week was a pretty hard week, but Heavenly Father blessed us so much this week :)

We found a cute family!! We were out finding, and had no luck. It was about time for Ward Coordination, and so we headed out of the neighborhood! As we were driving, Sister Willmore instantly flips the car around and says "JUST FOLLOWING A PROMPTING HERE", and we drive past this cute family getting out of their mini-van, about to walk into their apartment. We parked a little ways away so we wouldn't seem creepy, and ran up to them! We asked if we could share a message about families, and they said yes! (which hasn't happened in a long time for us). We shared a quick message of the restoration with them, and asked if we could come back. They instantly said yes, and we set up an appointment for this evening. We are excited. They are a cute Spanish family. They speak English well, but I have a feeling we will end up handing them over to the Spanish Sisters anyways. But, it was a neat miracle, and a testimony builder of always following your promptings. (yes, we were a half-an-hour late for Ward Coordination #worthit)

We found another family this week. It is a family of 3. They were a little hesitant letting us in, but eventually did. After they realized that we weren't robots, they started warming up to us. The mom is Christian, and the dad is Pagan. They talked a lot, so we only got through a few points of the restoration. But, they welcomed us back with open arms! So, we are excited to go back.

A couple days ago, we were teaching our 9 year old investigator, Dylan. He was having a really hard day, and wasn't participating in the lesson. Out of no where he starts telling us that he doesn't believe in God, and that Jesus Christ isn't real. It really was hard to hear. In this whole process, Dylan's mother was being so mean to him, and bagging on him in front of his face. It was hard to see! Sister Willmore and I were shocked when we got back in the car. How can a child believe that he has a loving Heavenly Father if he doesn't even feel loved by his own parents?? A child needs parents who will listen to them, and be understanding. A child needs parents who actually show them they love them, and will always strive to be helping the child come to a greater understanding of God's plan. We decided we are going to hold a family home evening about family prayer and scripture study. That will truly bless their family and bring the spirit in their home! I am so grateful for my mission, and how it teaches me about what kind of mom I want to be.

There was another Missionary Musical Fireside yesterday. It was so good!! It was all centered on the importance of The Family. The spirit was there in abundance :) I was able to sing a solo, and it really was such a fun night.

This week, I have really tried to focus on the Sacrament. That is something I felt prompted to do in my studies, and it was amazing. I hung up some sticky notes to remind myself to pray to be prepared for the Sacrament in every prayer, and it worked :) During the Sacrament yesterday, I partook of the bread, and my heart didn't feel the same. It felt very heavy!! Then, I partook of the water and I physically felt a release from my chest. It was amazing. I knew, in that instant, that I had been cleansed and purified. It was the most incredible experience. I am so grateful I have grown to know the importance of the Sacrament.

It was a great week, and I look forward to seeing more miracles this week :) I love being a missionary. Have a great week!!

(I came across this scripture in my studies this week, and I fell in-love with it. Prayer is POWERFUL!!) "24 And it came to pass that when Jesus had thus prayed unto the Father, he came unto his disciples, and behold, they did still continue, without ceasing, to pray unto him; and they did not multiply many words, for it was given unto them what they should pray, and they were filled with desire. 25 And it came to pass that Jesus blessed them as they did pray unto him; and his countenance did smile upon them, and the light of his countenance did shine upon them, and behold they were as white as the countenance and also the garments of Jesus; and behold the whiteness thereof did exceed all the whiteness, yea, even there could be nothing upon earth so white as the whiteness thereof." 3 Nephi 19:24-25

Love,
Sister Missy Hutchison

The squad at the Fireside

Let us teach your friends

we really do try to sleep.. It just doesn't happen sometimes. We get distracted

love her!!

Kale came to the fireside and loved it!! He went to the temple last week, and couldn't stop telling me how happy it made him :) He is on FIRE with the gospel right now! 

Cold Again!!

March 13, 2017

Hello everyone!!

Another week has flown by here in Nebraska :) I hope you all had a good week! I had a great one, like usual :) I love my mission more than anything in the world!! Like my subject line said, it is cold again! It was aboout 70 degrees last week, but then snowed last night. Nebraska needs to take a chill-pill.

A cute senior couple took us bowling again this week. When people ask me how my mission has changed me, I will be able to say that I became a professional bowler!

I mentioned this last week, but for the past 3 weeks Sister Willmore and I have been praying to find a woman named Shannon. She has a family of 4 and owns a red blanket. No, we have not found her yet, and it has been pretty frustrating. We feel like we are trying our hardest, and we are praying soo hard to find her, but nothing has happened. Sister Willmore and I have never had more rejection in our lives! It has been rough.. I was feeling kind of discouraged, holding back tears after someone just yelled at us, but then a talk from Elder Holland came into my mind. I felt like I heard Elder Holland's voice say "Why would it be easy for you if it was NEVER easy for Him." That hit me so hard! It is so true! The Holy Ghost definitely set me straight. I know that Satan is really working on Sister Willmore and I because we are SO CLOSE to experiencing a miracle. We know Heavenly Father is preparing someone for us to find who is prepared for the gospel, so we need to ignore the adversary and keep on being diligent :) We are excited for what lies in store!

Sister Willmore and I took a very interesting member tour this week. It was this older woman and her two adult kids. They seemed kind of stand-off-ish at the start, but we continued to the tour anyways. We were at the bust of Joseph Smith, and Sister Willmore and I were testifying of the Restoration, and one of the women just kept looking at her watch. After we testified, we pointed out to her that she was looking at her watch, and asked if they were limited on time. She replied with "Yes. We only have a few minutes. So, can we just cut-out all of the 'touchy-feely' spiritual stuff? We JUST want the history... But, don't worry, we are good Mormons". I was so shocked!! My mission call did not say "You are called to serve as a "tour guide", it said "You are called to serve as a MISSIONARY". It really hurt mine and Sister Willmore's feelings, but we just went on with the tour. The very next day, I read a talk that is called "Converted to the Gospel Through His Church". (here is the link, I strongly suggest you guys read it! https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/converted-to-his-gospel-through-his-church?lang=eng  )  It was so good, and it reminded me a lot of that tour. It talked all about how there are members who are perfectly active in the church, but less-active in the gospel. It really made me think about what kind of member I will be after I am home. Will I be the member who sits on their phone during sacrament meeting, but who goes to church every week? Will I be the member who thinks going through the temple once or twice in a couple years is good enough? Will I be the member who goes to one of the Lord's Visitor Centers and refuses to feel the spirit? The answer is a big NO :) We need members who take notes during Sacrament meeting, ponder application of what they learn, and members who use the Sacrament properly. We need members who value and understand the covenants they make in the temple. We need members who understand that conversion is a never ending process, and you can never have a "strong enough testimony". I am so grateful for the precious truths I am able to learn on my mission. I am changed every single day.

If you haven't noticed, I love my mission so much. :) Thank you for all of the love and support I receive from each of you every week. It strengthens and motivates me :) Have a wonderful week!!!!!

Love,
Sister Missy Hutchison

" 9 Behold, I am the law, and the light. Look unto me, and endure to the end, and ye shall live; for unto him that endureth to the end will I give eternal life." 3 Nephi 15:9

Sister Willmore and I bought matching owl Moo-moos. So cozy. 

A picture of how we felt after someone just set their 7 dogs on us

A smiling pic! 

Bowling crew