Muchachos and Miracles

Hey, y'all!

Wow, this week was amazing! We were blessed with miracle after miracle.

On Monday night, we got a call from Lorenzo. He's an inactive member that has called us a few times before for us to come and read with him. Each time he has called, he has told us that he'll send us his new address but then never does. When he called us this time, I was really skeptical. He told us he wanted us to come and teach his six friends. SIX! What the heck?! After talking with him, it changed to his six sons. Needless to say, we were confused and unsure what to think, but he did give us his address this time. We set up an appointment for Wednesday with doubt that it would happen.

On Tuesday we had exchanges with the Louisville Downtown sisters. I got to work with Sister Cook in her area. It was so fun! We taught their recent convert, Peggy, and helped her with familysearch.org. Oh! I rode a city bus for the first time on my mission! It was great! We couldn't proselyte on the bus, but I'm sneaky so we found spots in front of people and then played the video as if we were just watching it for fun. Heh heh. We missed our last bus of the night, so we walked the two miles home in the dark and had a nice chat about life as a missionary. 

On our way home from exchanges on Wednesday, we decided we would faith it and go to Lorenzo's. We drove out into what felt like the middle of nowhere. When we got to his address, we just looked at each other. Two trailers and a white pedofile van. We made our way down the long driveway and parked. We knocked on the trailer doors. While we were waiting for an answer, we looked over and saw a picnic table stained with blood and atop of it were 10-12 severed deer legs. Yikes. We looked on the ground and saw clumps of animal hair. Yikes again. A couple of minutes later, Lorenzo answered. It was like a parade of muchachos. One by one they came out dressed in their jammies. They all brought out chairs and set them up for us and themselves. Oldest to youngest. Juan, Joel (who turned out to be a friend of his sons), Ricardo, Pedro, and Luis. Manuel emerged later on when we were leaving, but he also was just a friend of Lorenzo's sons. We had a lesson on The Restoration. It actually turned out really good! They had a lot of good questions, and we were able to take time to help them understand everything. We set up a return appointment and left feeling grateful and surprised by what had just happened. Miracle!

On Friday we got to go with Sister D to the temple! She has been waiting for 20 years to go and has been really preparing herself since September. Her health has kept her from going, but this time was her time to go! It was so wonderful. It was so good to be back and to share this experience with her. Miracle!

Saturday was a great day. Shelbyville put on a Christmas parade. We decided to hand out candy canes with our cards stapled to them. We had a good time! We got to talk with a lot people about #LightTheWorld and got to see Santa! After that, we went out looking for potential investigators from our area book. We tried Alvaro, but he was busy. We met his mom, wife, and children. His mom invited us in so that we could share #IluminaElMundo. She was really impressed and grateful that we, being young, would be out sharing the gospel. I felt impressed to ask her if she had ever heard the story of when Christ visited the Americas. She said no, and we went right in to teaching The Restoration. God put the words in our mouths as we taught them. I know it because I felt it. I knew that what I was saying wasn't me. Miracle! And we invited them to be baptized, and they accepted! Miracle again! We were very blessed this week. God is so good.

I invite you all to #LightTheWorld. Start now if you haven't yet. It's not too late! As you participate in this service initiative, your burdens will be made light and you will experience a brighter light of Christ. 

❤️ Hermana Boyson

“You Can't Spell LOUISVILLE without LOVE" . . . And graffiti. 

The Peggy face.

Finishing up exchanges. We tried really hard to take a picture with our eyes open.

Cheeseball! 

Handing out candy canes like it's going out of style.

Our driver to the temple wouldn't let us take a picture with Sister D, so we just 🤳 it. 

Becoming Like Christ

Hey, y'all!

What a wonderful week! We had a really nice Thanksgiving. We ate lunch with a family in the ward here and then played a game called Mafia. We also might've taken a nap before the festivities. A missionary's dream. We headed over to another family who we're really close to for dessert and played a game called Trailer Park Wars. Very fitting for Kentucky!  

We had a really neat lesson with a woman named Erica. We were looking for her husband, but he wasn't home. When we first started talking with her, she wasn't too jazzed about it. As we testified of the Book of Mormon, of God's plan for us and of Jesus Christ, her heart began to soften, and she allowed us to set up a return appointment. I LOVE contacts like that. I love being able to see someone's heart change through the Spirit even if the change is little. We're teaching her tonight, and we're excited! God is so good. 

We had exchanges with the Crestwood Sisters, and I got to work with Sister Bolen again. Yep, she is still amazing! We had a really cool conversation at dinner with one of their member families about what we lose out on when we don't have the gospel. We lose out on knowing what God's plan is for His children, how to follow Christ and not just knowing Him and accepting Him as our Savior, but becoming like Him, and about the Atonement. It strengthened my testimony of the gospel.

I have been thinking and studying a lot about the difference between knowing and accepting Christ and becoming like Him. A lot of people that we come in contact with don't want to hear our message because they have already accepted Christ as their Savior. Through my studies, I found these quotes. 

 "...to be converted, you must not only open your heart to a knowledge of the gospel and the love of God, you must practice the gospel law. You cannot fully understand or appreciate it unless you personally apply it in your life. Jesus said that He came to serve, not to be served. So it must be with you. You must look outward and care about others. You can be compassionate; you can be friendly; you can share; you can help others in a hundred small ways. As you do, the gospel of Jesus Christ will become a part of you." -Elder D. Todd Christofferson

Elder Dallin H. Oaks said "Attaining what the Apostle Paul described as “the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13) requires far more than acquiring knowledge. It is not even enough for us to be convinced of the gospel; we must act and think so that we are converted by it. In contrast to the institutions of the world, which teach us to know something, the plan of salvation and the gospel of Jesus Christ challenge us to become something. 

As President Thomas S. Monson taught us:

“Essential to the plan [of salvation] is our Savior, Jesus Christ. Without His atoning sacrifice, all would be lost. It is not enough, however, merely to believe in Him and His mission. We need to work and learn, search and pray, repent and improve. We need to know God’s laws and live them. We need to receive His saving ordinances. Only by so doing will we obtain true, eternal happiness."

I know that as we not only learn about Christ but apply His teachings and live His gospel, we can become something more. We can have lasting happiness. We can serve others and share the light of Christ. 

❤️ Hermana Boyson

Exchanges with Crestwood. 

Ice cream shenanigans. 🍦 

Holy Habits and Righteous Routines

Hey, y'all!

It was a week in Shelbyville. I'll just say that haha! We had a lesson with Jose on Monday night that didn't go as planned. It's true what they say that the time right after baptism is challenging. He is a trooper and has great desires. I know that he will make it through this tough time.

We got to exchange with the Carrollton hermanas, and I got to have Hermana Wilkinson back in Shelbyville! Hooty hoo! She is a fantastic missionary even as she approaches the end of her mission. She is a great example to me of diligent service and enduring to the end. Love you, Hermana Wilkinson!

Ms. Lillian/Da Da asked us to come over to help her wrap gifts for the kids at her church, so we spent some time there. She was so excited to see "BabyGirl"/Hermana Wilkinson! After Da's house, we went to see Sister Dickerson. We had a really good lesson as we read from 2 Nephi 9 about the Plan of Salvation. I LOVE this chapter! If you haven't read it in awhile, read it!

Last night, we were able to watch the live Face to Face event with Elder Oaks and Elder Ballard. These events are for young single adults, but the counsel that is given can apply to all of us. Elder Oaks said that new converts need to have two things, but I think that these two things apply to all of us: holy habits and righteous routines. Holy habits are common to all of us. We all need to be obedient, read/study the scriptures daily, have daily communication with our Heavenly Father through pray, and we need to attend church each week to worship and partake of the sacrament. Righteous routines are specific to the individual. For example, for a convert who has struggled with drinking, a righteous routine would be to take another way home to avoid going past the bar. I know the words of Elder Oaks are inspired and that we too can cultivate holy habits and righteous routines.

This Thanksgiving, our mission president is challenging us to write a list of our blessings and then take this list to prayer every day this week. On Thanksgiving, he is asking us to serve someone. Clean up someone's yard, do the dishes, arrive early and help prepare food, etc.

I want to extend these two challenges to you all, too! I know that as you are more cognizant of your blessings, you will feel happier and be kinder. As you serve others, you will not only help them, but you will be helped as well.

"God does notice us, and He watches over us. But it is usually through another person that He meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other."

Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃 🍁 🍂

Hermana Boyson

Wilkinson and Boyson back at it again! Exchanges with Carrollton.

"Playing" soccer with Jose. More like abusing him with the ball jaja!

Our one fun thing a day was getting Caramel Apple Cider. Mmmmm! (Shoutout to Sister Allred for the recommendation! 👊🏽)

Lost Kittens and Luchando Contra Satanás 💪🏼

Hey, y'all!

This week was so great! We had MLC and received trainings on The Plan

of Salvation. The Assistants secretly asked our families to send in a

short video of their testimonies of God's plan, and it was wonderful!

We had exchanges with the Hurstbourne hermanas, and Hermana Rodriguez

got to be together AGAIN! We were on our way to dinner when we saw

someone pulled over on the side of the road. They were looking for a

kitten who had been dumped there. We had a little bit of time, so

Hermana Rodriguez and I helped look for half an hour in 32 degrees.

The little rascal was so scared of us. He kept running through the

corn field and when we would get close enough, he'd dart off. Sadly,

we didn't find him while we were there.

On Thursday as we were planning, we felt inspired to go visit people

who are old enough to be home during the dead hours. We decided to see

Sister Robin and her husband. It was so neat! She was so welcoming

even though we dropped by unannounced. She recently got some sad news

about her health and she asked us if we knew anything about it before

coming over. When we told her that we hadn't heard the news, she very

sweetly told us that we were an answer to her prayers. God is so good.

Later on, we stopped by a widow's home. She had fallen down her flight

of stairs a week ago and her 80-year-old mom was there with a burst

blood vessel who we had felt inspired to see, too! What the cuss?! We

were so grateful to be led to those people who needed us. God is so

good.

Jose is doing good! He had a run in with some missionaries from

another church who told him that God discovered the earth and that

Satan controls it. When he came to church on Sunday, he was really

confused. Poor kid! Satan is really trying to tear him down. It's

amazing to see how much he is working on him. Jose is strong and has a

powerful testimony. He will fight. Please keep praying for him that he

will be able to stay strong especially at this time of being a new

member.

Love you all!

💕 & 🐴

Hermana Boyson

Exchanges with Hurstbourne Herms! 

Maria's galletas 🍪 Not as good as all the hype from H Rod. 😉 Lucky to be back with her again, even if it was just for a day.

Taking time out for the Colonel and Claudia. 

MLC with two of my favorites, Elder Simons and Sister Dawe

Principles and Prayers of the Righteous

Hey, y'all!

Holy cannoli! It was a crazy week. I don't know where to begin. We had the opportunity to watch The Testaments with Jose at a member's home. He doesn't know the Bible, but he said he has seen the life of Christ and the miracles He performed before, but he doesn't know where. It was all familiar to him. 

Jose is doing okay. He is struggling with living the gospel in a home that doesn't welcome it. I ask for special prayers for him that he will be taken care of and that he will receive the means necessary to live the gospel as he wishes. Alma 10:23 "​But it is by the ​​​prayers​ of the righteous that ye are spared." Thank you in advance. ❤️ 

I said goodbye to my best friend on Tuesday and got to see other missionaries who ended their missions. Missions really are such a blessing. I have been so blessed with great companions and with the opportunity to serve around other great Elders and Sisters. 

This last transfer, we were invited by our mission president to study the eight principles of The Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to memorize one Book of Mormon scripture and one Bible scripture for each of the principles. Wow, I have come to know so much more about God's word and what He has said through His prophets. It's true! It's all true!

Thank you for your prayers and support! 

💕 & 🐴 

Hermana Boyson

This girl has such a light about her. She brings happiness and the Spirit wherever she goes. These last three months have been the best of my mission. Miss you already!

Serving a mission together. Friends forever. 

Sister M&M. Love you! Have fun taking a nap!

The B-E-S-T BEST Week of My Life

Hi, everyone! 

Wow, this week has been the most memorable of my mission. JOSE GOT BAPTIZED AND CONFIRMED! It would take me like three weeks to tell you all about everything leading up to his confirmation. His baptism was amazing! He was crying as he was waiting for the service to start. He has the light of Christ, and you can see it in his countenance. When he bore his testimony, the Spirit was SO strong. Wow...just thinking about it makes me smile. He said that when he was confirmed, he saw white light that overcame him. Isn't that amazing?! He still needs prayers as he continues to feel the influence of Satan, so if you all don't mind including him in yours, I would be grateful. 

Transfer calls came on Saturday night. Hermana Fluckiger is being released as an STL AND as a missionary. Noooooooo! We knew this day was coming. Ah, I am so sad to be losing my best friend. Tomorrow will be bittersweet. Of course, I'm happy that she will be able to see her family and continue progressing, but I just don't want her to go! :( Buenas suerte, Hermana! 

My new companion will be Hermana Corona from California. She's super cool, too. I got to go on exchanges with her in the summer, so I'm really excited to serve with her. She actually goes home at the end of the transfer, so I'll be "killing" two missionaries back to back. Luckyyyyy. Hermana Corona actually started her mission here, so that's pretty neat that she'll end her mission where she began!

I don't have much time today to write, but I want to share my testimony. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the way to truly experience lasting happiness. I know that the Book of Mormon is God's word and that it contains the fulness of the gospel. I know that Joseph Smith restored Christ's church on the earth. I know that through the power of God, he translated the Book of Mormon, and that the Book of Mormon was written by ancient prophets of God for our day. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints contains the fulness of the gospel, and that through the Holy Ghost we can know the truth for ourselves. I know that Christ lives. He is our Savior. He loves us, and because of His love, He suffered and died so that we can have eternal life. I know that the gospel brings light because I have seen it change lives. 

I love you all and I love this work. I feel so incredibly blessed to be a missionary. I love you all and am grateful for supporting me. I know that not everyone has the blessing of feeling loved and supported. Thank you. ❤️ 

❤️ Hermana Boyson

Hermana Fluckiger's last week serving at Centro Latino 😢 

My best friend. My partner in crime. RIP. 💀 

Our cute little dragon RAAAAAAWR!

Jose's baptism! This is his favorite picture in our church building.

After his baptism. Look how happy he is! We sure love you, hermano!

We got to walk the grounds of the temple with Jose. "Wow, tan hermosa."

My people. ❤️

Service Saturday and Seeing The Light of Christ

What a great week! We had exchanges with the Crestwood sisters, and

during service, I lost their phone. After combing the HUGE yard of the

house where we worked for 3.5 hours, it ended up being in the truck of

the person who gave us a ride. Moral of the story: never put your

phone on vibrate, and never wear slick pants with shallow pockets.

We are preparing for Jose's baptism on Saturday. He's so ready to be

baptized! Of course, Satan is doing all that he can to bring him down

and discourage him from receiving a remission of his sins, but he will

not win. Any prayers on behalf of Jose are welcomed. We sure love him

and are excited for him to grow in the gospel. He is a great example

to me of pressing forward despite our weaknesses and giving it all to

our Heavenly Father. He has such a light about him as he has changed.

He has the light of Christ.

On Saturday, we did service from 10:30am to 5:30. And how about this?

I mowed my first yard! By the end of the night, we were exhausted but

wonderfully happy. Service brings forth a spirit that we cannot

receive in any other way. Service is service no matter how big or

small. You are where you are for a reason, and God has given you

talents and weaknesses so that you can help others. Go out and serve

someone!

💕 & 🐴

Hermana Boyson

Sister Long is the funniest 90-year-old this side of the Rocky Mountains! "I wouldn't say she's a dummy, just low intelligence."-Sister Long

Look at all of the wacky tobacky. Holy crow. I've never seen so much in my life. 

Our cute district. Sure love y'all!

Proof that I mowed a yard. And I've got a thumb blister to prove it.

Jose in his work goggles. Mr. Cool 😎 

A companionship that rides a bike together stays together. 🚴