Oct 27th

​My dream home is in Lousiana!

​Looks like our lesson got a little out of hand?

#badgirlbadgirlwhatchagondowhatchagondowhentheycomeforyou

#thatwasalonghashtag

#CookietheCop

a Change of Heart...a Change of Soul (Oct 20th)

​Hello my loves!

 

Where to even begin? I had the most amazing week! I had the opportunity for my very first Zone Conference, to share it with Elder Zwick and his wife from the Seventy. These two incredible people really had an impact on my attitude, my goals, and my outlook on life. I wish I could explain how strong you could feel the Spirit's presense there, but in times like these, words can't describe the feelings. Safe to say, it was a great day.

 

Today, I'd like to talk to you about Sister Zwick's talk she gave to all of us. A talk given, that hit my heart so deep, I thought it would break. A talk about the importance of having a continual process of changing one's heart...or better yet, a change of one's soul. Our desires, our commitments and our way of living, should reflect that of the Savior's, always. Especially as a missionary, God has given me a front row seat of watching the ones that I love, change for the better. Sitting three pues back and listening to this wonderful lady speak the very words my soul needed to hear and putting me on the right path, I didn't realize the amount of change that I would eventually see in the ones I teach later that week. I'll share a few examples...

 

This past Saturday, Jennifer Hardy...the biggest sweetheart I know, was baptized. The Hardy family has been one of the greatest examples to me of changing yourself for the better. After both parents returned home from their mission in Brazil, they were then married and after a while, became less active. The dad fell back into old bad habits, the mom felt depressed, lonely and regretful of many things and not knowing what to do anymore. This family had been through many rough patches, low points and needed hope in their lives again. After their 11 year old daughter became friends with a mormon girl in class, she came to them wanting the lessons. That's when the process truly began. Six weeks of teaching, Sister Zemp and I witnessed at first, small miracles and baby steps until one day, there was major adjustments in these wonderful people's countance that made the biggest impact on us every time we left their home. Why were major differences? Because the desire to change was there. The baptism day came, and the sweetest tender mercies came along with it. Sister and Brother Hardy sat next to each other as they watched Jennifer go into the font. At the moment Jennifer grabbed her Grandpa's arm, was the second Brother Hardy shyly reached over and put his hand on his wive's. Brother Hardy was asked by his daughter to give a talk on the Holy Ghost. For the first time in Jennifer's life, she saw her Dad cry. In that moment, the Spirit melted everyones heart. Later on, Sister Hardy mentioned to me, that while Jennifer was getting ready after being baptized, that the smile she had was biggest she had ever seen her daughter's face. To you, these examples might not mean much, but to me...I consider these some of my most treasured memories on my mission that I will never forget.

 

As a representative of Jesus Christ and a simple girl that loves you personally, I testify to you that the Atonement is real, change is necessary and it is all up to us if we allow the miracles and blessings that come along with it, to let it work in our lives..only IF we allow it. God has given us this time to prove ourselves worthy and grow spiritually strong. Don't make the mistake like me, of not taking FULL and complete advantage of this amazing gift. I have seen the effects that it has in my life and those I care so much about, I know that its the only way to be truly happy.

 

I pray, that as we use the Atonement in our lives, as we STRIVE to fix and improve our weaknesses continually, that we will have a change of soul that God will be proud of. When the day comes, I hope we all can honestly profess to our loving Heavenly Father, "I did my very best..."

 

In process of change,

 

Sister Huffaker

Me, Jennifer and Sister Zemp on her big day:)

​The Gibson's bought us GOLF umbrellas...long story. Lets just say we are SO grateful!

Oh...and we're matching!

Oct 13th

​First time eating GUMBO

SOOOOO GOOD as you can tell from Shilo;)

​My real companion, Aubrey:)

​Shilo Kopp came over without saying a word:

-took my shoes off

-reclined my chair

-tucked me in with two blanket

-gave me that stuffed animal

-than told me to relax

Missionary work is hard

Improving and Refining His Children (Oct 5)

​Oh what a wonderful week it has been! Conference was nothing short of AMAZING! God loves His children and He shows it by giving us prophets...how amazing that blessing is:) I hope you all took something out of it that you needed. I know I have!

 

Story of the Week:

 

Thursdays are a day we like to call, "Thirsty Thursdays" here. It's a day we ride our bikes to save miles and also to be able to stop and talk to more people. This Thursday, we were out the door carrying our bikes down the fight of stairs and pedeling down the road. When I realize that my back tire is completely flat due to running over a piece of metal last Thursday. I knew I should have put the green stuff in my tires (sorry dad, you're always right!) We turn around, carry our bikes back upstairs and drive to the Kopp's house. We decide to tract and walk to our appointments today. This paticular day, I thought that I would branch out to my more typical "ugly but comfortable" sister missionary shoes and within five minutes of walking, I began forming blisters. Our appointments were 5 miles away, which means getting there would make us walk on the busy highway and have to cross it at some point. With blistering and bleeding feet on my mind, the sun pounding on us from above and having my companion being impatient walking ahead of me and saying, "we're running late", I decide it was better to take my shoes off and walk on the hot pavement. Ha! People like their alcohol here and don't believe in being "green", so there's broken glass everywhere! Trust me, I know what you're thinking, BUT it was way better walking barefoot on glass then it was wearing those shoes! A good 3 miles away I started becoming weary...I decided to say a simple prayer asking, "Heavenly Father, please send a breeze so I can keep going." I know God hears and answers prayers, within 5 seconds a car pulls off to the side of the street and President Huston asks if we want a ride. I was beyond the point of being grateful. We made it to the appointment to find out no one was there. We then decide to walk home (2miles away) to change my shoes. By this point me and Sister Zemp were mostly silent, there was a bit of contention in the air. She wanted to walk faster and I was doing my best under the circumstances. We arrive at our house, change shoes and start walking back towards the Kopp's house while stopping to also tract the houses. The rain clouds come in and a Southern Storm hits! We're 3 miles away from the Kopps and its POURING. When I say pouring I mean, we could have swam there. After all of the events of the day, we hit our breaking point and all we could do was laugh! We made up and then received a worried call from Sister Kopp who later came to pick us up. As we drive to her house, a gorgeous rainbow appears and it hit me like a ton of bricks, "I am so blessed."

 

In that moment I rethought about my "horrible day". I decided right then and there that this was a day of building character, a day that God had given me to learn and grow from trials. I had the choice to look at it with a negative perspective or an opportunity to count my blessings. I'm so grateful that He gave me a second chance to repent and rethink about the tender mercies I received that day. I know I was taken care of. God gives us trials to improve ourselves and be changed to become more like Him. I look at my feet now and see an opportunity to grow instead of seeing misfortune thats come upon me. I'm in no way perfect, I fall short all the time and sometimes I complain, but I can say that I'm trying to be better...I believe thats enough for Him and accepts my short comings.

 

I know we all have our own "blisters", "glass in the road" and "heat of the day" moments, but I promise that when you find the good in the situation, that is when God is improving and refining you. Don't forget that He loves you and has prepared ways to help you grow and learn, they are disguised as hardtimes. I pray we can take those situations and find the good in them.

 

Love you more than I can say,

 

Sister Huffaker

Nothin like a Southern Storm selfie!

​3 SECONDS after it started raining!

Count Your Blessings (Sept 29)

Good Morning my loves!

This week was absolutely amazing from the incredible messages shared at the Relief Society Broadcast to the baptism of a very special nine year old girl, Shilo Kopp.

This sweet but very sassy girl, is a daughter of a part member family that for years has been inactive. It has been an extremely long process including MANY missionaries, but the day finally came that she got to be baptized by her dad.

Since day one, the Kopp's have treated me like a daughter. "Mama Kopp" has fed us, ran us around and talked with us so much that she deserves that name. (Never to replace you, Mom, of course) They have struggled so much these past years because of finacial reasons along with their one real daughter's condition.

Shilo Kopp was diagnosed with whats called Job's disease, refering to Job in the Bible. Shilo's body is killing itself from the inside and all cases of this disease end in death. She has taken so much medicine that it has stunted her growth, sores and cuts all over her body and cateracts are begining to form in the back of her eyes, along with some other major health concerns. Her family has struggled with their faith over this, but have made their way back on the right path.

A couple weeks ago, Sister Kopp told us that the doctors are at their breaking points. They have no idea what to do with Shilo. The choices being, they either kill her with medicine or have her body kill itself. Up until about a week ago, a new medicine came out that is suppose to work. It hasnt been tried before but its the best option. its 800 dollars per shot and the doctor is paying for it himself. I'm telling you that detail, because it was the day that the Kopp's bills were due and they had just the right amount of money to pay them, IF they didnt pay tithing. With a leap of faith, they paid that tithing and the doctor made the choice to pay for Shilo's medicine. I love this family so much...they're absolutely incredible examples to me.

I have a true testimony that God knows each one of us individually. He knows how much we can take, but He also knows how much to push us just enough to become stronger by relying on Him to help us. He does this to help us realize we must lean on Him and we must grow to become like Him. Be thankful for your trials and hardships...they are whats carving you to become great like your Father in Heaven.

I love you all,

Sister Huffaker

PS. Picture of me and Shilo and Maggie on her big day!

Just Because" Cake (Any excuse for cake)

Kopp's Grandma whose a non-member

I didnt think I was THAT white;)

It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood...Mr. Rogers? (Sept 23)

​Another week in beautiful Louisiana!

Just to make it clear mama, I didn't accept that guy's offer to move in with him in exchange that I could, "teach him about Jesus everyday" as inviting as that sounded!

Setting that tone...I had an amazing week! We've had some incredible miracles the past few days, the Lord has been so sweet to us. We've started teaching two amazing families, one being, the Hardy Family. Quick background story:

One morning, we got a random text from Sister Hardy that said she wanted her 11 year old daughter to take the lessons again and that she wanted to get the family back in church. This was amazing by itself, but even more due to the fact that both parents are returned missionaries who went less active, and who were being taught by missionaires and they told the missionaries, no more..leave us alone. 

The second family being, the Gibsons. They are a part member family that had a really bad experience with pushy missionaries (elders;) ) and wanted nothing to do with missionaries. The wife is the only member whose been trying to get reactived, but she is very head strong and cautious because her husband is a Southern Baptist and doesnt want the same experience to happen again. They've been "untouchable" for YEARS. After talking to them one day, we were able to gain enough trust with Sister Gibson for her to break down her barrier for a second, and to allow us to teach a lesson to her husband and 4 kids! I honestly dont know how or why she decided to let us, but I know that the Holy Ghost must have let her know it was time...Since then, we have taught two lessons and painted her kitchen for hours gaining a relationship. We talked all about the qualities we want in future husbands, so it was all worth while;) I LOVE THIS FAMILY.

I know with a surety everything happens in the Lord's time...He knows when people are ready in their lives to accept this gospel...I am only here to be His hands. I am so blessed to be a part of these families lives and to be able to love them so much already. I have aquired a new set of eyes while being here...and as dumb as that sounds, I have really been able to look at these people through God's eyes, see them how He sees them. To have complete faith in them even when they make wrong choices, are rude or choose not to listen. What an amazing blessing thats been.

I love you all so much and I love hearing from you all every week! Miss you more than ever, but I'm tryin to make ya'll proud of this person I'm becoming.

Love your missionary,

Sister Huffaker

One Month Birthday (Sept 15)

​Good afternoon everyone!

Can you believe ONE MONTH has passed since I was in my good ol' city of Mapleton? Crazy right? Just so you're aware, I received the best one month old birthday present on Saturday, when the sweetest 15 year old girl, Haley Doss, was baptized. She is from a part member family, living in a trailor with her Grandma(less active but coming back) and cousin Mckayla(getting lessons) They are the sweetest family and I've been so blessed by knowing them. I was so happy to be a part of her big day with her and her family. She had a very stressful week before getting baptized, due to the fact that Satan hits us really hard the closer we are to doing what is right. She had various family problems and also had to stick up and defend the church to her best friends who are baptist. Her example to me is absolutely amazing. None of her friends came after she invited them but she had a whole YW group come to support her along with her new ward family and us, the weird sister missionaries;)

Something that I have been talking to with converts, my companion, and along with some other members, is the transition from being a recent convert to being a new member of the church or a less active coming back. It is extremely scary and a big change in their lives. It can even be embarassing to come back if they've been gone for so long. We ALL need to do better in making that transition from feeling like they are on their own to making it seem like a "welcome home" or "welcome back" kind of feeling. If that makes sense? I've learned by teaching members and talking to ladies in the ward, how important it is to be a friend. VISITING/HOME TEACHING IS NOT ENOUGH. Go take random people out to lunch, take them cookies, go to their kids sporting events. No one knows where people are at spiritually. You may be the person that keeps them coming back each week with that smile you give them every Sunday. Be a friend and always take time to do the little things. (Getting off soap box now)

I love being a full time missionary and a representative of Jesus Christ. I know that I was called here for a reason and I know that even when things can get tough in all of our lives, when we've done all we can, that's when God helps us with our short comings. He causes the "furious winds" in our lives to help us to build faith and become stronger. Never give up on doing what you know is right, you will grow closer to Him that created you. Ether 6:5

Love you more than ever,

Sister Huffaker

Haley, Mckayla and Sister Brown.

Car Selfies 

BBQ anyone?

I'm feelin one month old;)

Real Southern Hospitality right there;)

Lousiana...we love our fried food! (Sept 8)

Hello everyone!

I wanted to start off by saying...Humidity will honestly be the death of me. Riding on a bike in 100 degree weather with 100% humidity, up and down hills, rushing to and from all of our appointments to save miles, could be the hardest thing I've done so far. Haha call me a baby, I don't mind!

Now that the negative thought is out of the way...I want to say, tender mercies are a very real thing. I've had the opportunity to have had so many this past week! The Lord really is so kind to us:) Story time!

While tracting just the other day, we knocked on this perfect southern little house with a chair swing on the front porch. We knock on the door and a lady yells, "Who is it?" we yell back, "The missionaries!" A cute 70 year old lady opens the door slighty, just to tell us she won't let us in and she's not interested. I wouldnt give up that easy! So, I asked her about her life, and slowly but surely, she slowly sneaks out the door never to break her sentence. After a good 45 minutes later, we ask if we can say a prayer with her because she doesn't exactly let us teach her much! She said of course and told us before hand, when she feels the Spirit inside her, she cries, and boy did she cry! Her prayer was so touching it wore off on me and made me CRY! It was one of the most heart felt prayers that I have ever heard. She prayed for us and among other things, asked Heavenly Father that she would be able to read some of the Book of Mormon and see if she would feel the Holy Spirit if it were true. She gave me a hug when it was done and invited us into her house. She told us a sweet story about her deceased husband being 12 years older than her, and how after all of the years of being married and every night she would always steal his covers, one day he decided to get his own blue blanket and said "baby, you'll never take this one from me!" After that she collected Linus and his blanket (Charlie Brown Character) sculptures to remind her of him. She had a million of them! That too made me cry...call me a baby AGAIN, I don't mind! Now after a solid hour of being with her she said, "a couple other missionaries knocked on my door a few months ago, and I did the same thing with them as I did with you. Without even looking, I asked who is it and they said Jehovah's Witness and I told them I'm not intesteted and they left. Today, when it happened again and as I heard your voice saying "the missionaries" I felt the Holy Spirit tell me to let you in. That's why I did." We gave her a Book of Mormon to read and she said she would. We gave her a hug and left with a returning appointment.

I promise with everything that I am, that this is Jesus Christ's church. I am simply an instrument in the Lord's hands for these 17 months. I have seen what the Holy Ghost can do to the people who are at first, hesitant or who have "head strong" faces on and seeing the change the Spirit brings to allow us to teach them. My testimony is simple, my knowledge is not great, but though Jesus Christ my efforts are enough to bring some soul unto repentance.

I love you all so much and miss you more than words can say...until next Monday.

Love,

Sister Huffaker 

The cure for any bad day, Cane's.

My Brownlee brothers!

Home Sweet Home...Away from home;)

Our Progressing Investigator, Miss Goat. She's getting closer to converting everyday. 

Can't get enough of Miss Goat.

Typical Missionary picture

​Flowers, love them so much:)

My transportation on Thursdays..

The moment this sister missionary really decided to go full blown cat lady! #72catsandcounting. Kitten we found in the gutter, probably had rabies:)

Good Ol' Louisiana (Sept 2)

Hello Sweets!

Can you believe I've been in Louisiana for a year already??

Oh right...a week. This past 7 days have been the longest 7 days of my life! Sitting here trying to decide what to talk about is impossible, BUT I'll share some cool experiences if you don't mind!

As you are all aware...here in the South, everyone and their dog (because honestly, everyone has a dog here) goes to a church. In a span of a mile from our house, there are 15 different churches. It has been a very hard adjustment for me, as we try knocking on door to door and everyone KNOWS God loves them, everyone KNOWS Jesus died for them and everyone is COMFORTABLE with the religion that they have been raised in that they don't want to hear the Lord's message. I've had to take a hard look at this trial and realize that it is actually a blessing that so many of God's children have those truths in their lives. Most people I have met so far, are trying so hard to be the best people they can with the knowledge they have. I'm grateful for their examples. I know the Lord has prepared people to hear His message, and due to the fact that a lot of people don't, it makes things a whole lot sweeter when we find those people that do.

One day, walking out of a investigators home, I had to back out our car in the driveway. (mission policy) I had a thought pop in my head as I saw a guy come out of his trailor, " Go talk to him" It was this very faint, very subtle thought and I wasn't at all completely sure if it was me or the Spirit, so being the nervous weirdo that I am, I get in the car to leave and then it got more persistant. Thinking of Elder Bednars remarks on if its me or the Spirit and him saying "Stop worrying about it." got to me.  I told my companion Sister Zemp, " Do you care if we go talk to him real quick?" We get out of the car and talk to this guy, Skylar. It just so happens this 20 year old, young dad of two and his girlfriend, are looking for a religion! THAT DOES NOT HAPPEN HERE! I was so excited and of course thanked my Heavenly Father for guiding us there 10 times.

Something that has really hit me is being in the Ghetto parts of town..in the trailor parks. It always makes me think for you Mama and how far you have come from living in such a humble setting. These people tend to have no hope in life, have the attitude that they were born with nothing so why try to make something of themselves. It made me cry a couple times realizing that you lived with Grandma in one of these. You have to have a certain kind of determination and extreme hard work to push past that and make it. I just wanted to tell you, I'm so proud of you:)

One more thing, in church I got called a 30 hour before church that I had to write a talk on the Atonement. I am a strong believer in prayer my friends! I got a talk done and ready for my first day in the Brownlee Ward and didn't pass out!! The Lord is so good to us:)

Missionary work is in no way easy, I'm exhausted everyday of my life, but I do get to wake up to knowing that I can be a part of saving someone's salvation today. What a thought to wake up to huh? Haha I'm grateful for all of your love, prayers and support! You have no idea how excited I get to hear from you on Mondays! Remember, everyone has been called to bring the lost sheep back to His fold. YOU are no exception. Do your part, bring someone to church, do visiting teaching, or ASK the missionaries to go teach investigators. It's the most amazing thing. Love you!

Love your missionary,

Sister Huffaker

The fro gets worse everyday...

Last day of Class!

                            

Good luck in Korea boys:)

Love these girls!

Having fun with the Zone

Pride Rock?

Having fun with bubbles

Duck leeps