The Lord Protects His Missionaries

Several experience this week helped Hermana Wilbur to know that she is watched over by the Lord and his angels while she is serving in Owensboro, Kentucky.

First story:  Nicole was biking along in a neighborhood with her companion.  As she was crossing through an intersection, a truck hauling a huge trailer did not take the time to stop at the stop sign and started heading right towards her.  Both Nicole and the trucker slammed on brakes and barely missed each other.  It was a very close call!

Tornados in Kentucky!

Second, a few tornados touched down in Owensboro last Sunday and Nicole and her companion were told to shelter in the apartment, in the bathtub, with a mattress over their heads.  As you can imagine, the experience was a new one for Nicole (coming from New Mexico) so she and her companion said a prayer that all would be well, and that they wouldn't be scared.  During the prayer, Nicole's companion mentioned that the apartment had been dedicated before they moved in and that she was confident that angels would watch over them during the tornado.  Nicole felt great peace and comfort.  It turns out that over 70 tornados touched down in Kentucky last week. 

On the positive side, Nicole attended her first Zone Conference in Evansville, Indiana.  She reports it was a great experience and she received a lot a valuable instruction that she has used while tracting and talking to people in Owensboro.

Quote from Hermana Wilbur:  "I really don't know how I got so lucky to come to the Great Kentucky Louisville Mission (GKLM)...this mission is the best mission in the world and we have the best mission president and wife."

Raking Leaves Brings Joy!




Jumping in them makes the raking worth it!

Hermana Wilbur was very busy doing service for those in Owensboro this week.  After wearing a skirt every day for months, Nicole said it was weird to change to jeans and provide some service to the Owensboro members and community.  First of all, Nicole and her companion helped on older sister in their ward to sand and paint some dressers as the woman was not able to do it herself due to back pain.  They also served in the local soup kitchen, and Nicole realized for the first time that soup kitchens serve more than soup!!    They also cleaned the church (especially the font) as they are hoping that one of those they are teaching will be baptized soon.  Finally, they offered to help a member by raking their huge lawn of fallen leaves because this family does so much for the missionaries. 

This week was "Faith Fest" in Owensboro, which is an annual festival where people can learn more about all the different religions in the community.  All the missionaries helped with an Open House of the LDS chapel, where they provided tours and explanations about our faith.  Their last tour was with a professor of philosophy and he has been studying the relationship between justice and mercy.  Nicole was amazed because she happened to study that particular subject the day before in her personal study.   "It's pretty great how Heavenly Father works!" 

Quote for the Week:  "Wow!  I can't believe another week has come and gone!  I have to say, this has been the best week yet...I am happy!"

Spooks and Frights: Halloween in Owensboro, Kentucky

Still crazy even in Kentucky!

While most children were Trick-or-Treating on October 31st, the children in Kentucky were sad as the tornado sirens postponed their fun for a night.  You can see from the photos that Hermana Wilbur and her companion got in the Halloween Spirit with bright orange blouses and funky glasses. 


Hermana Wilbur and her Companion

Hermana Wilbur spent Halloween with two other sets of Elders and her companion at a member's home eating soup and playing Apples to Apples (Bible Edition).




Hermana Wilbur and her Companion

Hermana Wilbur is keeping very busy in Owensboro.  One day, she rode 19 miles on her bike going from appointment to appointment.  She reports that by the end of the day, her legs were a little tired, but she likes that she is getting toned and strong. 

Spiritual Thought for the day:  "This week my most spiritual moment was when we were teaching one of the families that we found while tracting door-to-door.  I was reading a scripture about Jesus Christ and His role in our life as Savior.  Usually, I have to go slowly so as to pronounce the words correctly, but this time was different.  The scripture came out perfectly; and I read it at a quicker pace.  It was a little miracle and I realized that Jesus Christ is here to help me with everything, even bridging the language barrier." 
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