So you have heard

Well....until next week i'll get the update I guess,

This week was incredible....we have seen so many blessings in the work as we strive to obey the training we have been given from President for our mission. I know the Lord guides this work. We met a man named Giovanni from Honduras. He came to the states the first time to study to become an Engineer but after two years his step father died so he had to go help is Mom raise his brother and sister ( he never knew his dad) He put his dreams aside and went back to Honduras and worked for 10 years to get his brother and sister through college and then sent his brother off to nashville with 10,000 dollars of his saving to study for his masters degree. After 8 months though his brother was killed in a drunk driving accident but the man was not put in Jail so Giovanni, after taking care of his brother, has returned to investigate the case. He stopped praying to God after his brother's death because he didn't understand why it happened, he knows God is their and has since finished finished school in Boston to become an Engineer and is staying here only to continue to help his family. He recognizes that many intelligent people do not believe in God but he could never deny the veracity of his existence- he once tried to explain to a professor how a pile of wood put on a foundation doesn't not establish itself after leaving it for 10 years and coming back to find a fully built home- there is always a creator.

"Now God who has made us, knows what we are an that our happiness is in HIm. Yet we will not seek in in HIm as long as He leaves us any other resort wherest (happiness) is even plausibly to be looked for. While what we call "our own life" remains aggreable we wil not surrend it to Him. What then an God do in our own interest bu make "our own life" less aggreeable to us, and take away the plausible sources of false happiness." C.S. Lewis [ a quote from my scripture notes- i promise i'm not reading C.S. lewis...it's not in the missionary library :) ]

Giovanni knows you cannot find happiness in money or in what you have, and he is very interested in learning more about the church. He has tried other churches and has not felt included- but he knows he is looking for something and has not filled that emptiness. He is "golden" as we say it.

All is well here in Houston, Life is bliss and Sister Berg and I are loving the work. I'll let you know how Giovanni is doing. I wish I could write about everyone, Gloria, David and Araceli, Carlos, Yasmine, Leonardo, Maria Rivera, .....and many more. Amazing people who want to follow truth.

Jess

Wow, things happen fast!

Buenos Tardes Mi Vida

This week saw many blessings. We had stake conference and the prophet spoke to our region over broadcast. We had a family we have been teaching for over 6 weeks come to church along with a part member family whose son has never come before. I also was able to see everyone from my old ward and my new converts the damian girls!! we all just cried and we were so happy to see each other. I saw Hermana Solis (who is the mom of Elder Solis who is serving where Grandpa saw him) and she is doing well- Has Grandpa met Elder Torres yet? He serves in Arlington. Ruben is doing really well- he will be confirmed next week and is so excited to learn more. The day after his baptism we went by to see him and we realized his tv was gone! we asked what he did with it and he told us he threw it out because it was a waste of time and he needed to study the Book of Mormon!

I recieved a call from President again this morning and he asked me train again this next transfer. Sister Pahulu and I are sad to be separated but we have had an amazing time together and have seen many miracles in the Lord's work. Her name is Sister Berg and she will be coming from the MTC on wednesday. She is from Heber City!

Yes I am officially extended! I am really humbled by the opportunity. I know it is the Lord's will. There was opposition in this process as satan always has his fingerprints on it but all is set and ready to go. I do miss you all very much though and I will still see you soon. Tell Marian thank you for the e-mail I love her so much and she has to be the big girl in the house a little longer since brea left.

One of our Members who has helped us a lot with the work just moved to Sandy this weekend. His name is Samuel Aguilar- I gave him your address and phone number so that he can come visit ya'll. Maybe you could invite him to dinner or something....he has given so much time and effort to missionary work and we want to show him how grateful we are.. Mom your cell number is 801 380 1103 right? I hope so.....

One day as we were sitting at a stoplight I was thinking of some big tasks ahead of us with some of our investigators- I just came to the conclusion, the scriptures and thoughts came to my mind about entering into the Savior's rest, I want to be with him already and have him tell me everything will be alright....the thoughts passed and two days later I was sitting in a zone meeting studying and I read this scripture in Mosiah 3:13 " And the Lord God hath sent his holy prophets among all the children of men, to declare these things to every kindred, nation, and tongue, that thereby whosoever should believe that Christ should come, the same might receive remission of their sins, and rejoice with exceedingly great joy, even as though he had already come among them."

That was my answer, Christ is already with us and that is what we are bringing into the lives of all of these wonderful people. I try everyday to remember that He is always right beside us and that through difficult times we are to maintain that relationship with Him.

President Monson said that we if we do not try, we will not do, and if we don't do- then why are we here? I know his call to find those who are struggling right now is from the Lord and that the work can move forward at an even greater pace as we recognize Christ in those around us and treat them that way.

I Love you all so much!! Thank you for supporting me and the Lord's work. I know as we make our desires the Lord's desires we find real happiness.

Sister Tuckett

Monday Again

You are an amazing woman my mother!! You are never going to grow old because you are always working to be better. We don't grow old until we stop learning something new I say. I can't believe they are all leaving on their missions! and Lisa Callister! I'm happy for them.

I agree with you about Park City- I fell ostracized out in Park City- I don't mind Heber though it's more like a city not a tourist attraction and it's safer- old country, kids can run outside and play....I believe the city suburbs have made me very grateful for where we live.

I read the "anonymous" story of the keys in the door and Grandma and Grandpa's letter! The police didn't say that it was them at all they just shined their lights in our house and kept trying to get through the chain! Yelling police would be a good way to get people to open their door to hear the gospel no?.....

I've been studying a lot about Ammon and brethren and their missionary work lately. The Anti Nephi Lehi's have just born their testimony that they will not fight against their brethren anymore after knowing of the price our Savior has paid. I was wondering what covenants are we willing to keep with that level of conviction- do we always act according to what we know? I know that covenants bring us salvation. "Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you." 1 Peter 3:15

This week was incredible because we exercised our faith and stretched our goals. In the mission we have a goal to talk with 70 people each every week but this week Hermana Pahulu and I decided to talk with 90 people each. We met many wonderfully prepared people and many news came to church. There is no limit to the Lord's miracles and power. I know that if we want to increase our faith it is not enough just to live the commandments but we much continually serve and sacrifice, we must choose not to have the thoughts of " I have done enough for right now, I'm going to take a break" "why do i have to prove myself over and over again?" or "I don't deserve this setback" We will always be indebted to our Heavenly Father. I know that no circumstance or trial that we face should be a reason to hold back something from the Lord.

I love you all so much!!! Have a wonderful week!!!

Jess

Sunday is a day of Rest

Good Morning Mother Ray!!

Sounds like you might have had a busier Sunday than us! I would love to be part of the Hospitality Committee for the Women's Conference in April. How was the Homecoming?

We began our Sunday morning as normal with our 8:00 personal study and 9:00 Comp study. Then it begins....we spend our mornings making sure investigators have rides or know how to get to church at 11:00 am. We met one member over at a complex to pick up Juan Garcia then went to meet Marla Cantu so she could follow us, then we needed to stop by another complex so la familia Parra could follow after marla's car and two other members picked up the rest. Nevertheless we had a train headed to the church and we barely made it in time so that Sister Pahulu and I could speak in Sacrament meeting. (For the first time I didn't have to read my talk word for word in spanish so that was a blessing!) 15 of our investigators came to church yesterday and recieved some amazing answers to their prayers. Ruben will be baptized in two weeks. He is from Mexico and doesn't have any family here. He is a very intense hispanic and talks way too fast for my new companion but we make it through a lesson all right. He asks amazing questions in lessons. I love good questions.

This week went by fast and life seems to fly by faster- especially on the mission. I have had an awakening of things i've always wanted to accomplish on the mission and in life which came in the form of a SINGLE WHITE HAIR. Yes, you heard right....my companion Sister Pahulu boldly mentioned that I had a white hair in my pony tail. Where did that come from??? Maybe all the investigators that have not come to church, not kept their commitments, weren't at home when we had members with us, losing the keys, visits from police officers, running around like crazy on sunday mornings, biking like Armstrong to get to our next appointment, companion breakdowns....who knows....it could be many things that brought the vibrant white strand of hair to my head but without further balking (that is how you spell it correct?) life goes on and I must live in the moment of realizing dreams and doing the work of the Lord... I'm so grateful to be missionary, grateful to serve our Lord and Savior and grateful for the restored Gospel on the earth today.

Love you so much!!

12.6.10

Hello Family!

Thank you so much for everything. I did see the Christmas Fireside it was amazing! Sister Nava and I are singing christmas carols to everyone we see. By the way Mom I learned the song Little purple pansies in spanish I will sing it to you when I call on Christmas. Sorry about your test mom- Psalms 145: 14

I don't have much time today...i'm sorry and I have all these things to write! First: I have no cavities and nothing to pay- i just had sensitive teeth and he gave me some flouride stuff!

The work is amazing I've learned to find Joy in my imperfections.. and strength in my Savior.

Love you all I'll write more next week!

Jess

Thanksgiving

Sounds like a wonderful thanksgiving!! I had to fight Carly Simon lyrics from coming into my head ha ha. Our Thanksgiving was quite uneventful actually- but the next day we had a wonderful dinner and lesson with one of the members- as if it was Thanksgiving day. The culture in latin countries doesn't include thanksgiving very much but many spent time with their families. I loved that story about Caleb and Brea's shooting abilities :)!! Thanks! this one will be a little short because i'm going to help my companion type a letter to her family-- did you get my letter witht the pictures by the way?!

Well, believe it or not, Missionary Travel has sent me the dreaded letter of arranging flight plans for coming home. I need some information:

What method of transportation will you be using to return home?

- by airplane with other missionaries (i would like this one)

- by airplane but with my parents ( if you would like to come and then we fly home together that is fine too)

- by car with my parents ( why delay the arrival home?)

- Other (maybe horse, hiking...biking....you decide)

Home stake name:

Home ward:

Home phone number:

New address:

Airport nearest home: Salt lake city Airport right? I forgot the name

I didn't realize I don't know a lot of this information!

I can't ask to change my plans after so we have to make it solid. If you can let me know by next monday because I have to turn it on Tuesday. Maybe Mom and Dad fly here to meet me- we spend a day with grandma and grandpa and come back or.....I fly straight home and then the family runs away somewhere for a little bit ( i don't need to speak in church for a while) or I just come home..... I'll just tell you i'm not really excited for the transition home....I heard it is a hard one and I might cry a lot but know that I love you.

The mission life is the most amazing thing in the world!!! I love you all so much, thank you for your prayers, know that they are working.

Jess

Snowy Monday

OK I'll go to the dentist. Thank you so much- i promise I floss every night and I don't eat sugar and i'm brushing three times a day I just have soft teeth!

Thank you so much...I'll let you know.

There is a chiropractor in one of our stakes and he did it for free! It was nice I was so grateful because my back had been hurting. He supposedly lets all the missionaries come in. He has Jersies up in his office from some top NFL players- I liked it.

I love my new area! I'm in downtown Houston. It's beautiful and I' m companions with Hermana Nava- I sent a picture of her with Sister Christensen and I- did you get it? She was burned as a baby and has had many surgeries to repair the damage, she is missing her forearm but is amazing at biking and lifting it up and down the stairs. She is an amazing missionary and a living testimony of the resurrection. I 'm learning so much from her and I hope we stay companions for a while.

There are many humble people here that want to learn but have many difficulties as well. One family wants to get baptized but the mother and five kids have to move out of the house and find another place because the dad is an alcoholic and abusive. It is kind of a touchy situation but they will hopefully be safe by the end of december..and baptized!

Love you so much!!!!

Sister Tuckett

Snowy Monday

Well It was a crazy week!!! Where do I begin...

The first news is that Andy Suarez was baptized on thursday and confirmed on Sunday- He has been waiting for a while because is under 18 and his mom is very catholic and wouldn't let him do it but we worked out some legal affairs (I was pretty good with the attorney lingo) and it all went through beautifully. His dad was also able to baptize him, he just needed another man in the font with him because he went blind from diabetes about 2 years ago. It was beautiful. Then we had a wonderful primary program and every single child that we have baptized the last 6 months sang and gave their testimony. I cried. Esbeyde, Selene, Morelia Damian Jan, Jacklyn, Gio and Benny Jaimes, and Andy Suarez and Kevin Lopez. Then that night we had a fireside and Jennifer Damian bore her testimony in front of investigator's in our zone.

I'm out of time but remind me a funny story about walgreen's parking lot.

I'm being transferred on wednesday so I'll let you know my new address!! I've loved sugarland.

Love you so much!! I'll write more next week! Thank you for all your prayers...they really do work...

Jess

Monday, Monday

Buenos Tardes Mi Vida

This might be my last week in Houston 4, (Sugar Land area) I've been here for about 6 months now and the ward is very much my second home. Almost all of the members make dessert and juice with splenda for me and know everything I can't eat :)

This far in my mission I have realized we sometimes hide from ourselves in vagueness, generalities, and conceptions. One person could live their whole life without really caring who God is and our relationship with Him- Many people we meet say this very thing. But I've decided...of course I'm not finished with my mission, but to this point of three things that would simplify our pursuance :

1. Find out who God is

2. Let Him get to know you

3. Help others do the same

Our Gospel Prinicles teacher and Ward Mission Leader is from Chile, he used to be a jew but was baptized when he realized that an answer he was searching for that took over a year was found in our church doctrine. He came to the understanding that each one of us has an equal right to recieve revelation and answers which was the foundation of his testimony in the church. He is extremely intelligent and I ask him questions every time we have our meetings. I asked him last week "what motivates you to gain so much knowledge?" He began to tell me the story of a man who approached plato wanting to be his apprentice and learn everything he knows. He replied "follow me" They went down to the ocean where had him go under the water but then held him under until he began to struggle for air. He eventually let him come up and asked "What was the number one thing you wanted?"

"to breath!" he replied

"When you want to learn as much as you wanted to breath then you will be my apprentice"

I began to reflect on this story during my studies and prayers: How much conviction do I have in knowing the will of the Lord? What is the number one thing I want in life (no vagueness)? Do I really want to know who God is?

I believe we can all use this story to estimate where our discipleship is... how devoted our we to being examples and followers of Jesus Christ? I know that God gives answers to all those who are willing to pay the price. It is repeated more times in the scriptures to "ask and ye shall recieve"

I'm so happy to hear you had a good trip mom!! I would love to do that sometime with you and be with all the Pyper girls (and grandpa) . Thanks for telling me about the trip!

I'm excited to talk to trevor and nathan about the mission! I hope they make the transition home all right.

Love you all so much!!!

Coming to Tajas

Mom I'm so excited for you!!!

I can only imagine what It will be like to go back home. Lots of memories, tears, and smiles. You deserve it. Thank you sooo much for the box and pictures it was fantastic and it's funny because my comp asked me "why did she send you candy" and I said "so I can give it out to little kids!" I knew it :) It is more blessed to give then to recieve.

12 year old boys! they just want to know they have purpose ha ha we've had some good lessons with that age group too.

I have been studying a lot about repentance. I know that baptism and the Sacrament are parallel ordinances. I know that we need the Holy Ghost in order to follow the will of the Lord. I want to develop the habit of leaving the visiting out in the foyer and when I walk into the sacrament meeting I quietly sit down and prepare for the meeting. It is one of the best opportunities to recieve personal revelation.

I can't imagine how Joshua felt following in the footsteps of Moses. The Lord comforted him over and over with the guidance to "be strong and of a good courage" " I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."..." be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."

I know this promise applies to each and every one of us.....Every time I have put my trust in the Lord, sometimes I take it back out of fear...but he is always there. I can relate to Peter with all of my heart desiring to follow Him! but at times I weaken and my conviction fail me.... Sometimes I wondered if the Lord would except me back...and He always does. His patience in everlasting it seems. I am humbled by how many prayers He has answered that I didn't deserve, how many blessings recieved with no thoughts of recieving anything in return.. I know Christ Lives. I know the Atonement is real.

The Damian Family was baptized the day before Halloween. It was beautiful. President Saylin and his family came and the primary did a special music number. I'm sending pictures! It was an incredible! The satsifaction of this work is not found in the baptismal service itself...but in the spiritual experiences that we share with them and their faith in Christ grows and they find out who they really are.

I love this Gospel...Thank you for everything. Love you so much!!

Jess

Hay mas tiempo que vida

That's amazing dad!!! I'll come home and add to the patriotism!

It is so true- from reading that article from general conference. The government is trying to make up for the lack of moral discipline and it is just not possible. Complexity gives us a sense of control and management and we cannot create godly outcomes through satan's means.

This week was great- as all weeks. I wanted to tell you and the family how lucky we are to have you. We are teaching the five girls still whose mother left them three years ago. They are now praying personally and as a family, seeing miracles and blessings in their lives and coming to church.....the only things that is missing is their Dad. We have worked to teach him his responsiblity as the Father of the home and the blessings heavenly Father has for him but he consistently chooses to watch t.v. over spending time with his family. I know that soon he will see the amazing opporunity he has to change his life but it showed me how lucky we are.

I'm grateful for you and the example you have showed us of the most important things in our lives and what matters most.

I'll write more next week! Love you so much!

Jess

New Email

Hey Mom!!

Yes I can recieve pictures downloaded

Two weeks ago I recognized how fear works in our lives too. I learned that fear is not from God and that we can know when Satan is trying to dismay, discourage us from doing something that is the best for us. I just said "Good try but not today!"

Well I have a new companion again, Sister Van Tienderen! She is right out of the MTC. Her family lives in Holiday and she is amazing. She is fearless for her first week in the field and we are seeing many blessings in the work.

Elder Costa came to our area last week and we all got to shake his hand and talk with him. (He is the one that gave the talk on prophets during the saturday morning session) He is an amazing man. As we all went to shake his hands he said "every time I meet with the missionaries I shake their hands so I can feel of their spirit" in his brazilian accent he told us his conversion story. His family was baptized but he didn't want to be at first, at sixteen years old He was sitting outside a room where two sister missionaries were teaching an older lady- he heard the story of Joseph Smith and he began to think about it- he left to meet with some buddies but the spirit was working so hard on him he returned home shortly after and asked his mom for a Book of Mormon. He began to read at 7:00 pm that night and didn't stop until 9:00 am the next morning when he closed the book he knew it was true- he ran to the sister's home with the BOM in his hand and waited till they came home- upon their arrival he said he needed to be baptized (he had never been in the church or knew anything about baptism) they said they would need to get permission and it went all the way to their mission president to teach him three lessons one day and 4 the following and then he would have his interview. he said "I knew I needed to be baptized"

It was an amazing meeting. I learned that a testimony comes to those who are willing to pay the price, just like an academic degree we must but in the effort of study, prayer, meditation and doing so that we may know with that assurance of divinity. I like this quote by President Spencer W. Kimball about recieving personal revelation.

" God will make it known unto you once you have capitulated and have become humble and receptive. Having dropped all pride of your mental stature, having acknowledged before God your confusion, having subjected your egotism, and having surrendered yourself to the teaching of the Holy Spirit, you are ready to begin to learn."

I love that story about Caleb! I forgot about that the proportion of protein applies with how many carbs you eat. Everything has been so great with my food though Mom. Heavenly Father has blessed me so much I can't believe how free I feel of it. I never realized how much I was in pain all the time- it was almost three years of trying to figure out what was going on but I feel now that I have the discipline and food plan that has really helped me. I'd love to know what else you learn. How is your class going?

We met an amazing lady with three kids from El Salvador- her husband left her for another woman and her Faith in Christ has carried her through many hard things. She genuinely wants to know the true church of Christ and the spirit is so strong every time we go to teach her because of her faith.

I was wondering (for a Family Home Evening) all of you could write your testimonies and send them to me so that I can share them with our investigators (translated of course) Also I would just love to have them with me.

I loved President Monson's talk on gratitude. It was perfect. It has been said through gossip "His talks are so simple and short, I expected more from a prophet." and I began to wonder "Why would we need more than that?" "What else would/should we want from a prophet?" In our lives- Complexity gives us a sense of control and management- Something I have learned and am still learning is that we cannot achieve Godly outcomes through Satan's means- anything that promotes a sense of control is not how Heavenly Father works but that Heavenly and earthly laws govern our lives as we adhere to the spirit and "the truth shall make you free" I know we can simplify our lives. I believe that when Heavenly Father reveals the secrets of the world we will say " Really? it's that simple" Because it is...

I'd like to live in a distorted free life :)

" ...For the spirit speaketh the truth and lieth not. Wherefore, it speaketh of things as they really are, and of things as they really will be" (Jacob 4:13)

I am so eternally grateful for you as my parents, for my brothers and sisters who support me and love me. I'm so grateful for all the people I have met who have left me a little bit better, a little closer to my Savior.

Much Love,

Jess