My Heart is Brim with Joy, and I will Rejoice in my God!

What an incredible blessing it has been to serve the Lord these last
18 months. I can't believe it is time to get on a plane and head back
to Utah this Friday. Words cannot describe how grateful I  am for the
many wonderful experiences I've had out here in Virginia. (Okay, maybe
Ammon's words in Alma 26 can) :) My mission has brought me so much
happiness! I have grown so much closer to my Heavenly Father.

Here are a few of the many things I have learned on my mission:

Charity NEVER faileth.
There is a quote from Elder Ballard that I've kept up on my wall
throughout most of my mission that has given me a lot of strength. It
says, "When we follow Jesus Christ we act as he would act and love as
he would love." As I really tried to apply it in every aspect of my
mission I have been strengthened and blessed with so much peace!
Whenever I was faced with a challenge or difficulty, I would ask
myself 'How would Christ respond?' I will never forget the miracles
that followed. Christ truly is our Redeemer. I am so grateful for his
endless love and the love of our Heavenly Father!

By small and simple things GREAT things are brought to pass.
As I have read the scriptures and prayed daily I have come to know the
joy and direction that comes from doing these small and simple
commandments. As I've watched others that I have taught follow these
commandments I have seen their lives change drastically! It has been
an amazing thing to see a small change bring about a big difference in
others' lives.

God knows me PERFECTLY.
My mission has helped me see who God sees in me. He knows what I'm
capable of and He wants to help me in every aspect of my life. He
loves each of us individually. I'm grateful that I've had the
opportunity to feel just a portion of how much He loves his children
as I've taught them. He sure does love us a bunch!


Teaching others has beyond strengthened my testimony of the restored
gospel. I am so blessed to have been able to spend my last couple of
transfers here in Leesburg. It has been miraculous! I'm so excited to
see Vanthan and Sidony continue to progress towards the temple. I have
loved every minute with my companion Sister Goodwin. She has helped me
to find joy in the journey! We have seen so many miracles together
this transfer with the members of our Ward. I'm so excited to hear
about the referrals that the missionaries will soon be teaching here.

This last week has been incredible! Even with the super hot humidity
in its way. :) I'll be back Virginia, don't you worry!

I'm sad to go, but excited for the many adventures ahead of me! Also
super excited to be reunited with my family! :) Friday will be one to
remember.

Thank you all for your support and love throughout my entire mission!
I'll see you soon.

So much love,
Sister Winterton


Saying goodbye isn't always easy.... Love all of these great people!

Vanthan Got Baptized!!

Wow. I couldn't ask for a better week! :):) Okay...except for all of the crazy things preparing for the baptism. But it was ALL worth it!!

Throughout the week we worked out all of the logistics as to who would baptize and confirm Vanthan and who would give the prayers and talks. We tried our best to find people nearby who could speak Cambodian (Khmer). We found a family from Sterling who volunteered to do most of the program but once Friday came around things fell through. Luckily we found people to step in last minute! We even got the program with the Khmer translations! It was quite the ride. :) It was so special to have all of the talks and ordinances performed in her language.

Her baptism on Saturday was the most amazing experience. Sister Goodwin and I went early to the church to set everything up. It was a pretty dark and rainy day but there was so much joy and light in the church that day. While setting up I had a funny/embarrassing moment. I was moving some tables and accidentally dropped one on my foot! MAN that hurt, but I just sat and laughed on the floor -- of course this would happen minutes before Vanthan showed up. I was completely fine after icing it for a little while. I just have a nice bruise now.

When Vanthan got there she had the biggest smile! She was THRILLED. She quickly got changed into her white clothes and couldn't stop smiling. We took some pictures and prepared for the program. Many people from Cambodia were able to come from different nearby cities! It was great to see Vanthan being able to socialize and feel support in that way.

As far as the program goes, we had someone from Cambodia give an opening prayer and another give a talk. Sidony (Vanthan's daughter who is a returning member) gave a talk as well. Her talk was the sweetest thing. Although we could not understand what she said, the Spirit filled the room so powerfully. Many eyes were wet in the room. It was incredible to see the change in Sidony - when I first met her she wouldn't even accept the invitation to say a prayer in the lesson. She is now very willing to participate in things and can never stop smiling.

A man from the Manassas 2nd Ward was able to come baptize and confirm Vanthan in Khmer. He is actually from Utah but served his mission in Cambodia! Your mission never ends after being released :) One of the most powerful moments was when he confirmed her a member of the church and gave her the gift of the Holy Ghost. I could tell that the Spirit was working through him to help him know what to say. Khmer is definitely not an easy language. As he spoke I had the strongest feeling of how much God loved Vanthan and the many blessings he had in store for her. How incredible!

I am so so grateful to have been able to be a part of Vanthan's baptism. It has been amazing not only to see her conversion but also her daughter Sidony's. So much happiness!!!




As far as the rest of the week goes.. I'll just give a quick run down.

Last Monday we had a nice relaxing time with some Cold Stone ice cream and then walked around one of the nearby battlefields (Balls Bluff). We were lucky to have such a beautiful day! (Today was awesome too!!) The rest of the week it misted rain nonstop.

On Thursday morning we had a great lesson with one of our investigators who's husband is a less active. She didn't come to church yesterday but we high hopes for them in the near future! Our lesson went very smoothly and we were able to answer a lot of her questions. The Spirit really helps us teach - it's incredible!

A MAJOR MIRACLE came to us yesterday at church! One of the members came up to us after all the meetings and said that their friend Ashira wanted to get baptized!! Ashira is about 12 years old and has been attending a lot of young women's activities with a friend in our ward for a couple months now. Today was her first time going to church. When I asked why she wanted to get baptized she told me that she had been baptized Catholic but she didn't know there was more. Wow! Sister Goodwin and I are so thrilled to start teaching her and hopefully her mom!

TODAY we went to the National Zoo in D.C. with a lot of awesome Sisters! I got to be with my MTC companion Sister Malufau. (They surprised me!) I love and miss her so much! It was the perfect last trip to D.C. Seeing all the animals was so much fun too! My favorites were probably the cheetah, elephants, and the peacock that we basically touched!

Our area continues to flourish and the miracles seem to never cease. I love even the small miracles of meeting super kind and open people while tracting. On Saturday we only had 15 minutes left in the night and I had a goal to pass out two copies of the Book of Mormon that day. The only two doors that answered accepted copies!! Things like that make me so happy. :)

God loves us and knows our goals and desires! He will always provide a way when we act and have faith.

I love you all so much! I can't believe how fast time is ticking. I wish you all the best this week!

Love,

Sister Winterton



Pictures:

1. Vanthan! 💗
2. Us, Vanthan, Sidony, Siodny's husband Hardy
3. Last Preparation Day at the battlefield!
4. Today at the Zoo!!
5. When I dropped the heavy table on my foot :P
6. Sister Malufau and I :)
7. The peacock at the zoo! Yes, we got that close!

Scattering Sunshine!!

Right now life is so good!!! Our past week has been incredible.

We had Zone Conference on Thursday and it was so great to see the Huntsman's! I love them so much. They truly love each of us missionaries with their whole soul. Everything they teach is focused on being happy and all they want us to remember from them is how much we are loved.

We had a fun family night with Julius and Venencia! Julius is a professional tennis player and came from Zimbabwe to pursue his dream and share his talent. :) He taught us how to play! It was a full-on practice with drills and everything. We had a blast! It was a miracle that the rain clouds went away and we were able to have tons of sun!

On Wednesday we had a great Relief Society service activity. All the women got together and made lots of different things for refugees in our area (key-chains, journals, activity books, etc). It was so much fun! Some young women brought their friends too - it was a great turn out!

Along with some great lessons with less actives, we have been LOVING teaching our investigator Vanthan! She is getting baptized this Saturday the 21st! She is thrilled! Teaching her is always the highlight of the week. In preparation for her baptism we have taught her 3 times this week. When we taught her about the temple her first response was, "I want to go there!!"  She continues to LOVE the simple truths of the gospel. It was such a neat experience to see her read the story of the tree of life! One of my favorite moments this week was when we all sang "I Am a Child of God" together. Vanthan said that she got the chills. It is amazing how much the Spirit testifies and brings JOY.

Some of the biggest miracles this week have been about the preparations for the baptism. Long story short, we have people to perform the baptism, confirmation, give talks, and prayers - ALL in Khmer. WOW! We are putting on a Cambodian baptism! We were able to have someone come to translate her baptismal interview on Saturday as well. It has been incredible! Things just keep falling from the sky.

As the end of my mission keeps getting closer I have been amazed at how calm and happy everything has been. I have absolutely no worries about the future - I know that our Heavenly Father has got our backs! I am so grateful that I've been in this area at this time and meeting the people I'm with. I couldn't have asked for a better last companion and ward!

Missions are just the best!!! I am loving every minute of it. :)

Love you all and wish you the best this week!
♥Sister Winterton


Pictures:
1. Tennis!! (Julius was taking the picture)
2. & 3. Sis. G and I went and "heart attacked" our STL's door! Sharing happiness is the best!
4. Can you understand Khmer?? ;) Vanthan LOVED this story!
5. More tennis!
6. Venencia has the BEST laugh!

A Shower of Heavenly Blessings!

What a wonderful week!

Getting to Skype my family yesterday was definitely one of the biggest highlights! I love them so so much! Family is the best. ♥

Most of the week was filled will rain drops and gloomy clouds. On Monday night we had a pretty awesome rain storm! Sister Goodwin and I had fun dancing around and getting drenched. Luckily, it was beautiful weather earlier that day for our Zone Activity at the Huntsman's! I love President and Sister Huntsman so much.

On Wednesday we went on a mini exchange with the STL's so we could pass off a potential YSA investigator. I went with Sister Pope and got to teach Misael the Restoration. It was awesome! Pretty cool to have met him a few weeks ago while ordering food at Panera. There are prepared people all over! 

Later that evening we had a lesson with a less active in our ward and her 9 year old daughter. We had been trying to meet with them for a long time. They were a lot of fun and are excited to have us come back.

Our Cinco de Mayo was more like Sicko de Mayo.. Sister Goodwin and I got some sort of stomach bug. Not very fun at all - but we're feeling mucho better now! That really made us appreciate good health and solid working days!

We had lessons with Vanthan on Friday and Sunday morning. I am amazed every time at how the Spirit teaches. SO much love for her. She gives the best hugs! 

On Saturday afternoon we got to go to the Johnson twins' baptisms. They are the cutest! We got to help teach and prepare them for that special day. Their Dad is a somewhat recent convert to the church so it was amazing to see him perform the ordinances and have his family come support.

Before the baptisms, I got to have lunch with the former Sister Hill!! She was my STL in July and has returned home. She came back to VA for a visit this weekend! One of her companions got married in the DC Temple. We had a great time. :)

The members in the Leesburg ward never cease to amaze me! They also never cease to feed us. :) We are so well taken care of here!

Wishing you all the best week!

Love,

Sister Winterton

Pictures:

1. Mother's Day! :)

2. Rain Storm!

3. Our District - fiesta style!

4. Lunch with (former) Sister Hill!!

5. Getting to see Sis. Hill ;)

6. Mexican hot chocolate after the rain storm!

7. Don't mess.

8. Out in the boonies part of our area. So pretty!

9. Lunch with some Sisters after District Meetings.

Today we went to the Air and Space Museum in Chantilly! It was super
awesome!! ....but I'll be honest, seeing all the planes gave me a
little bit of anxiety! I'll be getting on a plane here pretty soon. I
think I'm in denial. Haha! Such a fun place. :)

Sweet is the Work

I really can't believe that it is May! This past week we had some great opportunities to serve with the members of our ward!

Last Monday we had an awesome opportunity to have dinner and FHE with some members in our ward! They also invited a part-member family to join us. Member work is the best! We had a great time getting to know everyone better and sharing our testimonies of the Savior. So much power!

On Tuesday we went on exchanges with the STL's in Shenandoah. Always fun to go back and stay the night in my last area. :) I got to spend the day with Sister Pope who is also going home at the beginning of June. It was great to talk about our goals and things we've learned while out here on a mission. That night I got to teach John! It was such a blessing to be able to see him again and hear his testimony. How amazing to be able to see someone you taught progress as a new member in the gospel! Having the constant guidance of the Holy Ghost is one of the biggest blessings we could ever have in this life. I know that the Spirit is essential in our everyday lives. He brings us true and lasting joy!

We got to help a family in our ward make some taco casseroles to take to the homeless shelter on Thursday! They invited some friends who aren't members too. It was a blast! So fun to be serving together. On Saturday we got to be at the homeless shelter and help serve that food with some youth and leaders in our ward. What a neat experience!

On Thursday morning we had an awesome meeting with all the Sisters in the area out in a park by the Potomac River. So much fun!

We taught Vanthan on Friday evening and Sunday morning. Those are always my favorite parts of the week. :) She is so fun to teach. Yesterday she told us, "I so happy baptize!!" with a big grin on her face. Her excitement just makes mine that much more! She is really coming to understand and LOVE the principles of the gospel. She holds the pamphlets to her chest and smiles. I'm so grateful for pamphlets!

When we taught her about and invited her to keep the law of the fast she said, "I try". I feel that that is all God asks of us. That we TRY. I know that no effort is wasted. Our Heavenly Father knows when we're striving and doing our best.

Yesterday we got to teach Sharing Time in Primary! We taught about the Restoration and Joseph Smith using a visual. We "built" Christ's church with little cups - and the key cup in the bottom of the pyramid was the Priesthood. (This is a common visual that many missionaries use) Those kids loved it! I love how simple and powerful it is. Teaching all the little kiddos was one of the highlights.

This week while reading in the Book of Mormon I have been learning more about Abinidi. He is AWESOME. He has no fear and keeps preaching and testifying even when all is against him. He kept going even though he never saw any fruits from his labors. He had no idea that Alma was listening and would later convert many! I want to be like Abinidi.

I hope you all have a wonderful week! Happy Mother's Day on Sunday! ♥

Love,
Sister Winterton

Pictures:
1. Teaching John on exchanges!
2 & 3. Sisters Meeting by the Potomac.
4. Vanthan and Sidony. ♥
5. We got yummy frozen custard last Pday!:) ..mine had some mango
Italian ice too! YUM.
6. On exchanges with Sis. Pope! It was a hot day! Thanks to Hector for
the water!
7. Sisters Meeting. We made boats and put a rock with something we're
"sacrificing" this transfer. Look at us all unified!
8. Silly picture at the sisters meeting. Fun stuff!

Living After the Manner of Happiness!

So. MUCH. Joy.

This past week was transfers! I'm still in Leesburg with Sister Goodwin and life is so great! Our goals this transfer are: progression (in ourselves and in our area) and having JOY in the journey. Joy has been a big focus in the entire mission too. Life is meant to be enjoyed - not endured. And what a joyful week it has been!

Our new investigator from Cambodia - Vanthan - is getting baptized on May 28th!! She is SO thrilled. She has been waiting for months to get back from Cambodia so she could get baptized. On Friday evening we taught her the Restoration using the pamphlet in her language. Moment of silence for this lesson!

I have gained the strongest testimony of the power and simplicity of the pamphlets. We would show her the pictures and Sidony (her daughter who is a member) would explain it to her in their language. Sidony would also translate our few sentences to introduce each new principle. We also had Vanthan read small paragraphs from the pamphlet - and we knew exactly what she was reading. It was incredible to see her eyes light up as she came to understand things. The best part was when she saw the picture of the First Vision. Her understanding of who God is and how He can communicate with us was perfect. The Spirit truly is the teacher. I'm so grateful that I get to be a part of this. God loves us all so so much and He understands each of us.

Before church yesterday, we had another amazing lesson! To start, we showed her a clip of the First Vision and played the piano version of Praise to the Man. The presence of the Spirit was undeniable. Sidony, Sister Goodwin and I all wept tears of joy. Vanthan's expressions were ones I'll never forget. She kept grinning from ear to ear. Just as Vanthan knows, I know that God and His Son appeared to Joseph Smith. He answers our prayers.

What an incredible experience it is to teach so simply and watch the Spirit testify. So much joy!!!

At Church it was so fun to hear Vanthan try to sing along to the hymns. :) So much sweetness! For Gospel Principles we prepared a copy of the lesson in her language so she could somewhat understand. Such a neat experience! Everyone was thrilled to meet her!

As for the rest of the week, we continued to find joy in meeting cool people tracting, eating dinner with fun people, singing in the car, and serving with the ward members. Life is so good! We have started a "joy wall" in our kitchen and have been writing things that have brought us joy during the day. It's so fun to keep track!

I hope you all find the simple things that make life joyful - and that you create joy in every moment this week.

Love you all!

♥Sister Winterton

This is Peter! He got baptized on my first day serving here in
Leesburg (with the trio) back a couple of months ago. He took us out
for Mexican! He is HILARIOUS. :)