Week of Miracles

Dearest Family-

  I got your package of letters and I cannot tell you how this LIFTED MY SPIRITS!! I was so overjoyed to receive a letter from michael man, Stacey, Lindsey, mommy, and that poster/letter from Kristen! (which is now hanging on my bedroom wall :) Thank thank you- it brought me such joy that I was feuled with an increased fire and desire to do work and share my joy from my family and the gospel with others! Needless to say this week was AWESOME- full of work, success, and answer to prayers. 

Also I LOVED receiving Ashley's graduation card- Ash you look gorgeous! may be embarassing for you to hear this- but you looked so beautiful and I was so overwhelmed with feeling so proud of you and that you are my big sister that I cried looking at it and you, and all your law books and all you beauty- I'm not sure if you have any idea how amazing you are Ash but it all just hit me like a ton of bricks and I started bawling when I saw it. I'm so proud of you for getting into BYU law school, I was there with you when you were going through that time, and I am so proud of you for graduating. Most of all I am proud of you for all your goodness- I told Sister Johnson, "the best thing about my sister isn't that she's so gorgeous or smart- it's that she's so good- she's always nice to everyone and doesn't put other people down." I have such peace for you- I can see the big picture for you and the joy that lies ahead in your life after all this work and faithfulness- such good things await!! I have seen it and I know. I just love you so much Ash- i'm so proud of you in the best of ways. your card is hanging above my study desk so i think of you always and feel close to you. Write me. 

  As for this week: let me tell you- it was so much better than last week!! Our prayers and hard work have payed off- the Lord has blessed us. I have a particular experience I want to share with you- as you know we have been focusing and praying to find new people to teach- well on wednesday decided to do more tracting on a particular street. As we were driving there, we drove past a pond and I saw a big group of black men fishing- I kid you not it felt like there was a string pulling me towards them, the Spirit was so strong! So I told Sister Johnson, change of plans, we have to stop and walk past them. So we did. We walked right past the first group of guys- nothing. Then we got to the man at the end off fishing by himself and I felt that tug again. So I just called out,"Caught anything?!" He turned around abruptly and said "Yes mam!! A lotta blue gill! com'en look!" So we run over and look at his impressive stack of fish- he proceeded to tell us that we was planning to fry them up and give them to elderly people too poor to buy their own food- he said this was something he did whenever he felt "blue"- my heart was touched, I asked him if he had been feeling blue then and he said, "yes mam- I been feelin blue- I woke up dis mornin and said- God where you at?" Turns out- he was a man of faith. One of the coolest men I have ever met!! He is ripped, with gold teeth, dreds, a thick Southern accent, tattoos and scars all up his arms- and he (Mitch) is a man of FAITH. 

He was raised baptist, but he wasn't ruffled in the slightest when he learned we were Mormon missionaries- he said "you keep doin wach you doin! some people listen some dont- but they come around, you just plant dat seed cau dat what happen to me- I didn't know Jesus- thought he was jus a man- but I know Him now and I know He is a Savior- he taught me dat sure did." It was truly one of the most amazing spiritual discussions I have ever had with anyone on the mission- we kept talking and he told us how he had been feeling lost lately so this morning he had prayed and asked god to show himself and help him, and then he said he got the idea to come fishing with all his friends to this very pond. and then he said,"And then God send you ladies to me, and now I feel good! I feel the Holy Spirit! You ladies make me feel good-" I was busted up laughing and said that's right! It's the Spirit! I told him that I know God had led us to Him and told him that I know God had heard his prayer. Then as if that's not cool enough- he proceeded to catch the biggest fish of the day- it was huge! He started yelling and shouting as he reeled it in and he said, "That's cause you ladies came my way and started talking about Jesus!" haha it was so awesome, needless to say, we ended up giving him a Book of Mormon and our number and we are going to start teaching him. Walking away from him my heart and soul was so full of joy and gratitiude I wanted to cry- I was glowing! I know the Lord had answered both His prayer and ours by placing us in each others path at the pond that day- it's like what Jesus taught Peter, "I will make you fishers of men..." What a miracle.

  Many other miracles have happened this week- we found 2 other people who are potential investigators and we taught double the lessons this week as last. Also this sunday was an adventure! The two people asked to speak called 10 minutes before church saying that they wouldn't be able to speak that day- President Riley was in a panic because now we had no speakers so he turned to me and said,"Sister Bertoldo- will you speak? We need at least a 15 minute talk." I of course told him I would and he was instantly flooded with relief and then I thought okay great...now what am I going to speak on? haha I went into the bathroom and prayed, since church was starting in about 5 minutes now, it's not that I was nervous to speak, (you all know shyness and public speaking is not one of my fears haha) but it was more that I wanted to give a good talk and say what the members needed to hear . So I prayed- I just went to the ladies room and prayed and asked God to inspire me with the words, and the message, and the Spirit that would most benefit the members. Then I felt solid again so I went into sacrament meeting and walked up and gave a 15 minute talk. I spoke on how to Endure to the End- the importance of it, and the power of it. All the words just came, as did the scripture references, and even the quotes- it was amazing- the Spirit truly filled my mouth and mind with what to say and it went beautifully. No one had any idea I had given it on the spot. I am so grateful for the power and the inspiration of the Spirit. I know it had nothing to do with my own abilities- it was simply what God wanted me to tell them. I will never forget that experience or the power I felt while speaking.

  The Lord truly does hear and honor our righteous prayers as long as we do our part. I have learned that when praying for something you really need it is best to say the prayer then just go out and DO not sit around waiting for the answer or inspiration first- it's best to just pray in faith then act in faith, then the Lord answers our prayers after we initiate active, living faith. I love the people here so much. I've really gotten close to many many members and families here. Thank you for your support this week when I needed it!!! It made ALLLL the difference!! I love you all so much. Mom I will call you on mothers day- let me know what time to call, keeping in mind time zone dofferences! and Haley I am asking permission to call you for graduation! I pray that God will bless you all every day- Oh! and something funny- apparently I have acquired a slight southern accent, I hadn't noticed but one of the sisters (Olivia is her name I love her to pieces, she's a broadway singer and regular dolly parton) in the ward said, "sugar you are starting to sound like one of us, listen to that little swing in your talk!" haha i really hadn't noticed but now that she mentioned it I realize its true- I have picked up on the cadence, twang and lingo of the south! I like it though- I still try not to say ya'll though..we'll ss how long that lasts haha but i must say I like the south and the southern twang and sugar talk is growing in me :)

 Love ya'll

Sister B

 This is 4 year old Maya we are teaching her family :) 

This is my beloved Jeanie Simmons! relief society president and my dear friend, she reminds me of gramma- this is her house! more pics of us together in her pool house- her place is GORGEOUS

Inside Jeanie's pool house

Short and Sweet

I have recently also gained a POWERFUL testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith and of the Restorstion- I have been studying of his life and the Restoration in great depth and at great length this week, and this Sunday I had an overwhelming testifying of the Spirit in my heart of the truth of it- I was singing "Praise to the Man" all day, then we got to church and the opening hymn was "Praise to the Man" and the topic was Joseph Smith and the restoration, so of course, I started bawling...it was really cool!! I love his quotes on missionary work- but my all time favorite is this- "Shall we not go on in so great a cause?" WE WILL!!! I WILL!!!! we must. 

Baptism

Dear Family-

This weeek the Hoffer's were baptized. What a week!! I have never come home consistently so exhausted but so happy! Their baptism was amazing- so many people came we had to take it to the chapel. The Spirit was so strong- they picked "When I am Baptized" to be their opening song, and as we sang it I was suddenly flooded with the Spirit and remembering my own baptism 12 years ago, because this was the same song at mine. I was also flooded with rememberance at singing that same song of many of my younger siblings baptisms with Ashley, and all of the sudden everything felt surreal- I couldn't believe that I was now on a mission, at the baptism of our investigators- I started bawling!!! so surreal, it just wasn't sinking in, I was so overwhelmed with the Spirit...Right before baptism they kissed and it was so touching to see them. When Bro. Hoffer came out of the water he was just glowing, and Cynthia?! When she came out of the water- I will never forget the look on her face!! Pure joy. I will never forget that moment and the peace and joy in my heart. I ran right into the changing stall to help her change and running to her and giving her a big hug- she got me drenched!! And she just cried she was so happy. It made me think of you mom and how you came running at me after my baptism- what an amazing feeling. Today (p-day) cynthia took us shopping in Panama City and we bought a white baby blessing dress for Clara!! I was in heaven. They are being sealed in (get this) the Salt lake Temple next summer!!!! and I am going to be there!!!! needless to say it was a great- but exhausting- week. 

Our investigator Starla also came to Church this Sunday and saw their confirmations- she was pretty touched/affected by it I could see her tearing up.

The longer I serve (not very long still I know) the more I see how central the family is. It's everything. I see why missionaries get married so quickly after the mish now- my perspective really has changed!! The family is everything- the more I go into all these people's homes and see families of all different kinds- the more I want my own. Now our missionary work is going to shift focus- we have been focusing a lot on activating less actives but now we want to start finding people to teach. that is our goal, and it's not easy to do here in Destin so pray that we have success in finding those who are in search or need of the gospel in their lives! I'm truly starting to learn how to put others before myself- it rained really hard on Wednesday so I was sprinting in from our car to the house, but then I realized sis. Johnson couldn't keep up with her disability- so I decided I would slow down and stay with her at her pace so she wouldnt be out there alone getting more wet than me. Something small I know, but I'm realizing how important it is to place others before yourself, and your needs and wants. Selflessness instead of selfishness- the Savior was the perfect example of this. I love you all so much- I love your letters and packages, they make my day haha its sad. I hope y'all are doing doing well! I recently discovered that Brittany Spears has a house out here- we ran into it yesterday haha pretty cool!! so does Carrie Underwood and Emeril Lagasse- in fact I am seeing emeril this Saturday dad!! long story- but I will write you about it and take a picture with him for you :) He liked my name "Sis. Bertoldo" I think he thinks I am straight from Italy haha so he is coming to see us on Saturday with his entourage....how cool is that?! I'm going to tell him you are a huge fan daddy :)

 

Much Love <3

Sister Bertoldo

Week 7

Family Dearest

 

   Well well well...how are you all doing? Mom and dad - I know you're on your anniversary vacay and I can't tell you how much i'm sincerely excited for you and hope you both enjoy yourselves to the max :) you deserve it. And I loved hearing about your trip Haley!! Russia sounds awesome...wow. I'm happy for your experiences, let's just say I can relate to what you were saying!!

   This week was awesome, crazy busy, but next week is going to be even busier!! Tom and Cynthia's baptism is this saturday and they are being confirmed this sunday which is Cynthia's birthday!! How cool is that?! She's receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost on her birthday...she's so excited she said she can barely wait until sunday haha oh how I love them both. They are taking us to Panama City Beach next P-Day for sight seeeing and shopping and all that good stuff, at the dolphin peer where you can feed dolphins and sharks!! I'm excited :) General Conference was amazing. I don't know if you heard, but leadership resonsibilities are now being open to sisters!!!! They are going to call sister missionary trainers to lead and work alongside the zone leaders....very exciting. President is in the process of calling these sisters in our mission right now so we will know by next week. How amazibng it is to see how the work is progressing, hastening, and changing.

   I found conference to be a different experience this time because I was listening not just for myself, but all of our investigators. I was praying, "Oh I hope they're all watching!!" So many of their unique questions and struggles were answered I was truly moved, but not surprised, because that's how the Spirit works!!

A cool thing happened this Friday- I am amazed at the frequency at which miracles occur as a missionary. We had just finished volunteer work at the local library, and we suddenly felt overcome with fatigue. Both of us. We really felt that we needed rest before we went on to our next appointment so we could think straight, but then an address stood out to me on my GPS, so we concluded that we should just stop by that house before our next appointment. Because of our fatigue, we both felt sure nothing would come of it, but we tried anyways. Sure enough- we get there and no one is home. Just as we were turning to leave- a car pulls up..uh oh...AWKWARD!! haha that was my initial thought, but we just smiled and explained to her why we were there, and that we were missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Everytime I saw that to someone I feel my testimony burn and grow within me...I have come  to love introducing ourselves to others just so we can utter the name of the church!! She told us she belonged to another faith and was very active in it, we simply said that we thought that was great that she was doing her part and had the Savior in her life. This stunned her, I think she thought we would be offended or dismissive of her faith, which of course is not the case! She invited us back and she began pouring out her life story, and explaining how she was in prison but found Christ and it had changed her life. We rejoiced with her and explained how we too have Christ at the foundation of our faith and know that it is through Him that we are saved, elevated and changed. This led to a beautiful discussion on faith and Christ, we were all united in glorifying Christ. Then I shared a scripture with her that i had studued that morning. Tears filled her eyes and she was silent. I was filled with joy because even though I had not thought this scripture would have impacted her so much, I knew that the Spirit did, and that was why I was prompted to share it. I cannot express how VITAL the spirit is to missionary work. Without it, I would be nothing. She looked at me and said, "Where was that from? I know my Bible but i don't know that verse." I told her it was from the Book of Mormon, Alma 37:37. She started crying and said, that's exactly what i needed to hear! Then I gave her a hug and she hugged us both and she said, "Oh I love you sisters, you changed my day! I feel so good!" we told her that was the Spirit, and we left her our card, number, and a BOM and then with joy and peace and the spirit in all of our hearts, we parted ways. We went on to our next appoinment and the whole way over I couldnt stop thinking how glad and grateful I was that we hadn't gone home and slept, we would have missed that choice opportunity.

I love these people here. I love this work!!! I hope you all are doing well, I love your letters they make my day!! Keep being faith ful and obedient, "fan your fires of faith!" -Jeffrey R. Holland

 

Love,

Sister Bertoldo 

Last Week of my First Transfer!

Dear family-

Awesome week. Mary was baptized this Saturday after our branch easter egg hunt- what a joyous day it was!!!!! I can't express how beautiful it was to see her in white, after her months of investigating the church and progressing, but to see her dressed in white, then submerged in the water, and come out clean, glowing and full of peace!!! It was so cute, she watches a 3yr old little girl named Camilla, and just as Mary was in the water, she screamed out, "Do it Miss Mary, do it!!" everyone laughed, Mary cried, and she did it. Afterwards, she was  glowing and was filled with the Spirit, she said it felt like a weight had been lifted off her chest and she could breathe better. Then yesterday at Church, on easter Sunday, she was confirmed and received the Gift of the Holy Ghost. What a glorious easter Sunday it was!! The Spirit was so strong, her countenance was so changed and softened, it was amaizing to see the change in her. As I watched her I was stricken by just how small a role I played in the grand scheme of things, how Heavenly Father has such great plans in store for her, but I feel so humbled and blessed to have been able to be a part of her life's journey. She is truly amazing, I have great love for her. I also sang, and it went well :) My trainer Sis. Christian goes home this Wednesday- she will be greatly missed by me, but I know we will stay in touch. I love her so much for all she has taught me and how honorably she has served these pased 18 months! Me and Sister Johnson are staying together for this next transfer together in Destin, and I look forward to serving with her, she is also a great and faithful spirit.

And guess what?! I officially love tracting now! haha it doesn't make me nervous anymore, in fact I now rather enjoy going up to people's houses and meeting random people haha. We actually have had some success with tracting lately too, we found 3 new people to expressed interest in learning more and invited us back! It was a pleasant surprise to say the least. The members here are so good to us, you wouldn't believe the amount of easter baskets and goodies we received on Sunday! haha it was almost embarrassing carrying it around but it meant the world to us, and they got me healthy stuff to, which really touched me :) I love the people in this branch, I have really gotten close to many of the members here and will forever remeber them! We also had an amazing easter feat at one of the members houses, I was in charge of making deviled eggs and setting the table haha which was awesome! I felt so at home.

Our investigators the Hoffer's also came to church again this Sunday, and it was so cool for them to be able to see Mary get confirmed- they have also watched her change, soften, elevate and progress. They were truly touched- the Spirit was strong in that room and Brother Hoffer later expressed to us that he was very moved by the preisthood blessing and desires to hold it and be worthy and able to give such blessings. It was really neat to hear that, he will be able to do exactly that, he is such a faithful man. They want to bless their little baby Claira, they were very excited when we told them of how babies receive a priesthood blessing in church before the ward, and Sis. Hoffer is already excitedly looking for a special, little white dress. I love this family. Our other investigators Scott and Starla are also progressing. Both are coming to church the Sunday following General Conference, even though it is going to take a lot of work for Scott to change his work schedule- I know the Lord will bless them as they strive to make an effort to come to church. What a great work this is!! I read a talk last Wednesday about how missionary work is just us helping our Heavenly Father keep His promises to His children- promises that He will never leave us completely alone, comfortless, and with no one to turn to. If we are unwilling to do His will, than He will just find someone else more worthy- but either way He will find a way to keep His promises to His children, it is merely our privelage to have a part in this as we listen to the promptings of the Spirit, which will guide us to those people. This also applies to visiting teaching and home teaching, as well as any other calling in the church. I know that even the most seemingly insignificant acts of service are great in the sight of God, because if everyone does their part and tries their best to follow the Savior and do their part, than all those who are in need will be administered to.

It's starting to get really hot here! I love it- but my hair gets more and more blonde everyday haha. also! Jared- I can't tellyou how proud I am of you hearing that you got your license!! way to go :) that's so exciting. I love you all so much, and always pray for you. I hope all is well! All is well here in Florida.

 

Love, Sister Bertoldo

Easter Week

Dear Family and friends-

   This week was a little different than most. We had an emergency transfer last Monday- and Sister Johnson, who was my companion in the MTC, is now my companion again. So for the next week and a half (until April 3rd) I am in a trio!! Sis. Christian leaves home on the 3rd, so then it will just be me and Sis. Johnson again- needless to say it's been interesting and I've experienced a couple personal challenges with the change, but I cannot tell you how much I am learning and how much it's causing me to truly stretch beyond my comfort zone and grow. A  mission is hard because I am truly seeing how my life is not my own right now. This is good because I don't want to be stagnant- I want to to grow, I want to learn to truly put God's will first and learn how to trust in Him and I know that in doing this I will be forever changed and bettered for the rest of my life. I also know there are many more people here I still need to meet, teach, serve, love, and learn from. I really do love the people.

    Mary's baptism is this Saturday, and Tom and Cynthia are amazing and continue to progress. It's not about baptism though- I've learned that the greatest joy comes from watching peope fill with light, and love and knowledge. You can see the Spirit softening their eyes and their countenances change and you can feel the peace they're feeling. It's beautiful!! Sometimes I can't believe how blessed I am that I get to be a part of this change in people's lives...I'm 20..and yet they actually listen to what we say because they can feel the power of the Spirit witness the truthfulness of what we say to them. 

 We had a cool experience- Jim is an awesome guy we met walking around- he used to be a member but fell away after his divorce to a nonmember woman. He was working on his car, so we stopped to help him and just get to know him and he told us his whole story by the time we finished working on his old car!! What an amazing person he is. He then looked at us and said- "I'd like to come back Sisters. I just don't know how.' Such beautiful words to hear! Help him get back we will :) and before we left all covered with grease he said, "can we have a prayer before you leave?" It was awesome. 

 Also- at the nursing home this week one of the sweet ladies I paint nails for every week grabbed hold of my arm and said, "Sister B- I like you. What faith are you?" I told her I was a member odf the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, aka Mormon, and she just stared at me, and laughed because she's a baptist! haha She said she still loved me, but it was funny. I love that crazy woman. After 2 open heart surgeries she is still full of attitude and life and has a boyfriend!! haha anyways- I hope all is well with you. I know you're all at Disneyland this week so have fun! Haley- enjoy Europe- and Ashley- keep staying strong and faithful in Provo!! I love you all so much and pray for you. I sang at Zone Conference so I will try to send the video to you, I am also singing two numbers on easter Sunday so I'm looking forward to that :) I love this gospel. I am so grateful for my Saviour and how He helps me change and become better. Oh!! and we saw Taylor Swift's beachouse!! I took a picture so I will send it soon :)

 

Love,

 Sister Bertoldo

Taylor Swift's beach house

4th Week in Paradise!

Dearest Friends and Family-

This week was one for the books. I'm just going to start right away with the great news bc you know I can't wait- our investigator Mary, who I told you about previously came to Church again this Sunday and informed us that she had decided to get BAPTIZED!!!! It was an emotional and tearful Sunday to say the least, but I can assure you they were tears of joy!! It will probably be this Saturday or next week. It will be a beautiful way for Sis. Christian to go home, she was with Mary from the beginning, so I feel a lot of joy for her. I am just grateful to have been a part of this and to have played a role in her journey in coming unto Christ. We love her a lot, and we are meeting withe her this Wednesday to plan it. I will send you pictures!! Also, I was asked to sing for Easter Sunday, and I am so excited! I am singing two numbers, That Easter Morn, followed by He is Risen so although you wont be there mom and dad, I will be singing for you too!

Transfers are coming up soon, and President has informed me that I will most likely be training, so prayers are welcome! ha but I know with the Spirit as my teacher I can do all things. Sis. Christian has been a great trainer and taught me much. I will always love her! Also, we met with Scott and Starla, Scott is inactive but his daughter is going on a mission and when he heard he wanted to get back on track and become active again. His girlfriend Starla is also interested. The elders have been working with them, and they believe, but they have a few stumbling blocks keeping them from baptism that they're struggling with. I shared that story (as I remembered it) with them about the little girl and the fake pearl necklace. If you don't know it here it is, I just found it: 

"Jenny loved her pearls. They made her feel dressed up and grown up. She wore them everywhere--Sunday school, kindergarten, even to bed. The only time she took them off was when she went swimming or had a bubble bath. Mother said if they got wet, they might turn her neck green.

Jenny had a very loving daddy and every night when she was ready for bed, he would stop whatever he was doing and come upstairs to read her a story. One night when he finished the story, he asked Jenny, "Do you love me?"

"Oh yes, Daddy. You know that I love you."

"Then give me your pearls."

"Oh, Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have Princess--the white horse from my collection. The one with the pink tail. Remember, Daddy? The one you gave me. She's my favorite."

"That's okay, Honey. Daddy loves you. Good night." And he brushed her cheek with a kiss.

About a week later, after the story time, Jenny's daddy asked again, "Do you love me?"

"Daddy, you know I love you."

"Then give me your pearls."

"Oh Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have my babydoll. The brand new one I got for my birthday. She is so beautiful and you can have the yellow blanket that matches her sleeper."

"That's okay. Sleep well. God bless you, little one. Daddy loves you." And as always, he brushed her cheek with a gentle kiss.

A few nights later when her daddy came in, Jenny was sitting on her bed with her legs crossed Indian-style. As he came close, he noticed her chin was trembling and one silent tear rolled down her cheek.

"What is it, Jenny? What's the matter?"

Jenny didn't say anything but lifted her little hand up to her daddy. And when she opened it, there was her little pearl necklace. With a little quiver,she finally said, "Here, Daddy. It's for you."

With tears gathering in his own eyes, Jenny's kind daddy reached out with one hand to take the dime-store necklace, and with the other hand he reached into his pocket and pulled out a blue velvet case with a strand of genuine pearls and gave them to Jenny.

He had them all the time. He was just waiting for her to give up the dime-store stuff so he could give her genuine treasure.

What are you hanging on to? Let go."

I explained we are that little girl and God is our Heavenly Father who has incredible blessings he WANTS to give us, but we have to give up our precious little "fake pearls" first. That kind of faith, love and trust will be rewarded. Scott, Starla, and Sis. Christian all had tears in their eyes. And Scott's a big tough guy!! The spirit had witnessed to them that this was the case with them. And they knew exactly what it was they needed to let go of. Scoot looked at Starla, Starla looked at him, crying, and She said, "I know I need to be baptized. I've always believed." And Scott looked at us and said, "It's time I let go." We are meeting with them again this Sunday but it was amazing to be there in the room as the Spirit touched and softened them right in front of our eyes!! I had chills the whole way home. They had both made immense progress that night and I knew. We both did.

 The Hoffers continue to progress. They want to come to Mary's baptism so that will be amazing for them to witness!! I truly know it won't be long for them, they are so in tune with the Sprit and continue to read the Book of Mormon. Thank you for your prayers for them. The work is truly beginning to take off here in Destin after a long time of nothing. We also found Karen, who we have tried many time with no luck, but this last time when we let her in she ( to her surprise and embarrassment) instantly started crying and said- "Oh sisters I've been waiting for you to come!" I have never had such a reception so it truly warmed my soul.We will beginteaching her this thurs. She is a bone cancer survivor who kept hearing things about the Church and wanted to learn more, she lives alone and said she feels "somthing is missing". Oh these people are amazing!! truly full of the light of Christ.

It's spring break here in Destin, so there are frat boys and drunk girls everywhere!! Wow. It's funny being here on a mission right now bc they're all my age haha. we decided we are going to go to the beach sometime and hand out pass along cards and books of Mormon to anyone who wants one!! Great idea right?! We will stick out like a sore thumb in our name tags and dresses in the midst of their bikinis haha. It's been so nice that we rode our bikes to the library for service instead of driving. I loved it!! But one problem- I have no bike shorts and my dress kept going Marilyn Monroe on me haha so mom- if you could send me this, black, knee length compression bike shorts that would be awesome!! 

I love you all so much. The closer I come unto Christ and learning of His nature, the more I see where I am doing well, but also where I lack and am unlike Him. Especially before my mission. I have been reading Jesus the Christ, and as I am I am struck at how He is a man without lusts. This is in human...this in and of itself PROVES His divinity..no man is without lust...I will strive to be more like Him in this regard. It reminds me of Ether 12:27- the closer we come to Christ the more we see our weakness, but then in turn the more we are humbled and then in turn these weaknesses are made into strengths. Mom- keep me updated on your passover dinner! I know it will be amazing. Send me a pic okay? I love you all so much- enjoy your spring brreak and thank you for all the letters and pictures, I love them so much theyre hanging up. Keep doing your part as disciples of Christ. Miss and love you all!! Hope all is well. Dad- the temple trip sounded AWESOME!!  You are a great bishop, leader and father, You don't know how great you are.

Love Sister Bertoldo

Pictures :) 

Baby bunnies we saw at a member's house for dinner! 

Brooke loovess little toadies....