"It was the Load." -Elder Bednar

Dearest Family-

Hope you had a great conference! Dad- it was so good to hear from you it sounds like you and Jared had a great time! and mom- thank you so much for the easter package! that made my day! Both of your letters meant so much to me- thank you.

I loved Conference- our investigator Alton came and we were so happy. We had another MLC this week and it went really well- President had us meet like a council rather than a "lecture" set up and i loved it- so much more effective we really got some issues resolved and we did it all together as a group- it was cool. 

I went on an exchange with a sister who has been seriously considering going home- I prayed so much before that exchange, that Heavenly father would guide my words and our conversation, so that she could be empowered and inspired to stay. well wow- the Spirit led that discussion- I was really open with her about some of my struggles i've faced on my mission, and I shared with her how i overcame them and then I told her, bc i felt overwhelmingly to tell her, that there would be people she won't meet until the end of her mission that will change her life and she will change theirs. I know it. I told her how missions change, and for all she knows this could be the hardest part of her whole mission! hard times are temporary- just tests-If she can get through this, great blessings will follow on her mission, I know the Lord has experiences, choice experiences in store for her towards the end of her mission- worth staying out for! so worth it! She started crying and then smiled the biggest smile and said, "you just gave me hope!" and she just kept crying and crying, so happy. then we had the opportunity to teach a girl preparing for her mission, we taught her how we prepared and so forth- well that was the best thing for this sister- as she testified of why she came on a mission and how she prepared I could feel the Spirit testifying to her that her decision to come and serve was right! she will be so blessed! I know this sister will stay! It was such a beautiful experience.

 

I loved what Elder Bednar said, "it was the load." how true that is- that was answer to prayer. That changed my perspective on having heavy responsibilities placed upon my shoulders- it is the load that enables us to progress and move forward on the straight an narrow path! it is the road that focuses us and accelerates us to be able to attain and achieve and fulfill! rather than feeling drained, overwhelmed, or daunted by heavy loads/responsibilities placed on my back, I will forever see them as an empowerment and seek them out! I was so grateful for his words! They were an answer to prayer- for this short 15 weeks I have left on my mission I will carry this load and let it move me in progression on the path to eternal progression! I have a whole new perspective- not one of fatigue, but one of empowerment and gratitude! It is the load that brings happiness- not waiting for the load to be alleviated! well, our lesson with Taylor (the woman i was talking about last time) went well, we got to meet her nonmember fiance! We established a good relationship with him- they really opened up to us. We have a new Investigator Keisha. 

 I love you all- you are in my prayers and thoughts always <3

Much Love Sister Bertodo

Communion with God

Dear Family-

Well this was a different week- really weird week- but hey- who said a mission would be easy! Even with the disappointments there were some amazing things that happened throughout the week. 

The first one i wanted to share was meeting Taylor. Taylor is in her 20's she just had a baby, and moved out here from Utah 3 years ago. Her whole family is active- she just kind of got lost in the shuffle, and she is now engaged to the father of her baby. Well, her little brother is on a mission right now- he sent us a referral to go and see her- begging us to help her get back to church, he said, "i know she wants it she is just scared." we were so touched- this elder out there just like us is away from his family- so he reaches out to us, while we are away from our family but near his, to strengthen her. Missionary work is the coolest! Well when we got there she started crying and couldnt believe we came bc she said she has been wanting to come back ever since she had her daughter and then she cried and said, "the most important thing i can do is get her back safely to heavenly Father." she said she has been scared- i asked why she's scared and she said she's scared of being judged and coming back to church now that she has a baby, tattoos and no husband. I have never felt such love for someone. We assured her no one will judge her out here and that we will be there every step of the way. She emailed her brother on his p-day and told him we came by and that she is going to be meeting with us every week now, she said he said, "Are they kind and loving to you?" she said Yes, and she said he was overjoyed. Pretty cool.

We also met a woman named Kristel, most amazing story ever- only in Tallahassee can you find such people, seriously! she is from Jamaica- she was converted and baptized at age 9 then converted and helped baptize her whole family! she then went out proselyting with the missionaries until she was 13- and she said she was on fire and loved and had such a burning testimony! then when she was 13 she came to America, and got pregnant when she was 15, and apparently, the church treated her poorly and kind of "kicked her out" or at least that was her perception, and her family disowned her as well, so she was devastated and heartbroken because she already knew she had done wrong and couldn't handle the judgement, and hasn't been to church since. its been 10 years. we met her daughter, who is now 10 and she is beautiful, spiritual girl. well- we listened to her- and she she said, "so now is where you can leave like every other missionary bc i am too far gone." well- we just bonded- i had her laughing up a storm! she kept saying, "oh you are hilarious! I have never met a missionary like you!" and she would just crack up haha and i have never felt more at home with anyone! i felt like i had known her for years! and i told her that. well- then we got down to it- we explained how sometimes the people, even thought the doctrine they are taught is sound and true, they can still use their agency wrong. I urged her to not let the poor actions of others interfere with her testimony and hold her back from the blessings i know Heavenly Father wants to give her and her family. We asked her if she still had a testimony of the Book of Mormon- she said she wasnt sure anymore- we urged her to read it again for her sake- I proposed that she take the lessons again and experiment and see if she could re-discover her testimony- regardless and separate from past experiences we told her, its about the doctrine- go to god, and ask him as you learn if these things aren't true and he will  answer her. We told her how much we know God loves her, especially considering that she had been missionaries like us and helped many people enter into the covenant of baptism in Jamaica! we told her, "God loves you for that! He loves us even if we mess up." I told her that if after taking all the lessons again and reading the Book of Mormon if she still didn't have a testimony and that fire again then fine, and she will be no worse off then she is now- but she has everything to gain! she was silent for awhile- but then she said, "I have had a lot of missionaries try- i've never listened in the past. or i will just lie and then cancel on them later- but because of your spirits- i will sincerely pray about taking the lessons." ah- it was so amazing.....she then ended up digging out her old photo album of her baptism and missionary work in Jamaica as a girl- it was so cool- she was so happy talking about it! and sis. Harris was explaining the Book of Mormon to her daughter- it was incredible.

 We also met with Philip again- and he really opened up! we had a great lesson. Harmyni and raykell and Cierra all got to come to the General Women's Broadcast! so that was awesome- and yesterday at church i sang for the first time in this ward- i sang, "If you Could Hie to Kolob"- the Lord really blessed me. Our investigator Tosh and Phil both came to church to hear it :) that meant so much to me. I register for classes today! crazy. 

Much Love sister b

"Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue" 2 Peter 1:5

Dearest family-

tons happened this week! 

       well this week we had a sister from the Ukranian mission stay with us- she is now in our mission! We went to dinner at olive Garden with President and sister smith and the Aps after the airport and then she stayed the night with us and we drove her (4 hours) to her new area in Panama City! also President asked us and the AP's to join him at his house to talk to the youth of his home stake about missionary work, and how we prepared, and what we had to give up, and what we loved most about serving- it was so awesome! we got to skype with the youth at their stake activity to talk to them :) i loved it.

      We set a baptismal date with our investigator Asha for April 9th- so that was exciting! we taught her the Word of Wisdom and that is another thing i am passionate about teaching and testifying of i have learned- it went great. The weather is really nice now- 70-80 degrees every day so i am a huge fan of that! 

          We had a few really cool experiences this week- we went to man home in the ward who is very active but his wife had a stroke and is now a vegetable- and he still loves her and talks to her and takes her out- his love for her is inspiring and pure. he is a noble man- well we went over to see them and his 30ish year daughter answered the door- she is not an active member anymore. Her dad came home with his wife in the wheelchair and they let us in. I know his daughter has had a very hard life- i could just feel her hurt from talking with her- it really broke my heart. well we started giving our lesson after talking with her a bit- about general conference- that is when she let us know she is methodist and happy there- we said we respected that and just read from the bible in Ephesians where it talks about prophets- we were testifying of prophets and then she just started crying and telling us all her feelings on hierarchy within the church- we listened- and as we did the Spirit really helped us to discern her needs that she wasn't verbalizing and we were able to expound in such a way that she had personal understanding and she softened- we then began talking about the Book of Mormon and invited her to read it- again tears came and she expressed that she had before but didn't understand the necessity- again the spirit helped us discern her unspoken needs and address the root of her needs and she understood, listened and softened- i then felt overwhelming love for her- i expressed that to her and said, "i know God is aware of you and your pain and he has been along- i want you to know I know God loves you and you are a special daughter to Him bc I can feel a portion of His love for you and it is immense." i actually cried expressing that to her- which i rarely do in lessons in front of people- but i could feel she has been through a lot and feels no one is watching over her- so after that was said- she burst into tears- we read Ether 12:4- she said she would read the Book of Mormon again and just start there. 

        Thats when i looked over and saw her faithful father- with tears in his eyes- his wife a vegetable beside him- and my heart just broke he looked at her and said, "Jamie when I'm at the altar of the temple, i miss you there." and then this faithful old man started to weep! it was truly heart wrenching to witness the pain within a family divided in faith- at the eternal level- at the close of the lesson, we asked him who he wanted to say the prayer, and this faithful man took the hand of his drooling wife and said, "sweetheart, would you like to say it?" I was shocked- both of us were shocked he asked her when she could barely speak- but i know he was in pain and probably needed to hear the voice of his wife and faith she could do it, so we just bowed our heads and waited. She started gurgling and making noises- but then as it went on- full lines could me made out, she said, "thank you for what we have learned this day father, please let hearts be softened and minds be opened. In Jesus Name I pray amen." i will never forget that. I was trying not to sob!! her husband was so proud and excited by her words- we hugged them all goodbye and jamie just kept crying- i know we will see her again. 

        We also have a new investigator named Philip- he is currently living in the shelter, older black man- i love him DEEPLY- he is so prepared- a a member found him after praying for a missionary experience- its a cool story. he has no teeth and is really hard to understand! haha i need to take a picture of him- he is so cool. also we went to see a family that just moved in that's having a hard time- they have 3 kids 2 little boys 4 Markesh and pedro 5 and then a 1 yr old little girl- their living conditions are- heartbreaking- they got baptized 2 months ago before moving to tally- we went over there to teach them the Plan of salvation and when we were there we got news that they were being moved to the homeless shelter in 4 hours- the parents were frantically packing, i wasnt sure what to do at first- i asked what i could do to help and the 4 year old Markesh said, "pray." I then saw the kids were afraid by the commotion- so we went and had a private lesson with them in the corner while the parents packed.we prayed with them and taught them how to pray- then Markesh said he wanted to pray- he said one of the most REVERENT prayers i have ever heard- it touched me to my core. i love those kids. he is a special spirit. they came to church this sunday and sat with us, i sat in between the two boys and gave them mints and drew pictures of Jesus with them and just focused on them in sacrament, helping them be reverent and listen- oh i love them so much!! after sacrament pedro the 5 yr old ran to me before leaving and hugged my legss then looked up at me and smiled his adorable smile and said, "i love you sista b." yeah- i cried. I love him too.

 I am studying virtue right now. I am reading the stories of the women of the Bible in addition to the BOM each morning to help me learn from their examples of virtue- i am learning a lot. I just read ruth today. well much more has happened but for the sake of time I will close there. I have a testimony that god is in the details of our lives. He answers prayer. i have seen that a lot this week- he hears our prayers i know it.

Much love-

Sister Bertoldo

Family History Miracles

Dear family-

I spent most of my time sending out private emails to you all so i do not have time for my mass email! but i have it all written in my journal so i will tell you all about it when I get home. thank you haley and ashley for your package!!!!!! I loved it!!!!! it made my life haha really. ask my comp how happy i was :)) love you guys. this week tons happened- one thing i must share is that we had a miracle where i went on an exchange-

we were going out to tract and use family history as our contacting approach. 

       well at the end we were led to a random street we didn't plan to go to- and we decided that on this particular street we only had a short amount of time left so we would knock 4 doors before our next appt. well the first 3 nothing- then the 4th door a woman came to the door- we opened with introductions then asked her "do you know where your family comes from?" the second she opened her mouth i heard a familiar accent- Grandpa. Before she even answered i knew. "Iran". she said. I told her about Grandpa- about how I had been able to find some of his ancestry (she was concerned she wouldn't be able to bc she was from Iran. she completely had a change in attitude when I told her about Grandpa- she lit up like a tree! she kept saying, "I cant believe that!" she has only been here for 8 years- she then asked us 2 questions, the first she said, "did your grandpa convert?" I told her he did and she was dumbfounded but riveted- she then said, "why do you do this? what value is there in this for you?" oh- man- then I got to testify! about the plan of salvation- how we draw closer to them and they to us as we engage in their work and how that adds to your sense of self and the legacy they left behind. she said, "Oh i see. i understand this." and then she agreed to come to the church and learn more! she said to us as we were leaving, "You have both blessed my day." as we left i burst into tears bc i felt so close to Grandpa and then I remembered our prayer- and that this was even the 4th door- I know that was grandpa helping me in the work, which is a testimony to me that he is in fact doing the same work i am on the other side.i have never felt closer to him. tallahassee is a big place- there aren't that many Iranians in america...I know that this was a miracle wrought by the Spirit of Elijah and the tender mercy of God to allow me and Grandpa to work together for a day. I love you all. I got to sing a lot this week- its a long awesome story :) i will write about it later :) 

much love sister Bertoldo

oh! I also got to meet and teach a man that has never heard of christ! He is from Japan His name is Takuya- he has only been in America for 10 months- he is 23 and came here for school. we met him with family history- after we did fh with him, we gave him a church tour after and he said, "I never been to church." we asked if he was religious at all- he responded no- not even Buddhist. I asked him, "do you know who Jesus Christ is?" and he looked at me confused and said, "No". wow. I have never met anyone who doesnt know christ. the spirit flooded my heart- oh to teach someone and testify of Christ to someone who has never before known him! to introduce someone to that savior I love so much!!! I will never forget his face- after we taught Him of His nature and showed him pictures, he said looking at Christ- "He is brave. People love him because He loves all." Me and my comp cried- then we explained to Him Gethsemane- and the atonement- my gosh I will never forget his face or how it felt to share that- we then asked him- do you want to learn more of christ? He looked at us and with fervor said, "Yes. I do! I want to learn more of Christ." i will never forget that. what a blessing and choice experience.

"When You Have a Vision of What You Can Become, Your Power and Motivation to Act Increases Enormously" Elder Oaks

How important it is to have a vision for yourself and others in line with the vision of God.

Dearest family-

this week was the kind of week that time didnt even exist- each day blended into the next and i lost all concept of time and never knew what day it was! What a week truly. I dont know what I am going to do- going back to normal life, living normal days without insane experiences, miracles, exhausting responsibilities, and life changing experiencing- it is honestly insane! It is really picking up here towards the end! every day is spiritual marathon! I have officially realized that i am the happiest, busiest, most engaged, fulfilled, used, and needed that I have ever been in my life. I am truly happy. It's like God is using me like crazy now, now that I really know how to be a missionary- this is the most effective I have ever been in my time on earth. i will just never be the same. My whole sense of self and perspective has shifted in an eternal, permanent way, and my understanding of self, life and others has just...its more eternally accurate and in perspective. My mission has literally changed, and saved my life, and i didnt even know I needed saving and changing before!

ok- well to start- this week we took another sister to the airport- weird! and then this week was transfers! me and my comp sister harris are staying together- this is the longest i have ever had a companion but i am glad bc we are a powerhouse together with the Lord-i feel so blessed and am so grateful for our companionship!!!!!!!!!!!! and honestly what we do is so hard- i fully rely on the lord- literally you have no idea how i pray haha we have each other and president&sister smith- but other than that everyone else in the mission leans on us so i am so grateful for her! she is a great strength to me! We are a strength to each other.i had a feeling we would be staying together bc I know God knows my limitations. but we got to help out with all the new sisters coming in from the MTC! I loved it it was so fun!! I have a soft spot in my heart for new sisters- I love greeting new missionaries and seeing how scared they are and helping them feel comfortable and safe. Its my favorite- i think thats why i trained so much. i love making people feel secure when i can feel they are nervous. 

So we did training with them at the mission home along with the AP's and then we took them out working with us to our appointments and guess what! we had a miracle. the part member family we have been working with- the cartwrights? her nonmember husband came to church for the first time to do fh work- it softened him more than anything else! afterwards we were able to give him a church tour- and when we went in the chapel he felt the spirit so strongly he couldnt speak- it was incredible- i told him tht this was God answering Him- telling Him He wanted Him here- I asked him to visualize himself there with his daughter- i could see the Spirit working in him- i kept saying I knew this was God's answer to him- he just looked at me and said, "thank you for saying that. I have been asking." He said he felt something in that chapel....he couldnt get over it. It was beautiful! that was one of the most spirit led church tours I have ever given. It was such a testimony to me of how important family history work is to softening hearts and changing demeanors- when the Spirit of Elijah is paired with the Holy Spirit- MIRACLES HAPPEN! 

well- later this week- we had the opportunity to have dinner with President and Sister Smith- they invited us to the farewell dinner for all the departing missionaries- i had been burning to tell President smith about our fh miracle- (bc he is HUGE on using fh in the mission). i told him everything (someday i will tell you all the details too in person) I did the voices and everything- well him and sis. smith were practically laughing in tears! Then President looked at me and said, "Sister Bertoldo- after Elder Ballard speaks- they are giving me 30 minutes to speak- I am giving 10 of those minutes to you to share that story. can you tell it in 10-15 minutes?" well this saturday- The apostle, Elder Ballard himself came to speak to us- WOW. WOW WOW WOW. The south is being flooded with church leaders bc there is a great work going on here bc as Elder Ballard said, "Here in this part of the United states people already believe in christ,There is great potential for growth in this part of the Lord's vineyard- so you missionaries here- you have to be good.You have to be good teachers" Elder Soarres of the 70 also came and spoke to us. they wanted to shake each of our hands. 

 I can truly testify that he speaks the words of Christ- i felt the spirit so strongly as those men spoke- the biggest thing that Elder ballard told us that stood out to me was when he said speaking of missionaries who may fel discouraged or tired, "there are times i am tired. i am weary. I am an old man! when I feel insufficient strength physically. it is then elders and sisters, that I look at this....(he pulled out a pass along sized picture of Christ) I would encourage you all to carry this. I look at Christ in those moments and my mind goes to Gethsemane, and I think what He did for the people I am on my way to meet, and then i feel okay. When all is said and done Elders and sisters, I'm a missionary. just like you." what gifted humility. How that touched me,"My mind goes to Gethsemane...and then I feel ok." How blessed I am to be here.

Well- they brought SUCH A STRONG SPIRIT that my nerves were calm and i had no fear that I would not be guided in what to say even though i had no time to mentally prepare/write out thoughts. I know the Lord wanted me to see that it wasnt about me- He just wants me to fully rely and trust in Him. The spirit is what captivates, motivates, and inspires- i know that. i learned many things that day. 

well afterwards- we felt endowed with power- we went out and contacted, we found a man in the side streets by the homeless shelter and engaged in one of the sweetest gospel discussions i have ever had with a first time street contact. we gave him a BOM and read out of it with him Hel 5:12- he was mesmerized- we are meeting with him again tuesday. Also, our investigator Rex (felon man) just committed to be baptized April 12th! we had an awesome lesson with him last night- over 2 hours long- utterly exhausting- but amazing- we taught the Plan Of Salvation. he wants to be baptized- and best of all- he asked his younger brother Robby to baptize him! Robby is a less active member- so now he feels motivated to prepare himself ready and worthy to baptize his brother- its is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen- seeing how the priesthood and love and the gospel is working in these men to elevate them and their families!!!! what a week. I love you all. One last summer to witness to the south- I love being used by the Lord, and know I still have much to learn.

All My love <3

sister Bertoldo 

"Ye are Eternally Indebted to your Heavenly Father, to Render to Him All That You Have and Are" Mosiah 2:34

Dearest family-

I am so grateful to each of you. Your letters and emails for me this week were so needed and such a sustaining joy- hearing the good works you are all endeavoring in and the success God is granting you fills my soul with joy!! I am so proud of hearing of your good works and accomplishments and most especially for the eternal lessons that can be learned from them!

Cierra's baptism took place this week- her whole family came!!!!!!!!!! it was a very different baptism experience- we made the program entirely based on the wishes of Cierra and helping it to be focused on her family. They all loved the church- this was monumental and a huge step closer to their dad allowing his daughters to be baptized- we gave them a church tour and they kept saying, "oh dad can't we go to this church? we love this church!" It was one of the most beautiful, calm, still, smooth baptisms i have ever witnessed. then her little niece raykell tapped me and said, "I want to be baptized. Just like that." ah- it really tugged my heart! they said the prayers at her baptism (her and Harmyni) and then we did a special musical number haha bc her dad can play REALLY WELL and we wanted to involve him really badly so we had him play a VERY gospelly, soulful "Amazing Grace" and me and my comp. and Harmyni and Raykell sung to that whole congregation- it was so out of my comfort zone and i was so nervous about it!! haha bc seriously he was going all out- but we did it for Cierra it made her and her dad SO HAPPY and so i loved it once we were up there- everyone was laughing and clapping and I just went all gospelly and went for it and everyone loved it!! haha we didnt even really get to practice before haha o man it was so awesome- that was the most unself conscious I think I have ever been- and it just made her so happy! everyone after was like- "that pians and song has never been sung like that! amazing!" haha it was funny also my comp sis. harris hates singing so that added to our nerves before haha but i loved it! it ended up going great! Cierra felt so special and so many people came!!!

Another highlight- a few weeks ago i went on an exchange with a sister on FSU campus and they are in desperate need of new investigators. I prayed all day that the Lord would be with us and help me know how to help bc i was nervous since i have never been on campus before- but i really prayed- and when we went to campus I was CONFIDENT we would find someone- and i told the sister that, which made her excited- well- we did find someone- there was a girl sitting in the middle of the busy campus square and i felt that tug and pull- so we went for her! It all started with me saying, "Ah! I love your shoes- I have the same ones!) and i do they are hot pink nike trainers like i had at home- well then we got to talking- i told her we were missionaries- she told us all she has been through and wow- is this woman amazing! so prepared- well to make a long story short- we ended with getting her number and inviting her to church, hugging her and a powerful bond between us. and then i went home and came back to my area. well- last night i got the news from that campus sister- London (that was the girls name we talked to) is getting baptized march 16th!!!!!!!!!!!! I cried my face off!!!!!!!!! I cannot express what a powerful experience and testimony to me of the power of God and the reality of Him! This really is His work, He really does lead us and will use us if we seek him out and then press forward in faith!! I know God placed her DIRECTLY in our path that day, and i know that is because I DIRECTLY prayed for that all day, and FULLY RELIED ON HIM- I cant express how amazing it was to get that news- i will never forget that. God answers prayers- we have to have the faith to ask, and then the courage to act to help it come to pass. 

I have truly come to trust God. My missoin has accelerated and intensified and compacted that understanding in ways i know would not be possible for me any other way. Everytime I am faced with something that pushes me beyond my comfort zone (which takes a lot) I turn to Him like my life depends on it, because it does, because there are so many who depend on me and I know it- so I have to go to Him so I don't break- and EVERYTIME I have done that- I SEE LITERAL MIRACLES. Miracles like contacting a young woman bc she just happened to be sitting right where we were walking on that  massive campus, and i just happened to feel that tug in my heart and pull to her- that is straight from God bc He knows London's heart, and that she was ready, and He knows I am there seeking and trusting that He will lead us to find those hearts prepared- because of that, London is now being baptized in 2 weeks! I trust the Lord- He has showed me over and over again- He is in control- He has a plan! Because these personal experiences on my mission when i thionk my future before me i feel at complete peace bc I know God will lead me. I truly have learned to fully trust in God- I feel so free and at peace and grateful. 

there is a lot more i want to say but don't have time! but Elder Ballard is next week and me and Sister Harris got invited over to Presidents house for dinner! I am so excited- This week has been very high stress and exhausting- but I can honestly say that I have felt God with me every step of the way, walking with me. One day we hadn't eaten all day and I was starting to feel really sick- so was my comp- and we just had lesson after lesson- so said a prayer bc my vision was all blurry bc i was just so depleted- so i said a prayer for help- and then the next house we went to (her name is tosh we taught a new investigator we found 2 weeks ago) she opens the door and says, "sisters I just baked some bread!" and she went and brought us both a slice!! i could have cried- haha we then went on to teach her the Restoration with our renewed energy :) but it was funny bc after that i told my comp- "that was like manna from heaven" haha it was hilarious- bc it literally was. Anyways- God knows how to provide for His children if we ask in faith and then keep working! Love you all!!!!!

Sister Bertoldo

Flying

Dearest family!

thank you for the happy little package!! that meant so much to me mom thank you!!!!!! well this week was great- it flew- transfers are next week so that is crazy. we did another 2 exchanges this week and saw a lot of miracles. we had zone conference and i have some big news- i have caught the "Spirit of Elijah" big time! I have been working on Grandpa's and grandma's side since dad did a lot of work on his side which is awesome!! and guess what mom/! I found grandpa's parents! I am working on finding his grandparents- but i felt the spirit so strong when i found them- I really feel they have accepted the gospel and want their work done- I put Nonny in their too and her parents- I am determined to have names of our family ready to take to the temple to do for them the second I get home!!! So mom if grandma is still there could you please get all the info possible on her and grandpas families so i can do their work?

we found 5 new investigators! we have received 8 media referrals! It is just amazing- i have never heard of that on my mission- we are very blessed, but are working ourselves to the dirt and i guess the Lord sees that. We are so blessed. Cierra is excited to be baptised this saturday! Please pray for her, and also please pray that her families heart, especially her fathers heart, will be softened- her whole family is coming to the baptism. we are planning to pull the dad aside after the baptism and ask if he will allow his 2 other daughters Harmyni and Cierra to be baptized- they want to so badly- Harmyni last night said, "I am scared if I have to wait to get baptized until I am 18 I will forget what I feel now." 

We had a really cool opportunity, me and sis. harris my dear companion, to got to President's house (the mission home) and just talk to him and Sis. Smith- they were'nt even dressed in church clothes they were in pj's!! it was so cool! we were talking in their living room about a few things and when we brought up Cierra President said, "I want to meet her. bring to my home and we will have a lesson with her here in the mission  home." I cried. How incredible that would be, how incredible. I am so grateful to be here and have the opportunity to work so closely with President. It was his idea to committ the father to allow his younger daughters to be baptized after the baptism. we are doing it!! It is also really exciting because me and sis harris and Harmyni and Raykell are all going to sing at Cierra's baptism "Amazing Grace" and the dad agreed to play the piano for us after Cierra begged him- that will be amazing! I have a lot of vids to show you when i get home. 

We also had an emergency come up- one of the sisters in our mission had to be sent home, so President called us and she came over to sleep at our apartment (I had to sleep on the floor bc we only have 2 beds! haha i slept great actually :) and then we had to take her to the airport. He also gave us money to take her out to breakfast. We really wanted to make her feel special so she didn't feel any nervousness or sense of failure- it was a really amazing experience. It was weird going to the airport though- the last itme I was at the tally airport my mission was just beginning! so going back really brough back memories and made the reailty that that will be me in a couple months really hit me- it was weird- i was glad to leave the airport and go back to being a missionary! but we walked her to the gate and stayed with her as long as possible. I love you all so much. excited to meet Elder Ballard next week! Hope all is well with you <3 tell grandma I would love to hear from her and love her very much.

Love sis. bertoldo