Halfway Point

Dear Family-

    This transfer is my 6th, which makes it the 1/2 way mark of my mission!! I cant believe it...this transfer I am staying in Gulf Breeze and training a new sister from the MTC!! My companion sis. richardson is being transferred to Tallahassee spanish speaking- which she is happy about bc she loves spanish and has been dying to be more submerged in it so i am so happy for her. Elder Sanders is also staying again! that will make it 6 months that we have been here serving in Gulf Breeze- that's crazy! that is 1/3 of my mission! But I am glad- I LOVE this place unbelievably and the people here I consider family. I was a wreck all week with transfers looming- at church i kept thinking, What if this is the last i'm in this building?? people were crying even thinking about us leaving it was really hard...so oh the relief I felt when I saw I was staying!! oh man...anyways- now for the week :)

      This Sunday our investigator Mike came to church for the first time!! It was so great to be sitting there with one of our investigators- it's been awhile since that's happened so that felt really good. I was praying He would come for all day, and when he walked in- I cannot express the deep joy I felt. and it was great- the speakers were all young men which was perfect for him to hear their testimonies and the yw got up and sang a beautiful song that really brought the spirit- he said he felt the spirit and he wants to come back next sunday :) 

      This week started with some opposition- every appointment we had with our investigators fell through- every one. But we pressed on and as we did the Lord really did bless us. We had a powerful lesson with Anya, we taught her the priesthood and she was full of questions but really understood it all by the end and she said in her cute little russian accent, "so when you come back next week?" that's what we love to hear!! 

 haha also- probably the highlight of my week personally came with a small but profound experience. I met Dion, a 16 black boy at Juanita's house last week- he has no family, no home. So young and so alone. Juanita took him in and he asked me some questions about the church. When we left I couldn't stop thinking about him. I felt like I couldn't rest until I gave that boy a book of mormon. 

      When we got home that night I got a crisp Book of Mormon off the shelf and wrote my testimony in it. I went through and marked and highlighted countless scriptures that I felt would be meaningful to him. I really poured my heart and soul into that one precious book of mormon! I carried it in the car all week. This week- when we went back- Dion was there. we talked for a bit then I went and pulled out the Book of Mormon- I said, this book is for you. I told him and explained what it was. I told him about the marked scriptures for him and my testimony was there for him to read before he read it himself. It was a sweet moment- and then when I put it in his hands the biggest smile crossed his face. It was like had never been given anything more precious before! He just looked at me and smiled and said, "i'm gonna go put this in my room" His tiny little make shift room..and then he ran off. Giving someone a book of Mormon has NEVER FELT SO GOOD or brought me so much JOY. If that was the only thing I did on my missions that would be enough. Thats how fulfilling it was.I  really love that boy- I really love that kid. I feel God's love for him. He wants to come to church. Pray that we can make that happen. 

     

     I got asked to sing for a YSA activity- that went well. I really love how much my voice is being put to use as a tool on the mission- it is deeply gratifying and fulfilling to me. i feel very blessed- this week was hard and it is a struggle trying to meet with all of our investigators, but the experience that the Lord has blessed me with I treasure and am so deeply grateful for. i don't know what to ask for for my birthday- 21. crazy!! I really don't know- all I want is for our investigators to progress. Mike. Sonya. Holiday. Andrea. to come to church. To read the Book of Mormon- that's all I want!! I will need things when I go home and am transitioning into the world again but for now- I just want you all to be happy and keep sharing the gospel and the goodness of truth with as many people in your path. I want you to all know I love you. Oh! I have been doing genealogy work- just a little but I am learning lots and its exciting to me. I love you all sorry my time got cut short but read Isaiah 40:10, 13, 31.

much love 

sister b

"As a Man Thinks in His heart so is He." Proverbs 23:7

Dear Family-

First off-I know Jared is having a birthday!!So jared Happy Birthday! Know that I love you and think of you often...I would really love to hear from you!! And dad- I read your letter as part of my personal study and learned a lot. I loved what you said about reverence being a reflection of our devotion and relationship with god- And haley and ashley I loved getting your letters!! keep them coming, even if I cant write back its not bc I don't love your letters its just bc I truly have 0 time for personal time and letter writing but I will try to find time eventually! I love hearing from you seriously...So this week was wow.

This area is absolutely exploding! The Lord is blessing us for our hard work and it is really all starting to pay off and come to fruition. We had Sarah's baptism on saturday :) I sang "When I am Baptized" and the coolest part was that our investigators Holiday and Mike (20 and 21, they are dating) both came to the baptism!!  Here is their story- mike just became a new investigator this week and what a story it is:

        We were teaching Holiday the plan of salvation, and then at the end when we were talking about the Celestial kingdom and how families can be together forever Mike spun around and said, "what did you just say? can I join the lesson?" He joined us then asked if we could repeat the whole lesson- we started from the top and he was riveted- he was full of deep questions dealing with life after death- he had clearly been contemplating these things for quite some time. Then as we were able to answer all his questions and turn to the scriptures he wanted to know what the Book of Mormon was- we gave him a copy of his own and explained what it was. He then had questions about baptism- we then taught the Doctrine of Christ out of 2 Ne 31- needless to say 2 1/2 hours later he had tears in his eyes and a smile on his face and said, "I have been searching for these answers my whole life. I think i may have just found the truth!" Then he said the closing prayer to the lesson. We invited them both to our baptism this Saturday and they came!! It was amazing- Then after the baptism we gave them a tour of the church and when we entered the chapel I asked them,"can you feel that? The Spirit is so strong here." They both sat and looked around and soaked it in- they said they felt it. We then taught them the Restoration- wow. I don't think I can express what that was like- teaching to people the message of the Restoration for the first time in the church after a baptism....those teaching moments are life changing!!!!! epic. They are not far from baptism themselves. 

      Sarah's mom carmen (the little girl we found and taught that got baptized) sent me a text later that day saying, "you found us- thank you. We love you. We have come back and we are here to stay." wow. that meant THE WORLDDDDDDDD to me! I love them so much.

      Earlier this week while we were out working we met a woman who is going through her 5th round of cancer- Pat is her name. She is strictly Southern Baptist but she let us right in and asked if we would pray with her. Of course we gladly accepted and we all proceeded o have an amazing conversation with her. We testified. We were also edified by her great faith- at the end we offered a beautiful prayer (all holding hands southern baptist style :) and at the end she also said a prayer and this is what she said I will never forget it, 

     "Lord please let people open their doors to these women and let them in- so that they may feel thy Spirit that they carry with them and be uplifted, as they have done for me. let people let them in." A baptist praying for people to open their doors to the mormon missionaries...that was a sweet moment!! We will be going back to see her- I hate to think of her there alone, her husband is gone a lot, but I know the Lord led us to her for a reason. He always does have a reason... I am learning that so much of missionary work is patience and unconditional love...people will act in their own time as understanding comes to them- that can take time- but meanwhile you continue to teach and to love unconditionally holding out faith. 

      This sunday I was asked to sing "O My Father" in sacrament meeting. We had 2 nonmembers come that we are working with because i was singing!! So I prayed- really prayed and asked that the Spirit could carry my voice to their hearts because that song is my testimony- it is the Plan of Salvation put to music. Then i went up and sang a cappella (as usual, I prefer that) And it was really an out of body experience- I know the Spirit has really been enhancing my voice and my spirit when i sing it is absolutely elating to my soul- everyone was crying and the Spirit was poignant- that is all i desired. I love to use my voice as a tool for the Lord to use to invite the Spirit- I really feel he answered my prayer that day and I am grateful to Him. 

      Us and the elders were also asked to teach the youth during combined 5th sunday! We are talking about how to be in the world but not of it- needless to say I am REALLY EXCITED!! I am passionate about that topic- I am passionate about speaking to youth- and I am passionate about teaching so I could not be more happy. This assignment will be after transfers though, so that makes me think I will be here another transfer- I think I will be here awhile- I feel in my heart this is "my area" and the people I was meant to find on my mission. everyone knows my 21st  bday is coming up next transfer so they are praying I stay bc they all want to have a party for me :) haha I love these people...I really do.

    I want to bear my testimony of the Atonement- I have come to realize that it is NOT POSSIBLE for me to make it back to my Heavenly Father or fulfill my full potential without my Savior and redeemer, Jesus Christ. It is not possible for any of us. It is amazing to me that once we give our will to God and just even have a DESIRE to follow Christ and be like Him- he then "takes us on" and all the times we fall short along the way, and in the process of our attempts and efforts to live like Him. The more I learn of Him, the more I love Him. I love sharing the love He feels for others with them- because I can feel it- I know how perfectly He loves us all, even if I don't understand it, and I love having the opportunity to share that with others and seeing how it affects them. 

    I have seen so many people softened and refined by the Spirit and the grace of Jesus Christ. This is a gospel of change- 

    There is a sister in our ward who has been begging us to meet her boys, they are all in their 20's, single, and struggling with all the things men of that age struggle with in this world. For months she has been trying to get us to meet- well yesterday, it happened. We went straight after church to her home and they were all there sleeping haha caught them!! They made us lunch and we helped them and ended up  really having a good time and conversation! Then i said, "so scripture time!" they just stared at me- haha we proceeded to share hel 5:12 and talked about how having a foundation in Christ carries us through all the buffetings of the adversary- and that's a promise!! The Lord doesn't make idle promises...I told them God takes us where we are at- we just have to start and then He will be with us every step of the way once we give him our will. They were completely intently listening to every word. I told them it was time for them to come back! Their mom is amazing- such a faithful woman so this has really been breaking her heart- she was ELATED to see them so engrossed in the lesson and nodding their heads in agreement that it was indeed time to come back. 

   It was amazing- then the oldest son offered to say the closing prayer and his mom cried :)) I love being a missionary. what an answer to prayer- her prayers especially. I see great potential in these young men- I know they all have good hearts its just so easy to get lost in this clamoring world. I know they will all come back though- and when they do they will be stronger than ever because that's how powerful the Atonement is- it saves us all. I love you all very much hope you are enjoying the beautiful fall!

Much Love sis b

Floridian foliage 

Sarah's baptism

To walk with God, no strength is lost. Walk on. To talk with God, no breath is lost. Talk on. To wait on God, no time is lost. Wait on.

Dear Family-

   I have some news for you- I have been called to be a Sister Training Leader. It is the female equivalent to a Zone Leader, so I will be at all the leadership meetings with President Smith and the Zone leaders, and we will also go around to all the sister companionships in our zone to do exchanges for a day so we can give them one on one training- needless to say I am excited and humbled for this opportunity and cant wait to begin. 

    

    This week we had some highlights- first is sonya. A member of the ward sister h gave us her name as a referral she said, " just you being in my home every week gives me the courage and desire to share the gospel with my friends." This elated me to hear because that's really what its all about- we miissionaries can't do anything without the members!! So we go to see her friend Sonya the next day- she let us right in. Come to find out this woman has interacted with latter day saints all her life. her daughters nanny was a member of the church and they loved her. she said, "everything good that has ever happened to me in my life has been because of a mormon person in my life." wow. now that is a powerful statement. She was full of thoughtful questions- temples, belifs, misioanary work- then came the biggie- she asked about the Book of Mormon. 

She thought only members could read it- how great was her surprise when we whipped one out gave it to her and told her it was hers! she just looked at it like it was gold....she said, "what is it?" we explained- we taught her the restoration and Joseph Smith and how it came to be. we read the introduction with her and she was amazed to read the invitation, "We invite all men everywhere to read thjis book..." and pray to know if the contents are true. Then she said, "hypothetically if I were to want to read this book..how would I start what is it about?" We told her that it was about the people alive in the Americas at the same time of Christ living in Jerusalem and before and after, we explained how it was just dealing with the people in the Americas not Jerusalem. She understood- then we read the Moroni promise with her- I read it- as I read I realized I had it memorized so I shut the Book of Mormon and just said it and I have not felt the Spirit that strong in...awhile...rarely have I felt the Holy Ghost there with such presence so I got a little choked up. Then after I asked her, "Now how do you feel?" She said (and I will never forget this), "Now I feel like I want to read this book." lump in the throat. wow. We left her with 2 Ne 31 to read (the Doctrine of Christ) and we will see her again tomorrow or wednesday. 

   Please pray that as she reads she will pray and know the truth. baptism will soon follow when this happens. Please join me in praying for this, for Sonya. At the end she said," I just dont want to live my life not knowing the fullness if there was more truth I could have had." This woman is an honest seeker of truth!!!!!!! The last people I met thast said that were baptized 3 weeeks later (the Hofers) What a beautiful thing!! I am here for people like this!! That is why I left my life for Florida for people who want the truth!!!

   After we left I told sis. Richardson we needed to pray to thank god for leading us to her- so we did- it was beautiful Things like that you don't forget- I will never forget that. 

Then this Sunday Juanita came to church- the 19 yr old girl who hasnt been to church since she had her son 3 years ago- it was a beautiful thing. She even brought a non member boy with her that i hope we can start teaching- he has no family to speak of and is only 16. her Grandma was so happy to see her there she got up (it was fast and testimony meeting) and thanked us for loving her grand daughter and not giving up on her. My heart grew 5 sizes...I love Juanita and I know God loved her too. Juanita was glued to me all Sunday and then at the end she said, "you're like my best friend." we are seeing her again this week and she said she wants to come to church again next Sunday. What a miracle- i was so overjoyed she came and she knows how much I love her, we love her, God loves her. 

I also went on exchanges to a small town called Milton- it was hard to leave my area, in Gulf Breeze even for a day- but it was fun to teach people I was just meeting for the first time. I was glad to come back though. The people here are my family-there are certain families here that leaving them will literally rip my heart out!!!!!!

  I have been really focusing on this Neal A. Mawell quote- "Empathy during agony is a portion of divinity." Some days i am personally in a state of crisis- or agony- but I have found when I take that to the Lord and just submit myself and my will to His- he sustains me, leads me, strngthens me, and blesses me and allows me to better be able to love and give of myself to others. When I am fully focused on other and their needs- my pains give way to empathy- and in the process i learn of the divinity within me. I see many others who exhibit this too- and to everyone I meet who I see giving of themselves despite them being in a personal state of agony- I share this quote with them and each person I have done this too has broken down in tears. I know that the Savior is the Master of this- He suffered the most acute agony of all- and throught it all he served and lived and died for US. He felt OUR PAINS AS IF THEY WERE HIS OWN. This is why he is the Savior, Master and Redeemer- most DIVINE being of all- he mastered empathy during agony in Gethsemane and on the cross, He is allowing me to experience this and understand this (on a smaller scale). 

I have been blessed- I  have known joy, i am happy, I trust in the Lord- sometimes its hard but it just spurs me on to want to work harder, be better, do more. I dont want to come home and wonder if I could've done more I want to KNOW I ALWAYS DID MY BEST AND GAVE MY ALL AND HELD NOTHING BACK. I want to be exactly obedient.I want to be the best missionary I can to everyone I can- it is overwhelming at times but I know God will sustain me because its His work so I fully rely on Him to be led by the Spirit. And miracles are happening. I am really learning, not my will but thine be done. 

Thank you for the letter dad and Michael- it meant the world to me. I love you all and respect you so much dad you work so hard. And mom i just love you fiercely. I love you all and pray for you. 

Much love sister B

look at that beautiful bay! dad- this made me think of you

We were teaching savon ( the cute girl sitting on the floor :) at a members home and it started storming and the power went out! So we read the Scriptures by candlelight! haha it was so fun/cozy we read about Nephi

"I am a God of Miracles" 2 Ne.27:23

Dear Family-

This was incredible week- there is no way i can even begin to share it all in this one email! First off- our investigator Maya moved back to Alaska this week- our last lesson with her was hard...its hard to leave her!! But she has the gospel now. She finished reading 2 Nephi before she left too which meant a lot. I wrote her a letter and then when we were saying our goodbyes she said she had something to show me- she had an envelope full of everything we had ever given her- in one of our lessons a couple months ago I drew her the plan of salvation on scratch paper and she kept it and said she will always treasure it- she loves the plan of salvation:) oh that really touched me..it really doesn't get any better than sharing ETERNAL TRUTHS with someone and then seeing them feel and know it is true!! what a blessing to have been a part of her life- I pray she will continue on this path she's started down in drawing closer to Her Savior and learning His teachings. 

       

    Then we had a MIRACLE on tuesday- we went to this lady's house- she wasnt home- but her 19 year old granddaughter was there with her boyfriend- well they let us in and we got to talking...Her name is Holiday- she is possibly the most spiritually enlightened individual I have ever met!! she's been living with her grandma who converted years ago but is less active now so she is familiar with the Church- well we started reading from the Book of Mormon and you should have seen her face, her countenance..just change. She got really emotional and she said, "As we're talking and after you just read that (it was in Alma) I just feel like I'm glowing I feel so good!" We told her that was the Holy Ghost...it was amazing. She wanted a Book of Mormon, so we gave her one, and then at the end of the lesson I asked her if she felt comfortable saying the closing prayer. She said she had never prayed out loud before so we talked about how to pray and I wrote it all out for her (Dear Heavenly Father, what youre grateful for, what you need, Questions, In the name of Jesus Christ Amen) on a napkin and bless her heart!! She said the closing prayer her first prayer!! It was amazing!! SO we found a new investigator. Then as we were leaving, her boyfriend comes up to us and tells us that he had been praying that she would be led to good people, good friends, and then we showed up so he thanked us for that- well by then I was about in tears...it was so amazing. We are seeing her again next week. this girl is going to be baptized I can feel it...and her boyfriend may very well join too. What a miracle. 

     We found another investigator from knocking on doors- Kimberly a 50 year old woman retired from the Air force. Then the miracles continued!! We had a lesson with the Henderson family (as we do every week :) with Autumn, the 10 yr old girl that wants to be baptized, but his time sister Henderson invited Autumns parents over for dinner with us- we have been working towards this since I first got out here and sister Henderson finally got the courage to do it!! I'm soooo proud of her...well it went AMAZING!! Me and Autumns mother totally hit it off and we talked the whole time and at the end she wanted our number and her and her husband are interested in family history! It's amazing because if we can gain the trust and support of her parents, Autumn can be baptized, and I would not be the least bit surprised if her parent's start investigating too!! This is our prayer and our hope..but it was amazing- sister Henderson was so thrilled and relieved. 

    Also- Sister Hendersons non-member husband joined us as well so maybe his heart is softening towards the gospel and He will accept taking the lessons from us! He really loves...he cooked for us it was a great experience. Then later we had a lesson with the banks- they are also a part member family (I love them dearly!!!! so much fun haha) Her husband isn't a member but he is always pullings pranks on me- haha I just love that family. 

    Anyways the Stubbs (who I adore- they're a young couple and he's our ward mission leader and she is a ward missionary and she comes out with us all the time to lessons :) were invited too. After dinner we taught the Plan of Salvation to them and it went so well...After the lesson I just sat on the couch soaking in how happy I was....soaking in how much I love the people here...How they really are like family to me...how much I love being a missionary and how grateful I am to be serving here and how grateful I am to the Lord for leading me here. I just felt such deep joy im tearing up just thinking about it. I'm so happy you have no idea- I'm finally starting to get how to do missionary work...I get it now! I love it. I'm so glad God gave me the strength to go on in the times I felt so overwhelmed because now? wow- theres just joy. and love. and peace. and im in heaven!! haha I'm so close with the people here! Sister banks even got me a present from her trip to maine :) they are family to me.

    This Sunday I spoke along with Elder Sanders- it was weird sitting up on the stand together without our companions...but it was amazing- mom and dad, I wish you could've been there. I had a moment- When they were announcing the speakers and said "Our first speaker will be sister Bertoldo, a full-time missionary, followed by Elder Sanders, also a full-time missionary" it really hit me- because I haven't heard my name followed by "a full-time missionary" ever before...so hearing that- something inside me just felt so fulfilled...I thought of when I was little and first started having desires to be a missionary..a full-time missionary. that was a sweet moment. I know I'm doing what I was almost meant to do and Heavenly Father is pleased. I want to send you a copy of the talk. Bishop let us choose our topics, I chose the reality of Miracles, and Elder Sanders chose repentance- those two topics go perfectly hand in hand because really- what greater miracle is there than Christ's atoning sacrifice and the miracle of repentance? Well after our talks, an elderly woman came up to me crying and said that as we spoke she really felt the Spirit and knew she needed to have us teach her friend- so she gave us a referral!! We are going to start teaching her now as well.

Well...needless to say family this week was miraculous. A great week. we taught 27 lessons. I so testify that God is in this work- The book of mormon is a miracle because it softens hearts, changes attitudes and enlightens minds. Its done it for me and I've seen it happen time and time again on my mission. I LOVE being a missionary. read Mormon 9:15-19 love you all so much thank you for all you do,

 

Much love sister B

Thank You!!

Dear Family<3

 

FIrst I wanted to say thank you to Ashley for the letter and the package! It made me soooo happy you have no idea :) I was recharged all that day because of it! And I loved getting a letter from mom, Kristen and Haley! It made me so happy you have no idea how good it was to hear from you! And dad- thank you for the email today- you have no idea how much that meant so to all of you- thank you. I feel so far from home I forget what Provo, BYU, and home even feels like- it feels like i've been here my whole life- I guess because I've been so absorbed in it- so hearing from you guys was nice i didnt realize how far from you guys I was until i heard from you. But in other ways I feel close to you...you are all always in my heart and a part of me and much of what I teach and share is directly related to each of you. 

  This week was great- really busy. lesson lesson lesson. appointment after appointment after appointment. It's amazing how the Lord facilitates the Work and makes it all possible- I can;t express how fully I rely on Him and the Spirit. This sunday the Fillmore family sang "Did You think to Pray" and the little boy reminded me SO much of Michael when he sang, he sounded just like him, it really got my heart! I really miss Michael- I really miss you all...Jared. Kristen. Lindsey. Stacey. Haley. Ashley.mom dad. I really just cant think about it or else I get too emotional so I cried a bit but then just thought how happy it will be to see you all again. I just dont think about it.

So now for some info on the week- we had our lesson with Kiara and Candy and Charles (the family we randomly found by walking up and talking to them on their porch) we brought Nikita with us bc they both are military and have a lot in common. We taught the Atonement of Christ and introduced the Book of Mormon. Candy opened up and told us that when she was young she was bullied but the only girl that stood up for her and was kind was a mormon girl. What an impression this made on her!! It's so important we are kind and good representatives of Christ to EVERYONE we come into contact with- it really DOES make a lasting impression and it can make all the difference. These are our brothers and sisters- if we love God then we love them. We invited them to church but they didnt end up coming :( its ok! We will see them again and we will keep praying and being led by the Spirit and when they are ready it will happen. Join me in praying for this please! 

      We had a great lesson with Maya- she really opened up and we poured over the scriptures and found answers to her questions and by the end she was so excited she said, "I never thought I would be able to find answers in the scriptures for me- but now I feel it! I'm going to read whenever I have a question and just see what happens!" Ah!!! That made me overjoyed- i could've died- I was so happy because she GETS IT NOW!! She sees how the scriptures apply to HER PERSONALLY and once you get that- it all comes together. I know a power and peace is going to enter into her life like she has never experienced and I rejoice in that for her! Thats why we' re out here doing what we're doing. So much of missionary work is diligence, patience, trust, and long suffering- but when someone receive the truth or even a portion of it- it is all more than worth it!! I'm grateful the Lord is so patient with us. She came to church this sunday. 

     Then we had a really cool experience yesterday- after church the Elders came with us to see the H family, the family of little girls we are teaching and Autumn who is "investigating" (she's 10 but really wants to be baptised) and they gave them Father's Priesthood Blessings. It was really cool- dad I was trhinking of how much those blessings have meant to me all my life and they dont have a priesthood holder in their home so we had the Elders do it and what a beautiful job they did. All the little girls were shy and giggly with the Elders there haha it was SOOOOO cute- but then Elder Sanders explained what the blessings were and that they wer from Heavenly Father and then they blessed everyone of those little girls (2 10 yr olds, Autumn and Jordan,and 8 yr old, and then little lexi who is 5) mom and dad- it felt like I was home- it was so cool watching them get blessed for the first time and we wrote down everything that was said. 

     When Elder Sanders was blessing Lexi it was possibly the most tender thing I've ever seen- his hands were 5x the size of her teeny head and it was such a beautiful blessing- and then after he got a little emotional and was tearing up- it was so precious. I love those little girls. Then after the elders left we talked about patriarchal blessings and I shared part of mine with them and they were mesmerized. the Spirit was really strong there. I love being a missionary. 

      Bishop asked me and Elder Sanders to speak next Sunday. He let us choose our topics so after praying about it, I am going to speak on the reality of miracles in our lives! I'm excited about that topic- I believe in the reality of miracles. I pray I will be able to say all that the Spirit would have me say. I hope all is well with you and everyone is ready for school. This summer flew! Know how much I love you all. I want you to know that I have a burning testimony of this Gospel- this is Christ's church.The Book of Mormon is truly the word of God- it is truly the most inspired and correct book on the face of this earth. When we have a question in mind before reading- we will ALWAYS find answers if we have that we will. I have seen this time and time again on the mission. I love that book. I know the power of Prayer is real- its our portal and means to draw nearer to God so He can lead us in this life and help us know His will. I glory in this work and in His children! People are so easy to love. Take care.

 Much love sister B

Best of the Best

Dearest Family-

 

Where to begin! We found a new family to investigate- they were sitting outside on their porch and I felt that tug in my heart so me and the greenie walked up talked to them- they were so receptive! She is a military mom with a 7 yr old son charles who showed us al his karate moves and an adopted 12 yr old daughter named Kiara. She wants us to teach her kids bc she herself is religiously open minded and said we can come back when her husband isnt here- so we are going back this tuesday! We all talked for an hour or so it was so cool and Kiara came up to me and whispered in my ear before we left "you are really pretty" haha it was so cute! So pray that all goes well. 

   We had 3 investigators at church this sunday!!! JC the 16 yr old that I was worried we were losing, and I love her like a sister, texted us saying that she wanted to see us again. We then had the most POWERFUL meeting ever. She confided and told us everything she had been holding back. After our last lesson 3 weeks ago I had prayed- really prayed- that she would get an answer that would be unmistakable to her so she would know what we were teaching her was true. I plead her cause to the Lord then realized the Savior already had. It was an incredible experience. Then 3 weeks went by of nothing. Well at the end of our lesson this week- we told her she was a DAUGHTER OF GOD WITH DIVINE POTENTIAL we shared Jacob 3:1-3 with her which is directed to the "pure in heart" which is her- and how we must turn to CHRIST to comfort and console us. Well at the end we prayed and while we prayed I felt a warm gust of wind. After the prayer she had tears in her eyes and said, "I felt something- in my heart when you prayed- I felt a warm wind and it made my heart feel warm." she was smiling- she looked lighter- happy!! I told her that was the Spirit telling her what we talked about with her was true! That was God's love! and God even let me feel it too- he answered my prayer from 3 weeks ago and let me feel her answer with her. It was beautiful.

    Then the k family we've been working with- we got a bcd (baptism and confirmation date) set with sarah!! Her 9 yr old daughter. She is getting baptized the 31st of August. She and her mom both came to church this sunday- and our investigator Maya came too!! It was amazing bishop was floored. 

     Here's the cool thing- I fasted that morning praying that they would all come to Church and not only that but that they would feel the Spirit. Well- yesterday after sacrament JC said she might go home- she wasn't feeling well. I looked her dead in the eye and told her, "JC if you stay, I will go to YW with you instead of RS.. I'll sit with you the whole time." She said," Promise?" I promised!!! So she stayed. then in YW guess what they talked about? guess? TEMPLE COVENANTS. marriage. BAPTISM. It was perfect- at the end of it the YW President asked if I would speak- boy did I ever want to speak and talk to those girls about temple marriage!! I bore my testimony to them and told them I knew God knew them and had a plan for each of them- I told them part of that plan is a MAN. I testified to them that preparing for the temple is the best thing they could dream of and how it all starts with baptismal covenants and obedience to them. Then I looked at every one of those girls (there are a lot maybe 20) and I got totally overwhelmed- I have never seen so many eyes and faces so fixed on me- the Spirit was so strong- I felt like they were all just hanging on every word and all the leaders were crying and a lot of the girls too then I looked at JC- and maya- two of our investigators sitting there looking back at me- at I got such a huge feeling of love for them I totally broke down! I usually don't cry in public but I did because I thought my heart was going to explode. I told them they were all a part of me now forever and that the love I felt for each them was because of the Savior- I was feeling a portion of His love for them- so I testified of Christ's love for them. It was tremendous. I really think I am meant to work with youth- specifically girls- I just felt such power and always do when I talk about the temple and eternal marriage- i love bearing my testimony of that to them it only deepens my own and I love watching them catch the wave. So yeah- JC needed to be there- that was inspired of God. 

     I love you guys. Read DC section 6. I hope yall are doing well- please keep praying for me out here- i need it- my comp is sweet but has had emotional/psychological problems in the past- I need all the strength from the Lord I can get bc on my own I am nothing. I constantly counsel with the Lord just to get through a day but then miracles happen so I am always full of joy- the people here are beloved by me and I am beloved to them- its the COOLEST THING!!!!! I really do love being a missionary. Pray for JC, pray for the family we are meeting tuesday and that they will feel the Spirit and know it's true. Pray for me and us to be led to those who need us. that's all there is to my existence right now- it all revolves around others all my prayers, all my thoughts, all my heart.

Love sis. B

My dear Nikita the day before she went to the temple for the first time!!

District Picture

1/3 Done

Dearest Family-

 

How crazy it is to think that already ive been out 6 months!! It flies. Today is tranfers day and guess what- I'm training a new sister from the MTC again!! I have a feeling I will be training my whole mission and that would be fine by me because I LOVE training. But- when I got the call this morning that Sister Chandler will be leaving me it was really bittersweet because we have truly become good friends- and to make it even more sad we were both laughing and talking in our room together making videos when the call came so we just both burst into tears- thats the hardest part is finally forming a deep friendship and relationship with somone only to have them ripped away! 

   But i know I will love this new sister and be the best trainer I can be for her too. And I know Sister chandler will be great in fox run- she's ready. I have complete faith in her. her testimony is rock solid- being with her was such a JOY. she is such a steady spirit. Elder Sanders is also staying and training another new elder and elder parsons is leaving to alabama. I can't tell you how relieved I am he's staying. If both he and sister chandler left I dont think my heart could take it!! So that's transfers.

 

As for our week- wow!! so busy. We taught a record of 25 lessons this week!! Bishop called and said he was so thrilled and impressed with our work. A busy week is a happy week- yesterday (sunday) we were literally gone alllll day- we were only home for 30 minutes all day and then after church we had 5 appointments- it was awesome! 

   First we taught this lady- Sister Mullikin, who is a sweet older sister that is trying get ready to go on a mission herself now that her husband is passed away. Then we took her out with us to contact her friend John- an older gentleman who's wife died of cancer- and we had a good first meeting and lesson with him. Then we went to my favorite family ever the H's and cooked dinner with them :) all organic and paleo it was awesome I was in heaven! We even made sugar free lemon bars haha. then we taught a sister who is recently going through a divorce and we taught her and her 2 kids about the Plan of Salvation and shared DC  98 with her. It was a powerful lesson. Then we taught Sister Wilcurt- and read scriptures with her and sang hymns for her husband Daniel who is 95 and still going strong! haha earlier this week us and the elders got together and helped her put on a garage sale- it took us 2 hourse to go through her garage and get it all organized and it was so hot!! by the end of it the elders shirts were so soaked through with sweat- even their ties were soaked! it was hilarious. 

     Oh! and get this- our investigator Maya- we have been trying to get her to read the BOM. so this week we were going to focus on that but we got there and before we even asked her she said, "oh sisters i forgot to tell you- I read! I read 1st Nephi" so we were happy and asked her what chapter and how it went and she said, "No I read the whole first book of nephi- I loved it. I couldnt put it down." ah!! I was stoked. that was a great moment. 

    We also found a new potential investigator this week- her name is Jessica, she is recently divorced and she was a referral from a ward member. We had a great lesson with her on having a firm foundation of christ and read Hel. 5:12. We also had our first lesson with Savon- she is 16 yrs old living with some ward members here while her parents are deployed and shes been coming to church and wants to learn more. I LOVE that girl- its crazy. We talked with her about prayer and how vital prayer is to gain and know spiritual truths. afterwards I gave her one of my big hugs and she said the sweetest thing to me, she said, "ah sister b you are so tender. you walked up to me with your arms wide open before you even knew me!" haha i've noticed I do often hug people before I even really know them- but that's because I feel like I already do know them! People are so easy to love- you dont have to know somebody to love them, and I guess hugging people is how I show that love. I love hugging people. 

    ANYWAYS moving on with the week- we saw a part member family, the k family, for the second time, and had a really amazing lesson with them. At the end, their 9 yr old daughter sarah looked at her mom and said "I want to go to church this sunday. And I want to get baptized mom." The mom started crying. It was aweswome- then she told how hard things have been- how hard it is having a non member husband and how badly she's needed the missionaries in her home. She said that before we knocked on her door it had been over 2 years since she'd had any missionaries in her home. She committed to come to Church next Sundaywith her kids!! 

    I can assure you that nothing feels better than hearing someone tell us they've been waiting for us to knock on their door. Nothing feels better than a reading a scripture you feel prompted to share for a reason you arent aware of- but when you do- they break down and cry because they feel the Spirit. That's when you know its the Spirit- we don't know their hearts, but He does. God knows- its amazing how He just uses us to speak to people.       I really do love being a missionary. There are a lot of things I miss, just the little things like watching movies and taking naps and wearing sweats and reading magazines- but really- nothing can compare to the joy I feel when I feel the power and depth of God's love for His children. This is such a happy work. And the Book of Mormon!! Wow!! It has become indispensable to me- I pour over its pages and stories and the words have become alive to me- I know that book is true and inspired of God. I am reading in Alma right now and I am learning so much about how to be a good missionary from Ammon, and Alma and Amulek and all the sons of Mosiah- I might be training but I know that I'm being trained too by the example and words of those prophets!!        last thing thats really cute and worth mentioning- We went to a member families house for dinner wednsday night and they have a lot of little girls- well the youngest one Violet who is 5 came up to me and gave me a picture and said, "it's us" she drew me and sister Chandler holding her hands and walking together...haha it was soooo cute!! I will keep that picture forever.

    Family I love you- mom thank you for the clothes I really liked the maxi skirt even though it was a little big!! I also loved the orange cardigan thank you!!! I love and think of you all. 

Take care xoxo

much love sister b