June 30

This week in pictures!

EXCITED AFTER DAVID'S BAPTISM

Fixing lawn mowers in collbran

David and Aimee got married! This is from last week! 

oh hey look me and my comp like to go walking! 

And yes we got Canadian shirts and we have never been happier!

oh hey look me and my comp like to go walking! 

June 23

What a week this has been! Golly. 

First off, on Monday night we had FHE with Erin, our investigator, at the Fierro's home. They put so much work into it and Erin's children had so much fun and the spirit was there. However, I could tell that something was off with Erin. As we got ready to leave, she shared with us that her mother in law wants her to have a big wedding. She and her fiance can't afford that right now. Erin wants nothing more than to be baptized. She is simply the most prepared person I have ever met. The look on her face when she told us she probably wouldn't be able to be baptized in July has changed me forever. It was in that moment that it all became real. We talked with her and she decided to pray for a miracle. We are also going to fast that she will be able to be baptized July 19th. That moment changed my mission forever. Right then and there I committed to do EVERYTHING I can to help her have success and endure to the end, not just be baptized. She is a daughter of God and He wants her to return to Him and it is my privilege to be able to help. 

I've been really trying to reconvert to my purpose and remember every single day why I am here and why I am doing all this. Our district meeting this week really helped. Elder Smelcer gave a great training on that exact subject that helped me recognize what I need to change. Sometimes I get a little overexcited about raising my righteous family in the future and I have a hard time focusing on the here and now. So I am trying everyday to recognize the ways I can become a better future mom to help me focus on each day. 

Another miracle this week has been working hard and seeing miracles. Sister Rodriguez is an AMAZING person with so much faith and determination. We have been focusing on planning more effectively and we have the spirit with us more strongly in lessons because we have more members!

Unfortunately Sister Rodriguez got sick on Friday so our weekend was spent mainly trying to recover. She has been struggling with her sister having cancer and feeling guilty about her past mistakes. She is healing and learning how to rely on Christ and I pray I can help her in some way because she is so incredible. 

This week I really want to work on the attribute of charity. I don't have much of a problem loving all the people on the street but I find myself more often than not judging other missionaries. I want to see them as God sees them. And I want to remember this week that we all come from different places. I just want to love unconditionally! 

On Thursday of this week we decided to fast to help Erin and for some concerns and questions we had. I received direct answers to my prayers. Never before have I had the relationship that I have now with my Father in Heaven. I love learning each day more about how He communicates with me through the spirit. I've been struggling a bit with who I am and having confidence in myself as a daughter of God. Through fasting and prayer I received the answer that I needed a priesthood blessing. The blessing was truly evidence that God knows me perfectly. All of my concerns were addressed. And I was able to learn how I can not just endure my mission but enjoy it too. 

As I sat in sacrament meeting yesterday, I wasn't feeling the usual rush of the spirit that I do. Just as I thought that, the speaker mentioned that we all have "mountains to climb". The spirit hit me like a ton of bricks (in the best way) and I distinctly felt like mountains were coming my way. I am not scared because I knew that if I rely on Christ I will get through them. It will be an opportunity to grow. I am so grateful for all of your support and love and the privilege that it is to serve a mission!

One of my mission pals had this really great quote so I thought I'd share it. 

"Many young women are serving missions. Many are preparing to serve, not because they aren't married or have nothing else to do; but because they have a desire to serve and therefore are being called to the work. The reason so many are going is because in the next generation, Heavenly Father will be sending His Priesthood Army to the earth and wants to send them to mothers who have been properly trained and taught in the gospel. What better training can a young woman have than that of serving a mission?" Pres Hinckley 

I've also been reading the GC Ensign and I love President Monson! He always has the best poems and quotes. These are my favorites.

 "I have wept in the night for the shortness of sight that to somebody's need made me blind; But I never have yet felt a tinge of regret for being a little too kind." -Unknown

"Of all sad words of  tongue or pen, the saddest are these: What might have been!" -John Greenleaf Whittier

"Perhaps you will forget tomorrow the kind words you say today but  the recipient may cherish them over a lifetime." -Dale Carnegie

"Just be the same person you are in the dark that you are in the light." -Jabari Parker's dad (haha)

I have a weekly email from sis rod that I forward to you as well since this one was kind of random feeling like things! 

I LOVE YOU ALLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We taught Lexis the plan of salvation with sidewalk chalk! 

comp study outside at the church in between coordination meeting and sacrament.

We taught Lexis the plan of salvation with sidewalk chalk! 

June 16

What a fabulous week this has been! 

Monday

We had a fabulous p-day! We did the usual (email, groceries, laundry, cleaning) and also had a district lunch at Dos Hombres, a really classy Mexican place here in GJ. Afterwards we headed to the mall for some shopping. It was Sister Remington's birthday. Since she was both mine and Sister Rodriguez's first companion we met up with her. I found 97 cent shoes at Old Navy that made my day. Monday night we ate with our Ward Mission Leader. He has so many chickens (frightening) and wear overalls around his house. We just love him. One of my favorite moments of the transfer so far was after a lesson with our investigator Kim (who is about 50) when we were leaving her house. Brother Beynon came with us and as we walked he says, "You have a nice lawn, little girl." Sister Rod and I always quote him. It was, I think, the funniest thing he has ever said. Sis Rod and I laugh at everything though, so it may not have been that funny. Monday night we taught Erin. She is so amazing! The spirit in her home is almost tangible. She knows it is true and more than that, she loves it! The gospel really makes her happy! One of my favorite things she has said is, "I've found a little piece of happiness and I'm never letting it go." It made me so happy that she is happy. We also met with the Berries. They are coming to church a lot more regularly and Brother Berrie just got a calling this last Sunday! 

Tuesday

We were both really sick Tuesday morning. We've both been trying to get over colds and I think we are finally doing it! We both couldn't function so we slept a bit. I slept til 8 AM and then my conscience took over so I had to get up and study. Sis Rod slept until 2 (clearly she was a little more sick than me). When we did get out and about we had an amazing time! We saw Kim with Bro Beynon (see lawn story above). She wants to change but doesn't believe that she can. I just wish she could see herslef the way that God does. We also saw Pam and Lily (who had the birthday party last week) and ate ice cream for dinner. Usually this ward is amazing at feeding us but for some reason the last 2 weeks have been slim pickin's. That's okay because we have more bonding time as comps and we get to be creative about our meals when we are bored! Luckily, Graff's Dairy here in town gives free ice cream to missionaries! And I swear I really am trying to break the stereotype of every missionary that goes to the US being a lot heavier when they get home...We also taught Milt and Patty with Brother And Sister Lewis. Patty agreed to pray about a baptismal date! Woot! She is so sweet! Also fun  fact, Milt was baptized in the Milk River in Montana! I about died when he said that! Bonding! 

Wednesday

We went to Collbran! I also got the best package ever with Eatmores in it! Looks like I'm going to have to do some more hiking! In Collbran, we saw the Schowalters. Bro S is a member but his wife is not. She has met with missionaries for probably 20 years off and on. She admitted she had never actually read the Book of Mormon with a serious attitude but committed this time to do it! Miracles! One of my favorite parts about being in Collbran is being able to do the farmer wave to all the people driving and they do it back! 

Thursday

We had a zone meeting! One of my ZL's is an Elder I came out with so that's pretty fun. We were divided into groups and had to make cookies without a recipe. I randomly just felt like I knew what we needed to put in and my team trusted me so we went for it and ours were the best! It was to teach us that we need the recipe to be a good missionary and not just the best intentions. It's all about learning the skillz. I love meetings because they remind me of the missionary that I want to become. We had our primary president lined up to come to Erin's with us but Erin had to cancel because she wasn't feeling well. So instead we asked Sis Rice (the president) if she had anyone she wanted to visit and she did! Because of her we met an amazing part member/less-active family to teach! The Jankes! He said he has been investigating the church for about 20 years and feels like he is about ready to be baptized! Without Sis Rice we never would have found them! We also saw our investigator Tonia this day with Sister Sorenson. Tonia is very quiet and reserved but shared with actually opened to us this visit! It's a lot easier to teach someone when you know who they are. 

Friday

SISTER RODRIGUEZ TURNED 22 THIS DAY! Woot! We had a day of celebration. We sang a little bit tooooo much Taylor Swift (as we are now both 22) Yay for having a companion as old as me! We ate french toast for breakfast, I made cupcakes, we wore party hats all day long, her parents sent her flowers, we ate lunch with the 6th sisters and jumped on their trampoline, and I sang to her about 40,000 times. My old comp, Sister Tew, even stopped by too! She's the best and it was so fun to see her again! Plus she is darling! Later we had a meeting with Bro B and the Elders in his backyard with all his chickens...Bro B was wearing his farmer outfit. It was too good. Plus he gave Sis Rod a tour of his garden for her birthday. We also met Jessica Hemmer,  who the elders referred us too. She is amazing and is prepared and we have a return appt. She's a young single mom of 3 and I'm so excited to meet with her!

Saturday

We weeded the Cross' yard for 2 hours and bonded over Even Stevens. Yet another reason why I love Sis Rod. We also volunteered at Habitat for Humanity. We knocked some doors, chased down a mexican man named Fernando, and contacted referrals. Though not much came of it, I know the Lord will bless this area for our efforts. We taught Milt and Patty again and they were wearing the best cowboy outfits I have ever seen. Something I have been dealing with my entire mission, is my insecurities in who I am. Each day I am learning more and more that because I am a daughter of God I can do hard things. Even if I am awkward or I make bad choices, He will still love me. The Atonement really does allow me every day to become better than I was before. I love knowing that and I love learning how to love myself more fully so that I can love others! 

Sunday

I played the organ and accompanied the YW's musical number. They hadn't practiced much but it turned out really well. The YW got to share testimonies in Sacrament about Girl's camp and it sure brought back some great memories from my youth (like stealing cakes and putting mustard in Jayna's sleeping bag, and making up nick names for everyone and their dog). Sis Rod also got to share her testimony. She sure is great! She is one of the least judgmental people that I know. And plus she laughs at all my jokes. Our Sunday School class is a gong show. It is full of the most random people and they make some pretty hilraious comments. Plus our ward mission leader's wife teaches it and she has a crazy almost grover like voice when she gets excited! It's the best! Plus the Elders investigator came with his 8 day old baby!  He was tiny, adorable, and frightening at the same time. Both Sis Rod and I agree that newborns are cute from a distance haha. We're just grateful that we are missionaries and that that is far far FAR in our futures. Sadly for dinner after church, we had a meal that made us both feel pretty sick but we powered through it. At 7 we taught Brandi a less-active. For the first time I felt like we really taught her and not just a lesson. She opened up and shared her real concerns. We also taught the Collins. We had a great lesson with them too. My favorite thing was seeing the change in Sister Collins. When we got there she was a little unhappy but when we left she was cheerful and excited! The gospel changes people. I am so thankful for all that I have been given and for the great week I have had. I am so blessed to be a missionary right now because these experiences are changing me. I know my Saviour better now than I ever have before and the best part is that I still have a lot to learn! 

I hope you all have the best week ever!

Love,

Sista T

birthday trampoline jumping!

Patty in her cowgirl get up. I am a giant.

birthday trampoline jumping!

June 9

Hola mi familia!!!!!

What a fabulous this week has been. Also I think it may have been the fastest one on my mission! 

So in big news, my new companion is Sister Rodriguez from Reno, Nevada! (Don't worry I've been quoting the muppet movie to her all the time...R E N O that spells RENO. She may or may not hate me already...haha). She is the cutest! And she has darling clothes (heck ya!). We've already been sharing clothes all week. She's served in Denver the 9 months she has so far on her mission so I'm pretty excited that she is here. Grand Junction is mighty different from Denver but she's adjusting like a champion. I honestly only have good things to say about her. She is a rockstar! Plus we are opposites in about everything looks wise. 

Sister Tew went to Glenwood Springs so she's not even that far away and plus she is serving as a spanish missionary again! She's so excited! I was a little stressed about taking over the area but I know that if I trust in God and do everything I can, it will all work out! 

We also got a new Elder in our ward as Elder Koyle went home from his mission...and the new Elder is Elder Merrill. So I am now serving with 2 Elder Merrills. I cannot get over it and I think it is the funniest thing that has ever happened to me. I randomly bust up laughing during the day when I think about it. We tend to refer to them as "The Merrills."

This week has been incredible! I have never felt so good as a missionary. I know it is because we have been so obedient. I LOVE BEING OBEDIENT! We have been workin our bums off and I love it so much! I love the feeling when I lay down at night and I know I have done everything I possibly can to hasten the work. We have an investigator on date to be baptized named Erin. She is 25, has 3 little girls and a boyfriend. They live together and the only thing holding them back from getting married was finances. We have been praying since we met Erin that Kyle (her boyfriend) would get a better job. As we met with her the other day she shared the INCREDIBLE news that the Lord has answered all of our prayers. I am so glad Erin was able to have such a faith building experience before her baptism so she can even more understand how incredible God is. It is SO exciting! Her baptismal date is July 19th because her oldest daughter turns 8 July 18th so they will be baptized together! Adorable right? Plus she always come to church and loves learning about the gospel. I am so privileged to be able to share in her journey.

In Milt and Patty news.... THEY FINALLY STAYED FOR ALL 3 HOURS OF CHURCH! HALLELUJAH! Patty is still trying to determine what she thinks of the Book of Mormon. I am so grateful to have such a great ward where she can feel the spirit. 

We got a call from Sister Murdock the other day saying she was in Grand Junction and wanted to see us! Sis Rodriguez had been staying at the mission home for the last 2 weeks because her companion went home last transfer unexpectedly so they are really close. I was so happy I could witness their joyous reunion. Sister Murdock is hilarious and so opinionated. I sure can feel how much she loves us every time we see her! Also her daughter 22 year old daughter who has some disabilities was with her. She told us the BEST story. As they were checking in to the hotel, Sister Murdock, being the amazing missionary that she is, started to talk to the clerk about the church. He said it really wasn't for him. To which she replied, "Peace, joy, and happiness aren't for you?" Then her daughter walks up and basically yells at him, "The gospel doesn't make me peaceful, joyful, or happy." Sister Murdock said that she basically undoes all the missionary work she tries to do haha. I love Sis Murdock for patience and love! 

I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY! 

Thanks for all your love and support! You are the best! I hope you have the best week ever! 

Love,

Sista T

we went to a less-actives granddaughter's 8th birthday. It was the cutest and they had a fashion show! Heck ya! 

June 2

What a great week this has been! Both Sister Tew and I knew we were going to be leaving each other as we had the best week of our missions working together in unity and teaching with power. It was the best while it lasted so all I can be is grateful! I am staying here in GJ and she is on her way to bigger and better things! I'm pumped to meet my new companion! 

I honestly don't know where to start with the miracles this week because they were so plentiful! First of all, I hiked all the way to the top of Mt. Garfield, even though I am deathly afraid of heights. It was so steep and so narrow. At one part we were basically just scaling the side of the mountain. It was almost as bad as Goat Lake. YIKES. The view on top was incredible! I was so excited to have made it to the top but then realized I had to go back down. I decided then and there that I can do hard things and it is because of Jesus Christ. Attitude truly does change everything. I decided this week that because I am a daughter of God I can take control and choose to be happy and obedient! I know now more than ever that the Atonement is real and there is always hope through Jesus Christ. I understand the principles of the gospel more fully because I have applied them. I know I can truly change and become more because of His love. I love my mission! We were also able to teach Matt while on the way down because I was going so slow! He is singles ward age so we gave him our card and a book of mormon. We got home sunburnt and exhausted! My favorite thing now is while we are driving around to look at Mt. Garfield and say that I climbed it! 

In other miracles, we had an amazing church tour with a less-active sister. Sister Tew had seen her right before I got here about 3 months ago and she was not interested at all. I have a true testimony that the Lord can soften hearts. The sweetest spirit was there the entire time and she shared with us her desire to come back to church and to become more than she is right now. We also contacted a former investigator who really wants to learn again. We also have an amazing new investigator named Sam whose friends are all Mormons! She is so prepared! Plus she is from Thailand! She wants to learn because Mormons are the calmest, most peaceful people she knows (in my head, I thought she clearly doesn't know me haha). She is really confused by all of the other religions and I am so excited to share the truth with her. I love when I have moments where it really just hits me that we have the full truth and because of that can have so much peace and happiness. 

Patty is one of our progressing investigators. Her husband is less-active and they are both learning together. They are in their 80s. This week they both expressed to us that they feel like this is the way that God wants things to be. They feel the spirit at church and are reading the Book of Mormon together. I am so excited for them! They are helping me remember why missionary work is so amazing! Plus Milt always wears Canadian tuxedos. What more could a missionary want?

We had a fabulous district meeting this week. Every companionship in our district has one companion changing. It was great to be in the best district in the mission while it lasted! We had great trainings from 2 Elders who are going home and from Sister Tew. We also made sushi! I really can't express how much I love my district. I have learned so much from them!

One of my favorite moments of the week was eating at the Ludwig's home. They have a 9 year old boy and 4 year old twins. They are quite rambunctious and their mother is sassy! In a rush to leave for a baptism, we had to eat the delicious cake she made as fast as we could and then quick say a prayer before we left. The children were being quite rambunctious. The mother then yelled, "Fold your arms, heathens!" I decided right then and there that that is the kind of mom I want to be! 

The baptism we went to was Indica's, who is in the 6th ward! She is 12 and is so cute. Of course, Sister Tew and Sister Winkelman sang "Saviour, Redeemer of my Soul" and I accompanied them for the 12th time. Luckily it never gets old. 

Saturday night we found out Sister Tew is getting transferred. SAD. But we went to the Spanish branch's baptism, Flor! She is the best and has quite a story! She met Elder Ballard while he was staying here for a conference. He said a prayer with her and then sent the missionaries to bring her his book, "Our search for happiness." And now she is baptized! My absolute favorite thing about baptisms is the spirit right as they are being baptized. Her face expressed such joy. There is nothing that can compare with that feeling. Plus her little son Carlos decided I was his best friend halfway through the baptism and came to sit by me. That made my year. All the little Hispanic children speak to me in Spanish so I just nod and smile because I have no idea what they are staying. 

I love visiting Erin! She is so prepared. We were able to teach faith and repentance. She said she knows now that there is a difference between faith and belief. She had always believed but now she has faith because she is acting on it. Plus her children are hilarious. Her 18 month old sings "Let It Go" from Frozen and it's the cutest thing ever! 

Also today marks the end of our 3 months of not eating sugar! It was completely no sugar as we could eat what members made us but I truly can't believe how fast the time has gone. I already ate some jelly tots this morning! Thanks britt-dawg! 

Church was fabulous! No one was there to play the organ so I randomly got to step in. That was fun. Also the less-active family from Collbran all came to church to bless their baby! Woot! We had a great day saying goodbye to people. It really reminded me how fabulous and how excited I am for the new sister to meet all these people! 

I hope you all have the best week ever and that you remember who you are as children of God! 

Love,

Sista T

THE BEST DISTRICT IN THE MISSION.

doing yoga during weekly planning.

Erin's family. The only way Kenzie would be in the pics was if she wore my name tag! 

The Hike!

May 19

So because I am not feeling top notch, I am sending sister tew's weekly email! 

We were sick...

So Sister Turner and I alternated being sick every other day so it was kinda a bummer. I got to know our apartment super well. It was an amazing learning experience and it set us up for the amazing miracles that I'm about to tell you about!

Collbran! Tomarra! Espanol!

We went up to Collbran this week 2 different times. The first time we went up, we ate dinner with the Newitt family and they are the cutest. The Dad cried when he told us about his family and you could just see the love that he has for them as he spoke. Their youngest daughter, Amber, was there as well and she is an amazing missionary! She served in Las Vegas, speaking Spanish, and she loves the gospel with her whole heart. As we were finishing dinner, they listed to us all of the people that they know that they feel like would be open to the gospel, including some Spanish people! (And because Collbran is so far away we get to teach them in Spanish!!!!) We left their home with 8 referrals, and the even more amazing part is that Amber took us to 2 of their homes to have us meet them and one of them, Tomarra (whose house has the knight), became a new investigator and we're having dinner with both of them this week! There were just so many miracles and I am soo grateful!

Craziest Saturday of My Life! (I wrote this part)

A sister in our zone decided she wanted to go home. When we first heard we were a little shocked, to say the least. We didn't have a car so after being dropped by a member in our area we knew we needed to go to their house. So we walked a mile to get there! We both had the strongest impression that that was where we needed to be. We waited there for an hour (but didn't tell them that). We had decided we were going to do everything we could to keep her here but when we walked in their house, her bags were packed. It was shocking! She was 100% determined to leave. We weren't really sure why we needed to be there but we know we did. Friday morning we headed back over to their house to spend the day with them. When we got there she was sleeping. That is when we all decided we weren't going to let her go without a fight. Her comp, (my MTC comp), Sister Gregerson had so much faith! sis Tew stayed and we both left to make a plan. We decided to throw a surprise party for her so she could know how loved she is. We invited all their investigators and some ward members she is close to. They all came. The entire day we were guided in everything we did. I now understand the phrase "ministering angels". And in the end, she stayed! It was the most exhausting day I've ever had. I have so much respect for Sister Gregerson. She is so selfless and giving and was willing to do anything to keep her here. She doesn't have really anything to go home to and we all felt very strongly that going home would affect her for the rest of her life. I can't even begin to tell you how many miracles occurred this day and how much we truly saw the Lord's hand in everything. The timing was exactly what it needed to be. I know the Lord has a plan for each of us and our choices do affect us. But if we align our will with the Lord's, things will work out the way they are supposed to! 

Milt and Patti

Are the cutest! I love them with my whole heart! They came to church on Sunday, after an awesome lesson earlier in the week. It was the sweetest thing. I sat down in the row behind Patti and asked how she was. She started crying and told me about how her neighbor had passed away Sunday morning. She truly was heart-broken and it touched my heart. I listened to her and as she finished I shared how happy I was that she was able to come this morning to feel the peace of the Savior. Her answer touched my heart and made me sooooo happy! She said, "When Milt asked me this morning if I wanted to go to church I told him, 'I think we better.'" She knew where she needed to be because she has felt the Spirit and recognizes it in her heart. She is so close to her Savior and I feel so privileged to be a part of her life!

The Most Miracles I've Ever Seen!!!

I felt so blessed as I sat in church on Sunday, between all the sickness during the week and the crazy weekend we had, I wasn't sure what church was going to be like. I was overwhelmed with gratitude when we were surrounded by amazing people at church. Erin and Patti were both at church with their families. A less-active family from Collbran drove the hour to come down! Another less-active family that we weren't expecting because they told they weren't going to come ended up being there. The miracles and blessings are too many to name. I feel so privileged to be in this area of the world, of the country, of Colorado serving the Lord. I love this work! It's the best!

I love you all!!!! You're wonderful! Have the best week in the world!! (ditto from sista t)

While carless, we had a member drop us off in palisade so we could see our investigator for her birthday. Her dream was to ride a horse so we asked sis majors if she could ride hers! Woot! Also this horse is famous. It was the horse in the lone ranger that the lone ranger's brother rode! 

We had to give up our car this week so we were carless for 3 days. The Elders in our war dare the best and found us a car to drive as ours will be in the shop for 3 weeks!

I found this at the habitat for humanity we volunteer at and it was just too good! (a picture where Elder Turner is) also we went up to collbran this week and while eating dinner with members, their friends drove up in this thing! 

May 12

This week was fabulous! Our most progressing investigator is Erin. She is on date for July 19 (because she has to get married) and her 7 year old daughter turns 8 on July 18 so she will be baptized with her! She has come to church faithfully ever since she moved into our ward and is so ready to learn and do. She amazes me every time we meet with her with her desire to be obedient. She is one of the most prepared people I have ever met. We have so much fun teaching her little family. Her daughters are really trying to understand (they are 7 and 4) and it's so sweet. Right now we are focusing on the Book of Mormon so she can gain her own witness of its truthfulness. She is meeting with the Bishop on Thursday night. She is already becoming a staple in this ward!

We are also teaching Patti! She's about 80 and her husband of 8 years is a member. They have come to church 3 times already! She is a cowgirl artist and every time we go over they feed us ice cream :)

We've also been working with Jennifer, Genesis, Mo, and Risa. They came to church a week ago from Sunday and we saw them again Monday night. Genesis, the 10 year old, was in a lot of pain in her legs, so we offered for her to receive a priesthood blessing. She really wanted one. Brother Dalton, the sweetest, kindest, man in our ward came and gave her one. I love priesthood blessings because it truly is what the Lord wanted her to hear. She learned that she is a very special daughter of God with a purpose. The spirit was so sweet and so strong there. Genesis even asked if she could have Brother Dalton's phone number so they could still be friends. A family in the ward, the Redds, had them over for dinner on Wednesday and it was awesome! Jen, the mom, is a pretty tough cookie. As we were teaching them, I knew I had to invite them to be baptized. I was really scared but I did it anyway. Jen answered for the whole family and said that they don't need to be but the positive is we now know their concerns and how to better help them recognize the truth!

On Tuesday we headed up to Collbran and had a day of tea parties. First we had the best luncheon ever with the sweetest old ladies who live up there: Sister Tolman (who is 82 but looks 60), Sister Newitt, and the new Sister Litton. Sister Litton just married an older gentleman who lives up there and Sister Tew and I are certain that she is going to get the branch started up there again. She is a firecracker. We dined on dainty little sandwiches. It was probably the cutest thing I have ever done in my life. They each shared how they met their husbands and how they came into the church. All 3 of them were converts! The second tea party we attended was the senior tea for all the graduating seniors. Karlee, a less-active we've been working with, asked if we could come with her because she had no one else to come. At first, we were thinking "is this an effective use of our time?" and then we got our heads on straight and thought "What would Christ do?" So we went! There was even a mullet magician! The RS president is a principal of the elementary school and she was there so we were able to introduce she and karlee! It was perfect! 

Once again I saw SO MANY miracles this week. One of the most affecting was talking to my family :) It really put things into perspective of how imperative the gospel truly is and how real life is. Their examples have motivated me to be better, to be more anxiously engaged in this great cause I am a part of! Another miracle was Chris' baptism, in the 7th ward. I can't describe the incredible spirit I felt there. I felt God's love so powerfully and so purely. You can just feel the pure and courageous spirit that emulates from Chris. Chris was in an accident about a year ago that left him paralyzed from the waist down. He is so happy and such an example and I am so happy he has the gospel! This is what life is all about: helping people recognize the amazing power the can come into their lives as they put God first. I am determined to be more focused and hard working this week to help more people! President and Sister Murdock also came to this baptism. It's always great to see them! Sister Tew and Sister Winkelman also sang the song they sing at every single baptism, "Saviour, Redeemer of my Soul". I have played that song so many times I almost have it memorized. Everyone just loves it though so I am sure glad I brought it. 

Our district leader, Elder Hewlett, sure makes district meeting interesting every week. This week we shot rocks at eggs he duct taped to a fence with a sling shot. If we hit one we had to role play a teaching situation or answer a question from PMG. Too good. The sisters ended up having to shoot 2 to every 1 that an Elder shot because we just couldn't hit them! 

We were contacting referrals in a trailer park when we saw some people outside, so naturally we went and talked to them. Turns out they are meeting with the missionaries in Basalt (another town about 3 hours away) but they are moving here to Palisade! Such a huge miracle that we have met them already so we can help them get settled in and they won't get lost in the move!

Sister Tew is helping me learn so much about charity.  She truly loves everyone and is helping me see how important it is to God's work because that is what He is all about. I am going to continue working on this attribute this week. My goal is to have love become the motivation for everything that I do, not just as a missionary, but as a daughter of God! 

On Saturday I went on an exchange with Sister Winkelman. She is the best and one of the funniest people I have ever met! I laughed all day long. She hasn't been feeling too well as of late so we spent a bit of the day inside playing "Biblequest" where I discovered I literally know nothing about the Bible. It was great! I got to jump on the trampoline for a minute too! Sister Wink has the greatest desire to go and do. She is such an incredible example to me of diligence! Even when she can't go outside she wants nothing more than to do that! She's amazing! 

Yesterday we had 3 investigators come to church! I really love the ward I serve in and I love how much all the wards I have served in have felt like home.

And there's my week! While on exchanges we also shared this super cool video with a family and I loved it! I love seeing the juxtaposition between Christ's time and ours. They don't seem relate-able because they are so different but Jesus Christ and real people are the most connected of anything! 

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2014-00-1420-because-of-him?lang=eng

Hope you all have the best week ever! 

another service project, staining another fence! 

We found sheep in Collbran. 

I jumped on a tramp. 

I love these sisters.