The Mission is Changing My Life

That is awesome that Eric's papers are going to be in. I am going to guess Brazil. Even though I kinda have a feeling he might go to some weird crazy place. I know he doesnt want to learn Spanish as much, but I'm kinda hoping he goes Spanish speaking. :) 

Newport Beach Temple

We have a new rule in the mission that temple days are no longer on P days! Wahoo! That means that I probably shouldn't ever have a problem emailing home on P days. At least I hope anyway. Transfers get crazy, but I will try to make sure that email is at the top of the list. :)
The Hallmans and the Adams sent me a package. I loved it, and the letters from the kids made me want to cry. They were so sweet! I miss them!

It's been a crazy week, but so good. We changed the dates for our investigators baptisms. One of them just got married this weekend and is getting baptized tomorrow night! We are so excited for her. Her husband and boys are going to come. The husband hasn't wanted anything to do with the missionaries, but has opened up a lot lately. He has been talking to us now and even coming to some of the ward activities.

Our other investigator still hasn't been able to come to church and is not keeping all of her commitments so we need to move her date back. We are meeting with her today, and hopefully she will be able to come to the baptism tomorrow. We had another temple tour this last week.

Our recent convert came with us and he loved it! We haven't had a lesson with him yet about temples so it was good for him to go on the tour.

Next Monday is the end of transfers so there is a chance that I will have a different companion then, and like I said before, I have heard rumors that Hna. Breitenstein is coming back! :)
Grandma and Grandpa Layton asked a question about our lessons... When we are teaching men, we have to have a member come with us unless there is a woman at home. We can teach women with just the two of us though. That's what was nice when I had two companions, we were able to teach anyone. It's always good to have members with us though because they can be friends with those we are teaching and it helps a lot and makes them feel more comfortable at church.

Well time is up, but I know that the church is true. The mission is changing my life. I love this gospel! :)

Spanish Is Pretty Hard But I Love It

MTC district

Hola! This week has been another great one. I love this area! My companion's names are Hermana Vilches and Hermana Breitenstein. Hermana Vilches is the one that is fluent with the language. She knew Spanish before her mission. They are really helpful with the language.

Spanish is pretty hard but I love it. There was one day this week where I was talking in Spanish all day and I knocked on one door and said something to them in Spanish. I was so used to speaking Spanish that I didnt realize that they answered me in English and I kept replying in Spanish and he kept talking in English. The conversation probably sounded really funny. My companions were laughing at me the rest of the day. So funny. :)

So this week I extended the baptismal invite for the first time. It was the first lesson that we had with him and it went really well. When I asked him he sat there for a couple minutes thinking about it and then he said that he would, but first he wants to know for sure that this is true. He has been reading his scriptures and praying so I know that he will find his answer.

Hermanas Vilches, Breitenstein and Layton

We are working with a lady that set a date to be baptized on the 26th of this month but it all depends on of she gets married or not. She really wants to but her boyfriend doesn't quite yet. She knows that the church is true and she has a really strong testimony so hopefully they will get married before the 26th.

We had my first zone conference this week. It was awesome. We heard from my mission president and his wife. It was a really great experience! They have amazing testimonies.
I am starting to get to know the people in the ward a lot more. They are great! The little kids are the cutest! On Sundays we stand by the door and greet everyone coming in and sometimes the little kids will just run up and give me a huge hug. It's sad that I'm not supposed to hug back but their hugs still make my day.

I don't have a ton of time but I want you to know that I know that the Gospel was restored to the earth and that Joseph Smith was a true prophet. I love teaching the first lesson and especially the first vision because it brings the Spirit into the room so strong. I love the gospel. I know that it can bring so much joy into our lives. Don't be afraid to share it with people. Find names that you can give to the missionaries in the ward. That is the best way to do missionary work! :)

Oh and a question that I think you asked last week that I forgot to answer... I was told that most likely I will be serving in all Spanish speaking areas. The only reason why they would move me to an English area is if they really needed drivers. A lot of the missionaries from out of the country can't drive. The mission president really likes to keep you where you have been called though so my companions said they really do not think I will serve in an English area. I guess there is a chance that I could though.

I love and you miss you all so much. Tell Aunt Karen that there is a letter on the way. It takes me forever to write back especially now that I am out in the field. Tell Grandma, Grandpa and Sean that I love them so much!!! and the Vegas family too! :) Gracias!

I Just Stare At Them With a Confused Look

Hola! We went to the temple again this morning. What a great way to start the day!! This week we have two new investigators that we are teaching. This time they are our teachers. I'm glad they are not real investigators, because sometimes I just stare at them with a confused look when they are trying to tell me something.

My companion Hermana Andreason leaves this Tuesday for the Guatemala MTC! She had a hard week because she doesn't want to leave. She will be great though!

Dad in your letter you asked what my favorite part of the MTC is. It is definitely the spirit I feel here. It is so amazing! I love the devotionals and the music. My least favorite part... well when I read that I sat there for a while trying to come up with something and I couldn't. Haha.

I know I have said this before, but I have amazing teachers. Spanish can be hard sometimes but Heavenly Father knows that we can do it and he trusts me. I just have to do my best, and he does the rest.

Grandma Layton I love your letters every week! You asked a few questions. When the general authorities come they talk to all the missionaries together. Also there is a temple in my mission, it's the Newport beach temple (picture is on the Blog header) and I do think that we will get to go often which I am excited for. There is no place I would rather be right now. I have learned that Heavenly Father knows me more than I know myself and I need to trust Him. I love my Savior Jesus Christ. He lives, and I know that without a doubt. I am on a mission because I know that they Gospel can bring so much joy into our lives. I know it is true and I love it! Thank you everyone for the letters and all of the support! I love you all! :)

I get plenty of rest but usually it takes me about 30 min to fall asleep because my brain wont be quiet with all the spanish sentences going through my head! Haha! Curtis, mom said you wrote me a letter, I cant wait to get it!!  Please tell Brother Bone thank you!

I love you all so much. Tell Sean that I am writing him soon and that I really miss him. Eric, prepare now for your mission. Read your scriptures every day and pray. Adios!