Drive By Shooting

My dearest family,

So today we had transfers. I really thought that I was going to be staying in Anaheim with sister Longoria but she got transfered out.

Sister Minert is my new companion  and she came out the same time as hermana Longoria. Eric did you ever meet her in the MTC? Sister Henrie got her visa on Wednesday and is on her way to Spain right now. 

This week was great and super busy. Our area just grew a lot because the borders changed and I guess we have many of the Elders investigators now. We have been teaching the _______ family and they are doing really well. The dad really wants his whole family to listen to us and always has them come in when we come over. We have been very blessed to be able to teach a lot of families recently. 

This week we had zone meeting which was so good!  The assistants basically just talked about how we can help the missionaries and this mission. They also focused a lot on teaching families and working with the members in the ward. I am excited for this transfer and for the exchanges that I will get to go on with the sisters. We didn't have any new Spanish sisters come in this transfer but there were a bunch of English ones. It is so cool that so many sisters are coming out now! 

Well this week we had a ward activity that the missionaries were in charge of. The Elders did the lesson and we did the activity. We couldn't think of anything to do and didn't have much time at all and somehow we decided to play balloon volleyball with the families. I was worried that it wouldn't turn out, but they ended up loving it. It was sooo funny to watch! We had about 10 balloons and all of the members were really getting into it. I wish I got it on video because it was so funny!! 

Last night we went to a street that most of our investigators live on, and I guess right before we got there, someone drove by and was shooting at the apartments. There were a bunch of kids and teens outside, but luckily I don't think anyone ended up getting hurt. There were police everywhere and everyone told us to get out of there because they thought the guys might come back. As we were driving away we heard some more shots which was scary but I really hope everyone was OK  That's the street that all the interesting crazy stuff happens on... too bad we are teaching so many people there...haha! But no worries we are safe!  I love being here and know that this is the Lords work. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and am so grateful for the Atonement in my life. Thanks for everything, love you all! :)

That is soooo amazing to hear that Kelsey is going on a mission!!!!! I can't stop smiling because I am so happy for her. It is such a life changing experience and she is absolutely going to love it! She will make an amazing missionary too. I can't wait to hear where she is going!! :) Also, Christina and Erica Marley are going too!! That is so awesome!!!! That's pretty cool that Christy and her husband are moving into our ward. They are going to love Bend! :) Mom, fast tract sounds good. I think that would be smart to do. I bet I could get a little job there too and work before I go. Also that's funny that you got Just Dance. We are totally doing that together when I get home. :) You are going to be my companion and I am going to follow you everywhere. I hope that's OK with you. :) Sister Poulson is staying with us tonight and she leaves the mission to go home tomorrow morning. Sister Breitenstein is here on more transfer and she is companions with a 65 year old lady this transfer who only speaks Spanish  Cool huh? They didn't want to close the area because there are so many sisters coming next transfer so they just had her come in for a little bit. Well, that's about all the news this week! Love you! :)

Test the Book of Mormon

Sister Layton loves the kids!

Hola! This week has been great! Our new companion Sister Budge is so sweet and a great missionary. She is doing so well with the Spanish even though she doesn't feel like she is. It has been so fun to have her here with us. She is not afraid to talk to people at all so it's great!

Last Monday we talked to [Brother X] about changing his baptism date to give him a little bit more time to make sure that he was ready. He told us that he knows he is going to get baptized and knows that this is the true church but he wanted more time so that he could learn more. So, he wouldn't commit to a date, but was talking about doing it in the future. Then my companion said, "Guess what! It's Sister Layton's birthday on the 26th." Then he said okay then, I will prepare for the 25th!  

We made him a calendar and wrote out what he needed to do each day to prepare for his baptism. So far he has been doing everything. His baptismal interview is Wednesday night. He came to church on Sunday and also the ward activity on Friday. I am very excited for him. What a great birthday present! 

This week we had a ward activity and [Brother X] brought his friend, and it turns out that we have talked to his friend before on the street but his number didn't work so we weren't able to find him again and he was never home when we went over. Both of them love to sing, and I guess [Brother X] made friends with the Stake President because he ended up singing for the talent show while the Stake President played his guitar. It was awesome! We had to leave early to be home on time so we didn't get to watch it, but I had someone videotape it for me. Sister Poulson and I did the rubix cube together so that was fun. We finished it at the exact same time, so it was perfect. I am teaching Sister Budge how to do it too.

We had a temple tour this week for investigators which was really nice. One of President Bowen's counselors (President Tucker) was there and he invited my companionship over for thanksgiving dinner! 

Yes!

Turkey! I guess most of the missionaries last year had tacos or beans and rice for thanksgiving.

Lets see what else.. Dad, you letter at the beginning of the week was so perfect. Last week I was feeling like we have been working so hard and not having a lot of success. We had so many appointments set up and almost all of them fell through. We found so many people but had the hardest time finding them again. They wouldn't be home for appointments or would give us the wrong address or number. 

District during a recent P day

Part of your letter really helped me. I love the part when you said, "Next time you feel discouraged and perhaps a bit of failure, remember that success is not necessarily defined as many feel that it is. Success is achieved when we invite. Remember where that feeling of discouragement comes from and then boot it out!" I have to remind myself sometimes that people have their agency and that it's not our fault if they don't accept. I also have to remind myself that I am doing my part when I invite. I just love these people so much and want them to have the Gospel in their lives because I know how it can bless them. Anyway, thanks dad - that letter came at the perfect time. 

I am so grateful for all that I am learning here and the chance to share this life changing message with everyone. I have learned that ANYONE who actually tries the experiment to read the Book of Mormon, ponder, have a true desire to know if it is true, and prays to God with a sincere heart, WILL receive an answer. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. It has changed my life and I have seen it change the lives of others as well.  I feel so blessed to know what I do. I love this gospel and this opportunity to serve my Heavenly Father.