April 13

I got a lot to say and not much time to say it so here we go! First of all- Kalli- remember that meditate then put your worries in a box thing?? Hermana Dominguez told me to do that the other day. I froze in horror for about 15 seconds, looked at her, then was on the floor laughing for days. Yikes. This week was a roller coaster. I think I say that every week but hey that's life. Naomi is set to get baptized this week. She almost gave me a heart attack about 46 times because somehow something always came up so we couldn't meet with her. I totally thought she was dodging us. We had an appointment with her Tuesday that was cancelled because she had to stay late at work, then she forgot our appointment on Friday, then she got food poisoning so she wasn't at church on Sunday. We went over after church ready to hear bad news. When we got there she was so sick and horrified that she wouldn't be able to get baptized. It was a huge relief! She is all set to be baptized on Saturday! She doesn't have any friends or family here so the ward has really made it a huge effort to make sure she knows they are her family. We ran back to the church just as relief society was ending. We announced the baptism and suddenly all the Sisters were deciding who was going to do what cutsie thing for her. It was PURE JOY to watch! This week we also get to go with the bishop and his family to the temple because their oldest daughter is going through for her mission. She is going to Ryan's mission! I really hope she doesn't freeze...she's never left Arizona. Poor thing is going to be a Popsicle in July! Any tips Ryan? Our district really wanted to do a blitz this week and nobody wanted to be in charge so Sister Dominguez and I took charge and we got to blitz our area! Every single time I do a blitz we don't have an success for 2 hours and then the last like 3 houses are golden. It's the weirdest thing. This time we knocked on a door to find a young mama who was actually from Park City yet she know's nothing about the church. She was telling us about how she is worried because she didn't know how to teach her friends about what Easter is truly about. WE CAN HELP WITH THAT! We are going to start teaching them this week! Most people hate knocking doors and I'll be honest, I always dread it until we are doing it then it's sooo fun! I love seeing how weirded out people are when they first open the door then by the end of our 5 minute conversation we are all pals....well that's only sometimes but when it happens it's great! Any other time they just don't finish opening the door and it's just blah. Anyways! Blitz' always remind me that we are shown miracles after the "trial of our faith". Everyone would love knocking doors if it worked on the first one. That doesn't require any faith! It takes two hours of walkin'! It was the exact same lesson this week. Hermana Dominguez and I had a pretty rough week but in the end we were able to hear a testimony of someone who was truly converted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY! Sometimes I like it more than other times but every time that I get to write home I get to think about all the miracles that I got to be a part of this week. Heavenly Father knows what we need to go through in order to learn to trust in him. That's the biggest lesson of the week. I'm slowly learning to trust in my Heavenly Father with all I have. He isn't going to hand me everything that I want. I'm a little stubborn but he is working with me. I'm grateful for the Gospel. I'm grateful to be a missionary. I'm grateful for a companion that I get along with so well! We are the sassiest pair on the block and it's awesome! On days when we are really struggling we have learned to lift each other up and laugh it off! That is the biggest blessing in the world! I love you all! Summer is just around the corner! Who's ready for some summer fun! I hope I stay in this area for the rest of my mission! It's too incredible around here. Have a wonderful week! Keep me posted on all the adventures in the 801! You all mean the world to me! Mom--Tyler (future convert) and Jessica (fellowshipper/girlfriend/future wife) are staying at our house next January and we are all going Skiing....just a warning. -Sista Barton