Same Area!!! New GREEN Companion!!!

I am still at the same address!!! I have a brand new greenie companion!!! Sister B! She is from Utah. She is awesome! Also, they redrew the ward boundaries so we are the only sisters in the ward, and we cover the other sisters area! We are like half white washing, kinda...  I'm excited though!

I was invited to go to a special Mission Leadership Counsel the other day. Some of the people in the mission department were here and did special trainings on mission stuff. In the meeting we learned that we won't have iPads until the Brethren review reports from the 30 trial run missions. Pray they get those soon! I really think missionary work will explode when that takes off. Mostly because of Facebook! We also are tracting again. Not full on door to door, but if we have dead time or if something falls  through we can knock on some doors! That makes me SO excited! It isn't the most effective way to do it, but until the members step up and give names for more people, we have to do something. Also kind of along with that we have to find people on our own...

FAMILY AND FRIENDS!!!  GIVE THE MISSIONARIES REFERRALS!!! We need your help. You all know nonmembers who would benefit from the gospel!!! Just give there name(s) to the missionaries!!!

Really, I have just been learning a lot this week! Its been great!

What's new at home? Any fun stories!?!

It has actually been really cold here the past few hours! Before that it was really hot though... I used a lot my spf 100 awesome sunscreen, so I will need to buy more today! That stuff works and its the sheer kind so I'm not a greasy mess. Its pretty great! The sun is scary here though! You can feel yourself being cooked out here, but I love it! It is a great place!

With the ward boundary change, we got new investigators and less active members to work with. One of our investigators flashed us. It was weird. (No  my new comp wasn't there). She has a gross rash, that she thinks is from diabetes, on her stomach and she showed us. Lets just say Grandma Judy would NOT  be impressed with what she wasn't wearing! It was scary! She is an interesting lady!!!

Soon I will be a pepper spray carrier! I'm excited. It is mostly for dogs, but I'm excited to have some form of defense.

Things are going very well here. Its warm and sunny most of the time. I love my new companion! The other sisters moved out as well so its just her and me in the apartment, which I love. Living with other sisters is fun, but as some of you know I really don't like being around girls a lot! I am actually glad they are gone! I love them, but four sister missionaries in one apartment is rough!!! I really hope I have a lot of boys when I have kids... Girls are scary!

I love all of you! Study Preach My Gospel as much as you can. Its not just for missionaries! 

Have an awesome week!!! Tell me where Austin is going as soon as you find out!!!! I am so excited!!! GO AUSTIN! Tell me about other cool family moments!!!

Love,

Sister Bresia Yates

PS- We got to hike Camelback Mountain!  (and there is one of us just goofing around)

Half Way Gone.

Now to add pink eye to the list, my body is falling apart. At least its warm and beautiful here.  

****TRANSFERS ARE APRIL 1!!!!  Send letters with that in mind! I don't have a clue if I'll be staying or going, but we will find out Saturday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMANDA!!!  I hope you have a great birthday!

How is everyone's temple attendance? What about your family history work? Are you reading the scriptures and praying? Are you reading Preach my Gospel? If not, start now!!!

This week has been good. It flew by. Really my whole mission is flying by. I'm coming up on 9 months out, 9 months left!!! Scary!!! This has been the best time though. It is so hard. You really do have nights where you just get home plan and fall asleep.  You really do spend all day knocking on doors (note: I don't even do tracting) to find no one home or that the person is really not interested. You really do get yelled at and made fun of. Its hard. Its hot. But it is so worth it. I am so glad I am here. I am learning things that will help me so much in life. Things that can only be learned through experience. Things that I would learn as I get married, have kids, and work, but am learning here and now. This is like a crazy role play of how to handle different situations of life. I am practicing now so it will be easier in the real world. It is so weird. Really missionaries bless and help in every phase of life. Seriously, everyone who can... GO ON A MISSION!!! Cousins and other youth of the church, you need this. Your current family and future family need it. The people in the places you serve need it. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ need you to serve!!!! Just do it. It is hard, but it is worth it. Trust me!

Well, I hope you all have a great week! Remember that I love you and am so proud of all of you!!

Love,

Sister Bresia Yates

Who can you refer?

Having medical issues is WAY easier at home! After blood tests, EKG, and chest x-rays, I still don't know why I'm not healthy and have no energy!!! Mom, don't be worried. I'm not dead or anything. We are just trying to figure out whats going on. Thankfully, mission medical should pay for this stuff... I hope!  They are thinking it is thyroid or valley fever, but I guess we are still waiting for blood work! Oh mom, I had 4 vials filled and didn't pass out or feel woozy at all. I am growing up. The tech who took my blood was really good. My veins were rolling a lot, but he was able to do it and I didn't end up with a gross bruise!!! again, don't worry about me.

I ask again, will some one ask Denise Swales if she went to Ricks with a man named Scott Neil? He was a trumpet player...

HAPPY ALMOST BIRTHDAY SHELBY!!! 14 THAT IS CRAZY!!!

I hiked Camelback Mountain today. Not my kind of hiking, but other family members would love it! I just don't like hiking on cliffs!!! I know, weird I am fine jumping out of planes but not walking on cliffs... It was still a nice hike though! I love being outside.

I hope you are all doing well and loving life.

I have a favor to ask everyone!!! GIVE THE MISSIONARIES REFERRALS!!! We cannot do the work with out you!!! You know the people. Don't be afraid that they will say no. We aren't told to baptize everyone, we are just asked to invite everyone to hear the truth!!! JUST DO IT!!!  You all know someone who isn't a member, just ask them if they would like to learn more, or if you have the address just send the missionaries over! They would love you for it! Also, just help them. Feed them, have them over for FHE, go out with them. I know for us we don't get in to houses after 7 pm so we love it when members have us over for family scripture study or anything. Just help your missionaries!

Get working on more family history. That is another great way to do missionary work. Like that helps non-members on earth and in heaven!!! Its not hard! If you need help talk to the Family History consultant. They are awesome. Once you find work to do, GET IT DONE!!! Don't wait. You are slowing down the work if you aren't getting the temple work done in good time!!!

Go to the temple, whether you are a recommend holder or not go to the temple. Go walk around the grounds for FHE or date night. Do baptisms, sealings, or endowment sessions!!! You know what you need to do! Just do it! Not only will it help others, it will help you and your family! We have temples so close. Don't waste them. Arizona has what 5 or 6 temples because the Mesa temple was getting so much use! How are our temples doing?

I hope that didn't come off harsh, but really you have the freedom to go whenever(for the most part). What are you doing on your weekends. Make sure you are making good use of your time.

I love you all so much! And love the support you all have! Be safe in all that you do! I love you and God loves you! Read and pray!

Love,

Sister Bresia Yates

Prayers to Georgia

I hate receiving sad news. At our last transfer meeting, Elder Molinaro and I talked about the sadness that has come into our ward since we left. Too much! At least Little Duncan is out of pain and in a much better place. Still sad. Shauna and AJ are literally the strongest people I know though. (Visit http://doitforduncan.wordpress.com/ or http://giggledays.com/ to donate, support, or follow the Campbell's) I always loved watching their kids, not only because I truly love the kiddos, but also because I knew that I would get to hang out with them for a minute after they got back from whatever they were doing and I would be able to learn from them! I have been able to learn so much from them!!! They are amazing! Prayers your way!!!

This week has been fun! Lots of laughs and good times! It flew bye! 

It is crazy how when you are down and having a rough time Heavenly Father is there to pick you up! Every time! What a blessing! I am so grateful for the gospel and to be blessed with the knowledge I have, and we have as members of the church. More and more as my mission goes on, I realize that I am so blessed! Is life easy, no, but it is great! Always remember that. Don't get bogged down in the little things. Move forward and love life. Love family and friends. Make the most of your time here on earth. Yes, the next part of our existence is even better, but we don't know when that will come. So have fun. Live while you can. Be smart and love! 

That is my advise for today! Along with go to church, read the Book of Mormon, and pray everyday to Heavenly Father!  

How are all of you doing? What is new in life? I am doing well! Just livin' the mission dream! The weather is great and it is beautiful! This morning some other missionaries and I hiked Black Mountain and next Momday we are hiking Camelback Mountain! I am so excited! 

Last Thursday we went to the Mesa Temple and did a session! It was beautiful! There was a new video!!! It was good. The temple was pretty cool. 

A lot different than other temples I've been in, but still great! I really do like it here. Its hard work, but I love it.

I hope you all have an amazing week! Know that I love you and that I am praying for you! Be wise in all that you do and love life!

Love,

Sister Bresia Yates

Another week down

So just a reminder that my transfers are next Tuesday, so be careful when you send me anything. I don't know if I'm moving or not, but just in case send things to the mission office starting soon...
 I've been driving a lot lately!!! Its been fun. I'm getting more comfortable! I just hope I don't have to drive in snow. If i move down to the valley I'll be OK, but if I stay up here I'm in trouble!!!

My shot still isn't here! I'm really not happy about that! They said I'll be fine for a few days without it, but I'm already having a lot of pain. When I think about this stupid situation I think of the "I'm not happy" song that is often sung in our awesome Overcash clan. The Drs up here are not very good. Everyone always says "Well, I started out up here but they couldn't help so I went to the valley." All they have to do is order a shot and have it sent here from California. In Provo it was done basically overnight. Here it has taken since October 30. So dumb! Sister Sweeney is not happy either, and she feels bad that she referred me to a bad doctor. Don't worry, I don't complain to her, she just calls and asks about how its coming along. oh well what can you do!!!

My area is not really a thriving area. Lots of members! Great member work, but not many referrals and no solid investigators. We try! We are really obedient and work really hard, but we are just waiting for the blessings! We are both happy though.
How is everyone doing? Any fun stories? Tell me stuff!
I've been going on exchanges, since Sister Jones is a Sister Training Leader, (basically a zone leader). I've been with  a few sisters who don't value being obedient. They are awesome, but don't realize that when you are exactly obedient you see miracles! It's a little frustrating, but I am trying to be a good example! I'll do my best!
So whats new in the ward? And family?

I haven't had a Joanna or Duncan update in a while. Please tell me things. Also hearing about world news would be nice. I like knowing what is going on in the world.
***IMPORTANT*** OUR MISSION WILL BE ON FACEBOOK SOON!!!! I will keep my normal account and just change settings, so be prepared to see me, but don't think I am breaking rules! Also, this is almost more important, I will be getting a iPad mini to use through out my mission and have the option of buying it after I'm done, which I probably will do. This being said, for Christmas I would like an iPad mini case that has a keyboard (if that exists). the iPad will be about $100 at the end of my mission and I'll buy it myself, or you can just make that my Christmas/birthday gift for the year 2014.

I'm really excited for the changes coming to our mission!!  The Gilbert Temple open house is coming up and we might get to go to that and help.  The Christmas lights at the Mesa Temple are coming and we might get to take part in that! I hope we do! I miss being warm! I sleep in my snowsuit every night and still get cold. I'm buying a new blanket today!

Thank you so much for the Mane and Tail shampoo and conditioner!!! My hair is so happy. Also mom that face cloth is magic! I was breaking out a little and then started using that and the breakout stopped!

Grandma those white shirts are great! I really needed those and those are the best chocolate covered peanuts I have ever had.

Dad the CD's you have sent are amazing! So nice to hear!!!

You are all the best! I hope you are all doing well! I love you!

Bresia

Day late due to holiday!

Happy Veterans Day (sorry its a day late). I am emailing today because yesterday the library was closed. Its been a slow week, but that's fine. We got to visit with some great member families. That's really what we do. Our investigators don't really work with us and the only less actives that will meet with us are no longer less active! Its frustrating, but what can you do. We still see miracles! 

We already have like 4 Thanksgiving invites!!! Which is cool, but I'm not eating at all of them!!!

The OB/GYN I've been seeing out here and his staff suck!!! I won't have my next injection until who knows when, and the pain is coming back almost full force!!!! They finally ordered the shot so its on its way. Hopefully it will get here soon.  Oh well, I'll keep you updated. In the mean time, I will use my left over hydro codon to manage the pain because thats the only thing that kind of helps.

I really do love all of you! I hope you know that. I know things back home are rough right now on so many different fronts, but I love my family so much. I love my friends too, but my family is different! I have the most amazing aunts, uncles, and cousins, and words cannot describe my grandparents. My brother, sisters, and their spouses are amaizng! My best memories are of us as kids making my bed into a slide, watching Cats on the super old TV in the basement, and playing Indianans!!!  My parents are the best supporters in the world. I've been thinking back on when I got my tonsils removed, my first surgery! I was so terrified, but mom and dad were right there holding my hands and helping me be brave. I'm sure most of you are not even reading this part, but I hope someone is... I love my family. I love each one of my cousins, aunts, and uncles. My grandparents are the best. My family helped me become who I am today. I would not be on a mission without them. Thank you for all you do and for the examples you have set. You are the memories I cherish most.  Yes the next few months are a little scary, but you have each other and that is what you need! Come together in prayer and scripture reading often! 

I love you all so much! I am so thankful for this time I have to serve!!!

In the field

I made it! I know its Wednesday, but since I didn't have a p-day, they gave us Wednesday, It should be Monday next week, but I don't know yet. You'll find out then! 

My flight down here went great. I sat next to another elder so not much sharing of the gospel there, but he was a goofy kid! When we got off the plane, Grandpa David was right there to greet me. It was nice to see him and Grammy D. My mission president and his wife are the best! I love them. The first day was a blur, because I was sooo tired!! But it was great.

My companion is Sister Jones from Texas. She is super cool, and I think we will get along really well. The area I'm in is in the mountains, its called Show Low! It is much cooler up here than in the valley! Its super nice!! Part of our area covers some Apache Indian Reservations, so I will spend some time there. Don't worry we go with an escort for safety! Our area is an area where we will mostly work on reactivation, which is awesome! It is so beautiful up here!!! Its very green and open!

Yesterday I saw Elder Molinaro at the transfer meeting along with several of the elders and sisters in my first district and zone!! Including my first companion Sister Andrus!

Right now I am not in a biking area, but maybe next transfer... we will see. We are actually in a truck right now because most of the roads are unpaved. I love it. I also don't have to  drive right now either!!! So life is pretty much great. We will walk a lot, but I love walking!

Oh so here is my address, if anyone wants to send packages or letters!!!  

6265N. 82nd Street

Scottsdale,AZ 85250

Feel free to write when ever!   

Also feel free to email me whenever! and sand me pictures! I miss seeing my cousins, and I know they are having adventures in GA, so pictures of them would be great! Especially the babies!!! I know they are changing a lot!!

Apparently the members feed us like every night! That will be great! I'll have to be careful NOT to gain weight, but I did well with that in the MTC and that food was super good!! I think I should be ok!

I can't believe I am actually in the field! Its the best! It is super hot in the valley right now, but thankfully I am up in the cooler mountains. I hope that I am here only for this transfer though and then next transfer I hope I'm in the valley, where it will be cooled down, but not cold. I guess it gets super cold in the mountains, and you all know how I feel about the cold!!!! If I don't move to the valley next transfer then mom and dad please send all of my warm clothes!!! Because I will need them!!!

I hope all is well at home, wherever home maybe. Know that I am well, and happy. I know this is where I am suppose to be. Even though this is hard and only going to get harder, I know I can do it because I have Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost holding me up... and because I know I have all of you supporting me every step of the way!

You are all the best I hope to hear from some of you soon! Be safe! Have faith, and pray always.

I know that sometimes/all the time it is hard to see where we need to go, but trust Heavenly Father, He has everything figured out. If you don't believe me ask Him, and read the Book of Mormon. Ether 12 is a great faith chapter. Rely on the Lord, He knows exactly how you feel. The Atonement was done so that we can repent and be forgiven of our sins, but it was also done so Heavenly Father would know exactly how we need to be comforted. Christ knows every pain, every sadness, every sickness we have ever had. Let Him heal you! He is the best Doctor ever! Don't be afraid to go to our Father in Heaven with questions, concerns, fears, transgressions, or anything. He loves us WAY more than we can comprehend, He wants us to know Him and to return to live with Him...

I know that this is the one true church on the face of the Earth. I know this is the same church Christ organized while he was on the Earth. I know that through Joseph Smith, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, reorganize it on the Earth. I know we have a Father in Heaven who knows us and loves us. I know that because He loves us, He sent His son Jesus Christ to Atone for our sins, and to die so that we could live again. I know that my Redeemer lives! I know that the Holy Ghost is our companion as long as we are worthy to have Him with us. I know we have a Prophet today, who leads us under the direction of Heavenly Father. This is the true church. The Book of Mormon is a true and correct book, that can help you, if you allow it to!

I love you all so much and say these things in the name of my Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ, Amen.

I love you all so much! 

Love, 

Sister Bresia Alysse Yates   

Sister Yates and Sister Jones at a local Bakery. Photo curtesy the nice business owner.