Go to the Temple, get an eternal family.

So, there is this hurricane, it has been rainy. I'm tired of the rain! I don't like driving in the rain!!! Atleast I'm not in the valley where it is flooding :) Even though that would be very very fun!! It's also cooling down a lot!!! 

I am staying up in Payson, but I am a Sister Training Leader again. I'm excited! 

On Saturday we are going to  the valley for a special mission conference because Elder Russell M. Nelson is coming to talk to us!!! I am so excited!!! It is our mission and the Mesa mission :) I will get to shake his hand!!! 

Two investigators from my last ward are getting married on Friday and then baptized on the 4th of October!!! I get to go down for the baptism!!! I am so excited to go down!!! Best thing ever!!! I love when people are baptized!!! We are hoping to have some of our investigators up here get baptized!!!  

I have had the request to give more detail of my day to day life. Really we just spend the day trying to visit referrals, contacts less actives, and find new people to teach. We also do a lot of service! Mostly pulling weeds, but sometimes painting houses or moving people. I am not a good painter, but I am good at pulling weeds and moving things. They have a community garden here that is super cool! We go and help there at least once  a week! I have planted 6 salad bowl gardens in the past six weeks and they are growing very well. They have harvested 40 pounds already! We still mostly weed there, but we also lay paving bricks, harvest veggies, and do whatever they need done! It's fun and my farmers tan is sick!!! (I put sunscreen on my face, don't worry! I should put it everywhere, but I don't). 

We have an investigator who is really wanting to learn more about the church and believes almost everything we teach, but she comes up with a concern for everything!!! There is always a reason why she can't come to church or baptisms. We are trying to help her. She says that after she learns all the rules she will think about being baptized. 

The less actives are mostly just less active because they are old and not super healthy.. Most of them could still come, but don't. I've decided that I am NEVER getting old! 

Sad news, we have had two deaths in the ward in the past two or three weeks. One was an older gentleman who had health issues that he didn't properly take care of and the other was a maybe 50 year old woman who had beat breast cancer three times before but finally it took her life. She was a great woman! Very cool story! She died a few weeks after welcoming her first grand-baby into the world. She has a son who is still in high school. She really wanted to see him graduate, but Heavenly Father had a different plan in mind. She is finally out of pain. Its a blessing, but the whole ward is mourning her loss. Sister Isert and I are really trying to serve these mourning members as much as we can!!!

When was the last time you went to the temple. Has it been a while? Why? Why has it been a while? The temple should be a priority in our lives. If it isn't there is something wrong!!! 

This week do some self-evaluation. Figure out what matters most in life. Everyone will gain immortality in the next life, not everyone will gain eternal life. What is the difference you might ask? The difference is this. Immortality is just living forever. Eternal life is living FOREVER WITH HEAVENLY FATHER AND YOUR FAMILY!!! Eternal life is what you want. You want to be with your family forever. Make it happen.

I love you all soo much! I look forward to seeing you soon!!! Have a great week!!

Sister Yates

Things are going well here! We have zone conference on Tuesday :) I love zone conference! President and Sister Sweeney will be up here and it will be so nice to see them. Did I tell you that I got to do baptisms when we went to the temple. The endowment session was full so some of us had to do other things. I haven't done baptisms since fall of 2012!!! It was weird being in water, but it was amazing and we still got to sit in the Celestial Room!!! It was great! The drive was amazing!!!!

I cant believe it is already September. This year is going so fast!

Tomorrow is my year mark for being in the mission field, weird. 

Funny fact, my fingers have gotten skinnier so my CTR ring is too small for my right ring   finger. I had to move it to my left hand finger, well it kind of looks like I'm engaged now, I'm not though!!!!

Sorry this is so short and choppy but I had a lot to do on the computer today! Sorry!!!!

I love you all!!! Have a great week!!!

Sister Yates

Big News!

Last week I asked President Sweeney about extending my mission. He said "I'd love to have you extend." I don't know if I am quite ready to tell you when my new release date will be, but don't plan on coming to get me from the airport January 19th. I'm not sure how I want to break the news of my release date to you, but I will think about it. Honestly, I probably will just tell you because I am not a good secret keeper when it comes to myself!!!

My new address is: 

203 E Forest Dr. #7    

Payson, AZ the zip code is either 85541 or 85441 

I am having my dad find out for sure. I have seen it both ways and still received letters, but just in case Dad will find out! I love letters!!!!

President Sweeney also said I might be up here for the rest of my mission! Here is his exact wording "As Ammon said, so say I to you, 'perhaps until the day I die' is how long you should plan for being in Payson. Truly, longer terms are better than shorter!" I love him! I would love to stay here! It would mean that I would be here in the cold again. I will need warm clothes!!! I know I sent a lot of my warm stuff home, but I might need it again. Or I will need money to buy new warm things, or both. really I am more concerned about driving up here on the ice and snow!!! Yesterday was my first day driving in the rain, snow and ice are way different!!! I hope I don't die!!!!

I have been named one of the best budgeters in the mission. I have used my mission money very well! Sister Sweeney is pleased with me :) I hope I can always have that skill!!! I think I will. It feels good knowing that I have money in case of an emergency!!! One of my tricks is I pretend like I don't have any money :)

It is a super small town up here! Everyone knows everyone. Its not as small as my first area, but it is still small. I am still getting use to the slow pace!! Now it is weird not seeing BMWs and other nice cars everywhere. Again the main shopping center is a Wal-mart, its strange!!!  But we have some of the best mountain views ever!!! It is so beautiful up here!!! The weather is perfect! At night I almost need a jacket!!! I like it! I hate the cold, but I am liking the cool!!! The best temperatures are between 70 and 89, that is what I spend my day in!!!

That is my life in a nut shell! I saw my first baby scorpion, those ones are actually scary! I would hate to be stung by a baby!!! We also saw a tarantula crossing the road! It was huge! They aren't too scary, just gross. Rattle snakes and baby scorpions are the only scary things to come across. Oh and javelins. They are aggressive! Dogs are also scary! I am in the area where one of the sisters was attacked by dogs. So anytime we see big dogs we are cautious. Everyone here has pit-bulls or boxers. Two of my least favorites. I'll try not to get eaten! Thankfully Sister Isert has pepper spray!!!

I love you all!!! I hope you have an amazing week! I love you! I miss you!!! I will think about how I want to tell you about my release date, but really you should just tell me how you think it would be cool to tell you...

Read and pray! Go to the temple!

Sister Yates 

New Area!

I am back in the mountains!! It is much cooler up here!!! Its sad. Last might it was in the 80's and I was cold. Dang valley thinned my blood!!! Oh well!! It is beautiful up here!!! I love it! I am white-washing again!!! so that is fun. I love and hate white-washing! \

I don't know how the mail stuff works here yet, so just send any letters to the mission office!!

Colin happy birthday!!! I hope you have a great birthday!

It is weird how much things change in a year! Its also weird the think that this time last year I was still in the MTC... missions are weird! Good weird, but weird! The people you meet and the fun you have is unlike anything else. I love it! I don't ever want it to end!! Of course I miss home, but I love it here!

My last area really became like home because I was there for so long! I was there for over 7 months and the members there became like family! Even though the work was slow, I loved it! I'm excited to go back and visit after my mission!

I am in Payson. I am covering one ward. We live with other sisters, which really isn't my favorite, but oh well at least the place is nice-ish! I drive a Chevy Cruise, which i hate!!! the 2014 Cruise and Jetta are poop!!! The acceleration and braking are so dumb!!!! I hope and pray I don't get in to an accident!!! As I'm sure everyone does, but yeah don't get those cars unless you enjoy life or death thrills. The drive up here is so beautiful! A little scary for a pretty unexperienced driver, but we made it alive! They are just curvy roads on mountains, so they go up and down!!! Not my favorite, but it could be worse! It is very slow pace up here. The speed limit doesn't go above 35 mph up here which is not what I am use to at all!!! The valley is all fast pace!!! Payson looks kind of like home the valley acts kind of like home! Arizona drivers are terrible though!!! Like Utah drivers, if not worse, because they all have nice cars (in the valley at least). I am in a little bit of culture shock!!! Small town is weird again! I was use to it when I was up here before, but I forgot how slow it really is!! I like it though! We heard that they have some awesome hikes in the area! So that is exciting!!!!

My new comp is Sister Isert (like insert but without the n, kind of) she is sweet! I like her!

That is pretty much it for me! Lots of new things happening in life, I am excited to be up here again! I'm excited to go to the temple again soon!

What is new at home? I would love to see more pictures of everyone! Just through email if that is easier. I hear a lot about Riley, which I love, but I have a big family and a few friends... So how is life?

Are you going to the temple? Are you helping your missionaries? Are you doing family history work? If yes, good. If not get started! You all have a family history consultant!!!

I hope you all have a great week! I love you and pray for you all!!! Be safe!

Love

Sister Yates

the time we ALMOST got in an accident...

... obviously we didn't die or even get hurt, but it was close... Now that you have had a heart attack here is the story... 

We were on our way home one night and had to stop at a red light. Pretty normal thing. Our light turns green and I look both ways to make sure no dingbats are going to run their red light. Everyone is nice and stopped so I start to go through the intersection. The road a head of me merges into a two lane road pretty fast and I see that a car is coming up behind me so I don't accelerate very fast so this other car can get in front of me. Really as it turns out the other car turned right and wasn't going to be needing to get in front of me. I start going faster and all of the sudden there is a car in front of our car!!! Some dumb butt ran through the red light and we almost hit him!!! Not only did he run the red but he was flying!!! And he went into the right turn lane to get through!!!! Thankfully, I wasn't going any faster and was paying attention!!! It was SO SCARY!!!!!! If we had gone any faster we would have hit, if he was going any slower we would have hit. So scary!!! Thankfully nothing happened!!!

 

We actually found out the next day that 4 sisters were in a terrible accident the same day. They are all okay, but still its scary stuff...

 

I bought a Walkman so I could listen to my CDs while I am in the apartment but the one I bought is junk and doesn't work at all!!! So dumb. I'm returning it today, but wont have a Walkman to listen from. First world problems!!! If you wanted to send mine from home out you could, if not its okay.

 

I'm trying to think of other cool things that have been happening. We have been meeting so many very prepared people lately, but none of them are actually in our area. Oh well, we are happy to send in referrals! Hopefully we will get some referrals soon!!!

 

Transfers are on the 5th of August. So keep that in mind. I actually think I might move! I'm fine if I stay here for the rest of my mission, but I think I'll move!! I'm really fine with anything! I just don't want a bike!!!

 

My health has been okay the past few days.With the weather change my arthritis is acting up, but like I told President Sweeney this past week in interviews, pain is pain.

 

I will need an orthodontist appointment shortly after getting home and a chiropractor appt!!! Really, I just need to go to all of my doctors right when I get home!!! So mom or dad if you want to get those figured out that would be great! I am totally fine if it is the day after I get home if that is doable!! I guess first we need to make sure my release date is the 19th. I have also been thinking about extending, but I haven't thought too much about it. I still have 6 months before we really need to worry about any of this, but be prepared for lots of doctor appointments!!!! oh and hair appointment will be needed too!!!

 

Funny story: We go to get our  car washed at the same place every Monday and we decided we needed to invite the car wash guys to learn more. We didn't really have time to talk so we just gave them our card with our number on it. So like 30 seconds after giving it to them we get a call and they say, "hey you told us to call you" and then they hung up. We were still at the car wash and the guys started acting really weird. They started texting us and eventually the guy asked if we gave him our number because he wanted to take us on a date!!! We were dying!!! We tried to explain that we didn't want a date we wanted to talk about God!!! He didn't get it!!! He was such a creeper!!! We just hope it isn't too weird when we go to get our car washed!!! We shall see!!!

 

We were out street contacting and walked by these two punk looking guys who were out smoking. We said hi but we all just thought that they would not be interested and just give us a hard time. We just kept going. We all felt bad so went back to talk. One of the guys was so interested!!! The other knew several members and wasn't interested, but was still very nice! The interested guy doesn't live in our area, but is dating a member so can learn more very easily!!! It was so cool and just goes to show that we really don't know who is prepared!!! we need to invite EVERYONE!!!!

 

 

Well i hope you have a great week!!! I love you all so much!! Be safe and pray for miracles!!!

 

Sister Yates

Another week has come and gone. Time is going too fast! I love it out here!!! Yes every plant, animal, and weather pattern wants to kill me, but it is beautiful! Most of the people are so  great! At least all the members of the church are great!! Some of the non-members I think might want to hurt missionaries, but that is life.

 

So many crazy stories to tell after the mission, don't worry I am safe and healthy. Nothing bad has happened, there are just to many stories to share and so little time to do it..

 

 

The world is so wicked!!! I didn't realize how bad it was until I got out here and started meeting people who aren't Mormon. The world is falling apart!! The only comforting thing is knowing that is all part of the plan!! We hear a lot of very sad stories and hear of so much wickedness.. I'm just thankful that I know how I can find true happiness and peace! So many people are lost, but I don't feel lost!

 

I've been thinking a lot about the Lutzenkerkins this week and how they don't know that they can be sealed together forever. How sad they must be thinking that they will never see Phillip again, and then how blessed I feel that I know that I can be with my family forever!!! I want everyone to know that. I wish more people would just give the church a chance! It only brings happiness!!! Why don't people get that!

 

We have been hearing a lot about the Ordain the Women lady and Roy Jeffs. So many people think that the whole excommunication of her is just so terrible of the church and that our leaders are heartless. They think that the flds (or rlds, I don't know the difference) stuff with the girls who were abused were in connection with our church! It is a little frustrating to deal with, because so many people don't understand but we just keep trying to help! People are difficult. What can you do but try!

 

We sang at church on Sunday! All three of us sing so we sang "Because I Have Been Given Much". It sounded pretty good!

 

I got your package mom and dad. I sent one to mom's house. Brad be on the look out! There is a birthday card for Sarah, and a memory card. Its mostly just clothes that don't fit (they are mostly all too big) and other random things!

 

As for the iPads, we don't know when we will get them, hopefully soon, but we have no clue!

 

Monsoos season is fun, minus the high temp and humidity. We don't get much rain in the area I'm in, but we see lightning!! We also see haboobs!!!! those are the big dust storms. they don't happen in my area much, but we sometimes see the big black dust wall!!! they are cool!

 

Are you helping the missionaries? Are you going to the temple? Are you going to church? Are you being the best  you can be? If not than change that!!! Do the things you are suppose to do!! That is the only way you will have true happiness!!!!!

 

That is all I have to say! I love you all and hope you have a great week!!  

 

Sister Bresia Yates

 

ps- When do all the kiddos go back to school? How has everyone's summer been? When does Greg get home?

Three Sisters!

Sister Baham is back for a few weeks. That is exciting!!!

I gave a talk in church on Sunday and sang with the youth.

 

I love Sister Alexander. She is from all over, but most recently Virginia. She is an army brat. She has been out 6 weeks longer than I have. She also sings some, so the three of us will sing all the time!!!!! Yay!!!

 

I cant believe June is over!!! It flew by!

 

We saw a bug that was a big as my hand. It was gross!!! And scary!!!

 

We are seeing miracles all the time. We met this guy who has been less active for years, and we talked to him about his concerns. We will hopefully begin working with him.

 

We were trying to contact potential investigators and tried this door. The first time it wasn't a good time. The second time no one was home. The third time the lady that lives there told us to come in the apartment. She told us that she had a religion, but that she loved what we did and she could tell that we had good spirits! She said she could see the light of CHRIST in us! It was so cool. She was the sweetest lady and said we could come back!!!

 

Then there is this other guy who we offered to help. He rejected the help but said that he wanted to know more about what we do as missionaries. He is also a film producer! So that was pretty cool!!!

 

There are great things happening here. No we aren't actively teaching but we are trying!!! Maybe soon!!!!

 

What is the fourth of July plan? Send me pictures and tell me stories about your fun!!!! I always loved the fourth! It will be very different as a missionary, but still so fun!!! I am excited!!!

 

I hope you all have great weeks!!! I love you all so much! Be safe and keep us in your prayers!!!

 

Read the Ensign talk in the June issue titled "That we may rejoice together". Missionaries need you to do the finding. Its your job, not ours. So do it!

 

Read your scriptures and pray often! Go to the temple too!!!! It is the best place you can be!

 

 I love you all,

 

Sister Yates!

Wow may fly by!!!! I can't believe that in like 5 weeks I'll hit my year!!!!! Not okay!!!! My mission is going too fast!

 

You might be asking how the work goes when it is so hot out. Well, the answer is it really really really slows down. Everyone is out of town or in the pool. We do get to totally rearrange our schedule though. It's weird. Also the sun is scary here!!! The sun is honestly hotter here. It hurts me. I am so thankful for sunscreen. I think it is working though, because I am still pretty white. I think the weirdest thing is it is hot all day and night. Like at night it only gets to the 80's. it is so weird!!! Thank you Georgia for having good weather! It is also weird that it hasn't rained for several months. My skin is holding up okay, but its still dry! Maybe I'll be tan when I get home though!

 

Sister Training Leader life is fun. My companion hates them. She hates when I leave and she has to stay with another sister. Its hard on her because we are doing at least two a week. I don't like that, but that is how the other Sister Training Leader wants to do it.  I might have to put my foot down though. Our area needs us. My companion needs me!!! Its fun though I like getting to help the other sisters! They are great! Many of them will be life long friends!!!!

 

I really like being a missionary. Yes it is hard work, but it is worth it.

 

 

Sister B and I are singing "The Olive Tree" at zone conference next week and then maybe in sacrament meeting and at transfer meeting. I will try to record it, but no promises! I'm excited though! We sound pretty good together!!! Really I just love being with Sis. B. She is a lot like me! We think a lot a like which is so so fun! We laugh a lot and just make the most of our time!

 

We get to go to the Mesa temple on the 12th!!! I cant wait! I love going to the temple! One of the good things about home is I'll be able to go whenever I want!!!

 

I should be going. I have a package I'll be sending home soon. I don't think it is really anything too exciting, but you can just open it and put it in my room or wherever the rest of my stuff I've sent home is. There is a lot I will just go through when I get home!!! So don't toss stuff.

 

I love you all so much! Be safe and have a great week! Go to the temple and read your scriptures!!!! Those things help!

Love,

Sister Bresia (not tan yet) Yates!

This has been a good week! It seems like Mother's Day was forever ago!

Happy late birthday Kevin!!! Hope it was a great day!!

Miracle of the week: Sister Baham decided we wanted to exercise some faith here and get some real work going. We decided to set two baptism goals for two Saturdays in the transfer. We prayed about the two days that we should shoot for and felt that the  7 and 28 of June were those days. We have been praying for help in finding those who will be prepared on the 7th and 28th to be baptized and asking to be the guides the individuals need. Yesterday at church a member came up and said I have a baptism for you. We were sooo happy and then he told us the date!!!! June 28th!!!!!!!!! We about died!!! It happened so fast! Now we just have to get everything worked out!!! Pray everything works out!!! Heavenly Father really does give us miracles!!!

My first exchange as a sister training leader is this week. I am so excited! I love going on exchanges! I love the sisters in my zone! I am so grateful for this chance I have to be  a STL!! 

I get to go to the Mesa Temple again on the 12!!! I am so excited to go to the temple again! Its hard not getting to go to the temple very often, but at least I get to go sometimes!! I know I'm blessed! the Mesa Temple is a very different temple. I mean its really not, but it is just old. It is so beautiful! I can't wait to go!!!!

Everyone should read the Power of Everyday Missionaries. Someone please send me a copy! I would love to read it! It sounds like an amazing tool for missionary work so that is why I am telling you to read it! I'm hoping to get to read it, but really I'm sure I will!!! President Sweeney lets most missionaries read it!

I hope you have a great week! Good luck to all of you dear cute cousins that have finals and other things like that. Congratulations Mia on being done!!! Overcash #10 to graduate from Lassiter! (unless I cant count,which is always possible)

I love you all! Be safe. Be positive. Listen to your mothers, because they really do know everything.  If your mom doesn't know talk to Grandma Judy, because she will definitely know!!! Go to the temple often! Go to church. Only hang out with people who uplift and encourage you to be better.

The Book of Mormon is true! I encourage all of you to read it and re-read it! The Prophets have read it several times and continue to re-read it. We will never know enough about it! Always strive to learn more and understand the important truths found in it! I know it isn't always easy to read the Book of Mormon. I'm dyslexic, reading anything is hard, but it is so worth it. And it helps me feel closer to my Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ! Cherish it!  Treasure it! Study it!

I love you!

Sister Bresia Yates

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

Only a few days left as a teen!!!

Hello Family!

This has been a CRAZY week!!!! I don't remember if I told you last week, but we got stuck in the mud last Sunday. Not only that, but we were in the middle of no where and there were no lights around us. It was like being in a scary movie!!! Really being anywhere in the town of Clay Spring, AZ is like being in a scary movie. No paved roads and no lights, it is so scary!!! At least its mostly Mormons!!! We were stuck for like 30 minutes!!! But some members came and helped us!

Okay, nothing really happened on Monday, but Tuesday we taught a lesson to a 7 year old and her 5 year old sister. Their parents are members and want the 7 year old, Grace, to have the lessons as baptism preparation. So we are ending the lesson of the Restoration and ask if they have any questions (or to ask their parents if anything comes after we leave). The 5 year old, Tatum, asks US (OKAY FIRST their mom is almost 9 months pregnant), "How do babies get out of mommies tummies?" We didn't want to laugh and make her think she didn't have a good question, but it was so funny!!! We thankfully didn't have to answer. We referred that question to mommy, who then referred it to daddy!!! So funny!!!

Wednesday night I had an allergic reaction to something I ate. Nothing serious happened. My tongue got a little swollen and the sides of my tongue hurt really bad. A Dr in one of the wards we are in called in a prescription of some kind of number. Everyone said it would feel like when you go to have a cavity filled, but as some of you know, I have never had a cavity! Therefore, I have never had my moth numbed before. It was so weird!!! No, I have no idea what it was that caused the reaction, everything I ate I had eaten several times before... We are thinking it was something in the pizza I ate, but we don't know. I am fine though!!

Thursday night we got home and there was a super scary dark feeling in our house. We called President Sweeney and through the power of the priesthood he cast out all evil spirits! That was no fun! We slept with all the lights on that night!

There were other crazy things that happened, but those are the big ones!

It snowed again!!! It is so cold up here!!!

We go to the temple on Wednesday!! I am so excited since I haven't been since September!!!

Yesterday we went to church in Cibecue, which is always an adventure. Things were fine through sacrament meeting, until the water came around. Its pretty quiet until this little boy starts gargling the water. It was really hard not to laugh!!! Oh Cibecue!!!

Well, we have two new investigators!!! And they seem like they really are interested in learning. I will let you know how they progress as we teach them more! Pray that they realized the truth!!

 I hope all is well at home! I love you all!!!

Love,
Sister Bree  

Goat Problems

I bought some boots, they are dressy boots and cute. They keep my feet much warmer, but I really won’t play in the snow in them. I’ll stand in it, but that’s it. I did get more CDs in the second package, but I still want the others if you need ideas for Christmas. I'm having a hard time with insomnia and they are the ones which helped me sleep growing up. And yes, I got the pictures from Jen, but would love the senior ones! And the wallet sized one is to hand out.

I gave a talk last Sunday on missionary work. Shocking, I know, but I did really well! I really am learning a lot out here; patience, love, compassion, focus, and so much about the gospel!!! I am learning so much more than I ever learned going to seminary!!! The atonement is so amazing to learn about, and no matter how much we study we can never know it all! It’s crazy!

My companion is so cool, we have a lot of fun together, and I’m kind of in charge which is nice. My Thanksgiving was really good, and I didn’t overeat! The R family are sending their oldest son off on his mission tomorrow, and Sister R is having a really hard time! I wish I could help her more. They are really having a hard time, but I will help in any way I can.

Tell Jon happy birthday for me!

Has Britta gone to the YSA branch yet? Does she like it? I’m sorry to hear that Betty isn’t doing well health-wise, but glad she was able to enjoy time with Jenny, Kev, Tyler and Shelby. I hope she finds comfort in Christ through this rough time.

Okay so on Friday we were driving and we got stuck in mud!!! We had to  call for help! It was really funny. Then on Saturday we were stalked by goats!!! That was actually really scary! It’s actually the 3rd time that’s happened out here. Most missionaries have problems with dogs, we have problems with goats!!!! It’s really fun!

I am doing really well! Tell me more about how you are doing. I’m really excited to see my family and Riley in 23 days!!!

DO FAMILY HISTORY WORK!!! NOW!!!  If you want to give me something for Christmas let it be that! If you watch Polar Express or any other Christmas shows, think of me! I will miss being able to see them for two years but it's a small sacrifice.

I love you all! Be safe, stay warm, and be smart in all you do!

Still in Show Low! Send letters since the address is the same ;)

Well, no moving for me. I do have a new companion though. Her name is Sister McCashland. I will let you know more about her as I learn it.

We had our first snow! I took pictures and will send them off when I fill the card! I have a package getting ready to send home for Christmas. I am sending it home. Make sure you send me my package by the 10th. And send everything directly to my living address!!!

I got my shot!!! I'm in a lot of pain still. Some of the glue holding my permanent retainer on came off. It shouldn't be a problem, but I'll let you know. I also haven't been sleeping well. I take two 1 mg melatonin and still don't sleep. 

*** Christmas/birthday list!!! PLEASE SEND ME LOTS OF CLARITIN!!!(allergy medicine) Decongestants would be great!! I can buy them myself, but they are super expensive!!! CDs would be great: EFY, Enya, Jenny's Indian music, anything soothing, like Swimming with Dolphins and the Wedding Collection CD that should be in my CD player at home. 

Really the best gift any of you and all of you can give is to get the temple work done for the family!!! There are a lot of missing ordinances on all sides of my family, Dad's is the most complete, but even Henry and Viola Yates aren't sealed or something!!! GET TO WORK FAMILY!!!  use family search, the church's site, to help! Yes, I can do some, but not all of it. Especially the stuff that has been reserved! Please help our family. Everyone needs to write their own story down. Write down the important events from life. Write your testimony. We need to do our part, by doing work in temples for the dead we become saviors on Mount Zion. Those aren't my words, those are words of the prophets. Look it up in True to the Faith!!! 

Okay, Cibecue story. One day last week we heard a story about how a man was burned alive. They don't know if he did it himself or if he was murdered, but still, and that isn't uncommon. Don't worry, it is safe while I am there! Another weird thing that Natives totally believe in Bigfoot, they believe that there are whole families of Bigfeet. Of course not all of them believe in them, but the ones who drink, smoke and use bath salts believe. Bath salts are some kind of drug that is super poplar in the reservations!!! It just happens to be a hallucinogen, I don't know what it is for sure, but it isn't really bath salts. I guess it looks like them. 

Suicide on the reservations is also really common. What is even sadder is it is youth doing it. They start in 6th grade and it spreads from there to about 18 years old. Don't know why, it just does. 

Saturday we had a Thanksgiving down in Cibecue. We were worried because we had to be careful what we ate because the food isn't safe! Thankfully the members who bring us to Cibecue and the Branch President down there provided most of the food. It was weird though, they have such a different culture!!! 

I'm glad Joanna's surgery went okay. Please keep me posted on her and on Duncan! I pray for them so much!!! 

For Thanksgiving we are eating breakfast at the O.'s, they live super close and Bro O is the high counselor over missionary work. Lunch mostly at the R's, with several other stops through the day, and dinner nowhere because we are going to be so stuffed!!! I'm excited. But we don't get to watch the parade :( Oh well, its not that important, I have the rest of my life to watch them. Two years won't hurt!

For Christmas, I want letters too. I don't know if everyone will get a letter from me but I will try to do at least something for everyone! Please don't hate me if you don't all get something! Oh, Mom, I do want that calender for next year with all the birthdays in it!

Speaking of Birthdays, HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY KAYLA GRACE!!!

Time is up. I love you all and hope all is well. Sorry I don't talk at all about investigators, but I don't really have any that can be baptized. We are teaching people, but all of them have some reason why they can't be baptized. Its hard, but we help in other ways. We do what we can to  help others come unto Christ!

Missions are the best! Know that I am happy and loving life! I am healthy, and staying as warm as I can in a skirt. It is beautiful here and the people are amazing!

I love you all very much and hope all is well! Happy Thanksgiving! Take care!

Sister Bresia

P.S. Don't forget my address is the same!!!

Send some Mail/Emails

Here we are. This was a good week! On Sunday, we went to Cibecue, which is always an adventure. The kids just run around and the adults don't talk in the lessons, but church is only two hours long. The rest of Sunday is super busy!!! We don't even get study time.

Yesterday we had a meeting with Elder Teh of the 70. We learned a lot about how we need to realize that our time as missionaries is preparing us for the future! It was awesome! It was cool getting to be so close to a member of the 70. President and Sister Sweeney were also there, which is always fun. I love seeing them. 

Happy Birthday Everett and Clair-bear! I hope your birthdays are great! 

Everett, I am glad you are back!!!! That is a relief!

Even though this was a great week, I don't really know what to say. We have received several referrals, which gives us something to do so that's good. Also no snow yet, thankfully, but maybe in the next two weeks we will see some! Snow on Halloween.... That's weird!

Things are still great with Sister Jones. Did i tell you we got two new sets of sisters and that Sister Jones is sister training leader, so more exchanges and more driving for me... yay...not!!! Oh well, could be worse!

Thank you for the letter Austin!! I did got some shoes, too. I am so grateful for your emails!!! I like hearing how you are all doing! 

This is a super lame email, I'm sorry. Just know that I am live and well, and that I love all of you!

Keep going to church and showing Heavenly Father you love and trust Him, and He will bless you!

Anyone can email me or write me, just remember that.

Have fun with everything you do. Feel free to ask me questions about anything. When you do, I know what to write about.

Go to the temple as often as you can, and if you can't go, work towards being able to go. I only get to go once every other transfer I won't go again until December. If you are going only as often as I'm going there is something wrong, and you aren't using an gift from Heavenly Father correctly. Go when you can, its the best place you can be.

I love all of you and hope all is well. Be grateful for the gospel!

Love,

Bresia