One YEAR!!!

As of yesterday July 6th I have been away from home for a year!!! On the 10th I hit my year mark and on the 19th I hit my 6 months left... I'm not ready to come home!!! 6 months is so soon!! Yet I am so thankful I have 6 months to be out here!!! This is the best!!!

 

We are getting into monsoon season which means lots of rain and humidity. I love humidity but not when it is over 100 degrees outside. 105 dry is fine, 105 humid... please shoot me!!! It was weird, dad said you had been in the 60s and my first thought was "wow that is chilly"... there is so much wrong with that!!! I love it out here! I'm getting a nice farmers tan really the heat isn't too bad unless it is humid and over 95 or dry over 105. Its weird how your body gets use to things!

 

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

 

Austin! Good luck on your mission! I don't know all of your plans for travel so you might not get to see this, but H love you! have a great two years and I will email you often! I need your mtc address!!! I'm proud of you!

 

 

Fourth of July was great! Yet weird, every holiday as a missionary is weird!! I did see fireworks though and the finale was one of the best I have ever seen!!! That is saying something!!! We went to a park and we handed out these mormon.org cards that we made! We gave  out like over 400! It was cool!!!

 

What am I learning? I am learning to expect miracles! If you are doing what Heavenly Father has asked you will be pleased!!!! Miracles are real! There are big and small miracles that happen everyday! It is fun to notice! Missionary work isn't hard. We just over think it. Really all you have to do is invite, not hard. Just do it! Do family history work! It is so cool to hear stories about family! I have always loved talking to older people because their stories are just the best! We talked to an older black man yesterday, he told us how he had to go to different schools and sit in the back of the bus. I have only ever talked to white people about that, and I really haven't even done much of that. I also talked to a 95 year old. He told me about his life and what it was like living through WWII. I love war stories and stories from the past. That is why I always loved going and seeing Granddaddy Gainer. Now when I get home I want to talk to Grandma and Poppy so I can hear in their own words what they did for fun and how they lived! We need to know about the past so we can learn from it and really come to know our families!!!! TALK TO YOUR OLDER RELATIVES!!! Old people are the best! (No, Grandma and Poppy aren't old, but they know a lot!!!)

 

Sorry this is short! I had a lot of emails to read!!! But I love you all so much! Have great weeks and good luck with everything you do!!!!

 

Love

 

Sister "1yearold" 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

Good Week!

Well hello...

First off, Kevin your mission companion Elder C (I think his first name is Dave) says hello. Yeah crazy, he is in my area. We ate dinner at his house and he said he served in Michigan. I as a side note said, "oh my uncle served there." I didn't think much of it because I assumed Kevin was older (not because you look it, but because your kiddos are teens, his are tots). Of course he asks who my uncle is and I said he would have been Elder Moss at that time. Brother C's  jaw dropped and he said "KEVIN MOSS?!?!?" I was like, "No way! You do not know my uncle!!!" Well he showed pictures and told stories and yes, he definitely knows Kev!!!! Not only that but his wife works for Deloitte. Small world! It was so fun hearing stories about Kevin. :) 

Some of you know about the Mildenhall connection already!! Crazy!

(Excerpt from an email sent by a family in the Arizona area to Brother Mildenhall who lives in our parent's ward)

"After our brief exchange this week and learning you live in the Atlanta area, we had the sister missionaries in our ward over for dinner. Imagine Sis. Yates surprise when I asked if she happened to know you! 

She is a delightful missionary and we are very grateful to have her in our ward. Would you mind letting her parents know how much we enjoyed having her in our home? 

The world is so small in the church."

Other exciting news, I saw Stephenie Meyer on Sunday. She's in the stake. She dyed her hair red (not my fav on her, but whatever, not my head). So yeah that was exciting.

I also got a much needed hair cut today. Got 2 inches off, nothing too exciting, but I feel better!

Now if only my face would stop breaking out!!!  Oh well could be worse. My weight is no longer a huge concern. I heard that the average weight gain in this mission is 30 pounds. So I'll watch myself but I'm doing way better than I could be and I don't seem to be adding on!!! 

February 5th I am having a procedure done. Not a crazy procedure, but not necessarily a fun one!  So prayers would be great. Also the pain is back and not good!!! Other than that I'm good health wise.

I might need braces though. I have a tooth on the bottom that has gone a little crazy. Mostly because the ortho who originally put the permanent retainer in did it dumb!!! I have a tooth that is no longer straight. I did get it "fixed" so it shouldn't move any more, and my retainer should be good for the rest of my mission. 

Everyone in the ward I'm in has at least like 4 kids. It is a huge ward!!! And most of the people are under the age of 12. Also 40% of the ward are in part member families, so lots of work for us! Which is good, other than the fact that they are all too busy to meet with us.  No one really tells you that most of what you do on a mission is get out of the car, knock on doors, and get back in the car. I sometimes wish we could do the good ol' tracting!!! Oh well.

We aren't working with anyone yet, but are getting there. As I said, people are busy here!!! 

Okay, I am great! I hope you are all great!!! I love you all so much! God really does love you!!!

"Do good, be good"- Sister Nichols

Love,

Sister Bresia Yates

Only one year left!

Hello Family and Friends!!!!

Well here I am! This week has been kind of lame because I've been sick again!!!!! Yes, I get sick a lot, but not this much in one season!!! This whole bad immune system thing stinks!!! Oh well, at least we are coming out of the sick season. When I went to the Dr last week she informed me that I will have allergy issues for the next 364 day of my life. So if you ever feel like adding to the Bresia allergy meds donation I wont deny you! Claritin is expensive!!

Yesterday was my "one year left" mark (as of right now). Crazy!!!! 

If you want to send me stuff you can totally send it straight to me my apartment # is 1013! I get it much faster when you do that. 

I love driving. Well, kind of. I am getting more comfortable doing it. I also LOVE the car I drive. Its a 2013 Toyota Corolla!!! It drives like Dad's car! Its super nice and new! Only 1,600ish miles! So nice! I will have a picture of it soon!! 

Sorry this email is so jumpy, but that's me for ya!  

I love hearing about how everyone is doing! I don't hear a whole lot about people, but I love what I do hear! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRETT!!!!!

Well I've lost weight. Not a whole lot, but I'm closer to where I was when I came out! And my Dr said that the amount I have gained really isn't bad considering what she has seen...

I have another Dr appointment today, this time with an OB/GYN.  We will decide what we will do for the rest of my mission to keep the problem under control. I really hope they just keep me on the Lupron though! It seems to work pretty well.

I'm not really sure what else so say. I hope you are all doing well, and enjoying life. I know I am.

I am in a beautiful part of the country, its January and everyday is above 70 degrees. There are cacti everywhere and the coolest trees! The rock gardens are growing on me, I still prefer grass, but the lawn of rocks is fun! The people here are wonderful. They are horrible drivers, but so kind, for the most part. 

A news channel out here did a special on the Gilbert temple. It was very well done and that temple is beautiful and huge!!!  I am excited to go to it! you should all look up pictures and videos of it! So nice! 

ABC Gilbert Temple Special (in 4 parts)

I hope you are all well and happy. I hope school is going well for all of you in school! I hope all of you who are waiting to hear from colleges find out soon and that it is good news! Keep me posted! 

To any that have exciting news or cool plans let me know about it! I know several are expecting babies soon or preparing to get married!!! You better send me pictures and announcements!!!!

Please keep me posted in your lives! Tell me about spring break plans or fun things you are doing! I love stories!!! And I love all of you!! 

This is the best time of life. No this is not easy. No its not always fun, but it is always rewarding. Knowing that I am helping people is the best feeling. Missions are great. to anyone thinking about going, DO IT!! Nothing will help you grow more, and not just spiritual growth! Yes that is a big one, but you grow as a person! You become more of an adult! Like now, I do the dishes. None of the other sisters I live with do, but I can't stand when there are dishes in the sink. There are several other things that have changed about me! I feel all weird and grown up now, but it is so cool!

I will get going . I love you all! Be safe and happy! Life is to short, live happy!!

Love, 

Sister Bresia Yates

Driving around town and feeling good!

TRANSFERRED!!!

I finally moved!! I hate leaving my old area, but I'm excited for change...

It is crazy down here though! I love how its warmer, but not that I have to drive!!! I'm driving a new Toyota Carolla that only has 1,400 miles on it. Its nice, but I hate driving! I don't actually live in my area, and to get to my area, I have to drive on the freeway!!! :( and the road is always busy! I am also super lost. My new companion is awesome. Her name is Sister Hogenson. She is from Canada and has been out for 4ish months. We actually arrived in the mission the same day, but I've been out 2 months longer. We are both new to the area so neither of us know whats going on. Our area was just split so we share 1 ward with another set of sisters. We also live with them, which I'm not sure I like only because it is too many girls!!! The area is a little wealthier, which is fine. The people are just as nice. I am definitely not in a small town though! It is weird going from covering 3 wards and a branch to sharing a ward. Its nice being closer to the mission office though! I could get use to being down here!

I don't really know what else to tell you. Oh yeah, my address is:
4750 E. Union Hills Dr.   
Phoenix, AZ 85050
Send letters!!! I don't know how packages will work where I'm living, but if you want you can just send stuff to the mission office. Be aware that I get it later than usual, like it can be a week later!

I have another package in the mail. I don't know when it should be there, but open it carefully. There is a fragile plate in there that the family I use to live with gave me.

On the first, we had a tri-zone activity, which was super fun. I hurt my shoulder!  it hurt for several days to the point where I couldn't move it, but it feels a little better now! I also think I have a sinus infection so looks like a nice trip to the Dr for me... yay... nothing serious though.

How has the weather been at home? Has it been crazy cold like the north? Or has it been normal?

Elder Holland will be here on Saturday!!! I am so excited! I doubt I will shake his hand or anything, because there will be about 600 missionaries there, but I will still see and hear him!!!

I saw Elder Molinaro  yesterday!!! He is doing well!!! But we've decided we don't really like seeing each other since we cant hug or anything. Its great seeing him and talking to him though! He is awesome, as we all know!

I'm trying to think of exciting things that have happened, but I can't think of anything!

I guess  just wish me luck in my new area!!! And pray for my safety in driving!!!! This whole driving thing is really stressing me out!!! The fact that neither of us know the area is just the cherry on top. Well not really, the cherry is that we have 900 miles to use this month, we live out of our area and its a big area, that's the cherry. I'm gonna try to just deal with it, but well see what happens. I really hope I don't mess up the car! But then again I wouldn't be allowed to drive if I messed up the car. I really don't want to pay to fix any damage I cause... I HATE DRIVING!!!!

well, I think I'll get going. Next week's letter should be more exciting, but if not I'm sorry!!! Feel free to write me letters and let everyone know my address changed.

Remember to read your scriptures daily. Pray always. go to the temple as much as possible. And be happy!!!

Stay warm and safe! I love you all!

Sister Yates

Happy Birthday to ME!!!

Well, its been an interesting week.  Monday- pday. Tuesday- Zone Conference, where we won the cleanest car award again!!! Wednesday- temple (the Snowflake Temple is so pretty), Thursday-Sunday flu!!! Being sick is the worst!!!!!!

I did get the packages from the Young Women, Poppy and Grandma, and Mom and Dad!!! Thank you all so much for everything! Britta your card got to me!!!!! You should be getting a package from me soon!!!! Open it Friday. And Dad, bring Brooke and Cody their stuff!!!

I'm excited to get the Christmas stuff!!!

Like I said this week has been pretty boring since I was so sick, but at least I am mostly better now!!! No great stories from this week, but that is life.

To answer a question... Yes, I still love the area I'm in. I have learned however that I WILL NOT live in a small town!!! Everyone knows everyone and most of them are related, its weird! I do miss being warm though! No, I don't really get to go to the Gilbert temple open house or anything, it is out of my mission :(

January 11, Elder Jeffery R. Holland is coming to my mission!!!!! Not only is that amazing, but we also get to see the Gilbert Mission which is awesome, because some of the missionaries I was in the MTC with will be there too, so I get to see them!!! That will be an awesome day!!!!!!

Some people have asked what a typical pday is like. On pday, we wake up have or normal scheduled until 10 then drive 30 mins into town to email, shop at Wal-mart (the only store up here), and do anything else we need to in town. Then we go back home to write letters and do laundry!!! We sometimes go on hikes, but its too cold now... pdays are great!!!

Oh Mom and Dad, I cracked and bought a humidifier!!!! It is so dry here and the dryness was killing my sinuses! So if you see a charge for 31 or so dollars that's what that is. I have made quite a few purchases with my bank card, but that is just how it goes!

By the way, I want to Skype with all my siblings I don't know if Brad and Sarah are planning on joining the Christmas call, but I want them too if it works for their schedule. I will make the call at 10 am my time. I really want to see my family!

I don't actually know what I'm doing for my birthday. My companion, Sister McCashland has a surprise so I'll let you know next week!!! But for dinner tonight we are going to the R family!!! They are the closest thing to family I have up here so I wanted to go there!

I don't know if I'll email next week or not, it depends on the library, but if not I will talk to you on Christmas!!!!

I love you all so much and hope you have a great week! To those with finals, Good luck!!! For those who are struggling go read talks from this past conference!!! It was an amazing conference! It can help you!

I love you all so much! Ill talk to you next week!!! I cant wait to see some of my favorite people in 9 day!!!!!!!

Love 

Sister Bresia Alysse 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  

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!!!

Another Week

Again, this will be a shorter letter sorry. I just have lots of emails...

In Cibecue they give there kids away! Like if one family has all boys and wants a girl, a family with more girls will give the boy family a girl... Weird I know!!! 

Last Wednesday, Sister Jones and I meet with the young women in one of our wards and talked to them about being sister missionaries!!! It was amazing! The girls loved it, and so did I! I love working with the young women! We answered a lot  of their questions and had a great time! It was awesome!

I need stamps! 

Everyone watch these Mormon Messages: 
"Stay Within the Lines"
"Men's Hearts Shall Fail Them"
"Moments That Matter Most" 
They are amazing and will help if you let them!

I'm working on trying to stop biting my nails and cuticles. I am doing really well with it! I have been praying for help and Heavenly Father is helping me! Its been amazing! He will really help with all things!!! Big or small! Pray always!

J, my investigator, is no longer progressing, he wont read the Book of Mormon :( so he isn't considered progressing :( Its very sad. We have a potential investigator who is dating a less active member, so we will see where that goes. Also, we have a baptism coming up and Sister Jones and I didn't teach him at all. He has had the lessons two times, but was never baptized so soon he will be.

Transfers are on the 15th, I don't know if I will move or anything, but I'll let you know when I find out.

I am not gaining too much weight. I am really working on not gaining weight! I am also working out a lot! I feel good. I've been having pain again and I'm not sure why... my Dr's appointment is set for the 29 of this month. I hope nothing is going on...

Today we are having a zone activity, we are watching 17 Miracles at a members house. I'm excited; I love my zone. Sister Jones and I are the only girls and we have fun showing up the guys in everything we do.

Sorry I don't have much to say today. It was a pretty chill week! Just know that I am happy, healthy, and getting a flu shot today!

Keep praying and reading the Book of Mormon. Also do your family history work!!!!

I love you all! Tess and Greg I love you two, and I am really excited  to sit and talk about our missions when we are all back home! Good luck in the work!

I love you all!

Bresia

Week 5 From AZ

My package came! Thank you! Being warm is the best, and seeing my snow suit was amazing!!!! Of  course I sleep in it every night and Sister Jones laughs every night!!

Friday we had zone conference where we found out we will be getting iPads by February and Facebook in like November. I think with the Facebook thing I will have to kill my real Facebook, so mom, or whoever is working with that, be prepared for me to kill it. I am super excited. The iPad will replace the area book and will be super awesome!! I know that isn't much info, but we don't know much yet.

The rash on my face went away!!!! And I'm still not sleeping well. but part of that is because I have been having weird dreams. For example, last night I had a dream that Sister Jones and I were driving and hit an elk (which could really happen in these parts). I hope that isn't anything like how I had a dream about the wreck Britta and I had. That would be bad! I also had a dream about aliens... anyone who has watched signs or any alien movie with me knows that they scare me!!!! I did not sleep well last night, but oh well that's life!

I have been the worst missionary ever!!! I have been giving you all things to do to help you and I have not followed up once!!!!! So tell me how are all of you doing with family history, and reading the Book of Mormon and praying. and Family Home Evening? I really hope you are actually doing these things!!!

There is a chance of snow here. It freezes most nights, so it could happen anytime! Not cool, but at least I have warm stuff now...

The members up here are the best. Meals every night and so supportive!! People always ask me if I'm home sick or anything and I say no. The reason for that is that I have family here. Of course they can't replace the amazing family I have, but they come close. They are fun and make me feel so welcome! When the holidays come, I know I will be able to handle them with ease because I have these wonderful people here who will have me over and love me!!! Its the best!

I live in the basement apartment of some members and it is nice. We have our own entrance and kitchen. Its awesome. I will have to take some pictures of it.

I will be sending a memory card home with pictures on it. It wont be full but I feel bad that you haven't seen me much.

My training is going really well, and I am ahead of where I should be, so that is really good. I am taking charge of most of the lessons and doing great!

We do any kind of service we can!!! Pulling weeds is our favorite!!! But we do what we can! Service is so fun. All of you should do it more!

Sorry this letter isn't as good as last weeks, but I logged on to 26 emails!!! Best thing ever!!!! And I also had to email President Sweeney! So I have lots to do today...

I love you all thank you for all you do! Keep praying, going to church and reading the Book of Mormon.

Love, 

Bresia

Week 2: MTC continued

Hello everyone!

SO first thank you so much for the pictures! Riley is getting so big! I would love some pictures of the rest of the family! I miss you all! And I would love to hear some fun stories!

I won't be leaving until August 5th at the earliest. So send me dearelders often! I am kinda bummed that I'll be here so much longer, but it will be good. They just dont know what to do with me. I really don't want to go through the same classes again.  They don't want that either, so we will see that happens! Sister E , who had surery, will most likely be leaving on Monday. I will be getting a new companion, which will be weird, but oh well I'm sure she will be great! It's kinda nice being here longer because I got to see more friends from BYU-I like Hannah M aka Amersican Hannah, Abe P, and Jack L!  It's been so fun! I have so much to tell but no time to do it! I knowa lot  of you have written and I will write you all eventually! I promise!

I have been to the doctors so much this past week!!!  I hate it! Of course you have the 15 min wait once you get there, then the 15 min wait in the room after the nurse checks you out, then they don't even answer the questions and reffer you to some one else! It is too frustrating but I am use to it after 19 years of it! I really just wish mom could be here with me... she has always been with me through my many crazy appointments! Mom just has an amazing talent with calming me down! She's the best as many of you know! Oh random thought, but if I did end up having surgery or something I am pretty sure I could have visitors like Brooke and Cody, Claire, or any other family. I know they all have lives but if I did end up having a surgery it might be comforting having a familiar face to greet me.  So maybe if someone could write me and tell me some Utah family cell numbers just in case! Anyway! I have an appointment for next monday where I will hopefully find out what I can do, or rather what the Doctor can do! Because I am so done with constant intense  pain, pain killers, and birth control pills that dont even help!!!

Well, I am still learning a lot and loving being here. Tess is the best and she is so willing to talk, help, and do anything! I know its a bummer she didn't get to go streight to Brazil, but it has been such a blessing having her here with me! Heavenly Father really has blessed me through her. While everyone else I know is leaving I still have her to help me! I am meeting so many great people out here and really enjoying everything.

Oh, dad, I got the package.  I dont know if you knew that or not, but thank you! It was great! And unfortunatly we are not allowed to chew gum on a mission so no more gum in packages :( I'm sad... they say no breathe mints, but send them anyway!!! Also, if you want to send stamps that would be ok. I have 20 but I could always use more. I really dont know what else I could possibly need but I'll let you know as I know.

Sunday night, I got to talk to mom on the phone and it was sooo great!!! I felt a lot better after talking with her and I got to talk to Riley he said, "I love you Bree Bree!!!"  Best thing ever! I miss my little buddy soooo much!!!  Britta, I want you to write me! And tell me how you are doing! How's work! Talk to me!

I love getting dearelders! They are the best!

Sorry this is so scattered, I am so bad at this whole writing thing. Not that ya'll mind but I feel bad.

The food here is good, the people are great, and I am loving life. the teachers are all so funny and awesome. I kinda wish I could just hang out with them all day and teach with them.  I feel like that would help me become use to talking to strangers and learning to love others! Also, the teachers are great examples. Like I learned so much from Sister D. and Brother G. And then there is Brother M and Brother S who are sooo funny! Like you cant take Brother M serious ever, but he has the greatest testimony, and he teaches really well. Brother S is just so goofy! No words describe him. Sisters C and V are my new teachers, and they are so sweet! They are impossible to not listen to!!

I have been like hard-core writting in my journal lately, which I never have done before! It is really nice though. I know I will love looking through this stuff in a few years! Its funny because it is just a random as my letters! But I guess that is just me!

I hope you are all doing well and having a great time in whatever you are doing....

Hannah and Dakota are getting married soon... that is so exciting! congratulations you two! I love  you both!

What other exciting things are happening in life? Let me know by writing! I have dearelder for a few more weeks! Use it while you got it for free!

Well time is at an end. I love you all and will keep you posted on the events of my life. Thank you for sending me Gregory's email, and pictures and all the other things that were sent!

You are all the best and I am so blessed to have you all!

Much love,

Sister Bresia Yates