Happy Fathers day to all you fathers!

 

Things are going well out here. I got a little dehydrated the other day. That was no fun!!! It is really hard to drink a lot of water when Arizona water taste so bad, and I just really don't like water anyway. The Mio water flavor things aren't cheap. First world problems I tell you...

 

 

Transfers are next week so no email until Wednesday. I dont think I'll be moving, Sis B and I think we will stay together :) We hope stay together! But just in case send anything to the mission office, not that I get much anymore! I guess that is what happens when you have been gone a year, people forget you! I'm totally just kidding!!! You all have lives, you don't live for letters. I know that I am so bad at writing people who have served because I would get caught up in my own life. So don't worry I know you still love me!

 

Dad- I got your package! Thank you! Mom thank you so much for the card!

 

Random but today is my half birthday. I'm old. Its weird. Honestly, I always thought I'd be married before 21. Now I'm thinking I'll be 23. Weird... that is old. Not really, but it is. Oh well, that is life.

 

I think I will work at Disney when I get home. Maybe on a Disney cruise. I don't really know, but school just seems depressing, and Disney is happiness. I'll just go to Disney university and be a princess forever. Real life seems miserable...

 

People keep giving us updates on the happenings of the world, and oh my goodness, the world is messed up!!! It is actually nice not hearing all the scary stuff that is happening. The mission bubble is kind of nice. Its less scary to go around not knowing about the way the world is going. I guess we all just need to hold to the fact that this is all foretold and part of the plan. Its still scary though!!!

 

What happy news is there? Fun stories? 

 

Drink lots of water. Eat healthy whole foods. Read the Book of Mormon and pray daily!!! Go to the temple to do work for the dead, or just to walk around the grounds. Have family home evening. Be happy:)

 

I love you all!

 

 

Sister Yates 

Hello familia!

 

What is Joanna's new address? I was going to write Mia but I don't have her address.

 

How is everyone! I am almost at my year!! Austin is almost a missionary!!! Time is flying!!!

 

Our next transfers are on the 24th of June. Be prepared!!!

 

The heat is ok until it gets to about 103-105 degrees then I die!!! July and August are going to stink!!

 

This week we have zone conference (which I am singing at) and then we get to go to the temple!!! I am so excited!!! I love the temple!

 

I really don't have much to say. Our investigators are slow to progress, I hope some of them will commit to a date soon, but they are in and out of town a lot!!!

 

These two pictures tell some of the fun Sis B and I are having!!!!

 

We were helping a family move and the boys had these awesome helmets. I'm the transformer and Sis B is the storm trooper. So cool!!!!

 

There is this really, really good pizza place here. It's an Arizona thing its called Barros!!! It is so good!!! We love it and eat  it often!!! Literally the best delivery pizza ever!!!

 

 

The members here are great! And they love Sis B and I! They take really good care of us! I love them. The plus of serving a state side mission (well one of the many) is I can stay in touch with them so easily!!! 

 

I really don't have much else to say. I love you all! Have fun and be safe! I don't remember where it is but somewhere in a recent Ensign there is an article about members working with the missionaries to do the work. In it, it says that the members are the sowers and the missionaries are the reapers!!! You go find them and the missionaries will reap with you! WE CANNOT DO THIS WORK WITHOUT YOU!!!!  Just remember that... we need members to help!!

 

Have a great week!!! Read and pray! Go to the temple and work on family history!!!!

 

Sister Yates!

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)

I feel like I've been gone a year!!

People who want to send me things. DON'T USE FEDEX!!! Also I have no convenient way to print things, watch things, or anything. So if you want to send videos or pictures, don't worry about it, because I cant view them :(  

Oh mom can you send me my other water bottle, the dark blue camel bak... and any candy would be awesome! Or just snacks. Anything you know/think I'll like...

Also this is the mission's blog for those who might want to view it. I really don't know much about it but here is the link. scottsdalemission.wordpress.com. I hope its cool!

Happy birthday Riley!!! I love you!!!

I had two super awesome food experiences this week .First, I got to have fresh cow's milk for the first time!!! It tasted really good, but smelled REALLY  bad!!! Then I had moose meat!! It was super good!!! Very similar to cow meat, maybe better!!

Please give me warm things to wear! Sweaters, coats, tights, NO BOOTS OR SHOES, warm PJ's!!! Anything, but shoes!

Okay so now for the good stuff yesterday I had my first baptism.  It was for C. He is so cool! I spoke on the Holy Ghost and I think I did really well. Everything went really smooth!  That was cool.

Now for Cibecue, the reservation. You can't help but feel bad for them. I mean a lot of the poverty is self inflicted because they spend their social security money on booze and other useless things. Still, I feel bad for the kids. There are stray dogs literally everywhere, and all the animals are super skinny! The people are cool though, minus the gang members, who I thankfully don't see, they are very humble and kind. I really don't have cool stories to share from Cibecue, but we went there on Thursday and then for church on Sunday. It is very different down there! It is definitely one of those don't drink the water or eat the food places though!!! I always need to be sure to bring my own water!!!!

I feel like so much happened this week, but I have already told you the cool stuff.  We met with a lot of members and they are all so awesome!!! They are definitely taking care of me, so dont worry!

Ok so I know people want pictures and I am working on filling up my memory card to send home. Honestly most of my pictures are nature shots, they are awesome though. Dad, when I send it home can you make a folder on a computer and put all the pictures in that folder, then put the pictures you want on fb or where ever you want them? I have lots of pictures of friends and I don't want to lose them.

Thank you so much for forwarding Gregory, Tess, and Phil's emails to me! Its nice hearing how they are doing!

This week I have 11 letters to write... I don't  know if you all know this, but that is a lot of letters to do between like noon and 4:30... so if I don't get to you it will come soon. I am still trying to figure out a system for writing. Just know that I love all of you. Especially my super amazing family.

I would love to hear from college friends, but I know that they are all super busy with their own crazy lives! I met someone who knows Chelsea Applegate. I totally don't  remember her name, but we talked about how awesome she is! Its crazy to think that I was at the beginning of my first semester of college this time last year!!! Time sure flies!! It also crazy to think that this time last year I wasn't really even considering a mission! Its crazy how things work out.

I really am thankful to be out on a mission. Its the best! It has been two of the toughest months of my life but also the best!

To anyone considering a mission!!! Start preparing NOW!!! Read Preach My Gospel, along with the Book of Mormon and the Bible. Study the dressing and grooming standards because they are always changing and getting better! Prepare all you can right now and you will be blessed! This really is an amazing time! They say that by the end of the year they are expecting 100,000 missionaries out!!! Will you be one of them! Before my mission I didn't see how this could help me be a better mom. I understood how it could help with my husband, but not my kids. Now I am starting to figure it out! I am learning how to teach the gospel simply and how to help people understand why making good choices is so important. I am learning patience and how to love as our Heavenly Father does. I am learning so many useful things!! It is so cool! 

I hope all is well and that you are all living life to the fullest!

Mom: I Love you! 

Dad: I love you and take care of yourself.

Brooke and Cody: Thank you for managing my blog! I hope you two are having fun! I love you!

Brad and Sarah: I love you two and am so glad you are doing well!

Britta: Thank you so much for all you do! I love you! Give Riley hugs and kisses for me!

Cousins: You are the best never forget it. Do well in school, listen to your parents!! Be strong!

You are all the best! Never forget it!

Read Mosiah 24:13-15. Its great! Read and pray always! Have faith and be strong.

I love you all!

Love, 

Bresia Yates 

Your cold, but very happy missionary!

From Brooke-  I found this on her mission Blog (along with other candid shots of her, go play "Where's Sister Bresia" if you are bored!)  That's quite the group!  Sister Yate is in the bottom left.

Is this really 7 weeks??? I don't even remember!!!

Well hello loved ones! How are you?

My district that just left Monday was soooo amazing!! They changed my life!!! We were all so close and we had amazing times together!!! I am so sad they have left!!! But its ok, that is life!

I'm really sorry these letters are so bad! I just never know what you all actually want to hear.

Jenny thank you so much for the doughnuts they were so tasty! I love getting packages and letters! Its the best! Especially now that I have been out for like a month and a half. Time had literally flown! I feel like I'll be home soon...

I would love some hard copies of pictures so I can see my family! I love getting letters about Riley and all of my cousins! I miss you all and love hearing about your adventures!

This letter might be shorter because I only get one hour and I have lots of people to write! But I guess something is better than nothing!

I really hope everyone is doing well and loving life.

OK so one of the teacherish people I have right now knows Cody! And yesterday he told me he had sent Cody a Facebook message telling him that he knew me... small world. I'm curious to know if he said anything else! I was kinda of jealous, because he is allowed to talk to my family whenever and I only get 1 hour a week. oh well that is missionary life for ya... And 17 months isn't that far away!!!

I feel super bad because I know this letter is super lame, but all I do is go to class and teach investigators, that aren't real investigators, so life is a little dull. I don't have any super cool stories other than Saturday I taught four people and it went amazing!!! like the spirit was leading the lesson and touched everyone!!!

I do love the MTC!

Family and friends- Share the gospel with everyone! They need it! Its not hard! Just open your mouth and Heavenly Father will take over!!!

Also go do those family names in the temple! And work on furthering our genealogy. Have Family Home Evening activities and just do it!!!! they need it!!!!

I have to go because my hour is up, but I love you all so much and pray for you all often.

Cousins- prepare NOW to serve a mission. You will never regret it! This has already blessed my life so much!!!

Stay strong and pray always!! You are the best support ever!

I love you all!

Love,
Bresia

Also, the Book of Mormon is the word of God. Read it often and rely on its teachings!!

Quick Update

Hey so never mind. I will be leaving on the 29th of this week... so one more district... I'm a little bummed, but it is ok. Obviously Heavenly Father needs me here!

Great News!

Hey everyone!

GUESS WHAT!!!! I GET TO LEAVE!!!!  It will be sometime next week, probably the 21st!!!! I am pretty excited! But also sad because I have grown to love it here! Oh well. I get to go to Arizona! Well my doctor wants me to go on Lupron (I don't think that is how you spell it), I'm glad things are making sense now and I am finally getting answers!

My new district is amazing! I really love everyone in it! We have fun goofing off and learning together! Our day to day schedule is super crazy and different everyday! But we basically have 3 hours of classes where we learn how and what to teach, then we do an activity where the companionship teaches the teachers as if they were investigators! Its super fun! We also go to this thing called TRC which is more teaching! I love it so much! It is great training for the field! I really have learned a lot here and the teachers all know I will be a great missionary, and no they are not just saying. The rest of the day is studying, eating, or gym time it just depends on the day! Even though we don't have a lot of free time, we are so close as a district! Its amazing.

On Tuesdays we have a devotional where a General Authority usually comes and teaches the missionaries, but as some of you may know July is their off month.  I had no one come until this past Tuesday!!! Elder Richard G. Scott came and talked too us!!! It was so cool!!!!!!!

Mom and Dad- I sent home some letters so be looking for those. Also I would love to get more pictures.

I get to go to the temple for the first time in over a month!!! I am so excited. I went from going once a week to never because the Provo temple has been closed. 

Overcash family!!! We need to do more family names! We have lots of work to do! Lets get to it! I think it would be awesome if every time, or almost every time someone went to the temple they had a family name! There is work to be done and they can't do it, they need us!

I have to go sorry this letter is short and lame, but I love you all!

Jeni- Thank you for the package! I love you!

Mom- I am glad you are doing better.

Dad- Thank you for the support.

I love you all more than anything. I have the best support system!

Write me when you want!

Pray always, go to church, and help others!  

Waiting in the hospital

This is Bresia's sister Brooke writing-
I received a call Wednesday evening informing me that Sister Yates would be having an out patient surgery this morning, so I am composing this post from Utah Valley Hospital.

Bresia's doctors determine that they needed a closer look at the problems and she had an abdominal scope.  It has been such a blessing to be here with her and to spend time with one of her companions. She has been very patient and strong through this entire process.  It is hard even going to the doctor with out your mom for the first time when you have a cell phone! It has been a great learning experience for her and she has learned so much more independence.

Her scope has gone well, she had a few problem areas that they were able to "clean-up" and will look into the best options to manage any future outbreaks.  She is coming out of the anesthesia now. She says she feels like an old person and her arms are heavy.

Be sure to send a get well soon note!  dearelder.com is fast, free, and easy. She is in the Provo MTC and her unit is 65, departure date Aug 05 and mission codeAZ-SCDL.  She would love to hear from any one even if all you have time for is a get well soon.

Here is a pre-surgery photo of her. Post op has been a little hard so we won't embarrass her.

Quick update

Due to a pre-existing condition, Bree is having to undergo some additional tests before she will be allowed to leave the Missionary Training center for Arizona. Prayers that the tests will go well and that her health can be found without surgery are much appreciated!

MTC Life

Hello all!

 So I made it through my first week. I hate that my P-day is Thursday because you guys didn't get to hear from me until today. Oh well. First, my package never came, which is super annoying. And second, I found out on my second day here that I will be in a biking mission.... ( in the words of Joanna" I'm not happy!!!")   So mom and dad be prepared to lose money for a bike! Oh well I guess I will be blessed, at least I really hope so...

So the first day was insane! but in a good way. I had no time to think about anything but what I was doing. I saw Tess and still see her all the time. We are on the same floor in our housing like literally two doors down. Its great. I love seeing her. I have also seen a lot of people I know from BYU-I. My friend Jackson Hern was my zone leader, so I saw him a lot! And then there have just been other friends I made out at school. I saw Tyler Molinaro yesterday at dinner and he is in Tess's zone. I see Tyler Christensen pretty often. It is so weird not being able to hug them or call them by name.

I love my district!!! we get along so well and talk about everything. My companion and all the other sisters in my district are going to Scottsdale, and the elders are going to Irvine, California. My companion is really sweet and I love her but she can get on my nerves!! I am learning patience. Most of the sisters  are having medical issues. Sister E. is most likely  going home for an intestinal surgery, Sister J. has migraines  Sister C. has a respiratory infection, and my ovaries have been freaking out, I am guessing because of being on anti-biotics twice in a short time. So we have issues, but we all help each other.

Oh, so I leave the MTC the 22nd and will call mom and dad around 7 ish my time. I really don't know what time but just have your cell phones on you!!!!! If you don't we won't talk.

I love getting the dearelder letters from everyone! I got one that I don't know who sent it, but some family member... I am so happy Everett made it home safely!!! I shouted for joy when I read that!!! Joanna, I know you and your kids are loving that! I love hearing about Riley, its the best! I do want to hear more about everyone else as well as my little buddy. please encourage everyone to use dearelder! Hand written is fine but I get dearelder the same day... at least for now. I loved the package from Claire! So thank her! and I will let you know as soon as I get the package from dad... I really want it soon! 

I love the MTC. The people are great the teachers and great the spirit is amazing! And the food is really good! But it make me and all my roommates super gassy!!! (*this next part was left in per Sis.Y's insistence) We get to our room at night and just let it all out. Its kinda gross but we cant help it! The food is to good to not eat. Surprisingly I haven't gained any weight! I have been working out a lot more than, usual so I can relate to those of you who have been going to the gym. I am proud of all of you! Don't you feel awesome after a good work out!

So I don't miss home. I mean i do but this is where I need to and am suppose to be! I am learning so much about myself and about my testimony! I almost don't want to leave, but I am excited to get to Scottsdale!

I don't know what else you all want me to talk about,  I guess I'll just apologize for the jumpiness of this email, only having an hour to do everything is hard. I guess I'm doing good though, minus the ovary issues. I really have been learning a lot about the gospel and how to teach and so many things. I think I might consider Nursing again but that was just a totally random thought I just had. My teachers are bro Godfrey and Sis De Arton (we call her sister de). They are amazing teachers! and everything they say is so helpful! We have the best time in our classes even though is is 6 hours of class!

My Branch President and his counselors are so great! They give the best advice and really care about us. Even though they don't know us. Everything here is so great and fun. I have learned more about the gospel in one week than I did in all four years of seminary. Nothing against seminary, this is just more meaningful and exciting! Being here makes me so grateful that I was put in Young Women's before heading out! I know how I can teach the sisters I work with and I have a stronger love for them. I miss the temple. The Provo temple is closed so I won't get to go again until I get to AZ. Apparently there is a temple in my mission, who knew. I feel like I will do OK with teaching people really because of all the teaching practice I have been getting. 

So to all my younger cousins and friends who are of ages where a mission are in the future, here is some advise! JUST COME OUT! You wont regret it. It is an amazing experience! It is really hard. I won't lie. But it has been the best week of my life!  Yeah, there have been hard times, but there are so many people here who really love and care for you. And the elders are super willing to give priesthood blessings! They are the best! I know that being on a mission will be hard and that you will be giving up other opportunities  but it is so worth it. I love when I can sit in a lesson with our fake investigator and the spirit takes charge. It is amazing feeling and letting the spirit flow through me and let Him do all the talking. Then seeing the light in the investigators eyes as you know they feel what you are saying and seeing how the spirit of God is flowing through them... it is am indescribable feeling. Pray to know what you need to do and Heavenly Father will let you know! I know that is absolute truth! 

Well I only have a few more minutes left, mom have fun editing this! I guess I will end with some shout outs.

Mom- I love you so much! Stay strong and write me more! I love hearing from you.

Dad- If there was a contest of who writes me the most you would win. So thank you. I love getting the letters. I love you!

Brooke and Cody- Your letter made me laugh! You and Cody are too goofy. Remember that I love both of you! and thank Cody for the mini Preach My Gospel, I use it all the time!!!

Brad and Sarah- I am glad you two had fun with Riley, and that you are doing well!  I love you two.

Britta and Roo Roo- I miss you two, I hope all is well and I love you!
Cousins!- Have a great time at the beach! I love you all!

Aunts and Uncles- Thank you all so much for everything! I have the best family! I love you!

Grandma and Poppy- You are the coolest, most thoughtful people and I love you so much! 

Stay strong write me when you want. Remember that I love you, but even more importantly Heavenly Father knows and loves you.

My P-day should be Monday from now on but I'll let you know later for sure.

Don't forget mom and dad keep your phones on you!!! All day MONDAY!

I love you all,

Love,

Sister Bresia Alysse Yates