Thanks for chatting with me for a whole hour Mom and Dad!  that was wonderful to see you again :)  Since Sister Hartung and I are truly together 24/7 we talk A LOT. she knows me better than anyone I think. haha she said it was cool to see you and what you're like since I talk about you and tell her the things that are going on :) BUT I also can't believe I forgot to ask about a few things, Did Otter Creek hire a new teacher? Have you been finding good places to get more wood? When is school out? What else did you do for Mother's Day? 

Nichole, how are you going to give away ALL those kittens?!  I hope it's not too difficult, but I'm glad you get to have some fun with them in the meantime :) I CAN'T WAIT to hear how the 4 people who came to that concert think about it.  How cool!!!  "I Stand All Amazed" is a good one, did it make you cry? That's amazing that she is using her God given talents to spread the good news!  SO perfect :)  I pray for your family as well!  Also, thanks for the text that mom read to me while we were skyping, Love you!

Adam, how did your next test go? I'm praying for you!! I bet that will be so nice to be over and done with those.  It has got to be tough to balance financial and daddy work too.

Grandma, I believe you are a better missionary than I am.  haha so much patience!  I'm glad Jocelyn is enjoying that scripture study time so much with you.  THAT is wonderful :) I find it very impressive that you were able to navigate through the whole book of Isaiah. Did you learn a lot? 

Well some of this will be review for some of you but it's good stuff!!! We were able to meet with Shawn again and he said he'll be baptized with DJ on June 6th!  We're so excited for them. I really hope that they work together, but they're both pretty busy.  DJ is willing to squeeze in time with us here and there because we explained all the steps to go through before baptism.  Oh there's more! haha Brother Vanwagoner came with us to that appointment at the park and share his experience of being on the straight and narrow path and not.  The differences he saw and the things he said were so perfect for DJ, it was great.  Just another reason why we need members at appointments because I sure don't know what addiction is like! 

Butch is having some physical troubles.  His glasses broke and so he has been using an old pair which really doesn't work as well, so he hasn't been able to read in the book of Mormon.  He has an appointment soon to get them checked though which is good.  As we talked with him, he was still pretty positive about things :)  We told him to have patience with himself as he learns because it is a lot of new information.  He said. "I have all the patience in the world girls.  I don't think anyone has more patience."  Then he looked at a couple girls on his porch who were giggling and talking about girl stuff and he grumbled, "If they would just go away"guess patience is still a work in progress. hahahahaha

One more REALLY COOL story, we were out tracting and decided to go knock on a door.  As we started walking up to the house, a man came outside who we recognized.  His name was Frank and we had worked with him once at the Food pantry here in town.  He recognized us too, fortunately :)  He said he had wanted to talk to us at the pantry but didn't feel the situation was appropriate and wasn't sure he would see us again, but there we were!  It was a beautiful day outside and so we talked with him and his neighbor for a little while bore testimony, and gave them Books of Mormon.  Frank was very interested and said he felt God had put us in his path that day (WHOA!!!)  we scheduled an appointment with him for the very next day which went really well.  "Why do you think that God and Jesus Christ would appear to answer Joseph Smith's question rather than answering in another way?"  "Well he needed to hear it straight from the horse's mouth so it wouldn't be changed by men and it would be pure truth."  RIGHT! what a cool experience.  He said he will be baptized but we'll set an actual date for that this week.

Miracles are happening everywhere.  It's amazing to see the results of being led by the Spirit even when in the moment, you don't always realize it.  He is always there.  God is leading this work and it is hastening :) What an amazing blessing to be a part of it,and YOU ARE TOO!!! (Alma 58:39-40 And those sons of the people of Ammon, of whom I have so highly spoken, ...and the Lord has supported them, yea, and kept them from falling by the sword, insomuch that even one soul has not been slain. But behold, they have received many wounds; nevertheless they stand fast in that liberty wherewith God has made them free; and they are strict to remember the Lord their God from day to day; yea, they do observe to keep his statutes and his judgments, and his commandments continually; and their faith is strong in the prophecies concerning that which is to come." We can all follow their examples.  Something I'm still learning is that you need to pray with faith for the Lord to strengthen you, then GO AND DO ALL YOU CAN to make it happen, and it will :) I love you all and pray for you daily!!!  

1st we decided to have lunch at Rafter's Park, 2nd is the house I was in (the Myers home) when I was skyping family, 3rd obvious



These are the brick roads in Holton,  Just out looking for people to talk to :) (sorry the dates on the pictures are apparently totally wrong!)

So don't have tons of time to e-mail this well so maybe it'll be shorter! haha so yes, I'll be able to skype or call you I believe.  Probably going to be around 3:30pm? Just an estimate. so weird, feel like we just talked! haha Whew. I'll try to call before hand for a few minutes to make sure every one's home and the internet's working :)

 

So Sherrei is still doing really well and we helped her move on Saturday to another house on the other side of Holton.  We're sad she's not across the street anymore, but it's good because it's bigger and cheaper :)

Mom, you gave a book of Mormon away!!  that is so awesome :) even if they don't convert right away, at least she might open it up and realize it's different that many people assume. I really hope the lady they hire is good for all of you.  That will make work a  much better experience.  And of course the kids would slip up and call you mom. you're just such a good one!! 

Dad, how long has Cole been out? I don't even remember.  We had Stake conference this last week and I got to see some people from my last area in Emporia.  So cool :) Brother Jensen told me he doesn't think I'm going to Brazil because they just pulled a ton of missionaries out of Venezuela. Who knows!  But it's totally fine because I KNOW that I'm where I need to be right now.  The Lord has all control and I trust Him :) That's awesome you made the comment about Preach My Gospel and I'm sure they were totally about to hug you or tackle you or something. haha glad you're enjoying it!!  

Nichole I can't believe you have kittens!! How did that happen? haha so only 7 weeks left for you maybe? I don't know if I'm more excited than you or not. haha Apryl's going to have a baby too.  I can't believe it.  Hope everything goes smoothly!

Katrina, glad your hair is brown. haha  The Gladys Night thing was something that Nichole and Justin got to enjoy in Texas :)  We're having really warm weather out here too, and whew I'm getting awkward tan lines on my feet. haha But we're finding more people to teach so it's a really really good thing!! We haven't been able to get in contact with Shawn, but Graduation is soon so he might be more available afterward.  High hopes!   Sounds like work is putting you to the test :) are your arms still getting sore or are you totally good now?

This week has been interesting. We didn't have very many set appointments because all the potential investigators we found the week before are no longer interested.  So we've been tracting again and one of Butch's friends, a young guy is interested in learning more and took a Book of Mormon!!  Butch is planning on being baptized on the 17th of May too :) We found a member of the ward, brother Self, who likes fishing too and is going to bring Butch to church next Sunday :) so happy for him!  Also, while we were her in Topeka,  (we don't usually do any tracting since it's not exactly our area ) but it was a beautiful day and we decided to drive to an area, park the car and walk to members houses.  On our way we saw a group of young men outside messing around with a basketball and we asked each other, "should we go talk to them?" Of course! so we did :)  We were able to talk with them about their experience and feelings they get from reading the bible and stuff. One in particular was more religious than the others.  We were able to explain that we wanted to build on what they already know and to help them feel that good feeling again :)  As we shared the first vision, they were all quiet and listening intently.  They ALL accepted Book of Mormons, Restoration pamphlets, and a return appointment next Sunday!!! what?!  So cool, we have to hand them over to the elders to teach, but I have to say it was totally worth it :) 

Love you all and pray for you every day!!!!  

-- Love always and forever

Sister Harston

So, Sherrei got baptized on Saturday!!!  Her sons had been really wishy washy about whether or not they were coming and both of them came.  So her sons Devin (along with his girlfriend and 5 month old son CJ) and Walker, and her nephews DJ, Clay, and clay's friend Storm, and her mom Gaye even came too!!!  What an amazing turnout.  Everything went really smoothly.  As we waited at the side of the font as Brother Goodrick was about to say the baptismal prayer, an amazing feeling of love, and awe, and just pure joy came over me. It felt similar to when family is gathered around, but a little different.  it was an incredibly special and sweet experience that I hope never to forget. I know none of it was me and sister Hartung. Sherrei pretty much only needed the pamphlets and the spirit and she was good to go :) Afterward she was practically giddy like a weight had been lifted off her heart, and I'm sure it was :)  What a blessing to be a part of that marvelous experience. Sunday was cool too, it was just her at church but she was given the gift of the Holy Ghost and the whole process was complete.  (Also, a miracle happened.  Tornados were predicted and Sister Hartung and I and Sherrei all prayed for the storm to pass or be delayed at least till after she was confirmed. Sunday, there wasn't even a sign of a storm. The Lord ANSWERS prayers of faith!!!) 

Also today we got the e-mail about transfers and Sister Hartung and I are staying up in Holton!!!!! We are so excited because that is what we were hoping for :)

KC you have cuter glasses than me!  haha and you dyed your hair what colot? it looks a little purple in the picture.  I'm so glad you have an awesome Family Home Evening group! that makes things so fun :)  only 4 in an apartment, I bet that's SUPER nice.  Ward pianist, no way!! haha you've always been so good at that, but since Rexburg isn't huge maybe you'll still get to hang out with the people you meet this Spring and Summer!

Dad, I don't know that I could teach you anything. haha All I have to say is use the notes area available in the margins, and fill it up! :0) Preach My Gospel is truly amazing and inspired.  It's funny that every difficulty we have, the answer's in the Book of Mormon and Pregar Meu Evangelho :) I'm glad you and grandma got to go to Geniel's farewell talk!  I'm so excited for her.  Spanish will come if she doesn't hold anything back from the Lord.  I'll probably relate with her better once I go to Brazil though.  Is her e-mail justgeniel.capps@myldsmail.net? She was always good at bringing other to any event, it would be impossible for anyone not to love her :) I'm glad it was you dad to explain things to the young man.  A little fatherly love and guidance will go a long way! 

Grandma, so glad you're doing better!!!! It warms my heart to hear :)  Are you still enjoying indexing? Healing well?

Mom, I know you can pass out a Book of Mormon :) It's an amazing experience that if you have it available to you, whether in the car or your purse or something, then pray to the Lord and say something like, "Heavenly Father, I know I need to give someone this Book of Mormon and I'm going to, but I just don't know who.  Please help me to recognize them when I find them."  Out here we've really been learning a lot about how to pray with faith, so I don't know if that helps.  you probably were already doing that anyways!!!  I'll for sure keep you in my prayers for your test and to give away that book of Mormon. That's a really good quote, I just might have to use that too so thanks! haha We've met a few people this week who just don't want to believe that there could be a prophet because they see no need for one.  They believe they can receive all the revelation they need on their own.  How sad!!  We can receive precious incite and guidance but we need a leader to guide the church as a whole, and he's not the only one leading it!  it's an amazing network that we NEED.  He keeps the doctrine pure.  He will never lead us astray.  He has the power of God to dedicate temples. He and other church leaders can provide answers to prayers. They are great examples, and I could go on and on and on and on!  How people can miss that, I don't know.

Nichole, don't even worry about a hand written letter.  E-mails work just perfectly and their's less chance of me misplacing it :) Sounds like Easter was really fun. and Gladys Knight is coming!!  What a great experience! and super low key to invite others by saying there will be beautiful music.  Haha yeah don't worry about pictures, you can just send a billion when baby Bridger is here:) Such a CUTE NAME! good choice :)

Mostly this week has consisted of meeting with Sherrei and preparing her for baptism as well as continuing to Find.  A miracle is that we met a guy named Shawn who was outside playing football with his cousin.  We walked up to say hi and he was so nice.  He let us share all the way through the first vision and invited us to meet with him again the following morning.  We couldn't find another place to meet so we stood outside with him under a little 2 foot overhang over his door while the rain came pouring down.  It was soo coool!!!  We finished the first lesson and invited him to be baptized and HE SAID HE WOULD!  He's praying about whether to be baptized with DJ (yes they're best friends, what are the odds!) or on May 17.  So exciting.  He is 18 and his mom is ok with it!  He works a lot so we have to catch him on the fly sometimes, but what a miracle.  Hearts are prepared!

Well I love you all and pray you will have a good week, that you'll be safe, and that you will have your needs met!  

-- love always and forever

Sister Harston

So here's Sherrei at her baptism that she was SO EXCITED FOR!! and here's my district with a couple of goofballs in the back haha

Ola minha familia e meus amigos!  What a wonderful Easter weekend!!! Just right off the bat, I hope you all have seen the video Because of Him on easter.mormon.org.  It's 2 and a half minutes about Jesus Christ and the many blessings we have because of Him!!!  It's short but really powerful.

Dad, I truly loved those songs from the Easter Cantata and it seems not many other people (besides those from Georgetown) know of them, but they're SO GOOD!   That is fabulous that so many people came to church! if their hearts are open to it, they won't help but feel how the Spirit is always present in the church building!!! We gave our investigator DJ a tour after church on Sunday, and the best part (and last part) is always the best because we end up in the chapel!!  So cool :)  You definitely have the best kids though dad! Hahaha ;)  you're officially in the Sunday School presidency?!  How's it going so far? (Also, the watch tan competition has officially begun because it's finally sunny outside. haha)

Geniel leaves in a week?! Oh my goodness gracious!!  She'll be such a wonderful missionary :) Glad that Brynlee is feeling better now.  Katrina will probably have the best time with Kaylie!  So fun.  Good ol' wind :) We definitely have plenty of it to share here in Kansas!!!  (we just don't have any mountains to look at. haha)  We definitely have a lot to do to prepare for, for the future.  I can't believe how many times in the Book of Mormon that it says "they went forth making preparations..." or something like that. And the coolest promise ever is that those who are converted to the Lord will never fall away :)  Converted to me is understanding the why behind everything God has asked us to do, really understanding and applying it by acting in faith :)  The Spirit is so much more evident in our lives as we are obedient! I know it is easier as a missionary because of our strict schedule and how studying and teaching is our whole life, but as we take time to do the things that are most important, He will give us time to do what we need to.   That is so awesome that you are seeking to talk to all those you don't know at church mom!! If you don't who will? The members have been so wonderful with feeding us when we're in Topeka, driving all the way out to Holton to come to our appointments, letting us sleep over Sunday and Monday so we can save on miles....etc!!!! I feel so deeply grateful for their sacrifices for the work, but I know the Lord is blessing them whenever they help in the work and help us. He always blesses us with a hundred times more that we ever gave :) I bet that family that you took the package too was REALLY appreciative for your service :)  Almost done with school!! yay!!!  How many days til summer?? Easter was wonderful and the bishop's family had us over for a huge dinner.   My eyes were bigger than my stomach and I ate way too much of that meal. haha 

Katrina, I'm glad your finals went well!!!  I bet it felt so good after your last one and you were finally done :)  Who's your area manager for Little Ceasers?  (an elder in my district, his dad owns a bunch of them so that's mostly a question from him. haha)  Your arms are going to be so strong. haha  We definitely went there in Provo because the pizza was so cheap and the bread was yummy. Religion classes can be really hard! You should definitely not feel bad because I know you worked super hard, and I also got a C- in my New Testament class....but I'm glad you learned much! 

Ashley, just want to say I love you!!!!  And I know you are already relying on prayer, but it really works!  

Whew, so now really quick for this week, we talked to SO MANY WONDERFUL PEOPLE!!!  We got to pass out fliers about the Because of Him video so we talked to over 70 people in 2 days. whoohoo!!!  Lots of walking,but we really hope to see the results of those efforts this week :)  We even handed out some in spanish! mine is limited but the Lord definitely helped and we have a new investigator who can speak english, but is still learning.  Her name is Claudia. :) after we spoke with her, her little 3 year old son walked around with us to the other trailers pointing out where we should go and where his friends lived.  The Lord works in mysterious ways but that little boy helped us to knock on more doors than we planned to. :) 

Sherrie's still on for being baptized this Saturday!! we have much to teach and prepare but oh it is so WORTH IT!!!  What an amazing experience that I am so blessed to be a part of  :)  We found 4 new investigators this week too. Miracles!!!  One of them is the daughter of our investigators Melanie and Raymond, and she has spoken with missionaries before!!! It was perfect timing because she was just sitting in her car in her driveway figuring out their new stereo.  :)  

I know the Lord is doing more work than we are and I'm so grateful for His help and guidance.  I know this would not be possible without the Spirit.  I know my Savior lives.  I know He loves us an incredible amount!  I know that He truly saved me from more than I'll ever know, since my life would have gone in a completely different direction if I hadn't grown up in God's church.  I've had so much hope and and I'm working always to increase my faith in Jesus Christ, which He also helps me with.  

I love all of you so much and hope you have a wonderful week!!!

-- love always and forever

Sister Harston

 PS I got the package,  Sister Hartung and I early in the morning on Easter, we made our own Easter baskets from the packages we got from home, and Kansas' form of wild turkeys

Hello everybody!!! So Kansas weather is weird. Have I mentioned that? two days ago it got to 90 degrees as we were walking around talking to people and it snowed last night?? Don't get it, but it's an adventure. haha 

Katrina I'm glad you got my letter!!!  And Greg's off the hook because he and Ashley wrote me an awesome e-mail last week :) I'm glad you'll get to see family soon.  Where is Lindsey Durner getting married?  It seems like forever ago that she got engaged, but I'm excited for her.  Mom says you have a job?? where at? How were finals?

Dad, it was fun!  I don't think I've even seen the lambs picture yet. haha we saw sister Christensen at the Relief Society even this week (which our investigator Melanie came too :)) and she said, "I know your girls' first names" "What? how?!"  "You're dad's told me.  Also my daughter saw it on your hair brush when you spent the night."  haha I guess the secret's out ;) Sister Hartung says that she thinks I will get my visa this transfer, but I'm not sure about that.  I can't go until after the 26th at least because Sherrie Boyke is getting baptized on the 26th and confirmed on the 27th!  What a golden lady she is.  I'm glad Kris is doing a little better.  I really hope he'll be able to have some independence.  Conference really went by fast, so you're normal dad! haha well maybe more of a neutral person who's not in gear.  Bahahah!  I'm glad you and mom will get to see the grandkids and everybody up in Idaho :)

So mom, the Elder Davenport has an unknown first name :/  The older man we talked to didn't know it.  All I saw was a black and white photo of him.  He was really tall and had dark hair and a hat, but that's not much of a description to go off of. I don't know what Grandpa's siblings or cousins look like so I have no idea.  We've caught 5 mice so far and haven't had any more the last few days, so we're hoping that's it and that they haven't just moved outside since the weather's nicer.  Does Adam have another test coming up here pretty quick? I CANNOT believe that Ethan will be 1 already! sheesh!  Good thing you'll catch them before they go.  What is the day that Geniel reports to the MTC? Priesthood power is truly amazing.  I have felt that too as you shared your experience of finally being able to rest after your car accident, and also after your stroke when the noise in your head finally hushed.  The blessing I received from President Bitnof before I left have lasted as I continue to act in faith upon the things that were said.   (Thanks to Katrina for writing them down for me!) We talked with a lady named Julie who is less-active, and she asked us why we need to be sealed as families when we're judged as individuals.  As I answered I thought of it in a way I hadn't before.  The sealing seals us to our Heavenly Father.  As we are sealed to our parents, who are sealed to their parents, and cousins and siblings sealed to their spouses, and their spouses to their own families... it creates a whole network of strength, of power, and love :)  What a joyful experience!  Also, the package arrived today :) I know just who to give the book to as well!  THank you thank you! my companion and I will enjoy it very much :)

So some more AMAZING miracles from this week.  We had a lesson with Sherrie and DJ together :) Brother and Sister Goodrick came.  We talked to them about the Word of Wisdom.  The spirit was so strong. As we all taught, questioned, and discussed the topic, she agreed to live it.  DJ did as well and picked his own baptismal date for the 6th of June when he turns 18 :) It also gives him the chance to stop smoking. Sherrie admitted that she felt warmed up by the spirit and it was cool to see her desire to keep that feeling.  She's really working toward her baptism next saturday.  She came to church with Ashley this Sunday for sacrament meeting (she had an appointment to get to after) and it was a little crazy trying to keep Ashley's daughter occupied, but Sherrie said she really enjoyed it.  The Elders gave them a tour before church too :)  Sherrie and DJ are incredibly golden.  I can't say i've really done anything besides hand them the pamphlets and a Book of Mormon.  What an amazing experience that I am humbled to be a part of.  That was on Friday.

That day, we also talked with Melanie and Raymond.  I'm not quite sure how much they are taking in, but we're going to their house tomorrow to clean things up :)  Wednesday was SUPERB!  After we had done all of our weekly planning we hit the streets and literally talked to everyone we saw.  The Lord truly gave us strength and guidance. we found two new investigators by knocking on a random door, and a couple potentials.  For instance, a lady named Robin was outside trying to figure out how to work her new grill.  She was in her back yard and we were on the street and there was a big old ditch in between.  We asked her how things were, she seemed pretty friendly, so we asked if we could come over to talk with her a little more, which she accepted!  Wow and she took a Book of Mormon :) 

Sunday after church we went to find some less-actives in the Topeka area.  All them had moved, but one of the ladies who was living there instead invited us in.  We were able to share the whole first lesson and first vision and everything! She said she feels it's true and invited us back for Thursday after Zone Conference.  What incredible experiences!!  I feel so incredibly blessed.  I truly love being out here and I'm totally fine that I haven't gone to Brazil yet.  It'll happen when it needs to :)   I KNOW that the Holy Spirit is our guide.  He doesn't tell us everything to say or do, but as we go and do what we already know we should, Christ is there walking beside us and touching hearts and teaching to their understanding in ways that we never could.  

I love you all and hope you have a wonderful week and a happy Easter!!!!!

Hellooooo!!!   Glad everyone liked conference! I agree that the spirit is so strong as we listen carefully to the speakers and to the Spirit.  Dad, i think I understand now when you said no one else would want to read the notes you took because it was all revelation for you, not just writing down what they said.  That is so scary that you almost hit a tree!! I am so so so so glad you were okay, but I really hope Chris Bingham heals well!!! It's true that everyone's challenges are unique and they're all hard! But they sure shape us for the better or for the worse depending on how we react to them. 

It's so nice to hear you got to go to the temple! We were talking to a family not to long ago who were talking about some things that they kind of have a little mixed up.  Sister Hartung and I were both thinking, "If you would go back to the temple, you wouldn't have to wonder!"  It's a special place :) And more family names! that's good stuff :) Speaking of family, I don't know how many davenports there are in the world, but we talked to an older man who has lived in Kansas his whole life, but was baptized by an elder Davenport.  He showed me a picture and it isn't Grandpa, but i was wondering if one of his brothers or something served in the Kansas area.  

Conference is seriously a wonderful time of revelation and I'm sad to have to wait for the conference ensign until the mission sends a copy to us up in Holton.  I'm just selfish though because I want 2 copies of it instead so I can mark it up. haha It's just so good!! Sister Hartung and I were laughing a bit that they mentioned tornadoes a couple times because it's that time of year here in Kansas!  But Elder Holland definitely lays down the law. haha I'd have to say my favorite one was probably Eyring? It's hard to say because they'r all so great!

We've caught 4 mice so far, and Sister Hartung even got up the courage to throw one away. So gross, but we've decided they are all boys so they won't be able to have babies. haha  Yay for Easter Break! That'll be a fun trip :) Ashley and Greg sent my some pictures of Brynlee and she is growing fast it's ridiculous. haha 

Way to go for Christina.  She has always had a beautiful voice, which definitely runs in their family. And It was probably a good thing that Amy's infection happened in the US and not the Phillippines?  But I'm glad it's taken care of :)  What are her next plans? And Nichole and Stephanie are both due in June right? Nichole! I still need a picture!! :P New areas are really cool though, because there are so many people who have not had the chance at all to hear about the restored gospel, so we're giving them the opportunity :D

This week has been truly amazing and crazy.  Wednesday we ran outside real quick right before companionship study to put our trash out, and the front door (which locks automatically) closed behind us.  It was drizzly and cold and we hadn't finished our hair, makeup, didn't have our phone, keys, our bags, or anything!!  We knocked and knocked and knocked on the front door and waited and waited and waited for our neighbors to come down, but they didn't. We ended up stopping by Sherrie's house who was miraculously home (due to sickness) who let us borrow her phone and call someone.  Anyways, long story short, we were stuck outside our apartment for about 5 hours.... but Sherrie was planning on cancelling our appointment for that night because she wasn't feeling well, until we showed up and then she changed her mind. that night was a totally spiritual lesson and she accepted a baptismal date for the 26th of this month!!!! How cool is that?!!!  So amazing.

Also, we taught an older man, Butch who we met in Denison and he surprised us by saying he wants to change, he wants forgiveness, and he wants to be baptized too!!!!! WOW! We set his date for the 3rd of May, he wants to move it up if he can, but we just need to make sure all is good from his past.  

The Lord's hand is in the work and His miracles continue!! What a blessing it was to be a part of those amazing experiences :)

Love you all! stay safe, stay sane. haha

-- Love always and forever

Sister Harston

ola!! So I got to talk to a lady from Brazil for a little bit.  Whew, I'm in trouble. hahaha  Haven't heard anyone speak Portuguese in a while.  But, thank you thank you for the wonderful photos!!!  I can't believe that both of them are married! It blows my mind. haha  I had no idea that Chelsea was getting married that soon.  But everyone looks great, made me chuckle :)   

The women's broadcast was wonderful wasn't it?!  That's super sweet of Katrina to send that to you mom. Perfect timing :) How incredibly strong we can be, with the help of the Lord, when we keep our covenants!!  And as for the death of the Seller's grandparents, I'm glad that they have the hope that the gospel brings!!!  The members have continued to be amazing.  We've been trying to plan out how we might stay the night in Topeka on Monday nights so that we might save on miles, so we will already be there for our District meeting the following day. 

Good luck on finals KC!!!!  10 pages is a lot. I dont' know if I've ever written that much either.  I think I did 8 once maybe? May have blocked that from my memory. haha  I hope rapping has a lot of bad rap so you can make it long.... ;)  Homeless for a whole week, that'll be crazy fun :) Also, so sorry but I'll for sure send a letter today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can't believe yet another teacher will have to come in to Otter Creek!  I sure hope she's a keeper :) Also, way to go on the test! That's honestly really impressive because you're working full time too!!!!  That little girl does sound a little challenging, but I'm glad she has moment of recognizing how wonderful you are :) 

 

Fun fact about out cute old house.  It really is old and makes funny noises, so the clanking Sister Hartung heard coming from our kitchen sink 2 days after we got here, she suspected to be a friendly ghost haunting our house. haha A couple days later, we had made some cookies to give in thanks to some of the members who really helped us out, and we set them on a plate and left them on the counter.  In the morning, I saw a cookie in the sink and said, "Sister Hartung, is this your cookie? You could have thrown it away if you didn't want it, haha"  Last night, We both heard another clank in our sink, so we decided to check it out.  Another cookie in the sink with a bite out of it!!! This officially means there's a mouse or two in our apartment.  Blegh!  We have to buy mouse traps today. 

Also, Dad I can't believe you read my e-mail. haha and you know me too well. Other people need a chance to bear their testimony since I get to every day!!!!  And see, you're the strong sturdy one that everyone relies on!!! It's so cool that as we help others, taking no thought for ourselves, that's when we truly start becoming what God has seen as our potential all along.

So when opening an area, they don't give you instructions. So we've been trying to find find find!! We knock on door and people's responses have been so kind.  We've also been going to houses of members on the ward directory who no one has visited in years.  They were kind also, and know they need to get back to church, but they just don't have any support in that area.  We've told the bishop about them and hope those people will feel ours and the wards love real soon.  A lot of the people here in Holton have never seen the missionaries before and a few haven't heard about Mormons at all.   It just shows how much we really need to share it and publish it because so many people have no idea!!!  The Lord has really been blessing us because usually, you find maybe one or two people from knocking on a lot of doors, and we've found 5! It's so amazing :D 

We've been looking for service opportunities and haven't been successful so far, so we decided to clean the little laundromat here in town.  It was pretty gross, but it seems like many people use it.  I got the opportunity to share the gospel in spanish!!! It was pretty rough, I'm not going to lie, because she seemed confused at what I was saying about the gospel, but we had a pretty good conversation (in my opinion haha)  She said she lives on Wisconsin, so we're going to knock on a couple doors down there and we hope to find her again and give her a spanish temple card so she can actually fully understand our message.  (since I didn't have anything in spanish when I met her)

So to back track a little so you can understand how great of a miracle this is, we went to visit a member in our area, Sister Jackson so we might introduce ourselves.  She was very welcoming and shared a referral with us of a lady in the area who had been taught by the missionaries and had been on date at one point, but for some reason never actually go baptized.  Since we didn't have any set appointments, we went right over to see the referral, Jaye Wheeler.  Her husband was a little blunt and said, Not interested!  But we asked if his wife was Jaye and if she was home, and he said, "yeah come on in."  Whew!  So she was really sweet and asked us to go visit her dad and her daughter Shriee Boyke. Well the address she gave us for Shriee wasn't right, so we knocked a few other doors down the street and couldn't find her.  We didn't have Jaye's number either to check back with her.  One day as we were meeting with DJ, (Sister Goodrick came with us and it was unbelievable perfect for her to be there because she was able to relate in amazing ways which was totally inspired because we hadn't met her til, 2 hours before our appointment!) we were teaching him the Plan of Salvation when his family members got home. A couple of them sat down and began to listen!!!  And guess what?! Shriee Boyke was one of them and is apparently his aunt!!! She really wants to learn more and we have a return appointment with her and DJ.  DJ doesn't even actually live at that house but he's there all the time because his cousins live there.  We've been thanking Heavenly Father all week long because that was definitely a miracle of His doing.  

Lately I've been reading an inexpensive copy of the Book of Mormon with a question in mind of "How does faith work?"  So I've been learning much!!  Many times, faith precedes the miracle, where God gives a commandment, someone obediently acts immediately, and God blesses them for it.  But one miracle that came just because He loves us was the biggest gift of all.  The Atonement. What a precious gift.  He's already paid the price, so we have to use it!  I've been thinking in analogies lately so I can explain things better. So picture this.  Someone buys you a brand new beautiful car. They had been saving up, and after a lot of hard work and preparation on their part (with you always in mind) they buy it and deliver it to you.  Would you reject it?  Sure it might be hard to accept it because you feel bad for all they had to go through, but they did it for you.  Our Savior loves us so much.  And the Holy Ghost allows us to feel that.  He's real quiet and often times we don't notice that we were led, but as we look back on it  we can definitely see how there's no way it was us that made that happen.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is so true!!!!! 

 Thanks for your constant love and support that I know is always, simply, there :D I love all of you and pray for you!!!

-- Love always and forever

Sister Harston