February 3

Dear Family and Friends,

Well, here we are again. It's been another week and another transfer. How crazy is it that the time goes by so fast? This last week was pretty good. Just a normal week as a missionary really.

Last Monday we went shopping for food, but also for clothes. Haha. I got a new dress from Ross and a super cute bag from Target. That was awesome. And then we met with Bethany that night. She's still going strong and is so dedicated to the gospel. I'm amazed by how much she's taught me and the example she is to me. I have loved getting to know her.

On Tuesday we had meetings in the morning and then that night we got a new investigator. He's a 9 year old boy from a family that is starting to come back to church after being inactive for quite some time. He seems pretty excited to be learning from us, and his mom is really excited too. They're going to the temple open house soon, and I think that'll really help them continue to come back to church and rededicate themselves to Christ.

Wednesday was another great day. We did service with one of our members, just helping her organize her house a little bit, but it was a lot of fun. Adn then we visited a less active couple. I love them and always love going to see them, I just wish we could help them see how the gospel will bless their lives if they will just put forth a little effort and live it. But I'm trying to be patient and trust in the Lord and his timing.

Thursday morning we helped our investigator paint one of the rooms in her house. That was a lot of fun. And we had a member of the ward with us and they seemed to get along pretty well. She also told us that she's realized that she can't just meet with us and expect everything to fall into place, she still has to do her part in studying and praying and going to church. It was awesome to hear her say that, and we're hoping she'll start keeping her commitments.

And then we spent that evening at the temple open house. That was a lot of fun. All the people that go through it love it and are so grateful they had the chance to go through it. I also got to see a lot of members from our wards again. And, I saw a friend from back home! Well, kinda. She was in our stake and then their family moved out to Arizona several years ago. It was Allison Collins (but she's married now, and I'm not sure what her new last name is. Haha.) But it was awesome to see her. At first I thought I was imagining things, but it was really her. Haha. She's got 2 adorable kids and was going through the temple with her family. She got a picture of us, but I couldn't get one because I didn't have my camera. But it was super fun to see someone I know and good to see an old friend. There was also a member there volunteering that bought all of the sisters dinner. That was super sweet and super nice of him. We don't have time to get food, so we usually just don't get food until after we're done with our 6 hour shift. So when he heard that he went and bought us all sandwiches from Kneaders. They were amazing. I really do love the members out here and how much they take care of us missionaries.

Friday was a super busy and super awesome day. We had 3 lessons set up and all of them went pretty well. We met with one of our investigators, and she's still enjoying what we're teaching her, we're just trying to get her to be more committed. We'll be going back soon to see how she's doing. We also met with a less active sister that we haven't been able to meet with since I got here, almost 8 months ago. But that was awesome. We talked about the temple open house and she's really excited to go through. Hopefully that'll spark something and help her come back to church. And then we met with part member family. The mom isn't a member, but they want their 8 year old son to be baptized so we're starting to teach him. And the whole family is on board with it. They're coming to church and listening to the lessons. It's been really awesome to see.

Saturday we spent at the temple again until the early afternoon. That was a lot of fun again, but super tiring. We had another member buy us lunch (the members here are amazing!). And I met a guy who served his mission in Tennessee in the late 60s. He said Morristown was his first area and that when he was here it was just a small branch. It was really cool to talk to him. He visited a few years ago and said he's so impressed with how much the church has grown out there and loved the new church building-especially it's location. Haha. It was super crowded too though. For the people that didn't have tickets, there was a 2 hour wait to get in, but they were still waiting. It was so crowded but so amazing. I heard from someone that there have been 600,000 people that have been through it so far. They weren't expecting nearly that many, and we've still got 2 weeks! It has really been amazing to see how many people are interested in the open house. There have been so many miracles and I am so grateful to be a part of it.

And then that night we visited a less active sister who is the only member in her family. She just got a new calling, as a primary teacher, and she was so excited about it. She was talking about how she really can't miss church now. We think it'll be just what she needs to start coming back and stay active.

And then yesterday. Superbowl Sunday. How was the game anyways? I don't even know who won. Haha. We had a busy day. We were in church from 9-4 with a one hour break at 12. And then our ward had a break the fast. That was fun, and the food was amazing. And then we had transfer calls last night. Normally they take forever, but we knew by 9:30 what was happening. And guess what? I'm staying here! Again. Haha. I'm excited though. I love the members, I love our investigators, and I love the area. I don't think I'll ever really want to leave. But yeah, you can send mail to my normal address again.

And then this morning we did a sunrise hike as a zone. That was pretty fun. It took me less time to get to the top this time. And, I only had to stop like 3 times instead of the usual 6 or more. Haha. And Sister Carroll was there, so I got to see her too!

But yeah, that was my crazy week. It was great though and I love every second of it. The time is just flying by. I love all that I have learned and I am so grateful to be able to serve the Lord out here in Arizona. After everything that He has done for me, this is the least I can do to thank Him.

Well, I hope you all have a wonderful week! I love and miss you!

Love always,

Baylee