MAY 2024

USHERING AT THE LAYTON TEMPLE OPEN HOUSE

I absolutely LOVED this!!  I guess I have kind of dreamed of being part of a temple open house ever since hearing about others' experiences with it during the Bountiful temple open house.  So this was a long awaited opportunity.  I'm so glad we had the chance.  Nate, Jack and I were signed up for May 1st at noon-3:00.  Jack had to be checked out, but this was so worth it!  We made it there just in time (we were the late ones, walking into the training meeting in front of everyone, so embarrassing), got our booties on and opened our ears for instructions.  I loved the training and the things we were taught.  I loved the story about the pearl in the fancy box.  I don't want to ever let my mind or heart be distracted by the beauty of the temples enough that I forget why we have them.  It really got my mind thinking about all the things in the temple that point to Christ while we were ushering.  Really helped me to keep my focus.  I got the job of standing outside of the Celestial room and first directing people to the hallway of endowment rooms and then opening the door to the Celestial room to allow people to enter.  It was an amazing spot!!  I loved it!  There were so many cool analogies that came to my mind as I was standing there.  There was this really interesting vase right outside of the Celestial room that I couldn't help but notice and think about.  It was (not to be rude. but) kind a little bit ugly.  It was metal, melted and shaped into two pieces that were welded together.  Then painted gold.  (at least this was mine and the guy who was over us, just kind of roaming making sure things were going okay's observation) It had a crinkled paper look to the outside.  I had to sit there and think about how that vase could point us to Christ and what I came up with was- the vase is us.  We are crinkled, we sometimes look broken, we have flaws and are not perfect.  But we can go to the temple.  We are allowed to be close to Him and close to our Savior regardless of our flaws and imperfections.  I loved my analogy :).  There was a really cool painting of the water of Bethesda and the man healed there.  So cool to stare at for three hours :).  The beautiful staircase and stained glass were so pretty!!  We learned that the Celestial room is on the South side of the building, so if you were to the south and had a telescope or something wonderful that you could see the temple with, you could look in the top windows and look into the Celestial room!  Kinda fun.  This was a very cool, cherished experience that I had.  I wish I could have written down all my thoughts while I was there.  I felt so close to my Heavenly Father and felt so much peace about my position in His Kingdom.  I felt so much love for my Savior and so much direction and motivation.  It was really neat to be able to spend that time there.  I loved seeing people's faces as they experienced entering the Celestial room.  So beautiful.  Even some unconventional responses like "Holy sh__" as they looked in there.  It was kind of fun :).  It was interesting to have to tell people they couldn't just come to the celestial room, they had to walk down the hall and go through the instruction rooms first- analogy there.  I loved that I was right next to Jack for the last half.  Well, kind of next to him.  He got to be IN the Celestial room, letting people out, so I saw him every time he opened the door to let someone out.  That was special.  I hope we always remember that.  I loved this opportunity.  5-1-24

TAYLORSVILLE TEMPLE OPEN HOUSE
Kelly, Noah, Nate and I all went to the Taylorsville Temple Open house.  It was so beautiful!!  After a minute or two we started noticing a lot of cool little ties to Grandpa Russ!  So many things he would have loved about this temple and so we decided he must have been part of the planning committee from the other side of the veil.  He had to have had some kind of say in it, being from Taylorsville and all :).  So cool though!  I LOVE this temple!  5-2-24

BYU INVITE! LUKE

I had the privilege of driving down to BYU to watch Luke run his 110 hurdles.  He did so good!!  I loved being there.  I got to see Jay Denison and his wife.  I wanted to buy Luke and I some hoodies, but he didn't want one.  It was so neat though!  Glad he got that experience!  He did great!!  5-3-24

LETTER FROM BRAD- I'VE MADE IT A WHOLE PREGNANCY

This week I found a new love for the work haha. Its such a fun work on top of being the Lords work. It's also one of the most frustrating things ever too but I enjoy this work so much. I actually lost count lowk of how much time I had but I realized I just hit 9 months. Which is weird because when I first told all my friends i got my mission call they were all saying no wayy I hit my year mark at that time. And i got my call in May last year so its like a complete circle. 

Last Pday we had a Gringos vs Latinos soccer game because we had to. And to your surprise; Gringos:5, Latinos:0. We remind them anytime an argument or disagreement comes up haha. Super fun though I love my zone they're all super awesome Elders. 

Tuesday  we had district council. We set our goals for the month and my district is crazy cuz we set a goal of 22 baptisms for June haha. We have 3 companionships so we have a lot of work but we have an actual amazing district plan going so Its actually a reachable goal. Im super excited actually because this next week we are basically just going to find for all 3 areas at the same time with the circles so if you guys want to know how to use the circles lmk. I'm actually gonna make a video on how to use the circles effectively and ao other people can start using them. I'm actually so excited for June because we're preparing ourselves so much for it so that when we enter June we just have to focus on keeeping our baptism dates and then finding for July. So right now we just are grinding finding for June and keeping our May dates. 

Wednesday we had divisiones. I went to Portillo an area in my district. We made plans for their friends Pamela and Luis to get married so they can get baptized before I leave because thats what they said their goal was. So we are making plans for them. We put a baptism date on our friend Adrian and then we talked to the Dad and he chewed us out so I think we might lose that baptism date... we then went to MeetDaan obviously because its in his area so I had to go. 

Thursday we kind of failed. We had a ton of potential but then they all fell through and I eas so ready to just go home and call it quits haha. I was so done. The thing with me is im 100% good 90% of the time. But then there's 10% where I need the push of my comp. Which worked really well with Elder Hoff but now I'm training so when I just have someone following me around, when I get to that 10% of the time it gets very difficult haha. But we survived I just dont remember what happened that was actually interesting.

Friday: completely different day. We had an AMAZING lesson with one of our friends with a Member from another ward because our ward is struggling right now. But it wa soooo good. Made me realize how I need more lessons with members, and not just a youth following us around but a person that will actually bond with them and connect. We then had a lesson with this girl struggling with basically every temptation there is in the world right now. Shes so awesome so we are helping her right now. Then later that night we had a Family Home Evening with our ex stake presidente, and like 3 of our converts, and then a friend we are gonna extend a baptism date on. The stake presidente and his wife are soooooo amazing i love them so much. They basically just made all these people into power members and put a fecha on the one kid we were going to ask if he wanted to. I think I'm just going to bring all our friends we're teaching to my ex stake presidents house so him and his wife can put them all on date. We also put our other Friend Jenni on date, FINALLY. Shes so elect but just needed a little push so now we just have to keep her. 

Sunday night was soooo crazy. We finally got in contact with this one member. She has a 13 yr old daughter un baptized that wants to get baptized. And then her 3 friends were there during the lessons and want to get baptized toooo. So Friday we have a family home evening with all of them and their parents. Our recent convert brough his friend to church and so he wants to get baptized too so we have to get his parents permission and then we can start teaching him and helping him make commitments. We also had a abaptism for our friend Adrian.

Spiritual storry: 

Friday someonne told us a member fell and hurt themself so they needed a blessing. We showed up. Turned out to be this superrr old guy named Juan Carlos. He was in so much pain and suffering and could barely talk to us to tell us about his pain. Poor guy was just in so much pain. We gave him a blessing and promised him that his pain and suffering will only be for a short moment. We ended the blessing and said goodbye to him, shook his hand, and then he layed down and closed his eyes. So then we left. The member that drove us there locked his keyes in the car so we just walked to our next lesson while he went to go get his second set of keys. The next morning we woke up to a text saying that Juan Carlos passed away. I wasn't sad at all. Not a bit of sadness was in me. Not because I'm emotionless but because I have so much faith in the Plan of Salvation. Sometimes we don't realize how much faith we have in something until something like that happens. It also showed me the healing power of the Priesthood. It healed him. He's right now getting to know his past family members. Talking with his parents after such a long time without them. I still don't know 100% how I feel about the situation because there's so much to think and feel but I thought it was prty cool. 

Also for missionaries: I'm going to make a tutorial video on a bunch of things like the circles, calenders, and other methods that we've come up with or that are working super well; and then put those videos on a shared google drive so lmk if you want the link.

LUKE DENTIST
The long awaited dentist visit!  He went!  Got the work done!  And now he is one step closer to finishing his paperwork!!  Go Luke!!  5-6-24

KJH SOUTH END
Erika did awesome!!  We had a good time watching her and cheering for her.  I got to run the ticket booth also.  5-6-24

STEVE FOR DINNER
We got to have Steve over for dinner Tuesday.  He's always fun to have around.  I like this one on one time.  We need to do it more often.  5-7-24

FARM FIELD TRIP WITH MOLLY
This ended up being a lot of fun.  It was in the big convention building by the ponds, kind of different, but we learned all about farms!  She seemed to have a good time, minus when she wasn't :).  But she did like holding my hand while we walked.  Love that girl!!  5-9-24

TICKET BOOTH
I got to run the ticket booth at the Region 1 Championship.  Luke and Noah did great!! 5-9-24

GRANDPA HATCH'S BIRTHDAY
We just had a quiet little party for Grandpa at his house after changing the plans from Mueller park.  But it was still nice.  I made him a carrot cake.  I forgot his gift though.  huge bummer.  5-9-24

CANDY LEIS
I got to go help make candy leis for the 6th grade graduation.  Kind of funny to work with Heather Kelling again.  She's nuts.  But we all had a good time talking and it didn't take long at all.  We totally could have done all of them :).  5-10-24

TRACK MEETS
We had KJH Track meet and Sophomore Region on the same day and so Nate and I had to juggle a little.  They both did so great!  It was fun to see and cheer them on one last time.  5-10-24

JACK CONCESSIONS
Jack has had the opportunity, a couple of times this month, to sell concessions with Liam at the Race Cat Track meets!  It's been really cool for him and some extra money!  He's spent quite a bit of money and time on some really cool lego cars.  He got a hummer and a lambo!!  Pretty fun!!  5-11-24

MOTHER'S DAY!!
I LOVED my Mother's day this year!!  It did not disappoint!  The kids gave me breakfast in bed, lots of awesome gifts, and hugs and sweet things to say about me.  Then we all got to hang out and play games and stuff all day!!  Plus!  Nate stayed home so he cooked all day and spoiled me that way.  It was so nice!!!  I love being a mom and I love being celebrated :).  I know I am not perfect.  I never will be.  I know that I haven't done everything right.  But I know that through Christ's Atonement it can all be made whole and complete.  I am grateful for that knowledge.  I hope my kids know how much I love them and cherish this life with them.  5-12-24

LUKE'S SENIOR PICTURES
We finally made it out to get pictures taken!  He chose to do them at the Farmington Trail.  Kelly came and helped out, which was nice- and we had a fun time just picking any random pose and making Luke do them :).  He did awesome!  The pictures turned out great!  Time to get those announcements out!  5-13-24

NO LETTER FROM BRAD- SAD FACE

5-13-24

ERIKA'S ORCHESTRA CONCERT
Erika sounded amazing in her concert!  I loved the songs this time and it was fun to have everyone there to cheer her on!!  Good job Erika!!  5-14-24

HAPPY 23RD ANNIVERSARY TO US!!
We went to dinner and a movie to celebrate :).  It was my year and I know what Nate likes :).  It was fun to think about all the time we've had together and how fast it's gone by.  Can't wait to see what the next 23 are like!  5-15-24

JACK'S 6TH GRADE DANCE
I got to help with the planning a little, for this, and was excited to help set up and be there.  I struggled a little with the moms on the group text, I ended up bringing 15 2 liter bottles of soda and trying to help with whatever I could.  Some of the moms this year are really strange.  I need to adjust obviously.  New group.  But I LOVED being there at the dance and seeing Jack enjoy himself.  It was neon themed, so that was fun- there was a black light and glow sticks.  So fun!  Kelly came and had some fun with him and then Erika also showed up!  So much fun!!  5-16-24

PICNIC ON THE PLAYGROUND
We had a great time eating Wendy's and talking with the wardies there at the school playground.  Always a good time!  I got to hold the Clark's new baby- Everly- SO sweet!!  5-17-24

LUKE'S COTILLION
I think Luke had a good time.  I didn't get to hear much about it but I loved the pictures!!  So fun!  5-17-24

MOLLY'S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST PERFORMANCE
We all got to go watch Molly perform her dance in the Beauty and the Beast Production.  She was snow :).  She did amazing!  I LOVED seeing her beautiful smile the entire time she was on stage and she did so well!  She had been so worried about messing up but she didn't!  And she looked amazing!  I loved it!  She had the loudest cheering squad (Grandma Simon, Charity, Kelly and the rest of us) and we all loved watching her improv dance at the end during the announcements, she looked so happy up there!!  I loved it!!  5-18-24

LAST SOCCER GAMES OF THE SEASON
These were not our favorite games.  It was really sad actually to have Erika's team lose.  I guess you can't win 'em all- not forever anyway- just three years of undefeated games, only to end the season on a loss.  Such a bummer!  I don't know what was happening, although, Erika was feeling pretty sick.  But we had a good season!  Lots of fun. Grandma and Simon came to a bunch of the games which was fun.  It was a good time!  5-18-24

CLEANING NORIEGA'S
I got to go help clean a little in the Noriega's house- just wiping down walls and railings.  It was actually so fun because I got to hang out with Barbara :).  I love her.  Plus, I did almost nothing for Shar as her minister, it was time I did something!  5-18-24

LUKE'S SEMINARY GRADUATION
This kind of snuck up on us, but it ended up being really great!  I loved seeing Luke walk across the stage to get his Seminary diploma.  Kinda cool.  We got to get a few pictures with all the friends after, which is always fun.  And then snagged the last of Brad's phone call once we were done :).  Congratulations, Luke!!  5-19-24

MOLLY'S PONDS FIELD TRIP- POPSICLES
I was asked to bring the popsicles to the field trip again this year.  It was a little weird how it worked out- they got there sooner than planned, so I was a little later, but on time.  But it worked out and we got to see Molly.  5-20-24

LETTER FROM BRADLEY- SO THIS DIDN'T SEND LAST WEEK FOR SOME REASON

Guys I love this work. Its God's work and I'm literally just on the front lines witnissing it all from the first point of view perspective. I hope I never go home haha. I love you Mom but this work is too awesoome. This weeknwas super cool and then kinda got punched in the face with a brick wall halfway through and then kept getting hit while I waa down butttt we're doing great

Monday we played paintball as a zone. Didnt know it was something we could do here but it was wonderful and President told us it was okay My coordination is broken now though so I just kept getting shot. 

Tuesday: we had divisiones and I went with Elder Capson he's actually awesome. We did an activity with our 9 year old recent convert and she referred her 40 year old Uncle. We showed up and she was just sharing her testimony and teaching her uncle for us. Eventually she started talking about baptism and so we put him on date for baptism. He's super awesome and has just been waiting for the missionaries to show up on his door step. 

Wednesday: was super annoying because we only had like 4 hours of work to do so we rann to this one house we've been trying to enter for like 2 months. FINALLY WE ENTEREDDD. And they're actually amazing. They're not ignoring us just were being a little obliviant but we finally entered the house and its an inactive member with all her kids unbaptized. Such a cool family and super rich. Anyways we put her daughter on date for baptism and we found out their cousin is another girl whos talking to the missionaries in my district. So we have a family night with them to put the rest of the both families on date. They said they'll bring meetdaan so seems like heaven. 

Thursday: we got to zone conference Wednesday night and then Thursday morning we came to the church and had our zone conference. Basically they were talking about consecrating ourselves better and also doing these for the right reason. Our mission is filled with people who want to run businesses so they're all kind of starting or trying to run the mission as a business so President pushed a ton on running it the way of the Lord. Also with knowing our purpose out here. And fulfilling our purpose. Its actually so fun because I'm now getting in a position with I'm actually super close with a lot of the mission now. At least the half I'm in. I also learnes I need to practice eye contact so I'm gonna be so good at that when I get home. 

Friday: we actually had so much success today. We found an entire family through an activity we had and they're so cool. We also collected a lot of references that said they would come to church. We had a super powerful lesson with this one lady and then right after she says, "I have a question, what perfume do you use?" To my comp, and so there goes the spirit as well as there goes my comps ego he had bahahah. 

Saturday-Sunday: BRICK WALL BOOM. Guys I dont even wanna talk about it. Everyone bailed on us this week for church and we even like knocked every door of our friends the morning of to grt them to come and AHHHH. It was mother's day so it makes sense. They all had to do something with their Mom's and go out for lunch or something like that. But holy I was about to just call it quits and go home to cry or something. We worked our butts off this week and then nobody shows up is just a punch to the face. Its okay we are doing great though. 

This we adopted a street contact callled "The FLENDA." Its a picture of the covenant path that we have for south of south america. Basically what we do is invite to church first contact right away and then if they say yes we teach them with the covenant path picture which I will share, and then talk about how baptism is the door to enter this path. Basically emphasize baptism and the doctrine with that and then tell them thats what we will talk about in church and if we could meet once again before church. So then we can help them have a spiritual experience before church. Its super effective acrually, I didn't use it a ton but we had our zone do it and works really well. Obviously theres other more effective ways which is why we need to plan our lessons with members and plan to find references but when we walk to our lesssons we just invite everyone to church.

We also had MEETDAAN with our recent convert which was pretty amazing. Gonna miss my good old meet daan hamburgers.  

Week2

Not much happened because this is already super long but we had a baptism with our friend Joey and I love him so much because he reminds me of my little brother Jack. Lowk they're the same person. We also put a baptism date on our friend Hunder. He used to walk to church by himself when he lived in the jungle. He lives in the desert of Moquegua now so we are trying to teach him and his little brother. Also we found this complete family thats interested in learning and they all came to church and are already super close with the ward members which is soooo excitingggg. We also put a date on our recent converts sister which is pretty exciting actually. 

ALSO GOOD NEWS BUT HAROLD THE KID WHO HAS CANCER IS MAKING PROGRESS. The day we ended our fast they found a treatment that's worked in Lima and so they are trying it on him and it's working!!

Also I was thinking a lot as I was passing the sacrament about the repentance process. And I think it's such a necessary process to have to reject the sacrament instead of just not showing up to church(when its needed to not take the sacrament). We have a lot of people that are in our ward in this process and I always wondered why they don't just show up late or something instead of having to reject it every time. But I think it's such a necessary part of repenting and also makes us appreciate it so much more. Not sure why I felt like this being my spiritual thought but yeah  5-20-24

KELLY BLOODWORK/VISIT CHARITY
Charity had forgotten her social security card and needed it for her new job, so we (Luke, Sadie, Kelly and I) made a plan to go down there and have lunch with her.  We were going to hit Kelly's appointment for bloodwork on the way back.  Things got a little messed up with Noah needing help getting into his car, but we made it down there and had lunch with Charity at Chick-fil-a and then finagled a few things so that Kelly could do bloodwork in the Pleasant Grove office instead of the Salt Lake one we would be late for.  Also we were trying to get Luke back to his graduation meeting as well.  It was fun to have Charity all to ourselves! 5-20-24

FIELD DAY!!
I had signed up to bring some stuff at the beginning and help set up, then also to run the dunk thing, which got cancelled because of the rain.  So instead we (Kelly signed up with me and we ran it together) ran the parachute!  We did awesome.  It was actually so much fun.  I was surprised.  We played Sharks and Lifeguards mostly.  I think it was a bummer to not have the water, but it worked.  Then I helped clean up which actually only took a few minutes!  Kinda nice!  Lindsey and Amy Norton did a great job.  I liked it.  Thanks to my mom for watching Sadie!!  Huge help!  5-21-24

TRACK TEAM AWARDS NIGHT
I didn't get to go to the banquet since it was one parent only, but I did set up the balloon arch for pictures :).  This was a fun one- kind of different arch- it was actually a ring- but it went quick.  I'm getting good at these.  Luke lettered!  5-21-24

AWARDS ASSEMBLY- MOLLY!
Molly was awarded the Principle's award this year!  Luckily, Natalie Clemens was in the room and came out and got me to see her on stage and get a picture real quick.  Pretty proud of that girl!  She's such a good student and classmate.  5-22-24

ELEMENTARY WALK FOR THE GRADUATES
Luke and his friends got to go to the Elementary school and parade around in their caps and gowns.  The little kids got to see them at the end of their awards assembly, up on stage, and clap for them.  Then high fives as they went back to class.  Kind of fun!!  I wish Charity and Kelly had done this!!  So fun!  I was happy I got to be there for pictures as well.  5-22-24

JACK'S 6TH GRADE GRADUATION
This was pretty exciting!  I got to go help set up the balloon arch for the stage- didn't go so well, but we did a Christa-fix and made the thing stand up good enough for the whole thing :).  I was happy to have a part in that.  Some of the moms I was working with were nuts, but that's okay.  We had Kelly and Erika came out to support.  We got to get a picture with Jack and his teachers.  He looked awesome in his cap and gown.  It is so crazy that Jack is moving on to bigger things this fall!!  He seems excited for Junior High!  5-22-24

GRADUATION PICTURES WITH THE FRIENDS
We went over to the track to get some pictures of Luke and his friend group.  It was a lot of fun.  Jami had her special lens and I took some otheres- together I think we got a lot of cool pictures.  I was happy Luke let me do that.  5-22-24

LUKE'S GRADUATION!

We had to scramble a little, morning of, with Nate getting the littles off to school and such.  Jack was babysitting Sadie for us.  Kind of different, but we made it work.  I got some pictures of Luke in his cap and gown in the backyard- tradition!  And then I had the privilege of driving Luke up to Weber to line up.  We were a little late and I think that was driving him a little nuts, but I'm sure it was only a matter of time before he learned that he didn't need to be there right on time.  I got to find seats by the accessible seats up at the top of the arena and save them for everyone else who was coming :).  Grandma Ruthie, Jen, Grandpa Hatch, Grandma and Simon, Charity and Kelly all came to support Luke.  It was great!  I loved finding him and being able to spy on him the whole time with my zoom lens.  I can't believe he's really here.  It is so hard to believe that it's been 18 years since we brought that little guy into the world.  I feel like he is prepared for the world.  I feel like he is going to do big things.  I really don't think there's more I could do for Luke.  He's basically raised himself :).  We cheered really loud for him as he walked out onto the stage and shook hands.  He looked great!  We got to go to Red Robin afterwards.  Kind of funny the little miscommunication of Red Lobster vs. Red Robin.  We got it right though.  Funny stuff.  I think he felt good and celebrated with everyone's gifts (minus mine- still not done yet) and all the love.  You got this Luke!!  5-23-24

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
We had an awesome last day of school!  I was able to make it to the Elementary to get some pictures of the kids with their teachers- tradition! We went over to the Clemens' for some fun with the wardies- no water this year because it was so cold and rainy.  We were planning on doing our projector movie, but the wind and rain spooked us and so we did it inside.  We watched Migration which was fun, with kids draped all over the family room.  Still fun.  Just not as cold and windy.  I think it was a good year!  We survived!  5-23-24

SADIE'S TALK
She did so good :).  I loved helping her write her talk and she loved being able to talk in the microphone.  I hope she felt good about what she was talking about.  5-26-24

WARD MEMORIAL DAY PICNIC
Always fun to get together with the ward for some food.  I got to talk with Leslie and Gretchen and Barbara.  I met the people who moved into Noriega's house.  Good times.  5-27-24

LETTER FROM BRAD- DREAM CAME TRUE

Soooo we had a cool week. So many random miracles. We're finding the most elect people ever and they all love outside my area so I've just been tossing around golden references to everyone hoping they take grest care of them haha. 

Monday we had a Family home evening with our relieve society and they acrually brough some investigators which is extremely rare for our ward. But we found this elect family that lived in San Antonio, the area next to us so they'll work with them. 

Tuesday we had divisiones which is always exciting. For some reason divisiones always go so well so we had a ton of success and were able to have some lessons to send people to other areas. Then some guy came running into thee church and said he wants to join the church. We taught him a lil and he was super elect and just wants to change. Well the other elders put a baptism date on him and then yesterday we found out hes bipolar and has joined like 10+ churches but right now hes traveling for the next month soooo there's that. It was super cool at first though. Had a lesson with a memberr that went wayyy too long but we taught him the belief window because he was in a weird situation and it went surprisingly well tbh. He's strugglingg a lotttt so please pray for Sahid Pari 

Wednesday was absolutely slow but we putt our friend Jenni on date because shes so incredibly elect and knows more than me basically so there's that. 

Thursday had divis again with some other Elders because their area is kind of slowly falling apart so we helped a little with that. Found an entire family where the mom is member but the rest aren't and the mom is planning on reactivating sooo we were pretty hyped about that. 

Friday had to do immigration stuff. Didnt like it. Took a really long time. We put a fecha on our friend Valentino so we need to fight for that one because his family is being super weird about it. Mostly his mom. His sister is active and a power member in the church. 

Saturday dream came trueeee. Ive always wanted to like play soccer or basketball with a huge group of kids and then teach them all right after and then have them all come to church after. Well we had a sports activity and one of our new members brought his whole friend group which was soooo hype. And then this big group were walking around outside the church and had their soccer stuff so we invited them in and they wanted to play. So we ended up having a huge group of kids playing soccer and basketball for a couple hours and then we had them all sit on the stairs while we taught them a quick little lesson about Jesus, our purpose on earth, and then baptism. Invited them all to church and like 6 of them showed up. And it was like the kids who just showed up without knowing anyone to play soccer. I was actually so hyped because I've like always dreamt of having that happen and its never happened because usually nobody brings people to our activites. I alsso think a lot of them came because they've never seen a white person before so they came for that but its a good start because they will start coming for the right reason after a little bit. 

Sunday: super hype we some of the kids show up and then our fechas as well came to church which was so exciting. Our ward is still kind of dying down and so im trying to figure out how to get these people to come back. We ended up walking with our new convert and his friennd and another member to pick up all their friends and go to church with them. We got a couple to come but then they made me pay for the busses so that was kind of lame but valid i guess. Super hype actually because now we have a ton of kids who have already made it to church once that we haven't even taught that much. So now we've got a ton of worrk to do this week if i hopefully dont get sent away in transfers. Also super hype our mission got 120 baptisms this month and we're actually all learning so much becoming so much more effective here in the work of the Lord. Our mission is implementing so many new things we do that are just small and simple that are changing everything. 

Spiritual thought: here in Peru theres these people I call the "blue workers." They kind of are like amongus characters. They're like the clean up crew of the city and go around building stuff or cleaning, doing tasks you could say. But when they do these things they do it as lazy or as slow as you could possibly imagine. Like they be sanding these poles or railings for hourssss because they do one swipe every minute. But im not here to make fun of them haha. Basically we can relate this to our own lives that sometimes we are being obedient, doing our tasks, but in the way they are doing them is like this. Sometimes its how our spiritual work goes too. We read our scriptures but the whole time we are focusing on something else but hey we opened our scriptures up. Id like to challenge yall to take a look at your own lives to see ways you can become more diligent within youur obedience. Sometimes yeah we're being obedient but the same way as the blue amongus workers. So lets find ways to be diligent in our obedience. 

VISITING NANA'S GRAVE
On the way to Lynn's we stopped and met up with grandpa, Steve and Heidi to visit Nana.  This was a fun one, we all shared some fun memories of her.  It's crazy that she's been gone for almost 15 years!  I still miss her so much.  I hope she knows we love her.  5-27-24

MEMORIAL DAY BARBECUE- MAYNES FAMILY
We all went to Lynn's for some yummy food and visiting.  Charity met up there as well, which was awesome.  We had a great time.  I talked with Meg mostly.  It's fun to have missionary stories to share with each other.  5-27-24

DATE WITH ERIKA
We had the best idea to go paint ceramics at Hands on Art for our date.  It was so much fun!  I painted a little sauce bowl and Erika painted a hedgehog.  I loved visiting with her and laughing.  She's always so fun to be with.  We got fiiz after.  Can't wait to see the finished products.  5-28-24

SETTING APART
I was really grateful for the blessing I received when I was set apart for Secretary in the Primary.  It was so comforting and just what I needed.  I am excited for this calling, just really sad to leave my Sunday school class.  5-28-24

CHECKING OUT THE CAMP
We took the Youth Committee up to the Brighton Meadows Campground to check it out and make some final touches on the schedule for Youth conference.  This was actually so much fun.  I think it was worth the drive to be able to picture things and the kids seemed a lot more gung ho in the planning after that.  5-30-24

KELLY'S FAMILY PARTY
We got to go to the baseball park for Kelly's party.  Everyone had SO much fun!  We had pizza and cupcakes (I had picked up a gluten free, dairy free cake for Kelly which I think wasn't the greatest, but I think she appreciated the thought :)).  Then we all went over and played pickle ball together!  It was SO FUN!!  Even Grandpa and Heidi joined it!  We couldn't get Grandma and Simon in, but they were so nice to keep an eye on all the kiddos.  It was a really fun way to celebrate Kelly and have one last hang out before she ditches us :).  5-30-24

TEMPLE WITH KELLY
Kelly and I made it to the temple on Friday.  That was a miracle.  We were running late and knew we weren't going to make our session but decided we just needed to go anyway.  I'm so glad we did!  I had so many cool thoughts that time.  I'm not sure why, but a lot of it was standing out to me.  I need to hurry and go back with Nate to talk about it all.  5-31-24

SWIM PARTIES
The boys had their track swim party and Molly had her Illume swim party on the same night!  Different pools of course, but same night.  We all went with Molly.  It was nice to just sit there and visit with Jack and Erika while Nate swam with Molly and Sadie.  Then eventually just Leslie and Kelly and Nate after :).  It was fun for Molly though.  5-31-24