Week 37: There is Sunshine in my Soul today!!

I love Washington so much!!! I love the sun, the people are so funny, and well I get to do the Lords work-so what could make me happier? 

This week was a lot of fun, all the hard work is starting to pay off! This is the last week of the Seven week Transfer. It has been so crazy! Back to hard work. I think this is one thing that is important to remember, is that you will go through trials and tribulations. Now whether they are trials of doubting who you are, or if you Father is Heaven is really there, or just nothing can seem to go right with whatever you try we will all go through something. But the real test isn't if you are able to make it through these situations. We are all going to make it out of something but do we keep Christ the center of our lives and continue to pray to our Heavenly Father. I have been reading this month’s Ensign and fist off it is AMAZING!!! The talk that has stuck with me the most is called "The Redeeming and the Strengthening Power of the Atonement"(Click here to read this talk) By Elder Kim B. Clark. In the talk he not only talks about the importance of the Atonement and that if we allow it to change us and a situation it can. In it he talks about Obedience. Obedience has become one of my all-time favorite things to learn, study, and apply! One of my all-time favorite quotes is from President Ezra Taft Benson he says, "When obedience ceases to be an irritant and becomes our quest, in that moment God will endow us with power." there is so much truth and power to that quote. Elder Kim B. Clark says, "The great key to developing heart-and-soul obedience is to be obedient in small and simple things, like keeping the Sabbath day holy, saying our prayers, telling the truth, paying our tithing, following the Word of Wisdom, being kind to others, avoiding profanity, and honoring our promises. Remember, obedience in small things creates a spirit of obedience in all things. Moreover, obedience in small things brings the Spirit into our lives and strengthens our faith in Christ and our resolve to do His will. It opens our hearts to Him and blesses us with the strength and discipline to withstand temptations to violate the law of chastity, succumb to greed and materialism, or fall into apostasy. Obedience in small things prepares us to give our hearts to the Lord so that we will accept and fulfill the increasingly demanding personal assignments and commandments that come to us from the Lord throughout our lives." 

When we are obedient the Holy Ghost is able to be with us and that is when we are able to become a blessing in others’ lives and doing the things that our Father needs us to do. Most importantly we KNOW that he is there! It is such a beautiful concept.

Elle, Jager, and Sister Barletta

Miracles really do happen when you are obedient and you wait it out. The Lord has so many prepared people in Washington and we have had a successful week or sharing and being able to find three people who have accepted a date for baptism! It has been crazy to see how much the Gospel of Jesus Christ really does strengthen your family. I don't think I saw it as home because that is all I have ever had and most everyone around me had it also. But coming to where it is very uncommon I have really learned to appreciate having eternal Families and knowing about the Plan of Salvation and that Repentance is real. That is the cool thing, we have the solution for all problems and so we have to shout it to the world. 

Two side notes to end this letter. First I guess I have a really strong accent and I am told this by quite a few people. Second Dads beard is quite the hit in the mission....I love it to! I love you all so much and hope that you have an amazing week!

Elle with Sister Foster