MERRY CHRISTMAS ADAM!

Dec 23

Monday was a pretty chillax day! We stayed at home most of it. We also bought matching antlers at the dollar store! 2 for a dollar! :) They jingle! :)

Tuesday we had an awesome zone conference with Elder Arnold of the seventy! It was super long though! We then had a bunch of awesome lessons that evening! It was a crazy but upper good day!

Wednesday we accidentally tracted into our dinner appointment. We got a ride and she asked where we were going and we told her the name and the street and she told us that she knew them and dropped us off. we were early though so we decided to knock some houses down the street. As we decided to head to dinner we decided to knock a certain last house and she welcomed us in as my companion told her that we were just knocking some doors before we head to dinner and she look confused and said "I am your dinner..." hahahaha. There are two Jackson families that live on that street! haha. We then stopped by a new move in! Super cute family! We are going over there today. Their little boys drew us pictures! Adorable! I will have to send a picture! Then we got picked up by the YM and YW and went caroling to less active and non member houses which was great!

Thursday we helped a Relief Society president wrap angel tree gifts! And she made us some of the best hot chocolate I have ever tasted! I will have to send you the recipe!! Then we went out and had lunch with Sister Molina's Springville mom! So cute!! :) And she gave us some gifts of her 5 most favorite things! It was so sweet! And they all had meanings! And it was so sweet for her to give me them too. There was a sweatshirt symbolizing a hug, socks for walking in Christ’s footsteps, Chocolate, the conference Ensign, and a heating pad. I'm going to have to send you a letter with everything because I forgot but super sweet! Then we went to a couple of Relief Society activities!

Then Friday was our Christmas celebration! Sister Molina and I totally twinned! We wore the same skirt and lacy white tops and the same scarf and same skirt! :) Our guest was David Hatch a worldwide famous pianist! He is incredible!!! One of the pics is with him! He also shared poems he wrote from the view of Mary of her son. It was awesome! Hopefully we will get his talk sent to us! Then the Relief Society decked out the cultural hall like Whoville! I wish I would have gotten more pictures!! It was adorable!! And we had café rio style burritos! Yum!! Then we had a talent show! It was hilarious but then it started getting really long! Our zone leaders wrote a song about not getting mail called tears! I will have to send it to you! And then there was a reinactment of the 12 days of Christmas. We only have the 12th day but its soo funny! Then our movie was UP :) We then picked up our presents and had dinner and then went to mom J’s for a Christmas lesson. She had invited 8 families over but only one showed up but it was good! And she made me birthday cake because she forgot my birthday and gave me an adorable scarf! And then we went caroling in a trunk and trailer around the neighborhood! It was so much fun! :)

Saturday we baked cookies all day for all of our ward mission leaders, relief society presidents, bishops and people we are teaching! So many coookies! We made well over 300!

Sunday we went to two churches which was great and delivered most of our treats and shared a message with another family who invited a less active family over who bailed. Turns out their oldest son was baby Jesus in the testaments!!! so cool! And then we went to the B’s- Who we will Skype from. They are so funny! We love them!

And that is the brief version of the week! I will have to send some notes later! :)

Love ya!

Sister Balero

Happy Birthday to Me! :)

Dec 16

Hello Family!

This may be a long email which I may or may not have time to finish. Its been a crazy week!

Monday we had dinner with a family I love and ate some delicious white chicken chili soup! :) And then Sister manning said her last goodbyes!

Tuesday We took sister Manning to the mission Office and she headed to Seattle! We then ate at Sammy's which brought back so many memories from the one in Rexburg! I bought the Seattle (A DELICIOUS BURGER) in honor of Sister Mannings new mission! :) We had some time so I got to go see D! I was so happy! :) But I found out B is in the hospital. Keep her in your prayers please.

One of the Spanish sisters had her training meeting and I was alone with one other sister for a while and we were talking a little. At one point she said "It would be so weird if we ended up being companions" and then was shocked when I told her I was serving in eagle mountain in the middle of nowhere, that it was so far and I was walking. I knew in that moment she would be my companion! haha. Then I was with the Spanish sisters when they said their goodbyes.

Wednesday was TRANSFERS! It was so different doing them this way. I got to see Sister Reynolds and talk to her which was good! We went and sang to a lady in the hospital! I have been rethinking what I want to do with my career so when christa mentioned music therapy in her letter I thought I would love that! I want to know more about it and the schooling because I loved that. It would be so rewarding as well. I might steal her career! haha. We went to transfers and found out as our district was announced first that my companion was none other than Sister Molina. The girl I sat next to and talked to the previous day. haha. She is from Hawaii and very sweet. Her last companion was sister Coleman from Kennewick. She knew Devyn. She has been out 3 months and I am her 2nd companion. We went to Walmart and ate at the subway there and a sweet man paid for us! Then we went home and  I found out she is allergic to cats...So that is the main reason we are moving even though it hasn't been as much of a problem as it was with sister manning. That night we had a dinner in White Hills. So she got to see our whole stake. And she got to meet some people.

Thursday We had a lot of contacting and stuff.

While walking a random family stopped us and had us help secretly deliver a Christmas tree to a family! It was so fun! And at correlation Brother Meyer gave me a hug! Oh my goodness! He felt so bad! He is a convert and I thought he knew that was a rule but I guess he didn't and he said give me a hug when I tried to shake his hand and I laughed because I thought he was joking. haha. oops!

Friday we went to a lot of homes and taught. Also over those three days I got one package a day! :) I loved my gifts! I needed socks and letter writing, and hot chocolate and handwarmers was so sweet! And then the lantern was so sweet and just what I needed!

Saturday was my birthday. We started off the day at a ward party. And then came home and studied. My comp made a little scavenger hunt! It was so cute and led to a little letter. It was so simple but she had no notice and still made the effort to do something. Then we had our baptism which was great! I love Elizabeth! And then we contacted and then had dinner at the M’s. They were sweet and made delicious taco soup and then got me a present of socks since that's what they knew I had wanted and a cake. I felt bad though because they were super busy with moving and I felt like I was in the way. It was sweet for them to do anything. Oh and mom Anderson bought me a scarf! So cute!

We then went to another ward party and Brother Meyer crashed it and made sure they knew it was my birthday so they brought me up and the ward sang to me. There is also a fireworks factory out in Fairfield and they were setting off some fireworks! Something I have never experienced on my birthday! haha.

Sunday I stayed home for the morning because something didn't settle well in my stomach that night. Then we went to church and accidentally went to the wrong building! Only in Utah! haha.

Then we set up a dinner with the family who bought us lunch who we found out is a less active family we had been trying to meet! The Lord really puts us in the right place at the right time!

Well I think that is all! I love you lots and hope you have a great week! :)

Sister Balero

A week of sickness and miracles

Dec 9

So...Monday we played 4 square and ninja and ultimate Frisbee and apple shmear! So fun!!  We then went to one appointment and then home early because we both weren't feeling well. It took me til about midnight to fall asleep and was rudely awakened to find out I had the flu. I was throwing up until 3:30 when the elders came over and gave me a blessing. I felt so bad to wake them up. Then threw up again at 6. More details than you want. And finally fell asleep at 7. I was laying out on the couches because I couldn't even get into my bunk bed before I had to run out again. So long story short we couldn't even leave the house until Friday evening. I gave sister manning the flu. But we experienced a couple miracles and got permission to watch a Disney movie! :) We chose Monsters University and LOVED IT! :)

This is going to be brief but Miracle numero uno! Our baptism planned for this Saturday we found out needed permission from her dad as well as her mom to be baptized since she is only 9. The mom was sending us hopeless heartbreaking texts asking us to beg and that he will never say yes and that she was in tears not knowing how she was going to break it to her daughter. Her dad hasn't had contact for 5 years and is anti lds living in the phillipines. I was heart broken! I ended up getting a second blessing because I felt so completely hopeless. In my blessing it said through faith and God’s power miracles can and will happen. We saw our miracle. She contacted him on facebook and gave permission! I feel as if we were sick for this purpose. There must be opposition so in order for a miracle to occur we needed that moment of complete humility. That's the short version. This sickness went from throwing up to dehydration because I couldn't keep anything down so I had a major headache and my stomach was very cramped. I couldn't stand up straight until Thursday night.

Miracle number two: I tried to read scriptures. During this whole time I felt so abandoned and alone and I was reading Pres Monsons talk from the General Relief Society Meeting and reading the story about Tiffany and How the very thing she wanted and needed was given to her by a complete stranger so that the Lord could show his love for her so personally and show that he is listening and I just kept hoping that I could receive a blessing similar because I felt so alone. But felt like I just wasn't being appreciative. That day I got a letter from Sister Lake in Highlands ward. She said that she had stumbled upon my blog and my asking for letters and so quickly sent one out and thanked me for my work. I know Heavenly Father is looking out for me and that he Loves me because he sent a random stranger to send me a letter in my time of need :)

We went to some ward parties and sister Manning said some goodbyes.

Thanks for your prayers! Love and miss you! :)

Sister Balero

Thanksgiving

Dec 2

Hi family!

So it’s been another LONG week!

Monday my companion was sick and so we stayed home so she could sleep. I had nothing to do because I didn't even have any letters to reply to. :/ I was not happy. That is my one day!

Tuesday for dinner we had café rio style burritos! So yummy! :) and the relationship between the dad and one girl was just like me and daddy! He kept making smart alecy remarks toward her and she would just punch him and he'd laugh and keep going! haha. The rest of the evening was okay.

Thursday was THANKSGIVING! It was so surreal. We had a turkey bowl in the morning. I was feeling way sick so I just watched but it was fun! :) My comp was sick as well but played anyway. We had a really good dinner and then later went to another family for pie and played guestures and then Mario Cart :) I don't think it’s technically allowed but I thought it was fine for the holiday. It was fun!

Friday I was sick again! Then over half of our appointments cancelled or weren't home. We were invited into a home for cookies and milk which was great! 

Saturday we went to the baptism of an 8 year old whose family is less active and we’ve been teaching. it was good! And then B came and we talked for a while! It was so good! I needed it! She was glowing! I have never seen her so good and happy! It made me so happy! There is something different about her! :) We then updated teaching records out in the warm sun at the park! :) And then went to Mom Andersons and had dinner and then played ticket to ride with a non member as a casual get to know and no one was home for the holidays anyway. The elders also gave my comp a blessing which she needed and things have been a little better.

Sunday I opened the package and Loved it! Too bad Christa stole my Christmas present for her! I was going to learn how to make that blue scarf! I wore a scarf and my socks to church and I was dying! It was so warm outside! But I was so excited! Who knew I’d be dying of heat December 1st in Utah! Church was good and then we had a dinner with the a family we love. So good! I tried Venison and actually liked it! I got super worried because they were all telling me not to get sick. And they had rolls just like ours and it was such a tender mercy! Happy 7 months to me! :) We then had a good lesson with our 9 year old getting ready for her baptism!

Well, I know that wasn't the happiest email and I’m sorry for it but I had a hard week. Love you and hope you’re doing well. On Friday I was thinking about you and how you were probably at Fred Meyers buying socks! :)

 Love sister Balero

I LOVE THIS BOOK!

Nov 25

Wednesday we taught the 9 year old we put on date for my birthday! :) And we were reading her Book of Mormon stories and with big eyes she said I LOVE THIS BOOK! It is just filled with a bunch of tiny miracles! I thought that was awesome that she recognized that!

 Thursday was one of the most amazing days!! So I may or may not have been able to see my best friend aka FAIRY who may or may not have been staying with her sister in eagle mountain! :) It made me so happy! And it was just what I needed to be remotivated and to remember what I love about this work! :) She fed us lunch! :) It was super yummy! :) We then had exchanges which was really good because this has been such a hard week. We got fed some delicious food in the Spanish area! :) And then a second dinner later...Luckily it was just a tuna sandwich. When we went home we ate some Southern Red Velvet Cake Ice Cream! So delicious! It made me think of jean because I remember the first time I ever heard of it was when she was visiting from Texas and wanted to find the mix to make a cake. My comp for the day was from Texas.

 Friday was a rough day. At one point we were knocking doors in the cold for about 2 hours which at that point our hands were not able to move. Even all the member families we would normally stop by to warm up and make a plan were gone. Eventually we went and hung with Bishops wife. She is seriously the cutest and sweetest! And I love their kids! One of the doors we knocked was a member family and she opened the door and we asked if she was okay because she just looked upset and she said it’s been a hard day. We then said sorry and she told us that her husband has been unemployed for 6 months and the job they thought he was going to get was given to someone else that day and that Christmas was coming up. It broke my heart. I felt so selfish! I decided I am not going to buy anything but the food I need while shopping and buy presents for them!! We also met one of our investigators who is completely active and knows it’s all true but wants to wait another year and a half to be baptized by his missionary son and is very stubborn about he will not change his mind.

We then slept at the Spanish sisters house because my comp was leaving very early to go with her family to watch her younger siblings be sealed. Approved sleepover number two! I am happy for her but it has been tough hearing her talk about getting to be with her family all week when I can’t!

Sunday we went to a primary program. I loved it! For dinner we had homemade chicken and broccoli hot pockets! So delicious!!!! :) And then appointments cancelled. Then we went to a missionary BYD. Which was awesome! And then we went to a member family who invited us over for cookies and hot chocolate! It was great! They are adorable!  It was so much fuN! :)

 Did I tell you before my nickname given by the M girls? Sister Buffalo. Because she couldn't remember my name and couldn't pronounce balero! haha.

 That was the week! There was more than I remembered! Love you! Can’t wait to hear from you this week! :)

 Love,

Sister Balero       

Hot Chocolate & Service

Nov 18

Monday a lady gave us each $5 at the restaurant we ate at with tears in her eyes! It was so sweet! And we went to target which made me miss fairy and christa! A lot! :'(

Tuesday we had a great zone conference! I will probably send notes in the mail.

We had some great lessons and one very hard lesson where the lady was very offended and told us that she only got baptized because of peer pressure and has no testimony. :/

Wednesday was tough. I got an incredible blessing though which was an answer to prayer. One of the sisters wrote it out for me and I am so grateful! We had exchanges which was great!! I got to talk to her about some things which was a blessing.

Thursday was really tough! We experienced a tender mercy though! We found a package from the bishop’s family with supplies and each $10 saying they were thinking about us and to let them know if we needed anything! It was so sweet!!!!

Saturday we did service for an animal sanctuary in the snow which was fun but cold. Also tender mercies Friday. We were walking after a rough morning super depressed when a car pulled up and handed us hot chocolate saying she saw us freezing so she ran home quickly made us hot chocolate and then tracked us down. And then she gave us a ride! It made me want to cry! And then we got to talk with one of our moms which made us feel a lot better. We had another tough lesson that night.

Sunday was incredible! The talks were so good and so personal! And answers to prayers! And then I had a rough moment when I found out Sister Rees is going home. She and president have prayed, fasted and gone to the temple and know that she needs to be with her family right now to help support them. She will be released honorably. It is just hard to have my friend who has been with me since day 1 leave. I then got another awesome blessing. Then we went on splits and had a really powerful lesson. Even though they did not accept to be baptized I think they will eventually. They are a family I love so much and the spirit was so strong in the lesson!

Well, That's the short version of the week! I love you and hope to hear from you!

Love,

Sister Balero