Just Past the 2 month mark!

Hi Everyone! 

First things first- HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATIE TOMORROW! You are not allowed to drive until after I get home! Because I need to see your lovely not writing your sister face one last time at least! ;)

Second things second- I keep forgetting to say this! Or maybe I have said it and keep forgetting I've told you. haha. I LOVE MY FORTE! HOODIE!! I wear it every night to bed and it’s like my comfort clothing! I just feel so loved and supported and less homesick when I wear it!

And now I will start on my crazy long week!

ok so let’s start with the rest of Monday!

Well we went shopping! It was weird to be shopping in the same place that I was shopping with you right before the mission. It’s like a flashback every day. The hotel we stayed in in April is across the street from my area. Krispy Kreme is my area! Sister Missionary Mall and University Mall is my area!  Then that night we had an adventure. Maybe I should have paid more attention when you were teaching me to pump gas...We needed gas and guess who has never done that. Me and my comp. The first two gas stations we went to were out of gas! What??? So we were already thrown off! And then the first pump at the one that did have gas was having problems so then we turned around and tried another one and I think something was off because it just wouldn't work. After forever we asked a couple to help us and they couldn't figure it out with our card either which made me feel less stupid! And then they decided just to pay for us! I felt so bad but they said it was a good opportunity because they hadn't been able to do anything for the missionaries for a while. It was such a tender mercy! And then on the way to our last appointment a little skunk strutted into the road. Like Honestly STRUTTED! And I didn’t run over it but drove over it and I think it scared him and he sprayed because it STUNK! It was an adventure to say the least! haha.

Tuesday and Wednesday were just rough! We seriously cannot find anyone to teach! Everyone was cancelling or not home and the few we have been teaching are not progressing in the least because they have no desire or have told us straight up.

Ok. Then was the 4th of July! Longest day of my life! haha.

We had to be up super early to be in Provo by 7:30 and the traffic was crazy! The day before people had already set out blankets and tents! We couldn't figure out how to get to the mission office because everything was blocked off! So we parked like 7 blocks away. In the morning the weather was cool and way nice! We started at Provo High! And everyone was so happy to see all their old friends and companions. There were 2 people who I felt really cared and it meant a lot. The first is Sister Rees. I don't know how much I've told you about her but she is seriously my absolute best friend here! I can tell she truly cares about me and I can really open up to her.  We just got to sit on a bench and talk! It was so good!  The other person was Kaylynn. She welcomed me, included me and talked to me and it meant a lot! And guess what else? I found out she's in my zone!! :) During the Parade I got to see Lance and that was awesome! A total tender mercy! I was so happy to see him! I wish I could’ve stayed and talked for a minute. And then I saw him again as I was leaving/ driving away! And his baby who is adorable!  It was neat seeing there is so much support for us!! After we had a mission lunch and I sat with her again. That night we had our district activity and Sister Harrison's district was combined with ours so we got to talk and play monopoly and she made Sister Creer style caramel popcorn and reeses brownies which were DELICIOUS! And then we got to watch How to Train Your dragon which was awesome! :) At 9 we went home and then found out we got locked out of the pool house. The outside door is always open so we only have keys to our room inside. And since it was the 4th we couldn't get ahold of anyone! haha. It was a blessing in disguise though because we got to sit outside on the pool lawn chairs and watch the fireworks! :) We ended up having to drive to the mission home in Provo to spend the night. So it was a LONG day!

Ok, I am like out of time and still have so much more to say so sorry if I'm brief!

We had ZTM and watched two awesome Mormon Messages! Look up Earthly and Heavenly Father.

Saturday was the baptism and it went really well even though somebody stole the jumpsuit we set aside. Behind the scenes craziness! haha. But it was awesome! In her baptism talk the speaker referred to the Holy Ghost as Hot Chocolate feelings! I really liked that! The feeling you get when sipping Hot Chocolate on a cold day! After the baptism K said she felt like she was floating and asked if that made sense? And it was neat because that’s how I explain it!  We then drove to Payson for another baptism and it was neat to be in Payson again and I got to see the Phillips girls which was awesome! I miss them!  It just felt like home and really it is my mission born and raised home! And we got to stop by the temple which was great! I miss it! And we have had rain this week! Another tender mercy!!
We had a crazy thunder storm that was a little scary for a while though. Well even though I have so much more to say I have gone way over time! I will send pictures next week and once I have stamps mail some to you as well! Love you and miss you!

Love,
Sister Balero

 

 

 

In Orem

July 1 

 I feel like the Lord has thrown me into the fire to be refined. I know he is there watching me but I am ready to be pulled out of the heat now!  Monday and Tuesday consisted of a lot including goodbyes. We had a goodbye party at Mom and Dads with the Phillips. For Father's day we gave Dad a card that said "You're kind-of like a Father to us...so can I have $20? Just kidding. Kinda." And as I said goodbye Dad gave me a $20 that had written on the back "In case of emergency. Love Dad!" It was so sweet! We went to the temple and then had my not fun in pain the whole time dentist appointment which I am so glad is finally finished. That night I said more goodbyes and then the Phillips bought us Cafe Rio which was DELICIOUS! And then Megan wrote me a song! It was kind of a joke at first that she had to write us each a song but the song was so precious to me! I recorded it and hopefully I can get it to you somehow. I just bawled. I got so attached to everyone in Payson and it was so hard to leave. Especially those girls! As I finished packing Wednesday morning the Phillips came over. Megan also wrote me a really heartfelt note. It really made me feel like I have purpose even through my times of struggle. And McKenzie bought me a little bear that says I Love You! And then I had to leave.

So transfers. My companion is Sister Tjong-Ayong. She is from Suriname a country above Brazil in South America that speaks Dutch and she looks Asian. She is super sweet.  
Oh and I am driving. That doesn't help with the stress because as you may know, Utah drivers are the WORST!

I guess I feel more like a missionary now, but I lost that balance that I had finally found in Payson. The people in Payson were all so friendly and kind and fun!  I know it'll get better in time. Everyone keeps cancelling on us or not being home or not opening up the doors for us. I want it to be hard but not so hard that I can't enjoy myself. But I just have to be patient and try my best. I have seen that a lot in the scriptures I have been studying as well. There are a few investigators I love though and I am trying my best to just focus on those positive aspects of this area! I got a few letters this week that made life a lot better though! Like hearing from Harley and Miranda! And I got a really awesome letter from one of Sister Reynolds's friends who I have been writing! It totally made my day! I read some talks this morning from April 2012 conference (May 2012 ensign) that I loved and want to share. The first is Sacrifice by Elder Oaks. It talks about how we all make sacrifices but how the Savior sacrificed his life and suffered for us and it is worth it because it is for him who did everything for us. And we are blessed for those sacrifices. The other one is one of my favorites called "Mountains to Climb" by Elder Eyring. You are just going to have to go read through it again because I cannot give it justice but it just talks about how everything we are going through, even when it seems too hard to bear, is for our benefit and brings us so much closer to the Lord than we could ever get otherwise. And really these afflictions are only for a small moment and the reward will be great!

I love you and miss you so much! Thank you for all you have done for me and for being patient with my imperfect self even when times are rough!

Love,

Sister Balero

 

Goodbye Payson

June 24 

So after a wonderful 6 weeks in a fabulous area I'm leaving. It makes me sad to leave what we have worked so hard to build up. I am being transferred to Orem Cherry Crest. I am excited to go yet still crushed to leave. My companion is Sister Tjong-Ayong. The area is dramatically different 30+ lessons a week! I'm just worried I am going to feel so inadequate because I have not had any experience really. I should be able to see Megan though now! :) Sister Reynold’s new companion is great! She was in Mission Prep with me at BYUI and in my zone in the MTC!

It's so cool you got to see us in the Broadcast! It was awesome though we were disappointed that the Prophet wasn't in attendance. The words spoken were so true! And the MTC choir was so powerful!

So I forgot my planner because I have a new one so I can't remember much of the week! I had my sprained ankle which wasn't bad and was better by Thursday and then had to get a root canal which was not fun! If you want to know how that went go watch Finding Nemo. It's free but it was painful! Wednesday we went up to Girls Camp! It was AWESOME! It made me so happy! I was in a boot though. At least I didn't have to be on crutches. It was a neat experience to be a part of! And it reminded me of home! They are so spoiled with Lodges and food made for them though! I kept forgetting I was at camp! AND THEY ACTUALLY SING THE SONGS!! If you're not screaming you're not doing it right! I was amazed at how we all had the same songs yet they were sung so different!

So honestly my mind is not able to focus right now and I can't think of anything else to say so I'm going to be done. Email me if you have any questions!

Love,
Sister Balero

 

 

Mom and Raincoats

MTC District

WE GOT AN INVESTIGATOR!!!

Well I have way too much to tell you than I have time for!
Tuesday...WE GOT AN INVESTIGATOR! It was so exciting!! She has been wanting to be baptized since she was 12 but has been in Foster care and has not had permission. She is turning 18 on July 4th though and can finally be baptized! The only bummer is that our first lesson with her is when we went on exchanges. :'( So I have not met with her yet.

That night we went to a Progressive dinner in one of the wards which was awesome because we got to know the members better and build their trust and got to meet some less actives and a nonmember! 

One tender experience I witnessed. The nonmember stopped a lady in the ward as she was on her way out and said "Let me know if you need any help because I know what it's like to be a single mom because I was one." The other lady said thank you with tears in her eyes and left. If only all of us could be that receptive to peoples needs and kindly do what we can to let them know that we are there for them when they need it.

 Wednesday I got my package with 2 letters and 4 letters in the mail! And the day before 3 letters! It was awesome! I love getting mail! :) We also had the trek fireside that day! It was great! I felt the spirit so strong!! And memories came flooding back!

Thursday we went to the temple which was great. We then went on exchanges which were good. I love being able to teach but its hard when the only time I do teach is on exchanges! And back in our area I was missing our investigator lesson and they had 5 lessons which is more than we have even had in a week so far. I guess I will have plenty of opportunities in the future though! The Jensens remind me of us though and its our 3rd Payson family! haha. The other family is the Phillips!

The Phillips are awesome! I love them to death! They all remind me of Fairy in their own way but the youngest McKenzie especially. We have been spending a lot of time together and they are awesome! And they are all sooo talented!! The oldest Megan wants to serve a mission and she writes and plays songs on the guitar! She is incredible! I could listen to her forever! She gave us a CD of one song she went and recorded and it is amazing! She is so talented!! We listen to it on repeat and told her she better record more! Even if its just with an Ipad or something! You have no idea! so Friday night was Amanda- the middle girl's birthday so we went over and played volleyball with them and had cake and icecream and sang songs together! It was so much fun! 

We got some new skirts! Momma helps with sorting donations and stuff so she got a bunch of free skirts! Now I have 3 more than I had!

Yesterday was Fathers day! Happy Fathers day! And for breakfast we had a delicious breakfast at mom and dads. And then we had two dinners planned! Thank goodness one of them changed it to lunch. So we ate breakfast for lunch at the Phillips and then we had dinner later.

So that's my week in a nutshell!

A couple of last things.

Also one of these past weeks 940 missionaries entered the MTC! That's a record!

Oh and I got a small package with sticky notes and thank you cards from Sister Harrison which was awesome! I can't wait to use them! :)

Well I think I got everything! LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU LOTS!!! :)

Love,

Sister Balero

Pictures, Pictures, and More Pictures