Picture a Christmas in PA!

Dearest family!!

How are ya's?! It so was so good to see your beautiful faces and talk to you on Friday! It made Christmas extra special!! ️

                       It was SO WONDERFUL to see this BEAUTIFUL GLOWING face and
                                       talk to her on Christmas Day!!  Best.Gift.Ever!!

I'm sure you're wondering what's happening with transfers. I'm staying in Sunbury, and my new companion will be Sister Schofield!! I went to High School with her-yes she's from AF, so I knew her a little bit before mission. SO EXCITED!! Not gonna lie though--I am SO SAD to see Sister Talbot go. She is being transferred to Lebanon Palmyra (spelling?? ...still in PA). What will I do without my Mama Talbot?!? Who even knows. I'll be okay though...I think.

Honestly, I am already so grateful for Sister Schofield. Why you may ask? She alone is a tender mercy straight from a Heavenly Father. In the midst of this change that I am nervous for, losing my trainer and taking over the Sunbury area as the Sr. Companion, I have something familiar to hang on to. What a blessing. God is so good.

Wednesday evening we went caroling at a nursing home. It was definitely another highlight of this Christmas season. We sang as we walked up and down the hallways. The joy on the resident's faces was just priceless. The happiness I felt in my heart was just overflowing. Some of them led us in the singing, some joined in, even though you couldn't understand what they were saying. It was absolutely amazing and the Spirit was undeniably strong. I absolutely LOVED it.

For Christmas Eve, we went to the Pitcavage's. We had a unique dinner which consisted of foods that Mary and Joseph could have had. It was really good! Then of course Brother Pitcavage read the Christmas story Luke 2, and the kids dressed up to act out the Nativity. We partied in our PJ's and they even gave us gifts!! I felt extra loved and so blessed to be apart of their family for this holiday.

                       

                                                                   
                                    The picture I got on Christmas Eve texted to my                                                                                       cell phone from Sister Pitcavage--What an Angel
                                    she is!  I could not hold back the tears as I was

                                    missing Brianna dearly but hearing what a
                                    wonderful missionary she is!
                                    SO GRATEFUL for that tender mercy!!

                                                                   
Christmas morning, President allowed us to sleep in, so we did. But when 6:30 rolled around, I woke up to Sister Talbot standing above me saying, "It's time to open presents!!!" So we did, and I felt so spoiled!! Thank you for everything you sent me!! For lunch, we went to the Snowden's and had spaghetti and meatballs. Another interesting Christmas meal, but it was good! Then of course I got to Skype you, which was so wonderful! It wasn't enough time to say all that I wanted to, but I will cherish that time that I was able to spend with you. ️ That evening after it had gotten dark, we went outside to play night games with the Snowden family and the Lewisburg Elder's. NIGHT GAMES ON CHRISTMAS DAY. I never thought that would be possible. It was such a blast though!!! And then the unthinkable happened. When we went inside, Bishop Snowden sprayed whipped cream in Sister Talbot's mouth and mine. HE IS THE BEST. I about died, but it was the greatest thing ever. Also sooo grateful for the miracle of being apart of their family on this holiday here in PA. The Lord is definitely watching out for me.

                                  

                       Christmas PJ's!!! Elder Haroldsen's pants were a tad too big...)

  

Yesterday, Sister Talbot and I spoke in sacrament meeting on sacrifice, which is fitting in light of New Year's resolutions. Just a few thoughts to share with you: As you make resolutions this year, think about what you will give for Christ, and what you will give up for Christ this year. As you humbly approach the Lord and ask Him what you need to change, He will let you know and He will help you make those changes. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said, "God doesn't care nearly as much about where you have been as He does about where you are and, with His help, where you are willing to go." And as Paul said in his letter to the Philippians, "But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Look forward, face the future with faith, and trust the Lord. His plan for you is glorious beyond belief.

Happy New Year!! I LOVE YOU ALL SOOOO MUCH!!!!!

With all the love in Pennsylvania,

Sister Bartlett xoxo 

                                Sister Bartlett is happier than she's ever been!  I know it is
                                because she is a full time servant of our Heavenly Father
                                and Savior Jesus Christ!  May we all find that true and
                                lasting HAPPINESS in 2016!! 

Happiest of Holidays

FAMILY!!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!! Can you believe it's here?! I can't!! Soooo excited though.

Feeling the Love
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU FOR ALL THE PACKAGES!!!!! I promise I haven't opened anything you didn't tell me to. Also, Great Grandma and Clayne sent me money for Christmas. Soooo kind of them!!! Also. THANK YOU for all the emails with family's testimonies. I have LOVED reading them!!! Not to mention reading your testimonies strengthen my own. I feel so incredibly LOVED and it means the WORLD to me!!!!

Dreaming of a White Christmas...?
I am so envious of you's in Utah right now. I hear the snow out there is sure piling up!! All the while here in PA it's bitter cold, but with no snow on the ground. If it's going to be this cold, there might as well be snow!! ️ Praying for a Christmas miracle...

More miracles | the rest of the story
Oh man. I've been DYING since Monday night to tell you the rest of what happened with the family we met last week. SO MUCH GOODNESS. Here goes. I have more to tell you along with bits and pieces I didn't tell you last week. Bear with me.
When we were at the hospital for the priesthood blessing, The baby was fussy during the anointing, but during the blessing, she was completely calm.  There was not a dry eye in the house. So, when Sister Talbot and I went to hospital to see them on Monday, we found out they had been discharged from the hospital and were staying in a hotel across the street.  After finding out they weren't in the hospital, we ran over there and sat and talked with the Dad and Mom for a while. They told us after we had left on Saturday, they looked at each other and the Dad said, "I know exactly what we need to do. We need to go back to church." I was sooooo happy. They have been inactive in for the past 12 years. And now they're going back!!! BEST THING EVER. They said they have seen the Lord's hand in all of this, and it has been amazing. She is truly a miracle and I feel BEYOND blessed to have witnessed it.

One thing I was reminded of during this experience was that the most important thing in to love people into the gospel. They have friends and family who have never stopped loving them, and I know that is playing a huge part in all of this. Not to mention the miracle they have witnessed.

I also went on an exchange with Sister Ewell. We went down to Shamokin and Elysburg to see some people. Again, I was nervous going into it, but it turned out so nicely. I had the confidence to be bold, but loving, and to open my mouth to teach the gospel. We met with Michelle and Jeff who are less active, but their friend Jill was there and she's not a member. She opened up to us about how hard it is being a single mom this time of year and missing her parents who passed away a few years ago. I was able to bear my testimony to her, share 1 Nephi 21:15-16, and give her a copy of the Book of Mormon, bearing my witness of it. I testified that reading from it would bring her comfort and peace, just as it has in my own life. Walking away from that lesson, I realized it was a miracle that I had the confidence I did, and it only came from the Lord.

'Tis the Season to give service
This Christmas is one I will never forget because of being in the service of the Lord, and also the service we've been able to give. For instance, we went to the old folk's home where we play Bingo to help with their Christmas party. We helped serve food and give out presents. It made me the HAPPIEST. But then it gets better. One of he ladies there, Betty, is hilarious. But she's so ornery most of the time! I just laugh it off. But when I was there, I walked over and starting asking her about her gift. She got a teddy bear and was so excited to tell me about it. I was so excited for her, and then out of the blue, she took my hand and said, "I love you." She said it 3 or 4 more times, and my heart grew at least 5 times. That entire afternoon at the nursing home brought me the greatest joy. ️

Goodness, I've never felt so much emotion in my life. Moments where my heart is breaking for someone and the adversity they are facing to my heart overflowing with joy almost ready to burst. It is quite a roller coaster, but the best adventure I've ever endeavored to pursue. I can honestly say that I have never felt so happy in my life. I AM SO HAPPY TO BE A MISSIONARY!!!!

He is the Reason
This season, I have had lots of time to reflect on Jesus Christ being at the center of it all. Without Him, we wouldn't have Christmas. He is the Reason. He is Love. He is Joy. He is Peace. He is Mercy. He is Grace. He is Forgiveness. He is Hope. He is my Savior. My Lord and my King. My Shepherd who seeks me when I have wandered. My Deliverer who delivers me from heartache and sorrow. My Healer who heals me of every broken heart. My truest friend who never leaves my side. I hope we always have room enough for Him in our lives--not just during this Christmas season.

Will you?
Been thinking about the fam-bam and things I love to do around Christmas time. Since I can't, will you watch A Christmas Carol for me? Maybe? Also, Les Mis because it came out this time of year 3 years ago. I also hope you've enjoyed the lights at Temple Square--missing those beauties but loving the cute lights on the Main Streets here...I've watched Mr. Krueger's Christmas and will watch The Nativity to "Breath of Heaven" by Amy Grant. Also--a member gave us a copy of the MoTab Christmas program a few years ago when Alfie Boe was the guest star. Sister Talbot and I have watched his performance of  "Bring Him Home" probably 40 times. WE LOVE IT. We've also watched the rest of the program and that's really good too. Oh! Watch the one when David Archuleta performed. That's my favorite. ️

Ponderized Luke 2:10-11 this week:

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

I love the invitation to "Fear not". They had no reason to fear because the Savior of the World was being sent to save them all. The same goes for us--we have no reason to fear because of Jesus Christ. He is constantly on our side and will never let us fall nor fail. He was born for me, and He was born for you. This knowledge brings me the greatest joy.

So excited to Skype you on Friday!!! Talk to you then!! Merry Christmas!!!!!

With so much love from Pennsylvania,
Sister Bartlett
xoxo

                                               Lewisburg District + zone leaders + Santa!!

Merry Christmas from the Sunbury Sisters!!!

Old dying trainer + bubbly energetic greenie

Our Christmas tree!! (Thanks Mom!!!)

It's All Up To You!!

Family dearest,

Wow. This week was amazing!! I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!!! Oh my
goodness, my mission is the opportunity of a lifetime. I can't even
begin to describe what it feels like to bear the calling of a
full-time missionary. This week, as I have opened my eyes, I have seen
what blessings come from being a missionary, and I have seen so many
miracles. IT WAS AMAZING. God is so good. SO GOOD. (Be prepared for a
long email)

On Thursday, we had Zone Conference. We drove a few hours to State
College to meet everyone there. Oh my goodness--it was incredible. We
were there all day, but it was a day full of the Spirit. I realized
what an incredible blessing it is to be surrounded by so much
goodness--I especially feel that way when I am around other
missionaries and President and Sister Johnson. One of the highlights
was the 2015 mission video. Made me cry!! (What's new, though?) They
depicted perfectly what it feels like to serve a mission. And it gave
me a renewed determination to serve with my whole heart. We sang "Away
in a Manger" as a district, and Sister Talbot and I sang "Mary's
Lullaby". It was so great!! I LOVE sharing music--especially Christmas
music with other people. It is a gift straight from heaven. One moment
during the conference about gave me a heart-attack!! I was chosen
with a few other missionaries to give a 3-minute talk on "How the
birth of Christ changed everything for me". Let me tell ya, it's scary
getting called out like that with no warning, but all was well. I want
to share with you a few of the things I shared with everyone:

Because of the birth of Christ, my life was forever changed. The
history of the world would never be the same, and that change is so
permanent that nothing could ever reverse it. The Savior was born and
carried out the Atonement. For that matchless and miraculous gift, I
am eternally grateful. And as it states in Isaiah 53:5, "with his
stripes, [I've been] healed." He was born so I can be healed. He was
born so I can be forgiven. He was born so I would be fully understood.
He was born so I could be shown an example of unconditional love, and
be loved unconditionally. He was born so I could be given second
chances over and over again. He was born, He lived, and He died for
me, for everyone. And He lives today. Because He loves me, He came
here. And because I love Him, I am serving a mission right now in my
life. I know the Savior lives and He walks with me every day.

The entire conference was a miracle that I felt was sent straight for
me. Everything I heard and felt was desperately needed, and only my
Father in Heaven would have known. I walked away from that conference
changed for the better.

This week, I made a commitment to the Lord to see and acknowledge the
tender mercies and miracles that happened each and every day. Let me
tell you, it was the most amazing experience. Tender mercies were
pouring from heaven left and right. I'll tell you about a few of them.

Friday's are our days to plan for the upcoming week, so we expected
last Friday to be pretty mellow, because we thought we knew we
wouldn't be going anywhere. Before our companionship study, we saw we
had a missed call. Lo and behold, it was an (801) area code. What? We
listened to the message, and it was a lady named Wendy and she said, "I
hope this is the number for the missionaries for The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints. Please call me back when you can." We
immediately called her back, and she told us the following: Her friend
and her husband are here in Pennsylvania to adopt a brand
new baby girl. The baby is in the
NICU. They both have been inactive for many years, but
the Mom called her friend Wendy to ask about arranging for a priesthood
blessing--she didn't know how to make that happen. Wendy said she
would take care of it, so she somehow found our number (still don't
know how) and called us. After telling her we would arrange for a
blessing, we called the Lewisburg Elders (Elder Hansen & Elder
Haroldsen--he's here since Elder Stallings went home), and they
dropped everything to come to the hospital to give the baby a blessing.
The Dad found us at the information desk (definitely a tender mercy) and
led us to the NICU. We met them and they are all so sweet and
their baby is just beautiful. The Elder's gave her a blessing, and the
Spirit was so strong. I know the Mom and Dad felt it, and as the Mom
walked us to the door, I gave her a big hug and said "We love you."
She was emotional and so grateful. I can't really describe
how it felt to go through that, to be there right when they needed us,
to truly be instruments in the Lord's hands. I felt like I had known
these sweet people my whole life--the entire process--what tender mercy
after tender mercy--one big miracle.

Saturday morning we went to the Lewisburg ward's Christmas breakfast.
The Elder's brought their investigator Sherry, and her daughter Skyla,
and Sherry's mom Bridgette.   Sherri is so prepared--we can tell she
is ripe and ready for he gospel. All of us missionaries gave her a
tour of the church, which she loved. Her daughter is just little, but
she knows who Jesus is and was just adorable. Being with her, helping
answer her questions, helping her feel at home--that was a miracle
straight from the Lord. The Elders tracked into her for a reason and
it was amazing to be a part of that. Her mom is looking for a church
as well, so we are going to start teaching her (she lives in
Danville).

Sunday evening, we had our own Crèche festival (we called it a
Nativity fireside) . It was wonderful and it felt like a mini version
of the one in Heber we would go to every year. It made me so happy!!
There was so much work that went into it and it was so stressful, but
it all came together beautifully--it was a miracle.

I have come to some conclusions this week. I have realized that my
outlook as I got through my mission is up to me. How good my mission
is all up to me. It's up to me to see the Lord's tender mercies and
miracles every day. It's up to me to be grateful in every situation.
It's up to me to seek understanding to strengthen my testimony. It's
up to me to learn to rely on the Lord completely. I was better before
my mission with seeking out the tender mercies and making note of
them. Now I have needed to do that more than ever. It expands and
enriches your vision and your perspective like nothing else does. Will
you seek out the miracles in your own life and thank the Lord for
them? I promise you it will bless your life in more ways than one.
It's all up to you.

Real fast: ponderized Doctrine & Covenants 19:23-24 this week.
23 Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my
Spirit, and you shall have peace in me.
24 I am Jesus Christ; I came by the will of the Father, and I do his will.

When we are submissive to the Lord's Spirit, learning of Him and being
filled by His words, we have true peace. "No Savior, no peace. Know
the Savior, and you will know true peace."

Have a wonderful week and treasure this time of year!!
LOVE YOU ALL SOOO MUCH!!!!!!!!

Forever yours,
Sister Bartlett

PS: We caught 5 more mice since last Monday. Total: 9!!! And I think
they're all gone. Woohoo!! Haha just thought you'd like to know!!

                                                    The Nativity Fireside!

                               


                                               District Dinner at Red Robin

                               


                                          Zone Conf--He Was Born So I.....

                               


                                          Nose Warmers for Zone Conf   ;)

                                       


                                                     Sista B and Sista T

                                       

A Savior Is Born

Hola familia!

(PS sorry I haven't mailed until now--we were helping Jeanie move all this morning.)

I hope you had a good week!! It was a good week here in the Sunbury area. we taught a lot of people, and had good experiences. Good things are happening here!!

As I'm sure you know, the Church released the new Christmas initiative: "A Savior is Born". We have been sharing it with EVERYONE!! Man, it sure makes missionary work easier. If you haven't seen it already, consider this your call to repentance and GO WATCH IT. Seriously. It's so good and I can't get enough of it.

On Saturday, Sister Talbot and I went OYM-ing. (Can I just say real fast--I LOVE Sister Talbot. She has taught me so much and continues to teach me each and every day. I am terrified for the day that I have to fly on my own without my "mom", but I am SO infinitely grateful to have her as my companion and trainer now. ️) We stuck pass-along cards in doors, and I even went up to two people sitting on their porch and started talking to them! AHH I WAS TERRIFIED. But guess what?! I DID IT!! It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, and despite the guy's interesting questions, I survived. WOOHOO!! Sister Bartlett is improving!! Yay for progress!!!

So, in light of "A Savior is Born" and the Christmas season, there is a wonderful article in the Ensign called "Be at Peace" by Elder D. Todd Christoffersen. In it, he says, "I hope you will take time this Christmas season to sit for a few quiet moments and let the Savior’s Spirit warm you and reassure you of the worthiness of your service, of your offering, of your life." The other morning during personal study, I did just that. I imagined sitting by His side on that miraculous night (Similar to Mr. Krueger's Christmas ️), and it was nothing short of a beautiful experience. As I thought about Him in that state, these words came to my mind from Him: "Because I love you, I am here." The tears began flowing. It was so powerful, because I was able to turn around and say to Him, "Because I love You, I am here." It is so difficult to describe in words what I felt, but I hope that each of you will take time during this Christmas season to let the Savior's Spirit warm you. I felt warmed from head to toe, and He reassured me of my worthiness, service, offering, and my life as a missionary.

I have to tell you this too. I FEEL SO BLESSED. For one, there are SO many people we have to go and see each week. I really came straight to the CK out here. Our schedule is just jam packed with people to find and people to teach--it's amazing. We haven't even met all he less-actives in our ward yet! And I am coming to know not every area is like that. Counting my blessings now. Also. Being out here, seeing the lives people live, seeing the living conditions people are in make me SO grateful for a clean, well-kept organized house that I grew up in (even though you didn't feel that way all the time, Mom--trust me, it was ). Not to mention a home where both of my parents are active and strong in the church. What an amazing blessing that I surely took for granted. Working and serving in some of these areas is humbling and make me truly appreciate what I have.

This week I have been ponderizing 2 Corinthians 12:9-10:
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Like Ether 12:27, verse 9 uses the phrase "my grace is sufficient". Sufficient is defined as "enough; adequate". I find it interesting the Savior uses that words to describe His grace. To me, His grace is MORE THAN enough, it is MORE THAN adequate. His grace is what carries me from day to day, and enables me to endure. It is there whether or not I feel I deserve it. It reminds me of what Brad Wilcox has said in "The Continuous Atonement": "Christ doesn't just make up the difference, He makes ALL the difference." His strength is made perfect in our weakness, and it is for that reason that when we are weak, we are made strong.

I thought I would save the humorous news for last...we...have...MICE. YES MICE IN OUR APARTMENT. #GROSS Sister Talbot spotted one first on our stove (after we discovered little tiny brown things that looked like droppings...though we hoped that's not what it was). We screamed and called our ward mission leader, Brother Fordham. He had sticky mouse traps, so we decided to use those. By 11:00 that night (yes, we've lost sleep over these creatures), we had caught 3 of them. I couldn't look at them--with those beady eyes...I couldn't do it Sister Talbot picked them up, and threw them away...we didn't have the heart to kill them. We know there is one more because we heard in in our dresser one morning #MAJORGROSS (it got to my almonds, Mom....so I had to throw them away soooo sorry!!) we have set killing mouse traps but it has stolen the cheese off one of them twice, the little diabolical devil. The last thing we need is a smart mouse!! We are just waiting for one to go off and to kill it...stay tuned.

Remember who you are and that I love you very much!!

All my love,
Sister Bartlett xoxo


                                                         Last day with Elder Stallings!
                                         
                                          


   
                                                     The Mouse Saga #MAJORGROSS