"Sheryl, Where's My Teeth?"

My dearest family whom I love so much:

THANK YOU SO MUCH for the Valentine's Day package!! I definitely felt the love, so thank you thank you thank you!! What in the world would I do without you?! Yinz are literally the *best*

This week was definitely better than last. God is so good. And a few super cool things happened! I can't wait to tell yinz about them, so we'll jump right in!

So Sister Robison and I have been trying to involve more members in our missionary work and we got...drumroll...SEVEN team-ups this week!!! (The zone goal is 4 per week.) Man, we are so blessed. It was super super awesome possum!! These members ROCK.

GET THIS. So once upon a time when I was back in Pitt 3rd, a referral came in for a man named Brent. Sister Simpson and I went to see him one time, and she went a few other times when I was elsewhere on exchanges. He was super awesome and definitely open to meeting with us which was so refreshing! So fast forward to about two weeks ago, Sister Simpson tells me that Brent moved to our area! I was like NO WAY. Get out of town! But really, he did! So we called him up and set up an appointment. We saw him this week and just answered some questions he had about the great apostasy and Joseph Smith. I felt like I just fire-hosed information at him...but we tried. (I realized this week...or had it confirmed yet again: I AM a PA rambler. It's official. I've got the ramble *bad*. Ha ha I just fit in with these people! Maybe I should stay here forever... ha ha) I get so excited about the gospel and sharing it with people that sometimes I just go and go and go...ha ha but sometimes I need to slow down and listen more. #workinonit

Ready for another story? This was so cool. It amazes me how subtle the Spirit is. On Thursday, we were in McDonald, PA trying to pop in on a bunch of people. We tried this one lady who was a referral several months ago. She wasn't home. Tried her neighbor, they weren't interested. Tried the next door, and we met the nicest man named Ron. Introduced ourselves and he told us he has a firm belief in Christ and goes to church every Sunday. Somehow the conversation led into the fact that they were boxing up and getting ready to move. I jumped at the chance and said, "Hey, do you need help with anything? Can we help you out?" He was so startled at my question and said, "Really? You would do that?" I said, "Of course!" Ron: "Do you have a phone number or something?" Me: "Yeah we do! Here, it's right on our card. Seriously, call us and we'd love to help you out." He was so grateful. "Man, I wasn't expecting this. God bless you, girls. Don't be surprised if you get a call on Saturday." We said goodbye and went on our way.

We told the elders about it and they were convinced he wouldn't call. "O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?" (Matthew 14:31) BECAUSE.... in the middle of our weekly Planning session on Friday...we get a phone call. (*just like in "The Best Two Years" when he's like, "Please bless that young man that he may call." *phone rings* "It's him."  HALLELUJAH ha ha ha too good.*) But really though! We give out our cards and offer help to so many people...you doubt they're gonna call. But Ron's wife Sheryl actually called! It was a miracle! So then we frantically sent out texts to the elders quorum and relief society presidents and other members trying to get the word out.

Fast forward to the next day on Saturday. We showed up to their house to help them, and the coolest part was that a bunch of members actually showed up to help out too! And boy did we need their help! We would have been there forever if it hadn't been for the members. It was incredible to see so many members of the church come out to help a family they didn't know from Adam. They ROCK. We helped them pack up the truck and then helped them unpack at their new house (which is still in our area!). They were *so* grateful. They thanked us over and over, it was so sweet. It was amazing, because Ron was asking us where our church is and we told him it was in Washington. He said, "We'll have to skip our church one Sunday and come to yours!" I told him they were welcome any time. It was so amazing.

SERVICE SOFTENS HEARTS, PEOPLE.

Here comes the funny moment. We were talking to Ron towards the end, and all of the sudden, he got a puzzled look on his face, sorta smacked his lips, and he shouted, "Sheryl, where's my teeth?! Did we pack my teeth? I need my teeth!" It was HILARIOUS. We were dying. All these toothless people...I just love 'em.

A highlight of Sacrament meeting yesterday, was the musical number. Four little kids from one family sang a song titled, "Build an Ark". The lyrics touched me so much I had to share them (this song can be found in the September 2010 Friend):

Noah was a prophet, a man who did not fear.

When he taught repentance, the people would not hear.

So the Lord told him to build a boat

That could hold a ton and stay afloat.

Then Noah started building and said within his heart:

“I will build an ark before it starts to rain.

I will follow the Lord and do all things in His name.

I’ll prepare ev’ry needful thing. I will walk in righteous ways.

When the rain starts to fall on me, I’ll be ready for that day.”

I can be like Noah. Yes, I can be prepared.

I can build my ark, and I’ll find safe shelter there.

I can do the things I know are right.

I can learn and pray with all my might.

And then when storm clouds come, I’ll be safe within my ark.

I will build my ark before it starts to rain.

I will follow the prophet, for he speaks in God’s name.

I’ll prepare ev’ry needful thing. I will walk in righteous ways.

When the rain starts to fall on me, I’ll be ready for that day.

I just got teary-eyed listening because I needed to hear this so desperately! As I'm striving to see the good in my mission and how my mission is helping set my foundation for the rest of my life, it was so neat to realize during this song that I have built my own ark and God is preparing me for what's to come. But I'll be ready because I've built my ark. It was so cool to realize that.

Think about it, are you building your ark? Have you built your ark? Have you built your foundation on the Savior, the only One we can build ourselves upon and rely on if we expect to make it through this life?

"And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall." (Helaman 5:12)

It's never too late to start building that ark. It's never too late to choose Christ and build your foundation on Him. It's never too late to use His Atonement and change. You don't have to be the same person you were 10 years ago, last year, last week, yesterday, or even 5 minutes ago. You can choose to use the Atonement and change *right now* What a blessing that is! My love for my Savior and appreciation for His Atonement are things I cannot put into words.

Well, folks, that's about it. Know that I love you so very much and I hope this week is one of the best weeks ever!! Let's go save the world!!

"Keep loving. Keep trying. Keep trusting. Keep believing. Keep growing. Heaven is cheering you on today, tomorrow, and forever." (Elder Jeffrey R. Holland)

With so much love,

Sister Bartlett xoxo

                                       Sister Robison sure loves her Sloths!

Beautiful Sister's serving in Canonsburg, PA!!

                                   When the elders hand you a box of cookies
                                                 and you open it and this is what's inside
                                                                      #CREEPY 

Walking by Faith!

Dearest family,

I'll be honest, this week was a tough one. I had one of the hardest days of my mission this week and in ways I felt like I hit rock-bottom. But thanks to phone calls with Sister Johnson, a Priesthood blessing, more heart-felt prayer, and fervent scripture study, I'm getting there. So grateful for all the resources I have that are here to help me. And even though I am going through yet another rough patch, I am learning more than ever how much I need to rely on my Savior. If my mission has taught me one thing, it is that. He is my rock and I literally am nothing without Him and cannot do anything without Him. Sister Robison and I are each going through our own rough patches, so if you can send some extra prayers our way that would be much appreciated. (:

Feeling that my faith has been a little weak, particularly this week, I decided to go back to the basics. So I've been studying a lot about faith, the first principle of the gospel.

I was reading in Alma 32 and though I've read this chapter many times, I learned new things and made some new connections. One was the theme of humility right before Alma teaches about faith. I realized how much humility and faith go hand in hand. We have to have both. Verse 21 is quoted all the time, but when it says, "faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things", I thought of a definition of perfect meaning whole or complete. And of course our knowledge is not whole or complete and won't ever be in this life. That is why "we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7). 

Another verse that drew me in was verse 42. I read it and immediately the Spirit flooded my mind with insights...I hope I can share a few with you.

"And because of your diligence and your faith and your patience with the word in nourishing it, that it may take root in you, behold, by and by ye shall pluck the fruit thereof, which is most precious, which is sweet above all that is sweet, and which is white above all that is white, yea, and pure above all that is pure; and ye shall feast upon this fruit even until ye are filled, that ye hunger not, neither shall ye thirst."

As I read this verse this time around, I thought of Lehi's dream of the tree of life. Similar wording is used in 1 Nephi 8:11-12:

11 And it came to pass that I did go forth and partake of the fruit thereof; and I beheld that it was most sweet, above all that I ever before tasted. Yea, and I beheld that the fruit thereof was white, to exceed all the whiteness that I had ever seen.

12 And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy; wherefore, I began to be desirous that my family should partake of it also; for I knew that it was desirable above all other fruit.

With these verses, I thought of the symbolism of the tree and the fruit and thought of 1 Nephi 11:21-22:

"...Knowest thou the meaning of the tree which thy father saw? And I answered him, saying: Yea, it is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; wherefore, it is the most desirable above all things." 

The tree represents the love of God, and the fruit itself (as I was taught in a seminary class) is the Atonement of Jesus Christ. As I pondered on the love of God, and feasting, I thought of Jacob 3:2, which says:

"O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever."

An invitation to receive "the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love". With the description of feasting, that led me to 2 Nephi 31:20, which says:

"Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life."

I know I'm on this crazy train of thought, but bear with me. It will all tie together, I promise. ;) Feasting on the word of Christ leads us to feast on His love (the scriptures teach us continually of His love and His mercy). Holding fast to the iron rod (the word of God) leads us to the tree of life, to partake of the fruit of that tree which is love of God. And all of these things help us to access the power of the Atonement. I had never connected those scriptures in that way before, and I was so grateful the Lord saw fit to teach me these wonderful principles through the Spirit.

I absolutely LOVE getting up and studying each and every morning. It is the best part of my day. I love the scriptures, so much. I have gained an incredibly strong love for the Book of Mormon, as it has brought me closer to my Savior and enabled me to come to know Him better. It has taught me how to more fully access the Atonement and how to overcome the natural man so I can progress towards being more like my Savior.

I don't think I've told yinz about two of our investigators, so here we go. Two of our investigators, Becky and Daisy, have been taught for a long time by many sets of missionaries (they are part of a part-member family). In turn, we have been kind of stuck as to what to do for them. As Sister Robison and I were planning this week, we felt very strongly that we needed to set them with a baptismal date to give them something to work towards. We prayed and April 9th felt so good. So we extended it to them and they accepted! We are so excited for them!!

We had exchanges this week and I got to see my favorite Sister Simpson! It was the greatest. Next time I see her will be in Utah. Weird. *shudder*

I got to spend those 24 hours with Sister Faamaile, and if you don't remember, she was in the car crash last year. Coincidence that we were with her on the one year anniversary? I think not. She is absolutely incredible! She has overcome so much and is so incredibly strong. I admire her so much.

February 9, 2017: one year anniversary

This day was full of a lot of emotions as I reflected back to a year ago and what transpired on that day. I'll never forget the absolute heartbreak I felt when I got the news. I re-read an email President had forwarded us from the Wells family and just cried and cried. I still feel so much for that family. They are absolutely amazing. I had never felt the reality of the Plan of salvation so unmistakably as I did that night and the weeks that would follow. I know that we will see our sweet Sister Sadie Wells again. And I know she is working right along with us each and every day, bringing souls back to our Father in Heaven. What a sacred experience that all was, and it is one I will cherish and hold onto forever.

Well, my incredible family, I love you so much. I can't thank you enough for the endless support and encouragement and love--it has meant the *world* to me. I would never be able to do this without you by my side. Thank you, a million times over. I LOVE YOU TO THE MOON AND BACK!!

"Keep loving. Keep trying. Keep trusting. Keep believing. Keep growing. Heaven is cheering you on today, tomorrow, and forever." (Elder Jeffrey R. Holland)

"Have faith, have hope, live like His Son. Help others on their way."

Love,

Sister Bartlett xoxo

811 Frederick Court

Canonsburg, PA 15317

                              Me and Sister Robison with our STL's Sister's Simpson and Faamaile

Me with Sister Simpson again-happy day!!

With Sister Faamaile who was also in the car accident with

                                   Sister Sadie Wells!  I happened to be with her on the year
                                                          Anniversary of that tradegy!

Remembering and honoring Sister Wells by wearing

                                                  "Sadie's Socks"!  One year Anniversary
                                                                   Febuary 9, 2017

Full of the Spirit!

Hey hey hey!

This week both flew by and moved as slow as molasses. Crazy how time can feel like both extremes. The more time passes, the more I believe that mortal time to our eternal souls isn't supposed to make sense. It's like living in a dream. It seems unreal, but that's because we are eternal beings--no wonder the passage of time just doesn't sit well with yours truly. Anywhoosers. Moving on...

** George **

Okay, sad day when you find out your investigator is on probation, and you have to postpone their baptismal date. *Sigh* But hey! It's still goodness because he's still on the right track and he's turning his life around. It's amazing to see! We taught him the law of chastity, word of wisdom, and tithing this week and he's committed to live all three! Yeahhhh buddy!

** Ron and Nancy **

I forgot to mention them last week, but they're doing a lot better! Ron had a lot of questions about the Holy Ghost, like who He is, and what He does. We were able to help him identify that what he is feeling now, what he hasn't felt in any other church, is the Spirit. It was SO cool to see the light go on and that click in his head. 

They are trying to help Nancy get to a place where she can come to church (right now without much feeling in her legs it makes it really difficult). Please please pray for them that they will be able to reach that point when they can come to church!

** Brother Southern **

Monday night, we had an appointment to see a less-active brother in the ward. That fell through just two hours before, so instead we took our team-up to go pop in on Brother Southern. He is such a sweet man who lost his wife to cancer fairly recently. We shared a talk with him that has become one of my all-time favorites: "The First Great Commandment" by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. The Spirit was so strong. But it was even more strong as Sister Ingram spoke up and shared some difficult trials she has endured and a really special experience she had. As I sat there listening to her, tears ran down my cheeks. I needed to hear what she had to say, and Brother Southern did too. I will never forget it.

I have such a testimony of bringing members out to teach with us. They bring such a powerful spirit and just like in this case, Sister Ingram said exactly what Brother Southern needed to hear, better than we could have done it ourselves.

** Zone Conference **

So, zone conference was phenomenal...as usual. But this one, in many ways, made my heart ache. I watched 4 sisters (including Sister Simpson) that I have come to know and love go up to the pulpit and bear their "departing testimony". I just cried through them. Mostly Sister Simpson because she is literally a sister to me, but the tears were just flowing. Not to be trunky or anything, but it hit me like a ton of bricks that this is getting so real. That it is getting so close. That I will have one more zone conference in which I will bear my own departing testimony. Friends that I know and love so dearly are preparing to return home. Next transfer, I will be the "oldest" sister in the mission. Ahhh!!! When President shook my hand, he said, "Sister Bartlett, we're getting closer. What am I going to do without you singing at zone conference?" All I could do was shake my head, "I don't like this President, not at all."

It was also one of the most powerful zone conferences because of the music. We have some incredibly talented musicians in our mission, and many of them participated this time around. It was beautiful. Sister Robison and I sang "I Stand All Amazed" and can I just say, I am so proud of Sister Robison!! She hasn't had a lot of experience singing in front of people, so this was huge. In front of about 80 missionaries? Yeah, that's huge. (It was a tri-zone conference...our zones aren't that big ha ha.) But little by little she's gaining more confidence to share her gifts with people! And it's amazing to see. #proudmama We also have been singing TONS for teaching appointments and dinner thoughts which has been awesome! I absolutely love sharing music with people. It is my happy place. ️

But quite possibly the most memorable part of the conference was at the end when President showed us this video: <https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2016-03-0023-no-blessings-denied-the-faithful?lang=eng> 

As I watched, the tears just streamed down my face. It was an answer to so many unspoken prayers and I just felt enveloped by the Spirit. There really are no words to describe it. I felt like God was speaking directly to me--in fact I know He was, because He is the only One who knew I would need to hear what was said. Two things Elder Stevenson said specifically stuck out to me:

>> It may be hard today, it may be hard tomorrow, or the next month. But it will get easier. ... You can do this. If you exercise faith in Jesus Christ. <<

And then I thought of this string of phrases that one of my favorite companions told me:

"You can do hard things. You can do this. You can do this every day, through Christ."

Trying to remember and really internalize this, especially on the hard days that come.

** Miracles at church **

It seriously was a miracle! Brother Southern and his son, Sean, and his girlfriend Becky and their kids and other members of a less active/recent convert family came to church!! We have been praying for this for so long!! Last Sunday, I was feeling pretty bad because it hit me that even though we were working hard to invite less-actives to church, none of them were coming. But then God poured out His blessings and blessed us with 2 investigators and 4 less-actives at church. This is a huge improvement since I've been here!! God is so good and He is so merciful!!

** Wesley's baptism **

Yesterday we got to witness Wesley's baptism (a man the elders have been teaching for a while) and it was such a powerful experience. The Spirit at baptismal services is unlike anything I've ever felt before. It is one of the most powerful, most beautiful things. I had the privilege of singing "Savior, Redeemer of My Soul" for the musical number, which has by far become my favorite hymn. The words will forever mean so much to me.

** The Spirit **

I have been learning lately in my studies more about the Holy Ghost. It has been said that "the Lord gives us His Holy Spirit in this life as a foretaste of the joy of eternal life. The Spirit is also the Lord’s surety that He will fulfill His promise to give eternal life to the faithful" (Bible Dictionary, "Earnest"). 

And from the New Testament Institute manual, I read the following:

"When we feel the Spirit of the Lord, we can know that we are accepted of the Lord and that His promises are in effect in our lives."

"We are the 'purchased possession' that is bought by the atoning blood of Jesus Christ (​Ephesians 1:14​; see also ​1 Corinthians 6:20​; ​1 Peter 1:18–19​). Just as someone buying a piece of property often makes a token payment (sometimes called earnest money in the financial world) to indicate that he or she is acting in good faith and intends to complete the purchase, God gives us the gift of the Holy Ghost and its attendant peace to assure us that He will ultimately reward us with redemption and exaltation as we live faithfully. Our obedience to God’s commandments and ordinances is the way we show God that we desire to receive the blessings of exaltation that He offers to us."

My goodness I am learning so much! Ultimately, I am seeing more and more how crucial it is to be worthy of the Spirit, because when we feel the Spirit, we know that we are on the track Heavenly Father wants us to be.

I hope this week you pay closer attention to the Spirit--His promptings and when He is present. I pray that we can always have Him to be with us to sanctify us, to cleanse us, and to bring us closer to Heaven.

Remember who you are and that a sister missionary in Pennsylvania LOVES YOU!! Have the most beautiful week!!

"Keep loving. Keep trying. Keep trusting. Keep believing. Keep growing. Heaven is cheering you on today, tomorrow, and forever." (Elder Jeffrey R. Holland)

Stay peachy,

Sister Bartlett xoxo

                                                                     Sista's R and B!!

Team Up with Becca =  Missionary work!

 

When everything falls through and nobody lets us in, what do you do?
Get a frozen hot chocolate from Sheetz. Obviously.

Me and Sister Wall

Zone Conference February 2017

Wesley's Baptism :)

Change is the only constant!

Hello fam bam!

This week was a whirlwind. What did we even do...? #storyofmylife #everyweekisawhirlwind

** BIG CHANGES **

Oh man. So on Wednesday we had the worldwide missionary broadcast. It was awesome! Several changes to our daily schedule. You may have heard about them already, but lemme tell yinz.

Instead of daily planning at night we get to plan in the morning, which means we can go to bed earlier if we do choose! #hallelujah #thankgoodness Also, P-day now starts at 8:00 AM so we have 2 more hours of P-day. We also have more agency and flexibility as we decide when to have companionship study and training for new missionaries.

We are only focusing now on 4 key indicators, instead of 9. Investigators baptized/confirmed, investigators with a baptismal date, investigators at church, and new investigators. With that President Johnson and the MLC (missionary leadership council) decided on new standards of excellence: 

New Investigators                                                   2/week

Investigators with a baptismal Date                          2

Investigators who attend sacrament meeting          2/week

Investigators baptized and confirmed in 2017         300

It's definitely different, all of it, but it will be good. It's weird getting used to this new schedule after doing it another way for so long, but I know it's inspired.

So this week an older couple took the elders and us to lunch a a china buffet. We were approached by members of another church who were proselyting and basically told us to join them. They were like, "We know the deal with Joseph Smith, and we're not judging you, but make sure Jesus Christ is the one you worship..." yada yada yada...we tried to tell them, we don't worship Joseph Smith but they wouldn't really listen to us. It was an interesting but funny experience. Ha ha. They gave these handouts to the elders and told them to look over them. Crazy stuff ha ha!

And yesterday, oh boy. So we talked about in ward council how someone in the ward is trying to come back to church and someone else is telling them they shouldn't be here and they're not wanted. How awful is that? So the bishopric decided to have some lessons/talks on being more Christlike. That was yesterday, and boy, in third hour, things got a little spicy. It was pretty crazy. Sister Robison and I almost wanted to leave, but we didn't. One scripture was mentioned though that I saw in a totally different light yesterday. And that is Matthew 25:40:

"...Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

I always think of that in terms of serving other people and how that service is directed towards the Savior. But it hit me yesterday that the opposite is true as well. When we judge, when we criticize, when we make fun, or name-call, or anything else, it is directed towards the Savior. That hit me hard. I decided I would try and do all that I could to be kind and Christlike towards other people, and also behind their backs. I am trying to pray for charity every single day, because I definitely need more of it!

Oh my heavens guess what?? George is on date to be baptized on February 25th!! We are stoked!! And so is he!! It's gonna be great. He's now come to church twice and he's reading from the Book of Mormon!! It's so good. 

Also! Sister Robison is one month old! #soproud ...we had lots of sugar on that day so I'm taking her to get a frozen hot chocolate from Sheetz (gas station) today so she can taste of that goodness.

Well folks, I don't have much else to say. But this church is true! I know it is. I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God because it brings me closer to God every time I read it. I know that Thomas S. Monson is our living prophet on the earth today and he is leading and guiding us under the direction of Jesus Christ. I love this gospel and I just want to share it with everyone! Everyone needs what we have.

"Live so that those who know you, but don't know Him, will want to know Him, because they know you." ️

"Keep loving. Keep trying. Keep trusting. Keep believing. Keep growing. Heaven is cheering you on today, tomorrow, and forever." (Elder Jeffrey R. Holland)

All my love,

Sister Bartlett

811 Frederick Court

Canonsburg, PA 15317

                                           Me and cute Sister Robison who loves Sloth's :)

Chocolate Chip pancakes - YUM!!

Brain food for Weekly Planning!

 

After 16 Months, still not a dull moment!

Family,

This week has been pretty swell! Saying goodbye to Sister Kelley was tough beans because I love her so much! But she is going to do amazing things in Butler, I just know it.

On Tuesday, I got my baby, Sister Robison!!! I absolutely adore her. She is amazing! Poor thing got slammed with a bad cold at the beginning of the week, so I forced her to rest (because she wouldn't have otherwise ). But even with her sickness, we had a good week! She is from Rigby, Idaho! Another comp from Idaho-Sweet Potatoes!  She is the youngest in her family with 3 older siblings.  She is excited to be out and I am excited to get to work with her and watch her discover all the amazing things about being a missionary! Oh and she loves music and has a beautiful voice! The music bond is so great and we will be definitely singing lots!  Life is Good! God definitely knows who we need, when we need them!

After 16 months (as of today!!! Ahhhhh!!!), still not a dull moment. We had dinner at a recent covert/less-active's home, and we were doing some service for them afterwards, and...I stepped in dog poop. Yep, that was nice. And then the next day at a lesson, a cat was sitting on my lap and it peed on me. Yep, that was nice too. Never a dull moment. Ever.

*Ron and Nancy*

Please please please pray for them. We tried to see them this week, but they were in such a rough patch we didn't even get to teach them anything or read with them...the atmosphere was so tense and I just felt so helpless. They are struggling in so many temporal aspects of their lives, and I feel like there's nothing I can do. Please keep them in your prayers.

*George*

Okay, here is the gem of all gems. So we tracted into him mid-December, and have seen him two other times now. We taught him about the Plan of Salvation and had a good lesson with him. I told Sister Robison that she was going to be the one to invite him to be baptized. She did, in the middle of the lesson, and without hesitation, George said, "Yes!" We invited him to church and he said he would be there. (Can you say #GOLDEN?! But wait, there's more!) He shows up to church in a legit suit. Holy cannoli guacamole, was not expecting that! He just fit right in! When one brother in the ward asked if he was visiting, he said, "Yeah, I'm just visiting today, and I might start coming every week." Right after Sacrament meeting, he asked questions like, "What else do I need to do to get baptized? When can I get baptized? Can you give me enough notice so I can invite my friends and family?" It was the coolest thing. We definitely will be giving him a baptismal date this week! It was so amazing. Please keep him in your prayers--he recently went through a really hard divorce and is going through a lot with that. I'm so excited for him though!! 

I absolutely love my mission. I try not to dwell too much on the fact that the end is nigh, because it just about brings me to tears. I know this phase of my life won't last forever, but I sure wish it would. I guess I just have to focus on all the good and amazing experiences I've had and cherish those forever. I sure will. And trust that what God has in store for me is going to be amazing too. I am grateful how, through my mission and the experiences here, the Savior is changing me and has changed me. I'm not the same person I was when I got here. I've changed and grown in ways I wouldn't have anticipated or expected, but I'm so grateful. I have loved these 16 months, as hard as they've been. But I couldn't be more grateful.

So glad I have Sister Robison to keep my feet on the ground these last few months and help me stay focused. I'm so grateful for her, she really is a gift!

I am so grateful for each of you and the support you continue to give me--I love you so much!! I hope you have a beautiful week!!

"Keep loving. Keep trying. Keep trusting. Keep believing. Keep growing. Heaven is cheering you on today, tomorrow, and forever." (Elder Jeffrey R. Holland)

With so much love,

Sister Bartlett

                                               Goodbye Sister Kelley!

Hello Sister Robison! Baby #2!!

It's Sister Hill from AF - SOOO HAPPY I got to see her!!!!

                                            She is going to be an Amazing Missionary :)

Sometimes I wonder about this whole agency thing.....

My dearest family!!

Boy, do I have a lot to tell you! So I'll be honest with yinz, Tuesday was terrible. We went to go see Mary again, and her husband came out on the porch instead and told us that he would never become a Mormon, and he only believes in the one and only God who died on the cross, etc...but he was wasn't very nice about it. He handed us the copy of the Book of Mormon with the pamphlet inside. I asked if Mary would like to hear more of our message, and he said she was "shaky" as he shook his head. He blessed us both with a cross symbol motion in the air and bid us farewell. Oh man. That was like a knife shoved right into my chest. It hurt so bad. We walked back to the car, got inside, and just cried.

What I didn't tell you about Mary was that she never felt like God was listening to her or that He loved her. And she felt that because of her past, He wanted to just toss her to the side. Boy did that break my heart. But it broke my heart even more that because of her husband's agency, we will never get to teach her that the opposite is true. My mission at times has caused me to think a lot about why we have the gift of agency. Wouldn't have Satan's Plan been so much easier...to make everyone do the right thing? ...I know exactly why we have agency and why it is such a gift, but boy it is frustrating when things like this happens. I guess we'll teach him later...in the next life ...and there are other people who are prepared and ready to hear the gospel. We just have to find them.

Ronald and Nancy did not make it to church (Nancy is trying to get more strength back into her paralyzed legs). But we drove out there (after our team-up couldn't...our miles are shot for the month) and had an awesome discussion with them. We read 2 Nephi 2 and we're able to answer more of their questions. Hearing them describe how they feel the Spirit is the coolest thing ever. They really can feel that our message is true, it's amazing! Now we gotta get 'em to church. They'll get there though and I am so excited!!

Let's see. What else happened this week? Oh my heavens GUESS WHAT?? I got to go back to Pitt 3rd on exchanges with Sister Simpson!!!! It was literally the greatest thing EVER. Such a tender mercy. Teaching with her, singing with her, and just catching up on all the things was SO GOOD. (I included an audio video of us singing ) I got to see the Eichenmiller's (recent converts), Sister Snodgrass, and have dinner with Mike and Chris Ritz!!! It was so wonderful!! A much-needed exchange. I love her to death and she is one of my favorite people in the whole entire world.

We also had interviews with President and it was a definite highlight. I ADORE President and Sister Johnson and am SO GRATEFUL I get both of them for the full 18 months. They both always know exactly what to say and I felt the Spirit so strong being with them. President is dumbfounded that here we are, almost 16 months into my mission, when we both remember the very first time I sat down with him in an interview. Ha ha! But he reminded me that I'm not the same person I was back then, and I really am not. I can't see all the changes in myself, but I know I've changed a lot. The power to change through the Savior and His Atonement is real. It's truly a beautiful thing. ️

Oh, and I have some very big news...drumroll, please...I AM TRAINING!!!!!! Daughter #2 is on the way Ha ha. I'm a little nervous, but peace has come when I have felt that this is exactly what is supposed to happen. I know it is going to help me tons on my last two transfers (*gasp*) of my mission to stay focused and work hard. I want to help this sister start out her mission in the best way possible. That is my motivation. Oh, and this is exciting too! Sister Morgan is also training again!! How wild is that?? I will now have two daughters and two granddaughters. My posterity is growing!! Ha ha She is white-washing/doubling-in an area, and I know she's gonna do great!

Sister Kelley is being transferred to Butler, which is in the Pitt North zone (I am in the Pitt West zone, and when I was in Beaver I was in that zone). It has been hard watching her say goodbye--I remember well how hard that first transfer was. But people in Butler sure need her and her beautiful testimony. She is going to do great things, I just know it!

Well fam bam, I think that's all I have for you. I'll find out tomorrow who I'll be training so I'm excited for that (maybe it will be Sister Hill from American Fork )! Stay tuned!

This really is God's work. And I know He is actively involved in it because I can see His hand each and every day. I know that no matter what, this work will move forward until this gospel fills the earth. It is the greatest privilege I have of serving as one of His servants, getting to play a part in taking it to the world. (Let's go save the world!!) I love being a missionary, despite the lowest of lows and a broken heart that at times come with it. The joy far outweighs the sorrows! I love this gospel and I know it's true. I love the Book of Mormon and I know it is the very word of God. I am coming to truly know my Savior as I study His character woven through the pages. I love my Heavenly Father and Savior and I am doing all I can to love Them more.

I hope yinz have an amazing week!! Be safe, and be happy! And wish me luck!! Remember who you are and that a sister missionary in Pennsylvania LOVES YOU!!!!

"Keep loving. Keep trying. Keep trusting. Keep believing. Keep growing. Heaven is cheering you on today, tomorrow, and forever." (Elder Jeffrey R. Holland)

all my love,

Sister Bartlett

                                          With Grant and Mary Lou

                                        Exchanges with Sister Faamaile and Sister Simpson!

With my favorite Sister Simpson :)