A blonde, a brunette and a redhead knocked on a door...

Dear Family!

This has been just an utterly fantastic week! Oh my goodness! I don't know where to begin. Probably from the beginning. But the ending is so great. It's all great! We will go with the beginning. First I was absolutely shocked and scared and just distraught about being transferred. I didn't want to move again, let alone be in a trio. Let's just say there was lots of prayer. Heavenly Father kept placing people in my path that were thrilled about Appleton and several people gave me family members to go visit. So that was a huge comfort. It was sad to say goodbye to those I love. The work really was just blossoming in Racine. We got to have dinner and meet with the Petraciks again. They are so amazing. They are a part member family but the non-member husband just blows me away. He is just an undercover Mormon. He has a greater testimony than most members do. I was glad I got to meet with them again. I hope when we do our roadtrip back here that we will come back to him being baptized. 

Packing was less fun. I managed to fit everything and not even have to wrestle with my suitcase to close it. You'll see why with the package coming your way ;) I should never get more than necessary. It is just so unnecessary. 

So on the way up, we got to ride the fun bus. Which is just a 15 passenger van. It was fun needless to say. We had a blast. My stomach was in knots I was so nervous. We arrived in Appleton and I discovered that my trio was all you could ever ask for. We have a blonde, a brunette and a redhead. I've been assigning the youth to make a joke out of it. You gotta do something with it! I mean we are literally a walking joke! One young boy told us one he already knew. I will tell it to you terribly. A cop was chasing a blonde, a brunette and a redhead. The blonde, brunette and redhead went and hid. The redhead hit behind a pile of cats and when the officer came up she said, "Meow". The officer kept going. He got to where the brunette was hiding, behind a pile of dogs. She called out, "ruff!" He kept going. The Blonde hid behind a stack of potatoes and she cried out,"potato!" We had a pretty good laugh because it was a fitting joke, seeing I am from Idaho. 

This trio though is the dream team though! It is the best thing that has ever happened to me. These sisters are amazing. Appleton is on fire! We had the most amazing week of my mission statistically speaking. It's incredible. We are three peas in a pod. Sister Rousseau is from Utah, she is the most fabulous missionary I have ever had the pleasure to work with. She has no fear and just speaks by the Spirit. She comes from a family of 12. Ideally, she would love to have 22 children of her own. Sister Adams-Hart is from California, she reminds me of Angela through and through! It is so much fun! Wow! My first companion who can relate to my nerdiness. It's wonderful! She is so kind and wonderful! Sister R. goes home at the end of this transfer and Sister A-H has been out almost 5 months. We have been having such fun together and such success. They had a baptism here last week for Cristy. She is incredible, she already has a calling as ward missionary and is bringing her friend in the gospel, Nikeisha and her daughter Bubbles. They are getting baptized next week. 

Everyday I have been in Appleton I have met someone with a connection to home. The Landeens in our stake, their daughter is here in our ward! Someone else who was companions with one of my friends from school. People who lived on Broadway. A Wheeler family who the husband and wife graduated from Skyline. The list goes on! It's fun!

Friday we got invited to go to youth conference to teach the youth how to teach. Pres. Cutler and his wife were there. After we taught they did a roleplay and had two youth get up and do a roleplay to invite somebody who was hitting on you to meet with the missionaries. It was a hoot. 

Saturday and Sunday were incredible! We were able to teach 15 lessons and hand out 6 Book of Mormons and get 5 new investigators. That usually happens in a week, not a weekend. We were able to go on splits with a member! We can get twice or even three times the amount of work done if we wanted! So crazy!

Here is the best street contacting story. We were driving to our lunch appointment and we are in the turn lane and the car in front of us isn't going. The guy gets out of his car and asks us if we can use our car to push his car. We answer with this isn't our car but we'd love to push you! So we put our hazards on and all three of us go out to push. His car won't go out of park so we can't push. We call the police and a tow truck to help him. So then we start talking to him and we explain we are missionaries and what we do. We exchange info and he and his girlfriend agree to meet. Then we decide to give him a Book of Mormon, Sister Rousseau is explaining it and writing our number down as the cop showed up and then we were good to go! It was pretty great!

It has just been a fantastic time! There is nothing I would rather do in the world! I love this work and I love those I get to work with. I love my Father in heaven and this chance He has given me! Not only that but He helps me through everyday. I don't know where I would be without my mission, nor do I want to know!

I love you all so much! I hope you have a great week! I hope Molly has Keeganne soon! That poor girl! Take care! Take pictures! Eat food!

I love you more than all the cheesecake in the world!

Anne

Surprise!

Dear Family,

Wow! I got a major surprise Saturday morning. I am getting transferred. Big surprise number 2, I am going to Appleton in a trio. This will definitely be the beginning of an adventure! I only got 6 weeks here. I only have 3 transfers left. Lets hope my mission president will let me settle somewhere. 

It was a good week here in Racine! We continued to go out tracting everyday to place a Book of Mormon! We were still successful! We handed out 9 this week! After today we will beat the record I had with Sister Packer of consecutive days in passing out a Book of Mormon. We found a couple families this week! That was exciting! It was a really hot day and we had 20 minutes before our dinner appointment, so we knocked doors around the area. The last one we had to go inside a front porch to get to the door. It was a sauna in there! Sister Casas and I were sweating dying! The lady that opened had a family and was interested. She didn't let us in but we had a god chat, gave her a BoM and set up a return appointment. We stumbled out of the porch and could finally breathe again. Wow, it was hot!

Last night we didn't have much time again. We felt impressed to knock on a row of 5 houses. The first one we go to, she accepted a copy! All the rest of the doors didn't work. Did you know hardly anyone uses their front door here? When I say the front door didn't work I mean it didn't. They were stuck. They either talked to us from a window or came out a different door. We didn't get anymore out. We got to the car and right before we got in we felt impressed to go to one more, we did and it was a beautiful family that accepted one and said we could come back. It was great.

We met with a part member family. The husband is not a member, but we discovered we should be. We taught the Restoration and he just kept bearing powerful testimonies of the church, the current prophet, the Book of Mormon. His only hold up is the Word of Wisdom. He will be baptized some day. The sisters are going to keep meeting with them weekly. 

We had the blessed opportunity to go to Barbara's baptism! It was so wonderful to see everyone again! I got to see Tina, Fred and Sister Stewart as well. It was just a wonderful service! You could feel the Spirit strongly. I loved it!

Well now I get to go through the wonderful packing stage again! I loved my time here in Racine. I will go wherever the Lord wants me to go. I definitely have a testimony that this is his work and he 100% knows what he is doing! Be safe in whatever you end up doing this week! Good luck to Molly and baby Keeganne! I expect a bajillion pictures!

I love you more than all the stars in the universe!

Anne

Keep Going

Dear Family! 

Just another good week! We are having such a streak with these Book of Mormons I am getting more anxious! We will never stop! So far we have 25 Book of Mormons for 18 days straight. It is a miracles right there. I got permission to go to Barbara's baptism this week. Hopefully we can just find a ride! I am pretty excited for that!

My brain is honestly not working right now so sorry if this letter is not up to par. This week we got to go to institute and the activity day girls came and they brought us a basket of food. To serve us while serving. It was sweet. We have a good ward. 

So one day this week we were determined to get more than one Book of Mormon out. It was rather amazing. We walked onto the town square. Went up to one man  and gave him a card then he asked if we were giving away free Book of Mormons. Yes! So we gave him one and set up a time to come and talk to him. Sadly when we went to our appointment that address didn't exist, but that's ok. He has a Book of Mormon and hopefully he reads it! We were able to give another one away lake contacting. Then we were able to go and see a potential investigator, she wasn't home but her niece was. She was super excited and ready to take a Book of Mormon so hopefully more comes from that!

So last week we were able to give a Book of Mormon to John. He requested a Bible, so we gave him one of those as well. We set up an appointment to come back. He gave us a call saying he would be busy, but he could meet us at our church. Yeah! So he came and we and a church tour with him and got to know more of his desires. This guy is searching. and he is going to do what he can to find it. He easily committed to read and pray and come to church. Sunday, 15 minutes before sacrament he came! The members were so good about talking to him and sitting by him. He stayed for the first two hours but had to go. He is coming to a little ward activity this week too! We have high hopes for John. He is keeping commitments and is looking. I don't know what more you could ask for. It is a blessing! 

Everyday is a beautiful day with many miracles in the works! I love everyday. Some more than others, but that's okay :) I hope you all had fun camping and what not this week! Sounds like lots of fun adventures! Summer is hitting here hard. Temperature wise, it isn't super hot but boy is it humid. It is getting gross! And it is only June! But lots of people out waiting for the gospel! I am grateful to be here during this time to share it. I love reading Nephi and his faith and courage, knowing that the Lord will always provide a way. He really does!

I love you more than all the ice cream in the world! 

Anne

Another Day, Another Miracle

Dear Family!

It's a good day to be a missionary! What am I saying? It's always a good day to be a missionary! So what happened with my week? That is a good question. I have to look at my lifelines to remember. I have one less day to write you about because of memorial day. That is probably why my week felt so short. Good news! Barbara is getting baptized next Saturday! I hope President lets me go! I can give her your picture then! It is perfect for her. 

So last Tuesday after emails we went and taught David. I met him on exchanges. The Sisters surprised me because he is deaf! They didn't think to warn me to you know, prepare :) That's ok! We had a good lesson with him. President said we could teach him because he is deaf. Well we went back and he read every day AND prayed about baptism and read the Restoration pamphlet. He really wants to get baptized how Jesus did. Now I am pretty sure he understands and is super prepared. But he signs fast. And I only know gospel terms well and he doesn't. So we both know what the other doesn't. It was hard teaching, I hope we can get a real interpreter to come in and help this week. He just lit up though. He feels the love of God! Such a huge miracle! He is a precious son of God.

We played basketball with the Elders and I actually did well for once in my life. I wrote it in my journal because I am pretty sure that will never happen again. We went tracting after pday. People just really enjoyed being mean. Everyone is comfortable with the church they don't go to. They already have Jesus. But we kept going because Heavenly Father has prepared the one. Everyday he does. So we kept knocking and knocking. 10 minutes until we had to go, we knocked on Kelley's door. She was shocked because guess where she was 4 days before? At the Book of Mormon musical in Milwaukee. The missionaries were outside the theater handing out over 1,800 Book of Mormons and she really wanted one but the missionaries were busy talking to others. When she came out they were gone. What are the chances missionaries would appear on her doorstep only a few days later. No chances, it was meant to be! I thought that was neat that it had an effect out here too! We can make the good out of everything!

Wednesday we had a wonderful Zone Conference. I love those! They are so spiritually edifying! There were many testimonies from converts and how their missionaries helped them. My heart just tugged for Tina. I can't believe I was blessed enough to be a part of her life. We are going to the Celestial Kingdom together! I can't wait for her to go to the temple and experience those blessings. She is just a wonderful daughter of God. We talked a lot about the Sabbath as well. I am thankful for you and raising us to keep the Sabbath. It is one of the most overlooked things now days. I am grateful for the sabbath. 

The only bad thing about Zone Conference was how long it was. We expected to be home 2 hours before we actually did and we had a booked night. We cut our last appointment of the night short and skidattled to go find someone to give a Book of Mormon to. We had only a few precious minutes left at a quite terrible time. We had impressed in our mind a certain road that was on the way home. We drove down it, stopped to say a pray asking to be led. We looked up and decided to knock a certain house. We knocked this man steps out of his house and introduces himself as Reverend Quincy. My heart dropped because I have seen those kind of introductions go downhill fast. But we introduced the Book of Mormon and testified of it and offered him a copy. He said he was thrilled to receive a copy of it and to read it! My heart was just filled and is filled with gratitude to my Heavenly Father. He is really there. 

Friday we kind of had a similar experience. We had been busy all day with service and whatnot. We helped a couple garden, which was loads of fun! Got double fed! The Briggs took us to an Italian restaurant. It was so good! With so much food! I had lasagna. We again had only a few precious moments to go find. We went to a mormon.org bible referral. John was there and said he wanted a Bible because he felt something was missing in his life and he needed to know Christ. So of course he took a Book of Mormon too and we will be meeting him again at the church! He has so much promise!

I just have so many stories about those perfect line ups! I will just have more to tell when I get home. Last one. Last night we met a mother and a daughter. So beautiful and full of the Spirit! The daughter was consuming the Book of Mormon before we even left. I am sure you will be hearing more about them to come! So many tender mercies this week!

I discovered the Briggs had Rummikube the other night. I tried really hard to not brutally cream my opponents. I tried so hard. Oops. I can't help but win that game. 

I am so excited Tyler got ordained an Elder! Wow! That sounds so wonderful! He is a great addition to our family! I can't believe McKay is home. Everyone is going home. Kristen next week, Michael 3 weeks and Devon in a month. 

I am just so humbled to be out here. It is the most wonderful experience.  I know God is in this work, it is His. The miracles I have seen I cannot deny it. I know He loves everyone so preciously and individually. His love is deeply embedded in everything. I love Him. I cherish this time I have to gain a deeper relationship and knowledge of Him. Thank you so much for your support and prayers for me and all the other missionaries. 

I love you more than I love looking at Lake Michigan!

Anne

The Book of Mormon Musical in Milwaukee

The Book of Mormon Musical in Milwaukee

For the past 2 weeks, missionaries in the Milwaukee zones have been contacting theater-goers attending The Book of Mormon musical, offering them the real Book of Mormon. They were able to give out a total of 1,861 copies!  The following article about our missionaries was published in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on May 28th .

Theater-goers headed into the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts this week don't quite know what to make of the Mormons doling out copies of the Book of Mormon outside "The Book of Mormon."

Some eagerly accept. Others look away and laugh. Some offer a curt "no thank you," and keep on moving.

"A lot of people think we're part of the cast," said Elder Ryan Haueter, 20, of Utah, whose soft, boyish face defies the honorific bestowed on missionaries in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

They are not, in fact, part of the cast. Haueter and his white-shirted friends are Mormon missionaries who see the uproariously blasphemous Tony Award-winning musical as an opportunity to spark discussions about their faith.

"I think the play is great," said 21-year-old Zac Hadlock of New Mexico, as he handed out books, and cards with the LDS mobile apps, outside the Marcus Center on Wednesday night. "Whether it's accurate or inaccurate, people have questions. And it's a great chance for us to tell them what they want to know about the church and about us."

The touring production of "Book of Mormon," by the folks who brought us "South Park" and "Avenue Q," winds up a two-week engagement at the Marcus Center this weekend.

The missionaries have given out so many books — 1,300 in the first week alone, Hadlock said — that they were offering mostly app cards by Wednesday.

None of the young men owned up to seeing the show. They live a Spartan existence as missionaries — no movies, no concerts, no news media — during what is usually a two-year stint.

Except for the few hours set aside for prayer, study and meals, they are out until 9 most nights, knocking on doors in a quest for converts to Joseph Smith's uniquely American faith.

But they know enough about the show from snippets they've seen or heard, and the questions on the minds of theater-goers — "So, what's up with those 'magic' underwear and 'eternal marriage?'" — to know it's an outrageous, often vulgar sendup of Mormon theology and the angst and struggles of earnest young believers like them.

They don't appear to take offense. Though some theater-goers clearly do on their behalf.

"We hear it every day, so it's nothing new to us," said Haueter. "It's American to make parodies of things. And it's from the creators of 'South Park.' So, what do you expect?"

It was a grrrrrrrreat week

Dear Family!

It was a grrrrreat week! So we went on exchanges this week, that was an interesting time though. Our poor car. Sister Casas stayed in Racine while I went to Kenosha, so she was driving our car. She may or may not have backed into a parked trailer. So now the front and back of our car is banged up. Our poor poor car. Then a bird flew into our grill and died. That was so sad. Thankfully a very kind man took it out for us :) I am such a killer. Anyways moving on. 

Thursday I did a little family history and I found the link I sent you is not our family but! I found the real one! I will send it to you when I get it more solid! Thursday, the miracles just started pouring out! Kind of how I wish our rain would! We are set out to start giving out a Book of Mormon a day like last year. That is weird that I can even say that. We just have been led to all the right places! We gave one out and then had an appointment with Tessa, she was super distracted so we left earlier than anticipated and went out contacting. We couldn't find anyone in that area, so we walked to our car and saw a couple and talked to them. We got in our car, started driving and we saw this man who the sisters used to teach. Last week when we were driving we saw him and wished we would have stopped and talked to him. Earlier in the day we mentioned him and promised we would stop if we ever saw him again. So what does Heavenly Father do? Place us in his path at the perfect time so we would see him. We stopped and we may have chased him down unknowingly to him (missionaries are not creepy). It was meant to be, He was going through a hard time and Heavenly Father wanted someone to be there for him right at that moment. 

Friday we were booked and didn't have time to go tracting, so as we were walking to our appointment we felt prompted to knock one house. So we did, Wendy answered and she just so happened to be house sitting that house. She used to have really nice Mormon neighbors and had a BOM but lost it in her move and she asked if she could have one! Yes! So we have another meeting with her this week. We have also started teaching the members the missionary lessons at 8 if we have no other appointments during that time. It has helped us improve our teaching and teaching in unity. The Spirit has been so strong in those meetings.

Saturday we had lots of miracles again, I can't even write about all of them. We got invited to the Spanish Branch's Young Women's fundraiser. It was so fun and funny. The Branch President is a hoot! I wore one of the dresses you made me that day and another on Sunday. He is super impressed with your skills. He also likes to sew and their whole family is thoroughly impressed with your skill and fashion. They made sure to make sure I tell you. I would have told you anyways, it is rather funny how much they keep bringing up my awesome family. 

Sunday was a miracle day too! We had our typical Sunday dinner with the Brigg's and the grandkids wanted us to stay but we had to go give out another Book of Mormon. We had them say a prayer with us before we left that we would be able to give one away. We gave away 3 that night! I am just in awe how we keep getting placed in people's paths! And I will keep talking about that! 

Yesterday, Memorial Day was a blast. We helped the Briggs make 6 racks of great-grandma's famous ribs. Yes I wrote that right, 6 racks. I am going to have to get you the recipe dad. They might give you a run for your money. We went to a couple more BBQs a FHE and only had 30 minutes of the night left and still no BOM. So we went to contact a referral and the weren't home. We walked up and down the street trying to find someone out. No one. We didn't know what to do. We didn't know if we had time to go find somewhere else. A little sad we walked to our car and we both looked up and this woman who wasn't there before was sitting on her porch! We went and talked to her and were just praying in our hearts. She was receptive and accepted a copy! It was a miracles. I honestly don't know how He does it, but I know he has such and amazing plan for everyone. We are all placed in certain people's paths for a reason. We just have to look up to be guided. 

Basically I have just been loving my week. So good. I also was blessed to finish the Book of Mormon again and to start again. I am studying the Spirit and how it speaks and what we need to do to be open to the promptings. It has been a rich experience so far and I am blessed to see my studies come to life as I act. There is no doubt in my mind that Heavenly Father has a plan and is in charge. All things show it, it is just up to us to see it! I love this gospel and I love my Savior. And I love sharing it! And I love you!

I love you more than all the meat in the world!

Anne

Another Day, Another Blessing!

Dear Family!

I don't know where this week has gone! I can't believe I talked to you last Sunday! Because we have the whole ward to cover we have lots of area and I feel like we are just in the car all day! I also fell like I am always full here. I take back what I said about being fed pretty well. I feel like we are being stuffed right now. Lots of good food. I gotta start running..blech. 

Tuesday we went to Sam's club and that was fun. I found a cute dress for only $10 and a shirt for $7 I say great deal. My companion got sent a skirt that didn't fit and she gave that to me too. So I did get a few good summer clothes :) 

We do have an investigator that we were finally able to teach the Restoration to. It just kept falling through but we finally got to. You could feel the Spirit very strongly. It's up to her to act. I really enjoy teaching with Sister Casas though. We mesh pretty well with our teaching I think. We both have the same desires and intents which I feel helps so much. We also got to teach Tessa, the woman with a baptismal date. Her problem last time she almost got baptized was the law of chastity. So we hit that early on and taught it this week and I feel it went really well! Which is a big benefit when it comes to teaching that lesson! So that was a nice tender mercy. 

We didn't have as much luck as I would have hoped finding this week. That is why there is a new week this week! It has been a really hot weekend. We were sweating a lot. Super humid. I keep waiting for my Wisconsin rain storms! I am going to be sad if we don't get a rainy season like last year. Sister Casas and I have been playing Phase 10 at lunch and after nightly planning. It has been pretty fun. I think I am still ahead ;) 

The Briggs are just super awesome. We always eat with them Sunday after church. Their son and his family come too. It's always a nice big family dinner. We had true Wisconsin style with brats and sauerkraut grill out. Everything minus the beer. We had a delicious pineapple too. I think I ate half of it. That is what happens when you have Sister Trent cut it! 

Crazy story! Racine prom is crazy! First off I can't believe it's the time of year. We were driving around and you could see all these super dressed up teenagers. First off this were not normal prom dressed it was like Emmy style. Limos and party buses were driving around all day. We went home and found out more. Racine goes all out. The high schools have the dance at their school and then they all go to this big hall by the lake, all of the schools. It is put on by the city. They have this read carpet, people cheering on the side and photos and it is all broadcast on TV! It is crazy! Then there is another dance and games and laser tag and food and everything until 3 in the morning! Then they all go to the dells in the morning which is a huge resort town thing. It's crazy. Outrageous. The cars pull up to the red carpet then men with white gloves open the door and each couples walks down the carpet and that is what is on tv with the interviews. That's why they go all out with the dresses. Weird.

Anyways that was the bulk of my week! I don't know why I can't think of more. I am still adjusting but I am loving it here more and more. I know the Lord put me here for a reason. I am excited to make this coming week a good week and to serve the Lord in this glorious work!

I love you more than I love last years rain!

Anne

Happy Mother's Day!

Dear Family,

It was a crazy week! A long one! I think the longest one in a while. Let me just tell you, it was crazy packing. All my stuff was in West Allis but we lived in Muskego which made it pretty difficult. But I did it! I don't know how my suit cases were so heavy, it's probably all the books. It was unreal. Everything fit just fine it was just crazy heavy. It was fun though. Thankful Racine is in our stake so I didn't have to travel far and worry about riding the mission bus. So some of these you heard yesterday but I am going to tell you again, you might need it as a reminder ;) So we live with a member. They have housed the Sisters for the past 5 years. So very long term. I was kind of nervous to live in a member's home but it is actually the best. You have a home and a family you live with. A dishwasher and a laundry machine. Lots of dishes. Toliet paper. I am living the life. I will send pics as soon as I get organized! My comp is Sister Casas. She has been out 3 months so it is weird being so much "older". Granted she is older than me. She is 23 I believe. She was baptized 3 years ago. She is super awesome. I wish I was that fearless at 3 months. She has had a crazy life, but she has come out on top. 

We have one investigator named Tessa, she has been investigating for the past 10 months. We set a baptismal date with her this week, I hope that goes well. She has potential she just needs to act. I also told you about Tim who thinks the tree of life represents cannabis... That was great. And a first. Racine can have interesting people. It really is a good place though. We are going to spend a lot of time knocking doors this week! That always brings good stories! 

I do have a funny story. One of our investigators has a son (15?) and he came in to shake our hands and introduce himself. He left and came back and asked if he could ask us something. Of course we say yes. He then proceeds to ask, " Why are Mormons so pretty?" It was quite funny and awkward. We get to work with quite a few people from Spanish branch too so I spent a lot of time in Spanish home where I don't know what is going on. 

Great, I feel like I am all out of stories. Besides me killing a cat...I am not looking forward to getting our car fixed from that. We probably won't have it for several weeks. Lots of walking ahead of us. I was super excited to skype you! I can't believe that is the last time. I think that was the hardest part about saying goodbye. It's my last one. It was so good to talk to you though! I was just crying so hard because I am emotional, not that anything is up. It was just the timing of it being right next to transfers, its an emotional time. 

It is great being a missionary, again thank you so much for all you have done to get me out here. I couldn't have done it without you! I really love this work and love where it is taking my life. A whole different direction than anything I could have done on my own! I never would trade it! I am sorry this letter is short. My brain is short. I can't think of anything else that happened that is notable. I just love you a ton!

I love you more than I love technology!

Anne

I'm going on an adventure

Dear Family!

Wow! This week has been crazy! As you are aware I got a surprise transfer. I was going to stay in West Allis longer but we have a shortage of sisters in our mission and it got surprised shut down for a while. They should have more sisters to cover it in the summer but we will have another dip in the fall. Anyways it was a shock. The hard part was telling everyone that there wouldn't be sisters. Sister Caramia just left 3 weeks ago so everyone was trying to adjust. I think it about broke Tina's heart to hear that. That was the hardest part. I was able to tell her just fine but as soon as I started talking about the people who were going to come visit I just started bawling. It was hard, really hard. I feel like crying just talking about it. We will be having our last supper with her on Tuesday night. Needless to say, I will need some tissues. I have been fine leaving all my other areas, I think it is because it was so unexpected and shocking. I could feel all the other ones. It was hard telling Fred too. He is a returning member and the sisters have just helped him so much. I sure hope the Elders here take good care. We both had full loads of people we were working with and they ride buses. I made a lot of good friends in this ward. I have loved my time in West Allis.

It didn't help that is was fast and testimony meeting. I decided to just not get up. Then, you know the burning started and I had to go up. I barely made it through, but I did it. Actually your words mom rung through my head. Right before we moved from Fox Hollow you said, "Anne, you better bear your testimony, this is your last time here. You'll regret it if you don't!" So I did it here. Granted I did not do it in Fox Hollow and honestly don't regret it :) but maybe you said those words for now ;) We closed with "I am a child of God" I may have cried then too. After people noticed I was crying and came up and asked if I was leaving and I had to explain and cry harder. I have made it clear to this point without crying in church. No shame! Sister Stewart too, I am going to miss her. She is the sister's best friend. I love her. She was like our 4th companion (3rd is the spirit) So many people. I hope you know I am dragging you back here for a road trip next summer. It is also pretty hard to pack considering I don't actually live at the apartment my stuff is at. I have never had this difficulty.

However I do know that the Lord has a plan for me and for the people I am leaving here and the people I am going to. I will work hard to fulfill my purpose in my new area. By the way did I tell you where I am going? I am going to Racine. My mission appears it will stay on the south side of Wisconsin! Which is good because in June I can go to the temple again! I am super happy for that! We can go only every 6 months and if we live within 2 hours driving distance. Racine is pretty close to the border.

I have a funny story for you mom. So Sister Green has been in shock with your sweet sewing skills. She saw my bag matching my pjs and freaked out. Then my gray dress. So the other day I came out in the orange and white polka dot button up dress. She sarcastically said, "I bet your mom made that too, right?" Thinking she got me this time. She admires you a lot mom.

I can't believe it is May. I also can't believe I had to remind you we are skyping Sunday. I hope you two get that worked out with how busy you are. I am in shock with how fast time is going. It is precious. I really love being a missionary. It is hard especially at times like this when you have to leave those you love, but I know I am needed else where. This is such an exciting work to carry forth His gospel. Nothing I would rather do at this time. I love this work and I love this gospel! I love you all so much and I get to talk to you soon! Get some questions ready for me if you want to know anything. I go pretty blank minded!

I love you more than I love technology! Talk to you soon!

Anne

The Sun Will Come Out!

Dear Family!

After a very cold cold week, it finally warmed up yesterday! I love the sun! Sunday after church I just sat on our porch basking in the sun and napping and eating. Mmm, so good! And it is warmer today. I am going to have to re-adjust to not wearing tights however. 

This week went by so extremely fast, I don't even know where the days would go. We would start it and then it would be done! I don't know how missionaries function out west. Doing 2 wards is exhausting let alone 3 stakes. I can't believe May is next week! Ahh! Anyways enough about time, I'm getting old.

So we finally had the break through with Barbara! We figured out her problem with baptism. She had an absolutely scarring experience when she was baptized into a different church then a member may have put false ideas into her head about what our baptisms are like. So she feels a lot better about it! Thank goodness. She has still been pretty sick. We decided that when she comes to church we will show her the font and room and we will set a date with her there. So pray that all works out. So she is doing pretty good! 

I just have been feeling my testimony strengthened so much this weekend! God puts us at the right place at the right time. He is definitely there for each of His children. I love being a missionary and being aware of that. He puts us in the paths of people that need Him. That is how great His love is! We learned even more about that at Stake Conference this weekend. It was so good. I love stake conferences! Especially Saturday night sessions. It's just a hidden treasure! The whole weekend was just a spiritual power house. Elder Ward, our area authority came. He is an amazing man! It is incredible how he can just get up there and go. He doesn't have a talk prepared he just says what needs to be heard. he gave some powerful talks.Saturday he talked about the proximity principle, how we are all placed in our own "field", the Lord places us in specific places for specific people. We are meant to be in their lives! That was cool. He had all of us missionaries stand up and quote D&C 4 from memory. That was cool and nerve racking. I was worried he was just going to call one missionary out and we made way too much eye contact to make me feel comfortable, thankful our mission president suggested all of us! Whew! A huge focus was councils. Family, ward, stake, couple, just every type of council. Then the stake president tied all the counsel of councils to how we need to apply it to our prayers. That is so neat, that we can council with Heavenly Father about our lives. I am just in awe with how aware He is and will help us. It is neat to sit down and ponder what His answers are, you realize He answers more than you can think! 

Cool story! I met Brad and Amber Simmons also at Stake Conference! They are in the North Stake but we had a meeting during their time. Brad is Camille's bro-in-law. Gregg's brother. They just moved out to Waukesha. Small world!

Well it sounds like you have had a fun week with the boys and now with Lindsey! I love you all so much! I am so happy out here! Prayer! It keeps me happy, I am learning how to access the atonement so much more. We can always live joyfully, even with the hard times. I know I probably won't always feel this way, I have got to grow somehow but I love this feeling. This is truly the Lord's work, it's his rescue! It will all work out because He is in charge! I am just so happy, I love it!

I love you more than I love this warm sun!

Anne