Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Ashley Ltr: 2012-12-04



Hey ya'll!

First off I'm so sorry this is a day late! Yesterday was crazy busy, I feel like these last few p days have been more busy than relaxed like they're supposed to. We had to do our shopping yesterday, which is off the mountain (there's pretty much nothing on the mountain except homes and churches) and the library here doesn't open until noon, stupid I know and we didn't want to go down and then back up so we were going to e-mail in Chattanooga but that ended up falling through because the other sisters took longer than expected and then we went to the aquarium for the day. Anyway that was a long and probably un-needed explanation as to why you didn't get an e-mail yesterday but here it is today!

Like I said we went to the aquarium yesterday which was a lot of fun! It is HUGE!! They have 1000's of different kinds of fish, sharks, penguins, jelly fish, sea horses, sting rays (I can now say I've petted a sting ray!) a butterfly room, turtles etc it was fun I'll send some pictures hopefully next week.

I'm so sorry to hear about grandma's brother. Please give her my love and a huge hug for me next time you see her!

About the car, Sister Gonzalez was driving (so again I'm the designated driver haha not sure what it is with my companions and cars) but no there wasn't a citation, the lady was really nice and understanding.

Yes Sister Heiner told me about what she was doing, how awesome is she?! Those pictures are so cute! Man I miss you guys... I got a little homesick when we watched to First Presidency Christmas devotional seeing all the lights. It was an awesome devo though, I just love listening to those men, they truly are called of God.

Sister Gonzalez has been out for about 16 months so she only has a transfer and a half left! She is definitely a breath of fresh air its been awesome! It might not last though... I won't go into to much detail, remind me at Christmas and I'll tell ya'll more but there is another set of sisters in our district who don't get along at all. The one sister is being trained and has a lot of problems, ones that she didn't tell President about and she has been a real jerk to her trainer. It's sad and frustrating that people like that come out with sour attitudes. Anyway President Irion has asked Sister Gonzalez and I to think and pray about transferring with them at the end of this transfer... Huge punch in the gut, but we have talked a lot about it and both feel like if the Lord needs us to help these sisters then we will, even though it will really really suck. :( But we both realize that this work isn't about us, it's about bringing souls to Christ and right now those other two aren't doing that. So it's not set in stone or anything but it's likely that it'll happen next transfer.

So finally a little bit about some of our investigators... We've got a few strong solid ones right now. First is Oralia and her son Reynal, they are Mexican and Oralia speaks only Spanish so that's been interesting for me but Sister Gonzalez will translate for me every once in awhile and will let me throw in my two cents. It's hard though!! I really hope I can pick up on at least a little bit of the language. The only thing that is holding them both back from getting baptized is that her and her boyfriend aren't married and living together... They have been together for like 14 years but for whatever reason he still refuses to marry her, it's sad and frustrating for us and her. He is her only source of income, she doesn't speak English and all her family is in Mexico, so it's a tough situation. She loves him but she also loves the gospel, sooner than later she's going to have to take a stand one way or the other. She really is an incredible lady though, she loves church and knows without a doubt that this church is true. Please keep them in your prayers.

Second we have Bill Campbell, right now he is taking lessons from both us and Jehovah's witnesses and so far hasn't made a commitment to either one yet, but he is on disability so he doesn't work and has a lot of time on his hands so he is reading the BOM and praying about it, we are meeting with today to see if he's prayed about Joseph Smith is a true prophet. Please keep him in your prayers as well.

Third is Tasha Long, she is a single mom who has been through a lot. Her family life isn't very good but she is doing her best to rise above what she's been raised in. She has a baptism date for the 22nd but so far she hasn't come to church so really that's the only thing that's holding her back, well and smoking but she's cut back a ton! It's been really awesome to watch how much better she feels about herself and to see some light starting to come into her eyes! 

Those are our main ones right now and we are absolutely determined to get Tasha baptized on that date. This area hasn't had a baptism in almost two years and the members really need that spark lit under them to see that there are people here.

I did know that Elder Nelson was Sister Irion's dad. He is coming to speak to our mission this Saturday! We are having a whole mission Christmas party and he will be there! I'm excited! :) How is Aunt Sarah doing by the way?

I love that I have Amber for Christmas the year I'm in Tennessee! Amb! What do you want?? Also Amb there won't be a letter this week... :( I'm so sorry!!! But next week prepare yourself for a good one! Also please tell Jess that one is coming for her soon as well.

Well I better wrap it up, thanks for all the continued love, support, and prayers!! I love and miss you all!!! xoxoxo

Love,

Sister Bedke :)

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