Miracles!

Dearest Family whom I love oh so very much, 

Haha okay so I have a TON to write today and have to hurry as always but I'll try to get in as much as possible..... ohhhh man I get the biggest butterflies on p-days!!! Seriously, my stomach is full of them the second I wake up in the morning on p-days. I just get soooo overly excited to hear from everyone and to tell you all how my mission is going!! However this morning we went on our usual morning run (you'd be so proud of me... I am the annoying companion that insists we run haha after I roll out of bed and say my morning prayer, I flip on the lights and say, "let's goooo runnnning!!!!" haha I love it) which is around this sand track right near our house. It's a sandy track around a big grass field... surrounded by orchards. SOO pretty!! Every morning we run at sunrise and we just watch the beautiful sun rise above the tops of the trees in the orchards...... amazing. The skys are BEAUTIFUL here and since there aren't many lights, the stars are sooo pretty and bright. I love it!! But anyways, we ran which made me feel very good, luckily Ragnar has still helped me with running haha now I feel like I can run anything, it's great. But anyways, before I tell you a little bit about our current investigators and the stories that go along with them, I just want you all to know how often I think about each and every one of you and how much I love you all. 

Being on my mission has opened my eyes in more ways than I can express and given me such a greater appreciation for life and those in my life. Especially my amazing family. I never knew I could feel SOO blessed and lucky. It truly warms my heart and I also never knew I could feel so renewed each and every single day... I truly feel like I grow so much EACH day!!! I am just constantly growing and I can always say that I feel like I am a different person than I was the day before. It's an amazing feeling. I am changing so much and ahhhh I am just soo so happy. I also love how I always have an eternal perspective in mind and with that alone I am constantly growing a greater appreciation and love for this gospel, my loving Heavenly Father and of course, my selfless, merciful and perfect Savior, Jesus Christ. And also His Atonement. I love constantly seeking after my Father in Heaven and Savior and just the perspective I have here.... I never want to dwindle away from it. I can now see why it's hard for missionaries to come home because it's sooo easy to fall away and lose sight of what's most important. It's easy to not always think of things in an eternal perspective. And I think this is one of the biggest factors as to why missionaries are SO happy. They ALWAYS have an eternal perspective in mind, are constantly thinking of what's MOST important in life, they realize what being humble really is... knowing that we can do NOTHING without the Savior and that we are completely in His hands... etc. And also because missionaries are constantly seeking to serve others and build the Kingdom of God. It's an incredible thing and I already cannot imagine my life without have performing this service. But okay here are some stories and updates!! These are miracles to me and number 2's story is one that is very special to me because this experience alone has proved to me why I am here and why I was called to serve in the California, Roseville mission... Spanish speaking and here in Gridley at this time. 

MIRACLE #1 - 

So on Tuesday we had some appointments and then had an hour where an appointment fell through so we had time to spare.... well, I of course, said we should go tracting. We've been having success with it so I felt strongly that it was what we should do. Hermana Piggott wasn't feeling the same and tried to find other people we could go meet but I said a little prayer and knew we needed to. I told her this and so we went tracting. Well, the FIRST house we knocked on we met a girl named Magdelina. Whom we now call Maggie. Maggie is 13 years old and from a very very Catholic family (everyone and their doggg is Catholic here.... however, some of them haven't been since who knows when) but they are super active and anyways, we started talking to Maggie about our message after we got to know her a little and then asked her if she'd like to know more. Usually younger people don't care to know but she was different. There was a different countenance about her and I knew it from the start. She was pretty soft spoken but very sweet and said she did. We then asked her if she had time right then and she did. So we sat out on her porch and taught her the entire first lesson.. The Apostasy, Restoration, about the Book of Mormon.... everything. We taught her the most detailed lesson we ever have too and it was so powerful. Since she is from a religious background she was so interested and respectful. And after I recited the first vision her eyes completely widened and she smiled. And we talked to her about how Joseph was only a year older than her and she said, "Yeah and I have questioned myself which church is true too." 

Ohhh she is DARLING!!! Well anyways, we asked her for her thoughts and she would say, "WOW!! This is amazing!!" and I could see it in her eyes and body language that she believed every word. We then taught her about the Book of Mormon, like I said and gave her her own copy, inviting her to read it and pray over what she read and what we've taught her. She agreed to it and even said, "I'm excited to read this book!" .. oh and I also shared grandpa Barth's story again... I have a feeling I'll be sharing it a lot. People LOVE it. But then we taught her how to pray and asked her if she'd pray. She agreed however, we had Hermana Piggott pray first so that she could see how it's done and feel more comfortable. In her church the prayers are all memorized... Well we then got down on our knees and after Hermana Piggott, Maggie said the SWEETEST, most heart felt prayer. It was too sweet for words. And then we asked her when we could meet with her again and she said tomorrow!! Oh, and her dad was in the kitchen with the window open... secretly listening we assumed haha. Well we were so excited and then taught her the next day. She said she had read the intro/testimonies at the beginning of the Book of Mormon because we didn't tell her where to start... woops. But she said she prayed and didn't get an answer yet. Well we then briefly brushed over more of the Book of Mormon and she actually had a church thing with her dad so we had to make it quick. We also brushed over the Plan of Salvation and told her we'd be teaching it her next time... which ended up being the next day. Oh, and we asked her if her parents were okay with her meeting with us and she said they were and that her dad even heard us praying and said he liked how we prayed!! Exciting. But so then we went back the next day and taught her the Plan of Salvation. After finding out that her little 9 year old sister has Cancer... Leukemia. So hearing that alone really touched all of our hearts and brought the spirit more into the lesson. 

Well, we taught her a very detailed lesson of the Plan of Salvation and yet again, she LOVED it. She kept widening her eyes and saying... "WOW!!" and afterwards she said, "It feels so good to know I don't have to worry anymore... and worry about my sister... where she's going." SOO CUTE!!!! And I forgot to mention this but before the lesson I asked her if in their church they talk at all about what happens after this life and she said no! Still shocked me. They really don't know about sooo much of God's plan!! And we DO!!!! I was like, "Really!? Well we're going to tell you!!" haha. But then we touched baptism and invited her to be baptized and she said YESSSS!!!!!!! We were soooo excited. She said, "Yesss. I know it's a good thing." We were all smiles. However, we have to get permission from her parents since she's so young and we don't know how that will go but PLEASE PRAY FOR MAGGIE!!!! And that her parents hearts will be softened. The dad always smiles and waves at us though however we continue to teach on the porch and ya just never know.... our goal is to teach her parents too though. And the little sister when she's back from the hospital. I know they would be golden and NEED the restored gospel in their lives!! So that's our darling Maggie.... we're meeting with her tomorrow. 

MIRACLE #2 - 

So the next door we knocked on happened to be Jaime's door (it sounds lots different in Spanish). He is a member however his wife Nelis (Nelly) is not. So anyways, we met Nelly at the door and she was very sweet to us and we set up an appointment with her for the next day. Hermana Piggott was shocked because apparently in the past she wanted nothing to do with the missionaries. Well, we went back the next night and shared Ether 12:27 and D&C 82:10... They were awesome and Jaime helped a ton because if we didn't explain something perfectly in Spanish, he would and he would also expound on it... well anyways, she was soo cute and was very engaged. And afterwards, Hermana Piggott tried to slyly ask if we could come back and teach some more, work on our Spanish and what not... to not make her feel like it was all on her... and they agreed. And we asked if she personally wanted to learn more and she said she did and then pointed to me and started telling me a story. Her eyes were stuck on mine when she told it though and although I couldn't understand every word, she speaks very fast, I could feel something different. I could feel her spirit. And then it was silent, Nelly had tears in her eyes and Jaime retold us the story Nelly told us. She said she had a dream where she was drowning and a girl came over to her and pulled her out of the water, saved her life. And she said the girl was in all white and looked exactly like me. And she said there were two young men standing behind me who were also dressed in white...... the Elder's. She had a dream about us missionaries!!! Saving her when she was drowing!! This is noo coincidence and she knows it. We asked her when she had this dream too and she said only 2 weeks ago. And then she said that she had a dream before this awhile back about two young men dressed in white too and she said some Elder's came to her door and one of them had the exact same eyes as a boy in the dream. So she's had two of the dreams and what makes it even more of a sign is that her husband had the EXACT same thing happen to him and that's why he was converted to the church!! He was having a really really bad day, feeling awful and then had a vivid dream of two Elder missionaries dressed in white appearing to him and two hours later missionaries showed up at his front door and he knew he had to get baptized. Right then and there he knew. And now Nelly is having the exact same dreams and it is NO coincidence!! And it is noo coincidence that we showed up after she had a dream of seeing me!!!!!! AMAZING!!!!! When she told this story I felt the spirit soo strong too and we were all just silent. It was amazing. We then told her that it was a sign and she nodded. She KNOWS. And Jaime was soo excited about it. I loved it soo much!!!! Sooo she's getting baptized. We know it. We just have to teach her more. And we taught her again later on and we taught the Restoration... it went awesome, especially with Jaime's help. However, when we invited her to be baptized she said she wanted to learn more. She's just being stubborn.... because she grew up Catholic of course but we'll get her. She'll be baptized. Especially with her husband by her side... and those dreams, she's received her answer. So we'll keep you updated on her!! But that alone is an EXACT reason why I have been called to serve here!!!!! Hahaha and earlier that week me and Hermana Piggott were saying how we wanted to have one of those classic missionary moments... when someone says to you that they've seen you before, etc. Well this was better than I could have ever imagined. 

MIRACLE #3 - 

So the other day we were teaching one of our less-actives, who is actually active now but wasn't when Hermana Piggott got here, Idalia... and we were reading Ether 12 with her. Well anyways, afterwards I was talking to her son Oscar, we're super close to their fam and since their are no youth besides him in our branch... and we'd been working with Maggie (and a girl named Sonia... more later) .. I asked him if he had any friends we could teach. At first he couldn't think of any but he then thought of a boy named Jesus (say it in Spanish). Jesus is the son of Laticia (that lady I told you about when I first got here) and anyways, I had met him one before and he's such a cutie, soo nice. But Oscar said he was soo nice and that they shared a locker so he asked about him... and apparently Hermana Piggott and Hermana Butler taught him a little before while teaching Idalia and I guess he even said to them that he knew it was true... but for some reason they didn't follow up with him. Laticia probably has a little bit to do with that. Well anyways, he then came into my mind really strongly. Well anyways, we invited Oscar to a baptism the sisters were having and he said he wanted to come and we were having a girl Sonia coming. But anyways, Sonia ended up not being able to come, she had to go somewhere with her family and so we tried to think of someone else we could invite. We tried calling a few different people and then JESUS came into my mind. So we ran over to his house, had 15 min before the baptism and found him home. He was playing video games and we asked him how he was. He said bad and continued to tell us that he had been having a really bad week and day and that he had been listening to his parents fighting constantly and just felt like nothing. We then told him we knew exactly what he needed and invited him to the baptism. He said he didn't for awhile and said he didn't know how he could feel better but after we talked to him for a long time and told him Oscar would be there and wanted him to come, he agreed. We then got Elder Call to get big Oscar, Oscar's dad... the BEST guy, to come pick Jesus up because we couldn't take him so the Elders came with him in 4 minutes and we made it to the baptism!! We barely made it too but it was sooo peaceful and he LOVED it. It took him awhile to warm up but they played the perfect mormon message for him to hear and watch right after the ordinance and he just kept nodding the whole time. And then he met all the missionaries, some ward people and talked to Oscar for a long time.. and he even sang during the closing hymn!! So cute!!! And then Oscar and him went into the Hall and Elder Call explained to him the pictures on the walls. One of Christ appearing to the Lamanites, etc. and anyways... Jesus was loving them and he even said for that picture, "I know Christ is telling them... come follow ME" and then I overheard Oscar saying to Jesus with another picture, "The church really is true. Joseph Smith is true. The Book of Mormon is true.... this is the true church." 

My heart was sooo warmed!!!! Oscar was being a little missionary!!! SOOO CUTE!!!!! And then Jesus asked about the temple video we watched, asked if he could see the baptismal font, feel the water, etc.... he couldn't. But we talked to him about a lot and he kept saying how glad he was that he came. Well there was a lot more but I don't have time to tell you.... He's just GOLDEN. And the next day we went to his house and he was sleeping but we asked him if he'd come to church and at first he said no but we kept being his annoying sisters and told him he knew he wanted to, like last night, and he finally agreed. Well we then ran back to church to get big Oscar and little Oscar to go pick him up and when we got back his dad already had left to take him because they thought we had forgotten!! This NEVER happens!!! And then we found them at the gas station and they followed us to the church. His dad Jesus, little Jesus and their little beautiful Maria came to church too!!!! And it was sooo good. Haha big Jesus is kinda crazy though and while the sacrament was being passed he stood up and BEAR HUGGED Brother Valasques (don't know how to spell it) ... it killed me haha. He's kinda a nut but he LOVES us because he loves talking about God and ya know what, he's a child of God just like me!! But anyways, little Jesus LOVED sacrament meeting and said he wants to come back and wants to learn more from us. However he feels dumb that he doesn't have church clothes so we talked to Brother Orem (counselor in the Stake Presidency) and he said he's get him stuff. So we'll have him dressed in church clothes next week!! Sooooo cute!!!! But anyways, I have to hurry but I'll give you updates on that. We're asking him to be baptized this week and I know he's getting baptized!!!! I CANNOT WAIT!!!!!!!

So I have a LOT more miracles to share however I have no time... so those are 3. We have 2 other people on date for baptism too. But I'll keep you updated on everything and everyone later!!! In one of Michael's emails to me he said, "It may have had some hard times but now YOU are there. Turn it around baby!!" .... It's turning around!!!!!! Not because of me alone but his statement has stuck with me and I knew I couldn't get stuck in the rut of this place... I had to help turn it around. And with that I had to depend on the Lord more than ever before, pray harder than I ever have before and work harder than I ever have. That is exactly what I am doing and we are seeing miracle after miracle!!! Which also in that same email Michael said, "The lord will bless you greatly as you trust him.  Don´t forget to thank him constantly as well even for the smallest of miracles." This really stood out to me as well and as I have been thanking the Lord constantly, I've been noticing more and more miracles happen every single day. Well anyways, I love this work with all of my heart and am sooooo happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Pray for these people and also Reina, Margarito and Raquel. I'll give you more updates later. But November is going to be a WONDERFUL month I know it!!! Of course it's always a wonderful month, my Birthday month, haha but this one is going to be better than ever before. I can't wait!!! I love this work and love working my bum off!! Hahaha okay I have to go. But I love you all so much and BRODLES!!! I got your package of dried mangoes... you know I have already eaten two of the bags..... hahaha but it made my day and I loved your letter too mama!! My family is the BEST!!! Okay, love you all soo much!!! Oh and Abs & Ralph!! Tell darling Olivia and Will CONGRATS!!! I can't believe their wedding is already here. I feel like I was just talking to Olivia about it at YOUR wedding. Wow, time has flown. So exciting!! Make sure to send LOTS of pictures too!!! I know Olivia will look gorgeous and Will very handsome. Okay, love you all!!!!!

Con mucho amor, Hermana Barth

We are as the Army of Helaman!

Hello lovely family of mine!!! How are all of you!?! So first off, I forgot to mention last week how I got another package from the one and only BARB J and then one from MISS ABIGAIL....  my sweet sweet gayyyyorg if I may say so... hahaha. Barb j sent me a darling skirt with an amazing card (haha mom I LOVED it) and then Mrs. Abigail GOCHNOUR sent me the BEST cd's (Little Women, Braveheart, Rudy theme song... you name it) and of course while listening to Little Women I had THE biggest grin on my face and was almost brought to tears of happiness hahaha and then when Braveheart came on, I was reminded of when I was listening to it while running my second Ragnar leg at 2 in the morning... in the mountains, in the pitch black, underneath the stars... HEAVEN!!!! Hahaha Brad and Abby know EXACTLY what I am talking about. And Jane, Piper, Kate.... haha. AMAZING!!! I also remember thinking a ton about my mission while running that and being sooo excited to serve. Crazy how I am now HERE on my MISSION!!! I never thought the day would come. Ahhh so exciting. 

Listening to Braveheart also reminded me of a missionary I know of who is serving in Brazil... hahaha. Well anyways, the cd's are incredible Abs and then she sent me some of our favorite movie quotes from our all time favorite movies... You've Got Mail, It's a Wonderful Life, Little Women and the Sound of Music. I love it all sooo much!!!!! I honestly got butterflies reading them, made me soo happy. Ohhhh my sweet sweet gayyyorg or Georg Von Trapp hahaha. Sorry I am just soo happy right now!! And I love my family SOOO MUCH!!!!!! I have the best family in the entire world!! Honestly, I AM THE LUCKIEST!!!!! I truly could not feel more blessed. But then I also received letters from our lovely and dearest Grandma Barth, I got one from my baby Jessica Ivory and Haley. Made my life!! I have the best family AND friends. And everyone, I promise I am trying to get better at sending handwritten letters.... it's just so hard to find the time! But I will try to write as many back as I can today. I just always want to write so much!! It's a problem haha. But ABIGAIL!! Your letter will be sent TODAY!!! I have been writing it for weeks now... get excited. But okay, as for the mission. Everything is wonderful!! We had an awesome week last week. We met with a good amount of people and even found NEW people!! I'll keep you updated on all of that later... it will take me too long to even get started on everyone today and of course, I have zero time. But we have had many miracles and wonderful experiences this past week. And my heart has been touched in more ways than I can express.... Sooo I have tons I want to share with you however, today I want to share a message I have been pondering much about........

I was recently finishing up Alma and want to share with you all some of my thoughts regarding the "two thousand stripling warriors" - The Army of Helaman. I somewhat remember reading about them and studying them before, especially in my Book of Mormon class at BYU but now they take on a whole new meaning for me. It says in Alma 53:20, "And they were all young men, and they were EXCEEDINGLY VALIANT for COURAGE, and also for STRENGTH and activity; but behold, this was not all --- they were men who were TRUE AT ALL TIMES in whatsoever thing they were entrusted." And in verse 21, 

"Yea, they were men of TRUTH and soberness, for they had been TAUGHT to KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD and to WALK UPRIGHTLY BEFORE HIM." 

(which in the footnotes also means, "walking WITH God.") 

These two thousand young men were exceedingly valiant for courage and strength, they were true at ALL times and men of truth because they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and walk uprightly before Him, God. And who raised them to be this way?? Their MOTHERS and their FATHERS. 

It says in chapter 56:47, ".....yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them." 

And then it says they rehearsed unto Helaman the words of their mothers in verse 48, "..we do not doubt our mothers knew it." These young men were the way they were because of their mothers and parents altogether. Reading this really hit me and made me realize all that my own dear mother and father have taught me. While reading this and truly pondering its message, I was overwhelmed with gratitude for you, mom and dad. You two have brought me up the same as the parents of the stripling warriors parents raised them. You have taught me to be exceedingly valiant for courage and strength, to be true at all times and in all places... no matter where I am, who I am with or what the circumstances may be.. you have taught me to always keep the commandments of God, to walk uprightly before Him and to DOUBT NOT... in the Lord, in our loving Heavenly Father and in myself. NO MATTER WHAT. 

Ohh how blessed I feel because of this. I know I am FAR from being perfect and always doing these things perfectly but I have been TAUGHT them and that has helped me more than I can even begin to express. I have the most incredible, loving, caring, self-less, Christ-like and overall amazing parents who love me enough to teach me these things my whole life. In the footnotes for verses 47 & 48 they have the words, "honoring father and mother, marriage, motherhood, family, love within..." there is a trend huh?? And that is that the role of a mother and father, love and family are of GREAT importance!! And it is also sooo important that we honor our parents and take in their counsel and teachings. Because if we do.. if we're obedient, trust in the LORD in all thy doings, follow the commandments of God, have faith, doubt not... the list goes on.. the Lord and our Father in Heaven will be with us, ALWAYS and through them we will also be SAVED. It says in chapter 56 verse 47 that these young men had never fought, yet after their first encounter with the Lamanites (their first fight with them) Helaman exclaimed in verse 56, 

"But behold, to my great joy, there had not ONE soul of them fallen to the earth; yea, and they had fought as if with the STRENGTH of God; yea, never were men known to have fought with such miraculous STRENGTH." 

God had saved them because as Helaman says in chapter 57:21, 

"Yea, and they did obey and observe to perform every word of command with exactness; yea, and even according to their faith it was done unto them; and I did remember the words which they said unto me that their MOTHERS had taught them." 

Because these young men had stayed true and followed the counsels of their mothers (and fathers), followed the commandments, put all of their trust in the Lord, etc. they received the STRENGTH of the Lord. And they continued to be steadfast and after they fought yet again Helaman exclaimed in verse 25, "......nevertheless, according to the goodness of God, and to our great astonishment, and also the joy of our whole army, there was not ONE soul of them who did perish......" and then Helaman said in verse 26, 

"And now, their preservation was astonishing to our whole army, yea...... and we do justly ascribe it to the miraculous power of God, because of their exceeding faith in that which they had been taught to believe --- that there was a just God, and whosoever did not doubt, that they should be preserved by his marvelous power."

 And in verse 27 says, 

"Now this was the FAITH of these whom I have spoken; they are young, and their minds are firm, and they do put their TRUST in God continually."

I love it soo much!!!! And later it speaks of them being saved AGAIN in chapter 58 verse 39, ".....and the Lord has supported them, yea, and kept them from falling by the sword, insomuch that even ONE soul has not been slain." and in verse 40 it reads, 

"But behold, they have received many wounds; nevertheless they STAND FAST in that liberty where with God has made them FREE; and they are strict to remember the Lord their God from day to day; yea, they do observe to keep his statutes, and his judgements, and his commandments CONTINUALLY; and their faith is strong in the prophesies concerning which is to come." 

Sooo the two thousand stripling warriors remained stead fast, kept the commandments of God, obeyed what their parents taught them, etc. and were CONTINUALLY given strength saved by the power of God!! Well, we must be as the two thousand stripling warriors and I think about this as being a missionary as well. Like the powerful and profound lyrics I love sooooo very much, 

"We are as the ARMY OF HELAMAN, we have been TAUGHT in our youth... and we will be the Lord's MISSIONARIES to bring the world His truth." 

So, I feel very lucky to be the Lord's missionary and I am sooooo thankful for my amazing parents!! Who have RAISED me in the truth of the wonderful gospel!! Without you mom and dad, I would not be serving a mission today. I would not be where I am today or who I am today... so THANK YOU!!! My heart is ohhh so full. And also when I think of the two thousand stripling warriors I think of ALL the thousands of missionaries serving throughout the world. I think of all my friends and family members who are serving or have served, and it fills my heart with so much joy!!!!! I am sooo thankful to be apart of this wonderful work and to have soo many wonderful examples in my life. Also, I know that Helaman lead the two thousand stripling warriors with GOD and the LORD leading him... and I know that our latter-day Prophet, Thomas S. Monson is leading US with GOD and the LORD leading him... and he leads our Mission Presidents, Bishops, etc. etc. I love being a missionary and am sooo thankful for the incredible examples I have in the Book of Mormon. 

Well, I had to speeeeeed through that because I have had NO time and Elder Call is waiting anxiously behind me to email haha. But I hope it made some sense!! I have learned sooo much from the Book of Mormon lately and am SO thankful for this gospel. I love being a missionary!!! And I love my family SOOOO MUCH!!!!!!! It honestly brings the BIGGEST smile to my face thinking about you all. I LOVE YOU!!!!!! And I love my friends ohhh so much as well. And my friends who are serving out in the field with me, I am the LUCKIEST. Love you all!!! I'll give you more updates on Gridley next week!!!! ADIOS!!!!!!!!!!!

Con mucho mucho amor, Hermana Barth

Do The Work of the Lord!

HAPPY OCTOBER!!! 

And 

HAPPY GENERAL CONFERENCE WEEKEND!! 

Okay, I know General Conference is over now but wasn't it incredible!?! Ohh my goodness I learned soo much and feel soo inspired now. I feel so very blessed and full of love now too. How lucky are we!? To be members of the TRUE Church of our Savior, Jesus Christ... The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Ohh it makes my heart feel soo full and warm. Like Elder Hales said, 

"the world is moving farther away from the Lord" 

and as Elder Packer said, 

"we live amongst very prideful and disobedient people." 

So how BLESSED are we!?! To have the truth, to only be moving closer to our Lord and associating with the Saints of the world who are humble, meek and obedient. What wonderful examples we have all around us in the church and how lucky are we to have the gospel so firmly rooted into our lives.. and if they're not firmly rooted, we have the guidelines on how to make them be. But this however, does not mean we are perfect. Which reminds me of what Elder Uchtdorf expressed in his incredible and powerful talk, 

"members still make mistakes... the church is run through imperfect people.."

We are not perfect. Just because we have the truth and receive the profound blessings from the truth.. doesn't make us perfect. We're still human and like it's said, "the natural man is an enemy to God." However, we have the ability to aim for perfection, like our Savior and Father in Heaven are perfect and share the knowledge, blessings and truth we do have with others. I think it's also very important for us to let others know this and for them to know that although us as humans, members of the church aren't PERFECT.. the church and gospel are. And therefore, when there are faults found... it is from the people of the church.. not the church alone or doctrine of the gospel. The Doctrine is perfect. And like Russel M. Nelson stated,

 "we cannot change His doctrine, it is not our doctrine to change." 

The doctrine of the Gospel IS perfect and cannot be changed. It is of GOD, not us.

I found this to be very important for others to understand when Reina was a little bothered by a member in our ward, during Sunday School, when she came to our church. This member is very loud, obnoxious and often disrespectful and so it put a bitter taste in her mouth about church that day... Well anyways, when she told us this in our next lesson with her, we made sure she knew that us as members are not perfect, however, that does not mean the gospel isn't and people don't always represent the church exactly how we want them to. 

But, like Elder Uchtdorf said, "we need unique personalities and talents" in our church. We like having every type of people, our church is for EVERYONE. That is why Uchtdorf also kept saying,

 "COME, JOIN WITH US." 

We desire for all to come unto Christ and join with us. And it is our job as members to take responsibility in inviting these people, everyone. I love how President Monson stated with such power at the end of one of his talks,

 "DO THE WORK OF THE LORD." 

We hear these words frequently but hearing that sentence alone from the Prophet of God really hit me hard. We must do the work of the Lord!! Right now!!!! Like Brother Dube said, we must 

"build the Kingdom of God, NOW!" 

This is the time!!! 

And like Elder Holland said in a talk from the past, "it's getting late." We must not wait.. but remember as Elder Ballard said, "we are hastening the work of Salvation... the Lord is hastening His work" ... and like Brother Nielson said, "the time is NOW for us to hasten the work" ... I took note of many of the times when the words, "hastening the work" were mentioned but the time is now!!!! Let's "serve with enthusiasm!" as Brother Nielson said as well. Ohh I love it so much. We are all missionaries as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints!! We need to get to work, there are people waiting for us!!!!! We all, as Brother Dube also said, "must be anxiously engaged in a good cause" (D&C 58:26). Well, okay. So as a full-time missionary this has hit me ohhh so hard. I need to work even harder to bring all those I can unto our Savior, Jesus Christ. But let me tell you... this work isn't easy!!!

It isn't easy for many reasons but most of all, for me personally at least, it is tough EMOTIONALLY. I have such a strong testimony of the gospel and it is EVERYTHING to me so when people shut their doors in our faces, want nothing to do with us, won't answer their door when we could previously hear them talking inside... won't keep commitments, etc.. the list goes on... it is HARD on me!!! It simply breaks my heart. I truly FEEL for these people and have a sincere desire for them to know of the gospel's goodness and receive the blessings that come from the church. And sometimes, I feel like I must be doing something wrong. I wonder what more I could be doing... what I could be doing better, etc. I truly am constantly thinking this way. Because I just have such a desire to bring all the saints I can unto our Savior, Jesus Christ and Father in Heaven. Being on my mission has really humbled me and given me a greater ability to see my weaknesses... I don't know if I have ever felt so much this way in my entire life. And I have never earnestly seeked for my Saviors comfort, guidance, help and love as much as I have these past couple of months. Especially now, being out in the field. I am constantly praying to our Father in Heaven... if not out loud or on my knees, in my heart. Always. 

My faith has grown soo much and I truly feel more humbled than ever before. Which reminds me of how both Elder Scott and Elder Nelson mentioned Ether 12:27 in their talks, "And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." I know that if I continue to be humbled, have faith and seek after our loving and ever so merciful Savior, my weak things will be made strong. Like President Monson said, "only the Master knows the depths of our trials" and along with that I know that only the Master knows the depths of our desires, hearts, weaknesses, etc. Therefore, it is soo important we go to Him constantly, for EVERYTHING. I noticed that was very emphasized in General Conference as well, of course. That we must rely on the Savior for EVERYTHING... ALWAYS and remember that, as Brother Dyches stated in the Savior's own words.. "draw unto me and I'll draw unto you." 

We must draw unto the Savior and when we do this he will draw unto us. So profound. We cannot do this alone. Therefore as Alma 26:12 states, (I found this last night in my scripture studying..) "Yea, I know I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever." I am NOTHING without the Savior and I know that I will be given strength to do all things because of Him... my weaknesses WILL be made STRONG and I will witness many miracles, here on my mission in California... and because of this I will boast of my GOD and praise his name forever. Ohhh so amazing. And with this, I must remember to not get down on myself when I don't feel as though I am seeing as much success as I should be or that not everything is going as perfectly as I want it to be. I must continue to have FAITH, work my hardest and seek for my Savior's guidance. I also must be MEEK!!! Which was talked about A TON in General Conference as well. I love how often that was mentioned. I can remember it being brought up by Brother Soares, Brother Dube, President Monson...and I am sure many others as well. 

And anyways, with doing and being these things.... there is NO reason for me to have fear!!! Which was also talked about a ton. Elder Ballard said, "remove ANY fear... quit having fear and PRAY.... make the decision to do what the Lord has asked us to do..." Even when people don't seem to be responding how I'd desire for them to... I must have no fear and remember that, as Elder Ballard also stated, "even when the timing isn't right, we never fail when we're on the Lord's errand and trying our best." That's all I can do... is try my VERY BEST!!!! And he also stated, "if we want to teach the gospel to more people, we must TALK to more people EVERY DAY!!" Which is EXACTLY what I've been trying to do.... every day I have been itching to talk to more and more people and at first I didn't want to be the annoying trainee that wants to tract all day, every day.

I kept mentioning it to Hermana Piggott and earlier this week one day I said, "I REALLY feel as though we should be tracting more." And we had tracted a little but spent most of our time just trying to visit other people, lots of the time having people not answer their doors... so I told her this and I did strongly feel this way. I have been praying constantly to know what we should do to get more investigators and people and I felt that this was the solution. Well anyways, right after I said this, Hermana Piggott stopped the car. We said a prayer... got out right there on a random street. And started tracting... well...... we set appointments with 3 HOUSES in a ROW!!! On that ONE street!!!! And we met THE nicest people!!!! All GOLDEN and finally people who I feel, really desired to know more and DESIRED for us to come back to teach them. One man, Jose, had started reading the Book of Mormon years ago too and ahhh I am so excited to teach them this week!!! And then the next day, we tracted for a few hours and had soo much success AGAIN!!!!!

So overall this past week we set up about 8-10 (I don't have my planner with me) new appointments with people we found just from tracting!!!!! Maybe this will lead to 8-10 new investigators!! Let's cross our fingers people. We NEED more investigators and progressing ones. Ohh we need them so badly. But so anyways, I know that my Father in Heaven listened to my prayers and led us to these people. I cannot wait to teach them all and help them come closer unto our Savior, Jesus Christ!! And also what I need to remember is that a lot of the time it is not in my control what these people do as well. I just have to try my best to teach them to my greatest ability, with the Savior and Holy Ghost's help and then it is up to their own personal agency. We all have our agency and with that, I have to respect their choices, desires, beliefs, etc. Like Elder Uchtdorf said, "we have to honor them like we want other to honor us." So anyways, that is very important for me to remember. But I am going to continue to do all I can to bring all those I can unto our Savior and remember to rely on Him always!!!!! And like President Monson said, 

"PATIENCE IS REQUIRED." 

I have to have patience with these people. And patience with myself. 

Okay, well I know this has been all over the place and probably made zero sense hahaha but just know that I LOVED Conference, if you couldn't already tell.... and I am learning and growing every single day. I am also witnessing many many miracles and feel soo blessed to have the opportunity to be a full-time missionary. I love this work with all of my heart and feel so blessed to be apart of it. I TRULY COULD NOT BE HAPPIER!!!!!! Okay, well I have to go but I have so much more to say!!!! I'll tell you more next week haha. I have to tell you about lessons we've had, people we're teaching... people we've met, etc. But I have to go!!!! So GOD BE WITH YOU TILL (I WRITE) AGAIN!!!!!!! EXCLAMATION POINT!!!!!!! Hahahaha okay, adios mi familia!!! I hope everyone is doing well. Love you all sooo so much.

Con mucho mucho amor, Hermana Barth

And let us remember, as President Monson stated in the Relief Society Broadcast and Elder Holland restated in Conference, 

"God's love is there for you always whether you 

deserve it or not"  

and like Elder Eyring said, "there is not ONE of us He has not desired to save." I LOVE IT!!!!!!

A Miracle!

My dearest and loveliest family!!!

How is everyone!? Ohhh I love you all so much. Honestly, just thinking about you all makes me so happy. I need more pictures of everyone though!! I want to show Hermana Piggott more pictures. And I have a feeling I'll want to show future investigators pictures as well. I have some pictures of sweet sweet gayyyorg and one of her and ralphonozo's bridals, which are BEAUTIFUL and I love looking at and then I have one of Brad & Britt on my bulletin board from their package. Which by the way you two, thank you soo much for sending me a package!! It made me soo beyond happy you have no idea and I love it all so much. The darling journal, passport holder, sparkly bag.. PICTURES!! Ohhh pictures are the best. Britt doggg and Brodles you two look SO good looking in that wedding picture too. Such a handsome couple. Hermana Piggott thinks Britt & Abs are sooo gorgeous she can't get over it. Just the brunette babes and then there's me... hahaha but send more pictures everyone!!! Abs, send me more wedding pictures PLEASE!? But in the mail because the ones I have thus far I printed out at the CCM so they're just on paper and black in white. Still love it so much though. Oh and MOM!! I got your package the other day tooo!! BEST THING OF MY LIFE!!!!! You have noo idea. We check the mail every single day and we're always crossing our fingers we'll get something haha. And the other day I was like, please please please and BAM!! PACKAGE FROM MY MAMA!!!! SO exciting. Hahaha I love what was inside of it too. 

First off, the silky nightgown. I was dyyying haha I look so grandma in it but you know I wear it EVERY night. I just model it for Hermana Piggott and she loves it so much haha. She even wants one too. Said she'd pay you for one hahaha. Kills me. So comfy though. I am going to be such a nightgown mom. Can't wait. I also wore sweats and socks underneath the nightgown the other night and felt like Sus. Haha it was amazing. And then as for the CD's... we love them sooo much!!! Piano is my favorite and he plays all my favorite hymns. Oh, we love them soo much. They really bring the spirit too and the other night after me and Hermana Piggott left the Relief Society Broadcast we listened to one of the cd's and we both were just like, AHH THE CHURCH IS SO TRUE!!!!!! And we looked at each other and both had tears in our eyes. Haha best moment. The spirit was so strong and we both were expressing our testimony on our Savior and this wonderful gospel. Amazing. So thank you thank you!!! 

Right after this I am going to send you FINALLY a little list of some things I would like that I left at home though. Some skirts, tops, etc. Haha the mail is so easy here!! I love it! But okay... as for the mission. So everything is going wonderful!! Me and Hermana Piggott have been witnessing miracle after miracle and have received some more referrals who will hopefully be future investigators. And this past week we taught a ton. The only problem is with this culture it can be a bit frustrating. They don't keep their commitments always, they'll agree to meeting again and then when we come back just not answer their door, they can be a bit flaky and they all work a TON so since they already feel so busy they don't always take time to do what we've invited them to. Anyways, it can be hard but I love these people with all of my heart and I am willing to do whatever it takes to help them. I am soo ready for this work!!!! Every day I wake up so excited to go out and find more people, teach them and invite all those I can unto our Savior, Jesus Christ. Even though this work is hard, I love it soo much!! And there honestly isn't anything else I'd rather be doing in my life. I love my Savior more than I can express and I will do anything for him. I LOVE HIM and with that, will so absolutely anything.

Like that song, I will GO where He wants me to go, DO what He wants me to do and BE who He wants me to be. Wholeheartedly. I am here in Gridley, California to SERVE HIM. With all of my HEART, MIGHT, MIND and STRENGTH!!!! The church is ohhh so true my dearest family and friends. I know this!!! But okay so before I share a special experience I had, I want to give you a little background... so me and Hermana Piggott decided last week that we were going to be 100% obedient, work soo hard that when we come home at night we honestly collapse haha and just do all we can to have the spirit with us so that we can find those people here who are seeking for the truth. Or are unaware what they are seeking for but need the gospel and its goodness. So we decided to make some goals. Well, in District Meeting we challenged everyone to pray EVERY hour on the hour. On top of praying before every lesson, before and after studies, etc. And then me and Hermana Piggott made the companionship goal to read the entire Book of Mormon in 3 weeks. Meaning we'd read 25 pages a day. And then we read out loud to one another the Book of Mormon in Espanol every night before we go to sleep too. So anyways, these are just a few of the goals we've made but oh my goodness how they have already made such a difference! We have felt the spirit soo strongly with us all day every day and have been able to witness many miracles. Now although many of these miracles are small, for example: knocking someone's front door and having them pull up in their driveway and then from that setting further appointments with them.... they are big and definitely miracles for us. And that happened TWICE in one day for us! Amazing. But now I want to share with you a BIG miracle we witnessed this past week. Oh it gives me chills it was sooo so special.

So last Monday we met with our new investigator Reina again. This night we taught her about the Restoration. We introduced Joseph Smith a bit and then showed her The Restoration video.. which was awesome because her two sons came home and watched it with us as well as one of Marvin's friends (who although had a scarier appearance: earring, tattoos.. was very respectful about it and liked what he saw but lives out of our area.. so we said we'd refer him to other missionaries) but anyways, we showed that and then bore our testimonies on The Restoration, on Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon, etc. But our lesson went longer than we'd hoped for because she always loves just chatting with us at the beginning forever and talking about El Salvador, where she's from.. so anyways. We watched the video and then after we bore our testimonies on it we had everyone kneel down and said a prayer. Then we invited Reina to pray about what we taught and also gave her the invitation to be baptized. Which I think freaked her out a little bit... she said not now, she has to learn more. But we felt the spirit strong so we felt it was appropriate. We invited the boys too haha but they're just young and didn't know what to say. So anyways, that was that. Nothing too crazy happened. And then okay.. so we were supposed to meet with our referral Angelina on Friday night but she called and cancelled because she was called in to work (story of our liiiives.... nothing worse than appointments you're super excited for falling through) but right after the phone call, Hermana Piggott said, there has to be a reason that appointment fell through... someone else needs us tonight. So we then realized we wouldn't be able to teach Reina the next night like we had planned with her because of the Relief Society broadcast and she doesn't have a phone so we decided to stop by her place to tell her. Well, so we went to her place and she happened to be outside talking to someone. She then invited us in and we chatted for awhile. And okay, the first little bit of our conversation was pretty casual. She just got chatting and chatting away. 

She couldn't get over my blonde hair and blue eyes and just kept talking about it. Ha and she asked me if I had a boyfriend... "Tiene un novio????" And I followed to tell her about Michael and how he was serving an LDS mission in Brazil.. and she asked for pictures, didn't have any on me unfortunately haha and then she said how she wished I didn't have a boyfriend because she wants me to date her son Johnathon after my mission. Hilarious. She just wants my blue eyes. She kept acting as if she was going to pluck them out of my eyes. Killed me. And my eyes aren't even that blue!! I can't imagine how in love she'd be with Abigail's eyes. Oh and she said I have cat eyes. Hahaha another name for my eyes!!!! I just keep on adding new ones to the list. Oh, which reminds me.. first time I met Elder Herrera he asked if I was half Asian???? Hahahaha kills me. I have the weirdest eyes apparently. Straight up asian, arabian, cat, alien, almond, rabbit eyes. Too good. But anyways, we just chatted a little bit like that. Very very casual and she was just hugging us and smiling away, etc. But then we got serious. We asked her if she had prayed about what we taught her and she said no... with the excuse that she's so tired at night she just falls right asleep. And then we continued to ask her what she felt about the lesson.. and she told us... worst thing of my life... that she just didn't like it that much and didn't care to learn more. Which seriously felt like a knife to my heart. I was crushed!! Almost had tears appear I was so sad. I love Reina soo much and knew she had felt something so I was so sad to hear this. But not too long after, Hermana Piggott was on game and said she wanted to bear her testimony. What's there to lose right?? So she bore her strong and sincere testimony and then I followed after and did the same. I bore it stronger than I ever have in my life too. I told her that I know this gospel is true with all of my heart, how this gospel is everything to me, told her about an experience I had while praying years back to know if it were true... expressed to her how I wouldn't be here if I didn't know it were true and since I know it is so true and have seen it bless my life in every way possible I want others, including her, to know of its goodness as well. 

Well anyways, I shared strong testimony (which might I add was awesome because while I was sharing it I had our eyes linked and I feel like that is a great way to connect with the people) and then I out of the blue started sharing Grandpa Barth's conversion story. I told her how he didn't want anything to do with the church or missionaries at first while in Germany and then he finally let some sister missionaries in and read the Book of Mormon, prayed about it and had a very spiritual experience with it. I then told her that he gained a testimony of this gospel and was baptized. Well anyways, she LOVED this story and thought it was soo beautiful. I could feel the spirit soo strong during this and I could tell it got her thinking more. And note: I was sharing all of this in Spanish, she knows ZERO English, so it probably didn't sound perfect but I got the story across enough and touched her by it. The spirit helped me out big time. 

After that Hermana Piggott was inspired to have each of us kneel down together and pray one after the other. Reina agreed to this and then Hermana Piggott said ever so boldly and powerfully, "As Representatives of our Savior Jesus Christ... I know that you the Holy Spirit is going to touch you. You are going to feel something." And what is crazy about that is afterwards, Hermana Piggott said she was a little nervous to say such a bold comment but because we have been exactly obedient and working our hardest, she knew she was worthy of the statement and could feel its truth. As Representatives of our Savior, Jesus Christ and as full-time missionaries we DO have the power to promise such a thing. Which I thought was awesome and a good lesson for all missionaries, including ourselves. BE OBEDIENT. 

Well so anyways, we then all knelt down and Hermana Piggott prayed and then I did.. and while I was praying.. out loud... I prayed that our Father in Heaven would help her gain a desire to know what we've taught her is true... The Book of Mormon, The Restoration, Joseph Smith, etc. and I just prayed for God to bless her and her family with everything and expressed my love and appreciation for this gospel, our loving Heavenly Father, Savior, Jesus Christ, Joseph Smith, etc. Well anyways, the spirit was so strong with me. And then it was time for Reina to pray..... She started praying and it was the strongest and most heart felt prayer I've ever heard. Although I couldn't understand perfectly everything she said because she talked fast and was pretty quiet, I could feel the power and sincerity from it. Well anyways, she said a long prayer and near the end I could hear her prayer slowing down and her voice shaking. We then opened our eyes after she finished and her eyes were completely filled with tears. Me and Hermana Piggott then looked at each other and our eyes were filled with tears as well. Then Reina started really crying, we asked her what she was feeling and she said soo sincerely and sweet.... "I know that God is with us, I can feel his presence." And then she started BAWLING. She grabbed a cloth nearby and started sobbing into her hands. The spirit was soooo strong. We then comforted her and I could hear her mumbling to herself. She was just crying and crying. Well after she calmed down a little Hermana Piggott asked her again if she would like us to teach her more and she said, YESSS. We then asked her when we could come back and she said, as soon as possible, whenever you can and want to. 

CAN YOU EVEN BELIEVE IT!?!?!?! 

I couldn't. I was screaming with excitement inside and could not stop smiling. AHHHHHHH!!!!!!! The spirit touched her soo much and she FELT something so powerful. I was sooo happy!!! And that was that. We set up another appointment, for Tuesday and we're going to teach her about The Plan of Salvation. AHHH I cannot wait!! And I think we're going to have her cousin, who's a member, Oscar be present during the lesson as well. Ohhh I can't wait!!! Oh, and she then brought up how we invited her to be baptized the previous lesson and I think it freaked her out a little. So we told her that we were not just there to baptize her and there was noo pressure. We told her the reason we invited her to be baptized was just because we love her so much and that is our purpose is to invite all to come unto Christ and be baptized. But anyways, that made her a lot happier and she understood it more. So now she knows we're sincere and are truly teaching her because we love her. And she was like, yeah I need to learn a lot more and go to church more before I'd be baptized!! So yeah. AMAZING!!!! SUCH A MIRACLE!!!!!! Honestly, at the beginning of the lesson she was just like, "No me gusta mucho.... no me gusta." Saying she didn't like it and now she wants us to come back and teach her as SOON AS POSSIBLE!!!! And when I told her about Grandpa Barth's story I told her how we HAVE to pray about things or we won't receive an answer. It's the only way. So hopefully she'll pray this time and now I am just sooo excited for our next lesson. Tomorrow night!! But now we know that she is tender and we have to work slow with her. I don't want to mess this one up! 

Oh yeah and we asked her what her husband thought about all of this and she said he didn't care, wants her to do whatever makes her happy. Which is SO rare here. A lot of these husbands are super controlling. Well anyways, that was the best thing ever. After we all were done being emotional too Reina made us some horchata and then we were out!!! Ahhh it was amazing. Haha and when me and Hermana Piggott got to the car we were both just beaming and could not get over what had happened. Such a miracle and we know that it is because we are being obedient, doing what we're supposed to and working our hardest. Hermana Piggott said this was the best experience she has had on the mission thus far too... for some reason she doesn't like how her first 12 weeks went. I think her trainer just didn't have as great of a desire to be completely obedient, etc. And I kinda get the feeling that that's part of why missionaries haven't been seeing as much success here. They haven't been as obedient as they should. It's a problem!!!! But we're not giving in to that. Nu uh. I am not here to sit on my bum and waste time. I have limited time to 100% focus on this work and with that I am going to work my very hardest!! I always remind myself that this is the LORD'S work, not mine and I am on HIS time, not my own. Ohhh I love this work with all of my heart!! But family, please pray for Reina and for all of my other investigators. I want to go into detail with a ton of other ones but I have no time. So I'll save them for later. But like I have mentioned earlier, we got some more referrals this past week... found some new potential investigators from knocking on doors (which I made us do haha.... woot woot) and I just have great hope that we're going to be seeing much success!!! I KNOW me and Hermana Piggott are companions for a reason and we're going to get things really started. We already have!!

But okay, well I have to run but I couldn't be happier!! I love this work with all of my heart and I know that I am here for a reason. Here in Gridley, California baby!!! Ahh I love it. And I could not love my companionship more. Seriously, Piggott is my faaaavorite. Haha I am obsessed with her in every way. She is seriously my new best friend and what's crazy about it is we truly have been this close since the second we met. We are THE SAME PERSON!!!! And just could not possibly get along better. Seriously, we get along PERFECT and have such a blast together!! I don't think I've ever laughed so hard in my life either. Haha we honestly find ourselves laughing our heads off at things and each other all the time. Haha she kills meeee. Some of her classic lines, "I LOOK LIKE A SHOVEL" hahaha because we both are looking so mishy these days it kills me!! And then sometimes after an appointment falls through or someone won't answer their door she'll say, "Oh hey do you want Eternal Life, Salvation, to live with God and your family forever???? Nahhhhhhh doesn't sound that nice." Hahaha so funny. Oh we make this work the best. 

Honestly, picture just preaching the gospel with your best friend??? It's amazing. I love her!! And we already have made plans for after the mission, including me taking her to Bear Lake. I love it. Instant best friends. She's the best. But okay I have to go. Oh! And last night we got to eat at the Executive Secretary's home... who is English and served his mission in Argentina and anyways he's a farmer on an Almond orchard. She we got to eat there. Just a house in the middle of all these orchards. It was amazing. And cutest thing, his little daughter Abby (woot woot) said one of the prayers and it was THE cutest thing in the world. Made me soo excited to have a family of my own and raise them in the gospel. So darling. I can't wait to have my own family prayers, FHE, scripture study. Sooo cute. And that reminds me, so we read Jacob today and it was AMAZING!!!!! The allegory of the tame and wild olive trees.... wow, sooo powerful when you REALLY study it. I INVITE haha all of you to read this!!! Jacob chapter 5. AMAZING!! Actually, just read ALL of Jacob for me pleeease. I love it so much. And to leave you with a verse, this is sooo simple but I love it!! It says in Jacob 6:12 "O be wise, what can I say more?" 

SO SIMPLE yet SO PROFOUND!!!! 

We just all need to be WISE!!!!!!! 

And also, I know this sounds soo missionary but everyone PLEASE read your BOOK OF MORMON DAILY!!!!! I know I was soo not perfect at this at home and it's easy to get busy and forget but JUST DO IT!!! It will only bless and enhance your life!!!!! I promised myself in the CCM I will read from my scriptures EVERY SINGLE DAY for the rest of my life and I want all of you to too!!!! If we read every day we will keep the companionship of the Holy Ghost with us and continue to desire to do what is right. Will you please do that for me??? Every one of you. I KNOW you have time. And if you say you don't, you just don't want to make the time. And if you REALLY want to feel the spirit of the Book of Mormon, read for an hour a day.. at least. I know you can do it. Even if that means waking up an hour earlier or saving an hour right before you go to sleep. DO IT!!! And I promise you you will be ohhhh so blessed. Haha I know I sound like such a typical missionary but I just can't express to you how much this gospel means to me, how much I LOVE our Father in Heaven and Savior, Jesus Christ and how much I LOVE the word of God. We are so lucky. Oh so lucky. 

I love you my dearest family!! And GENERAL CONFERENCE is this weekend!!!! Hahahaha I honestly could not be more excited. Me and Hermana Piggott can't stop talking about it. We're honestly giddy. I cannot WAIT!!! To hear from the LATTER-DAY PROPHET and his Apostles, etc. We are so lucky!! We get to hear exactly what the Lord wants us to know RIGHT NOW!!!!! Well anyways, get excited and I will tell you more next week!! Sorry I can't go into what we do every day or all the people we meet with, NO time... but just pray for my investigators please and remember I am praying for each and every one of you TONS each day. Love you all so much!!! Have a wonderful week!!!! Oh, and WISH GRANDMA A HAPPY BIRTHDAY FOR ME!!!!!!!!!!! And tell miss JANIE EGAN CONGRATULATIONS on her ENGAGEMENT!!!!!!!! I am freeeeeeaking out and I want ALL of the details. Tell her to EMAIL me ASAP!!!!! I can't believe my little babyyyy is engaged and getting MARRIED. Yet, I could not be more thrilled about it. Love her and Chris George. Janie George. KILLS ME!! I love it. They could not be cuter. Okay, adios mi familia!!!!

Con mucho amor, Hermana Barth

ps. PLEASE send more LETTERS!!!!! Honestly, send ANYTHING and I will be THRILLED!!!! Hahaha okay, love you all.