Ava's Mission

Last week I didn't send my weekly out so this week you get two! Haha sorry about that. But this week was one for the books! We took Aubrianna, our recent convert to the temple to do baptisms for the first time! It was so happy and she said that all of her anxiety was washed away. I love that going to the temple can do that for us any time we go. It was pure joy. Guess what? While I was on exchanges sister Fairbanks found 2 new people both from Iraq! Their names are Suhad and Faez. They speak Arabic so just add that to the list. It doesn't even surprise me anymore. Just because you're called on an English mission doesn't mean that's all you'll teach. Our Hindi family had us over for dinner last night and made us real authentic Indian food! They said, "we used only little spice because we didn't want you to cry." And I like spicy but HOLY INDIAN FOOD IS SPICY. They made us "globshjam". That's probably not how you spell it but that...

Another great week over here! Annie who I told you all about last week accepted a baptismal date! Satan is working so hard on her, but she is so strong and just kicks him to the curb every time he tries to get into her head. And Jason Russel accepted a baptismal date as well! He has been going to church and faithfully living the gospel for 19 years... he just never was baptized. (He literally teaches our gospel principles class.) We had a lesson yesterday on Fathers day where his wife and sons bore testimony of eternal families and after 19 years and many a missionaries, he finally accepted a date! July 13th please oh please work out! The spirit was so strong and I love the Russles so much and want them to be nothing but happy and together forever. Lots and lots of tears were shed. YAY miracles. I had an exchange up in suprise which was so fun. The rest of the week was full of classic street taco trucks, the Elders trying to move a bookshelf on their bikes.. (oh Elders, don't eve...

I love being a missionary. I love the temple. I know the church is true and that we have a living Prophet on the earth today. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and that if we want to know for ourselves all we have to do is pray and ask. I know that God is REAL and that He answers prayers. Every single one of them. I know that He knows and loves all of His Children. I know that the spirit brings peace, joy, comfort, and truth. And I KNOW that Jesus Christ is my Savior, big brother, and very best friend. Miracle of the week was GRANNY ANNIE! A few members had referred her to us, and on the 5th time trying her door she finally answered and we offered to serve her. We came the next morning and cleaned out and organized her closet. I'VE NEVER LOVED A HUMAN BEING MORE. She is an older lady with 2 forms of cancer, 4 types of arthritis, who has had both knees and shoulders replaced multiple times. But she is SO FULL of JOY and ENERGY and LAUGHTER. (If any of my college fr...