Ava's Mission

Pday again! Man time is FLYING. I got to go on a couple good exchanges this week, one with sister Sisto where we were part of a legendary miracle: We wanted to go somewhere fun for lunch, so we prayed to know where we needed to go. (Because He literally can tell you all things, even where you need to go for lunch. And then He'll use you if you follow.) Kneaders came to mind and felt right for both of us, so we went to Kneaders. It was PACKED. Like nowhere to sit FULL. When we get to order, a random lady who was a member of our church came up to us and said "Sisters, I want to buy your lunch." We were so grateful and it was kind of her and a tender mercy, but IT GOT BETTER. This woman pulls her credit card out and holds it up in the air and YELLS in front of the whole restaurant "I am going to buy these girls lunch, because they are missionaries!" Everybody stopped what they were doing and looked at her, mostly with weird stares. She then asked, "Do any of ...

Good morning family! (And friends) It's been quite the week. My heart hurts for the loss of Uncle George and for the Toone Clan and everyone who's life he touched. It's times like this where the great plan of happiness that I share with others to bring hope and comfort becomes ever more real. I've been able to share my favorite quote, "Live For The Reunion" with many, and here I am picturing all the wonderful reunions he is having right now with family and the Savior. And now I have ever the more reason to Live for that reunion myself. I'm grateful for how God prepares and shapes us both for and during the trials we face here in this life. I have also felt the enabling, comforting, and carrying power of the Atonement. I also know that He does send Angel's to bear us up and that He will send them to each and every one of you. I love you all and my prayers are with Aunt Karen and everyone else back home and abroad! I pray He sends His best Angel's...

Friends and family, it has been the most exhilarating year of my life. One year of wearing this black nametag and spending every waking moment striving to be where our Savior would be and do what he would do. This week we saw miracles that we cannot explain or take any credit for. We found a 15 year old girl named Hilary who was so happy that we gave her a Book of Mormon and who desperately needs the Gospel of Jesus Christ to rescue her from her tough life situation. An appointment canceled so we knocked a neighbors door and found Mary Ellen, an old lady who's biggest fear was that she was going to die and no one would find her because she is all alone. She cried as she told us that she knew God sent us to her and that she was so excited to learn what we had to share. She then prayed that we would be floating all night and that the good Lord would carry us to everyone else who needed Him tonight. And that night we found 4 different people. The whole while I felt like I was literall...

I thought you would all appreciate this. Here is Willaim Joseph signing my piano book of his when I was 8 years old. You best believe I can play the piano upside down like he did. My cousins and the Atwood family will love these pictures especially. If he only knew I was his biggest fan.... hopefully he never finds out. I plan to keep it cool. But you all can know. But really, I will not be playing the piano ever here.

My world was flipped upside down again and I am pleasantly surprised with how happy I am with all of it. Transfers were last week and I left Flagstaff after spending half of my mission there. Saying goodbye to everyone was the saddest hardest thing and I truly felt like I was saying goodbye to family. I will be back there for sure! My life has been changed forever because of the people I met and the miracles that God gave me the chance to see. Just read Alma 26 if you want to know how I feel, because Ammon hit it spot on. Good news is that Coach Moran still wants to learn the gospel and have lessons with missionaries and not only because of the basketball connection that I had with him. He is reading the Book of Mormon and I can't wait to hear what happens once basketball season ends and he actually has the time. I included a picture so you can see my favorite person I've ever taught. I got to go to the snowflake temple again and that was a special experience. Northern Arizona ...