A pepper dare and Chinese coincidence

SAN DIEGO — Oh my goodness! I thought I would get over my tears on P-days, but I have a feeling I am going to be crying every P-day for the rest of my mission! It's not a bad cry of course, it is just that I love you so much, my eyes start leaking! I got a lot of e-mails from you, thank you so much for letting me know how you all are doing! The mail doesn't come until later today, so I will have to reply to those next week.

I have a few fun stories from this week:

District meeting was this week. We went to lunch, since it is one of the last weeks of the transfer. The elders were daring each other to eat these fried white peppers. They are called "white guy peppers" I forgot how you say it in Spanish. The first part of the pepper is hot, but the second half with all the seeds is definitely way hotter. The natives don't even eat the second half of the pepper. Anyway, they dared Sister Nelson and I to eat the half with the seeds. I bet you can guess what happened: you know me and being dared to do anything: I still have too much pride.

I looked at all of them, grabbed the pepper and stuffed the whole thing in my mouth. It was the funniest sight watching four Elders and Sister Nelson with their jaws dropped completely to the floor. It was the hottest thing I have ever eaten in my life! One more thing to add onto my list of crazy things I have eaten I guess!

Thomas is still in the hospital, but doing better. Hopefully he will be out in the next few weeks.

Michael is the investigator who we have been trying to get him to finish writing a letter to the First Presidency so he can get baptized. He handed me the letter on Sunday. Hallelujah! Hopefully he will get to be baptized in the next few weeks!

We are teaching a new guy named Archie: His mom and sister are baptized and we just taught him the Restoration. Keep him in your prayers, He has definitely been prepared by Heavenly Father to hear the Gospel.

I want to share with you a journal entry from yesterday. We had the tour uploaded in Chinese yesterday, and Heavenly Father really taught me how much he prepares his children and how much he loves them:

September 19th, 2011

Sister Nelson and I worked at the Mormon Battalion this morning. At noon, they had to shut it down for a few hours to load the new Chinese tour. Just as our shift was getting over, Sister Nelson and I were walking from gold panning to the front and a young Chinese couple walked up.

Sister Kennington and Kearsley were just four minutes away from doing the first practice run of the Chinese tour. Coincidence? Definitely not. The sisters told us how strong the Spirit was in the tour and both of the Chinese visitors asked to learn more. What a testimony of missionary work this is. Heavenly Father is fulfilling His promise that he will bring forth his Gospel to all nations.

There might not be missionaries in China, but the Chinese people most definitely are getting to hear the Gospel through other means. God does have a hand in our lives, He does care, and He has prepared a way for all of us to hear His message.

I want you to know how true that is. He loves you! He cares about you! God does have a hand in your life. It is your choice whether or not to notice it.

John 3:16 "God so loved the world that he gave his only Begotten son...." He loves you that much. Don't ever forget it!

Let me answer some questions from last week and from your emails today:

Juli: Thank you for your letter last week! They are definitely not too long! I was reading it in the car to my roommate, and I could not stop laughing! Annalie and Brooklyn are hilarious! And your doodles most definitely were not "girly crap" as Nick would call them.

Thank you for loving me and writing me Juli, it means the world to me! I hope you are doing well with the girlies. I will be praying for you! You are such a great mom, really you are amazing. You can do hard things! Have you seen the Emma Story movie? If you haven't, when you get to Utah, have mom get it out of my closet and you and her should watch it. I watched a clip about Emma the other day and I thought of you and Mom. You both are Elect Ladies. Isn't it so neat that Heavenly Father trusted you to raise his little Annalie and Brooklyn? You are doing a great job at it!

Nick: Thank you so much for that letter you sent last week. I am halfway done writing you back, so I promise a letter will be coming shortly. I would LOVE to read your articles. The only thing is, you and dad have sent me links to them, I cant go on the internet to read them, so you would have to print anything like that off. Don't worry if it is too much of a hassle. But anything you would like to send, articles, talks, are all most definitely welcome!

Ha Ha, I laughed when you said you and Juli are working on wedding photography ideas for for me- how about I just make my future hubby come to the Mormon Battalion Historic Site and we can have a pioneer wedding?!?

I think you asked me about music. I would LOVE anything you send me! We can listen to anything that focuses our mind on Jesus Christ and keeps the Spirit. So anything is great. THANK YOU! I haven't thought of my top ten hymns yet. I will write you those next week.

Sara: You had clinical today right? Oh my goodness, how did it go? Were you on Labor and Delivery? What is the girl professor you were talking about like? Do you get to do pediatrics? What kind of stuff do you practice? I forgot to ask, will you keep your handouts, especially the calculating ones, so I can have a review when I get back? And what is this about a Snuggie? SEND ME PICTURES of that please! My imagination is running wild thinking of you wearing a tye dye snuggie!!! Too Funny!

To answer Erianne's question: my advice, use as many outfits as she already has. She is going to get SO SICK of her clothes. Then when she gets back, she can get brand new things! Ten outfits is probably good. I have four pairs of shoes. Two brown, two black. There will be shopping where she is going, so if she needs more she can always get it there:)

Mom- Thank you for sending me a package! If you haven't sent it already, I would LOVE Instant Breakfast! I miss that stuff SO much! Granola bars are also my FAVORITE! I can't think of anything else I need, But I will let you know. You are the best!

Dad: The GPS is awesome, in fact it is a definite lifesaver so thank you so much! I get done being a trainee next week. Can you believe I will be on my third transfer?!? CRAZY!!!!

Oh Dad, you know singles wards. Of course there is most definitely a handful of guys who flirt with the sisters. (Not as bad as my Russian buddies though, so no worries:) I haven't gotten the mail yet, but I'm sure the spreadsheets are there. THANK YOU so much for helping me and supporting me so much. I can actually make copies from the Battalion, so no worries- THANK YOU!

I heard about the BYU-UTAH game: All I can say is I am so glad I am in California right now! What a BUMMER! It is weird to think it is Fall in Utah- Still the same old 70-80 degree weather here. I forget that time is passing, because nothing changes here.

Challeged testimony, challenging companion

SAN DIEGO — Family, I love you so much! I have to be quick today because I only have 20 minutes to write.

I only have time to share something from my journal. But I want to give you an update on Robert and Michael. Both are getting baptized in the next few weeks! Hallelujah! It is amazing to see how much they have changed! We also are now teaching a new investigator, Archie. His mom and sisters are baptized. He is so awesome!

September 12, 2011

Today was an answer to a week full of many hours on my knees in earnest prayer to Heavenly Father. This week has been so rough. Sister Nelson and I have been having a rough time being unified, so of course Heavenly Father has not been able to bless us.

I have been so worn out this week with so many things: trying to figure out how to have more charity for my companion, how to help my investigators feel the Holy Ghost testifying to the truth of what we are teaching, and trying to learn how to be a better teacher. I think Satan is really trying to pull me down. What a dumbhead! I guess it is a compliment from Satan. I must be doing something right if he is trying so hard to get me to fail. I have to admit, though I am honestly ashamed to, I let Satan batter my testimony this week.

Having people constantly bashing my testimony and giving me hundreds of reasons why God doesn't exist or why the LDS Church is wrong, I let myself wonder about what I know is true. Getting that day after day causes one to really think hard about their testimony- something I have honestly been searching my soul about this week. It was so scary for me to have doubts and wonderings about my testimony, especially being a missionary. What I do is testify of the truth! How could I be doubting?!? I have spent so many hours on my knees in earnest prayer, asking Heavenly Father to help remind me of the testimony I know I have always had. My answer didn't come all at once, but each day this week, Heavenly Father has shown me that He is real, that He loves me and truly does care about me.

On Wednesday as I was teaching Tai, (an atheist) an testifying to him that there is a God who loves him, I felt the spirit say, "Brittany! I do love him! I love all of you!".

On Thursday when we had the blackout, I was sitting outside looking up at the stars, and I realized how much Heavenly Father has given us. There is so much beauty all around, we just have to put on the right lenses to see it clearly!

On Friday while we were working at the temple, a man named Hector walked right up to the front doors and said he was spiritually lost and wanted to learn about the church. God does number his sheep!

On Sunday as I stood singing in front of a group of people, about "one who knows us perfectly" as it said in the song, I stood proudly with my head held high, for I knew that I was a daughter of God.

Today as we were walking away from a members home who wasn't home, a guy rode past on his bike. We waved and said hello and kept on walking. He (Gabe) turned his bike around and rode up to us and asked us if we were Mormon. He lives with some members of the Church and asked to learn more. God is so mindful of all of us! He wants all of His children to hear the Gospel!

If that is not an answer to my prayers, I don't know what is. I am so thankful to Heavenly Father for that reminder. I do know that God lives. He is real, He is my Father!

I love you all. I want you to know that no matter what hard things come to you in life, God is there. He loves you. Don't let Satan get you down, don't let him tear at your testimony like I did. He wants you to fail! If you are struggling and aren't sure, I promise you, that if you ask with a sincere heart, God will show you that He is real, He will answer your prayers. I don't know how or when, but i do know He will.

Shout-outs

Nick: I haven't gotten mail today, but thank you for sending me a letter! Also, I can't get on that site, but our branch president read us parts of it from President Monson's blog (in the Washington Post) - SO GOOD! Thanks for thinking of me!

Dad: Thanks for the BYU updates! We lost by one point?!????? GRRRRRRRRRRRRR! I can't believe I'm missing the first season we are Independent! This is SO exciting! Um- LIZZIE ENGAGED? I'm speechless- How exciting for her! My friend Maureen from nursing school is having a BABY! Wow, time sure does go by so fast! Wow. You might go back to Finland- SO SO SO SO SO JEALOUS!!!!!

Mom: We do go to the CES firesides (only because we are YSA missionaries) But, there was a missionary fireside that night, so we actually couldn't make it. Sister Nelson loves to sing, so we and 4 other sisters did a musical number, called "Let it begin" from EFY 2010. Can you believe I, Sister Newman, sang in front of a microphone with an actual audience?!? Yeah. I bet you are all speechless! Heavenly Father is finding many ways to get me to do things out of my comfort zone.

Speaking of things I don't normally do, Sara was asking what I do to work out in the mornings. I run around the Old Town Square for 15 minutes, and then the next 15 minutes consist of push ups, situps, lunges, squats, all of that fun stuff. Sis, You would be so impressed at my pathetically wimpy arms: you can almost see some muscle in there now!

Oh and about what I do with only having 15 minutes to eat: I have learned how to eat really really fast (no worries mom, I am the healthiest eater at the Battalion thanks to an awesome example of a mother!).

Mom, you called Sister Haggerty's mom. She was in the hospital this week. They don't know what is wrong with her, but if you could pray for her that would be great.

Someone asked about the power outage a few days ago. It was out from about 11 in the afternoon to 3 in the morning. We all had to come in from our areas and study and things. People had to leave the Battalion, and not finish the tours. I don't know how it worked out, but none of our food was spoiled- THANK GOODNESS, because we had just gone shopping!

Ray: Thank you for the email! So glad to hear everyone is doing well! I hope to see you today, if not, hope ya know I love ya! Tell your family hello for me!

Love you all with all my heart! Have a good week!

"I won't forget"

SAN DIEGO — Man! How did I get so lucky to have you? All the missionaries here are going to think something is wrong with me because every time I start reading your e-mails, I can't stop crying! I love you more than you know! I have been really behind on the news of everything at home since I missed hearing from you last week because of zone conference.

Shout Outs

Nick: BROTHER, I wish I was allowed to jump up and down and shout out loud right now, (one bummer deal about being a missionary;-) I am so excited for you to have gotten a job! You are so amazing at what you do. My companions' jaws always drop when I show them pictures of my blog. You are a stud — that is all I have to say. I hope the girlies are doing well, I'm sorry for Juli's family that you have to move, but YAY for Grandma Angel and Grandpa Dirt!

Juli: Happy Birthday soon! My card to you will be late, bad timing on my part, but I want you to know I love ya and HAPPY BIRTHDAY SISTER! I hear you are moving to UTAH! So excited! I just love ya so much, I wish I could give you a hug right now!

Gina: I hope you read this, I am SOOOOOO sorry I didn't write you the last few months on your mission! I lost your address and by the time I got it again, I was at the MTC and forgot when you would be coming home! I just want you to know I love you girl. You have been such a good example to me, especially by serving a mission. I still think its too bad that we couldn't serve in Africa together like we planned, but Brazil and California definitely just as good!:) Sara says you have an awesome accent and my family loved seeing you! I just love ya so much! If you get a chance, let me know how you are doing!:)

Grandma Newman: THANK YOU SO MUCH for writing me! I was so excited to get your letter! I am so glad things are going well and you had a wonderful birthday. You have no idea how much that letter meant to me. I love you and grandpa so so so so much!

Sara: Oh my goodness! I cried so bad when I read your email (A good cry, I promise). I just love you so stinkin' much! I am so glad we got to have a sister hug a few weeks ago. Don't forget how much I love you! Girl, I miss how much you light up the room, how you lift everyone's spirits, how just who you are makes people happy. I am so glad I have had you as that example, when the times here get hard, especially with companions (you know being with another sister for 24/7 is not a piece of cake to say the least, even though I do love them!).

It is so true what they say this is going to help me so much for when I get married — Phew! I think I will be able to handle any guy that comes my way after this! :) Thank you for the pictures, for the update on your trip and for everything! I am so glad you are doing well!

Dad: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOMORROW! I did an "uh-oh" and forgot to write your card last week, so I had to wait until today, so it will be late. Just know that it is coming, that I love you and hope you have a wonderful day!

THANK you for the update on BYU! Holy Smokes- BYU vs Ole Miss! I can't believe I am missing the first year they are independent! Awe, good memories of our BYU games together. Mom wrote me a play by play of the other game, she said it was a last minute win by BYU, sounds like there was lots of screaming! I bet you didn't miss me walking in front of the TV during the plays though!:)

That is one important lesson I learned from you and Nick- To make a man happy, DO NOT walk in front of the television while any sort of game involving competition and a ball is in play;-)


(Yep. Pretty sure Britt woulda been killed getting in front of this play)

Oh pops! I love ya! I wear the blue Finland and Russia shirt for exercise in the mornings- It helps me start the day with the good memories I had with you! I met a guy from the UK at the Battalion the other day and he asked me about my travels. We talked about the Hans Christian Anderson Mermaid statue in Copenhagen —Awww, Little MERMAID! Wasn't that a good trip?! Thank you for those memories!

Mom: So good to hear that things are going well for you at school! My jaw dropped open when Dad told me you do your own fliers and power points- YOU ARE THE WOMAN! So proud of you mamacita!

----

I was just talking to Sister Nelson about how my favorite memories of summer are when we used to pick and can the peaches — oh man, my stomach is rumbling just thinking about warm peaches with sugar on them! I hope you ate an extra one just for me! I would love to see a picture of your class! I will have to send some fun pictures of "all around San Diego" for them.

There is a lot of cool stuff I am sure they would love to see! So a family moved in across the street? H0w fun! You are so awesome mom! I want to be like you when I grow up — I bet Cooper has a blast with you! I can't believe Michael Huff is going on a mission and Nate Ballash off to college! When did this happen?!? Time goes by WAY Too fast!

Oh and I have to tell you that Sister Haggerty told me this morning that you called her mom, she told me that you called at the exact time her mom needed it, she was frustrated, and questioning her faith, and honestly not knowing what to do. She said you called her mom at that exact moment and made the world of difference. I just wanted you to know that you were her angel that day. God uses all of us to watch out for his children. Thanks for listening to the Spirit, for being such an angel in her life and in the lives of all of us. You are the greatest!

Natassja: When in the world did I get so lucky to have such an amazing roomie?!? I LOVED the package! Thank you for the letter, for the essay you wrote about London, the bow, the pencil and the London button! I smiled for the rest of the day! I have so much to write you- a letter is coming soon I PROMISE! I saw Devin and Ken at the Mormon Battalion Historic Site! Small world huh? I guess school is starting?! You will have to tell me how it is going? How are the girls? How is the new ward? I just love ya!

Westridge Ladies: My dad sent the picture of you at work with all the boxes! Thank you so much, I loved it! I thought I would lose my "buff arms" not lifting all those boxes, but with not eating Oreos any more, and having to work out 30 minutes everyday, you would be proud of my wimpy arms! You can almost see some muscle there now! I love you all, hope you are doing well and have lots of good stories waiting for me when I get back!:)

---

I have a few more minutes to update you on what has been going on here in San Diego. Dad asked me about the Bug boys (they are the ones who were friends to Michael and Robert). They went back to school, but both Michael and Robert are still in our ward and are going to be baptized at the end of the month! They are so awesome and I am so excited for them to have the Gospel!

Being in a singles ward is much different than the family ward I was in last transfer. After Church, Sister Nelson is always saying in the car, "Sister Newman, why do I love men so much?!"

I just laugh at her, it is so funny! She has a really hard time being in the singles ward, because she loves to flirt. Luckily for me, flirting is not something I like nor am good at so I do just fine :)

It is easy to focus on the Lord's work here, so I am loving the singles ward! Dad asked if anyone has fallen in love with me yet. HA HA pops, you are too funny! It actually is though a little tricky being a sister missionary especially because they are pushing for us to look so trendy with makeup and everything. One of our investigators asked me if he was allowed to tell me I looked beautiful. He was so sincere and didn't mean anything by it, but it gave me a chuckle.

I don't have much time since I have had to catch up for two weeks, but I want to share with you a part of my journal about Thomas. He is an investigator that we have been teaching for quite a while. He has a few mental problems, but is very intelligent and sincere. He is in the hospital right now so we went to visit him on Sunday.

September 4, 2011

I never knew when I was doing my psychiatric rotation in the nursing school that a few months in the future I would be back, not as a nursing student, but as a servant of the Lord.

We found out that Thomas was in the hospital, so we went to visit him today. I will never forget walking down the hall to where he was waiting for us. He stood in the middle of the dark, gloomy visiting area. It was supposed to be set up like a park with a picnic table, but it was walled in and lights were out and cigarette butts littered the floor.

He looked at us with his eyes wide and really scared-looking. It was a flashback to some of the patients I took care of in school, who were lost and not knowing what to do. We read him the scriptures, sang him songs and before we left, we prayed with him. Afterwards he looked up at me with the most searching eyes I have ever seen — he wouldn't let go of my gaze.

With words not of my own making, I told him that I was sent by God to tell him that God loves him, that He is aware of him and that his hurt and confusion would be but a small moment. I looked back into those piercing eyes and told him that no matter what, don't ever forget that God loves you.



He looked back at me and all he could manage to say was, "I won't forget, I won't forget, I won't forget, I will never forget."

This grown man broke down and started sobbing. Right then, Sister Nelson and I threw the rule book out the window and held his hand. I have no idea what Thomas is going through, but at that moment, watching him sob and telling me that "I will never ever forget," I knew without a doubt that Jesus Christ knows exactly how he is feeling, and would be there by his side.

I just want you to know that I have such a testimony that God loves and Cares about us. He is there He is mindful of us. I love you so much and challenge you this week to "never forget" how much He loves you.

Have miracles ceased?

SAN DIEGO — Thank you so much for your letters I got last week. I hope I have gotten a thank you out to all of you. It is hard to remember everyone to thank when I get your letters, after we get to email.

You have no idea how much you help me just by telling me you love me! You know what a softy I am, just looking at your names on the envelope gets me teary eyed! No worries though, of course I am focused on the work, but that doesn't mean I don't love you all any less!

Shoutouts:

Grandma: Love you! Hope you got my letter!

Juli: Thank you for the letters and package, you didn't have to do that, but thank you so much!

Hannah: Thank you for writing, so glad you are doing well!

Natassja: I got your package, THANK YOU! I have already worn the hair bow lots this week. It is a perfect reminder of you! I hope your first week of school is awesome! Tell the girls hello for me:) I will write you all a letter soon, promise!

Sister: How was your trip? I'm sure you will tell me all about it. The sisters told me they saw you and Bobby at the temple, hope you had a good time!

Pops: I just have to say, you are a LIFESAVER sending that GPS. Can you imagine me, Brittany — who can barely get around Utah without getting lost — try to drive around California?! There are like four freeways I can take just to get to my area alone! I call the GPS Jack, because that's the name of the voice- Jack and I are becoming really great friends.

I was thinking about what I wanted to write you this week, I have been praying so hard to Heavenly Father to help me see the miracles he sends my way, and this week he has definitely opened my eyes to them. Mormon 9:19-21, I promise you Miracles have not ceased! Here are some of my thoughts from my journal this week and the miracles I have seen....

Wednesday- "Before our member lesson this morning, we decided to pray about a place we could street contact for a few minutes before our appointment. We decided on the street and started walking... The thing about street contacting, is it is helpful when there are actually people on the street!

Not so on this lovely Wednesday afternoon!:( Sadly, I have already learned far too many lessons of not paying attention to the Spirit, or being too nervous to go up to someone and talk to them, so I was determined NOT going to do that again. As we passed each house, I asked Heavenly Father if we were needed there. We were only one house away from the members home and I was starting to feel like we had just wasted 20 minutes of Heavenly Father's time, when I felt the Spirit tell me that that house needed to hear His message. Jesus answered the door and we set up a return appointment....."

Thursday- "Ryan Low, the member we visited yesterday, gave us a name of his friend, Mike who is a less-active member. He told us that he had no idea why he felt like we needed to visit him. In fact, he said that Mike is never home and was almost positive we wouldn't be able to reach him. We decided to make plans to meet him today and to have the faith that Heavenly Father would help it all work out. We pulled up to Mike's house tonight just as he was walking up to his house... He was home! And we were able to remind him of why he was baptized...."

Friday- "Tai, one of our investigators, who we haven't been able to contact or get a hold of in a long time actually called us and set up an appointment.....!"

Sunday- "We have been having a hard time with finding people to teach. Even our investigators weren't answering our calls. I can't tell you how many hours I have spent on my knees in prayer, begging Heavenly Father to help me find the people He has prepared for us to teach. It is so hard being a missionary, with the most precious news to share to the world and not have anyone to teach it to. Today, we taught non-stop for nine hours straight! In fact, we had to go on splits for our last lessons. We taught Robert and Michael, who are the two friends that worked doing pest control with some Mormon guys. It was a bit nerve-racking to teach by myself with a member who has not had that much experience at teaching, either. It was a good reminder that it doesn't matter how weak we are, Heavenly Father makes up what we lack, and the lesson went just fine. Robert is getting baptized in the next few weeks!"

I just wanted to share with you the miracles I have seen in my life this week. There are miracles all around us, it just takes the right kind of lens to see them. Take a breather in the busy and crazy lives I know we all have and notice the miracles you have in your life every single day. I know they are there!

I love you all so much! Each day I get to give tours about the 500 men in the Mormon Battalion that left such a legacy of service, sacrifice and faith. Each day, I also get to go out into the world and see the people of today's time and the legacies they are leaving for their own friends and families. Each of you are leaving your own legacy and it is not anything small or menial. You make a difference, don't even think otherwise for even a second! You have all made a difference in at least one persons life and that is mine.

An accidental Brittany sighting and a miracle

Editors Note: Brittany's Dad, Mom and little sister, Sara, were in San Diego last week for a variety of reasons, and went to the Mormon Battalion Historic Site as part of the vacation. They had arranged to visit the site when Brittany was not around (it's just easier that way, especially for the missionary, who isn't supposed to see family for 18 months to 2 years, and only hear them on the phone for Christmas and Mother's Day). Unfortunately, things failed to happen as planned. Here's the story of what happened, from Sara's point of view, on Friday, August 19.

I 100% PROMISE we did not go to the Mormon Battalion Site to see Sister Newman. We arranged it so we went while she was out proselyting and we wouldn't see her. Funny story though: that didn't exactly happen. OOPS.

My parents and I were just getting ready to head into the site, but decided to take a little picture in front of the Battalion sign before heading in. While my dad was taking a picture of my mom, I randomly thought to turn around and low and behold is my little big sister!

I didn't know what to do! I was shocked and was not expecting to see her! Obviously, I squealed out loud with excitement as she waved at me and then both my parents turned around to see what happened. My mom was grinning ear to ear and my dad said "oh no... is that Brittany?" He started to run away! Classic!

She was already across the street coming our way. I stopped to see what she did. She was my cutest sister ever and ran towards me so I picked her right up and gave her the biggest hug ever! Apparently, she got a last-minute transfer and that's how it all happened with the timing being off and us seeing her and everything.

I LOVE HER SOOOOOO MUCH! You can tell she is sooo happy and such a great missionary. We all got a hug and got to say, "hi" for a quick second and then she was off and back to teach and spread the Gospel!

It truly was an accident but I am so glad it happened!

And now, Brittany's letter:

SAN DIEGO — First of all, Sara, Mom, and Dad, stop worrying about seeing me on Friday! Heavenly Father must have needed us to see each other, and it was really good to be able to give you all a hug! No worries, I am still focused and working hard! Thank you for being so awesome.

All the sisters kept coming up to me and telling me how amazing you are. They all think I am a cut out of you mom, what a compliment! Sister Christensen said, "Why can't all our member families that come through be like the Newmans?" Thank you for thinking of referrals and just being such great member missionaries! I am so proud of you, I keep telling everyone how lucky I am to have you all. I know I couldn't do this without all the love and support you give me.

Like I told you last week, we had transfers! I got transferred to a young single adult ward in Ranchos Penasquitos (Mira Mesa). My companion's name is Sister Nelson, she is from Utah. She is awesome. We are trying to figure out how to teach together and everything, it is hard sometimes, but somehow, Heavenly Father helps it all work out.

I want to share a miracle that happened this week, It wasn't anything Sister Nelson or I did, it was because of members just like you, shared the gospel by being examples, friends, and having true charity and love for God's children.

We started teaching Michael and Robert, two guys from Utah who are here for the summer working for a pest control company. They were roomed with five guys also from Utah who are members of the Church. We call them the "bug boys". We taught Michael and Robert on Thursday (they have a date to be baptized on September 3rd). Michael came up to us on Sunday and told us he wanted to be baptized this coming Thursday! I thought, how can you want to be baptized? We haven't hardly had the chance to teach you anything yet!

I learned two things from that experience. First, you have no idea how much of an impact you make in peoples lives. I was talking to Michael and he said, Shawn (one of the bug boys) was just my friend, he told me about The Book of Mormon, how it would change my life and then he left it on the table in case I wanted to read it, but other than that, he just cared."

The second thing I was reminded of is how powerful the Gospel of Jesus Christ is. It touches the soul so deeply and sparks a remembering in people of who they are and where they came from. I don't know if that made sense. I just see as I teach people about where they came from, and how they can live with their families forever light up inside. I know it is because their spirits remember. Of course, a daughter or son of God, who was created by a Heavenly King — no matter if they can't see or remember where they came from — will never forget it. It is part of who they are, and when they read The Book of Mormon or hear about Christ's church, somewhere deep inside, they remember who they are. Oh, it is so AWESOME!

I don't have much time this week, but I wanted to tell you all how much I love you. There are so many miracles around us! You are part of those miracles!

Nick, I have been praying for you, I hope your job interviewing goes well! Love you so much! Tell the girls hello!

Chris- Congrats on Graduation! Love you!

Sara- Can't wait to hear how San Diego went! I will write you next week, this week we are going to the temple, so I wont have much time to write.

Sister Garritson- I met President Peterson at the Mormon Batallion. He was Jordan's mission president. He couldn't stop talking about what a good missionary he is!

Jessica and Natassja- I saw Ken and Devin at the Mormon Battalion. It made me think of you. Hope you have an amazing start at school! Let me know what your address is in Provo!

Grandma Newman- HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Grammy and Gramps Morgan- LOVE YOU SO MUCH!

Mom- HAPPY BIRTHDAY Sure do love ya!

I have a joke before I go. Some guy told it to me at the Battalion.

How many Elders (from the Elders Quorum, not missionary elders) does it take to screw in a lightbulb?

....

one, but you have to wait till the end of the month!

Well, I thought it was funny.

Alzheimer's, ancestors, and a Mormon Bible

Well,

I can't believe it, but transfers are tomorrow! I actually am so SO happy i don't have to be the new sister anymore! We are getting two new Spanish-speaking sisters at the Battalion, which we need desperately.

Looking back on these past six weeks, I cannot believe all that has happened. Honestly, I have seen miracles every single day.

This week, Martha's husband came back from being in Washington for three weeks. If you remember, Martha is the woman we met walking home from the swimming pool. She and her husband are both listening to the lessons. We taught Martha about the Restoration and taught Jacob the Restoration for the first time. It is so amazing watching how teaching the Gospel sparks a reminder in people's souls of who they are and where they came from. It is humbling to know that we are not teaching them this for the first time, it is just that we are reminding them about the whole reason they are here — I love it! They are going to come to church on Sunday and Jacob is going to go play basketball with the Young Single Adult Ward (Martha and Jacob are only 19 and 20).

Well, missions come with miracles, hard times and lots of funnies, too. This week, I did a really good funny. We went to visit a lady that Sister Tardiff met while I was gone in another area with one of the other sisters. Her name is Betty and she is like 82 years old. We knocked on the door, and she let us in. The lesson was so hard in the first place. She couldn't hear a single thing, so we were practically yelling so she could hear and neither one of us knew what to say. As we kept talking to her, I realized that she had no idea that we had met her previously. In fact, I am almost positive she has either dementia or Alzheimer's. The funny thing is, I still set up a return appointment with her! I don't know what I was thinking, asking a woman who won't even remember who I am by the time I leave if we could come back and teach her. Sister Tardiff had a good laugh at me, that is for sure!

I was reading my scriptures at the laundry mat today in 3 Nephi. This was during one of the wars between the Nephites and Lamanites. Verse 15 it says,

"And it came to pass that the armies of the Nephites did return again to their place of security..."

I was thinking about that, during all the commotion of war and fighting, they returned to their place of security. Harold B. Lee said,

"The most important work you will ever do will be within the walls of your own home."

That is more true than I ever knew before. The home is so important, and I realize more and more while being out here how much trust God has given us to make our homes the most sacred place on earth. Everyone out there that have been reading my letters, I hope you are taking my challenge to invite a non-member over to your homes for dinner. Everyone in this world deserves to see how sacred the home is. I promise you that as they feel the sacredness of your homes, even if all you are doing is enjoying dinner together as friends, that spirit will touch their hearts. Please, all of you take that challenge and let me know how it goes. You are all so amazing and I know you can do this. You are all missionaries!

"There is neither man or woman in this church who is not on a mission. That mission will last as long as they live, and it is to do good, to promote righteousness, to teach the principles of truth, and to prevail upon themselves and everybody around them to live those principles that they may obtain eternal life." -President Brigham Young

You can do this challenge, I have so much faith in you, I will be praying for you all! Remember, ALL of us are missionaries in this work!

No shout outs this week, because I haven't been able to pick up my mail. So sorry, but know I love you all!

I thought I would leave you with a part of my journal from this week:

August 12, 2011

The Battalion was so busy today. I took four tours and got 5 referrals from nonmembers. We passed our goal of 10 referrals by a lot- we had 23 referrals by the end of the night. Heavenly Father is using this site so much to touch the lives of so many people. I took a family through, the Javans, who had twin daughters who go to school with an LDS girl. He wanted so badly to get a copy of "the Mormon Bible." I was not expecting him to be interested, but once again, Heavenly Father has reminded me that He has people ready for the Gospel and He knows better than me who they are.

As I was saying my prayers tonight, the thought and feeling came into my heart that my great-grandma Dinah is watching me from heaven. I want to live up to the amazing woman I was named after. I am not doing things perfectly, in fact, i know that i have messed up a lot, but already I can see that Heavenly Father is helping me become the daughter He wants me to be..."

I know I say this so much, but i hope you know who Heavenly Father wants you to be. You have the potential to become kings and queens in the kingdom of God. This life is such an amazing time to become who we are meant to be and to show Heavenly Father how much we love Him by following the commandments He has given us.

Have a wonderful week everyone! I love you all so much!

Another Tourist Picture

SOUTH JORDAN, Utah — On Thursday, Brittany's dad got a call from a man in Riverton, Utah named Brad Markus. He was visiting the Mormon Battalion Historic Site. He said he was impressed with how wonderful Sister Newman was, and just had to call Utah and tell Dad how well she was doing. He also sent a picture.

After the phone call, Dad said, "This is kind of fun. I might need to hire a secretary to take my Sister Newman calls."

Strangers and pictures

On August 4, Brittany's dad got an e-mail from a lady named Jill Cheshire, who wrote an e-mail called, "Missionary pictures". She wrote:

I took my kids to the Mormon Battalion visitor center and we were thrilled to be assigned to your daughter’s tour group! She is so sweet and did such a good job. Honestly, I would have thought that she was the senior companion and had been doing these tours for months… She is such a good girl and she is doing an awesome job as a missionary! Sorry that these pictures are not the best, but it is always good to see the ones that you love even in blurry pictures. :)



The photos are below. I would like to comment on how interesting this is that Dad got an e-mail like this. He's usually the one who, if he happens to run into missionaries ANYWHERE on vacation or business trips, asks for the missionary's mother's e-mail or phone number, and calls the parents up to "report" on how the missionary is doing, which usually calms a worrying mom's fears. And now, finally, the service was returned.

Enjoy the photos below. They're the first ones of Brittany at the Battalion in her full gear.

Tears

Well Hello Family!

I am writing you with tears dripping down my face. I hope you know how much I love you! I am such a leaky faucet sometimes — I just read your names on the envelope and I start crying! I think being away from home was a good way Heavenly Father wanted to remind me how much you all mean to me. All of you: friends, family, roommates, you all mean the world to me. Thank you for your inspiration in my life! Thank you for all the love you send my way. I won't have time to answer everyone's letters this week because our P-day is cut short, but I want you to know I love you!

I'm trying to think of things that have happened this week. Honestly, it has been a long, hard week of trying to find people to teach. We got stopped by an atheist this week. It is so hard to talk to people that just want to argue. Mostly because I can feel how much Heavenly Father wants to wrap them in His arms, and they don't even see it. For some reason, every time someone is angry, they never look at Sister Tardiff: they always stare me down. It is actually pretty funny, because Sister Tardiff just laughs at me, I just don't get why they can't look at and ask questions to both of us.

Sister Burden (one of the sisters that works at the Mormon Battalion) her dad visited this week. I introduced myself to him and he stopped and stared at me for a second and then said, "I used to know a girl who looks just like you and her last name was Newman. Do you know a Dona Newman Staples?" I, of course, said yes! His name is John Burden, He said he used to date Aunt Dona. If she doesn't read this, you will have to ask her about it.

I think I told you about Martha, the woman we met on the street a few weeks ago. She is really interested in the Gospel. Sister Tardiff and I have been praying to find a family to teach and I know this is an answer to our prayers. I can't describe how amazing it is to see how the Gospel changes people's lives. I will keep you up-to-date on her.

To answer some of your questions:

When are transfers?

Transfers are next Tuesday. Can you believe I have been out six weeks?

How do you get the people you teach?

Some of the people we teach come from ward members and investigators who give us names of people they want us to teach. Other people we find on the street, and others Heavenly Father has sent us straight into our hands.

What was it like for you to go through the temple?
Going through the temple was one of the best experiences of my life. Making those promises with God that will bring me closer to Him and allow me to one day live with my family and God forever, with more joy than I could ever imagine, is the best thing anyone could ever ask for. As I sat in the temple with my family all dressed in white, I have never felt closer to heaven in my life. I love the temple with all my heart. Who wouldn't want to go to a place that almost touches heaven, right? I am so lucky that I get to visit the San Diego temple every other transfer. This next transfer is my turn. I can't wait!

Okay, time is almost up, so let me share an entry from my journal this week:

August 4 2011

This morning as I was walking around Old Town Square for exercise, I was talking to Sister Lewis and she was telling me about a story she heard. ( I don't know where she read it, but if someone wants to look it up, feel free) Spencer W. Kimball, who was serving as a Seventy to Harold B. Lee at the time felt so inadequate. President Lee noticed his feelings of inadequacy and said, "Spencer, you need to try to be the best version of Spencer and not a bad version of Harold!" I realize that I have been letting feelings of inadequacy cloud my faith, especially as I have fallen prey to Satan's trap of having me compare myself to others. I went to the bathroom to pray for Heavenly Father's help. I can't explain the feelings of love He helped me feel.

Shout-outs:

Sister Mears: Thank you for sending that letter and the essay. I haven't had a chance to read it yet, but I am so excited! I am glad to hear Tyson is doing well, I have no doubt he is such an amazing missionary.

Sister Thompson: Thank you for your letter, especially that quote. I really needed to hear that today. I can't believe Jessica has started school. Wow, that is so crazy. It is good for us to have that experience though. I think college is one of the places that really helped me rely more on my Heavenly Father.

Juli: Thank you for the letter. You know it is KILLING ME not to know what happens with Bones and Booth. That is okay though, I have so many things to think about here, but I feel a Bones marathon coming when I get back:) Me and you girl, Mom's house, candy, and the boys can babysit.

Annalie: Thank you princess for that beautiful picture. I am going to hang it on my fridge once I get home. You are such an artist!

Marianne: I got your card. THANK YOU so much for that. You are such a lifesaver, and such an example to me. I really do look up to you more than you know. Tell Lucy and your parents hello for me!

Karen and the girls: Hello Ladies! Hope you are doing well. I love you all!

Grammy: Thanks for writing me so often. I love you so much. I think of you and Gramps all the time. I was playing UNO for P-day last week, and thought of all the hours you spent with me and Sara playing games. Thank you so much for those memories!

I want you all out there to know that you are NEVER inadequate in the eyes of God. He created you. He wants you to be the best YOU you can be. Satan is the one who wants you to think less of yourself than you are. Don't let him win! You are daughters and sons of God! You are perfect, because He is perfect and He made you.

The excitement and frustration of missionary work

Hello Family!

Thank you so much for all the letters! I do get them by Tuesday (i know you were wondering). The hard thing is we don't get our mail until after I email you, so i am always a week behind what you have written. Sorry! Just keep that in mind with my emails each week:)

I just want you all to know how much I truly love you with all my heart. Families are amazing! Friends are amazing! God's children are AMAZING! I can't describe the blessing Heavenly Father has been helping me with. I have been asking Him to help me see his children the way He sees them. Each time I think of you, or I talk to someone on the street, or I am teaching a lesson, my heart gets so full with the love i know he has for each of us. He KNOWS you! He loves you so much — the kind of love that you and I don't even understand. What a comfort that is to know in this busy and crazy world, that Father loves you more than you can imagine.

I am slowly but surely working on writing more letters. Love you all, be patient, I promise they are coming!

Answers to questions:

How many people are you teaching?

Right now, we are teaching four progressing investigators: Martha, Michael, Vernell and Frederico. One is an expecting mother whose husband is deployed. One is a recently divorced man with a daughter to raise, who considers himself half Mormon but does not want to change. Another is a woman who lived a super rough life in drugs and alcohol and who does not want to be alive.

They are all so different with their own unique stories. It is a testimony to me that Heavenly Father wants all of his children to have the gospel. No matter who they are in the world, God sees his children on the inside and not the outside. President Monson is such a good teacher about the individual worth of a soul. EVERY soul is worth rescuing.

How much time do you spend at the Battalion vs missionary work?

My day is split between six hours at the Battalion and six hours of proselyting. It is amazing how Heavenly Father can stretch time for us. I love serving at both. The Mormon Battalion site is the second-busiest church site in the world besides Temple Square, so we definitely have lots to do!

How many LDS/Non LDS people visit?

We have visitors from all over the world since old Town San Diego is a tourist attraction. For every three members we have about one non member visit the site.

Have you been yelled at yet?

Yes. Actually a few times, but you learn to not take it personally.

What is your P-day schedule?

We get up, study while we are at the laundromat, then go to the family history center to e-mail, then go shopping, go home and wash the car, write letters and we usually go play sports for a little bit. I never realized how truly precious p-day is: time goes by WAY too fast!

I think I may have missed a few questions this time. If there is something you want to know or more details about something, you could write me again and remind me that would be awesome.

Brittany's army crawl through San Diego

Journal from this week:

July 28th, 2011

Today we had our Mormon Battalion devotional. Sisters Christensen and Lewis talked about how powerful simple and short testimony is. Each of us went around the room and said one sentence of our testimony. It was amazing how strong the spirit came when we each spoke simple truths. Elder Evans shared Doctrine and Covenants 115: 5 with us.

"Arise and shine forth that thy light may be a standard to the nations."

I love being a standard to the nations. I can't describe how I feel being a missionary but I definitely feel Jesus Christ's love for me. We sang, "I Believe in Christ" and I started to cry.

"I believe in Christ, He stands supreme! From Him I'll gain my fondest dream. And while I strive through grief and pain, His voice is heard, "Ye shall obtain." I believe in Christ, so come what may. With Him I'll stand in that great day. When on the earth He comes again to rule among the Sons of men."

I believe in Christ! I know He is my Savior! I started singing that song and the spirit overwhelmed me with the realization of how much my brother Jesus Christ loves me. It is a love I cannot describe. I want the whole world to feel that love!

It frustrates me that so many people in this world are content with where they are in life and don't want to change. If they only knew. If they even had the tiniest of ideas how much the Savior loves them or what they could have with their families, people would be running up to us, begging us to teach them.

Something I realized being out here on a mission is how much I wish i would have been better at being a "member missionary". Elder Ballard came to talk to us this week and we were allowed to ask questions. Every single question a missionary would ask, Elder Ballard would ask them, Are you involving the members? He said that the Church needs its' members to stop just staying with each other, but reaching out and inviting non-members to dinner, activities and such.

As a missionary, I can see now how important you all are in this work. Really, you have no idea how much you mean to missionary work. It is just as much your responsibility as mine. I know you can do this! God is on your side.

I have a challenge for you this week: Will you invite a nonmember family to your homes for dinner one time during the month of August? And if possible, have the missionaries over as well. I promise you that just that act alone will change your life and spark a desire in your soul to bring others unto Christ.

Lesson I learned: I learned how to trust in God and not be afraid this week. There was a woman, Martha (our investigator) who was walking down the street from the pool the other day. In my mind, I thought, "Oh no she is pregnant, tired and busy," and honestly did not look very happy so I didn't want to go up and talk to her. But at that moment, Sis. Tardiff and I both looked at each other and knew we needed to talk to her.

She was so excited to talk to us. She said she was lost, didn't know what religion to join, and would love us to talk with her. We have now been teaching her for a week now and I know she will be baptized. God knows His children. We cannot be afraid in sharing the gospel. He knows who is ready — I don't. I know that as we trust in Him, and have faith that He is with us always, then God will send down the angels of Heaven and miracles will follow.

Shout outs:

Natassja: Girl, you are a native Londoner! I knew you would fit right in! That was so funny to hear that people are asking you for directions now. When you get time you will have to send me pictures:)

Jenna: Yay! I'm so glad you like work:) I know life is so crazy sometimes, but it always works out. This fall is going to be so great, I'm so excited for BYU to start!

Alex: Thank you so much for the mail. I can't believe you are starting medical school! Thanks for sharing those experiences!

Nick: I got your post card-thank you! I have been and will be praying for you to get a job. My companion and I both agree you are AMAZING at what you do. Dad sent pics of the blog- it looks fantastic!

Hannah: Thank you for the letter. I hope you get feeling better. You are amazing sis. You are a daughter of God. I know that because I have asked Him. You are special in His eyes, I hope you know that.

Chris: I heard you graduate from BYU soon. You are a STUD brother! So proud of you! Have you conquered that mountain you little sister beat you at yet? (I get to tease you about that until you climb it you know;))

Andy: Congrats on almost being married. That is SOOOOO great! I am so happy for you!

Well, time is up again, I love you all. You are amazing. Remember, God doesn't count the "number of times we fall in life, He counts the number of times we dust ourselves off and keep on going."

Battalion Brittany

Brittany just sent a "roll" of digital pictures back home the other day, so we felt like we should show you some. Unfortunately, there weren't a lot of them, so we'll post periodically. Hope you enjoy this picture of Brittany in her Battalion dress.

Pioneers, preaching and paradise fruit

Hello Family!

Thank you so much for writing me! I got all of your letters from last week late because my zone leaders forgot to give them to me! Thank you all so much for all of your support!

I am going to try and write a personal letter to you all, but I don’t know if I will run out of time this p-day. Just know how much I love you all. You have no idea how much it means to me to get your letters. I didn’t realize it until being on a mission myself, but what a difference a few words on a piece of paper can make. You lift my spirits — THANK YOU!.

Well, I got a lot of questions this time around, so let me try to answer some of them:

Where should we send letters?:
I am not allowed to email anyone but mom and dad. I can read your emails but I can only write you back. I might be slow at getting back to you, but I promise I will try to write. The mission home address is the place you write letters to. We can’t get mail to our apartment.

How many girls are in your apartment? Is it church-owned?
No, our apt isn’t church owned, there are other people living on the same floors as us. We only have two of us in one apartment though.

Where is the mission home from where you live?
The mission home is 20 minutes away. The Mormon Battalion is in Old Town San Diego. Chula Vista is seven minutes away from the Mexican border. We have a car, because our area is the furthest away from where we live.

Do you cook for yourself?
Yes. Except for we usually only have 15 minutes for meals as Battalion sisters, so even cooking is hard to squeeze in (don’t worry mom, I am eating my fruits and vegetables)!

What kind of music can you listen to?
We go by the mission handbook so any music that is uplifting and brings our minds closer to Christ. Nick, that would be wonderful if you could send me a CD. I didn’t bring any and they are awesome when we are driving in the car.

---

So a little about what is happening with me in San Diego. I love being a missionary! It is so hard sometimes, but so great! Actually, I think if you could catch a sneak peek of my time here so far, you would get a few good laughs.

Every p-day, Sister Tardiff wants to play sports with the elders at an outside basketball court near our apt. Those of you that know me know that Sister Newman and a basketball = DISASTER!

Another funny is driving. I HATE DRIVING! Mix that with California traffic, and you have one stressed out Sister Newman. Not as stressed out as when I was driving in England with you though dad!;-)

Sara, you would like this, actually I thought of Bobby when we went to a members house and she has a huge garden so we got to pick avocados from her tree. (Don't worry though, Bobby: I used my hands and not a rock, so no black eyes;) She also has a mango tree, a banana tree and a tangelo tree. The fruit here is SO DELICIOUS!

We have been so blessed to be able to teach a lot of people this week. Sister Tardiff is such a great teacher. She teaches by the Spirit and really helps them feel that for themselves. I am trying my hardest as well to tell these people what Heavenly Father needs them to hear. The hard part is when Heavenly Father tells me to tell them something they don't want to hear. It is kind of scary sometimes because I have had a few investigators get really upset at me, but thankfully, they must think I am too sweet to get too mad at. It is amazing though, Heavenly Father really knows what needs to be said and miracles happen when we listen to him.

Well time is almost up, but I want to leave you with a excerpt from my journal from this week. (and mom, this will answer the question about us working at the temple)

Entry 1: Today was another day of miracles. I don't know why it surprises me when a miracle comes my way- there are so many surrounding me! I think Heavenly Father has just given me a tender mercy of opening my eyes to notice all the miracles around me.

We started out at the temple this morning. Once a week, we have our turn being the "walking visitor center" and talking to people on the temple grounds and showing them pictures of the inside of the temple. Our goal was to get 2 referrals each. We were so blessed to have received 11 referrals. The most amazing thing was that most of the referrals came from the little children. One little girl started singing, "I love to see the temple" to us. Another little kid referred 4 of his friends. They have so much love, so much courage and so much honesty and purity. It was a great reminder of why Heavenly Father asks us to be as little children.

Entry 2: It was extra special working at the Mormon Battalion on Pioneer Day. No matter how many times I have taken tours or watched one of the pioneer movies, my heart is touched with the faith they had in Jesus Christ and the sacrifices they made. There is a quote from the tour that Zemira, one of the characters says:

"God gave us what we wanted most where we least expected it."

I don't think the Mormon Battalion realized the extent of what they were doing would bless the Saints for hundreds of years to come. I don't think the pioneers realized that their faith and courage would be an example to the nations, to families all over the world of what true Faith in Jesus Christ really means. I was thinking today that I think we all forget the effect every individual has in life. I am so grateful for Joseph Smith, for the pioneers and for every individual that has touched my life for the better. I hope to live up to their names an follow their example they set to go forward with faith never doubting never fearing in following the example of Jesus Christ.

Shout outs:

Natassja: thank you for the post card! You are the best. I hope you are having a wonderful time in London you lucky lucky girl!

Jessica: Thank you for the letter, I was so excited to hear how you are doing. I love you girl!

Grammy: You are the best, I love you so much and am so glad you and gramps are having a good time this summer with all of your adventures.

Hannah: Thank you for the letter and sharing your experiences with me. You are amazing sis and I know Heavenly Father is watching out for you.

Nick: Thank you for the email. I am keeping you in my prayers about applying for jobs. You are amazing at what you do. Dad showed me a clip of the blog- THANK YOU so much for doing that. It looks AMAZING!

Mom and Pops: As always thank you for your supporting words and guidance. You make me cry every time! I love you both. Thank you so much for the example that you give me! Mom, I know your lesson will be wonderful. I can’t tell you how much prayer means to me especially on this mission. He loves me and he loves you and I know that there is not one prayer that will ever go unanswered.

Sara and Chris: Did you ever get past that overhang we climbed before I left? You know, you can’t let your sis beat you like that! Let me know if you got it:) Hope you are having a wonderful summer.

Sara: How are you feeling about your next semester? You conquered the hardest part. You totally got this girl!

Time's up. Love you all!

Army crawling through San Diego

SAN DIEGO — Well, I made it a week in San Diego!!! I can't believe how fast the time is going already! Thank you for keeping me updated on everyone, I am so glad you are all doing well.

Mom, I can't believe you start school already, that is so crazy! I guess life just never seems to slow down! Are you empty-nesters now or is Sara back in town? How are my siblings? I haven't heard from them for a bit. Is Chris still doing school? When does Nick get to come home? How was Juli's trip? Is Hannah still working this summer? Thanks for letting me know about Brenton. I always knew he would be a rockin' missionary!

A little about me:

Things in San Diego are great. I got off the plane last week and got to spend the day at the mission home and then it was off to the Mormon Battalion.

My new companion's name is Sister Tardiff. She is from Boston. She is so great. We are both about the same size and everyone teases us that we look like we are 14. We serve with 22 other sisters — they are all so nice, it feels like a great big girls camp some days!

We live right next to the Battalion, so it is like 30-second walk: so nice! Our area is a place called Chula Vista — It is one of the more wealthier places in San Diego. I already love the people so much.

I got to the Mormon Battalion on Wednesday and there was no time to catch my breath. I took five tours my first day and by my third day, I started taking tours by myself. The Mormon Battalion is so inspiring — these 500 men and women who walked 2,000 miles from Iowa to San Diego all because of their faith in Jesus Christ and obedience to what their prophet asked them is so inspiring to me. If they could do the hard things they did, I know that I definitely can do anything Heavenly Father asks me to do.

You are probably wondering how being a visitor center sister works — despite what everyone says about visitor center sisters, we have the least time of anyone! It is okay though, Heavenly Father somehow stretches time for us. We work at the Mormon Battalion for half of the day and then the other half we proselyte in our area. Then one day a week we work on the temple grounds and street contact people.

My first day in the field, we had a lesson with Vernell, who is one of our progressing investigators. Sister Tardiff didn't waste time getting me started teaching. Part way through the lesson, she just stopped and looked at me waiting for me to say something. Honestly, I was so scared, but thankfully Heavenly Father gives us His spirit to guide us, and I was able to say what He needed me to say to her.

Then on Thursday, Sister Tardiff had us army climb under a fence so we could get into the trailer park and help a lady named Blanca paint her trailer home. She accepted a copy of The Book of Mormon and wants us to come back to teach her. It has been a bumpy week, full of ups and downs, but I am humbled and excited to be preaching the gospel!

I want you all to know how much Heavenly Father loves you. Don't forget who you are — you are sons and daughters of a King! You can do hard things! Be bold in representing Jesus Christ. Don't hold back — we are all missionaries, we all have a duty to share the gospel, even if it is through a helping hand, a kind word or a warm smile. Share that love with others and I promise you that you will have more joy than you can imagine.

Let me know how going to church with a question in mind helped you receive revelation!? IF you haven't already, it is never to late, Try for this Sunday! ( I haven't forgotten I challenged you to that, now its time to follow up! You an do it!)

Shout outs:

Mom and Dad: Thank you for the letters, especially the ones I got at the mission home. I really appreciate all the support you give me — THANK YOU! You are the greatest parents ever, I am so glad I have you. Mom, thanks for the bedding and the Starbursts and the notes and everything — you are so great.

Kim and Ray: Thanks for updating me on you and your family. I am so glad they are doing well. I hope Miki had a good time at Oakcrest. I know that was one of the places that really helped strengthen my testimony. Thank you for writing me, really I appreciate it so much. Love you all.

Sister: How the heck are you? Tell me how school went and all your fun summer plans!:) You are such an amazing sister, thank you for inspiring me to be a better person — you are awesome!

Oh and please if you have any questions, Just ask. Sometimes I don't realize what you might like to know.