Pictures:

This is beautiful Dana Point!!!!

Sister Cooper, Katie White (awesome member who just left for mission in Idaho), Me

Another awesome week has gone by. Erik is still doing great. He loves meeting with us and decided to read the Book of Mormon in two weeks which means he has to read 40 pages a day. He is pretty busy in the Marines but stays up late with a flashlight under his covers so he can read! He is from Hawaii so I'm pretty excited to have that new connection! Mitzi got a job and is still doing awesome. She felt the spirit pretty strongly again on Sunday and is continually progressing and changing. She told us on Sunday night that she wants to get baptized. We still have some things to clear up first but how awesome is that? Also, Dallin, who lives with Rocky and the gang and is less-active came to church on Sunday and liked it. He has been so much happier lately and he's almost 50 days sober!!!! Miracles are happening and the gospel is changing lives. It's pretty cool. Sister Cooper and I are interesting. We really are a lot different yet similar in so many ways. We are having fun together and have become really good buds with Mitzi. We ate last night with Joseph and Christina, a less-active and his girlfriend. They made carne asada which is my favorite and it was so super duper yummy! I love all of the good food here!

We had family home evening last night at Rocky's and I was asked to clog for them. I did a little jig which was fun, I sure miss clogging. I also got to play fetch last night with an old man's dog for awhile while we talked to him. It was fun! I love how beautiful it is here next to the ocean. School is starting and all of the vacationers are going home so it will be interesting to see how things change.

How are all of you? Well, I love you all lots and lots! Have a great day!

Love Sister London

Miracles

1. Sister Cooper, Mitzi, me and Arnie in the back of Rocky's pickup having a lesson one night

2. Arnie's baptism Sister Harrison (old companion from Mira Mesa) came so it was fun to see her

3. Arnie's baptism with Mitzi, Rocky, and Bob Cowan (Arnie's bud)

4. Me and Sister Denney. No worries, I haven't changed that much!

How is going back to school everyone? I must say that I am not jealous at all. This is the first summer in 16 years that hasn't ended with me going to school! I love it!

So, my new companion is Sister Cooper from Apple Valley California which is only two hours north! That's weird but she loves California so it all works out. It has been a great week we have just dug our feet in and got a lot accomplished. We get along well but just have different views on almost everything so it's fun. We have had a lot of luck talking to people throughout the day who are willing to meet with us which has been cool because that hasn't been the case for awhile. There are probably two highlights to the week: Mitzi and Erik

Mitzi is doing awesome. She has been meeting with us almost everyday since Arnie's baptism. Her heart has been softening gradually and she has sincerely been praying and reading and guess what!!!! She received her answer about the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and assurance that Joseph Smith is a prophet. This was her third week at church and after sacrament meeting she came up to me and told me she'd felt weird during one of the talks.....that she got goosebumps and couldn't keep tears from falling. I asked her what she thought that meant and she and I agreed that was her answer. That it was the spirit confirming truth to her. It was really awesome. She has changed so much from the depressed and sad girl I met 2 months ago to the happy and glowing girl she is now. It is so great! The best part about all of it is that the ward has really befriended her. We introduced her to a few girls and they invited her to a ward beach day and the next day at church she was hugging and saying hi to more people than I even know. She loves coming to church and going to activities. It is so awesome and it is going to change her life. On Sunday she took out all of her face piercings, not because we told her she needed to or even mentioned it but because she felt she should and couldn't explain why. Miracles are happening because a week ago she would have freaked out if we'd even mentioned anything about the piercings. She also keeps making comments about how she needs new clothes so she can be more modest. A transforation is happening!!!!

Erik is another miracle. He is a 20 year old Marine who was dating a mormon girl who is the daughter of one of our mission presidency members. He's gone to church in another ward for 3 months and never met with the missionaries. He got our number and called us! The first lesson was incredible and he committed to be baptized on September 25th but we are moving it up because he will be ready in less time than that. He calls us "his missionaries" and loves meeting with us. It's fun to have a fan club. He commited last night to read the Book of Mormon in two weeks which means reading around 40 pages/day. He is so excited about it and asked for additional homework on top of that! It is at times like these that you can't help but love being a missionary.

Another awesome thing this week was watching Arnie break the bread for the sacrament. He had the biggest grin on his face! He also got a calling as a ward missionary and is super excited!

Also this week me and Samantha, an investigator's 11 year old daughter flew a kite with dental floss as string- it worked great! My new zone leader is the elder who drove me the most crazy in the mtc so that is fun- luckily we've both changed a little. The less-actives we are working with are doing really awesome. Juan, Bryce, and Joe. Joe is my buddy. He has become my adoptive big brother so family....you'll most likely meet him someday. Well, gotta go but I hope you are all doing really well. I love you all lots and lots! Have an awesome week!

Love, Sister London

Arnie's Baptism

Well, another transfer is going to start today. Sister Denney is getting transfered which means that some other blessed sister will get to come to the best area!!! I really do love Dana Point. It is beautiful, nice and breezy, usually under 90 degrees, and the people are great! This was a great week. Arnie got baptized and it was incredible. There were a ton of people there and not a dry eye. Arnie's been waiting almost 2 years for this so he was more than ready for it and the spirit was there to confirm to him that he really did make the right decision. It was the most spiritual baptism I've ever seen. When he came up out of the water he had the biggest smile on his face and tears running down his cheeks. His sister Mitzi even got teary eyed and his uncle Gustavo asked us to start teaching him!! So many people are going to hear the gospel because of Arnie! His confirmation was powerful too and his priesthood ordination. This is what it is all about! It is crazy because immediately after he recieved the Holy Ghost I could tell a difference like he didn't need us really anymore like before. I don't know how to explain it but I know he will be ok on his own now because he's a part of a great ward who love him. Of course we'll still be around for him especially because things with Mitzi are going so well! Mizti is a lot of fun and we're becoming great friends. I'm sad Sister Denney is leaving but I'm starting to love change on my mission- it comes when it is needed and I am excited to dig my feet in and get to work in this area. There is a ton more that could be done and I can't wait to start. I am doing well besides being a little freaked out that my half way mark passed this week (sister Denney informed me). Well, I'll just keep doing what I'm doing and pray for time to slow down. I love you all so much. I hope starting school this week goes really well. Be smart and don't forget that I love you all lots and lots. Thanks for everything,

Love, Sister London

Pictures

Hello Family:

Exciting things this week: Arnie's baptism and Brian is back from jail so we can teach him again!!!! Yay!!!! Also, Arnie's sister Mitzi is now taking the lessons too. She came to church with a friend and asked us during relief society if she could have the lessons! We love when that happens- miracles everywhere. Hope all is well with you all, I love you lots and lots. Hope you enjoy the pictures.

Some Pictures:

Mike's baptism (he is the one with dark hair next to the blond girl)

Khris's baptism- she is the little one!

The other picture is a group of us at Arnie's house. His mom made a yummy mexican soup and homemade real strawberry lemonade. These are some of my favorite people. The young girl sitting next to Arnie is Mitzi.

Sister London

New Frigde!!

We got a new fridge! Today we got a new fridge because while attempting to defrost ours this week we hit a tube we shouldn't have and so we needed a new fridge. It was pretty exciting because after a week of not having one we realized how much we rely on simple things like a way to keep our food cold.

Khris got confirmed this week which was great. She is a really sweet girl. It was so cool because right after she spoke in sacrament and the once shy/quiet girl acted like it was completely natural for her to be up there talking. It was so cool becasue it was just a 5 minute transformation that happened just after she received the gift of the Holy Ghost. It was a testimony builder for me. The gospel is so cool. Mike got the priesthood this week too which is super cool. I'm going to miss him. He is leaving for Rice University in Texas this week for school. I am still loving it. I love this area. Transfers are in two week so we'll see how much longer I get to stay in paradise.

There are some really cool guys in the singles ward who are just coming back to church and it is so cool to see how happy doing what is right makes them. It is a really neat thing. It's cool because one of them, Joe, is like the brother I never had. He is so much fun and pumped up about the gospel. We have so much fun reading a cool scripture and then high fiving because it is so cool- we get pretty excited. I'm making a lot of great lifetime friends. I still am amazed by how many people I have come in contact with from around the world. We are now teaching Franz. He is from South Africa and the boyfriend of a recent convert. He is so awesome and has had a ton of really cool spiritual experiences in his lifetime. People really are being prepared to hear the gospel. I love that I get to be the mouthpiece that is there at the right time and right place. The weather here in Dana Point is perfect but I'm sad to admit that I'm not getting much of a tan. It really isn't ever that hot here. But believe me, I'm not complaining becasue I love it and I could be somewhere inland where it is 20-30 degrees hotter. I can't believe school is almost starting again. That is crazy. My companion keeps making fun of me because I jump everytime I see a little lizard run across the sidewalk...they are everywhere. Hey at least I can keep her entertained. Sister Early left to go back to Belgium so she will be missed. I learned a lot from her. Well, family....I hope you enjoy the last few days of summer vacation. I hope you all got a chance to slip n slide this year!

Love Sister London

The truth changes people

I love the people here that we teach. I love the change that I am seeing. I don't know how to explain it, but it's true what they say....the truth changes people. This week Mike (19) got baptized. He is incredible. He is a very shy guy who just graduated from high school. His girlfriend is a year older and home from byu for the summer. He found out about church from her but was never really interested until one day it just happened that he was so we began teaching him and now about a month or so later he got baptized. He is still awkward and shy but he has opened up and there really is a light that comes off of him. We will be friends forever- literally and I love that. His dad wasn't super supportive but he showed up though he wasn't going to and I saw both of his parents get teary-eyed. They felt the spirit and his dad, who never really supported any of his activities (band concerts, ect) was proud of his son. Mike got up and bore his testimony. He was so nervous walking up to the front but once he started talking he was fine. He gave a really powerful testimony and I think his parents were a little shocked by his honest and sincere conviction. It was so neat! Khris also got baptized this week and she too has changed a lot. Her boyfriend is a less active who is coming back and there were a lot of things they both had to stop doing in order for her to be baptized and they did and she is now a member and getting the holy ghost on sunday. I don't think I ever realized the importance of the gospel and how lucky we really are. Once people find the answers it changes their lives. I can't imaging not having come on my mission. How could I have gone through life not having this perspective. It is changing me and I love it. Now for the most exciting news of the week. Arnie met with President Cook on Sunday night. The intention of the meeting was to see if we could get an exception from SLC so Arnie could be baptized because his probation was restarted for another 2 years because of a mistake the court made which would prevent him from getting baptized. Arnie has been waiting 1.5 years. That is a long time to wait. He met with President while Rocky, Early, Sister D. and I all went into a classroom to pray. It was a cool experience. We all prayed out loud for Arnie and President Cook and for God's will to be done. We came out and President Cook told us that arnie's probation is for a misdemeanor and not a felony so he saw no reason why Arnie couldn't be baptized. We all started hugging each other and were super excited but Arnie was no where to be found. He came around the corner and ran and clicked his heels together he was so excited. It was incredible the smile on his face. I've never seen anyone so happy. Real happiness!!!!! Love ya, Sister London

Hi

This weeks happenings:

Well, turns out Jerusalem man didn't show for our lesson and when we called to find out why he said that he wasn't interested in meeting unless it was one on one because he doesn't like too many opinions being thrown around. Well, that isn't the way it works for missionaries- no meeting with creepy guys one on one- We told him we could arrange for him to meet with someone from the ward but he declined and said he might be interested at another time when we could meet one on one. Needless to say that is not really going to happen. Then later in the week, we went to check on a potential investigator who lives with his girlfriends mom while looking for his own place. Well, he wasn't home we found out quickly, but his girlfriends mom was. She answered the door in her underwear and it was quite traumatic!!! We asked if we could talk to her for a few minutes because she'd been asking the church to send some ladies over instead of Elders because there were things she just couldn't talk to the Elders about. She is basically like a TV preacher who yells praises to the Lord randomly every so often just to make sure you're not falling asleep. She kept telling us we were angels sent to her which could be true but she was pretty off the wall. She told us that our names meant things and that we shouldn't ever change our names because that would be detrimental to our salvation. She told us all about her crazy life and thoughts about Bible passages. My favorite part however, was when she stood up and sang us an entire song in an opera voice- actions included!!!!. It was such a great mission experience. I wish you could have been there just to see how nuts it was. However, it was fairly entertaining and gave us a good laugh. We told her that we couldn't come back because she isn't in our family ward area and she was pretty bummed because there was so much more she wanted to get our opinions about. So we thought we'd avoided her for the most part after being very nice about it. So we come around the corner at church the next day and guess who we see. We ducked into a classroom as quickly as we could because we heard her calling our names to find us. It was a hoot. Normally, I don't hide from potential investigators but she scares us a little and we weren't sure what would happen. So we escape and apparently she left but at the end of church the Bishop tells us that she left a present for us in his office. We went to check it out and she had bought us a karaoke machine!!! It is super hardcore too. Why a karaoke machine? ??? We have no idea. It was an expensive one too. I couldn't stop laughing about it. She must have recognized that we'd be good karaoeke folk! She also included a folder of poems and a note to us telling us more about our names and I can't forget the article about her family from the National Enquirer!!! So now we have a karaoke machine that we can't use until after our missions- we'll probably donate it to the ward. It was so funny and random. I'm sure there will be more to add to that story soon! It's pretty random but so fun. I love all of the great people I am meeting. Sister London

Picture:

Me and Dominique Rublecava (member) feeding each other ice cream yummy. Her dad is the ward mission leader and so we hang out a lot

Interesting people

Here is a funny story that I will be sure to email Ryan about. We were in a park the other day sitting on a bench going over some planning stuff and a guy approached wearing a little skirt- super short, a tight man t-shirt, a red baseball cap, and he had red painted toenails. Ok, so I hate to admit it but even as a missionary my first thought was, "yeah, that's weird and he's not going to be interested" So we were about to pass and I don't remember how but somehow we started talking to him. He is from Jerusalem but has lived here 20 or so years. He has multiple master degrees, is on his second marriage, and works for the state as an engineer. Come to find out he was fascinating and really interested. He got our number and after kissing our hands goodbye (out of respect so he said) we left only to realize that we didn't get his info. I was pretty bummed but the next day he called and wanted to learn more about mormons- about everything so that maybe he could become one!!!! We couldn't meet that day but tonight we are going to see him. It's pretty funny because I think he doesn't realize what he is getting himself into. I'm really hoping that he is not a creepy guy but really just genuinely wanting to know more. Also, last night we passed a guy at a bus stop who told us that we looked pretty down and should smoke some herbs. I think that was my first drug offer. All sort of great things in California. I love it here, I really do. It actually is a really safe city and I love the ocean though I can't see it as closely as I would like to. I think that I am getting lost more and more in the work because I don't thing about not getting lost in the work anymore. I love the singles ward and being around such fun people all the time. We are also teaching an awesome lady susan and her two daughters Samantha 11 and Lily 7. Susan holds a sign at a street corner for money and lives in a motel. She is the sweetest lady and such a good mom and woman. It's given me perspective about how everyone is a child of God. We just got done having lunch with them. It was so fun to see them so excited to get whatever they wanted. I love being here. It is the best thing I've ever done. I don't know how I will ever leave. Thanks for all of the prayers and the support. I know God answers prayers. There is this YSA girl who just got baptized who kept asking her boss for Sunday's off and he wouldn't budge. We met with her last week and told her to pray about it and to ask for help to know how to approach her boss. She did and he said he would give her Sunday's off!!!!! Miracles!!!!!!!!! Small and big, they are there for us. The Lord already has them prepared, we just have to ask for them. Well, gotta go but I love you lots and lots!!!

Love, Sister London

Another transfer in Dana Point!!!

My apartment

Thenh (formerly lived with Rocky), me, Early, rocky, arnie

Dallin and Brian added to the fun

Christa and Gigi's baptism

I'm staying!!!!!!!! I am so glad that I am staying here. I love Dana Point! I was a little nervous this go around that I would get transfered because I like it to much! But I'm safe for another 6 weeks. Arnie has been the focus of our week. He is so great. We see him everyday and talk to him at least twice a day. He is a great guy; great spirit and attitude and a ton of fun to be around. He is dong great staying away from the alcohol. He has such admirable dedication and courage. He is the most humble person I know. The whole house where Arnie lives is pretty fun. So there is Rocky who is the main guy at the house. He is in his 50's and own his own landscape company. Then there is Arnie who is 32ish. Dallin is in his early 20's and is actually a less-active member. Lastly, there is Brian who is also ready to be baptized but waiting for his probation to be up. Rocky is just a great guy who takes in all of these guys and helps them straighten out their lives. He is full of wisdom and insight. Rocky's special friend Early, from Belgium but originally Taiwan is here visiting this week. She is a hoot and we have had a lot of fun getting to know each other. She loves missionaries and takes us to lunch all the time. I am getting to know so many great people. I love it! The sun is shining and I love being here! I miss you all and love you lots! Have a great week!

Love Sister London

NYLONS

Hi everyone. My 4th of July was great. Got to see some fireworks and eat a hotdog. Don't worry mom, I played patriotic music and marched around in the morning! My new mission president and his wife are awesome! I love them and guess what!!!!!! A new missionary dress code.......NO MORE NYLONS except for on Sunday or at meetings and SKIRTS ONLY HAVE TO COVER YOUR KNEES WHEN YOU SIT-no more pioneer skirts!!!!! No wonder I love the new President, he came with great news. I almost jumped out of my seat with excitement at the no nylon news!!!!!!! The baptism was so great this week. I loved it and will try to send you all pictures! We have two more with baptism dates for July!!!! I will write a good update email next week. Have a great day all of you and feel free to write me some letters!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love, Sister London

Happy 4th!!

Hi everybody!!!!!!!

I just jammed my hand playing dodgeball with my district so typing is a little slow- the joys of dodgeball! This has been a good week. Tomorrow is Christa and Gigi's baptism and I am so excited. They are more than ready and I can't wait for them to recieve the Holy Ghost and the constant help that comes from having it. They are such fun girls. I'll be sure to send a picture next week! Today is President Brady's last day and tomorrow President Cook will be here. I will miss President Brady, he is a good man who I have learned a lot from but I look forward to the Cooks and the lessons they have to teach. They are from Logan so I may be a bit prejudiced! Yesterday, Mike, the 18 year old boyfriend of a YSA member accepted baptism for the 24th of July!!!!!!!! He is a little quiet and shy but he has a testimony of the Book of Mormon and knows this is the church Christ established when He was on the earth. He found out because he prayed to know and the Holy Ghost testified the truth to him. I love that I'm on the Lord's side. I don't have to convince people or prove that this is the true church, the Lord himself testifies the truth to them. I am just the gatherer. We also met with a man Brian and his wife Marybeth. We knocked on his door awhile back and everytime we went back wasn't a great time but we set up an appointment and taught the Restoration. They are amazing people. He is the kindest person and she is rad- she is on a rowing team and super buff! Neither of them have much religion in their lives and I am excited to see how the gospel will increase their happiness. I love that too. The gospel and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-saints is here to help people increase their happiness. Who doesn't want more happiness? Sister Denney and I are having fun. We're pooped but we're having a good time. I love the YSA ward, they are a blast! I love teaching my peers the gospel. This week we have had a ton of great contacts where we have just been able to help people on the street with concerns they have. I love it!!!

I hope you are all well. Love ya,

Sister London

Beautiful Cali

The sun is shining and it's a great day! I love California. Gigi and Christa are still on for baptism on the 30th! They are so awesome. They are best friends who are excited for baptism and truly are ready. They have their interviews tonight! This will be the first baptism I've been a part of and it will be a double!!! I got a letter from Sister Harrison last week and Hector and Charlie- the ones who were remodeling their apartment who I love( it must have had something to do with all the power tools)- are getting baptized the end of July!!!! I am so excited for them. Hector made me promise that I would write every week for the rest of my mission so we'll be ever better buds by the end of my mission which is coming much too soon for comfort. I'm 2 months away from half-way. All of you who are praying for the time to go quickly better stop because time is going way too quickly for my liking- not that I don't miss you all of course. We picked up a new investigator named Mike this week. He is 18 and the boyfriend of a 19 year old member. He was taught a little bit by the elders in their area but he just got turned over to us because he is YSA age. He has already read the Book of Mormon and believes it it true. He also says the Restoration of the Gospel makes sense and he is excited to learn more! We love to hear that! I don't know if I've told you all about Arnie, but he is pretty incredible. He is in his early 30's. He grew up with alcoholic parents and has had a pretty rough life. He was "rescued" by Rocky, a member who takes people into his home and helps them figure out life. Arnie has been investigating for almost a year and a half but can't be baptized yet because he is on probation for a little longer. I have not known Arnie long yet I can see how the Gospel has changed his life. It is so amazing! He is a really great guy. It is so fun to teach him because he just soaks it all up. He loves it and will call us to have us tell him more scriptures to read or things to do that will help him throughout the week. We had a cool experience fasting with him yesterday. It was the first time he'd done it for 24 hours and I saw his testimony strenghten in just a day. It's so awesome to be a part of this work! Brian also lives with Arnie and Rocky and is an investigator. He is a really funny kid who is 19 and also waiting to be baptized until he is off probation. We also have taught 2 really hard lessons this week with Colby, a YSA age lady who lives in a mansion with her parents, and Daniel, an extremely smart and well-versed kid. Both of the lessons left my head hurting because of the deep questions that they asked. There is so much that we don't know the answer to yet that really isn't important to our eternal salvation but some people just can't get past those things. It's frustrating at times but we just do our part and let Heavenly Father do the rest. I am continuously being challenged by new experiences and constantly receiving tender mercies from the Lord. Today I dragged Sister Denney into a thrift/costume shop that was going out of business just for fun and I loved it. They have vintage clothing for any theme you could think of! It was super fun! I also had time to just sit for a few minutes today which hasn't happened for 2 months- it was great! I hope you are all well and that you had a great Father's Day. I did, especially when I pondered about all of the great things our Heavenly Father does for us- we are so lucky! I love you all!

Love, Sister London

Dana Point

Hi everyone!!!! Guess what!! I finally felt an earthquake last night. It still wasn't an earth splitting one but it was long enough that I couldn't set it aside as being just a big truck driving by. It was so cool!!!! Things here are going well. I am loving having two wards, especially the singles ward. They are great kids and it is so fun to teach them. I am writing a letter this week to all of you hopefully that will tell you about all of the great people we are teaching. The greatest part of the week was "our miracle" . President Brady is going home in a few weeks and as a mission he set an inspired goal that every companionship in the mission could have 3 baptisms between April and the end of June. I just got transferred in and they have only had one here so far so that meant we needed two. We have covered all our available bases looking for those 2 who are ready to be baptized and we're getting down to the wire. From the ones we've met with, most are great and willing to learn, but won't be ready in two weeks. We've been praying to find someone and yesterday after the earthquake (which happened while we were teaching a lesson) we had a message on our phone from Gigi and Kristen. They are two YSA aged girls who were former investigators about a month ago. They have started coming back to church and activites and I haven't even met them. This is what the message said, "Hi sisters, this is gigi and kristen and we're calling because we want to be baptized as soon as possible so give us a call back !!!!!!!!" Jinkies, the Lord loves us! I am amazed by how he works. It truly isn't until we've done all we can that he provides a way. In this case a way for two of his daughters to receive the blessings of baptism and the Holy Ghost which they have been waiting for and for us to be able to be a part of it. On top of that it helps us to reach the goals of an inspired mission president! I love it!!!!!! Well, I gotta go, but I love you all and hope summer is off to a great start!

Love, Sister London

Pictures: My new area- foggy mostly these days because of June gloom, Sister Denney, me, Max (member) and Kalani (YSA member), Me sister Tauteoli and sister Denney (all of us were at the mtc together),

Transferred!!!\

Hello family,

I'm by the OCEAN!!!!! I am now in Dana Point which is so fun because this is one of the places I came when I was here last March for Spring Break so it was somewhat familiar. It is beautiful minus the fact that I'm here for June Gloom which means that it is overcast almost everyday and every now and then it burns off but it is still pretty foggy and hard to tell the difference between the sky and the ocean. However, it is a lot cooler than Mira Mesa was so I am appreciative of that and it is just so cool knowing the ocean is here so close. I think everyone here drives either a lexus, mercedes, or a BMW. It's going to be a shocker to come back to mini van world!!!! I am companions with Sister Denny who I was at the MTC with! It has been fun not having to get to know each other and just being able to start into the work. She is originally from Afton, Wyo. but her parents just moved to South Jordan. I live in a super cute apartment that is only a three minute walk from the ocean so I am enjoying it because I can gurarantee I'll never be rich enough to live somewhere like this again. We are over a family ward and a singles ward!!!! I was so excited about the singles ward because the work there is always on fire. In just a week two members have brought friends to an activity and they want to learn more!!!! Bishop Lark is a nut with a ton of energy and it is just fun to be with others my own age and share the gospel with them. The family ward is struggling a little more with the work.. I think it comes down to motivation. A ward can become so much more unified when misisonary work is going well so I have high hopes. It's cool because my last companion Sister Harrison was here for 7 months before she came to Mira Mesa so everyone knows her and Sister Fesolai was here the last transfer before she went home. Basically, we've all just switched around! I am crazy busy lately and going a little crazy trying to find my way around this place. Luckily, someone let us borrow a gps! What a lifesaver!!!! I've met some super fun members and am excited for this area. I hope you are all doing well. I miss you all and hope you enjoy the first part of summer. Keep writing letters- I must say it's dwindled a bit lately. If you write me, I'll write you....deal?????? I get to go to the Newport Beach temple today! I love you all. This is God's church on the earth again!

Love, Sister London

Chucky Cheese!!!

Well, family....here's a sad story. Last Tuesday I wrote an awesome super detailed and exciting email and guess what? It got erased two minutes before my computer time was up. So sorry you didn't hear from me last week. I'll try my best to re-create the goodness.

I got to see John Garcia on May 6th!!!! We went to dinner with him and the Kunzs. It was so great to see him though he was walking with a cane and looked a little worse for wear. He was still in great spirits and a tease like always, and of course excited to see us. We had a great time chatting and catching up. He still hasn't been able to meet with the missionaries in Arizona because of where he is living but he is still reading the Book of Mormon, especially when he needs a boost! Music to my ears! After we finished eating he told us the "thing" he had to tell us. He told us that he has a terminal illness and has about a year to live which is why he moved to be closer to his family. I was a little surprised, but I could see it in his eyes before he even said the words. It hit me hard because I feel dad is close to John and I've grown to love John so much. I guess it just hit a little too close to home. I was sad yet I really feel peace about the whole thing and that this is the way it is supposed to be. John is a stud, he has no fear. He knows God and I am not worried about him. I still don't know if he'll be baptized before his time comes but I am confident that dad will definitely take over the teaching on the other side and John will accept, maybe this is the only way it will be possible for him. I testified to John that God loves him and that He has a plan for him. He got teary-eyed and told me that he and I are family. Of course I already knew this but it felt good to hear him say it. He said something that was kind of neat. He said that I have been the only missionary that he has trusted and really felt he could open up to. He said the others would say things just because they were supposed to. He could tell that I was sincere and so I told him about the strong spirit I felt everytime I prepared to teach him and how I knew exactly what it was the Lord needed John to hear and all I did was say what I felt I was supposed to say. I told him about how I feel dad close to me when I am around him and that really touched him. I don't know why life happens the way it does but I will forever be grateful to have met John Garcia. He has had a big impact on my life. I'll just keep on taking his advice. Everytime he says goodbye he says, "do me a favor....keep smiling"

Also, that day Jeanette accepted baptism which is awesome. She is married with 4 kids but she and her husband work opposite hours so we can never teach all of them at once. It was pretty neat because we taught about how we need to follow the Savior's example and we asked if she would be baptized by someone holding the priesthood authority of God and she said, "of course"!!!!! That is what we like to hear!

We also met Hector this week who is super cool! He has a 12 year old son Charlie. They just bought an apartment and are fixing it up. Hector was the one to talk to us, he thought he recognized Sister Harrison. He owns a construction company and works on his place (which had been completely destroyed by the last tenant) after work. We volunteered to help and have since put up crown molding and painted! I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!! Finally a service project up my alley and he asks for my opinion!!!!!!!!!!! The Powells (super great members) came with us to help too and Hector and Charlie came to church on Sunday and really enjoyed it! I love this place!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You honestly never know what you are going to get.

Also we've had some cool teaching opportunities with visitors who are just passing by. One was a man staying with Sister Evans and her husband. He had a lot of great questions. Another was a man who brought his nonmember girlfriend to church on their way though town. Both were really great teaching opportunities.

Other exciting news. Laulo accepted baptism and we are teaching his wife and 4 year old son. Also, Ueshari (from India) told us that if God told her she needed to be baptized, she would do it! It's fun to meet with her and find out about her culture. She is a sweetie and we are excited to see the gospel change her life.

I went to my first bible study last night and it was really great. A missionary from another church had talked to the Elders and they arranged for us to go in there place. There was no bashing just a little yelling as the preacher exuberantly tried to get points across. It was pretty crazy because the spirit was almost there a few times and then he would raise his voice and it would disappear. It was a great experience and I learned a lot yet there is just something missing. There are so many great people with great faith, but that faith could become so much greater and more meaningful through the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

Dustin continues to progress. Last week he prayed at the end of our lesson-something he hasn't done in 10 years and he is reading the Book of Mormon. He is changing and the crazy part is that he has no idea how much he's already changed. It is so rad to be a part of that process. Dulce is doing awesome too. She works a ton but wants so badly to meet with us because of the "good" she feels when we are in her home! Lives are changing!!!! It is so great!!!!

On a funny note, we set off the Quinns' security alarm the other morning. They didn't tell us it would be on but I'm sure after that 6:30 a.m. wake up call they won't forget again!!! Also, last p-day my companion and I went to chuck-e-cheese and played skee ball. It was a blast. Our friend Anna came with us and brought her friend's mom! I know a weird combo but it was really fun. That is the only exciting thing there is to do in our area so mom- thanks for all the money spent letting me and dad play skee ball at Lagoon. I still have the skills!

It was great to talk to a few of you on Mother's Day, I miss you all and love you lots.

Love, Sister London

May!!

Hi, it's me again!

Great things have happened this week. The fruits of our labors are finally getting ripe!!!!!! First of all an update on last week: We haven't met with the India man nor the woman-Ueshari. The Brigham City guy went to the singles ward family home evening and liked it and we met with him again. He's still not convinced that meeting with us, ect. is going to have that much of an affect but he agreed to start reading the Book of Mormon. He's a good guy. Now for the excitement let me tell you all about Dulce. She is in her 30's and married with two kids. She has no real religious background and the first time we met with her she was interested and thought the things we said were good but hadn't taken the time to read what we had left with her. Well, we went back yesterday and she told us that she feels so good. She read the part we left with her and even shared it with her husband who isn't really interested in religion at all. She told him that when we are there she feels different and when she reads it gives her this feeling that she can't describe! She even told her friend whose church she goes to sometimes about us and how she is feeling about the gospel. The spirit was really strong when she told us this. I wish you could all have been there because I just can't explain it, but for the first time I've seen someone who truly is ready for the gospel. She is ready. There is no need for us to convince her in the slightest. All we have to do is give the message and because she is ready, the spirit is speaking to her and testifying of the truth and she is absorbing it like a sponge. It is so awesome!!!! She truly has a new light about her and she wants that feeling she's felt to be with her all the time. I saw someone change. It's incredible. The gospel of Jesus Christ will change her life!

Another cool thing that happened was as we were leaving Dulce's we met Miguel and set up to come back to teach him next week. Our next appointment fell through so we went back to see if we could teach him then. We did and it was a great lesson. Jesus, another potential we haven't been able to get a hold of was there too. They had great questions and the spirit was strong. People are ready!!!!! As my companion and I have humbled ourselves and been more obedient we are being blessed to find those who are ready. I love it!!!!

Have a great week, I love you all!

Sister London

It's almost May!!

Hi everybody!!!!!!!!!! Happy Tuesday. I love Tuesdays!!!! I don't know why but it seems like I have a ton of energy on Tuesdays and not as much other days. I think I like having a little change of schedule. Guess what!!!! John Garcia is coming to visit on Saturday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am very excited if you can't tell. I think I had to stay this transfer in this area just because of him coming. I am looking forward to helping to uplift and encourage him to meet with the missionaries in Arizona and continue living the way he knows he should. I haven't had a chance to talk to him about whether or not they have met up since he left California for Arizona. I have still yet to have a spiritual experience that equals that of the one with John. Things this week have been going well. We have taught quite a few lessons and continued to work with less and non active members which sometimes is my favorite to teach because they already have a base knowledge and you can get a lot deeper. It is amazing how many of their concerns could have been resolved had they just had a good ward friend. It is so important to fellowship members who are having a hard time in our wards. It makes all the difference.

As far as investigators go we are having a blast sharing the gospel with them. I love how many great people I get to meet from all over the world. For example....last night we sat in the apartment of a man from India who shared all sorts of fascinating things with us. He is a sweet old man who loves his home land. He told us all about his guru and we told him all about the prophet. He's pretty funny and I wish I could better understand what he is saying but when he laughs, you can't help but laugh along with him. He is pretty into Hinduism but he agreed to read the Book of Mormon! We also met with another lady from India earlier who we contacted last week. Her husband is here working for a few years like many men from India do. They have a 5 year old son. She is pretty fascinating. She is the only one in her family who believes in Jesus Christ. She has received a lot of grief about it as you can imagine. Her husband doesn't even really support her but will let her go to whatever church she wants, he just won't go with her. It was pretty neat because it is fairly uncommon for us to find someone from India who believes in Christ already. The only problem now is that we need to find a translater and that is near impossible. However, she is ready to hear the gospel so somehow it will work out! The guy from Brigham city is still letting us teach him. We straight up told him why we were there last week and that if he really wasn't into it we could leave him alone. He said he was willing to hear the lessons. That is a huge step-it is a big deal that he is finally attempting to open up a little. He over-analyzes everything, so it has been interesting but I have great faith that he already knows that it is true and he just has to be reassured a little.
Today we got to go out of our area to Target so I could get my watch fixed. It was like being in a completely different world. It's so wierd how quickly you get into the missionary mode.

So apparently all of my friends and relatives are getting married or having babies!!!! Natalie is getting married????? Heather is having a kid in July?????? What is happening to all of you? Don't you know you are supposed to put your lives on hold for another year? I better get pictures!!!! I am also freaking out a little that my 2 darling nephews Alex and Kader will be turning 16!!!!!!!!!! I was just barely 16!!!!!!!!!!! I'm bummed I can't be there but I guess I'll just leave the 3 months of scary permit driving with the boys to all of you! Good luck!!!!!!!!!!! Well, sorry this is a scatter brained email. I love you all and am loving my mission. Thanks for all the love and support. Feel free to write anytime!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pictures:

*I had the brilliant idea to tape my nylons to the railing so they wouldn't blow away. My comp thought I was nuts.

*This is my last district. They were a blast-sorry my eyes are closed-too many flashes

6 more weeks....here I come!!!

[Editor's note: Sorry for the slack in postings. I'll update now and try to do better in staying on top of things!]

Hey Ya'll

I'm staying here for another transfer! Yes, that will mean that after the next 6 week transfer I will have been here in my first area for 6 months! Sister Harrison is going home after this transfer so it is more than likely that I will still stay another to help a new sister figure out the area before I move on. That will mean I'll have been in my first area for 7.5 months which is pretty uncommon. I'm glad to be staying, I love this area and my ward is incredible. We have picked up about 12 new investigators in the past 2 weeks which is fun! Some of them even speak English now that I'm getting used to using my mad Spanish skills! There is this guy from Brigham City ( random I know). He was up on his apartment balcony smoking when we started talking to him. He was reluctant at first but after we found out where he was from and started talking about common things-me going to USU and both of us being from Utah, he opened up a bit and agreed to let us come again. We took a 27 year old sister with us who is in the marines to the lesson and it was perfect because he used to be a marine and she had some great experiences that she shared with him. I'm amazed at the power members have to make a difference. I honestly don't know if he'd have listened to us without her being there. So my member family and friends......go with the missionaries to appointments and share your experiences with their investigators- it is what makes the difference!!!!! Anyways, he is very objective in the way he views things and is pretty set on his opinions of why he doesn't need the church. He doesn't want to believe and he doesn't want to not believe. He's scared he'll believe but I think deep down he already does. It's fun to teach someone who already know so much because you can get deeper into things. I have a lot of faith in him being converted and finding so much more happiness in his life.

On the sad side of things, Santiago moved. He missed an appointment with our mission president which isn't like him and we couldn't get a hold of him. Come to find out, his brother found a job for him in Riverside so he moved. He didn't even tell us or say goodbye. On the bright side, we are praying they have a spanish branch and missionaries there for him. It will help him so much to be able to understand what is happening at church. The Lord will provide a way for him. We have taught a few families this week which has been fun. There is so much more to life and such happiness that can be ours as we live the gospel. I love seeing it change people.

Hannah Bannana, as I call her, (the 9 year old whose parents' are less active) is so fun. We have so much fun teaching her. Whenever we talk about the Holy Ghost or the blessings that can give us power and strength she puts her arms up in the air and does a little dance while she says loudly, "I've got the POWER!!!!" It is so funny and she's got us doing it all the time now too. Another crazy thing is we found out our investigator Tony, is brothers with another investigators boyfriend Eldin who supposedly is a member! The connections are crazy. I think the Lord is just double checking that we teach this family. We also got to help Sister Chapman this week, her son is struggling so we rounded up some food for her to give him. She doesn't have much herself yet she still wants to help. She may not be ready for the gospel yet but she trusts us and knows there is something different about us and that we will help her. I still love Neveah her grandaughter. She and Kyra would love to play with each other. Maybe someday. Well, I love you all so much. Keep chugging along in your busy lives and know that the Lord is the engineer whose driving!

Love ya,

Sister London

California happenins'

What a great week! We have 9 new investigators- part of which are two families!!! It has been an awesome week of being obedient and seeing results. Man, a mission is hard but it is so fun. It really is becoming fun. I love contacting people- just walking up to them and saying hey, I know a way you can have more happiness in your life! They look at you strangely because you just spoke to them.... yeah, no one waves or talks to each other here-no one even knows their neighbors! It's nuts! Don't worry, we wave and talk to everyone! I've met a few strange folk but it's a blast! We even got a note on our car the other day encouraging us to be "born again" and giving us some scripture references to "help" us. Little does our little windshield friend know that all of the verses he included we believe in! It's funny the perceptions people have about us. My favorite reply when contacting someone is, "oh, I'm a Christian" We say, "awesome, so are we, you'd love the Book of Mormon- it testifies of the Christ that we both believe in. Don't you think it would be important to get as close to him as we can?" They then give you the "oh, no.....they got me there" look and give us their address and phone number ( in the perfect world that is!) It's fun!!! It rained again this week. I'm pretty tired of the rain but today is beautiful and it does cool it down a bit. Transfers are coming up. We'll find out on Saturday night who is staying and/or going. Sister Fesolai, my trainer who is serving in Dana Point is going home this transfer and leaving on Tuesday morning so even if I did get to go to transfer meeting I wouldn't get to see her again which is sad. Who knows how soon I'll be able to visit New Zealand. I guess we'll all just have to plan a trip there when I get home!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Whose in???????

While tracting the other day I saw the coolest thing. One of the houses had cut/trimmed/sculpted the bushes in front of their house to form their house number. It was so cool! This week we've spent a lot of time with a less active/recent convert sister. She has a truck load of medical problems and is trying to sell her house. It is always fun to be around her and over the months I've been here we've become good friends. We had a neat experience the other day after helping her get the house ready for an open house. She completely opened up to us and admitted that she was having trouble with her faith. We had an awesome discussion about faith and God's love and prayed with her. It was neat. Missionary work is not just finding new people, it is sustaining those we already have. I love working with less actives. I was given a blessing a few months ago when I was told that most of my time and effort would go to helping less-actives and part-members. I am seeing that come to pass and I love it. Look for those in your wards who may need some help. The gospel isn't easy to live and there are many who need help- help them so they can receive the same great blessings you and I do.

Santiago is still on the path to his May 1st baptism. He is so awesome! He has come to church 5 times now! He loves it. He loves the Book of Mormon. Often when we teach, we'll read a chapter with him and he'll continue reading to himself instead of listening to what we say! I love it!!!! I have really seen the Book of Mormon change his life. I'd always heard and believed it had that power but now I know it does! It relates to everything we do. Last week Santiago got some new roommates. One of them sat in on one of our discussions and asked if he could have a Book of Mormon!!!! We said yes of course and invited him to be taught also. He accepted. Two days later we were teaching Santiago again and a different new roommate sat in and was interested in learning more. It was crazy!!!! We told him of course too and now have two new investigators. I have a strong testimony of missionary work being led by the Lord. We were grateful to be teaching Santiago....little did we now that through him two others would hear about the gospel! It is so awesome. I love it!

Another one of our new investigators is Jesus. He talks so much and it is all in spanish. It's pretty funny because he talks to us like we know what he's saying and he knows we don't. Our translator says Jesus is somewhat of a poet. It's crazy fun teaching all of these spanish speakers. I love it so much!

Sorry this is a random email. I am just writing as fast as I can all that comes to mind. Well, I love ya lots! Thanks for all of the Easter letters and packages it makes my day and my companion jealous- I love it! Remember the Lord in all you do this week!

Love, Sister London

Pictures I've included: Me having a staring contest with a bird of paradise (my favorite plant here), cool sunset

No time!

I LOVE CALIFORNIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This weather is amazing. Why do we live in Utah???? Oh yeah, it's because milk is $4/gallon here. I remember....

Sorry all, not much time this week. Things are going well with the work. I'll update you all next week. I love you all!!!

Love Sister London

Happy Saint Patty's Day!

Thanks for the Saint Patty's decorations mom! I was so excited! No worries- this was a much better week! Today it is supposed to be 80 degrees!!!! I love it now but in about two weeks I won't be loving it so much. Yesterday while out tracting it was hot. Yep...hot in March...just wait until August.

This week we taught Cinnamon (her real name is Nancy but everyone calls her Cinnamon) She is a spunky 80 year old woman who is so funny. She was imitating a weather reporter who struts around and played the part quite well. She is hilarious. She has an amazing ancestry. Her great grandma was a slave and the one to warn all of the cotton workers when the guards were coming so they could stop praying and continue to work so they wouldn't get whipped. She is so excited about the book of mormon and we sang her a song that she loved. Yep...I felt like we should sing to her so we did. Sister Harrison is a singer but I'm not big on singing to people or in front of people for that matter so she was excited that I would do it for Cinnamon. We have an appointment to go back and read to her from the Book of Mormon and we are very excited. She doesn't know that it is our intention to convert her yet, but with time and help from our Heavenly Father it will happen soon enough.

We have also had a lot of fun contacting people this week. We have gotten into a lot of good conversations with people. Usually most are not interested and just move on but this week a good 7-8 actually stopped to talk to us. It is amazing how messed up a lot of people's perceptions of God and religion are. I've heard some pretty random things.

Everyone here is pretty excited for Sunday because Elder Perry is coming to talk to my stake. I guess there's never been an apostle here so it's a big deal. We're hoping he'll talk to just us missionaries but no word yet so probably not. We are still teaching our spanish speakers and finding more everyday. It's a challenge to get them to church but we keep trying. They all do really well with the lessons and enjoy it they just won't show up to church. It's hard too because it's a bit of a drive to get there so those without cars need rides.

We've been doing a lot of member work this week which has been fun. We've made it a goal to talk to 10 ward members/week including less actives and active members. We had a cool experience with a less active a few days ago. There is a Relief Society Party coming up so taking invites to some less actives was a great excuse to stop by. We stopped at one sister's house and were invited in. She was nice but seemed a bit apprehensive at first. We started talking to her and soon she warmed up and we found out that she grew up in the church. She married a Catholic and moved to Texas a few years later and just didn't end up finding a ward to go to and hasn't been since really. She doesn't know why she stopped. She still believes and prays everyday. She agreed to let us come back again and said she had nothing against coming back and she knew her husband would be supportive of whatever she did. Crazy how some just fall away for no reason. All she needed was someone to go out of their way to invite her to church and she may have never fallen away. She is a great lady and we're hopeful she'll be reactivated and we will be able to teach the rest of her family as well. It's amazing how someone can fall away so quickly from something so trivial as moving and by not taking initiative we can lose so many blessings. To top it all off she plays tennis!!!! She plays almost everyday and is on a competitive team. How cool is that?

We're still teaching Hannah who turns 9 on Saturday. She is getting baptized in May. We taught her about tithing and gave her more candy than she could hold to represent the blessings received from paying her tithing. She definitely wants to pay her tithing!!!

I am still loving this area I am going to miss it when I leave. I know the gospel is true. That repentance changes our lives. The Lord's plan is perfect. The gospel is meant to be shared. Speak up and share what you believe. I promise it is not as hard as we think it is. The Lord only blesses and helps us when we do all we can- just think if you shared his plan with someone the blessings that would come!

Sister London

Faith, Faith , Faith. ......

Well, I'm not going to lie. It's been a crappy week. Yep, that's right.....not so good. We have had a hard time setting solid appointments with any of our investigators. They all have family in town or work random hours or don't return our calls and it's a bit frustrating. Most of our investigators can only meet with us once a week which is not good compared to the 2-3 times we are supposed to meet with them. When people have long breaks in between visits they forget the good feelings they had and fall further away. The hardest thing is finding something to do between the hours of 7:30-9:00 P.M. Most people are getting ready for bed by 8:00 around here so we can't just stop by because they have kids and tracting at that hour is out of the question. Any thoughts on what we could do? We have tried almost everything we know to do and haven't had a ton of success yet. I love that we are teaching so many spanish speaking investigators but it sure is difficult to get a hold of them because we have to have a member who speaks spanish call them and set up appointments and their work schedules change so much that often they are not there when we go. And to top it all off we got hounded by 2 bashers this week who tried to "show us the way" and tell us that all we believe is untrue. Yep, two in one week. One just approached us in a parking lot and the other was the roommate of a lady we are teaching who was baptized 5 years ago but inactive. It's interesting because bible bashers don't want to share what they believe with you...they just want to yell at you while they tell you that you're wrong but it's nothing personal ------excuse me,,, when you attack my beliefs you have just gotten personal! It is so hard to just keep your mouth shut and not give replies back. I tried to calmly address on one issue and soon realized that it was wasted effort. All you can do is walk away having done your best to treat the situation as the Savior would. So, yep, a fun week. Yet.... after a delightful ice cream pity party last night we are ready to start anew! Transfers are this Wednesday but I am staying put and so is Sister Harrison. She goes home in two transfers so it wouldn't surprise me if I stayed here until then too. I love this area and finally know my way around so I'm happy. We are trying to figure out ways to get members more involved with our work because it is so much easier when members refer their friends and are a part of the conversion process. Just since I've been here I've seen that those who have a member fellowshipper do so much better. We are still teaching Adrian but he's sick this week. It was pretty funny last week because they took us to eat at a mexican resaurant and we taught him about faith while we were there. We blindfolded him and put some candy in front of him and had him feel it and related it to faith. Two guys walked in and asked what kind of a game we were playing. It was funny because when we explained what we were doing they just gave us that look -so if you hear rumors flying that mormons eat blindfolded in Mexican restaurants you'll know that rumor started in California! They thought we were pretty weird. Adrian's ready for baptism too but has some issues to work out that we can't do anything about which is hard because he is more than ready. Santiago came to church!!!!! He is the most progressing of anyone we are teaching because he has a solid fellowshipper who comes with us to appointments and gives him rides to church. Even though he doesn't understand english he still enjoys church and is patient with us trying to figure out how to help our spanish speakers at church. It's so hard for them to feel welcome at church when most of the people don't speak their language and thus it's hard to get to know people. Santiago is strong and really believes so I guess those little details won't make a huge difference. We were so excited to take Jason to the singles ward family home evening last night because it was at the President Quinn's home so we could go because it was in our area. We had it all set up...we were going to pass him off to the singles ward elders to teach and introduce him to some of the members. Fifteen minutes before, he called and said he couldn't go because a friend of his was in a bind and he had to go and help her. Good excuse but now we don't know what to do with him! He's a good kid and it will work out! Faith, Faith , Faith. ...... I know I need it and I know how to get it (I teach people that everyday) but it is easier said than done. Our faith grows stronger with trials. I think I'm about ready for it to stop growing so the trials can stop and the work can move forward. Keep the prayers and letters coming cause I need them. Sorry if this sounds like a sad email but now I've vented it all and things can move forward. I really am doing well. I am meeting so many great people. I did the math the other day and by the end of my mission I will have contacted at least 11,000 people. Isn't that awesome. The message of the restoration of the gospel is true and thus I am here spreading the word even when it seems like no one cares. Heavenly Father cares about all his children so the work must go on! I love you all!

Sister London

Keep 'em coming!

Hello everyone...
First of all, note the new email address. It is interesting how all of these things like my email and address that are never supposed to change have all changed. Oh well, just go with the flow. I should receive emails sent to the other address until the end of the month but make sure you remember the new address so we won't lose track of each other.
It's March. I like March. This week has been great. I don't remember what I've told you all because I can't keep track of days/weeks for the life of me so I'll just tell you what I can think of and sorry if it's a repeat.
We have 6 spanish speaking only investigators and no spanish elders so it is up to us to take members along to translate and it has been so great. We have taught Santiago 3 times now and he understands the importance of baptism but doesn't want to make such a big commitment until he feels he is ready. He has been in the US for 10 years. His wife and his children are still in Guatemala. It is a common case here and it is so sad because these great men can't be with their families because they have to come here to work. It's a sad thing to see but a reality. I love how humble and accepting of the gospel all of our "spanish speakers" (as we lovingly refer to them) are. It is fun to use the limited spanish skills I have and they all get a kick out of it too. Adrian is still doing well and we're working with him to fix his past so he can get baptized. The others we're teaching are Manuel and Tony, Juan and Jose, and Glori who has 3 children! We have only met with the latter people once so far but it is going well. The find of the week was Jason. He jogged past us on the sidewalk while we were talking to a woman and kind of gave us a weird look but kept going. We ran into him on his way back on the corner and stopped him. He said he'd never seem girl missionaries and that's why he gave us a double take. He thought it was neat because he'd only seen elders. We told him that we'd like to come and share more with him and we invited him to church after he asked if we had services the next day. He was pretty funny and we had a good time chatting on the corner. He is 25 and in the Marines. He is soon being released on medical discharge because of his knee and will go back to Indiana. We got his info and met with him later in the week. We taught him on base outside of McDonalds on a picnic table with Sister Powell (our ward missionary who lives on base- she's awesome). It was a great lesson and he understood everything and was pretty receptive. He came to church the next Sunday and said it was fun and interesting how everything is organized. He will have to be turned over to the Elders because he's under 30 and should be in the singles ward- which is sometimes a pain because we find all of these great people and can't teach them. Either way, Jason is awesome and I think ready for the gospel in his life. It's fun to be a part of this work. Also this week we have taught Hannah. She will be 9 in April/May when she gets baptized so she counts as an investigator. Her parents are less active and so is her grandma. We often meet with the grandma too. It's fun to teach Hannah because we can just sit on the floor and teach her with all of our cheesy object lessons. I found a place that has yummy tortillas almost as good as the real thing in Mexico. I got whistled at for the first time as a missionary the other day and I fulfilled my goal of stopping someone on a bike to talk to them. It was pretty fun! I am happy to say that the weather has been so beautiful. I don't know how I will ever be able to adjust to Utah weather again. It's perfect here minus all of the lizzards that are everywhere and freak me out all of the time. I guess that is still better than snakes. The other gross thing is all of the snails that you step on accidentally. Yucky.... Anyway, all is well. Sister Harrison is finally starting to understand my craziness and has chosen just to accept it and humor me. I am starting to get a farmers tan which is fun and I am on my 25th something pair of nylons/knee highs in case any of you were wondering. I miss you all lots and lots. Thanks for all of the emails and the prayers. Keep em coming because I sure need them. Life is hard for all of us- that is part of the plan. Choose to accept that and move on. Do the best you can with what you have because there are so many who have it harder than we do. If you need a boost and want to hear about some let me know and I'll give you some examples. It's amazing how when we choose to use our agency (isn't it weird that we choose to use our agency?) for good we learn and grow? Anyway, that is my preachin' for the day!
Love ya lots!
Sister London


Lori's trip to the San Diego Temple last week.