I never understood the phrase "submitting cheerfully to God's will" until now.

(This is post from Mom)

This is a bit difficult to write so please bear with me.  It is Christmas Eve and I am waiting for Paige to come home.  I've missed her so very much.  It's been difficult to have both her and Kirsten not here for Christmas this year.  The house feels so very empty.  It's about to get a little more crowded again.

Paige is coming home this week.  She will probably arrive here on Thursday or Friday.  I will know more a bit later this morning.  We've had a very difficult time over the past week as we've been waiting for the decision of whether or not this was the best thing for her at this time in her mission and we now have the answer.  I do not know much about what is happening or why exactly.  That's part of the way that a mission works - not a lot of ability to communicate about things.  You just kind of have to wait to be acted upon as a parent.  That's they way it is and that is ok.  Difficult to endure sometimes but ok.  I am confused.  I do not understand.  As I have wrestled with the conflicted feelings I have had as a mom there are a few things that have "risen to the surface" for me.  I would like to share those things with you now.

First:  We are all children of a loving Heavenly Father who loves us, collectively and individually, more than anything.  That is why He sent His Son into the world to provide a way for us to return and live with Him someday.

Second:  Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us.  This plan is specific to us as individuals and allows us to have opportunities to develop and grow into the person God would have us become.  This plan includes the things that we clearly see as blessings in our lives - family, friends, faith, gospel opportunities, temporal things - and challenges and weaknesses that we are given so that we can grow and that become blessings in our lives if we choose to allow them to become so.  These challenges and weaknesses allow us to develop strength and fortification to our spirits as we work through them and learn to glorify God in all things as we learn that all things work together for His and our good.

Third:  Paige has been serving and loving the people of Arizona fully and completely the past six months.  She has served obediently and has been as "exact" as any of us can be in doing what she has been called to do on a daily basis.  She has developed great love for the individuals and families she has met and has been blessed to grow spiritually as she has been an instrument in helping others develop their testimonies of Jesus Christ and His restored gospel.  She has learned to love as the Savior loves - accepting each of us where and how we are and helping us to grow from there.  I'm very proud of her and the development she has undergone during her time away.  It has been and will continue to be a blessing of eternal significance for her and her family, now and in the future.

Fourth:  Paige is coming home.  She has served faithfully.  I do not know much more than that.  I really don't need to.  I need to know how best to support her as she makes the transition back to "normal" life.  I need to be patient with her as she determines whether or not she will be returning to the mission field in a few months.  She has that choice.  I think that is significant.  I don't know.  I know that this will be a difficult time for her as she answers the questions of well meaning people.  I hope that she will feel the love and support of her friends.  I hope that people will be kind.  I hope that she continues to feel the love of the Savior in her life as she is embraced upon her arrival and that she will know how much she is loved and how proud we all are of her.  I pray for continued peace that this is the right thing for her at this time.  My heart says it is but my head starts to run away with it all in the middle of the night.  Of course this is not what I would wish.  So much of life isn't "what I would wish" for any of my children but I return to #2 above.  Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us.  Paige knows that this is part of His plan for her.  I know that this is part of His plan for her.  I hope that each of you who love her will know that this is part of His plan for her, too.  If you are unsure of how best to love and support her because you just don't know what to do or say then please read this article:  http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865591983/LDS-missionaries-developing-strategies-to-cope-with-stress.html.  It has some very helpful counsel to help us all be more sensitive to the needs of missionaries who return home early.

Fifth:  Paige is really happy and at peace.  She told me on the phone this morning that she's the happiest she's been in years.  Here's a quote from a letter Doug received from her in the past week:  "I'm really excited to get to skype y'all on Christmas.  I'm pretty sure I will be going home.  I never understood the phrase "submitting cheerfully to God's will" until now.  I don't care what it takes to get me to the celestial kingdom.  I don't care what trials I may face.  I know I have Christ here beside me, helping me every step of the way, AND the support of you and mom. And I KNOW i will get there."  

Sixth (really a continuation of #2, above):  I am thankful for the challenges and weaknesses I have been blessed with.  I have become a much better person as I have been stretched and challenged in ways I would not have chosen for myself.  I know Paige is learning the same kinds of lessons as she is stretched and challenged in her own ways.  Sometimes life just hurts. We don't know why things are the way they are.  We don't really need to.  What I do know is that Heavenly Father is in control and that it will be fine.  As a matter of fact, it will be better than fine.  It will be as it should be because it is His plan and His plan is perfect.

I am thankful for a loving Father who knows best how to help His children grow and develop.  I am thankful to know that He loves me individually, as He loves each of His children.  I am thankful for His Son, who makes ALL things possible.  I am thankful to know that He is patient as I learn and grow and strive to be more like Him.  I know that patience extends to each of us.  I know that the fullness of Christ's church has been restored to the earth in preparation of His return.  I know that as we try our very best and learn to rely upon His arm we will be prepared to greet Him in this life or the next.  I have a strong hope for an eternal life with my Heavenly Father, surrounded by my family and those I love, and know that through my Savior that this is possible.  I am thankful and blessed.

We are excited to see Paige.  We've missed her terribly.  Please contact Paige and welcome her home.  She will be happy to reestablish her friendships.  She is happy.  She is doing good things.  That is just what a mother wants for her children.  How could I not be happy?

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!

I found my favorite hymn. It's one I've heard a billion times, but it means the absolute world to me right now.

 

I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me,

Confused at the grace that so fully He proffers me.

I tremble to know that for me He was crucified,

That for me, a sinner, He suffered, He bled and died.

I marvel that He would descend from his throne divine

To rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine,

That He should extend his great love unto such as I,

Sufficient to own, to redeem, and to justify.

I think of His hands pierced and bleeding to pay the debt!

Such mercy, such love and devotion can I forget?

No, no, I will praise and adore at the mercy seat,

Until at the glorified throne I kneel at His feet.

Oh, it is wonderful that He should care for me

Enough to die for me!

Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!

 

I know that Jesus Christ lives. I know that through His atoning sacrifice, each of us can be made clean again.  I know that He has a perfect plan for each of us.  I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow in this life, and that I can be with my family forever.  I am grateful for God's willingness to sacrifice His own Son so that we can ALL live with Him again.  I know that sometimes, life is hard, but each of us can get through any trial we are faced with, because we have Christ guiding us.  I love this gospel with all of my heart.  I love each of you, as well.  Thank you for always being there for me, and for understanding and supporting me and encouraging me to become who I truly am meant to become.

 

Merry Christmas, everyone. :)

We Ding-dong Ditched with Cookies and a YOLO sign! Yes, i'm twelve.

(Mom's Note:  She found her camera cord so there are lots and lots of photos!  Makes me happy to see her sweet smile and beautiful little face!!!)

Hey mom!

I don't really know what to say this week.  It's been a really confusingly amazing week and I am so grateful for Jesus Christ and for His Atonement.  I am happy and I am healthy. 

This past week, we have been going around to the members' homes, sharing a message about Christ.  PLUS I've seen so many miracles!  ALSO I HAVE THE COOLEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT FOR YOU! and Kirsten, and Kenna,  but mostly you.  I'm pretty dang excited about it.  We almost went to a Catholic mass!  I'm going to send you a longer email later for the blog.

I love you so much, mom.  I am so grateful for you and for the sacrifices you make for me every day.  Thank you for your love and for your support.  Seriously, you are my best friend.

I'll talk to you soon!

Green Smoothies!

Happy Six Month "Birthday" (12/12/13)

Ah!  A lighter!!!

How does this . . . ?

FLAME!

I THINK can... I THINK I can...

I CAN"T

Same Idea, Different Day

We Called for Reinforcements. . . and gasoline!

I BET this will work!

BUURN, BABY, BUURN!!!

With "The Gibby" . . . Getting Cancer Together!

P-Day Bowling.  I'm not very good but I'm totally rockin the ugly Christmas Sweater!

Making Candy Cars!

See!  I did it!!!

Ding-dong Ditched with Cookies and a YOLO sign!  Yes, i'm twelve.

Coolest tree EVER!!!  Merry Christmas from Arizona!

That is what happens when you bribe an AP with filet mignon!

(This is number 2 of 2 posted today.)

SISTER GIBBY IS MY COMPANION IN THE SAME AREA AGAINNN!!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ME!

:)  :)  :)  (That is what happens when you bribe an AP with filet mignon . . . that he will get in a year . . .  just kidding . . .  (Almost)  [Mom's Note:  I'm sure she doesn't realize that the AP was a very smart boy as he procured a steak in a year over something which he didn't have much control over anyway!  I'm sure President Killpack makes all those decisions!!!]

So that is super happy.

The work is going along GREAT!  We have two baptismal dates set for January 4th.  The ********. The ones who made funeral potatoes.  Go figure.  She's a Mormon.  But I'M SO EXCITED ABOUT IT!

PLUS I get to see your faces soon for Christmas!  I'm just really in a great mood today, in case you couldn't tell.  But I don't know how it works.  Nobody has told us yet.  UUUUGH.

I had a week straight from the devil, I'm pretty sure.  It was really really reeeeaaalllyyyy rough.  But then I was told that Sister Gibby was staying ( a few days earlier than i should have known . . . LOOOVE THE APS!!) and we got two baptismal dates.  SO opposition in all things.

We went to a farmers market on Saturday and they had really cool jewelry and stuff but it was all expensive so I'm making everyone's Christmas gifts. They will probably get there late.  (Sorry.  I'm awful.)

Uhhhmm..

OH! I finished reading The Infinite Atonement!  It seriously helped me so so so much.  Plus it gave me a headache and made me nauseous at points because I had to think really hard about some of it but it was really cool.

I can't even tell you a lot because this week was slow but we did see ********.   She straight up told us that she doesn't believe a word we say, and I just calmly explained to her why we serve missions and that if she isn't interested in the things we teach, we don't have to come over.

We will see how that goes.

We had TWO thanksgiving dinners, and I ate THREE PIECES of apple pie

(By way of explanation I wasn't able to get Paige's blog posted from last week so this week there are two!  This is number 1 of 2.  Enjoy!!!)

MOOOOM!

I love you!

This week has been really really good.  Nothing too huge has happened, except we have a family we are teaching that I love. I think I mentioned them previously. . . the ********.  (Take all names out, always.) They're really really sweet and we have a church tour scheduled with them for Saturday.  Thursday we had TWO thanksgiving dinners, and I ate THREE PIECES of apple pie.  Don't worry. I got my pie ;)  Haha.

After dinners, Sister Gibby and I went to the ********** and we made CANDY CARS. It was crazy fun. Unfortunately, I do not have pictures.  Well.  I do.  But I'm stupid and lost my cord.  So I don't know what to do.  But anyways...

Friday I woke up completely unable to breathe or move. It was about a minute or two before the alarm went off, and I was gasping and crying and couldn't do anything.  Sister Gibby woke up at 6:30 and I managed to get out, "I can't breathe!".   She came over and helped me sit up to try to help my airway, and everything hurt SO bad.  It was really really scary.  She asked what I wanted to do, and I said, "call the Elders. I need a blessing."  So she tried to find service in our apartment.  It took about 10 minutes to finally get service, but she called them.  They said they'd come over and help out.  She then ran next door (we live with a nurse) and grabbed Sister ******.  They came back and put some essential oils on my back that help with pain and she checked to see what was wrong.  We couldn't figure it out.  The Elders came over with the Zone Leaders and gave me a blessing, and I was healed!  It still hurts, but it is a million times better than it was.

And now . . . shoes.  Send me pictures of Clarks and stuff.  I'll pick.  I'm trying to think of things i want for Christmas . . . and I don't have much in mind.

Except maybe a typewriter.  That would be legit.

I get made fun of for being a hipster missionary.

I'll send you a list in the mail of things I can think of that would be nice.

A voice recorder would be cool..

"The mom cooked funeral potatoes so I think she is basically a Mormon..."

I have so many crazy stories for this week that I am not sure where to start.  I want to start with the little miracles first, and then tell you about the amazing opportunity I had on Friday.  AH I AM SO EXCITED TO BE EMAILING TODAY!

OKAY! So first off, we found SEVEN investigators this week.  One is a family of four, mom and three kids. The dad is less-active in the church. and let me tell you, they are GOLDEN. They want us to come over every Saturday and teach them and we had dinner with them on Saturday and they are just absolutely incredible.  The mom cooked funeral potatoes so I think she is basically a Mormon.

We went on exchanges this week.  My new sister training leader is a lot like Sister Eyre in a lot of ways so I had a lot of fun on Tuesday.  We taught the ****** and found out a lot about their religious background and how we can best help them.  They have religious trust issues.  They found out that they were lied to as children in the ******** church so they are a bit cautious, which I think is a total blessing because they will definitely recognize the truth when they feel it.  I absolutely adore them.  We went back to see them on Thursday, and they were too busy to meet with us, but ****** said that she read the pamphlets we left with her and she wants to read all the ones we have and do all the cross references for the Bible/Book of Mormon.  She is really trying to learn what is true and what isn't.  I'm really excited to go back and teach her this week.

We got six referrals from the *****.  They are an awesome family!

*****, another investigator, read Alma 32 like we challenged and was amazed when she realized that the Bible and the Book of Mormon teach the same things!  She's another one I have a lot of hope for.

I got the package!  Thank you so so so so so so so much. It came one day before it got FREEZING here! also I got Kenface's (McKenna) letter. Tell her she will have one shortly!

And now for Friday.

Elder Paul V. Johnson of the Seventy came to speak at our half-mission conference.  Three other missionaries and I got to sing in the conference.  I was absolutely terrified, because:  1. I was singing in front of over 100 missionaries, President Killpack and his wife, and his counselors; 2. I learned the song two days prior to the conference; 3. I was singing the 2nd soprano part (alone) at 8:00 in the morning, and had to hit a high E. and THEN to top it all off; 4. a general authority was there.  Surprisingly, I think I actually hit all the notes.  Before the conference started Elder Johnson came around and shook hands with all of us.  I thought that was super cool to get to shake hands with someone who is really close with President Monson.  He was telling us about the last time he got a letter asking him to speak in General Conference and he read, "You will be speaking for 12 minutes, following Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf."  His reaction: "Great.  HOW am I going to follow THAT?!"  Hahah.  I liked him.  He was way funny.

After the conference, we all were eating lunch, and one of the APs came up and said, "Sister Chatterton, make sure you stick around for a bit after pictures.  Elder Johnson would like to have a personal interview."  My first thought, "great. what did I do?!" and then in the interview, he was so laid back and kind and I KNEW that he had such a strong conviction of this gospel and I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to spend a few minutes with him.  Out of over 100 missionaries, he picked me to come and talk to him.

I KNOW that this is the one true church on the face of the earth.  I know that it is Jesus Christ's church; the same one that He set up when He walked this earth.  I know that the Book of Mormon is true.  I know that we can each receive help and comfort from reading it.  Up until two weeks ago, I wasn't sure why I was really serving a mission, but I know now that there are lives that I need to touch because of my testimony.  I am so grateful for this opportunity that I have to be serving, and for my amazing, incredible parents who have provided me with the means to come out, not just temporal means but spiritual means as well.  I love this church.  I love knowing who I truly am -- a daughter of a King.  I love knowing who I can become.  I love all of you, so so much.  Thank you for your support and care.

Happy Thanksgiving, Y'all!!!

Sister Chatterton

Norma Lee who?

I met this really great family in one of our wards.  They're really friendly and funny and cynical and YouTube stalked me and now make fun of me for the high-out-of-my-mind wanting to kiss someone video (to explain:  this would be the video we posted after she had her wisdom teeth removed last December).... haha.  Also another family I love . . . the mom looks like a fairie.  They're having us over for Thanksgiving.  Their little boy drew me a picture.  I like them.  We taught ***** this week, and she is a fireball. She refuses to read the Book of Mormon until she knows it's true and that's fine and all but she won't know it's true until she reads it!!!  I'm basically at a brick wall here.  We might have to drop her, which is sad, but I know she feels the spirit when we're over there.  When we were teaching her she was asking where the evidence is that the things in the Book of Mormon actually happened.  Her reasoning was that she couldn't see them and she can see the streets that Jesus walked on in Jerusalem.  So, without thinking very much I said, "Well, how do you actually know He walked there?  People could be making it up."  She thought long and hard about that one.  I hope someday she comes to know that it's true, but I don't know if it will be in this lifetime.  We will be teaching her tomorrow.  I'm terrified.

We got a new ward mission leader for one of the wards.  He's awesome.  I knew I'd like him because when we were at dinner I asked one of the elders (who doesn't have a sense of humor), "So are you like severely blind or what?" and Brother Dougaard said, "..so are you like severely retarded or what?" I laughed so hard at that.  I like it when people make fun of me.

We went to a potluck! it was fun. I like Hawaiian food.  I also met another family I like a lot.  Their names are the ***** .  Super friendly.  Recent converts.  They have piercings and tattoos and I love them.

The second time we taught ***** this week, we showed her elder Holland's testimony of the Book of Mormon.  I cried the whole time.  I don't know why I keep crying so much, but I do.  A lot.  Not sad crying. Like spirit crying.  It's very out of character for me.  I'm disturbed.  But I realized how strong my own testimony is of the Book of Mormon and of Joseph Smith.  I never realized how much I believed it until I had someone questioning it.

We taught a total of 26 lessons this week.  It was a really really good week.  We also had interviews with President Killpack. 

Talk to you next week! Love you! BYYYEE!

ps  Christmas is SOOON!

pps  We watched Mr. Krueger's Christmas (I'm sure i spelled that wrong)

This is my only picture this week!

COUNTDOWN CLOCK WEBSITE

"I'm not typically one to go talk to random tattooed men . . . "

Sorry we didn't get to write yesterday!  (Libraries were closed due to Veteran's Day)  But anyways, this week was absolutely amazing.  We saw SO many miracles.  I can only write about a few cause we don't have much time, but whenever I get a real-life letter from y'all I'll send one back with more info ;)  Haha. (Yes, this is a bribe) but anywayyys . . .

 

We left our phone at a member's house Sunday night which typically isn't an issue except on Sunday when you have to call in your numbers and if you don't apparently everyone freaks out and thinks you're dead.  So that was fun!  But Monday morning when we were going to pick it up we saw this biker on the side of the road.  He looked like he was in distress.  Sister Gibby said we should stop to see if we can help. Now, I'm not typically one to go talk to random tattooed men on the side of the road, but it felt okay, so I flipped a U and we asked if we could do anything for him.  He needed a ride to his house to get an extra chain because his broke.  We aren't allowed to have anyone in our cars, so we said we would be right back with someone to help, and we got his number.  We went and got our phone (we had three million notifications) and we and the member went and picked him up and took him to his house.  He had a lot of questions about Mormons and told us about his life and we got to share with him what we do as missionaries.  He rejected a Book of Mormon, but he took a mormon.org card.  I'm sure that he will remember the kindness of the members of our church, and I'm so grateful for my airheadedness and the fact that I spaced grabbing the phone because we were able to plant a seed.

 

WHATABURGER!!!  This is one happy Texan!

 All in all, this week was the best one I've had.  Plus, I turned five today (Mom:  meaning that she's been out five months today!)  That's exciting. :)

 

Tell the family hi from me!

 

p.s.  Brandy sent me a package of Japanese candy!  SHE'S THE BEST.

Title: "My monkey toes are not good at gripping pencils" or "Glow sticks. We threw a rave." (I can't decide which title I prefer -- Mom)

The Field REALLY IS white!

Mom,

This past week has seriously been so incredible.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE my new ward and companion,  Sister Gibby.  She's 21 and a half and she's super tall and the most optimistic person I've ever met (without being annoyingly so) and I just adore her.  I think she was God's birthday present to me.  Also, (no offense) this birthday was one of the best I've ever had.

Me & Gibby -- My Birthday Present!

Gibby uses a magnifying glass -- cause she's so old!

Tuesday, we went to sports and unpacked (after her transfer to the new area) and taught a lesson to Shyann and Baylee (that IS how they spell their names).  They are getting baptized this Friday!  They're super sweet girls.  Their aunt was baptized recently and they've been going to church basically ever since! Wednesday we had a district meeting and I was challenged to draw my face with my foot.  My monkey toes are not good at gripping pencils.  It was a failed attempt.  Thursday we had to be in at 7:00 so we watched Finding Faith in Christ and played with glowsticks and made and decorated rice krispie treats. Friday we found a new investigator!  We're working a lot with less actives.  Saturday I had to take benadryl cause I got hives and promptly fell asleep.....

Birthday Rice Krispies

"Glow Sticks . We threw a rave."

So, as usual, I've been super annoying for the past month because my birthday was coming up and I was just SO excited about it! and everyone kept telling me not to get my hopes up because birthdays on the mission are no fun.  BUT they were all wrong.  I got a call from the elders who serve in our wards and they were like "uhhh.. your mom sent us a package."  So they brought it over (Saturday) and dropped it off to me and I know I should have waited but I totally opened it right there without waiting and i'm a terrible daughter but I'm so glad I did cause I got to wear my new clothes and jewelry ON my birthday (sorry) but i was just super super happy and then I got home and I had TWO letters!  One from Brandy and one from Justin.  I love that Brandy writes me.  She's such a fun lady.  So then Sister Gibby and I went to bed and the next morning I woke up and Sister Gibby had put up birthday signs for me and she's just so precious and nice.  Made my whole day.  We go to church and she literally tells EVERYONE that it's my birthday.  So I got PLENTY of birthday wishes.  One of the elders in our ward gave me a really neat book for my birthday!  I also got a call from Sister Eyre.  LOVE HER!  We had dinner at the Bishop's house (IT WAS HIS BIRTHDAY TOO!) and then got to teach some young women and it was just a really great day.   Also, I had to sing in Relief Society.  Sister Gibby also likes to tell everyone that I sing so there is plenty of that happening. I'll be singing at the Tucson Heritage Day, as well.

YAY! CAKE!!

Today we got taken to lunch by Brother Burger. It was a 50's diner and it was super cute and really really good and then they sang to me.

Little Anthony's Diner -- Love the Burgers (no pun intended)

It was really, really good!

They sang to me!

Q&A (from my letter since I still have to ask the mom questions):

Do you have lots of people to teach?  WE HAVE TONS.

Are the members nice?  Yes, very very nice.  They're all funny, too. must be something in the water.

How is it working with two wards???  Working with two wards is good, except we are at church for 7 hours every Sunday.  No complaints.  But maybe a little complaint.  That's a LOT of attention.

Do I understand correctly that you are living with a member?  Yes, kind of.  We live in a house attached to their house I guess. 

Is she nice?  They are a very nice family. 

How is it going with the new companion?  (See above -- "God's birthday present to me")

FIRST OF ALL DID I HAVE THE RIGHT ADDRESS FROM THE MISSION HOME FOR YOU?  NO.

Did you receive your package?  Yes.

I searched for things for you for a solid two weeks and was just more and more confused about what to send.  You did awesome, seriously. perfect job. I loved everything. Especially the fox because Sister Gibby and I were talking about foxes and the law of attraction happened and then I got a fox. (I answered her back to let her know that the fox was from her future sister-in-law and about all the hype of what a fox says!)

I hope for Christmas that you can help me out a little bit and let me know things that you are needing.  Yeahhh.. we will see.

If the address I sent the box to is correct then I will plan on sending out your coat, sweaters, etc., this week.  STILL SEND IT THIS WEEK. 

Have a great week, y'all!

The North Zone

Then I had this really strong impression that THAT is why I'm serving a mission: to teach people about the Atonement. It saved my life. It can save theirs.

(Mom's Note:  Transfers were today.  I bombarded her with questions and so her comments are a bit disjointed -- even more so than usual!  This it her blog post from several short emails back and forth.  Sorry, no pics this week.  She packed her camera cord during the transfer and couldn't upload them.)

I'm doing great!  My new companion is Sister Gibby and she loves to talk about everything and i love her a lot already.  Seriously, she's great.  I'll be serving over two wards and I don't know the names of them . . . My bad . . . but it'll be great.  She has been out one transfer less than me and I feel like we just click.  I'm really excited about it.

OH!  Richard got baptized Friday.  It was beautiful!!!  After I ate 18-20 ounces of steak for dinner (maybe that's why her thoughts are all over the place?  Hardened arteries?)  I have a problem . . . hahaha . . . but anyways, I got to see all of my "favorite-est" people yesterday and had to say bye to them.  I'm going to really miss that ward.

I can't even think right now enough to formulate any sentence right.  I didn't get much sleep last night.  I can't remember my week, only a few parts so this is going to be a super short email so I apologize. We had a lesson with Mary Anne on Friday and she is golden.  She's seriously been so prepared for the gospel and I'm so excited for her to receive it.  We got dropped by **********.  His wife told him he can't take the lessons any more :(  Sad cause he was way cool.  I'm really tired.  We went to the Bott's Sunday night for when we were getting our transfer calls and i was really worried because Elder Hansen (AP) told me that I wasn't getting transferred.  I was so confused because everything President had indicated to me was that I should expect a change.  Ugh.  Okay, so we get the call and I was seriously so excited.  Sister Gibby is the senior comp -- I think cause she's been in the area for her whole mission (2 whole transfers!) and so she knows it.  While we were talking about ourselves and our lives she told me that she has the impression that I was sent to this area for specific people.  I'm really excited!  I didn't get to draw last week cause we were busy doing stuff but I'll for sure get Sister Gibby to chalk with me because she loves art too!  We were meant to be companions.  I'm sure.

p.s. an elder in my last zone fell mildly in love with me and asked me to go on dates with him in 14 months.  I mildly told him off.  Yikes.

Yep!  Hahaha. I literally can't think, mom.  I'm sorry.  Last week was uneventful.  Every day is meshing together and I don't remember what happened last week.  I'll write about it in a letter and send it home when I have more sleep.

 OH!  Something cool did happen:

I was reading in the Infinite Atonement book y'all sent me and it occurred to me that it really is okay that I don't know everything about the Gospel because I really have a testimony of the Atonement, and if you only know one principle of the gospel, it should be the Atonement.  Then, at Zone Meeting I sent my notebook around to the Zone to have them write notes (We do that.  It's fun) and one Elder (my zone leader who has given me blessings before) wrote about how I will be able to pull through the hard times and influence people because of my testimony of the Atonement.  It was awesome to read that.  Then I had this really strong impression that THAT is why I'm serving a mission:  to teach people about the Atonement.  It saved my life.  It can save theirs.

Love all y'all!  Have a great week!

Richard's Baptism!

Me and Sister Garner Before the Transfer!

"WHO GAVE US A SNAKE?"

THIS WEEK HAS BEEN SO INCREDIBLE.  Mostly Saturday.  But I'll start with Monday.  I already told you about the six mile hike.

Tuesday we went and contacted a referral.  Her name is Kathy.  She told us to come back Thursday.  I also went in and talked to President again, at his request this time! It was nice to only be in there for five minutes.  I'm doing much better.

Wednesday we had our district meeting and I just love my district and zone so much.  I'm gonna miss all of them so much. (I'm likely going to be transferred next Tuesday).  We went and visited a ton of members, too. That's really all we've been doing lately. Just trying to get more referrals.

Thursday we got to go visit Kathy.  We fed her 4 week old kittens! I died.  They are so precious!  We had to bottle feed them and it was so much fun.  We taught her about the Restoration and I'm pretty sure she is the most golden person I have ever met in my life.  She was asking all sorts of questions about what happens to the people who didn't get a chance to hear about Christ because she doesn't think they should be damned (Mom's note:  one of my most favorite doctrinal beliefs).  She also asked to know what our standards are so she can start to live by them.

Friday nothing special happened.  Got everything set for Richard's baptism (this Friday, 25th).  Oh.  I lied. We got home and there was a box where we park our car, and I was on the phone with the district leaders and so I just got out and moved it and put in on the table in the house and went upstairs, and Sister Garner RUNS up the stairs and says, "WHO GAVE US A SNAKE?!" . . . (the members who we live with) called the cops.  Turns out it was Sister Bishop.  Pretty funny, actually.  So, i took a picture of it.  It was dead.

Sister Bishop's Contribution to Our Excitement

SATURDAY! We went and taught Orlando (an investigator Sister Eyre and I found on exchanges) and realized that he is SO ready to hear the gospel.  He asked US when church is and where and said he would try to make it and also make it to our Halloween party.  We then went to this side-of-the-road shop that I had seen a few times and wanted to stop by, and we talked to the owner.  She makes necklaces and bracelets.  She told us that if we come up with a good story to tell, she will help us make a bracelet out of it.  SO I KNOW HOW WERE GOING TO GET THE FIRST LESSON IN!  I'm super excited.  I also bought the most beautiful necklace I have ever seen (not that you really care about my jewelry) but it is so pretty.  She also gave me two pairs of free earrings because she loves me.  Her name is ****** Sparkle. HER LAST NAME REALLY IS SPARKLE!!  Insane.  

Most Beautiful Necklace, Ever

We then went and visited some members and had dinner and passed off Garrett to the YSA ward.  So, so sad.  I loved talking to him.  After dinner we stopped by to contact another referral.  We rang the doorbell twice.  She didn't answer the first time but then she came to the door and asked us how long our message would take.  We told her five minutes.  So she let us in.  During the explanation about the Book of Mormon she told us that her mother passed away a few months ago and that she wasn't over it but that she knew that if she came closer to God she would be able to still feel her mom's presence because she knows that she is with Him.  Long story short, she invited us back for next Saturday.  She also explained to us that:  1. she is never home at that time;  2. never leaves her gate unlocked  and, 3. never answers the door after dark but that she felt like she should that day.  It was truly a miracle.  We then got a text from the elders in our ward asking us to come to their pants burning party. (they burn ties at 6 months, a shirt at 12, pants at 18, and a suit at 24) so we doused (sp?) their pants in gasoline and set them on fire.  it was good fun.

Last night sister Garner and I had an hour and a half long comp inventory. It was really really helpful. 

Love all y'all!  Have a great week!!!

. . . I could use some bronzer, to be honest

I went on a six mile hike this morning and I am now suffering the consequences.  My hips have not forgiven me yet  BUT that's okay.  It was a lot of fun, and I got some pretty good pictures.  I've gotten to be super good friends with the elders in my zone.  I didn't get homesick after talking to y'all.  I still don't know why, but I don't get homesick.  It's like at college.  I just miss talking to y'all every day is more accurate.  Unless I'm sick, then I'm a total baby.  I got food poisoning Friday.  That was rough.  But some Elders brought me crackers and sprite, so I still get taken care of pretty well.  They're so sweet.  Also, I got to see my mom again! (that's Sister Eyre). We went on exchanges Saturday and GUESS WHAT?!?!?!

(pause for dramatic effect)

We found a new investigator.  His name is *******.  Mom was a Catholic.  Dad was Jehovah's Witness.  He's a Baptist.  Luckily, Sister Garner KNOWS the Bible well.  It's quite a relief.

But, anyway, I super miss Sister Eyre.  She really is the best!  Because of her, I know what kind of missionary I want to be.  Also, I'll probably be getting transferred.  If I do, I'll super miss the ward.  I actually really like them.  I just don't like the "finding" in this area.  It is super hard.  I feel bad though, cause every member is so sweet and amazing and I just struggle here.  Meh.

We have a baptism coming up!  "R" is getting baptized on the 25th.  I'm seriously so excited for him. He's absolutely hilarious and awesome. We have so much fun with him and his wife!  Sometimes they just look at us all confused. It's fun.

We visited a less active member named *******.  We talked to her about hope for a good two hours or so, and every day since, she has thanked us for bringing God's light back into her life.  She is seriously such a sweet lady.  She also told me that she can see my love for God in my face, and that's something I've never been told before so I almost cried.  I printed off Jeffrey R Hollands talk from Saturday and we're going to bring it to her this week.  (Mom's note:  If you haven't read the talk yet, the article is attached here:  http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/like-a-broken-vessel?lang=eng -- most incredible talk I've heard in a long, long time!)

I love y'all!!

Sister Chatterton

I could use some bronzer, to be honest.

P.S ... Do you just celebrate Columbus day because its where Ohio State is located? or is it cause you're a history nerd?  (um, yes)

Pictures from the Hike

Me and Sister Garner Steady "Chillen"

Also, I look jacked in this picture. My arms are NOT that big.

I just look so good when i wake up at 4:45!

What cacti ACTUALLY look like... I seriously think they are so gross

The Scariest House

Such a hipster