From me to you, Kinzie Lou: That Bites --

Hello Everyone!

Greetings from I'm-seriously-developing-West-Nile-phobia-Colorado! I kid you not when I tell you that I currently have 27 MOSQUITO BITES!!!!!!! Sister Johnson has 4. My life is a fairy tale. I've also discovered on my mission that I'm allergic to mosquitoes.... this too shall pass. I guess it's a way for me to keep working on self control....?? Heavenly Father definitely has a sense of humor.

What a week. I realized that if I'm not learning I might as well be dead. This week was a bit of a tough one, but I feel like I'm growing the most. Things that I'm currently learning: I'm not in control. People have agency... duh. Breathe when it's ok to breathe. Be grateful. Being perfect does not mean never making a mistake. Big miracles come from small promptings. Just to name a few....

We were teaching a less active sister in the ward, Glenda... (who I just ADORE!) and Sis J felt prompted to ask her who she knew that we could teach. (She had already asked Glenda many times before) Glenda told us about her neighbor. We were headed to the car and I felt we should contact them right then and so we headed over. The daughter pulled up EXACTLY as we walking to the door. We talked to her... less than interested. But across the street were 2 men working on an old van. I was totally expecting them to tell me to get lost... (my b.) We had a GREAT conversation with them and one's wife came out mid convo. I explained about the Book of Mormon to Chad and Alisha perked up and asked if she could possibly have one too.... oh I guess so.... WHAT! It was so exciting! We are going back to teach them on Tuesday!!!! I learned that as Sis J and I both are seeking the Spirit and we follow it and trust each other for promptings we individually receive, great things happen!!!! I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!!!

As I've been getting to know more members here, I've found 2 people who know and love good ol Holden, Utah.... It's such a small world. Sorry... random thought.

My spiritual thought today is on the importance of prayerfully setting goals. If we don't know where we are headed, how can we get there??? This week I've had the chance to take some time to ponder and set some goals for my future life. As I've done this, I've been filled with God's love, hope, and faith. I know that He has great things in store for me. I know that He has many things He wants me to accomplish. I know that as I have a clear direction of where I'm headed and who I want to BE in a year's time, or 5 year's time, or a Lifetime with His Grace I can become that. I know that as we do our very best, and rely on the Lord we give Him opportunities to work miracles in our lives. It all starts with faith, and trusting Him....

I invite you all to prayerfully set goals for where you want to be spiritually in a year. What do you want your relationship with God to be like? What do you want to learn about in studying the scriptures? What will your faith be unshaken in?

I LOVE THE GOSPEL! I love the chance we have to learn and grow and become more like Christ. I'm so happy, even during days that are hard and sad. Because of Him.

I love you all and I miss you so much.... In the beginning of my mission, I asked Sister Burnett when I would stop missing my family. She had been out for 5 months and she told me... Never. That's part of the reason why we leave our families, to realize how precious they are to us. I pray for you and love you so much!!!