week 13 "Ne hao Familia"

Hello My dear Family, How is everyone this week? I am glad to hear everyone is getting over sickness and health issues. I know I have been greatly blessed to not be doing to bad. I do still pass out, but I am mostly on the mend. I have increased my exercise time from half hour to an hour a day and that seems to be making the big difference. Thank heavens. I did have a bad one last week. Sister McCluskey was in the Shower and she yelled for me to get her a towel, so I got up from studying my scriptures went to the room and yes fell over. haha. I did read that it is a side effect of one of the medications I am taking. GREAT! haha however, Increasing the exercise has greatly reduced the amount of times it happens. Praise the Lord. Mother, that is a pretty cool quote you shared. I really like that. Funny thing is those are things I have been thinking about all week long. Conversion truly is a lifetime process. This is why we are truly all converts. I remember an investigator asking me if I wasn't a Mormon, would I become one? I said yes. He asked Why? Well, I have learned for myself that this is the true church. I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet. I know that through the power of the Holy Ghost. I know that the Book of Mormon is true. I know that because I have studied it, I have pondered about it, and I have prayed to know if it was true. I have received a witness of the truth of it through the power of the Holy Ghost. I remember waking up one morning, and the thought that came to me was the Book of Mormon is true or Joseph smith is a liar. I know Joseph did not Lie, thus, the book of Mormon is true. Amazing how that works. The work is still slow. But, I read this in Galations 6:9 and let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. I know that to be true. As a missionary, the Lord does not change your environment, no he changes you. I feel like I am continually being changed by the grace of God. I feel very grateful for this. Today, as I was studying the book of Mormon this thought came to me from 2 nephi 26:24 - Nephi is foreseeing the day when the Lord will come again. He is prophesying of what he sees and why the Lord does what he does. "He (the Lord) doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation." As I read this I cross referenced it to mosiah 24: 9-16, 1 nephi 11:17, 2 nephi 2:24 and a few others but those ones in particular. Heavenly Father loves all of us so much. I am continually learning of his mercy and love. It definitely has changed my outlook on the people I serve, and the mission itself. Ty Nelson told me that a mission is the training ground for the Gods. I truly believe that. You learn quickly how the Lord sees you and how he feels about you and how you need to feel about others. Obviously, some people don't need to come on a mission to know that, but I guess I did. Ok, so that is enough of me. How is Jules and Benton? Ben and Abe? I hear from Amity and Beth, so I feel like I know how they are doing. Thank you so much for your letters. I enjoy them. They bring a smile to my face. I hope that my emails and letters do the same for you. I know that like Nephi I am weak in writing, but as Moroni said the Lord giveth men weaknesses that they may be humble, but If I bring my weakness to Him, he will make it strong. Maybe by the end of my mission I will be a better writer. Don't hold your breath haha. Grandma sent me a lovely note. I sure enjoyed it. I got a letter from Tyler Olson, he is doing great. He will be home may 3, 2013. Wow that went fast. He says his dad got married and moved, but that he will let me know on his homecoming. So, Mother I know you are so busy, but would you mind going for me? I'd sure appreciate it. Funny of the week was this, Sister McCluskey and I trackted into a lady who told us she had a one night stand with wayne newton. She than pulled out a note that he had sent her with flowers. She keeps that note securely in her wallet. I seriously love this lady. Sister McCluskey and I could not stop laughing. I also have developed the nasty habit of slurring my words. The other day I was trying to say rehab but for some reason it came out something not the best. Transfer calls are this Saturday. I do not think I will be transferred but you never know. I hope I won't be. I love Naperville 2 and 3. They are seriously so awesome. I am buying bike though for 40$ because a sister is leaving. Do not worry I will not bike in the dark. That is against the rules. Mother, I am excited to hear all the stories about your chicken coop. Please watch the egg and I before you get them. HAPPY VALENTINES. We have zone conference that day, so I will definitely go to dinner with the money you put in there. You are so kind Mother. I really appreciate it. Lots of Love. Sister Braten