Its Like Opening Up A Shaken Bottle of Pop.

OH KAY! Crazy stuff has been happening in the Denver Colorado mission. The first thing is that I AM BEING TRANSFERED! After spending almost 6 months in Fort Lupton they finally are sending me away. Friday night we were at Jose's house (a member) with the Fort Lupton Elders and a set of Elders and Sisters from the Monte Vista ward. We were all anxiously waiting for a call. The call to train. But by the time we had to go none of us had received a call. I was a little disappointed at that point because I really wanted to train but not much. We had just drove up to our house and were about to plan (making it about 9:30-9:40ish) when I saw that we were getting a call from one of the AP's. I looked at Sister Mortensen excitedly and said, "Its the call!" and answered. However, it wasn't for me, it was for Sister Mortensen, who excepted the position as trainer, very quietly. She is super nervous to be leading and area plus training. That night I couldn't sleep. One because I was sad that it wasn't me that was the trainer, kind of thinking maybe God thought I wasn't ready for it. Two, because I knew I was going Spanish. I was sick to my stomach the whole night and didn't fall asleep till like 2:30am. 

Then Saturday morning we went to Aurora to go to the trainer's meeting that Sis. Mortensen had to attend. One of the AP's, Elder Farrales, came to talk to us and I lean close to him and say, "Come on Farrales, give me a hint on what is happening to me." He leans a little closer and says, "You're getting a jeep." He smiled at me and I knew he was joking (or at least I thought). I laughed and said, "If only" and the meeting started. After the meeting, I went up to President Toombs hoping that I could get something out of him since Farrales didn't give me anything. He just laughed and then looked at me and said, "Okay, I'll give you one hint. You're going Spanish." I nodded at replied, "Okay, if that is what the Lord wants me to do, then I'll do it." Not soon after did my stomach ache return and I was feeling very small. What it really comes down to is my Spanish. I just don't feel like I'm good enough to go to a Spanish ward. 

The Lord always blesses me with a tender mercy during my lowest times. I had let my sister (cousin) Linds know that I would be in Aurora and that she could get her brownie pan back. She came and gave me a huge hug. Of course I'm trying not to cry. She then takes Sis. Mortensen and I out for lunch. And then... I was less nervous and more excited. (just a tad). It was nice to spend some time with someone I loved. Another blessing that occurred was I knew a little bit before that I was leaving because Pres. Toombs told me I was going Spanish. So I had Saturday AND Sunday to say good bye, unlike the usual which is only Sunday. So I made my Fort Lupton goodbye rounds that day. Granted, I don't know where exactly I would be going I just knew I would leave. Then Transfer Doctrine comes. Some crazy things happened that night. Expected things and some REALLY unexpected things. 

Names were read out loud and people were told where they were going. One of the names that really caught ALL of us off guard was Elder Bryan. He and Elder Gallegos were serving in the Fort Lupton ward with us. Elder Gallegos has know his fate for a LONG time. He's going home after two years. We all knew that Elder Bryan would get a new companion. We all assumed that he would stay in Fort Lupton and just lead the area. But when they called out Elder Bryan's name, he was being transferred! To Greenwood Valley in Denver. I looked and saw totally shock and disappointment in his eyes. That was totally unexpected... for all. Then I hear my name, "Sister Durfee, you will be transferred to the Denver 4th ward in the Aurora South Zone. Your new companion will be Hermana Trujillo (Tru-hiyo). Guess what, Hermana Trujillo is in my zone, she was in the same room as me. We looked at each other excited! Then we realized that we would be what we as missionaries call, "Swept". Meaning that both of us will be new to the area. 

So lets step back a little and evaluate the situation, I will be senior companion for the first time in my mission, I will be driving in an area that I have no idea direction wise (I probably will have to buy a GPS). My Spanish isn't the best because I've been in an English area for almost 6 months of my mission. There is a lot of things that I could look at negatively however, yesterday, we were driving and most of the nervousness that I was feeling was replaced with determination. I am going to take this new crazy adventure with all my might. I would ask for your prayers, specifically for the language to come to me so I can teach these amazing people. Show them that there is a way to become more happy then they might already be. Luckily Hermana Trujillo is a native Spanish speaker so its going to be good. 

Now, I only have a few concerns. One is that the Fort Lupton ward is getting new elders, again. And I know one of them. His name is Elder Aragon. He's not very obedient. Something that Elder Gallegos said to me was, "It only takes one elder to mess up a ward." I am truly praying that he wont be THAT elder. I've told the right people my concern, but it is now my turn to give him the benefit of the doubt. I am going to trust him with the people I love. I really love those people. It was so hard to say goodbye these past few days but most of them told me that its going to be great. Is something that I've told other people as well. I guess I should take my own advice. 

So now its off to a new area. I still have no clue where we are supposed to go once I pick up Hermana Trujillo. I have no idea where we are living... This is going to be so much fun. For those who wrote me e-mails this week I have saved a little bit of e-mail time for tomorrow so I'll respond as soon as I can! Christmas is around the corner! Keep your thoughts on our Savior(: And look up The Wexford Carol, probably my favorite Christmas song of all time!(:

I love you all! Stay Sweet, Don't Do Drugs!

Hermana Durfee

A little dip into what Josie is studying!

Hey all! This is Josie! Right now I am preparing to serve a mission just like mi hermana Sharlee! I tell ya she is an amazing person! So right now I am taking an Old Testament class, which is helping me prepare for a mission,  and I felt like I would share some of the things that I have studied.

In 1 Kings 3:9-28, King Solomon at the beginning of these verses asks for an understanding heart in one of his prayers to the Lord. This pleases the Lord very much because Solomon asked not for riches, or for power, but to be able to just understand. To me this is very amazing because Solomon, I think, just wanted to judge his people in a way that would be pleasing to the Lord. And this of course pleased the Lord very much, because he did not ask for anything of material value. Which leads me to a thought that I have I think that as we go throughout our lives many of us get caught up in material things, and what is the hottest trend etc. For instance a person might have asked the Lord for more money, or to be popular in his area of expertise. But, it takes a person who has followed the Lord to know what is of greater importance, like Solomon asking for an understanding heart. He knew that he would not be able to take with him to the next life money, clothes, or anything that satisfies the person temporarily. He knew that what we take to the next life is what we learn, and what we have achieved mentally and spiritually.

Solomon was able to show his people that he had an understanding heart through the experience of the two women. The one had accidentally laid on her baby, and the other still had a living child. So, the first woman stole the second woman's child in the night. However, when the second woman woke up in the morning she knew that her baby was with the first woman, so they took it to the king. King Solomon then prayed to the Lord to know what to do and his answer was to divide the baby in half, and see who would defend the poor child. The second woman of course spoke up and he was able to understand, with the understanding heart that the Lord had given him, that she was the true mother (1 Kings 3:16-27). He was able to show unto these women that he was a just and understanding ruler.

As I have thought about the example of Solomon, and how he prayed to have an understanding heart I thought about how I could apply this principle in my life. How can I be more understanding to my fellowmen, to my siblings, to my parents, and to my friends? I should realize that they are not perfect, and make mistakes. I should realize that we are all spiritual brothers and sisters, and with this knowledge be loving and kind to those around me. One of my bishops (the leader of our congregation) told me that if I tell myself that each of the people that I come into contact with everyday is going through something hard I would most likely be correct. Thus, I should be more kind, and understanding. In 1 Corinthians 12:31 it say that the Lord will show unto you a more excellent way. In my opinion this means that the Lord has a greater plan, and knows what we need. We should not second guess his plan. He is the great creator, and he knows.

So, as I have studied I have come across the following scriptures in Doctrine and Covenants 46: 8, 28, and 30. These scriptures are that of advice to the Lord's children (us). They tell us that if we want to develop spiritual gifts like Solomon did all we have to do is ask with a sincere heart, and have faith that the Lord will provide, and of course do everything in our power to help this come to pass.

As the following scriptures 1 Kings 4:1-25, and 1 Samuel 11-20 have clearly portrayed, if you follow the Lord, our Heavenly Father you will be blessed. If you do not follow him then bad things come to pass.

Anyway! That is some of the things that I learned from my study! I hope that I was not boring to you (the reader).

Over and out!

-Josie

I live in the ghetto no big deal

Eveybody Clap Your Hands! Since I've been here I've experienced, hobos, drunk people, vicious dogs, a wedding, and many other crazy things. Where is here you may ask? Downtown Denver baby!

So here are a few stories about my new crazy life. Transfer day has come and gone. Trujillo and I were pretty much just going to wing the whole thing. We didn't have a clue where we were going to live, didn't have a GPS, no phone either. We only knew a few steps and then its rely on the Lord time. Well He provided. An elder let me borrow his GPS. The zone leaders where there to give us directions, keys, and our phone. So the next adventure was to get to our apartment. I didn't realize how downtown our home was until I was driving through it. Probably my favorite part of the day is finding a parking place near our apartment every night. haha.

Our apartment is now wonderful and beautiful but you should have seen it when we first walked in. It stunk and was... yeah... No thanks to the elders that lived there before. They did do the dishes though haha. There was a giant map of our area and the do's and don'ts of the area. "Don't talk to the hobos they ask for money, not food, money." "Don't walk on Colfax..." (the street right next to us) "...after 7pm." "Don't ever go through City Park." Okay so mostly Don'ts. The only do's were, "This is the best Icecream shop ever!" hahaha. And because I'm a rebel ( ;D ) I went to City Park, and this week we are going to walk on Cofax after 7. KIDDING... maybe... ;)

On Friday we attended a wedding that a set of Elders put on. Yes, pretty much these Elders planned this wedding. Its something that we struggle being in a Spanish ward. Some of the people we are teaching don't have papers thus can't get legally married. Which they need to be in order to be baptized. Elder Jijon (or He-Haw as we call him) and Elder Robertson did a fantastic job. There was a really small turn out in the beginning but we waited just a little longer and then the people arrived. The kind of stupid thing about being in a Spanish ward is that they truly believe that you can't dance. Of course we can't dance with someone or anything other then appropriate but I CAN DANCE GOSH DARN IT! haha for example... The Cupid Shuffle came on and I wanted to go join the line but couldn't. I was really sad. Oh well...

One last crazy story... Though its probably more funny for Trujillo and me but I'll tell it anyways. There was a potential that we went to contact around 7pm at night. As we head up to the door we see a grey almost terrierish dog by one of the parked cars. Of course being the animal lover that I am I call to it. Mistake. When it got a little closer I realized that it had its hackles raised and that it was baring its teeth. We both drop our 50lbs purses off our shoulders ready to wack it one if it got any closer. Eventually Trijillo bent down to pick up a rock and before she got back up it had scampered off. Well about 2 days after we were in the same neighborhood again at 7pm in the dark. Trijillo gives me a look and I know what she's thinking.

"No, nu uh! I'm not going to die today by a vicious dog!".... "Okay fine." And I picked up a rock to arm myself. We are almost to the door when we hear barking and we get scared we start running. We then realized that nothing was coming after us and we turn around to go back to the house when we see a white dog just staring at us. We jumped and screamed... hahaha Oh man the poor thing. We start laughing so hard. The dog probably just wanted to come and see what we were doing and we reacted the way we did. He scampered off real quick.

Okay that story is not as funny as I think it is and its pretty lame. Okay got to go... AH my session is ending!

Love you guys! Don't Do Drugs and Stay Sweet!

Hermana Durfee

Holy Poop Snow

So... we've have a lot of snow and its been super cold. Yesterday it didn't get over 10 degrees. Luckily we had appointments with some members so we didn't have to tract in it. But dang, its been so cold. Plus we have an awful car. I am super grateful to have one however, when you are sliding all the time... I tend to get a little worried every now and then. One time we were trying to go up a hill but the opposite happened and we were sliding down. Its time like those I really miss my jeep. Oh Chief. But the really good news is that we hit 50,000 miles last week and they retire cars when they hit that. So hopefully we get a new car soon... really soon.

Though its been really cold we have had really warm days too. Last p-day was pretty decent and we went to hit up 16th Street Mall. It was super fun! Then another warm day was actually Friday before the snow. We walked a lot because it was so nice. In fact we were in the ghetto in the middle of a neighborhood and we saw this Mexican Resturant called Luceros. With its barred up windows it said "You've tried the rest, now have the best." The crazy person in me wanted to try it, plus I was really hungery. Trujillo didn't. But I convinced her. Turns out not to be that ghetto. Three pretty ladies were running it. I got mexican chili-cheese fries that were super good. So I was disappointed that it was as ghetto as it looked but really satisfied with the food(: haha.

New Years came and went. Another thing that I was kind of disappointed in. Since we are downtown and right off of Colfax which has the reputation to be crazy, I was expecting it to be loud and full of noise.... It wasn't. We did hear the fireworks that were going off in the city though. I guess I can't have it all huh? haha

This week truly has been a week of new beginnings! Trujillo and I set two goals. One: to reach 10 lessons this week. And Two: Get more service hours. Both we reached. We got exactly 10 lessons and 8 hours of service. It was so awesome. We also got a "new" investigator. Her name was Martha and she was actually a former of about 5 years ago. We've been contacting all the potentials and formers since we've been here. Its has really been pretty awesome. Most of our new investigators came from the potential list.

Then on Saturday my companion and I went on exchanges with our Sister Training Leaders. I went with Sister Hand into her area. It was a hard day. It was snowing, really cold and no body was home. But we didn't give up. We were contacting a less-active when we saw a young man, who turned out to be 20, shoveling his mom's sidewalk, watching a video on his phone and smoking a cigarette. We asked him if he would want to listen to our message and he said, "I always have time for the Lord." It didn't stop there. During the whole lesson the Spirit was so strong. We were talking about the Nephites and Lamenites. He said, "I've heard of them before." We showed him a picture of Thomas S. Monson and his counselors and he says, "I feel like I know them. Seriously." and then when Sister Hand asked him to be baptized he said, "YES! on my birthday!" (which turned out to be in April) Sister Hand asked if we could shoot for something sooner and he said, "Or sooner that great too!" It was amazing! I text Sister Hand yesterday and the sad news is that he went back to his dads and we don't know where that is. I know we'll find him again. He is one of the elect! For sure!

Alright, if I want to send pictures I should end this. I love you guys! I hope everything is going great! Know that you are all in my prayers!

Don't Do Drugs and Stay Sweet(:

Hermana Durfee

I'm pretty awesome at chess... I guess.

"Doing the Lord's will, not mine" is something that I learn over and over again while on my mission. The Lord has a perfect plan and mine is definitely not perfect. All I can do is be the best tool for him to use when he needs me. I mentioned Gloria in the last e-mail. Well, we had one appointment with her the following week (which I also mentioned) and we also had a member coming with us. I give her a call before and she wasn't home. Of course. But we were able to set up another appointment the following day. Again, she wasn't home. So we set up another appointment on Saturday.

The third try we went to her apartment to contact her. As we were walking to her building I saw another lady walking and felt a strong impression to talk to her. However, I really wanted to try Gloria one time to see if she was there and if she wasn't I wanted to talk to that lady. Well, Gloria wasn't home. Surprise! I was determined. We went outside and I saw her sitting among some chairs by herself. We went and talked to her. She mentioned she was waiting for someone but we could talk to her for a bit. As I was sharing to her about eternal families another lady walks out. Her name was Rose. She pointed to her building and said, "If you ever want to talk I live in A1." and when I asked her if there was a specific time we could come by she said, "No, I'm home pretty much all the time... Except Sundays... usually I try to go to church but I am not sure where yet." I was so happy! They didn't have time today but we are going to stop by this next Tuesday to visit with her. So our plan was to visit with Gloria but Heavenly Father's plan was for us to meet Rose.

And just a funny thing I've noticed is that we are really attracted to the older generation of investigators. I use to not really enjoy them (of course except for my grandparents) but I have a huge love for them now. Probably because of that wonderful women named Patti Nell!(:

Now on to the most exciting event. THANKSGIVING! Everybody say Yeah! We had a packed Thanksgiving so I'll just start in the best place. Breakfast! We were invited to have cinnamon rolls with the Strum family. It seriously was the best way to start out a Thanksgiving. We then had District meeting. Right after we headed to Patti to give her some company while she waited for her daughter. We then went from there to the Thomas's for that wonderful thing we call Thanksgiving Dinner. It was really fun and we had a great time with them playing some awesome games and stuff. You know the drill. We then cruised over to Sister Schrader to enjoy that big family Thanksgiving. Of course she fed us pie and I was stuffed already. But I was so grateful for her. It made me miss my big crazy family Thanksgiving.

The last stop was to the Shirley's where we made gingerbread houses. I made a barn WITH a horse! Unfortunately I didn't bring my camera hook up so pictures will have to wait till next week. It was there where Brother Shirley started to ask a lot of questions about our missionary work. I really didn't think twice about it. That was our journey on Thankgiving. But it really didn't stop there. The Friday night after Thanksgiving we were invited to the Busho family to help decorate their tree. We also had hot chocolate, fudge, and pie there as well. It made celebrating my 6 month mark pretty awesome.

You know what was even more awesome? The fact that my wonderful nephew Joshua had his first birthday on my 6 Month mark! So just thought I would give a shout out to him! HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSHUA! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!

Okay a few more things. We had a lot of changes happen in the Fort Lupton ward yesterday. Bishop Gagon's counselors were released and we got some new ones. Brother Shirley became our new Ward Mission Leader. And everything clicked. I now understand why he was asking all those question Thursday night. He is going to be an awesome Ward Mission Leader which we really needed. I've been here awhile I can tell. I felt sad when some of those men were released. But I know great men were called to fill in those positions.

And now for an explanation of my title. I like chess I just thought I was bad at it, till I played Elder Gallegos and totally creamed him. But then I thought it was just beginners luck. Till I played him again at his instance. Creamed him twice. He now asks for another try. I'm not sure if I want to risk it. Haha. I guess we'll see how it goes.

Okay Sorry for the rush! I love you guys so much! Hope everyone is well and that you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving. I know I did.

Stay Sweet, and you know, Don't Do Drugs.

Hermana Durfee

Birthday One Day the Flu the Next

Hey wonderful people! Thanks for all of the birthday wishes and for all of your support! Its been a pretty awesome week!

First off, transfers happened yet again!!! Guess who is staying in Fort Lupton for her fourth transfer! Yep this girl! :D I feel really lucky. However, Giron one of my companions, my favorite so far was transferred to the Monte Vista ward. Not sure if you remember but that's the ward I was in during my first tri-companionship. She isn't very far, in fact she wasn't moved our of our zone so I am not to devastated. I was really happy that I was staying but I also was dragging my feet a little because that would mean I was with Sister Mortensen by myself again. Then I read a scripture in Alma 8. This was during the time Alma, the prophet, was trying to preach to the people in Ammonihah. He was rejected and cast out. As he was traveling to a different city an angel appeared to him and told him to return to the city of Ammonihah. Then in verse 18 it says, "Now it came to pass that after Alma had received his message from the angel of the Lord he returned speedily to the land of Ammonihah. And he entered the city by another way, yea, by the way which is on the south of the city Ammonihah." Alma had just been cast out but what does he do when the Lord tells him to go back? He goes back speedily! That scripture said to me that I also need to do what the Lord asks speedily. Never hesitating or dragging my feet. So I'm going to take this next transfer with a boost! Nothing can bring me down(:

This week was also Stake Conference. (A larger meeting where a bunch of congregations/wards meet together.) Elder Teh from the 70's came and spoke to us. The adult meeting was all about member missionary work. It was so good! And I can't wait to be in the member's shoes again. Its pretty easy for a missionary to do missionary work. Then the Sunday meeting our stake was split. We are now apart of the Brighton Stake. President Johnson's, who was the stake president for the Denver North Stake and who is now the stake president for the Brighton Stake, wife bore her testimony and something that she said was, "Dont be sad that the stake is splitting and you won't see your friends. Be happy that the work is progressing enough that we had to split the stake." Such a true statement! 

That day, Sunday the 10th, was also my birthday! Yes, I am now 21 and am now legal! XD Actually I don't feel 21 I think I was just beginning to feel 20. The Friday before the elders in our ward, Elder Gallegos and Bryan, used shaving cream and wrote Happy B-Day on our car. Then Saturday Sister Earl and Southern, my sister training leaders, took me out to lunch. Then the big day happened! :D I was in the hall and I see my Zone Leaders and my District Leader heading my way. It looked like they were apart of an army charging for the enemy! Not kidding! They gave me a huge bag of candy (not sure what I am going to do with it) and then sang Happy Birthday to me. Then we had dinner with the Larsens. It was so awesome! They made homemade Chinese food, got me a birthday hat and present, and of course cake and ice cream! I felt pretty special! And though I was away from the family I felt like I was apart of theirs for that moment. 

Monday was p-day but also transfer day. I was unloading the trunk of our car when I notice a car stop and I hear a HEY! I turned to look and see my wonderful cousin Lindsay (who is really a sister to me)! I about cried when she hopped out of the car and gave me a hug! She gave me wonderful homemade brownies and wanted to take me out to lunch and spoil me. Of course that's exactly what she did! We dropped off Sister Giron but because I was so happy that my cousin was there it was easier then it would have been. After Lindsay took Sister Mortensen and I out to lunch, to Kohl's where she bought me clothes, and then to Target where she bought our groceries. See spoiled! We then sang Happy Birthday at home and ate brownies before she left. I was so blessed!

However, not 10 minutes after she left I began to feel sick, really sick. I was talking to Sister Small, the member we live with, telling her I hadn't puked since I was like 11. Well totally jinxed myself because not even 20 minutes later I threw up. Well, there goes our plans for that night. Then those wonderful elders came over and gave me a blessing while I laid on the couch with a fever and chills. It was nice to have them over I seemed to forget that I was even sick. I then was extremely grateful that I wasn't transferred. What if I was puking the first day with a new companion in a new area! But because I was still in that area Bishop Gagon and his wife brought me ginger ale and crackers. Even though it was a pretty awful night I was grateful for the people I had around me. Let me tell you people, puking is the worst thing on this planet! (okay totally an exaggeration) but pretty darn close to that! However, I was able to get a little bit of sleep and have enough energy to email. Though, even now, I can feel my body draining and am excited to go home and sleep some more. The worst part is I really want to go out and work but know I can't frustrates me! But I'll keep in mind that the Lord knows me best and I was supposed to get the flu last night. 

So I'll rest a little bit more today and maybe later tonight we can get a lesson in or two. 

I love you guys so much! Say an extra prayer for me okay? 

Stay Sweet and Don't Do Drugs!

Hermana Durfee

It Was A Twenty One Lessons Sort Of Week

Yeah, yeah! 21 lessons! We worked so hard these past weeks to reach the mission goal of 20 lessons and finally the had work paid off! There is a scripture in Mosiah 2:24 and it reads, "24 And secondly, he doth arequire that ye should do as he hath commanded you; for which if ye do, he doth immediately bblessyou; and therefore he hath paid you. And ye are still indebted unto him, and are, and will be, forever and ever; therefore, of what have ye to boast?" As we have been working had he blessed us immediately even though it was small but this week the blessing was large! :D This is the first time ever that I have been able to hit 20 lessons and I wouldn't necessarily say that I am  proud of myself but I am sure pretty happy! :D We also had Judy, Sister Pierce and the Fullerton family show up for church this week! Its been really great ESPECIALLY with Judy. She had us over for breakfast on Thursday, which was divine, and then had us all over last night for dinner. The food was so excelent! Her husband Ray joined us for and he even said, "Maybe you'll see me at church one of these days" He is just as amazing as she is! This week would be the third week she has come to church. It makes me extremely exciting!

This week has been pretty exciting! Last p-day we carved pumpkins at Sister Simcox, a member in our ward. She is from Brazil and made us some really good cheese bread. It was a blast! This p-day we are going to learn how to decorate cakes! So excited!

On Thursday you would not believe what we did! We had district meeting outside... in the cold! There was a funeral (a HUGE funeral) at the church so we had district meeting in the backyard of the Zone Leader's place. I have pictures but didn't bring my hookup so I'll have to send them next week. It was crazy and so cold! Even though it was slightly not very enjoyable, I will never ever experience that again. You do some crazy things on a mission!

On Friday we taught Mary, one of our new investigators. We brought Patti with us, which was a great idea, she totally rocked that lesson! I did ask her to be baptized which the outcome was pretty humorous! She is a very out spoken old lady. She pretty much told me that asking that was the wrong thing to do. However, she did say that she still wants us to visit her. just some of the things she says make me chuckle. She says all the time, "I love my Jesus." And when Patti closed the prayer by saying, "In Jesus name, Amen." Mary said, "See she loves Jesus too!" She really is a sweet lady, however Patti will always be my number one! I love that lady like she is my grandmother!

Then on Saturday we had the ward Trunk or Treat! It was huge! So many people were there, a lot of people I didn't even know. Jonathan, a punky 17 year old just in case I haven't mentioned before, came! He turned to me and said, "I'm going outside." I asked him why and he just repeated himself. The spirit immediately told me he was going outside for a smoke. I grabbed my companions and I knew we had to stop him. It hurts to know that you can't change people. What really changes them is THEIR choice to change and the Atonement of our Savior. I think Jonathan lacks the will to change. He is so young, has so much potential, but knowing he doesn't really want to reach that potential is heartbreaking to me. I only can try my best to show him how important the Gospel is and maybe that desire will grow. However, despite that, the Trunk or Treat was great! The elders were the judges for the chili and us sisters were the judges for the trunks. It was really fun! I am also excited for Halloween. We have to stop proselyting around 6 because President Toombs doesn't want us out on Halloween night. Its like a mini vacation! Ticket To Ride All Night Long! haha

We had a weird experience on Sunday. We, the five missionaries, teach Gospel Principles, but since there was no one really to attend our class we just canceled and attended Gospel Doctrine. Everyone waited a good 5 minutes then the Sunday School President comes to the front of the class and says, "Well we don't have a teacher and I have to much respect for this class to make something up on the spot so you guys get a break. Have a good day." and leaves. Everyone was shocked. Then someone says, "We have 5 missionaries. They can teach!" And so we taught Gospel Doctrine. We taught about forgiveness. And I shared how my mommy is the perfect example of forgiveness. She truly is! I hope to be like her and forgive like my mom does.(:

Okay I probably should go(: I hope all of you are having a great Monday! Love you guys so much!

Stay Sweet, and Don't Do Drugs!(:

Hermana Durfee