Hike Week

Hello again!!!

I don't have a ton to report on since we just had Pday on Monday, but we did have a great last few days!!

1. The hike!! Our mission president and his wife decided that we needed to break out of our little mission boundaries and have fun - so we went on a hike! We went as zones on different days last week, and my zone and one other went on Monday so our Pday got moved. We went down Little Emigration Canyon and ended in Mormon Flats. It was such a neat experience, earlier that morning we had one of the seminary and institute manual writers come and tell us some of the pioneer stories and teach us more about our history. He seriously knew everything, and it was so cool to ask him everything we could think of, and get answers. Anyways, we went the opposite way the pioneers did, they went up and we went down - but it was still so fun. It gave me a lot of time to ponder on the amazing history of our church, and also to think about Jesus Christ and how these people came to know Him in such a personal way as they went through so many trials. At the end of the hike we had a picnic, and our mission president gave us permission to wade in the river!! I miss the water!! 

2. Our investigators are doing super well - Ann is getting baptized tomorrow!!! She is so ready, and I love talking to her and seeing how excited she is. We called her yesterday and she told us that she was a little nervous because she wasn't sure if she should expect some big feeling when she gets baptized, and she doesn't want to be disappointed if she doesn't feel what she's expecting. But we talked with her about the change that has happened in her life since she started learning about the gospel until now, and she was just smiling telling us how she's so different. She talked about how she isn't angry anymore, she isn't bitter, she isn't hateful or have the grudges she used to - she's happy now. She feels so much more peace than she did before, and she has already seen a change in her family relationships. We talked with her then about how a lot of the biggest changes and the sweetest feelings are those that come through small and simple means. There's a scripture in the Book of Mormon that says that through small and simple things are great things brought to pass. I have really seen small and simple choices and actions make big differences in my life, and Ann has too. We are so excited for her baptism tomorrow, and when I go home I told her I'd come to church with her one Sunday since she's pretty close. So we're both excited for that day :)

I think that's about it! James is as golden as ever and we're excited for him to go to church next week - it's a pretty long drive for him, so we're really excited. I love you all, and hope you have a great week!

--Sister Black