Email 1/21/13

I think my hand is fine. It doesn't hurt just itches really bad. It is a second degree burn. The Dr. told us that she didn't take care of burns so we went up there for nothing and now have to go back to the hospital today at 2:15. To get it re-bandaged. Its not like I meant to touch the stove. I meant to just hover my hand over the burner but my hand had another idea and touched the burner. We were at the church for Spealized Zone Conference and President Interviews. Sister Spencer took me to the hospital at 9pm because my hand was swollen and I couldn't move it. So I quit being stubborn and let her take me to the Hospital. It is just across the street from our flat. We were there for 3 hours. We didn't get home until midnight and had to go back at 2:15 the next day. It took 3 hours because when they get snow here in England everything shuts down and there were a few accidents that came in to the hospital while I was waiting. Just so you know I really hate the burn dressings!!!! They sting really bad when you first put them on.

I do love this country, the people, my companions, and the work. After the blessing I knew that all of you would be alright, and I knew it even more when I talked to you on the phone at Christmas.

Before I left it was mixed feelings. I wanted to come and do the lords work, but I also wasn't so sure that it was where he needed me or if it was just something that I wanted. So I came out here because I knew that I needed to do something for myself. So I left everything that I love with all of my heart behind. I came out here to find that I could love this place just as much as home and I do. I love everything out here. I have to have faith that he will help me for doing what he has asked of me.

It has and always will be from now on between me and Heavenly Father just like it should have been from Jr. High when I started putting others before myself and ignoring my own feelings to help others. I have come to the realization that no matter what I cannot make everyone happy or fix everyone. I found that out from an experience here it has also helped me gain a bigger testimony of the atonement.

Thank you so much for those thoughts from Stake conference. I have now more than ever been relying on My Heavenly Father. He has helped me so much and I have realized that I have not been giving him the credit or thanks that he deserves. I have learned to trust in him that he will help me through anything and that as long as I listen he will lead me where he wants me. He has already given me the strength to actually listen to what he was telling me. 

All my love

Sister Ballantyne