Email 11/28/13

Oh how I love you all so much!!!!!!!!!!!! I am still in stoke and my new companion is Sister Brown. She is from St. George Utah, She is spunky and crazy just like me so we are going to have lots and lots of fun together!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She is an absolutely amazing singer!!!!!!! She was trained by my previous companion Sister Fortuna who is now on a plane home to California;( I am really going to miss her but it was her time.

 

I was able to go to the Temple on Saturday with some members here in this ward and it was absolutely amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have missed it so much. I just want to say that if you are not going to the Temple regularly you should. Because it brings so much peace and clairty into your life!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is what I miss so much! And when you go don't just rush out take some time to sit and ponder and to talk to your Heavenly Father. The temple is a place were you can have a pure one on one conversation with him with no other outside influences getting in your way. Show Him that He is improtant to you!!!!!!!!!!

 

Those gifts I am learning about are still in the process!!!!! I am not exactly sure what they are but I am working on building them up. Read D&C 46. It is so great!!!!! I am learning that I can do things (Like Singing.) as terrifying as it is I am getting more comfortable singing in front of people. And I think my new companion will help a lot with that!!!! The difficult part is believing in myself and that I do have these gifts. And letting myself use them instead of talking myself out of it like I have so many other times. (ie. Trying out for the softball and football teams in High school, Trying our for choir or singing solos.) I have a tendency to tell myself that others are better then me so why even try. And I have learned throughout my mission that those thoughts are not from God and are not going to help me progress. All good things come from God, everything else is from Satan.

 

I love Thanksgiving!!!!! Today we are going to the Bishops home for tea. And guess what He is American.Thats right we get a proper American Meal!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited!!!!! I love this ward so much!!!! They are so kind and loving. This is going to be a wonderful Transfer. 

 

Oh I so wish I could have been there with you. It sounds like it was a wonderful conference!!!!!! Those Lyrics were amazing!!!! I really like them. What Hillary Weeks talked about is so true. We have been learning a lot about that last transfer. Talking about how half the stuff we say to ourselves(about ourselves) we would not say to others(about them). So why do we feel it is alright to say it to ourselves. Especally when we know that our Heavenly Father would never say that to us. He made us exactly who we are for a reason. And we should love ourselves the way that He would love us if He standing right in front of us. 

 

I am not so much terrified about coming home as about not having a plan for when I get home. I don't want to be a missionary that falls into a rut when they get home because they had a great mission and came home and quit progressing. I don't want to fall back into what I was before my mission. That is the only thing that I am terrified for about coming home. Thank you mom you always know what to say to help me feel better. 

 

Oh I miss Pie Night!! Did you do crafts???????????????  Oh good I am glad that they got the letter!!!!!! That little boy is so cute and I am sad to say has grown a lot. I am not even going to recognize anyone when I get home. 

 

Sorry that I was so vague last time.  

 

I want you all to know that I am so grateful for each and every one of you and for all of your support and love. You have all had an influence in my life and I will forever be grateful to you for that!!!!!!

 

How is the Ward doing???

 

Love you the most

 

Love

 

Sister Ballantyne

Email 11/18/13

Dear Wonderful Family of mine,

 

I love and miss you all so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope and pray that you are all doing well! Last week was crazy!!!!!! But really good. We were able to pretty much book all our christmas plans already!!!!! So if I stay in stoke (which I think I am) I have the best day planned ever!!!!! I am so excited!!!! I have also been able to learn more about the gifts I have. It has been really hard and a bit painful. But I know that it needs to be done!!!!!!!!!! And I am learning a lot about myself in the process!!!!!!

 

My asthma is fine. Yes the medicine is working and I don't think I need anymore now. But I would like family pictures of all of you please and thank you!!!!!!

 

Teaching is going fine. We don't really have investigators at the moment but we are teaching a lot of less Actives which are great!!!!! And we are actually going to be teaching a cute little 9 year old who has decided that she wants to get baptized!!!!!! We are teaching her the first lesson today!!!! I am so excited. I love teaching little ones!!!!!

 

Wow that is amazing!!!!! I would love to go there one day!!!!! It is so rich with history!!!!!!!

 

I have really gained a huge testimony of Family History!!!!! I love it and want to do so much of it when I get home!!!!!!

 

She is a wonderful speaker I wish I would have been able to hear her agian. Maybe some other time. She is very personal when she speaks.

 

Oh I hope you have a wonderful time at your conference and I look forward to hearing all about it!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope that lexie will enjoy it!!!!!

 

I have been worried about all of you for the past few weeks. Just had a feeling that you were having a rough time. I hope you are all well. I have no idea what I am going to do when I get home and it kind of scares me. Okay it really terrifies me. 

 

I wish I could be there with them!!!!!!!! I miss each and every one of you so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

 

Will you Tell the primary thank you for the package that they sent me I really appreciated it. 

 

Transfers are next week. 

 

I love you all so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Love 

 

Sister Ballantyne 

Email 11/11/13

I am doing fine. We had an exchange last week and it was so much fun. It was completely full of laughing and singing!!!!!!! It was great!!!!!! Don't worry I am continuing on getting better.

 

I am glad that you have had good weather. We have had pretty decent weather. Starting to get colder but I don't mind because it doesn't really bother me but I am still bundling up. So that I don't catch my death;)

 

Oh I miss shooting so much. And the people here although they are wonderful just don't understand. I really look forward to doing it again when I get home. How are Gary and Cindy???? How are the horses????

 

That is so sweet of him. Tell them thank you for remembering me!!!!!! I cannot believe that she is already 1 years old. That is absolutely crazy!!!!!!!!!!

 

Oh that is going to be a great Christmas party. I love Christmas so much. I am hoping that I will be able to stay here in Stoke at least one more transfer. So that I can be here for Christmas!!!!!!! I would love it so much if I could. I love this area!!!!! They are just so great!!!!! Will you be keeping with tradition and going to Aunt Lynn's for Christmas breakfast???? Do you want to skype there????

 

I have had a prompting to bear my testimony:

 

I know that this Gospel is true. I would not still be out here if I didn't. I know that God has a plan for each and every one of us. He knows exactly what we need and who we need in our lives. He loves us so much more then we realize. And I am beginning to understand a little bit just how much we are truly missing when we think that we are completely alone on this earth. Because in all actuality we are never alone. There are angels all around us constantly and they are trying to help us we just need to let them in and to let our Heavenly Father in. We need to build that relationship with Him. (2 Nephi 33:6)" I glory in plainness, I glory in truth, I glory in my Jesus, for He hath redeemed My soul from hell. I know that He died for each and every one of us with no exception. I heard a quote the other day " Even if only one person accepted the Atonement it still would have happened." And that is because of us never ending love for us. He wants each of us to have a chance to be with our loved ones again, and that includes Him. I know that trials are hard and painful!!!! But I also know that without them we would not progress and we would never learn who we truly are!!!!!! We will never be able to gain the understanding of what our true purpose on this earth is at this very time. We were not placed in these places or families by accident. There is a reason and we need to find it. And help those that he has placed in our path. 

I know that the Book of Mormon is true. I have felt its power. I have seen it soften some of the hardest hearts. It has a power to change you like you would never believe unless you read it and experienced if for yourself. But you have to do what it says in the introduction and int Moroni 10:3-5. You need to have the sincere heart, pure intent, and faith in Christ. And you will see the power it has. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and that he was called to restore Christ church back on to the earth. I know that He restored the wonderful power of the priesthood. And because of that wonderful priesthood I am here today helping these wonderful people. I am so grateful to have magnificent priesthood holders in my family and for all that they have done for me. I am also grateful for those strong and courageous women who stand right along with those priesthood holders helping them to use their priesthood power. I know that Thomas S. Monson is the prophet on the earth today and that He is called of God to help this church grow into the wonderful safe haven it has become and will continue to become.

I am so grateful for all of the blessings I have received in my life and for the wonderful examples I have in my life. I love this Gospel with all of my heart and I want it to be apart of my life forever. I know that Heavenly Father is watching over each and every one of us and that He knows your needs all you need to do is turn to Him and let Him help you. Prayer is one of the saving graces in my life and I have been able to learn so much through prayer. I love you all so much and I am grateful for each and every one of you for helping me become who I am today. I say these thing in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 

 

Love

 

Sister Ballantyne

Email 11/4/13

YAY SNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I wish I would have been able to see it. I miss it so much.

 

I am able to go out and go to lessons I just have to rest and not push myself too hard. But don't worry I am getting better!!!!

 

Yes I am taking the medicine, and I think I am doing fine. But thank you!!!!!!!

 

I don't remember them but they may have been living there before I left. I am so glad that she came to church and liked it. I love that you are all doing missionary work. You are all wonderful!!!!!!!!! I am so grateful to have you as my family!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 Oh that is so exciting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love little babies. It kills me that we are not allowed to hold them on our missions.

 

Things are fine here. The weather is getting colder but I don't really feel it. My companions seem to always feel it more then I do.

 

Last week we had our zone meeting and the musical number that they had me put together turned out just fine. But I was a complete nervous wreck right before it. But once we got up there all my nerves went away and I was able to do the solo. I love that when we feel that we cannot do something our Heavenly Father helps us when we do our part.

 

That will be good for the both of you to do together!!!!!!!! Tell him not to worry. Just keep working hard. Tell him that I love him!!!!!!!

 

I love you all so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Love

 

Sister Ballantyne

Email 10/28/13

I cannot believe it!!!!!!!!!!! It is crazy!!!!

Oh He will be a great missionary!!!!!!!! He is going to do wonders and miracles!!!!!!

I cannot believe that Potato is a Priest!!! He is growing up so fast. Focus on what he is doing and he will be alright. Tell him to do everything he can and then pray and ask God for help.

That will be good for them to be able to have the Horses

close. I miss those beautiful animals!!!!!!! The Elders keep asking how Kevin is doing??

It is so crazy how things work out like that!!!!!!! I am completely amazed that we keep finding those connections like that!!!!!! It truly is a

small world in the church.

Oh I loved doing make a difference month with her!!!!! It was always so much fun!!!!

Things are going alright. Still pretty much stuck in the flat but I seem to be getting a bit better. The Zone Leaders asked me to organize a

musical number to the Zone meeting that is coming up on Wednesday. So I am excited and nervous for that. I am singing a solo with another

sister. Will see how that goes. The ward is great but a bit stressful. The Elders had a baptism on Saturday and only 3 members showed up and they were a family. They say that they are a close nit ward but they don't really support each other. It is just sad to see. I am praying for a way to help them

We are not really teaching any investigators at the moment. The one we had started hanging around some not very nice people and we

have not been able to get in contact with her. But we are still keeping her in our prayers.  We are working more with Less-Actives and Recent

Converts. It has been a crazy two transfers receiving revelation after revelation of things that I never thought I would get on my mission. I am so

grateful to my Heavenly Father for helping me through those hard times and for know me so much more then I know my self to give me what

I need even when I don't think I do.

Sister Fortuna and I gave the lesson in Relief Society on Sunday. It was on the May conference talk "The Lord Wants To Forgive". That talk was

absolutely wonderful. If you have not read it you should. Because it talks about how he wants to forgive us now not later but now!!!!!!!!!!!! And

that we also need to forgive ourselves!!!!!! It was really good and something that I really needed.

Ya I sent her and Adam a letter. I just had a feeling that I needed to. I miss them like crazy!!!!!!

It has definitely been a crazy year!!!!!! One that I am glad has happened!!!!!!!!  I have learned so much and have been able to change into what

my heavenly father needs me to be. This mission has truly saved my life and changed me for the better

I love you all so much and I am so grateful for each and every one of you!!!!!!

Email 10/21/13

Dear Wonderful Family whom I adore,

 

It has been a pretty good week. Frustrating because I have not been able to go out much. But I know that I need to take care of my health so that I will be able to continue to do the work that Heavenly Father has for me. Yes the medicine has been helping thank you very much!!!! I was asked to give a talk on Sunday on the Importance of Families. I think it turned out pretty well. The whole talk was pretty much on my family and how much I have been able to see them grow in the gospel and closer together through all of the hard times that we have faced and will continue to face. And how I have truly come to realize that the word family does not just mean our immediate family or our extended family. It can mean anyone who means something to us or is there for us when we need them. I really enjoyed giving that talk.

 

No we have not been able to meet with her because she does not have credit on her phone so we are going to have to try and get in touch with her a different way. Hopefully we will be able to soon.

 

I had an interview with President Preston. It was a very good interview. He told me that He has seen me change a lot. I was able to tell him that I am starting to be able to see that change that every one else sees and I am truly grateful for this mission and all it has done for me. I love who I am becoming and I love the testimony that continues to grow inside of me. I am beginning to truly love myself for who I am a Daughter of my Heavenly Father.

 

Wow that is amazing!!!!!! I didn't find any Tree's but I will look for the other names.

 

Haha Yes He will be a good missionary. Tell him congrats for me and good luck He will do great!!!!!! Your class sounds like it was even more fun then usually. Oh I miss the ward Halloween parties. I think the ward here is having one but we are probably not able to go because we will be in the flat on Halloween Night. Oh well I will just have to wait until next year!!!!!

 

OH I wish I could be there for his Concert. Let me know how it goes. How is he doing driving wise???

 

Oh poor thing I hope that she doesn't burn herself out!!!!!!

 

That is very nice of her. I am terrified to go back to school when I get home.

 

I really cannot believe that she is already walking!!!!!! She will be talking before we know it. It is so weird how life just keeps going when you don't really expect it to. I am happy that everyone seems to be doing well.

 

The weather keeps changing here. One day it is sunny then it is raining then it is hot and sunny again and then it is raining again. It is a good thing that I like all weather and am just happy to be able to be here. Why are you having a hard time walking???? Are you going to need the surgery soon????

 

It sounds like a very good meeting. I hope that you are able to enjoy it and take from it what you need.

I emailed her last week. I told her that I am always here for her if she needs to talk. I told her that I have enjoyed watching her grow and that if she trusted in God that I knew she would be an outstanding missionary. Griffin seems to be doing better as well.

 

That bird sounds really funny!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and really cute!!!!

 

How is daddy doing?????

 

I hope you all are doing well!!!!!!

 

I love you tons

 

Love

 

Sister Ballantyne

Email 10/16/13

It is alright. I had them ask because on Tuesday of last week while I was praying I had a feeling that she had passed away and I just wanted to see if the family was alright. She is happy and is watching over them. I am glad that they were all able to be there with them.

 

I have not been transferred and I am still with Sister Fortuna. YAY!!!!!!!!

 

She said that the lung thing is because it is getting colder and to just keep doing what I am doing. Yes I got the package thank you so much. My favorite candies!!!!! Don't worry I have not eaten them all.  As for the Dizziness she said it was due to hormones. It is called a blood pressure drop. So my prescription for that is Salt and Vinager Crisps or licorish.

 

I see him quite often. He also said that he found more on Alfred Cordon. I have not read it but I might be able to ask him for it. He is so funny. He has even put some music on my Ipod for me.

 

I think the baptism is going to be postponed. Due to not being able to see her for a while.

 

Oh I miss primary programs. I am not sure if they do them here. But I really think that they should.

 

I am glad that He got his card and that He enjoyed his present. He will really enjoy helping his neighbors again. I have such wonderful examples of service in my life. And I am so grateful for each and ever one of them!!!

 

Oh I miss high heels so much!!!!!! It will be great to wear them again when I get home.  Where is he going on his mission???? It is so weird that they are going out now. I still see them as little kids. Weird.

 

Just tell him to be careful cause that is my car when I get home;) Hahaha kidding. I bet he just loves being able to drive himself around. He is a good kid. I have some very smart siblings!!!!

 

Well I am doing alright just a bit I don't even know what I am. But I am hanging in there. Doing what I know how to do and relying on my Heavenly Father for the rest. I am so grateful that I came on this mission and for the changes I have been able to make in my life. It has really helped me know what I want and need in my life. I am go grateful for the wonderful influences I have in my life and for the wonderful parents I have. I don't know how everything is going to work out but I do know that as long as I have my Heavenly Father on my side it will all work out the way he needs it to.

 

Hopefully we will be able to go to the temple here in a few weeks with one of the members in the ward that we have been working with. She is great and she really reminds me of you mom. She even has a craft corner in her Kitchen. And her daughter is crazy like me. It feels so good to finally really be myself. I will forever be grateful to Rhly for helping me start being my self again. I didn't realize that I had lost it before my mission and it feels wonderful to be back.

 

Thank you so much for all that you have and continue to do for me. I love you all so very much!!!!!

 

Love

 

Sister Ballantyne