Hi Everyone!
-Hope everyone had a happy Fourth of July! Our apartment actually faces the opposite direction of the fireworks at Disneyland and for safety reasons we needed to be in our apartments by 8 pm. So really we didn't get to do much of anything except sing "The Star Spangled Banner" in our apartment over and over again.
- So the big news- I GOT MY VISA!!!!! I will head down under on July 13th, the end of the transfer. Of course, I have mixed feelings about going. I am extremely excited to be there but I am extremely sad to be leaving! I've been taking pictures (soon to come) with practically everyone.
- Also, my knee is SO much better! I'm still wearing my stabilizer but it feels and looks much better. The couple days of rest really helped. And I'm convinced that it's healed up so quickly because of al of your prayers. Thank you!!!
- Today our zone got to do a session in the Newport temple! Of course, it was amazing.
- The last two weeks have been wonderful! Our recent convert, Christina is doing really well and we're still teaching our awesome investigators and less actives! On Sunday, we had our fast and testimony meeting. There was an incredible spirit there as many beautiful testimonies were given. A woman who was visiting the ward bore her testimony in Russian, I think. Although none of us knew what this woman was saying, the spirit was felt by many and even moved some, including myself, to tears. That reminded me of the power of the spirit. I've been learning more and more about the importance and power of testifying to others, by word and deed. I encourage everyone everywhere to continue to do so. Continue to be an example to those around you.
Thank you all for your love, encouragement, prayers and support!
I love and miss you all!
Hurrah for Israel!
Sister A

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to all of the pops out there!
Wonderful week and weekend.
- I've been recovering well and will meet with a doctor on Wednesday to make sure all will be well!
- I was pretty much on bed rest for a couple of days last week BUT we're getting right back on track and teaching some great people. We even invited another investigator to get baptized and he said yes!!! We are back in action and loving it!
And of course the big news- Christina was baptized Saturday and confirmed yesterday! It was a great experience and really gave me a chance to think about the importance of the gospel in my life and in the lives of my family and friends. Also, a less active that we have been teaching received the priesthood yesterday. Seriously, an awesome weekend! The gospel is so important to me. The knowledge of Jesus Christ and His atonement gives me such hope. I know that I can rely on Him and trust in Him. I know that He loves me individually and unconditionally. I also know that loves and knows each of us this way. I know that the atonement is not just a one time event. I know that the atonement has the power to bless our lives every single day.
Thank you all for your continued love, support, prayers and encouragement!
Sister A

 Hello my friends! It has been an extremely wonderful and eventful week.

- As we were leaving a neighborhood to continue visiting people we came upon some ducks in the middle of the road. Unfortunately, there weren't crossing the road. They were walking right in front of us. So Sister Fernandez decided to clear the way for us. 

- I found a cotton tree. 

- At the transfer, we got a different car with a bike rack on it. It previously belonged to the zone leaders. Here's Sister Fernandez trying to figure out how to put a member's bike on the bike rack.

- Sister Fernandez and I celebrated her year mark by getting ourselves some hot chocolate.

A member happened to have this book!! Of course, I HAD to take a picture with it. And Sister Fernandez photo bombing like a boss. #americanized 

-Unfortunately, my knee hasn't quite healed up yet, but it's not slowing us down too much. 

We're teaching some great investigators and we have a baptism coming up! Our wonderful investigator, Kristina is getting baptized Saturday and we are just over the moon about it! We are hoping that her family will soon follow her incredible example. We're teaching two others that are really progressing and several others that look very promising. 

- Something that I've been doing lately is choosing a scripture to memorize and then apply throughout my week. It has made a HUGE difference in my work as a missionary and a person. For example, this week I decided to memorize and apply doctrine and covenants 35:8. "For I am God and mine arm is not shortened; and I will show miracles, signs, and wonders, unto all those who believe on my name." I decided to pray for those miracles, signs and wonders and really look out for them each day. And I found them! Some were big and others were small but they were there. I would like to invite each of you to try it. I can promise you that by doing so you can learn more about yourself, others and the Savior. By studying even one scripture and applying the principles into your daily life, you can feel the presence of Christ and the Holy Ghost more in your life. I love the gospel, I love my Savior and I love this work. Let's all continue to do our best in moving it forward!
I love and miss you all and thank you for all of your continuous love, encouragement, prayers and support.
Sister A