This week has been awesome and very spiritual at the same time! This week A LOT of miracles happened! First we got a new investigator Kim. She is 16 years old and she is so awesome and she has read 3 Nephi 11-20 so far this week and she came to church and we plan on going back this week. And Bro. Tuimaseve, who hasn't been to church in who knows how long, actually came to church on Sunday! And the Youngblood family, who I have tried over and over and over again since I was here a year ago and I have only taught them once, but I finally got in contact with them and set up a return appointment for this week, so Elder Simpson and I have been very blessed and we are very grateful. Also, something very spiritual that happened this week is something Elder Simpson actually brought to my attention. On Thursday after we had the new leadership training we went and had dinner with the Foy's, then had a lesson with the Hays, then went and did 3 healing blessings at the Jenning's/Sheldon's. At the end of the day Elder Simpson said "You love these people don't you" and I never really thought about it but I really do I have so much love for the people here in Bear Creek. After this I got on my knees and offered up a prayer of gratitude and while I was praying I remembered something my Stake President said when I was getting set apart as a missionary. He said "We bless you now that you will have the love of the Savior in your heart. That as you look upon those that you serve, whether they be members or non-members, or your mission president, or your leaders in your mission, or your companions, that you will be able to have that same love that the Savior has for them and that you will be able to express that love effectively through your actions and through the words that you say" Well this week I can say that this line was fulfilled. I never felt so much love for so many people and for anyone for that matter. I had so much love for the people in the Bear Creek area, for my companion, for my Zone Leaders and Assistants to the President, and to President and Sister Hansen. That was definitely a memorable moment and I can't wait to get to work this week so I can show my love through my actions.
Sorry this letter won't be as long as my others I sent a super long e-mail to President Hansen as well telling him about this experience. But I also had so much love and appreciation to all my Sunday school teachers, priesthood leaders, and seminary teachers. And I plan on writing them all little thank you notes next P-Day. I hope y'all have a great week and I can't wait to hear from y'all soon. And hopefully Deanna got my birthday card. If not, tell her on Wednesday, Happy 18th Birthday! That's so crazy that she is 18 now ah!
love, Elder Cory "Big Deal" Barton :p
