Gym'n It!

This week we got an email from Collette...

Uhm...

It was only this photo.
No words.

Soooo... I'll have to get more information on that and then I'll update you all!

But, gees! What a fun looking group!

I'm guessing this is her district. Check out their cool BR shirts!

Louisiana Fast!

People! We're back! Sorry it's been so long since I last posted an update from Sister Barclay... My family and I (Liz) moved to a new state and we just barely (as in, 15 minutes ago) got internet at our house! Woo! It feels good to be back online!

So I have two posts again, one from Collette to my mom back on June 15th, and the other is the most recent, from July 6th! She also, let me know that she is at the same address, so send her those letters and check for the address listed under the Write Me! tab.

June 15th (excerpts from the email to our mom):
"I don't have a lot of time today. It's been a crazy p-day!! My week has been good, just staying busy and doing my thing, ya know! That mission life!

We have been on a ton of crazy adventures and me and my companion get along so well... although she is a little hesitant to go tract or to contact people! She's a hoot! We'll work on it! It's been a stellar week!"

"We went biking the other day... I got fried! And I got so many bug bites on my legs! They are huge! I'm pretty sure this transfer is where I'm going to lose all my weight; these elders and sisters 'round me love to exercise and be all healthy! I have done more yoga and running than ever! It's good though;I feel really good! But sweating in Baton Rouge is horrible!"

"So we had a baptism! His name is Andrew Loreno! He goes to the singles ward and he's so cool!!! Ahhh, it's been a really fun week! I can already see that time is moving on by just fast! It's so nuts!"

"So... best part of my week... guess what we did as a district?!! We went to the Bethany Church to see..... PHIL ROBERTSON FROM DUCK DYNASTY speak about what God has done in his life! We heard from Allen, his son, and Mrs. Kay!! AHHHHHHHHHH how sweet is that?! So yeah, I was definitely in the presence of Phil! He's a boss!"

New companion! Sister Frederickson!

July 6th (letter to everyone):
"Hey y'all! It's been a crazy couple of weeks! Let me catch up!

Our Mission is too crazy! All the missionaries are a bunch of clowns with the biggest testimonies of this gospel I've ever seen! A little while ago we had a district meeting that brought all the tears. We talked about why we came out on missions and a lot of us said, 'for our families back home' that needed that example, some said they came out because the Lord told them to and the biggest reason was because we all love the Lord so much and this is how we can give back to our Savior! Although this is the hardest thing I've ever done, somehow it is all worth it. I have seen my testimony of this gospel grow so much, even when I don't see the blessings, miracles, or seeds grow immediately, I know that this is truly the Lord's work and we just have to trust him! It has been the funnest transfer of my mission; never a dull moment here in Baton Rouge! I love it!

Our investigators are doing well! We should be having a baptism for another young adult, her name is Abby Richmond! She is absolutely golden! She has the biggest heart and really has the desire to learn all the Lord has in store for her! She has even been talking to her mom about it and she wants to come to the baptism!!! LET'S GOO!!! 

Josh and Daisy have kinda of fallen backwards a little bit... The last time we met with them, I was feeling really brave and asked Josh to crush his pack of cigarettes; he has been telling us for 2 months he wants to quit. Let's just say, he freaked and only crushed one! But it was a start, right? But ever since then they have been missing our calls and ignoring texts and visits; it makes me really sad, I love them so much! Maybe it's just not their time, but let me tell you how much I hate agency sometimes! This is what they need and they just don't see that yet! They will come back; I know they will! I have faith that one day something will touch their hearts and they will come around. Send them your prayers! 

Being in two wards is still crazy, but it's keeping us busy! We have really tried to get members involved in our teaching and really get to know both wards! For the most part it is going really good! I love YSA! At first it was really hard getting used to teaching students my own age, but now I just love it! The PEOPLE of Louisiana have been my favorite thing about my mission! It's such a fun little world down here! 

Well this letter is getting really long, so I will end here with my testimony. I know this church is true. I know that this is the Lords work and I was definitely called to Louisiana for a reason; it now has a piece of my heart! I still hate the humidity and it's getting worse, but what can ya do? I know that Jesus Christ died for me and the Atonement is so real. He loves us so much and we are Heavenly Father's children! I know that he has a plan for all of us and if we follow it, we can always stay on our heavenly path towards home! I love all y'all and each y'all! Have and beautiful week! Talk to ya again real soon! 

Love Sister Barclay"