Monday, September 14, 2015

Crazy in Gonzales!

Well, it only took me a few weeks, but here is the update from Sister Barclay about her first birthday in the mission field! She's doing so great!

"Hey Y'all! 

Thank you for the birthday wishes!!! I'm 20 now, can you believe it? I can't! I'm getting old! I had a really good birthday though! Sister Wood really spoiled me... I woke up to streamers hanging around everywhere, balloons, and presents on the table; it was so cute and decorated!! Then we went to district meeting and the other sisters made me blue and orange cupcakes that were fabulous! And the elders made apple cobbler! I was so spoiled! It was also a really good meeting. I had to give the instruction... I'm still not very good at them, but I have been working really hard on really feeling the spirit and being able to let the spirit be the real teacher and I could feel the spirit so strong as I talked about companionship unity; it was easy because me and Sister Wood are long lost sisters! For real though! We get along so well, and I just love her! She is teaching me so much about this gospel and life. She is such an amazing missionary and friend! 

Not a lot of investigators lately... We are still trying to figure out this area since the past sisters didn't leave us with very much to go off of. We are really having to rely on the Lord as we figure things out, and in the meantime we are truly realizing how crazy it is here in Gonzales. We have been working a lot with the less actives and older women in the ward and they all have crazy stories and they just do crazy things. We come out of every lesson just mind blown with crazy; it's hard to explain, but lately we have been marriage counselors, just a listening ear to those women that love to talk, and my new motto is, "Get in where you fit in!" Sometimes we only get about two sentences in.. maybe! It's a good old time! 

I love this ward here though. The ward mission leader is Brother Perilloux! He is probably the best ward mission leader I've had. He really goes out of his way to help us and make sure we are being taken care of and being fed! It's super nice! Everyone has made us feel like family here. We have started calling Brother and Sister Mann mom and dad because they just take such good care of us like our own mom and dad! On Saturday I got to go to the Bishop's storehouse for the first time to help out there, and it was such a interesting experience; lots of people watching went on for sure! Those ladies get pretty sassy, and they call the shopping carts BUGGY'S it is not a cart!  haha I love the South! 

This week has been really interesting, but all week I have just been thinking how much I love this gospel and my Heavenly Father; all of God's children are so special to him and so different, but it's amazing how you just know this gospel is for everyone. The gospel truly blesses families and helps those in need! This gospel has brought me so much happiness and so many blessings. I am so excited to be out here sharing this message to others! Heavenly Father never gives up on his children; he loves us so much and wants to bless us with so much more! 

I love y'all so much! I hope you never forget that! Y'all strengthen me so much with your prayers and your letters! keep those coming! 

Love all y'all and each y'all!
Sister Barclay

Monday, September 7, 2015

Trip to the Cajun Village and Other Pics

So apparently, Sister Barclay had troubles getting her weekly email to come through... BUT the pictures went through to us! So I'll let those do all the talking this week. Besides, they are pretty cool anyway and, seriously, isn't Collette the prettiest missionary?? Good grief! Looks like that Cajun living is treating her well!

"When I was in LSU! Taylor is on the left and Gabby is on the right! Gabby is cousins with Chaise and Rickie Warr from Parowan!"

The Cajun Village

Sister Wood and Sister Barclay in the Cajun Village

"At the Cajun Village there is an alligator in the creek nearby! I saw my first real live alligator!"

The Cajun Village

The Cajun Village

"Just the usual fireworks shack!"

"Our house in Gonzales!"

"I got that giant bug in the window seal! It was nasty! Yes, that is a Clorox Wipe on the end of the stick!"

"You don't see this every day!"

Sister Barclay and Sister Wood!