Hey fam bam,

Can you believe we just had our first skype call?! I loved it! I felt like I was right there with y'all on the couch watching basketball!

Lol only 2 more calls and I'll be home!!!!!  Man I miss you guys. But I'm so happy I was able to actually have a conversation with y'all:)

So let's see, after our call we had a busy Christmas Day. We went to dinner at a recent converts house, Sister C. So when we got there it was popping. So many people were there it was crazy busy. And so for dinner Sister C had a buffet of everything. Oh and she is a chef so she had made a bunch of food, like there was a Mexican section, and then like fish heads and lobster and rice, and steak, and potatoes, and shrimp, and then a big dessert table. Oh man I was so full, I got a little bit of everything and I was honestly about to throw up I was so stuffed. Lol then when we were leaving she gave us a Christmas present, which was a a really cute purple water bottle which I needed because I left mine at home. It was so sweet!

Then after that we went to a couple in our Ward, they are older like 50s or 60s and we just came to hang out. It was a lot of fun because the lady is so energetic and has so much energy, I just love her, she cracks me up. And so we ate and talked and it was just nice to relax and not worry about teaching. Oh and she gave us a target gift card:)

Then we went to another recent converts house to watch the other side of heaven. Oh how I miss so much just watching movies. So that was super nice, and she gave us slippers, I honestly was just so happy because all these people who barely know me and my companion gave us gifts and I just felt so loved and blessed! Oh it just warmed my heart!

Oh it was just such a good Christmas considering I was away from my family. But don't get me wrong I missed spending time with y'all so much but I know this is where I need to be!

So Saturday was crazy, we went to go visit our investigator, Axxx, who was suppose to get baptized on the 9th, and we walk to her apartment and hear her fighting with the man who lives above her. They were yelling and cursing and it was crazy. Then she comes down the stairs and we tried to talk to her and figure out why she dropped us and she was yelling at us and telling us that her and her friend, Philip(the one who lives above her) got in a fight and he is a member but he's not all there in the head so he smokes and stuff and so since they are fighting she doesn't want to have anything to do with him so that's why she dropped us. So sad. So heart breaking that because of a person she doesn't want to get baptized. I guess it shows that she wasn't truly converted or really had a testimony. It's still sad though.

So after that we had a lesson with a lady and her husband and while we are talking somehow she starts talking about her marijuana plant and I look over next to me and there it is. I'm sitting next to it! Oh my I was dying, anyway we have a lesson and I'm almost positive that she was high.... When we left I saw that she has some marijuana in a bowl on her desk and then I realized she probably was and it smelt like pot the whole time we were there. So then we go tract a little around the area and then we get in the car and the car instantly smells like marijuana also. We then realize that WE SMELL LIKE POT!!!! And it was so bad! Like that whole night I could just smell it coming off my clothes. Oh man I was so embarrassed and scared someone was going to ask us about it. So that was my Saturday haha....

Sunday we had to teach Sunday school and I was freaking out! But all went well haha.  Oh and then it started SNOWING!!!!! It's was so crazy, it was freezing cold but it didn't stick so that was good! But we had to go tracting in the snow and that was not fun! Lol

So yeah that was the rest of my week. Oh and that guy I told y'all about, our lesson is tomorrow so hopefully all goes well!

And so sorry about the pictures this week, I didn't realize that I didn't take very many haha sorry, I'll try and be better!  Well I love y'all so much and am so blessed to have such a great family that I can't wait to spend Christmas with!!!!

#onlyonemorechristmasawayfromhome

Xoxo
Sister Batey

Sister Finn and McKenzee

Best Christmas present ever...

Family home evening.

December 21st, 2015

Hello beautiful family who I get to skype in 4 days!!!!!!!!!:)

Too pumped to see your faces in just a few short days!!! So how the heck are yall?? This week was the best and it flew by!!!!! And omg mom! I can't believe you were at my house!!!! In my town!!!! I can't get over it!!!! Oh my heck! And btw the sweaters you gave me are not the ones I want! You gave me a large and a medium... Those are way to big to be wearing with skirts. I want my maroon one and the I got for my birthday, Kylee is wearing it in one of the pictures you sent me, the white and black one. I need the ones that are smaller!!!! Tuesday was sister Finns birthday and we had a lot of fun, still worked hard but also had fun. She was getting lots of sweets and stuff which meant I got lots of sweets too haha. 

Wednesday we had zone conference and that's where I saw sister Mortenson. It was so good seeing her since I haven't seen her in a long time! And zone conference was so so good! I love missionary meetings:) lol we talked a lot about God doesn't do random which I have a story to tell you later. But that night we were out tracting and then we got in our car to pray about where we should go next and earlier that night we were talking about how scary it would be if after prayer when we open our eyes there was someone standing at our door, well I guess I shouldn't have said that because that night when it was dark and scary we were saying prayer and during the middle of it we hear this creepy lady voice say, "excuse me" and then I looked up and there was this lady standing at my window. Oh man I screamed so loud and was so afraid, my heart was going so fast. She was just asking for our card with our number. But dang was I freaked out. Lol 

Thursday we had lots of findings. Which means we were going to look for lots of people that we need to talk to. So here's my God doesn't do random story. So we went to one of the nursing homes because a lady in our Ward asked us to go visit her mom Ruth. So we go and we ask the front desk which room is hers and they tell us 226 upstairs. So Sister Finn and I go upstairs and find 226 but the name on the outside of the door says Lillian. We knock anyway because we figure the name is just wrong, well we find this old lady who is 100 years old!!! And boy she is so funny, we started talking to her and she starts asking us if our parents love us and we say yes again and she calls us stupid hahaha. Then she asks if we want children one day and we say yes and so she calls us stupid again hahaha. Then she said we can't trust anyone, not even her! And she told us she need to always cross our legs! Oh man I was dying laughing. Then we ask if she knows who Ruth was and so she takes us next door and we start talking to Ruth and tell her that her daughter sister Williams told us to come visit her because she is a member of the church. She seems pretty confused so we just think that she's old and senile haha. So we finally convince her that she is a member and so we give her a lesson. Then while she's watching the video I'm looking around at her pictures and realize that she is not the Ruth we were looking for! Hahaha and so we finally find the confidence to tell her we were the confused ones and she actually isn't a member. Lol but she wasn't mad. She really enjoyed the lesson and said that we represent our church very well and she wants us to come back! Lol just a crazy funny story because we were trying to convince her that she was Mormon and her daughter was Mormon, but how crazy that her name was Ruth and she has a daughter with the last name Williams? Like I said, God doesn't do random! Lol

Friday we went to the temple and it was so much fun! I loved it! Such a great place to be and so relaxing. Driving home though we got stuck in traffic for 2 hours because a big semi truck was turned over on its side!!! So crazy!

Saturday wasn't to exciting, we went to decorate a Christmas tree oh and we went caroling. I'm starting to really miss home with Christmas coming up:( like really really miss home. I miss you guys a lot:( it's hard being away from home during this time:(

Sunday, we went to church and then found out we are gonna teach Sunday school next week:( man we can never catch a break! Lol Well I'm super excited to talk to you guys though!  Does 11 work for you guys????  Well love y'all so much!!!!!!

Xoxo
Sister Batey

McKenzee patiently waiting...

 

Sister Mortenson from the MTC...

 

The sweet sister that they live with.

 

That better be hot chocolate...

  

Helping decorate the tree...

  

Sister Finn and McKenzee at the temple.

Celebrating a birthday.

 

December 14th, 2015

Family,

I just am so incredibly happy. This week has been so awesome I don't even have the words to say what I'm feeling. But it also was kind of sad. I had to say goodbye to some of the best people I've ever met. And some of my favorites (Rxxx Family). La center definitely has a piece of my heart! We got to eat dinner at the Rxxx's the night before I got transferred and it was so awesome! They are the bomb. We had lasagna which was also bomb haha. Oh and I had a few cokes;) and my homie brother R hooked us up with some nice hats lol. I was so bummed to leave them though, definitely fighting back tears. I already miss them so much and our Sunday appointments :(

But on a happy note, I love my new companion!!!! Sister Finn is the best. We get along so so so well! Like we are so very similar it's hilarious!!! I don't even know where to start with her! Lol she's great! We have so much fun but also work so hard that it doesn't even seem like missionary work. I love it! Her birthday is Tuesday so we are getting pretty pumped for that, then before we know it it'll be Christmas and we get to skype:) :) :)

Speaking of Christmas we get to skype for about an hour so I guess I'll call y'all? Lol I need my skype info, or I might FaceTime y'all? I'm pretty excited :)   So we will be spending Christmas Eve with some family in the Ward I'm not very sure because I don't know very many people yet, and then all I know is we are going to a lady who just got baptized for Christmas dinner. We will see. So Wednesday was transfers and it was so exciting because I saw most of my homies from the MTC and I got an awesome new trainer! Speaking of, small small world, she said she knows Kazdan. Apparently Kazdan and his friends went to her apartment to make cookies one night up in Idaho, this was last fall. So Kazdan do you recognize her? Lol just thought it was hilarious to find out she knew you when I was showing her my family pictures! Also turns out back in my party days we were at the same parties and didn't even know it! We get a good kick out of that haha.

So yes we still get a car, which is great. All sisters now have cars. And of course it's still raining and cold here. So dumb haha. And he's my new area is smaller but that's because I'm not way out in the boonies, we are in a suburb area with lots of people to work with! It's great! And my new companion is great. We get along very well. Same favorite color, same style make up, same things to do. We even say some of the same things like oh my lanta haha.

So Thursday we did a lot of missionary work and stuff. Oh and then I found out that I was speaking on Sunday so I was freaking out because we don't have time to write talks because we have people that we need to visit with! I just winged it haha. But anyway we were in this lesson I think Friday and this lady and her son started talking about medicine because this lady is in a hospital bed, then she started telling us how she smokes marijuana every night and how it's totally okay and then her son was telling us how he is a drug dealer and you guys that was the first time in my life that I just totally felt the absence of the Holy Ghost. And the first time on my mission that I was without it. Such a scary feeling, I just kept feeling like I needed to get out and run! It was awful. We left as fast as we could and I hurried and said a prayer to try and get the spirit back, I didn't like the feeling at all! Then that night we went to IHOP for dinner ith our district leader and his companion and their Ward mission eader. It was so much fun:)
Then Sunday we had to speak, I'll send you my talk, but I also said things that weren't in my talk, just saying. Haha  Oh and sister Finn is only a month older than I am! My back still hurts, but it's moving to the upper part of my back. I'm getting old! Oh and I can see the first five lines of yalls emails throughout the week I just can't go into the email and read it. Oh and mom take the iPod home so you can put the David archuleta and John Allred music on it, thank you:) How was Oregon? I loved the pictures of the boys!

I miss  you guys! And dad sorry about the video, hahaha I just did the instinct "hi mom" when on camera haha but I did remember you at the end so that's the important thing:) Oh and I got one letter from you mom, but I can only write on my pday so it takes me awhile to reply:( BUT I DO LOVE YALL!!!!!!
And miss y'all so much!!!!! Can't believe I've already been out for 2 months!!!!!:)

Xoxo
Sister Batey

 

They got their nails done for Sister Finn's birthday.

 

Bundled up...apparently it's cold.

 

The Rxxx family and McKenzee.

 

McKenzee's with her new zone.

 

McKenzee must be standing on a pile of books...

 

December 7th, 2016 - Transfers are here

Hey hey hey,

So IM GETTING TRANSFERRED!!! Actually both me and my companion are getting transferred so there will be two new missionaries here in La Center. I'm not sure where I'm going yet but I'm hopeful for a great new area and companion. I should be getting a letter today that will tell me my new area and companion so I'll let you know. I am a little sad to leave just because of the few families that I really came to love and because they definitely made me feel at home when I went into their homes. So it'll definitely be hard but like I said, I'm hopeful for what is to come.

I actually had an experience last night that made me realize that I was supposed to come to this area. Our mission motto is, "God doesn't do random" and I really came to see this in action. So we were at the Rxxx's house last night for our weekly lesson with their less active son and earlier at church when I told Brother R that I was leaving he got so sad/mad. Oh it was so hard to see him like that. He then came and whispered in my ear, fighting back tears, "I don't care what they say I'm giving you a hug before you leave" haha made me laugh but still sad. So then in this lesson we were talking about fasting and I felt super prompted to tell Txxx about my first week here and how I was having a real hard time and I wanted to leave. I also told him how me, some people in the office, and my family back home were fasting for me to have strength and possibly have a desire to stay. And let me tell you it was super hard to talk about as I fought back sobs. Anyway I'm telling this story and all three of the Rxxx's are crying as well, I'm not sure about my companion, and so I end by baring my testimony about fasting about the power it has if you faithfully fast for a purpose. And Brother R then tells me how he could see I was struggling and that he was praying for me because he knew I was supposed to be here. Then Txxx explains how he regrets so much not going on a mission and he could only imagine the regret I would have if I left early. Then he said he was so happy that I didn't leave because he knows I was supposed to teach him for a reason. And what's amazing is he has really been making progress in coming back to church since we began teaching him.  And of course sister Rxxx tells how thankful she is that we have been able to help Txxx and how happy that she is that I stayed.

Anyway it was such an amazing experience and I just really felt like I was called to La Center for this exact purpose. Meeting the Rxxx's and having that connects with them through Jamie has just been such a blessing and I'm so grateful that I've been able to have enough strength to stick around to see this. Although I didn't get any baptisms I was able to hopefully help reignite the spark for Txxx so that he can feel the love the savior has for him as I have felt it so much in my life. 

So this week I ate at a casino... Twice!!! Haha Sister Txxxx (who we live with) had us signed up for dinner and so she took us to the only restaurant in town called The Last Frontier Restaurant which is connected to one of the four casinos in town. Lol it wasn't a big deal but it was fun to be at a restaurant again, and plus I was able to hear normal music again and that was the bomb.com. Haha oh and then a few days later we went to the restaurant again with another member, she goes on splits with us all the time. She's awesome. So yeah I got a nice big burger and it was so good! Haha 

The Ward Christmas party was on Friday and it was so great! The first part was a bunch of musical performances then we went to the gym for food and dessert and crafts and mingling and of course Santa. The Ward did a great job and we even had some nonmembers and less actives show up which was awesome. It's so weird though because now that I'm a missionary I have to actually walk around and talk with people which is not at my comfort zone but I'm working on it. Lol. I can't wait for the Ward activities where I can be a normal person again and just eat my food in peace hahaha. 

Omg I forgot to tell you! Brother Rxxxx is the best. He bought me a case of 24 500mL bottles of Coke! And so every time I go to their house which is more often than not haha he pops open a bottle and I get my Coke for the day! Oh it's amazing haha, although I definitely think my New Years resolution is to try and give up Coke because I have been drinking it wayyyyy to much! Lol we will see. Oh another thing that happened this week. So we volunteer at the food bank each week which is such a beautiful opportunity that we have. I love it. We get the food really and then give it to the people right then. And oh my, this week this lady came and it was her first time so we give a little bit more than they usually get, and so we have her shampoo, soap, toothpaste, tooth brush, and toilet paper. When we opened the door to give it to her and explain what we were giving her she was so happy. Like wow, just glowing because she was getting soap. She almost began to cry she was so happy. Then a man we gave some food too came up to the door and knocked and told us how thankful he was because the food we gave him was going to feed his family for Christmas. He was so happy to receive a little bit of food that I couldn't believe it. Man it was such a humbling experience for me. We are so blessed with all that we have. We shouldn't take anything we have for granted because there are so many people who have nothing. I love that I was able to help those in need, and I can't help but think of the hymn, "Because I have been given much, I too much give." We need to give to others this holiday season and always. We have so much in our lives and we should share because that's what the spirit of Christmas is about. It's the spirit of Christ and we need to always remember that because all that we have we owe to Him so why not share with all? So yeah, that was an amazing experience.

The only thing that happened was while I was lifting the cans and different boxes at the food bank my back went out... Oh man I was in so much pain and struggling but I pushed through. So this week has been hard on my back but it's definitely getting better, slowly. Haha so pray for my back lol.  Hmmm what else happened....? Honestly I have no idea. This week flew by which was a #christmasmiracle and it wasn't all that bad. So I guess things are getting better. I'm still missing home, and family, and Texas. Oh the rain is no fun at all. But I'm definitely getting used to it. Also the cold isn't so bad anymore. I think I'm acclimated!!! Haha only took me about two months but I think I made it! Speaking of two months, I'll have been out two months next week!!!!! Is this real life???? Only 16 months to go? Wow i can't believe it. But then looking back my birthday was only like 2 weeks ago. It goes by so fast but so slow. A mission is the strangest thing ever!
Well I love you all and miss you tons :)

Xoxo
Sister Batey

UPDATE:  I'm getting transferred to the Fairway Village Ward in the Vancouver east zone!!!!! And my companions name is Sister Finn. That's all I know!!!!

New hair cut...

Same hair cut...and face.

McKenzee and someone from the mission.

November 30th, 2015

Yo yo fam bam,

Okay well Monday for pday it was a pretty dark and dreary day, it started out sunny then got very dark and cold. We went as a zone to Lewis park and had a picnic and played kickball. The elders grilled hot dogs and burgers, (I had one of each...I can't stop eating here...I think I'm gaining weight) lol then we played kick ball and I ended up being on the team with just elders... The sisters were all on the other team, so I was super nervous to play. They made me pitch the ball (I think that's the right term?) anyway so it was totally freezing and my toes were so numb. I had on a pair of mygloves and then an elder let me wear his as well. Oh man it was so cold. Then the zone leaders wanted to have a testimony meeting in the park, so we stayed in the cold for another 30 minutes, my whole body was in ice icicle! Lol

So right now (Wednesday) as I am writing this I am in the Subaru car customer service lounge. Our car is getting its headlight fixed and let me tell you it brings back many memories. Remember mom, when we went to go get dads truck fixed and then after waiting hours to get popcorn;) we got a ride home from that creepy man who wouldn't stop trying to kill the mosquito as he was driving, and you were on crutches at this time. Man I remember being so hungry and we were trying to fill up on Coke and ice since you were too afraid to get up and get the popcorn from the even creepier car man;) Hahahaha. But let me tell you, this Subaru place stinks (not literally) compared to the many car dealerships we've been to before. No snacks, so soda, no donuts, no popcorn, nothing! I'm so disappointed. And let me tell you, it's not any fun without you here mom. We could always have fun at places like this, but my companion is reading the Book of Mormon, another lady is knitting, and a man is on his phone. And then I'm writing y'all this letter to let y'all know how lame life is without
my family. I can't wait to get home so I can do lame stuff like this in the company of my not lame mom. Haha (Sorry dad, you're always at work...but afterwards we come eat lunch with you (and that's the bomb.com)

So yeah, here I am haha. And guess what I'm starving, idk what it is about these places but I always get so hungry!! Well I guess it is also my normal lunch break so I guess no surprise there. So I guess with all this time I'll try and answer some questions y'all have asked me.

So last Sunday we had Ward council and since I'm the "donut missionary" they brought donuts:) but of course bishop picked on me to say the prayer to bless the donuts hahahaha kinda funny, kinda rude, but hey, maybe they like me and will remember me when I'm gone!

Speaking of being gone, let me talk about transfers. So a transfer cycle is every 6 weeks but you never know when you'll be transferred until the Saturday before. So if you are going to be transferred you'll get a letter in the mail telling you that you'll be transferred and then that Wednesday you and your companion will go to the mission office for a little transfer meeting. Only if you are getting transferred. Oh and whoever is leaving will bring their stuff (suitcases). Then the meeting will start and they will announce the new missionaries and then tell them who their trainer will be. That's what happened when I found out my trainer sister Peterson.

And mom, about my shoes, yes they fit and they are the same color, the Sr. Missionary couples thought it would be funny to hold up a different shoe with my new one and confuse you haha idk... But yes they will work good...for the summer, haha, right now it's too cold to wear them because I wear tights and they don't match with my tights and plus I don't want the rain to ruin them. And I like to wear boots.

Speaking of, for Christmas I want a pair of black ankle boots... Haha I have some sisters here in my zone and they have cute ones from the missionary mall online I think. They say they are really comfy and I think they are cute. I'll send you pictures :) oh and also for Christmas, skirts. I want more lol. I need more. You actually have one that I want mom haha. The green and black (maybe blue) stripped skirt. I can't remember but I'm pretty sure it's long enough. And actually I like my skirts tighter and shorter. Haha I'm not the typical sister missionary if you couldn't already tell. So yeah hahahah.

Oh and then Wednesday night we didn't have anything to do so we went to the Richey’s house to visit and we were just hanging out and visiting and it was so fun lol. I told brother Richey that I really like Coke and he actually ended up getting me Mexican Coke (it's honestly just like normal Coke but don't tell him that lol) and so I had a big glass of Coke while we were there:) and then, get this, omg, hahaha so he was drinking some drink and he wanted me to taste it so he offered it to me and I just kinda look at him and he says go ahead take a sip (he had a straw in his drink) and then his wife tries to explain that I probably don't want to share a straw with him. Oh man I was laughing so hard. He just didn't understand that I wouldn't want to share a straw haha. Oh I guess you had to be there but it was so funny. I guess he just thinks of me as family? Lol lol

So Thursday, man let’s see if I can get this all out haha. Thanksgiving was so crazy and went by so fast. So we started out by having a district meeting, I had to give a thought about personal revelation, I nailed it haha. Then we had a little testimony meeting, I bore mine, oh man I still get nervous. Then after that we had a zone lunch, Elder and Sister Lambert (senior companions) brought us sloppy joes haha. It was cute. I really like them! But I didn't eat very much because I knew I would be eating all day. So then we went to a family in the ward to hang out for a little bit. Then from 3-6 we went to bishop’s house for dinner. They had a full house but it was fun. My companion and I ate with the adults which was strange, I'm use to always eating at the kid’s table haha. But yeah dinner was good. Although no ham :/ and they had salad and I just don't like salad. I've had it so much since I've been on my mission and I'm just not use to it yet. Oh and we had so much pie! It was so good, but I was so full! Haha. After dinner we tried putting a puzzle together and we just visited some more. Then after bishops we went to another family to give them a spiritual thought, they were an older couple, it was kinda awkward haha. Then we went to the Richey’s :) I got another Coke :) and then we ended up playing farkle with their family (a dice game) it was almost like I was with my family. Definitely my favorite part of the day. Then we went to another family (the stake president and his wife) I also really like them. And it was so cool, instead of us giving the spiritual thought he gave us a spiritual thought! It was sweet. They are a cool couple! Then they gave us some apple pie to take home! I had it for breakfast the next day :) haha but yeah thanksgiving went by so fast since we were member surfing all day!

So how was y’alls thanksgiving??? How was the lake? How is pawpaw and Gigi and the rest of the family? Tell them I miss them!

Friday we had a sister study with just a few sisters in our area. It was alright... Lots of role playing and McKenzee does not like role playing. Haha Then after the meeting they made me give closing prayer. I always give the prayers, maybe because I'm new? Idk I just almost always give a prayer in all of the meetings I go to! You know, I just actually pray a lot. Hahahah

Then Saturday we did some service for a lady that had dogs and holy cow, I thought I was gonna die. It was a really nice beautiful day and I thought we were gonna do some yard work.... Haha sike! No! We got to pick up her dog poop in the backyard!  I was gagging the whole time! So nasty. Needless to say I really hate dogs and will never own one!

So yeah that was my week! Tell me about yalls week! I miss you guys so much! And I want to hear from y'all!!!!! Love you all.

Xoxo
Sister Batey

McKenzee got a birthday cake.

The Sister's in her Zone.

other Sisters in her mission.

Not sure she can eat anymore pie after this Thanksgiving.

McKenzee singing to us.



November 23rd, 2015

My beloved family,

I had such a good birthday!!!! And it was actually a pretty good week! I don't even know where to start lol. Let's see, Tuesday night for dinner we went to the Richey’s home (Jamie Jorgensen's aunt and uncle) but because it literally had been storming for 48 hours their power had gone out. A lot of people in La Center were without power that day for many hours. But yeah so they didn't have power when we came over for dinner so we had dinner (chicken Alfredo #sogood) in the dark. Well not completely, they had a fire going in the fireplace and they had some lanterns on the table.

Sister Richey was amazing and actually made the dinner by taking some hot coals out of the fire and using them to cook the noodles! Brother Richey said she was a "real pioneer woman" haha. Anyway that was an experience to remember. I had such a great time visiting with them in the dark hahah. Brother Richey played some music(some old country stuff that he said was really old lol) and he said I quote, "now can you imagine listening to this music while being cuddled up next to some guy"? Oh my lanta I lost it, I was laughing so hard!!!! He's just the cutest little old man! If I haven't already said it, I love that family!   Brother Richey reminds me a lot of pawpaw (I think I said that before) he is so sweet and will actually text us almost everyday just to check in and see how we are doing. #ifeelsoloved haha

Wednesday, my companion was feeling pretty sick so we got to take it easy and take a nap... best feeling ever, oh how I miss napping and the joy it brings lol.  Thursday we volunteered at the food bank in battleground. It was great because I got to wear jean…it's the little things in life that really bring happiness lol. But it really was fun, we worked in the back with a bunch of old ladies putting bags of food together to give the people when they came to ring the doorbell. It was so exciting to see these people so excited to get a little food. Also a little sad to think they don't have food to feed their families. WE ARE SO BLESSED! I'm serious. You don't understand how blessed you are until you get to serve those who have nothing. Such a great service opportunity for me. And it was nice to do something different than the same thing everyday. I loved it. #servinghealsthesoul (stole that from Jill Byrne Slaughter lol)

Then that afternoon we had our mission tour, Elder Daniel Johnson from the seventy came to speak to us. (I think they posted some pictures of the Facebook page? Have y'all joined it yet?) Anyway I got to meet him and his wife. Super sweet people. We talked about San Antonio and if I spoke Spanish, he's from Mexico, I wish I knew Spanish so I could have had a conversation with him but oh well. Haha. So he spoke to us along with my mission president and his wife. It was such a good meeting. The spirit was so strong and I just really wanted to be a better person/missionary afterwards. I don't even remember what exactly was said but I just remember feeling awesome.

We did talk about something though that has been on my mind. Member missionaries. Oh man, since being on the mission I have realized how so important members are when it comes to missionary work! Like dang, what a different experience a mission would and could be if the members were able to help out more. I'm calling everyone out! Lol we need you!!!! Missionaries need the help of members. In a perfect world the members would be bringing us all our investigators. The members live in the area where missionaries only spend 6 weeks. Members know the people around the area where missionaries are still trying to learn the members of the Ward. It's hard work but members can help. I encourage everyone to be a better member missionary and try and share the gospel with someone they know. Heck, just invite them to an activity where they can feel the spirit!!! The gospel is so important and true! It's so important that we share it with everyone because it can make everyone so happy. It's made me so amazingly happy I don't even know how to put it into words. So yeah, just please know you don't need a nametag to be a missionary. Us missionaries need the help of the Ward members to gather all of the Lords lost sheep.

On that note, I want to talk about a talk I read this week that I feel like changed me or my thinking at least. Y'all should definitely read it because it's so amazing. It's by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland and it's called, "Missionary Work and the Atonement". And it talks about two very important things, can you guess what?;) lol yes, missionary work and the atonement!!! Haha the message that we have to offer people is so vital and can literally change people's lives and save them! Shouldn't we want to share this with everyone?!?! Gosh dang, I don't want to get to the next life and people ask me why I didn't share the gospel with them. So here I am lol. Everyone deserves to hear it because it is so amazing. But here's just a little something from the talk that I LOVED, "I am convinced that missionary work is not easy because salvation is not a cheap experience. Salvation never was easy. We are The Church of Jesus Christ, this is the truth, and He is our Great Eternal Head. How could we believe it would be easy for us when it was never, ever easy for Him? It seems to me that missionaries and mission leaders have to spend at least a few moments in Gethsemane. Missionaries and mission leaders have to take at least a step or two toward the summit of Calvary.

If you wonder if there isn’t an easier way, you should remember you are not the first one to ask that. Someone a lot greater and a lot grander asked a long time ago if there wasn’t an easier way. When you struggle, when you are rejected, when you are spit upon and cast out, you are standing with the best life this world has ever known, the only pure and perfect life ever lived. You have reason to stand tall and be grateful that the Living Son of the Living God knows all about your sorrows and afflictions. The only way to salvation is through Gethsemane and on to Calvary. The only way to eternity is through Him--the Way, the Truth, and the Life." Now doesn't that give you chills?!?! It does for me. Salvation is not a cheap experience! But it can be a little bit easier if we can walk along the path with our Savior. He totally understands what we are going through and so He knows how to help us if we let Him. I have read this talk over and over again because it has brought me so much comfort. This talk was just perfectly written for me. So yeah, that was my thought this week:)

Anyway onto my birthday!!!!!! Yippee, I'm 20!!!!! I'm no longer a baby/teenager hahah, what a weird thought that I'm this old. Lol. So I woke up and worked out (stretched), ate some cereal, opened my box:) thank you thank you thank you!!! I loved it!

Okay so then we had to get ready and have regular mission life study time! But then my STLs came and brought me a poster and cookies and cd for my bday:) then my companion and I went to get donuts from the donut shop in town, it's this small little shop but the donuts are so good:) then we had some more study time, then for lunch we went out with some senior couples who work in the office, Elder and Sister Lambert, Elder and Sister Funk, and then our zone leaders, Elder Tinker and Elder Stroyen. We went to this little cafe in battleground. It was a lot of fun! They bought me my meal and then they also brought me my shoes thanks mom and dad! Oh and the funks got me a cupcake and Chapstick and the lamberts bought me balloons! Oh it was so much fun spending time with them! Afterwards we went and visited with a few people.

Then the lady we live with gave me a shirt (I think mom would like it...lol) and she gave me a necklace and made me a carrot cake! And then it was time for dinner, which meant it was time to see Jordan, Bri, Liam, and Nixon!!!!!! #BESTPARTOFTHEDAY So we met up at Red Robin and let me tell you, I was just ELATED when I saw them!!!! It didn't feel real to me to see family!!!!! I didn't want time to pass just so I could enjoy that moment!!!!

Nixon was just adorable as always, super skinny compared to the last time I saw him, Liam was same old shy at first, but he warmed up to me haha. Jordan and Bri, it's always so good seeing them, I just loved it!!!!! I can't even say how awesome it was, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR COMING! I know it was crazy for y'all but it meant so much to me and made me so happy! Oh and they gave me a raincoat, a wand for my hair, a watch, and a Betsy Johnson bag so also thank you for that! Man I just was so spoiled that day. It was honestly awesome, a lot better than I thought it was going to be! But honestly I was so happy to be with family, being out here in the mish you really realize how amazing your family is. I totally have. Man I love you guys.

So yeah, that was my crazy week! Lol  So how is everyone doing? How's San Antonio? How's the weather? What's new? How was your birthday mom? I hope y'all are having fun at the lake! Oh and tell pawpaw and Gigi I got their card and tell them I say thank you and I love them:)

How is school going for the kids? Tell me about y'all lol. Oh and mom I got yours & eathans hand letter on Thursday and it was so perfect!!!!! I've read it like 20 times since I've opened it lol. I really really really enjoyed it because it came in the middle of the week and I was able to read it right then, I didn't have to wait like I do for my emails, I like getting things in the middle of the week. It's hard only hearing from you once a week so it was great. And eathans letter made me laugh haha.

Well I love y'all so very much and hope y'all have a great thanksgiving, I'll be hoping from member house to member house, that should be interesting, hopefully I won't get too full;)

One last thing, could you look into the book, The Infinite Atonement" by Todd r callister (not sure how to spell that). My stl told me it changed her life that it was so good and I thought it might be worth reading, but maybe just do some research and see it it's worth getting and if it is send it to me:) thanks!

Xoxo
Sister Batey

In her new jacket and rain boots

Is this actually sun??

Her friendly neighbor.

Meeting up with family for her birthday!

November 16th, 2015

Hey fam bam,

So today I am writing this letter on Saturday and guess what that means, THAT I HAVE BEEN OUT A FULL MONTH!!!!!!!!!! #only17moremonthstogo and holy heck it has been the longest and hardest month of my life! Honestly two weeks ago I wouldn't believe that I would have made it this long. I already had planned on coming home or living with grandma just to get out of this place. But here I am, still wearing my name tag, still wearing a skirt every day, still struggling. But I'm here, I haven't given up yet. That's all I can do for now.

I've learned so much and I'm so thankful for the gospel that I have in my life. I'm so thankful for my Savior, and His atoning sacrifice. For it is because of Him that I get to repent and try to improve myself each day. And because of the atonement I am able to live with my family again and with my Father in Heaven again. I am so blessed to know that Jesus Christ died for me because He loves, and it is because God loves me that I am here. I have found so much comfort and peace knowing that there is a plan for me and that we have life after this one. We are so blessed to have the gospel and the knowledge that we can live with our families forever. I love you all so very much and it is because of y'all that I am still here.

Anyway enough with the sappy stuff lol.

So this week flew by although it doesn't feel like it in the moment. Monday, Sister Taylor took me and my companion to the mall and I got a raincoat from jcpenny, originally it was $150 but I got it on sale ;) Sister Nancy Taylor bought us lunch at five guys (I was craving a cheese burger) and she also got us ice cream and it was so awesome! I almost think that she feels bad for me because she knows I'm struggling... But anyway, it was so much fun to spend the day with her and especially to be back in the real world even though we got many stares.... The best part was hearing some of my favorite songs I haven't heard in such a long time, like Downtown, oh man I heard the chorus and I was instantly in a better mood.

Haha also sister Taylor reminded me a lot of mom which was lovely because that's the closest I'll get to spending a day with mom for the next 17 months. Wednesday I went on my first exchange with the STLs. (Sister training leaders) I went with Sister Forsyth into her area which is the Clarke YSA ward in Vancouver. Boy was it good to be back on a highway and to actually see street lights and restaurants! Lol so this sister was definitely easier to get along with, we has a lot more in common in fact both our names are McKenzee hers is McKenzie though. But yeah she was great, this is her last area so she really knew what to do, oh and she is from college station Texas and did a year at BYU Provo. She was not afraid of talking to anyone, in fact everyone we passed by she would start a conversation with. Very bizarre lol. The only thing I didn't like was that she seemed a little fake... Idk not my cup of tea to just act interested...

Oh well, that night we went to dinner with a YSA couple and they made us dinner and it wasn't till afterwards that I found out that it was FISH!!!! Apparently salmon..? Idk it was pretty good. I think it was a good thing I didn't know though lol. Then we went to a meeting with a recent convert YSA and she had 4 rats... Super strange... Lol people in Washington are so weird hahaha then we went to sister Forsyths residence which was really nice and I slept in her companions bed, kinda awkward but I guess not really because she was sleeping in mine back in la center...

I was meeting with the President after splits and asked about Jordan and Bri coming up for my birthday and he told me YES!!!!!!! Oh man I'm so excited :) :)

Then Thursday night we had dinner with our bishop and his family, and I absolutely love them! That family is so cute and I just really enjoy being with them, I'm pretty sure we are going to their house for thanksgiving dinner. Anyway I just really like bishop’s family. Bishop picks on me like people back home do and it just makes me feel normal and not a missionary. After we got back from dinner I checked the mail and I got 2 packages!!!!:) One was from Grandma Irene and one was from Sister Kent. I was so excited and they both had things that I needed! Like grandma sent me Nutella and I was running out, oh and also stamps! It was perfect, and Sister Kent sent me some gloves (I needed some because mine had holes) and she also sent me a lint roller which is so perfect because lots of people have pets and then I'm covered in cat and dog hair but now I can get it off:) they sent me a bunch more snacks and stuff and I can't thank y'all enough!!!! Seriously made my day so much better!!!!!:) oh and my new favorite snack are the Oreos that sister Kent sent me, they are like regular Oreos but thinner and the middle is mint green, they are just so good:)

Friday was a busy day because we had zone meeting and it ended up going wayyy over time and we didn't end up eating lunch until around 3, so we stopped at Wendy's on our way home and when we walked in this man yells out, "missionaries! Are y'all looking for husbands??" I was so confused so I just ignored him because I didn't know what to say haha. Then he introduced himself as a member from a Ward nearby and asked us to sit with him after we ordered. Oh but while I was ordering they asked for a name for the order and I completely freaked out... Haha like what name do I give him!? So under complete panic I said McKenzee because that is my name!!!!!! Lol oh well I wasn't prepared for that. Then we go sit with the man that is kind of weird and has chops (I can't remember exactly what they are called) oh I think Handel bars? Idk he was a weirdo. Hmmm then we had a really good lesson Friday night with some new investigators.

Saturday we go and help this little old lady from New York (she's already awesome being from New York) we help her make jewelry which is a lot of fun :) I'll have to take a picture next week of the stuff we make, I'm pretty good at it btw haha

Sunday's are the bomb, I just love them, we always have such good lessons in relief society that I know are specifically for me to hear. Oh and yeah Sunday nights we go to the Jorgensen’s aunt and uncle(I love the uncle Wayne, he is too cute and we get along so well, like a familiar relationship that makes me happy and comfortable, he has hair like pawpaw, he's such a great man. :) Anyway we go and teach on Sunday's and it's usually really good, that makes me happy what you sent dad because I feel like I'm the weaker link in the teaching category. Hahah but they are a great family. So blessed to have met them!!

Oh and here's something that you might get a giggle out of, in Ward council I made the comment that since it's so early we should have donut(y'all know how much I like donuts) so anyway I said that and bishop kept bringing it up and was giving me a hard time, no big deal but now people know me as the donut missionary haha one lady told me she is going to bring them next Ward council which is next Sunday (moms bday) so we will see, anyway thought that was funny.

Oh also there is another family that I am starting to adore, they are related to the lady we live with, it's one of her sons family, they have 8 kid but they are y'all grown and have their own kids, so all but one is moved out and she is a 17 year old girl and we get along really well and so that's great, she sometimes comes out with us for lessons, and also the dad reminds me of you dad, lol he's really funny and gives me a hard time. I don't know why but I like it better when people give me a hard time and joke around with me. Whatever, I'm just really loving that family, makes me feel like I belong or at least reminds me of home.

So yeah, lol I don't know what else to say, it was just a better week, and of course when I get to read emails I feel so much better!!! Like a million times better. So thank you to all:) today it's rainy and cold, as always yesterday the sun was out for a little bit, it was nice, of course I still need a coat, and okay mom I'll try and get a picture in my rain coat, I'm literally always wearing it. Haha

And dad I'll get an iPad case, we are going to Fred Meyer today so thanks!

How are things back home? Send me some information about everyone, I love to hear some updates lol. I miss you all quite terribly, and love y'all more than life. Write me back lol.

Xoxo
Sister Batey

HAPPY FREAKING BIRTHDAY TO THE BEST MOM IN THE WORLD!

The lady we live with...so sweet.

I came home and had not 1, but 2 package waiting for me.  Thank you Grandma and Sister Kent!!

 Life is good after we go to Wendy's!

November 9th, 2015

Hey what up hello family,

First off, my mission has a Facebook page for parents! They post pictures and videos so yall need to join it! I think it's the Washington Vancouver mission? Idk just look it up on Facebook! Oh and for my birthday I want a wand for my hair! Not like the one we have one like Barbie Twitchell, where it's all the same size. But it can't be a huge wand because my hair is fine and short. So yeah look for one:)

This last Monday night we had a lesson with this old man, he had to of been a hippie once upon a time. He had a long white beard and long white hair, but oh my, mom you would have come unglued had you seen his apartment. It was something like you see in the show hoarders. Couldn't see the floor because of all the trash... The 3 couches and 1 table he had were covered in newspapers, books, bowls, remotes, DVDs, just so much crap, it was a nightmare. Oh it was bad, and so dirty, the only thing that kept me from throwing up were the 15 plus candles he had lit on top of each pile of junk. Haha sounds ridiculous but it was so bad! I think I even saw a dead squished worm by the couch, idk I was trying not to stare... Lol the only thing cleared off for us to sit on were a few chairs in the middle of the junk, so weird. #cleanyourhouseyouhippie!
After that meeting we went to my meeting with president and it was really good, he talked, I cried, he gave me a blessing, I cried more. Haha It was like he could read my mind and all my worries went away for at least a little bit.
Tuesday we had a trainer training meeting and it was so great. So spiritual and uplifting! Kinda wish we had them weekly because it made me feel like I could actually be a missionary! Lol and plus it was so awesome because I got to see all the missionaries from my MTC district! Oh I miss them so much! Especially my home girl sister mortensen, she's like my tori out here in the mission. We have the same sense of humor and can understand what the other is thinking with a look. So yeah it was so good to see her! Then Tuesday night we had our dinner appointment with the lady we are living with-Sister Taylor. And oh boy, she made some crazy dish. It was honestly a bunch of random things mixed together... Haha it had corn, green beans, onions, cheese, and some chicken maybe? Hahah I honestly don't know.

My companion knows how to push my buttons, since she's the trainer she's the driver and so when we reverse the car, I have to get out and guide her and oh my gosh, first off it's freezing outside, second it's usually always raining, and third it's pretty dark at night and in the mornings when I have to do this. And I don't know if she doesn't care or if she hates me but she always takes such a long time in the car before she reverses! Like honestly she takes her sweet time, she puts on her seat belt slowly, then she gets the keys out of her bag, then she finds her ID to log in to the device so it knows whose driving, then she turns the car on, then she turns down the music (because I blast it to avoid the awkward silence), then she finally starts to reverse while I've been standing outside for a good 5 minutes in the rain. It's so rude! I can't believe it, like hurry the heck up!!!! Then when I'm trying to get in the car she takes forever to unlock it! Oh it's making me so mad. It's really tragic. One of us is going to get punched soon....

I miss y'all. I'm not kidding. Everything about home. I miss the sun and my bed. I miss being able to have dinner with y'all and not being forced to eat the soup and salad that everyone makes here. I miss the convenience of having a phone that I can just call or text y'all. I miss watching tv with the family. I miss begging Eathan to change the channel because I don't want to watch another "how it's made". Lol I miss sharing clothes with Kylee and then fighting over my clothes she can't wear because I said so. I miss gracee being annoying and following me around. I miss jamming out to downtown in the car while drinking a Coke with mom. I miss having lunch with dad every day at 11 even before I've had breakfast. I miss zoee for crying out loud! I miss on Sunday's when we fight over who gets to sit next to mom. I miss trying to make dad laugh while he sits on the stand. I miss lying in bed watching friends with mom and dad.

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are pretty boring, nothing happened. Although Sunday we had ward council and so we had to wake up earlier than usual. Oh and on Sunday we were driving to Jamie Jorgensen’s aunt and uncles house and my companion missed the turn so I had to get out and help her reverse(again) and she was doing an awful job and so I yelled from outside, "what the heck are you doing" and she freaked out and started crying.... My bad hahah so there's that...

But yeah another thing I just remembered, some people’s houses in my area are trailers, it's so sad, but it makes me appreciate what I have. Some houses are super nice, but most aren't, it's honestly so sad, so kids be thankful for where you live and what you have. Lots of families have to have both parents working and it's still not enough. We are so blessed, thanks dad for all your hard work and letting mom stay home to raise us!

Well I don't remember what else so say, yes its super cold, I'm always wearing my hat and gloves, and coat. I'm about to go shopping with my mission president’s wife for a rain coat, what is too expensive for a coat? Lol

Anyway love you guys so much.
Love and miss you guys tons
Xoxo
Sister Batey

Other Missionaries from her mission.

McKenzee got a spider bite that she knows will eat off her arm.

Missionaries from her mission.

Week 3...11/2/2015

Well hello family!!

I guess I'll start at the beginning, I left the MTC this week (never thought I'd say it but I miss it there) we had to be on the bus　at 3:30 Tuesday morning　so we packed　Monday night　and went to bed at 12 then woke up　at 2:30　to get ready, yeah I only had 2 hours of sleep, not a good feeling when you have to travel. But so we get to the airport and they ask for 3 volunteers for an upgrade, my hand shot up faster that I've ever moved lol, turns out I got upgraded to first class on our air plane!!!:) It was nice, literally front row of the plane, nice big seats, I had a coke the second I sat down and another before I was finished. Sooooo nice. I love first class hahah. Oh and talking with the family was the absolute best!!!!!!!!! Lol

Okay so then we land and meet our mission president and his wife, super sweet people, I really like them. Then we all get our luggage and pile into a big van and drive to Vancouver to the mission office. We have a few meetings telling us expectations and stuff and then an interview with the mission president. Then we have lunch and then another meeting. And then omg, they have us go out with other missionaries for 3 hours as a little preview of what's to come. So sister mortensen (blonde from MTC) and I get paired to go with some sister who only has 2 weeks left, lucky her lol. So we go to this new member’s house and taught him a little lesson about the plan of salvation then this sister takes us to get some shakes because she can see how nervous we are lol. It was sweet but it's freezing here so it made me colder haha.

Then oh my heck we have to go tracting, which is knocking on people's doors and try to share a message with them. Mckenzee does NOT like tracting, so any advice from anyone would be greatly appreciated. After getting the door slammed in our faces over and over we went to a lesson with a little 11year old boy who just got baptized and his mom, taught them about the importance of daily prayer and scripture study.

Then we were done so we went to the mission home for dinner and because that's where we were going to sleep. The home was absolutely beautiful, mom you would have died seeing it! So at dinner we had some nasty food, I'm sure the average person would have enjoyed it hah, but sister mortensen and I were so tired that we were literally falling asleep at the table. A little awkward but honestly I didn't care, I need my sleep, the plane ride wasn't long enough for a good nap, just a little shut eye lol. Then the president and his wife share a slide show of pictures of them so we can learn more about them then it was bed time. I took a shower and was in bed by　7:40, super nice.

The next morning we went to the church for transfer meeting, I had to say opening prayer in front of everyone which was a lot of people. But whatever then we got our companions, oh my lanta, you guys, I think I'm cursed, something must really be wrong with me... So my area that I'm in is La Center Washington. Middle of nowhere place, but we get a car and my companion is sister Peterson from Orem Utah. She's like 23 I think, she went to BYU Provo and has like a semester until she graduates, has some degree in micro biology. And she's the oldest of 7 siblings. But dang she is super quiet and really awkward, like really awkward, lol oh it's painfully awkward. She knits, I paint my nails. Haha just completely different people. Unless people see me the way I see her which makes me kind of sad because I try to look my best..... And so she’s supposed to be my trainer but she's only been out for almost 5 months so she doesn't know much so therefore i don't know much... It's great really(said me never).

Hmmm so first real day as a missionary was Thursday. We went tracting, which is honestly the worse thing ever. Awful. And sister Peterson isn't good at talking to people and since I'm learning I don't know what to do and it's just terrible. Then we tried teaching some old people. Guys listen up this is about to get crazy.... So we went to their house, the man is a giant, so big, not wearing a shirt... Just fat hanging out everywhere, we were talking to him for a while then he gets up to get a paper and he had to squeeze by me to get through to the table. I didn't realize what was happening before it was too late.... So you know that movie with Ben stiller, where he's playing basketball and then his face gets pushed up in his armpit? Well that kind of happened to me.... Except no contact and no arm pit, this man’s fat stomach, I say fat and I'm serious, it's just hanging over, is so close to my face that I started gagging... Oh gross then he turns around and I get butt crack in my face. Oh my gosh I was discussed. This was so fast but at the same time in slow motion, idk how to explain it. I was mortified.

Then that night we had our first dinner appointment, spaghetti and salad. Haha this couple we ate with were cute, the man reminded me of uncle mark, he was super funny. The lady was from Ireland and was such a cute lady. Nice accent.　

Oh and also some things that I need.... Haha I need a rain coat, my friend from the Mtc has a cute one from jcpenny, hers is red but it's kind of like my black one, so mom can you check there? Idk what color, black? Lol　Also dad I need some music, so like an iPod or CDs? IPod and speakers would be ideal :) 　Oh and then also an iPad mini case?　

And hmmm my birthday, well remember we picked some things out before I left. I kind of want some ankle boots... Maybe black or brown, idk... There isn't a mall close to me so I only get to shop at Walmart. :(

And also just please send me my blue zip up jacket and also my spurs shirt that Robbie gave us last year, or even I forgot, I want that spurs shirt that has the Texas shape and then the old logo in it, do you remember what I'm talking about? You should have a picture in your phone mom!　

And I kinda want my grey long sleeve byui shirt, it looks like candy canes are on it...,　

And also some work out ideas for inside since it rains all day haha, like abs? Idk I'm not really sure how to work out, maybe try Pinterest?? Lol;) and send me the music ASAP, I can only stand the silence so long. I hope that is it hahaha

Oh and I did get your box! It was awesome! Of course made me cry! I loved all the granola bars and Mac n cheese!!!! And of course candy, but snacks are always nice! Because I need snacks! So those are always needed! Thanks again! Also I need stamps! Hahah sorry I need so much! Love yall!　

Love you tons　

Xoxo sister Batey　
　

October 26th, 2015...the day before she flies to Washington

Hey guys, so holy heck. Sunday is usually pretty relaxing but not this Sunday! Wanna know why?? Well so in sacrament meeting every missionary prepares a talk and then they just call on two missionaries to come up and give the talk, no warning! And guess who they decide to give a talk... Yep me!!!!! Oh man oh man I wanted to pass out. I was so nervous which is unlike me but that's because I usually have a week to prepare not 30 minutes. Whatever though, I got it over with without passing out so I guess I made me. Just had to let you guys know because it's still a shock to me! Lol then my district gave a musical number and we sang come thou fount which was great because I love that song!!!! But yeah anyway, I love you guys and miss you guys so so so much. Can't wait to hear yalls voice!
Xoxo
Sister Batey

October 21st, 2015 - First letter home!

Hey fam bam!!!!!

Man oh man do I miss you guys, like literally so much. Even the small dumb things I miss, it's amazing how we take for granted the little things in life. So enjoy each other why y'all can:) I also love and appreciate you all. I wouldn't be able to do this without the support and love back home. So thank you. Oh and a huge THANK YOU to those who have been sending me Dear Elders, my whole day lights up when I get to read them:) I love knowing about how everyone is doing and I can really feel the love from y'all. So please keep the love coming:) also I got a letter from Jill Byrne and it was amazing, she is such an inspiration to me and I hope that I can be half as good a missionary as she was.

So holy heck I'm a missionary!!!!! I can't believe it. How did this happen? Lol so first day after a super hard goodbye my host missionary-she just takes me to get my tag, information papers, and

helps me drop my bags off- takes me to my classroom and I meet my teachers. They are both so awesome, Brother Van Bloem and Brother Pemberton. They really radiate the spirt and I am learning so much from them. Then I met my companion Sister Christina Turner. She is from a small town in California, can't remember the name, it's an hour from San Diego though. She spent a year at school going to Byu here in Provo. She is the youngest of 6 and I believe she also has 2 sisters and 3 brothers. Pretty similar to me lol, although she is definitely a talker where I barely say two words haha. But really she doesn't know when to stop talking!!! And she flirts all day with the elders, I'm

serious, if she sees an elder she has to go talk to him, i feel like I'm being tested with patience... Lol 

In my district, who I spend most the day with because we are literally in class ALL DAY lol, we have 3 sets of elders and then me and my companion and another set of sisters. Us sisters stick together because the elders are pretty rowdy and I have to admit, a little immature haha. But we have a good group of missionaries! My companion and I got called as STL which are sister training leaders. Honestly it's nothing big, just to help welcome the new missionaries who will come Wednesday and I guess check in with our other sisters to make sure things are going smooth.  Hmm I feel like I haven't really said anything exciting and I'm sorry, I seriously have said so many prayers like literally no joke 87 a day and I also study ALLLLLLL day. Haha which is super crazy that I am able to stay awake when I could barely stand to go to 3 hours of church on Sunday! The spirit can seriously do some amazing things. #thechurchistrue ;)

We have some investigators that we teach which at first was scary but we are learning how to teach them which is why we are here lol.  Although we have this one lady that made my companion cry.... Oh what an experience lol, don't worry though I stayed strong, no tears from this girl! Haha

We got iPads!!!!!!:) which is so awesome! Makes our pool of resources so much bigger! Plus I get to see my emails all week:) I just have to wait to reply:( #lame

Oh man so I bet you are wondering what I have been eating, well I actually have had no issues with food:) there are usually a few different options for us to pick what we want to eat so all good thus

far, we had chick Devine the first night though, I ate it but didn't like it lol I actually feel like I'm gaining weight because all we do is eat then sit in class for HOURS!!!!

Another thing to comment on, showering here blowsssss! I hate sharing showers with so many girls, they are so filthy and disgusting it makes me sick, hair clogs the drains, hair on the walls, weird girls singing while we shower, it's just awful lol. Definitely thankful I brought my shower sandals. Oh and also soooooo thankful that I brought slippers, literally wear them allllllll the time #slippersarelife<3

Oh and so we have gym time everyday, and if you know me you know I hateeee gym. I have been running which is the easiest I guess, I also did some sit ups and now I am super duper sore!!!!!! Haha it's pretty pathetic but that's true life, #gymsucks And mom I still have my cough which is soooo annoying, it won't go away, maybe I'm dying? Food for thought....

Oh and here's something, Sister Batey lovesssss Sundays haha, it was honestly super nice because it was a lot less stressful because we went to church and didn't have to worry so much about class, just a

lot more peaceful you could say. Also we got to walk to the temple which was #bomb because we actually got to leave our jail sell of a classroom;) no but it was nice to just be able to take a break and go look at the beautiful world around us specifically the temple.  

So I guess I'll share with y'all something I learned, which is going to be hard because we learn so much but here it goes.  One of the first things I have written down in my journal is a scripture found in Alma 26:12. The part that really touched me was where it said, "I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things..."  I really liked this because it's so true, without Heavenly Father we could literally do nothing. My time here at the MTC has been hard, it's a roller coaster of emotions but I have learned that when I turn to Him in prayer he will help me and I will be able to do anything, in this case missionary work. 

I am so thankful for the opportunity that I have to be here and learn of this gospel. Everyone should have the chance to just come to the MTC so that they can learn and grow closer to the Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. It's amazing what can happen when you devote so much time to the Savior and the gospel. Another thing we talked about recently was going to church and the sacrament. So listen up this can apply to everyone! We were discussing why it's important to go to church and what it comes down to is taking the sacrament. We take the sacrament to remember the covenants we made at baptism and by doing so we are remembering Jesus Christ and the atonement. Oh the atonement, what a beautiful thing. By remembering Him we are able to have the spirit with us always which helps us come unto Christ(our purpose in life) and by taking the sacrament we are showing our willingness to keep the commandments and we shall be blessed because of it. I was studying in 3 Nephi 18 while making these connections, also the rock it's talking about is the foundation of our testimonies which can always be thought of as the atonement. I really loved this because it's so important. The atonement is so important. I know that when we obey and follow Christ we can be blessed and we can have so much happiness:) I can't believe how much I've come to know just in this short week. I know that it's through Jesus Christ that I can do all things. He is my savior and redeemer. I love him so much and am so thankful for the atonement. I am not a perfect missionary , I have so much more to learn, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to serve a mission and take His name upon me.

I love each one of y'all so very much.  Mom and dad you guys are the best, thanks for raising me the way y'all did, it has made me appreciate y'all so much. Y'all are awesome. This is the hardest thing I've ever done but also the most uplifting.

Love love love y'all

Sorry this letter is so all over the place,

Xoxo

Sister Batey