NEW INVESTIGATOR!

Dear Family,

         Wow. I have to be, hands down, the most spoiled missionary on the planet!  The pumpkin cookies couldn't have come at a more perfect time and I just... I love you guys. Thanks so much for all you do for me and for all the love you send my way.

Overlooking Penryn & Loomis. (My area)    

         This week has been a busy one full of goals and plans to make this area better. We have, what other missionaries might deem to be a "dead area." The work is slow and we have very few investigators. It’s humbling to admit that the "work" is never slow but sometimes the missionaries are.  I have vowed to never be a "slow" missionary.  There are doors I could be knocking on and people I could be helping and inviting that I have not been. There is about to be some change here in Loomis first ward.

         Speaking of change...the whole time I have been out here we haven't actually picked up (or started teaching) any NEW investigators. We have picked up former investigators. (People that previously met with the missionaries) And we spend a LOT of our time with the Less-active members of the ward. But this week we picked up a BRAND NEW INVESTIGATOR!  She used to run an animal sanctuary here in town. She LOVES animals and is super funny. She is a great lady who is going through some really hard times.  She was at a member’s house for dinner when we shared a thought on centering our lives around Christ.  Heleman 5:12. She came to tears when we talked about the strength the gospel can bring into your life. Things may not always be easier, but you will be stronger as you live the gospel and follow Jesus Christ's example. I am SO excited to start teaching her this week! We also have been doing a lot of tracting lately. As I have mentioned before, it’s not my favorite thing, but it has given me a great opportunity to work hard and never make excuses. There is so much potential here that is not being reached and so many people that are suffering, not knowing there is a better place to be.

Sister Garfield and I picking grapefruit.    

          Times haven't been the easiest the past couple weeks. Now, don't get me wrong, when I say it hasn't been easy... I don't mean I'm not still having fun! Haha. Things have been turning up. Actually... this week. Man I am the luckiest person alive. This week Sister Adamson was selected to go to a specialized training. Which means she had to drive past Loomis to get there. She may or may not have stopped by on her way home, met Sister Garfield and spent a little time with us. I can't tell you the relief that came just seeing her.  It changed my perspective and my week. I am so blessed to have so many good friends!  Seriously!  I just keep running into these goldmine people. Vanessa, Jackie, Meredith, Cyd, Natalie, Montana, Sister Adamson... all gold. I can't even believe how blessed I've been to have these awesome people be a part of my life! The list just keeps growing.

Persimmon orchards. 

They are EVERYWHERE here in nor cal.

Have you ever heard of a persimmon?    

          This holiday season has been so awesome! The leaves on the trees are gorgeous and it’s FREEZING outside! I looooooooove it! All is well here in Loomis and I am learning lots. I hope that Christmas preparations go well for all of you guys and that Alicia isn't eating too many of those chocolates from Sees!  Haha. Oh!  And Sister Garfield and I were wondering if you could send the pumpkin roll recipe? Thanks so much for all you do and have an awesome week!

Love,

Sister Ashley Mitchell