Gila Valley or 'Healer' Valley?

Holy cow. I don't even know where to start with this week. It might have been the happiest of my life.

So, my two new companions are TOO AWESOME. We love each other SO MUCH and every day is a BLAST. We seriously wake up in the morning laughing and having fun and can't even wait to see what the day is going to bring. We have all been through so much individually and collectively make such an awesome team. This trio is like the best thing that has ever happened to me! I had to take over the area so the first couple days were pretty stressful but we felt so awesome. We are helping each other so much to apply the Atonement of Jesus Christ and help those around us. We have really experienced that healing together that is made possible only through the Atonement and the gospel and the Holy Ghost. I love my Savior and I know that He really does have "healing in His wings!" I'm experiencing it! And it makes us so happy, we just pump each other up so much every morning and can't wait to get out there and shout to the world that the Lord's true gospel has been restored! We literally almost ran to a house the other day because we just couldn't wait to talk to everybody.

Thank you so, so much for all of your prayers and fasting that you have ever done and always do on my behalf. I know that I am prayed for and I need that help and can't thank you enough. I really do feel held up by angels.

We saw MIRACLES THIS WEEK. I don't know where to start.

We have a new baptismal date! His name is Saul. His parents are totally less active members, like haven't been in 7 years, even are having their daughter take Catechism classes every Tuesday. We've slowly started to be able to enter their home, read with them, and build a relationship, so they trust us. I guess apparently that they tell everyone that they want nothing to do with the church, yet we've gotten them to read with us and watch the Restoration DVD and let us start teaching their kids, Saul (15) and Paula (8). I'm not gonna lie, I would get pretty frustrated with the parents, for letting pride and whatever else stop them from going back and as a result hurting their kids. But a miracle this week broke my heart open and changed my perspective.

The Mattice family showed up the same time we did one day as we came to teach Saul a lesson. Saul's mom is in Tucson having open heart surgery, and he has been home completely alone for like a week. They really have absolutely nothing. When the wind blows, you'd think their trailer was going to completely cave in. Saul's dad has worked for Brother Mattice (who by the way told us that he opened up Utah to missionary work in '75, he was assitant to the President and opened the first areas in Utah. Look at it now! And he said the best and only way to do missionary work is to let them know your purpose right up front and WORK THROUGH THE MEMBERS. We were like okay got it!!) for 40 years and the Mattices really care a lot for Saul's family. So they brought a Christmas tree and presents and set them up. We got to help decorate the tree, and I felt like I was at home! Me and my comps sang Christmas hymns and harmonized and it made Sis Mattice cry.  I was so thankful to have that experience! We then had a lesson with Saul and the Mattices after, around the tree. It was so beautiful. We had committed Saul to pray and ask Heavenly Father if he should be baptized. We asked him how it went and he just goes, "I guess I'm ready." My comps burst out crying and I just couldn't stop laughing, I was so shocked. It was the most amazing moment. He's getting baptized on Jan 5. He texted us later and was like "oh man I'm so nervous, I didn't think I was ready but I guess God knows I am." Sis Mattice took him to buy church clothes the nexxt day since he didn't own any and he was at church on Sunday. It was so funny, he wasn't waking up on time so we drove all the way out in the dirt in 4-wheel drive to his trailer and banged on all the walls of his trailer until he woke up. He got ready and came to church. But this has all been a legit Christmas miracle. I'll never forget this Christmas for life.

We've all three already grown so much this past week. Every time we think our joy can't get any more full, it does. Heavenly Father loves us so much and I know He loves all of His children and hears and answers all of our prayers. I know that He is right there laughing and crying and cheering with us all along the way. He is truly amazing, and so is our Savior Jesus Christ. I know He lives, and that He has felt and overcome all things.

There's this famly the Barneys from the Spanish branch who take the BEST care of us. They made us waffles this morning and talked to us about marriage and life and family and it just healed us all. We love them so much and we got to do our laundry at their house and study in their warm living room around the wood-burning stove with blankies and homemade cookies. Rough life!

Well family, I love you so much. I can't wait to get back and tell you all I've learned and felt and help you all feel and experience the same. I can't wait to grow my relationships with you all. I love you.

Love,
KElsie