Peace and Blessings Ya'll...Peace and Blessings!

Hello dear friends and kinfolk!

I hope youins are having a great Monday! I don't care to tell you how my week went. Oh, and guess what I warshed my windors this morning. 

All of those words and phrases I just used is what I hear daily! It is so strange when people say " I don't care to." To them they are saying "I would like to do that, or I don't mind." Everyone calls their family Kin or kinsfolk. The rest are self explanatory. haha! 

I thought you would all enjoy the Hick language I am picking up!  

Nickie and Jeff got BAPTIZED!!!! It was amazing! It is so humbling to know that Heavenly Father trusts me enough to help bring His sons and daughters to the waters of Baptism. I have been so so blessed! It was an amazing Baptism! They both bore their testimonies, and they were so simple but powerful! The assistant ward mission leader set up a temple trip for Friday with all the recent converts! It will be an amazing experience for them! I really wish Sister Durfee and I could go, but they will have a great time without us. haha.

We are teaching a Spanish family. It is a husband, wife, and two little kids. They are so ready for this Gospel! We have to give them to a set of elders though because they actually don't live in our area. We didn't know that because we have been meeting with them at the church and we found them contacting.  It will be fine though! I am excited to see them progress! 

We were visiting with a less-active last week, and she was telling us how much she is struggling with math. Well, we told her we would help her with her homework. We went over the next night, and I sat and taught her how to do her math. I never thought I would be teaching someone math on my mission! haha. It was really fun though, and she really appreciated it! 

We had dinner with an awesome family last week! They are the LaFontaines. He is a convert and she grew up in the church. They are such strong members, and great missionaries too! They own their own private school that they started a few years ago. It is amazing to see their passion for missionary work! I love when members share the Gospel! We got to help them paint their house the next day too, which was fun! We listened to a few conference talks while we did it. 

We were out walking and contacting one night when we got a call from a girl named Anna. She is a nonmember who is roommates with a member. They wanted us to go on a walk with them downtown. We met them at the Christensen's home. Well, the Christensen's ended up taking us all out to dinner! We taught a simple lesson during dinner, and we are excited to see what happens with Anna. She is ready for the Gospel! 

CREEPIEST thing ever:  We were at the library one morning on the computers doing what we call "mormon.org time." Well There are four computers to a table, and when you sit at them you face the two people at the other computers. We were almost done, and the guy ( probably in his 50's) slides a note to me across the table. Sister Durfee and I read it, and this is what it said, " I hope this doesn't offend you, but I think you are very attractive!!!! with a few smiley faces." CREEPY CREEPY CREEPY!! I was so furious! I also wanted to just laugh my head off! When we first started reading where it said " I hope this doesn't offend you." I thought he was going to ask what church we were from or something. Yea...NO not at all. Lets just say I wanted to run, and Sister Durfee was on the floor laughing! 

Then about an hour after the Creepy story, we got a great compliment. We were knocking on a persons door, and they weren't home. A lady that had just left her house and was driving by stopped and rolled down her window. She says, " I know this isn't your purpose or anything, but I just really wanted to let you know that ya'lls outfits are super cute. You look like you just came out of seventeen magazine. seriously though. I just had to tell you that." Then she drove away. It was so random but super nice! That was such a weird morning! 

Everything is fantastic! I love the work and everything about a mission! 

I love you all! have a super duper week!

shout out to GEOFF! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Love,

Sister Bradley

Christ-like love can change the world!...20 years old!

My dear family and friends,

I loved General Conference!!! It was simply AMAZING! I loved all the talks! How we need to simply be more like Christ! Develop more charity, faith, and hope. Be more obedient and diligent. Always remember do the simple things. Going to Church, studying Scriptures, and Praying. It is CPR for a reason. It truly helps us to stay solid in the Gospel! Love everyone, and truly exercise faith. I hope all of you own a Preach my Gospel or are going to soon! It will help you grow in the Gospel as well as become a better missionary! I love this Gospel! 

I can't believe I am 20 years old!  I had more of a Birthday Week than day! Kara brought a cake, card, and Balloons on Monday. On my Birthday I got a package from my parents, a present from Sister Durfee, a card from Sister Heywood, a gift from the Sorensons, a gift from the Marchants, and another from the Christensens! (members)  They were all so nice for even getting me something! It was far more then I was expecting. We went out to Dinner with a less-active to a mexican place. Well, they put a sombrero on my head, sang Happy Birthday to me, and put whip cream in my face! It was funny!  On Thursday the Christensens took us out to eat for my Birthday dinner. It was delicious! Then on Friday Nickie (the one that gets Baptized on Saturday) made us fajitas for my birthday and her sons birthday. It was fun! She also gave me a gift. She is so precious! It was a great 20th Birthday! Oh and mom Sister Sorenson gave me a big long hug on my Birthday and said it was a "mom" hug! So you hugged me on my Birthday don't worry! The best Birthday Present I got is we picked up a family! We are teaching the Mcmurry family. It is a husband, wife, and two daughters! 

UK is in the finals for Basketball! Awesome! This place is going to be a mad house tonight! Go UK!

Jeff called us on Thursday and told us that he stayed up all night and finished the Book of Mormon. He read it in 3 weeks! He told us that he couldn't put it down from the moment that we gave it to him! It was so cool! He also told us that he prayed about it for two hours, and he knew it was true! All he could say was, " I believe, you got me, I believe." It was funny! We are excited for him to get Baptized this Saturday!

Nickie Sawin is also getting Baptized this Saturday. She is doing really well with everything. Her health is starting to get better, which is fantastic! She came to General Conference, and loved it! She asked us if there was a temple in Kentucky because she wants to go there. It was precious that she doesn't know that much about temples yet, and has such a strong desire to go there. She is so ready to be Baptized! We are stoked for her Baptism!

The work is great! I love being a missionary every single day! I am so grateful for everything that I get to learn as a missionary! It is truly life changing. I am grateful for all the wonderful people I get the opportunity to teach and meet. I am so grateful for all the support I have from you all back at home. I am so grateful for everything in my life that has led up to me being on a mission. I am extremely grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who sent his Son Jesus Christ to come to earth and Atone for us. I am grateful for this Gospel. For the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints! Thank you to all those who have ever played a part in my life! 

I love this Gospel with all my Heart and will forever be grateful to a loving Heavenly Father! 

I hope you all have a splendid week! 

Love,

Sister Bradley! 

Rainbows, tongues, and Baptism Oh My!

Dear Family and Friends,

Jada was Baptized this last weekend! It was marvelous to see her all dressed in white, and enter the waters of Baptism. She was glowing the whole time. She has been so welcomed by the ward, and is continually going to grow in this Gospel. 

 I am grateful, happy, and excited that I get to be with Sister Durfee for another transfer. We are excited to see what Heavenly Father has in store for us this next transfer together. We made a goal as a companionship with Heavenly Father that we want 7 Baptisms this next transfer. That is a high goal, but we know that we can achieve it.

 

The morning of her baptism we had to go to the church a couple hours early and fill up the font and set things up. Well, it was pouring rain, so we decided to walk. We didn't want to call for a ride because it was late notice. It was a long, cold, wet, rainy walk!  We only got half way  half an hour later when Two super nice ladies pulled up and drove us to the church! Blessing. They were so nice! Yes, I did take a ride from two strangers in a mini-van!

This is how we act everyday.

 STORY: We had to sadly drop Michelle this last week. The one who says my name a million times. It was sad,but she wouldn't listen! We went over there last Monday evening. We go in and there are three older ladies there with Michelle. They were praying over her house. She tells us to come in and sit down, so we do. They were all talking at the same time saying hallelujah and praise the Lord. We just sat there. Then one of the ladies starts yelling and so called "speaking in tongues." She was flailing her body around all crazy. It was nutso! Then the other lady started too as well. Then the other lady came over to us and put her hand on our foreheads and was praying for us. It was CRAZY! I just wanted to jump up and tell them how blasphemous it was, but I refrained! I was just trying to hold in my laughing because it was hilarious! Just picture 75 year old ladies flailing their bodies around, speaking gibberish, and yelling. Yea it was quite a sight to see! 

The Womens conference was amazing! It was adorable! I wish I could have seen little miss Mia get up and sing teach me to walk in the light! SO CUTE! I loved it all! It was such a great meeting! I hope you all learned from the talks. 

This week is going to be so nice! The weather is supposed to be in the 70's finally! Spring is finally here!

Jeff is doing fantastic. He is still living the Word of Wisdom, and keeps every commitment. He is almost finished in Alma with his reading. He is striving to finish the Book of Mormon before his Baptism on April 12th.

Nickie is also doing well. She has had a lot of health problems the last week which caused her to miss church, and a few other things. Hopefully she will feel better soon, so she can come to church. She is doing well with the Word of Wisdom, and is on track for Baptism on April 12th. 

My district. I didn't know everyone else was being funny...oops.

It was another great week! I love being a missionary! I am so blessed to be out here! I love it!

Some awesome tie die shirts that we made.

 

p.s. UK is in the final four!!!! Whats up! Kentucky represent! haha. Yes, I am a UK fan now. What do you expect! It is my home!

Love,

Sister Bradley

Happy, Healthy, and Hopeful

This week boy oh boy was once again AMAZING!!

SHOUT OUT TO KAINOA PARK!!!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I LOVE YOU!

 

Jeremiah got Baptized! WOO HOO! It went really well!  Samantha in my last area also got Baptized! 

COOL story: We were eating dinner at the Stokes on Thursday and guess what they told me? Well, Brother Stokes Dad and my Dad both teach Seminary and know each other. Well, Brother Stokes has a twin brother named Bradley. he told me that his twin brother Bradley was named after my Grandpa James Bradley. He said that his parents has my grandpa as their institute choir director! That is awesome and crazy! Small world! Tell grandpa that there is someone named after him! 

We went and saw a less-active couple yesterday. They are only less-active because they are deaf. They have no one to interpret for them at church. It is really sad. I met them for the first time, and had to use my sign language that I learned in High school. It was cool! I wish I could remember more! I hope we can find an interpreter for them soon! 

We  are teaching this mom and daughter April and Makayla. April is  Crystal's ( a member) sister. They now have a baptismal date for April 29th. They are so great! We have such a fun time with them! April decided to move back in with her husband, so she lives 30 minutes away. She told us she didn't want anyone else to teach her, so we have to get special permission to teach her. I am excited to continue teaching her and her 11 year old daughter. 

We met this Girl Danielle last week. We were looking for an unknown member and Danielle lives where the member used to live. Miracle! She is getting Baptized on April 26th! It is amazing the way the Lord works! I am way excited to teach her more because she is 21 and super cool!

Marie was an investigator that we taught for only a little while. Most prepared person ever! Well, she had to move this last week, so we helped her and her mom pack. They are amazing people! We had a lot of fun with them! Her mom actually lives in Texas close to Becky! A cool thing about Marie is she was a Jockey! She went to Jockey school, but had to quit because she had serious knee problems. She showed us all her stuff! It was sweet!

Jada gets baptized this Saturday! I am stoked for her baptism! She is ready for baptism! She is so excited, and the Gospel has truly changed her! It will be great!

Jeff is well on his way to being Baptized! He is golden! He challenged himself to read the whole Book of Mormon before he gets Baptized! Yes, he is awesome! He tells Sister Durfee and I that we are gangstas! haha

funny story.... So we meet with our investigator Michelle this week with a member. The one who says my name a million times and is obsessed with me as Sister Durfee puts it. Well, she asked us about the Gist of tongues and if we believed in it. She asked a lot of interesting questions. Well, in the middle of the lesson while we were discussing things she starts saying all this Gibberish. She was " speaking in tongues" according to her. It was so funny, but I couldn't laugh because they take it seriously. Then she stood up and was yelling praise the Lord, Glory be to God, Hallelujiah!  I just came to a conclusion that my life on a mission should be a movie! It would be a great one because there is never a dull moment. 

We had interviews with our misison president this week. Sister Durfee and I came up with this genius idea that we should co-train. There is only one sister coming in this next transfer, and we told President Woodbury about our idea. He liked the idea too, but we will see. haha! It would be super fun though! 

I just found out this crazy news! Somerset, my last area, is getting closed down with Sisters. They are taking sisters out, closing the bike area, and just having elders again. CRAZY! 

 

Nicki officially quit smoking on Saturday! Sister Durfee and I are giving up sweets, candy, and dessert until she gets Baptized. It is our sacrifice since she is sacrificing. It is hard, but it is healthier anyways! 

It was another crazy, eventful, amazing, miracle week! 

I love you all! 

Love,

Sister Bradley

hola Como esta????

 I cannot even put into words this past week, or the last four weeks. Heavenly Father just keeps blessing Sister Durfee and I. I am so grateful for all that he is doing with the people here in Richmond. I am filled with gratitude for all that he is continually doing for us. I sometimes wonder how all of this great work keeps happening. It seems so unreal, but then I remember that I have a Father in Heaven who has all power. I know with 100 percent surety that this is his work, and that I am simply a servant in his hands. I was reading one day in the Book of Mormon where the Sons of Mosiah are "made" instruments in His Hands. I feel as if we have to be made instruments in his hands. We can't just simply be instruments. We have to work for it. They were made instruments in his hands as they converted many souls to the Gospel. I want to continually strive to be "made" in instrument in Heavenly Fathers hands. I want to do anything I possibly can to help him with His work. I expect miracles and Baptisms. Miracles are happening everyday! I need to continually work with all my heart, might, mind, and strength so those miracles and Baptisms can continue to happen! I love Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ!

 So...we  are meeting with a man named Carlos. He speaks Spanish, and has a wife and two kids. We are having members who speak Spanish teach for us, but it is a little difficult. It is weird because we have a great investigator, but we can't communicate with him. He said he wants to be Baptized, and he is reading the Book of Mormon too. He is going to drive to Lexington to the Spanish Branch for church. He is amazing, and I am excited for him and his family as well! It is my dream! He is going to get Baptized, then he is going to Baptize his family, then they will get sealed next year as a family! WOOP WOOP! That is what I am talking about! It will happen don't you worry!

THE PEOPLE THAT I LOVE: aka investigators. 

 Jeremiah is a 15 year old boy. He gets Baptized this Saturday!!! WOO HOO!! He was the Berea North Elders investigator, but he moved into our area. He has a great spirit about him, and he is so humble and loving. He is so ready for Baptism even though we have a few lessons to teach him. I am so excited for him! 

Jada is doing great still! She gets baptized next Saturday March 29th. We are super excited for her. She is such a strong person. I am amazed by here everyday, and how the Gospel is changing her. She is almost done with Mosiah already too! She is so willing to do anything that has to do with the Gospel. She came to the fireside last night in Lexington. She has come to four Baptisms. She came to a relief Society activity as well. I love her so much, and am so excited to see her enter the waters of Baptism! 

Nickie  is still doing good. She now has a Baptismal date for April 12th. We are excited for her because she is finally quitting smoking! It is the last hurdle she has to jump, and she is ready for Baptism. She is super involved in the ward already, and loves this Gospel. 

Jeff is doing great as well! He is still on track to get Baptized April 12th. He came to all of church yesterday, and he is reading 6 chapters or more a day in the Book of Mormon! He loves the Book of Mormon! He is so prepared for this Gospel, and is doing fantastic! 

Charlie's baptismal date we had to move to April 12th. He relapsed on a couple things because of the environment that he is living in. He is going to try and change his living conditions this week, so he can really progress. He has such a kind loving heart though. He has such a strong testimony of this Gospel!

Those are all of are most progressing investigators! 

We had an exchange this last week, and I got to be with Sister Bayles again! It was awesome!  We were going to knock on this guys door who was a referral. I saw this lady standing outside her door out of the corner of my eye across the street. I was prompted that we needed to talk to her after we contacted the referral. Well, the referral wasn't home, and she yelled over to us to tell us that. We then ran over to talk to her. Well, Her name is MIchelle. She has been through a lot! She is so wonderful. We taught her and she just has this great spirit about her. You can just tell that she is looking for the truth! I loved it! As we talked with her in her home, she said my name probably a million times. I felt bad because she didn't mention Sister Bayles once or really look at her. I felt really bad! She just kept saying " sister Bradley.. well...  sister Bradley... oh and what do you think about this Sister Bradley." It was funny! She is so sweet though! We get to teach her again tonight! I am stoked! 

Last Monday this less-active and his wife (who isn't a member) took us to play softball. It was way fun! When I was out on the field I just tumbled haha! Then we made tie dyed shirts with them, and a steak dinner. It was so much fun! I loved it!

I hope you all have had a great week! I love you all!

Love,

Sister Bradley

Give me Mountains to Climb!

first of all... SHOUT OUT too....  Team Revolution and Justen Millerbernd! Good luck this weekend at the KLI! I love you all! Happy Birthday Kalon Ludvigson! 

hmmmm.....This week..... equals.... amazing, great, weird, crazy, every emotion you can feel.

DESTINY GOT BAPTIZED!!! WOO HOO!!! That girl has been on a long road to Baptism. She is your typical 13 year old. She is super funny though and blunt! I love it.  It was an amazing experience to see her enter the waters of Baptism and get confirmed a member. Her Baptism  gave Nicki, her mom, a big push to quit smoking. I think that by watching her daughter get baptized, and receiving a priesthood blessing she will really quit this time around. There are quite a few people praying for her as well.  We were able to have three investigators at the Baptism. They all were able to feel the spirit, and recognize what they will be doing soon. 

   Jada is right on track to get baptized March 29th. We could move her date up a week because she is so on track. She finished the 15 step program successfully, and has come to two baptisms. She is also coming to church every week, and staying for all three meetings. The Gospel is changing her. Everyday I am so grateful for her desire to grow more and more in this Gospel. She is already in Mosiah, and has only been reading for about two weeks. I am amazed at her testimony, and how much it grows from day to day. I love her and being able to watch her grow and learn. 

 Charlie is also right on track for his Baptism on March 29th. He came to Church for the first time yesterday, and loved it. He was able to feel the spirit really strongly. The members were able to really befriend him and love him. He will be finished with the 15 step program today! We taught him the program in a members home last Monday. It was the most spiritual lesson with the 15 step program ever. The members were so supportive, and it really helped him build the confidence to quit. He is so great, and his testimony is already so strong in this Gospel! 

Jeff is a newer investigator. He has a Baptism date for April 12th. We have taught him a couple times now. He is so willing to do anything we ask or commit him to do. He came to the Baptism on Saturday, and to church yesterday. We taught a lesson to him last night with a member. It was amazing to see him feel the spirit strongly during the lesson. I love being able to point out the spirit to people, and help them recognize it. He is progressing really well. 

We also made this thing called snow cream. BEST THING EVER! All you do is add some vanilla flavoring or any extract or flavoring of your choice, sugar, and milk. You mix it with some fresh snow and it is ice cream! It is so good! 

We are continuing to work hard, and I know that the Lord is blessing us. The Richmond ward is fantastic, and so willing to help. I love this work! I don't think I will be able to ever say that enough.

I hope ya'll have a fantastic week! 

Love,

Sister Bradley

Layers Anyone??

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY DEAR SISTER AMBER!!!!!! Have a super duper day hip hip hooray!!!

Well, this week was fantastic!! I am e-mailing today because we had a snowstorm and the Library was closed yesterday. We got 6-7 inches of snow plus ice. It has been really fun walking/sliding. We wish we could just sled down the streets, but unfortunately that is against the rules. haha.

We wore our Pajama's under our clothes to stay warm...haha

 

I am sad to say that in exactly one year from today March 4th, I will be flying home... That is sad. I know you won't like this mom, but I wish they made Sister Missions for two years. Time just flies by so fast.

I am now an professional at helping people quit smoking. We have taught the 15 step program to quit smoking three times in the last week. That is a lot! It is great though to help them make such a huge step in their lives.

investigator time:

Destiny: She is a 13 year old girl. We are teaching her Mother as well. She is awesome, and she gets Baptized this Saturday!!! OH YEAH!! SO exciting!! Her mom will get Baptized in a few weeks when she finally quits smoking.

Charlie: Is this awesome guy who has super strong Faith! He is doing really well! We contacted him on the street, and have already taught him a few lessons, the word of wisdom, and the 15 step program. He is so strong! He bore his testimony to us the other day, and it was so powerful. He couldn't thank us enough for bringing the Gospel into his life. It made me so happy inside! Man, this Gospel is true! He is getting Baptized on March 29th

Jada: Is one of the strongest people I have met! she is so strong willed it is great! She has read 1st and 2nd Nephi already. She is on her 5th day out of 7 of quitting smoking! She is doing so great! She also came to a Baptism last Saturday, and has been to church twice! She will be Baptized on March 29th, but at the rate she is going it will be March 22nd.

Those are just a few of the many wonderful people we are teaching! I can never thank Heavenly Father enough for all the people he is blessing me with to teach! It is so amazing to see the Gospel change their lives more and more everyday!!

Sister Durfee and I are really crazy! We are both just balls of energy... I feel like we overwhelm people sometimes, but oh well! They will just have to get used to us! haha.

That is some of the happenings from this week! I hope you all have a great week!

Love,

Sister Bradley