Go to the Temple Once a Week

Hey Guys!! :)

     How are you doing?  This week has been such a great week.  So many great things have happened and by the way Minnesota is beautiful in the Fall.  It looks like the Spring of 1820!  Ha Restoration joke.  Also Sister Ballif and I are hilarious. We have way too much fun together!

Little Bryson

     Great news we got transfer calls this morning and I get to stay in Shingle Creek and with Sister Ballif.  I was so relieved and so glad that my prayers were answered.  Then we got a call after personal study from the assistants.  They called and transferred us to President Clements then we found out that Sister Ballif is being called to be the new Sister Training Leader.  I was so excited about this even though Sister Ballif is starting to stress.  This means that we get to go on exchanges quite a bit.  That is going to be awesome because then I get to go experience new areas and new people and I get to  know the other Sisters in my mission.  I am really excited about it.  I know that a lot of awesome things are going to happen this transfer.  I can't wait to see what the future has in store!

Sister Curtis, Greg B, and Sister Ballif at his baptism

     As you all know, Greg B was baptized this week!  It was such a great baptism.  Probably the best one I have been a part of! (That is funny because I have only been part of one... :)) Sister Ballif and I made sure that is was extra special.  I made Rice Krispy treats and Sister Ballif made some chocolate chip cookies.  She claims that they are the best, but as we all know, my cookies (Karen's Recipe) are the BEST!  Just saying. :) Anyways.  We made sure that this would be a special day that Greg, Kristi and the rest of the family would never forget.  Sister Ballif and I got Greg a new tie because he doesn't have any.  I gifted it in one of the Birthday bags that my mom mailed me but I got pretty crafty and turned it into a "Happy Baptism" bag.  I guess you could say that its in my blood. We also got him a journal and we had everyone at the baptism sign it and write their testimony in it.  I know that looking back on that will help him remember the great decision that he has made and how he felt.  We took some pictures together and I am so excited because now you all get to see him. He is the sweetest man.  President Clements is having us do a new structure for the baptismal services. They start out only have one talk about baptism and the Holy Ghost. Then the baptism ordinance, which went great!  He came out of the water so happy.  Then as they were changing out of their wet clothes Sister Ballif and I taught the Restoration to everyone.  Then the new part, they have the new member, Greg, bare his testimony.  I love this change because it gives others the chance to hear their conversion story and how they gained a testimony of this gospel.  Not only did he share it with us but he also shared it with his family who aren't all members.  It was so powerful and I honestly teared up a little bit.  I love this work and I love watching others come closer to Christ!  After the baptism we mingled around and then Greg came up and gave me the best hand shake.  He grabbed my little hand with both of his and just looked into my eyes and said, "Thank You" with the biggest smile and such a great light in his eyes!  He hates the rule that we can't hug but Sister Ballif and I promised that we would give him a big hug at their Sealing!  Ya!!  Sealing!  Sister Ballif and I are already planning our roady to go to the St. Paul Temple and be a part of their Sealing, March 26, 2015!  Great things are happening for this family and I am so blessed that the Lord has let me be a part of it.

The cutest little baby
(can't you just see how much she wants to hold that baby)

     Next we have been teaching this awesome girl named Tamara.  She is 14 years old and she is great.  We knocked on her door a couple of weeks ago.  She told us that her mom told her that she was old enough that she could choose her own church and that she would love to learn more.  We have been able to get her to a baptism last week, church and to Young Women's.  We had an awesome lesson with her in the chapel with the Young Women's leader.  We were able to read the For Strength of Youth pamphlet with her.  We talked about the standards of the church and how they are there to help us and to guide us.  We talked a lot about repentance and read that section.  She had a lot of great questions and wants to keep learning.  After our lesson in the Chapel she then went to Mutual.  She had a great experience there and wants to go again.  As the Young Women's leader was cleaning up she went to go put some things away in the cupboard.  Tamara saw the Young Women's Medallion and asked how she could get her own.  She then told her about the Personal Progress program and then gave her her own book.  Now she is starting to work towards earning her own Medallion.  

     I think that her biggest challenge is that she wants to be accepted because she has Sickle Cell Anemia, her right arm is bent and she kind of has a limp.  She is really good at hiding it but she said that she gets made fun of at school.  So I have a little favor to ask from Megan and Nicole.  Sister Ballif and I were talking and we think that it would be awesome if you both could write her a letter with your testimony.  Talk about how the church has blessed your lives and why you think she should join the church.  Talk about Young Women's and how it has helped you.  I trust you both and I know that you have such great testimonies.  I know that this will really impact her life. :)  She is a great girl and we are excited to help her learn more.

St. Paul Temple

     I was able to go to the St. Paul Temple this week. It took us about 45 minutes to drive there.  It is a really small temple but I am so blessed to have a temple in my area and able to take that time for myself.  Even though I am still helping others, I love going to the temple.  I love the peace that is there and I wish I could go more.  We are only allowed to go once a transfer. That just makes it more special.  I challenge all of you to go to the temple once a week.  I think a lot of us take how close we are to the temples for granted, especially in Utah. We have so many temples and we don't always go as much as we should. I know life gets in the way but try it out, I know that you will be blessed and notice a difference in your life.

Agggh I have to go!  I love you all.  Thanks for all the support!  I know this church is true and I love being on my mission!  Minnesota Baby!

Love, Sister Kendra Curtis

Guess what I got? A Birthday letter from Elise(Kendra's cousin) with
some Finish chocolate!  How sweet is she!  I love her so much!