Sister Sarah Bottorff: Week 25

Hello from Hovd!

This week went by really fast! On Monday, we made cinnamon rolls and brought them to our FHE activity! It was fun to introduce everyone to cinnamon rolls! Everyone loved them! We did a testimony meeting, and it was a great evening! Also, Hovd is known for three things. Mosquitoes, Dust Storms, and Watermelon. The watermelon doesn't come out til August, but the mosquitoes are certainly out! I got like 10 bites on Monday alone...

On Tuesday, we taught 3 lessons and a few others got cancelled, so we met with other people who lived nearby. It was a great day, and it was a little cooler outside, which made for a much more enjoyable day. Our investigators are so awesome! :)

On Wednesday, it was. SO. HOT. They said it was like 90 degrees F, and we tried to go quickly from house to house. The gers actually stay pretty cool, which is awesome! We also taught institute that night. Well, my companion taught! haha I'm not quite there yet with my language...After institute, we taught another lesson. All this teaching makes the days fly.

On Thursday, we taught more lessons and ran mutual and had district meeting via Skype. It is always fun to see other missionaries, and we had a great discussion about President Benson's top 4 things he wants us to remember. 1. Obedience brings power. 2. Make daily personal study the most important habit you develop. 3. Work hard. 4. Be happy. It's good advice for everyone! We are trying to be obedient, and it really is bringing power. It makes life so much better and happier! And when I work hard, I really am happy! :)

Friday was our big weekly plan, and next week is going to be interesting. All the youth left this morning for a week long youth conference near UB. And most of the other people in Hovd are working at election places. The election is coming up next week, so everyone working there is always working. So we will have to be creative next week as we try to meet with people. But we taught 2 lessons that night, and they went really well. We tried to meet with one set of sisters, but they weren't home, so we went to a neighbor who is a less active member. He speaks English and French, so he spoke in French to me. I tried to remember how to talk back to him, but I couldn't think of a single French word. Not from all the years I spent in French class. haha Our other investigator was so awesome, as usual! She committed to live the word of wisdom, and I know it will bless her life. She also has the cutest kids! 2 teenagers and a little baby. And the baby is so cute. I can hardly stand it.

On Saturday, we helped a ward member build a ger! It was awesome! It goes on in layers. First the frame, then the posts go up to hold the roof up. Then, we put a white sheet on the roof. Then, big sheets of wool go around the ger. There are 2 layers. Then, the wool goes on the roof. And then the outer cover. It was awesome to learn how to build a ger! Then we did studies, cleaned the church, went to a ward council meeting, and taught 2 lessons. It was a grand old day! It was also cloudy, so we thought it would rain, but it didn't! Thank goodness!

Yesterday, we had church, and then we had Skype interviews with President Benson. He leaves in a week or two, and it makes me so sad! He really is great, and I'll miss him! But I'm excited for the Harpers to come! The interview was so good, and it really lifted my spirits. It helped me to gain perspective and set goals to be better. We also taught 3 lessons yesterday, which makes me happy!

Life is good. I'm excited to see what this week brings! And I'm so grateful for the experiences I'm having. They are making me stretch, but when you stretch, you grow! It's all about perspective, right? :) Love you all!

Sister Bottorff