P Day Already!

Whew! I can't believe that it's Monday again already! Where does the time go? I keep meaning to write you all back but P-Days are over in the blink of an eye. Our district went to the Glade's beach last Monday to collect sea glass and roast hot dogs and smores- lots of fun! Later today the Burninghams are driving the sisters to this huge pumpkin patch and we're going to carve pumpkins. Thank you so much for the letters that you have been sending, they mean a lot. Keep 'em comin!

Sister Anderson and I are planning on switching nametags on halloween. That's about as crazy as missionary halloween costumes get. We got permission from pres to go to our ward trunk or treat on halloween night though! :)

So now for the exciting news! Our ward baptism goal is 6 and we've only have 4 so far, so Sister Anderson and I have been praying to find someone to be baptized in November and someone to be baptized in December. A few days after we began really praying for this we had another lesson with our investigator Steve. We weren't planning on inviting him to be baptized, but during the lesson the spirit suddenly told me that it was time, so I did, and he surprised us all by saying yes! Steve had been emotional talking about how he feels that God has blessed him by giving him his two little girls and by protecting him and giving him so many chances even though he feels that he's made some very unwise choices in his past. During the lesson he said, "I've experienced so much happiness from my two little girls, but I've always felt like there was something extra missing." I told Steve that I knew that the message we are sharing with him is that "extra" thing he has been missing, and he said that he thought I was right, although he was reluctant to admit it at first. I asked him why he had been reluctant, and he said, "Well that's the hard way, isn't it?" We all laughed and I was so grateful for Steve's honesty! Steve really feels like this is a commitment that he needs to prepare for and we are very excited for November 17th! Steve also hadn't prayed up to this point, his fear being that "It's like going to your dad after you've just wrecked the car." but after a spirit-filled lesson where he had talked a lot about the changes he has made in the last few years, he said the first prayer he's said in years! He's so humble! Those that have been tried and challenged in life truly are the prepared. He also has the most hilarious laugh I have ever heard. I wish I could record it somehow so you could hear!

Steve has come to church a few times now, and yesterday our investigators Brandon, Jana, Kimberly, and Emmanuel all came! I don't think I've told you about Brandon- he's a 12 year old boy we've been teaching for a while now who is very involved in our ward scout troop. He wants to be baptized, but his mom wants him to wait until he's 16. Brandon faithfully comes to church almost every Sunday, and he has been bringing his 7 year old brother with him. I would love to come back to Washington for his baptism when he is 16!

Jana is a sweetie. She is a little 4'9'' woman with size 41/2 feet who made Sister Anderson and I both a set of earrings. Her special needs son is in 2nd ward and he is in charge of all the technology when we have broadcasts. She has agreed to a soft commit for baptism but needs to continue reading and praying before she decides.

Kimberly was a referral from the 2nd ward sisters, who are teaching Kimberly's sister who is on date to be baptized in November. Kimberly is the epitome of humility. Her husband says she can take the discussions from us, but he refuses to have us in their home, so we have been teaching Kimberly at her sisters home. Kimberly brought her daughter Gwen to church as well. We've been trying to have Gwen join the lessons, so hopefully that happens soon. :)

Emmanuel... is a southern baptist that is trying to convert us. He's trouble. He won't even open the Book of Mormon and all he wants to do is argue so we haven't been teaching him anymore, but he keeps showing up at church. I'm like... what? he says we don't know the spirit because we haven't been speaking in tongues or shouting praises when we pray. Oh the interesting people you meet on the mission :)

Oh! We went on exchanges on Saturday and our STL's are Spanish sisters. Sister Anderson stayed here and I was thrilled to spend a day away in Lake Stevens listening to Hermana Andersen teach lessons in Spanish. Way cool experience! Except for when we were talking with a woman as she walked her dog and the dog pooped as we were walking and Hermana Andersen stepped in it....that's unfortunate. Good times!

This letter wouldn't be a true Sister Slade update without news on the wonderful Bennett and Verna. They have been called to join the ranks of outstanding Oak Harbor Ward Missionaries! So now we have the Seeley's and the Harris' and Brother Bullock and that's pretty much a powerhouse team! Watch out, Oak Harbor! I must say, it's pretty hilarious to be in ward council and use the progress record (which by the way sister Anderson and I have actually named the "Report of Progress" because it sounds more official :)) to give updates on people who are sitting right there. :)

Plus on top of all of the other studying Bennett has been doing, he has now read Preach My Gospel and watched all of The District. What recent convert does that!? Bennett H. does, that's who. :)

Love you all! Don't forget your DAILY prayers and scripture study! Even if it's only a few verses a day, don't let that important gift to your Heavenly Father pass you by. I hope to hear more from you all soon!

Lots of love, Sister Slade