Welcome to Chicago!!

Greetings from Chicago!!!

A lot has happened this week and I don't have time to say it all, but we will see how far I get :)

First off, congrats to all the little kiddos- Sounds like they've kept Mom and Dad on their toes! I'm glad all their races have been going well- you guys are so awesome :)

Well, I am currently serving in Rockford! :) In a little town called Belvidere. If Dad has served over here, I would love a couple pictures mailed to me :)

My trainer's name is Sister Ouimette- she is from Highland Utah and she is AWESOME!! I love her so much.

And guess who I ran into at transfers??? Elder Brian Ray!! :D His companion gave him a hug for me :) It pretty much made my entire week to see that kid. And yes, you can tell him that. And yes, we both talked about how our Moms would look at those pictures of us together and probably cry :) I love you both!!!

My first week has been pretty stellar. Sister Ouimette and I get along really well and we are having a blast. We live in a little apartment on the second story, right above a legit Italian pizza place which we have yet to try. We are also right above the pizza ovens so it gets suuuuper hot in our apartment. the thermometer we have reads that our apartment is anywhere from 78 to 85 degrees, and that's in the cooler part of the apartment with the AC and fan both blasting. It feels like I'm sleeping on top of the houseboat every night (except without the rocking of the boat) :)

My first day in the field, I got the door slammed on my face. YES. My second day, I got to commit a Mom and her son to be baptized- they are awesome, I can't wait to see how it goes with them!! :) The members of the Branch are awesome, I've loved getting to know them this week. we are helping a guy named Charlie get ready for his baptism (this saturday!!!) he is doing great- he is SO humble, and learning SO much. We adore him :) I got to testify to someone who laughed in my face. That was cool too- it was actually a really good experience. We've had some incredible lessons we have been able to teach! Sister Ouimette and I have read 3 Nephi 11 with a few different people this week and it is completely different every time. The Book of Mormon really is a true record, and it is definitely another testament of Christ, as it says. I love the change the Gospel can help people make in their lives. I love meeting people. No person is the same... obviously... but even more than that, we live diverse and different lives completely. I have not met a single person that has been 'similiar to' someone else, and I doubt I ever will. Some people have had incredible experiences and I love getting to know others. It's always interesting :)

One of the first things that I noticed was when I left the MTC: We got to the airport. Got on the plane. Our seats were in the back. As we walked to the back of the plane, I was fascinated at what I saw. Normally when I've gotten on a plane at any other time in my life, I've been just another average person. Honestly. But when I had my missionary tag on,for the first time in public, and I walked to the back of that plane, everyone stared. Some people smiled and asked where I was going. But a lot of others just glared. That was a big experience that proved to me that this is it- I've lived my religion my whole life, but now I don't only wear it on my sleeve, I wear it on a big black tag. With the words, Jesus Cristo in big bold white letters right under Sister Walton.

This is it. I've chosen my path. I've chosen my way. Everyone knows. People can laugh at my face, glare at me, yell at me, slam their door in my face... but when it comes down to it, I know Jesus Christ is my Savior. I know the Book of Mormon is true. People can choose to believe that or not, that is their own choice. But I am here to offer it to anyone who wants to come closer to their Savior Jesus Christ. And I love every minute of it.

The mission is work. And I love it. Sister Ouimette and I have a blast, and I have never prayed so much or so hard in my life. I keep hearing Bishop Gibb's voice in my head saying,
"Sister Walton, I want you to be a testifying missionary. Don't let a person who comes in contact with you leave you without hearing your testimony." And yeah, you can tell him that :) I try so hard. I've missed a couple people, but I'm aware of it and striving to do better :) I love seeing people who are struggling so much and having such trials and addictions in their life tell us that they want to do better. You can see it in their eyes, and you can see it in their heart- Despite the outwards appearance, you can look right down to their heart, and I admire their true desire to change, improve, and find their Savior Jesus Christ. He who descended below all with complete selflessness so he could know how to succor his people in their hardships and trials, and help them return to their Heavenly Father by paying for their sins. I love it. This is the best :)

I have no idea when I will get to Brazil, but the Illinois Chicago Mission is my mission until the Lord tells me otherwise. I know I am here for a reason. I've already had one or two experiences that show me I'm here for a specific reason, and I cannot wait to see what the next week brings. :)

I hope all of my family and friends out there have a wonderful week- I know I will!

I'll write you again next week- We gots some work to do!! :)

Love you all

Especially Mom and Dad

.... and my dog ;)

Love, Sister Hayley Walton

Sister Hayley Walton

Illinois Chicago Mission

1319 Butterfield Road #522

Downers Grove, IL 60515

ps- feel free to send postcards. I know you are all going different places this summer, and a postcard sounds really fun right now :) Ok I gotta go, bye!!!!!!!!