Still in Chicago!

Haha you guys always have so much going on!! :) I love it! Hope the girls have a blast in Oregon- I love it up there, and I hope Parker survives EFY! Enjoy prep for the trek- I loved that experience a while back :)

It's so exciting to hear about all the mission calls (and arrivals and updates)! Thanks for keeping me posted. And I bet the missionaries will say thanks for the Zone Conference lunch, but I'll say it for them just incase- THANKS FOR MAKING US LUNCH! I love when people feed us- we love their company, love being in a home, and love eating food made with love... there's just somethin different about it :) and we always appreciate it

Yeah, it took us a couple days to hear about Sister Monson passing away, but I was so sad  to hear about it. It's a beautiful thing because that relationship and love can continue on after this life, but it is probably pretty lonely to be without your loved one for a while. Our prayers and gratitude go out to our dear prophet.

Well, this Friday our whole mission is going to the Cubs game! Whooo! :) So excited :) If anyone's watching the game by chance, keep a look out for the missionaries- the Elders will all still be wearing white shirts and ties :) It will be an adventure!

Not much has changed since I wrote on Thursday. Sister Ouimette and I are working so hard. We feel an especially urgent need to find someone who needs the gospel in their life in the next couple weeks, so were working really hard to make sure we're doing the best we possibly can.

As a missionary, there are all sorts of little successes and miracles that you can have. Anything from waking up on time to baptizing an investigator, and everything in between. But this week, Sister Ouimette and I felt we had some pretty special successes. Charlie, who's baptism was a week ago is still going strong. We are so happy for him and love going over and working with him still :) Yesterday, we had a less-active who hasn't been to church for YEARS come again. He was particularly touched by a testimony that was shared in Sacrament meeting, and his nervous and timid feelings for coming back to church were eased pretty quickly as branch members came up and expressed their gratitude and excitement for him being back. It was awesome. And we had a lesson with a recent-convert as of a few months ago who kind of lost hope. He is struggling with things that a lot of members struggle with, but felt that he was alone in those trials. He had kind of a negative and almost vengeful idea of God and how upset He is at this particular brother for having these struggles and trials. But Sister Ouimette and I shared D&C 18:10 about how the worth of souls is great in the sight of God, and we got to help him renew his hope. It was awesome.

I love being able to be an instrument in the hands of God in bringing His children back to Him. It's such a wonderful feeling, and such an incredible opportunity to take part in that :) I love it!!

Life is still awesome out here in Chicago! Sister Ouimette and I have a blast- we meet all sorts of people and have tons of adventures :) I love petting people's dogs. I love sharing the Book of Mormon! I'm getting better at being bold, but I am always trying to progress. I know I have plenty of funny stories but I can't think of any to share right now off the top of my head-- sad!! But I'll think of one for next week :) Got's to go, love you all so much!!!!

LOVE ALWAYS

Tchau tchau

-Sister Hayley Walton