Cleanliness is next to Godliness!

Hello everyone!

Well, there's not much left to talk about since my last Preparation Day was on Wednesday. We changed it to Wednesday so that Sister Thomson could go to the temple! I got to hang out with the Sister Training Leaders. It was fun! That morning we got to do service at the Methodist Church again! Making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with people of other faiths is great! Afterwards, when we got back together with Sister T and Sister Hill, we went to Café Rio for lunch! MY FAVORITE. :) That was fun!!

Later that night we visited a sweet African lady named Musuyah. She is a convert to the church and used to live in our ward boundaries, but we still have permission to go visit her. We are teaching her husband Robert! It is exciting!.. Even though he likes to argue and twist our words a lot of the time.. Ha! We're going to see if he is even ready to receive it yet. Musuyah made us some yummy, spicy African food! It is so cool to be learning about different cultures out here in VA! Also, their little baby Zach is SO cute. It is so hard not to hold him!.. That is one thing I miss now that I'm a missionary. :)

On Thursday, we had dinner with Sister Skeete from Kenya! (Remember her "Bun and Cheese" snack?) We were prepared for the worst, but dinner was outstanding!.. Just a LOT of food. She is so funny with all her fancy dishes, and the three-course meal.

Throughout the week we did a lot of deep cleaning! Our apartment is pretty much the cleanest in all of the Church's history of missionary housing we're pretty sure. We cleaned the base-boards, the scuff marks on the walls, the floors, the cupboards, etc etc. :) Let me tell ya, it feels GOOD in there. This morning we had an apartment inspection by one of the Senior Missionary couples.

These past few days Sister Thomson and I have kicked it into high gear and have been contacting every living soul we see! It has been so fun! I love meeting so many people!! Even though street contacting is kind of intimidating to me, I have learned that I just need to do what I'm asked, and everything will work out! I have started the Book of Mormon again, and I love 1 Nephi 3 where Lehi tells Nephi that the Lord doesn't require it of them to leave their home, but he COMMANDS them (Verse 5). It's not just a requirement that I go out and talk to people, but it is a commandment! As I have given my will to Him, I have found so much for joy and confidence!

For all of us, reading our scriptures is a good requirement, but it is also a commandment! Please remember the importance reading! :) Heavenly Father will bless you infinitely as you do.

Yesterday was Fast Sunday! As I've been on my mission, I have come to see the POWER in fasting. Sister Thomson and I have been praying and fasting for the Knights in their journey towards baptism. At church, Brother Knight came up to us and told us they were ready! They are now on date for this Saturday! We are so excited for them!!

Last night Sister Thomson and I had a mini dance party! Haha! We had a ton of fun dancing along to the Primary Song Remixes! Missionaries can still have fun! :) We are hilarious.

I hope you all have had a great week! I hope the summer life is treating you well. It is nice and humid over here!

Thank you all so much for your prayers and love. This past week has been WONDERFUL. I am so happy!! Being a missionary is so much fun!

Much love,

Sister Winterton

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Pictures:

1. Package from my wonderful family!!

2. New shirt from my mom♥

3. One view of our clean house!! ;)

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