I would say this week has been less than exciting. We've been having some really bad luck with the people we're teaching, so our week consisted of a lot of street contacting and organizing our areabook app so all our information is accurate.
The other day we sat down with the Relief Society president for 3 hours to go through every sister in the ward and update who had moved and what we could do for those who are still here. It wasn't quite 1,000 names, but I thought the song reference fit how it felt! She took us out to eat at Chipotle afterwards (my first time trying it) so that was the best part.
Elder Bown talked in Sacrament Meeting last week (So far they've just skipped over me. I'm just waiting for it to happen one of these days. Someday I'll finally be asked to talk). He talked about America and freedom and compared a lot of the formation of America to the formation of the groups of people in The Book of Mormon. We see time and time again in the Bible and The Book of Mormon that people who follow God's commandments live happily, and those who don't have wars and unhappiness. It was a really insightful talk because I'd never thought about comparing The Book of Mormon to America before.
So yesterday we were just walking down this street, not feeling like we were accomplishing anything because no one was outside to talk to and we'd already stopped by everyone we planned to see and no one was home. But we kept walking anyway. Suddenly we looked over and saw a woman sitting on her front porch so we went over and talked to her. We'd recently gotten some cards that ask questions that can be answered by The Book of Mormon and we picked out some scriptures to answer them so we decided to try them out with her. She wanted us to answer the question "What happens after I die?" and we answered using Alma 40:11-12:
"Now, concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection—Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life.
"And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow."
We had a great conversation with her about how her mother had passed away and her beliefs on what happens after we die. She gladly accepted the offer of us coming back and sharing more, and as we were about to leave she told us "You girls coming here was meant to be. I don't often come out here to sit on my porch." It was such a wonderful experience and strengthened my testimony of how grateful I am to have The Book of Mormon to answer questions 
My favorite scripture of the week is Moroni 7:48:
"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen."
We had a training in District Counsel last week about Charity and Love led by Elder Widmer. We were going around in a circle reading a section of verses leading up to 48, and when we got to 48 he asked 4 people in a row to read it. I had a hard time paying attention to the words of the scripture a couple of the times because all I could focus on was the fact that the spirit was growing stronger each time someone repeated the verse. I think this verse is such a beautiful scripture about HOW we can be charitable and love others. We know that "charity never faileth" and that having the pure love of christ is so important, but I love this specific scripture about how we can obtain that love.
I love you all so much and hope you all have the best week!
Love,
Sister Bliss
Pictures!
I took no actual pictures this week, so enjoy a screenshot of Tatum when I got to call her for her 4th birthday 
(and happy birthday to, like, all of my other siblings too because Kiora, Julaine, and Jaren all had their birthdays in the last couple of weeks as well)
And enjoy this lovely picture of baby emus that Logan found on the internet to send to me! 
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