A postcard we received in the mail today.

may twenty-four

We have been talking to two investigators that are in their 70's.  As we talked to one of their son's at the front door, he was just rolling up a doobie. RIGHT THERE. WELCOME TO WASHINGTON! But really, always an adventure.  

Tracting today, we met a girl, she is 27.  From and raised here, living out of a truck.  She asked us some many questions like about why we chose to be Mormon, why we are walking around, why we don't drink coffee and other questions.  She was so intrigued.  She took a Book of Mormon and is thrilled that we gave it to her.  She also then ASKED US if she could come to church.  We are arranging a ride for her Sunday.  She has so much potential.  First step, help her not to be homeless. 

It's amazing because we prayed for investigators who were ready to receive.  Heavenly Father prepares people everywhere, everyday.  Pray for missionary opportunities.  Find ways to bring up this plan of happiness.  

We met with some less active members who live in Tulalip on the reservation.  Was at this GORGEOUS house on the bay, JAW-DROPPING.  AT SUNSET.  I have so many places I want to take you all.  My eyes just want to take photos all day long. 

xxx Sister Sarah Ruthie Bell

May Seventeen

Real Talk:  As we approached a house Mr. said: "You Happy?" Asking if Sister A and I were happy.  We smiled and said yes, of course.  He said: "I know yous always smiles."  I meet some of the eclectic people and they are all so inspiring.  This chicken scratch does not do justice for the man's tattoo and hair.  Let alone his great personality.

May first

I was told if the one and only thing I learn on my mission is how to pray, I was successful!

I love my companion. She gets my humor more and more everyday. We are always laughing. I also snore in my sleep.

WASHINGTON IS A DREAM. SO BEAUTIFUL! I'll be your tour guide when we come back here. You'll love it. Green everywhere.

I'm getting better at teaching and bearing testimony and am now fearless at tracting and door approaches. A lot has to do with obedience, praying for charity, listening to the Holy Ghost and having such an amazing trainer companion. Sister Amataga is amazing!

Washington through the eyes of Ruth

She's made it to Washington!

 Area around her apartment

 Apartment

 Her bed

 Closet Area--she keeps asking for more clothes 

**These pictures are from when she first got there.  She has been there for about 3 weeks now.

Missionary Training Center Happenings

Farewell Photos

I miss clothes. This morning I am homesick, but instead of thinking of that--let's talk about why it is great here, in Marysville and Tulalip! I will list things, or bullet, or something.

1- One day, we walked by a park--MUSIC WAS PLAYING (Yall, I miss music) Anywho--The Xx was playing!!! I was kind of in heaven. Shout out to all my hipsters, like yolo.

3- I got a door slammed in my face, TWICE, the first day. Got to stay humble somehow.  People are so much more open to God and religion here compared to Utah.  The weirdest thing here though is that people think Mormon's are racist? That's why it is coll Sister Amataga is my companion! Story--> Woman was talking at church about how excited she was to have such colorful sisters in the ward. I like look down at what we are wearing... and am like YA WE DO LOOK CUTE. Nope... she goes onto talking about the Natives... meaning glad for the brown colored sister. Never a dull moment!

4- I MISS MY MTC peeps. We luckily get to see each other for training and stuff. And fireside things. There is one this Saturday!

5- Washington is gorgeous.
6- Washington is beautiful.
7- Washington is wonderful.
8- Washington.
9- Hey, Washington is cool.
10- Hey, you can wear a sweater everyday in Washington and not look like a fool.... hashtag yolo.
17 <------- The number that's inspired so many songs that are trying to come to my mind. Guys, MU-SIC. That's a thing. A things that I'm like hiii.  At WinCo yesterday Dave Mathews was playing. You know I sang dat ish.
18. Mission car. Toyota falalalalala Whenever we back up, I have to direct. Like... legit outside of the car.  Oe time a lady was like "What is she doing?" Now, I make Amataga laugh because I do different personalities.
22- Reservation life again. These people look like Jacobs and stuff. Haay Twilight fans. The story may be real, considering the area I am in.
23- Ate at a members house on the Bay. NBD. Their house is by two islands called Woodsby and Kamino ( I think). Cute, humble family.
24- Ruby, my bud, sat next to me at church with "sister teddy."  It is dressed up with a nametag, scriptures, everything. Ruby would keep looking up at me. And my tag. And copy how I sit.  We are basically BBFs.
26- You know that saying raining cats and dogs. It's real. EVERYONE AND THEIR DOG, HAS A CAT OR DOG AND THEN SOME.
27- Rusty. That's Ruby's dog. He is a golder retriever who is also my buddy ole pal.
35- I am getting better at door approaches. Also, an orange cat followed ME. Not my companion, me. For an hour. Soul mates. #meow
39- p.s. Margaret sent me a journal she got from DC National Art Gallery when I was there. She is a sly foxy lady auntie.
46- Moss everywhere. And it is beautiful!
47- I LOVE THE GUIL CEDA CREEK WARD.
48- It hailed this morning, for so long. The conditions are so wacky and now it's super sunny.

Sincerely, Sister Sarah Ruthie Bell!