Okay... I guess I'll actually write y'all an email this week, haha.

It's been a great week! But definitely a lot less to share than last week. So, don't worry, it shouldn't be another huge novel. Though, to be honest, I always love getting novels from y'all, so I don't actually know if keeping it short is good? I don't think it really matters.... anyway! I had a wonderful week!

Woman's Conference on Saturday was so great! I thought all the talks were powerful, but of course, Elder Uchtdorf's also stood out to me. Something that he said about the Mad sister finding "something new to dislike every day" got me thinking about how the Glad sister, probably found something new to love everyday. So, I decided that I'm going to start a Joy Journal! It's like a gratitude journal, but different. Instead of writing something I'm grateful for every night, I'm going to write something that gave me joy that day. It might be something, someone, or some event. But I thought that it would be a good way to always stay positive and happy. Plus, there's lots to find joy in! I'm excited to see what I end up writing. I start tonight.

So, Esther came to church again! She also connected really well with this woman in the ward, who's husband is from Nigeria, so she can understand her way better than I can! Still no lessons, but we hope she might set something up this week. As far as Tabby and Josh, we realized that we had to actually refer them out of mission! Isn't that crazy? But it's just because we're so close to the Dallas mission. So, we probably won't be able to go to their baptisms, but I'm still happy to be a small part of their learning experience.

The two YW that came to church kinda panned out... one of them, Tia, had an appointment with us last night! It was super powerful, and the members who's home we were in, bore powerful testimony. She agreed to be baptized when she knew it was true, and seemed to really understand what we were teaching. She even reaffirmed a few times that she would read from and pray about the Book of Mormon. She is super in time with the spirit, so we had high hopes! But then, this morning, she texted us and said she didn't think it was the right step for her. We're not sure if her mom was against it, and that's why, or what happened. At any rate, we texted back, inviting her to just give it a week of study and prayer. She hasn't responded, but I hope she does. She is so ready, and this would be such a blessing in her life. I just pray that her heart will be softened to read from the Book of Mormon. Because if she does that, the spirit is strong enough that she will come to know for herself that it is true. So, I guess I'm still kinda hopeful for her, but if not now, then she will find it again later.

The other one, Karlee, hasn't set a return appointment with us yet. So we're at a stand still with her right now. Hopefully she'll set something up this week.

I do keep a daily journal. I haven't missed a single day, and it tends to get a little long winded at times... actually, I'm almost done with my third one. I'll be busting into my fourth one soon. Haha. I bought the exact same ones as the red ones I got in the beginning of my mission, but in blue, if I fill both of these, I'll probably get the same ones in brown... haha. I'd be willing to bet no one will really want to read it all besides me. And maybe some really determined grandkids?

The weather up there sounds beautiful! I miss having a real fall. It got crazy hot again this week. I think back up to the hundreds. Maybe just the 90s. I'm not really sure. But I do know, I'm gonna turn into such a wimp in the cold! You saying it was getting down to the high 30s made me shiver.

Transfers are next week. Which means I probably only have one week left here! I can't believe it. I feel like it has flown so fast. I really do think I'll be the one to leave. I would be beyond shocked if I didn't. But, then again, I really just want to do and go wherever the Lord wants me. So, I'm just excited to find out for sure next week. I
should find out Sunday night or Monday morning.

I can't believe y'all are almost empty nesters. It'll be exciting to get Garrett's call. Hopefully he'll be gone relatively quickly, so he can get out and going! Plus, the longer it takes, the more time it's going to be before I get to see him again. It sounds like the boys and Kylie had a fun trip down there. It's weird that those three are spending time without me. Obviously it happens, but it still feels like I should be there! But not. I feel like I should be here!

I love you so much!
Sister Erika Marks ☀❤❤❤❤

Ummm... okay, this week was amazing! I don't even know where to begin! So many miracles.

Okay, let's see... we got to go to the temple today, which is always such a precious experience. I love the temple so much! It always makes me miss y'all though because it feels pretty unnatural to be separated from family. At the same time, it makes me so much more grateful to be out here, because it's a reminder of why I'm here. I'm already sealed with you for eternity. Other families don't have that joy yet, so that's why I'm here. The temple is just great. And that's sweet of Sis Wilks to text you those pics. She's awesome.

So, miracle 1: this one starts about a month ago. We were tracting, and met this woman from Nigeria who said she wanted to come to church but needed a ride. But when we tried to get her phone number to confirm, or set a lesson or anything, she refused, and said that if she ever wanted a ride, she'd call us. So, that translates into "we'll never see you again, have a good life" lol. But then, on Thursday, she called us out if he blue and wanted a ride to church!! Her name is Esther. She has a really thick accent and a slight language barrier, but is super sweet. She isn't interested in lessons right now, but wants to come to church again next week, so who knows? We're excited for her.

Then, on Saturday, we met this awesome family, the Wrays, who are less active, but trying to return. They have a 10 year old daughter that isn't baptized, that we'll be trying to work with. They set a return appointment for next Sunday, and were at church last Sunday! Plus, the week before. So we're so excited for them! Their son (in his early 20s) is the one that has sparked their return, so it's still fragile, but we're super happy for them.

Okay though, Sunday was amazing! We had Esther, the Wrays, the Foys, and two investigators there! The Foys are a part member family with an 8-year old son that's not baptized yet. Brother Foy isn't a member, and isn't meeting with us. But Sis. Foy is returning to activity and we're meeting with Jesse (the son) to help him prepare for baptism. They've been struggling to get to church, so it was amazing to see them there! Even if Brother Foy hasn't come yet, he will someday!

As far as the investigators go: this ward is incredible. They were both YW (Tia and Karlee) and they came with friends! They both stayed all three hours, and Indicated to us they would like to meet with us and learn more! So, we're working to try to find time to actually make that happen. But it was so cool to have them there. We really have high hopes for them.

The last and maybe coolest miracle: we set a baptismal date with a couple!!! Their names are Tabby and Josh and they agreed to October 17th (though we'll be moving it to the 21st, because we accidentally set it for a Tuesday instead of a Saturday.... oops!) They met the Elmers (the manicotti people) at one of the church's self reliance classes. The Elmers then invited them over to meet with us, and they agreed! This was our first lesson with them. And the spirit was so strong! Tabby was literally in tears for lots of it. And she said the closing prayer, it was beautiful! She said it was the first time she'd prayed in years, but that she would start every day. At multiple points in the lessons, she said that she felt happy and full and that she had been led to that living room for the lesson! How cool is that? The catch is: our area is so tiny, that even though they live close, they're in a different ward... :/ so, we have to refer them to some other missionaries... L but still, so awesome! And an amazing experience to have! They are so prepared! It was a joy to teach them, even if it could only be that once.

A sweet experience that we had in connection with that: the Elmer's 12-year old daughter sat in for the lesson. She bore powerful testimony during the lesson of the Book of Mormon. It was so cool to have her words. At the end, she told us that she had felt prompted to share, and she totally was! It was so perfect for Tabby and Josh. She then told us that it had been one of the best nights of her life. How amazing is that? It was such a powerful reminder to me of the joy that missionary work really is. Sometimes as missionaries we get so caught up in it all, I think we can forget to remember the simple joy of teaching the truth.

We also had a fun experience yesterday, we got to mow someone's yard! There is a less active sister (Sis Calloway) that we contacted in the morning. She has a ton of stuff going on in her life right now that is just making it really hard for her (including financial and physical). As we were talking, we knew we really couldn't help with most of it, but one thing she said had been on her mind, is how overgrown her law was (clearly a case of, it's not actually important, but the tip of the iceberg) The lawn, however, is something we can do! So, we borrowed a member's lawn mower from the neighborhood, and mowed her lawn. But we made the mistake of doing it in the heat of the day! It was so hot! But so worth it. She came out while we were in the middle of it. Gave me a big hug and said, "y'all are crazy! I didn't know Mormons even owned pants!" Lol J pretty sure she meant "missionaries" but it was still funny. She also agreed to come to the women's conference this Saturday! She said that that was a doable step. Because she feels overwhelmed at the idea of actually coming to church right now. In her own words, she said she feels like she's close, so she's throwing up extra walls to make sure it's what she really wants. I think the lawn
tore down one of those walls. J

The coolest part of all this is? This is totally HIS work. End of story. I feel like all of our hard work is being rewarded, but not directly from anything we're doing. The members are bringing people. The less actives are wanting to return. The work is hastening, and we're just happily doing whatever we can to "push along". We really think these miracles are coming from the amazing 40 day fast the ward is doing. What a powerful force: the faith of the saints in unity. It's been such a joy witness it.

Well, I've already written a novel this week. Sorry! I hope you enjoy it, and I totally understand if you skim:) sorry I didn't get to really respond to anything you sent me! I loved reading your emails! It sounds like it's been an amazing week up there! The game sounds like it was a blast (thanks for the pics!), and the lake sounds beautiful (and looked beautiful from Ky's pics). I look forward to being out on it again next summer! Swimming and water stuff is definitely one of the biggest sacrifices of a mission. #worthit #onesummer #goodtiming #lol I look forward to getting those recipes:) and I can't believe how little time we have left in the transfer! Sis. Gorley keeps saying she doesn't think I'm going to get transferred... I don't know how I feel about that, honestly. I think I will be. But, you never know! Maybe I won't be. Fingers crossed? I don't even know what to hope for this go around. Whatever God wants:)

I love you so so much! I hope you have a wonderful wonderful week! You're in my prayers! I hope everything works out smoothly:)

All my love,
Sister Erika Marks ☀

Hello hello!

So, unfortunately none of the people we met last week, kept their appointment, however, I still feel like there's a lot of hope for at least two of them, who had valid excuses when we talked with them, so hopefully next week we'll have more on that front!

I cannot believe that the smoke got so bad that Sandpoint, beautiful Sandpoint, got ranked worst air quality in the US! That's crazy! The picture you sent me is eerily pretty. But also so sad when you know how it should look! I'm so grateful it's cleared up a bit for you though. What a relief! Hopefully it'll stay that way. Because your kayak trip sounds like it would be so fun! I wish I could join you on it. You'll have to take lots of pics for me. Also, dad, I bet y'all will have so much fun at the Seahawks/forty-winers game!

We have this awesome family in our ward, that let us request whatever we wanted. That's not too rare, but it's rare that it's a family I would actually feel comfortable doing that with. But, with these ones, I did. So, I requested manicotti, and it was sooo good! Obviously not as good as yours, mom, but still such a fun flash back to home! However, I was wondering if I could get your recipe, because I told them I'd try to get it from you (they just found one online they made). Thanks! That night, I felt like I'd died and gone to heaven. Now, if I could only have your enchiladas. People here just don't make them as good as you do! No shocker there.

So, an awesome thing that happened this week! The Highland Village missionary gnome is now on the loose! The idea is, there's a gnome that goes around, and if he shows up on your doorstep, then you have to do an act of missionary work, then you pass him in to one of your friends! He's super cute, and I'll send pics. We've been working on getting him out for a while (I got the idea of a missionary rock about a month ago, but changed it to a gnome) but we finally did! I'm so excited about it.

Not much really happened this week. It just feels like everything is going so fast! We're already half way through this transfer. Odds are, in three weeks, I'll be shipped off somewhere else, and be starting from square one with a new ward and new companion! It's crazy, but I love it. I honestly love moving as a missionary. Yeah, it's always sad to leave, but it's also so good. New perspectives.

Well, I suppose that's about it for me this week! I love you to pieces!

All my love,
Sister Erika Marks ☀❤

Hi,

For those of you who don't know me, my name is Sister Erika Marks. I was asked to speak today on miracles in missionary work. When bishop called me a few weeks ago, I considered dodging his call, because I knew what was coming! (I haven't spoken for a while now). But I really couldn't avoid him, seeing as it's my dad! Haha :)

Anyway, I wanted to start by sharing a cool miracle that happened this week in the lives of Sister Gorley and I :) It was last Saturday.  A few days earlier, while on exchange, Sister Gorley and Sister Pinegar had been helping someone move, and while there, met his friend who was also helping him, named Derwin. Derwin was really nice, seemed interested, and even indicated he would like to come to church with us sometime to try it out. Yay! But, the catch is, they didn't have the chance to get his address or phone number. So, all we knew is what neighborhood he lived in. Not even what street to tract. Just a whole neighborhood. So, on Saturday, we set out to find him!

We asked the first woman we saw (after talking with her, of course) if she knew where Derwin lived, and she did! So, we went and actually found him and his friend sitting outside talking. We chatted with them for a bit, teaching about the restoration, and they set a return appointment! Then, we had planned to be in the area for another hour, so we kept walking and talking to people. Before too long, we came across another 2 friends, women sitting outside talking! Of course, we wanted to be a part of that conversation ;) so, we went and introduced ourselves. We were again able to teach about the restoration, give each of them a Book of Mormon, and set a return appointment! One of them actually said that her husband was "raised Mormon" so, he probably has records somewhere we'll need to pull. Anyway, fingers crossed they all keep their appointments and continue to be strong and interested!

We really attribute this miracle (at least in part) to a ward 40 day fast that we started on September 1st. It's cool to see the members get excited about missionary work, and to be able to visit them in their homes as they begin their fasts. I love the power behind joint prayer and fasting, it's incredible. We really based this idea off of Alma 6:6, and it seems to be doing well!

I can't believe how smoky it still is up there. It's so sad. But, I bet the sunsets are beautiful! Also, I can't believe it's still so hot into September! It's been beautiful weather down here recently, but I almost feel bad for enjoying it, because it's directly connected to Hurricane Harvey... haha :) speaking of Hurricane Harvey... when I heard it's name, I totally just thought of Suits, J "I'm Donna, it's a name and a title..." J "you just got Litt up!"

Dad, you should definitely wait till the boys are home to help with the trench digging. Also, I'm kind of glad they've left Dallas! It was so so so weird having them right there! Literally, they were within half an hour from me, I'd be willing to bet. I look forward to seeing everyone again. But, not yet! It'd be so weird to see someone from home here. So out of place. I really don't know how I would react.

Also, how are your health goals going? I'm doing decent. Been better, but definitely been worse! Haha:) Na, I'm doing good. The no chocolate thing is killer, but probably really good J.

Well, sorry to keep it so short today. Know that y'all are always in my prayers, and I hope you have a great week! I love you so much!

All my love,
Sister Erika Marks ☀

p.s - Oh my! I almost forgot to tell y'all a funny story! So, because of the hurricane, all the gas stations are like legitimately out of gas! On Saturday, we realized we were low, so drove to all the gas stations in our area, and all of them were closed, out of gas! We were in a slight panic because we knew we wouldn't have enough gas to last through Sunday (I know, totally not prepared...). So, we came home, parked the car and got our bikes! We ended up getting a hold of a member later that evening, who googled an open gas station for us. So, we ended up being able to get gas before we actually ran out of gas. However, we literally had 0 miles till empty when we hot to the station! Oops! Haha. Then, it took forever, because there were long lines (not all the pumps were open) and it was going super slow due to how low they were. But, we did it! Haha:) good times. Also, note to self. Stay in the top half of the tank....

Hi!  

I'm in a much better mood today to email than I have been recently. Sorry about that! The last few Monday's have been kinda weird for some reason, but today's been great! I got to hear from Anika (yay! And did you know she comes home in under a month?! I can't believe it.) and also from Sis Calaway from Azle! I love hearing from people I didn't expect.

Also, thanks so much for your testimonies! And for my new frog riding gnome! I love him, Sis Gorley suggested I name him Gnash, and I like that name, so Gnash it is! (But not like gnashing teeth, but like Nashville... haha)

I'm super happy to hear that William came up to Dallas for the storm. He's been on my mind a lot recently with it, I was kinda worried. But it's weird that now he really is so close. I mean, Fort Worth and Dallas are pretty much the same city. And I'm right on the edge of the mission, really closer to Dallas than to Fort Worth. It's exciting for Garrett to be able to come down and drive back up with William. That should be a ton of fun. Hopefully the flooding isn't too bad, that the retrieval of all the stuff will go smoothly. As far as hurricane clean up, I don't think we'll be invited down to help. Maybe if I was serving in Waco or somewhere in the south of the mission, but even then, we’re not super close. I don't know what President will do with that. But, it probably won't affect me anyway. We did get some rain up here, and a few decent little storms, but nothing super notable. Just that the locals keep telling me how lucky I am because of how mild this summer has been. And I am definitely counting my lucky stars! It hasn't been nearly as bad as I was emotionally preparing myself for,  .  William definitely got the worse end of the deal down in Houston.

The eclipse sounds cool! I got to see some cool pictures from a member that traveled up to the 100% totality. And it sounds like I'll be back in Texas in 2024! Though, hopefully before that anyway.... haha. Also, that remembrance party for Brian sounds so sweet. I would have loved to have been there. You know though? I definitely feel like he's been here, supporting me in Texas, and I am so grateful for that! I am so excited to get to meet him in the next life. He sure is an important part of our family.

As far as who we're working with, not a ton happened this week. We met this man named Chauncey, who said we could come back Wednesday, so fingers crossed! Funny story with Tristan... you know, the one I was all excited about because he set an appointment... yeah, he didn't set an appointment. Oops! Somehow I misread something. We were in the middle of texting him, and we actually got a text from a less active we've been trying to meet with, setting an appointment with her. But! We thought it was Tristan. So when we texted him to confirm, he said he was still up north. Oops! But we were super excited to have a lesson with Sis Holly Foy and her 8 year old son who's not baptized. So we're working with him (Jesse). He won't count as a convert baptism, but that's okay! He's a sharp kid, and super sweet. Really, we’re working more with his mom and trying to help her come back. We're also hopeful that before long we'll be able to work with the dad, who's not a member. But, one step at a time! So, we're still in touch with Tristan, but no appointment yet.

I found out the other day that Sis Asay did end up having to go home a few weeks ago. That was super hard to hear, and made the last few days interesting. But I do believe it was for the best, and I pray for her well being. She said she's going to try to come back out once she gets it figured out. I do have do admit, I'm so grateful that I wasn't her companion anymore when she got sent home. I would have had such a hard time with that, essentially sending two companions home in a row. But I have high hopes for her return to the field.

I also heard that Abbey is coming home. That breaks my heart. I emailed her, but please tell her how much I love her. I hope that the transition home will go relatively smoothly, that the ward will be supportive and understanding, and that her health trials can be taken care of quickly so that she can go back out if she desires. It really made me realize again how blessed I am to be out here. Every week is such a blessing, and I can't take it for granted. I mean, it feels like I've had friends returning home due to health challenges left and right. I just continue to serve with all my heart might mind and strength, and leave the rest up to the Lord. That's all you really can do, isn't it?

Well, I've already written a novel, so I guess I'll let you go. I love you all so much!

All my love,
Sister Erika Marks  

CONGRATS ON THE JOB!!!!! It's about time they made it official! :) Way to go Mom. You're awesome. And thanks Dad for sending me those Jr Bloomsday pics. Those are fun. Also, I look forward to the mail! Thanks for sending me those.

I'm super sad, we missed the eclipse today. No one told us when it was! L I so wish I could have seen it. I love those types of thing. Honestly, if I wasn't on my mission, I totally would have traveled to see the total eclipse. (But just slept in my car, those prices are ridiculous!)

This has been a good week down here. Honestly, I'm so tired. Just all around. Yeah, I'm physically tired, but it's so much more than that, I feel so tired spiritually and emotionally too. I just feel like it's been go-go-go for so long. And that's how it should be, I love it! It is hard though. I constantly put myself out there every day. Every day I really believe that we're finally going to find just ONE investigator, and every night when we come home, and we still haven't, it's hard. This week we had another false hope contact. We contacted her on Saturday, and it seemed almost miraculous the way we found her, then when we texted to confirm her follow up appointment, she canceled. She went from saying the Book of Mormon was "exactly what she was looking for" to saying that she wasn't interested. I'm just so sad for her. I just want to find, teach, and baptize. I want to help these people come closer to Christ. I want to help Him in His work. And we've now had a full transfer, of finding every day, with still not a single person to show for it. I know numbers don't matter. I know we've been working our hardest, and that's what's important, but it’s still hard. It's hard having to email the ward council, not with a progress record, but to tell them we have no one. Everyone in the ward keeps telling us we are some of the best missionaries they've had (which I so appreciate, they're so sweet) yet we still haven't been able to really teach anyone. Anyone besides the youth. It's just tiring. I know it's good though. I wouldn't trade my experiences. It's how I know God wants my mission to go. I know I'm doing what He wants. But is it too much to ask for ONE person? Well, we'll keep working, and something has to give. I know it. Next week I'll have someone to tell you about. It's gonna happen. I mean, God wants these people back more than I do, so it's only logical that he will guide me to find them. Right?

We had a fun experience this week! We decided to bike on Friday, and got caught in a huge Texas rain storm! We got soaked in approximately 0 seconds. Haha J We ended up having to come back to the apartment to change. We got some great videos though. I'll try to send them.

Not much else on my end. Sorry to keep it so short! I hope you have an awesome week. I love you so much.

All my love,
Sister Erika Marks ☀❤☀❤

P.s. Sorry if this email seemed kinda down... I really am loving it out here. I think just today is being harder than usual since that woman I was telling you about just dropped us this morning...

P.p.s. We've been helping about a thousand people move down here. It's crazy.

P.p.s.s - Oh! I also forgot to say in my "big one" that transfers are this week, and we officially found out today that there will be no change this next transfer. Shocker! Haha. We did find out we get a new car though! We'll be going and picking it up on Wednesday. It's just another Toyota Carolla, but it's a 2017. I feel so fancy haha. Never driven a new car before... :) should be fun.

Hello hello!

Mom, don't feel bad about missing a week, it happens:) I look forward to the mail coming! The mail doesn't get here until super late in the day though, so I probably won't get it till tonight. I will continue to pray that you get the position! I believe that you will. And this will be such a nice change and blessing when you get it.

I'm glad to hear that Garrett is finally getting to move on with his paperwork. The wisdom teeth ordeal is never fun, but at least it's only once in a lifetime! Plus, so worth it to be able to go on a mission! I honestly didn't find mine as bad as I was worried it was going to be. Also, Dad, I'm glad you found my joke funny about Texas being a nation... I totally laughed when I wrote that, then told my companion, and she didn't find it as funny as I did... 😂 good times.

I can't believe how smoky it is up there! You said the fire is over by Priest River? Man, that's so sad. I hope everyone is okay. Wildfires are so scary. Plus the smoke just ruins the air quality. It makes it hard to get out to the lake and stuff when it's smoggy. And yes, Mom, I am jealous that you get to go to Garfield. And I'm also jealous of the crack in the weather.... it's been hot here pretty regularly. Mom, will you send me that pic from Junior Bloomsday? Man, I loved that. What good memories.

This has been as awesome week for me! But I can't believe how fast it went. I know I say that most weeks, but it's so trippy. I swear, every week goes faster. It's kinda a scary thought because it makes it feel like I have so little time left on my mission! The other day I hit 10 months. Crazy!

On Wednesday, we go to mutual with the youth, and this week they were combined playing kickball! We of course had to play with them, but also (of course) didn't have pants! So, I played kickball in my dress, and it was so fun. I really think that that's the type of thing that makes the youth like and trust missionaries. From that night, actually, we've seen some of the youth really open up to us and it's been fun to be a part of. We actually started youth lessons with some of the kids, and that's been a great success so far! Pretty much, we just teach the youth the missionary discussions, one to help them, and two to create an environment where they can invite their friends without it being as scary. Plus, it gives us good practice to teach.

Then, on Saturday, we got to go to Canton (about an hour and a half away) to do tornado clean up from a tornado that came through last spring. It was super fun, hard work. I haven't done that type of work on my mission, and I've missed it! It reminded me a lot of the yard work back home really, wood projects and stuff. However, it was crazy hot and humid here, and we didn't get to go swimming after. But still fun! A member took a picture of us "pulling a tree" which I'll attach. I put it in quotes because, if you could see the whole tree, you'd see how big it is. There's no way Sis Gorley and I are actually pulling it. Haha! But, it made a good picture

Two cool experiences this week. First off, there's this young man that we've been trying to get in touch with because he seems really interested in the gospel. His name is Tristan, and we've been texting a bit, but he's been in Montana, so obviously can't meet with us... so the other day we asked him when he would be back, and he said, "Tuesday the 15th at 1 should work" and just set an appointment! That never happens. So, we're super excited for tomorrow, and there's a YM in the ward that's about to leave for his mission that said he'd like to come with us, so it should be good!

Then, we had an amazing experience last night. A story of being guided by the Holy Ghost without realizing it. We were working in this neighborhood that is pretty small, so we were just walking around it. When we see a mom outside as her two boys ride bikes. So like the good missionaries we are, we go walking 🚶‍ on over to her and strike up a conversation. Come to find out, she thought our coming was a total answer to prayer because she's been unsure what to do with her job, and apparently our showing up was her answer. We talked for a bit about getting answers to prayer (specifically through the Book of Mormon) and as we testified of God's love for her, she dissolved into tears, and gave us each the biggest hug. Her name is Stephanie, and it was so amazing to be able to talk with her for a bit! She has a strong faith in Christ, and attends a different denomination (of course) and said she wasn't interested in changing, but did say we could come back to talk more with her. She also has a Book of Mormon and that book changes lives. The thing is though, even if we never see her again, that meeting was super powerful. I know that she felt God's love through it, and I know I felt the spirit so strongly. So, hopefully we'll get to teach and baptize her. But if not, that was still incredible. It was almost cliché, and so great.

Also, funny story that you'll get a kick out of. That same evening, we were following up with a potential, and he answered the door, calmly, but kinda with a "deer in the headlights" type look (which look is perpetually in his face) and when we ask him how's he's doing he says, "okay, just preparing for labor, but the midwives aren't here yet." His wife was literally about to give birth in the next room, and he was just calmly talking to us!  I'm pretty sure if we hadn't left, he would have held a gospel discussion with us, haha! Isn't that nuts? I love people...

Well, that's about it for me this week! I hope y'all have a good one! You're in my prayers.

All my love,
Sister Erika Marks ☀❤❤❤☀

P.s. What is a dinosaur's least favorite reindeer? Comet!

Hey Mom and Dad!

It sounds like y'all are doing well! That is getting hot for up there! It's not been too bad down here (knock on wood) all the locals keep telling me it's not nearly as bad as usual, and it usually stays in the low 100s or 90s, so no complaining here! I think Texas loves me, and so isn't trying to burn me out, literally, haha.

I would really love to hear from Garrett. And has he got his papers in yet!? Or does he already have his call? Or what? I'm so curious! Also, no gnome yet... I'm dying over here! Haha

It would be nice to get a deer fence around the berries and a sprinkler system in. So much easier than the pellet gun and hose system, haha:) It'll be fun to have fresh honey again. Are you going to sell any this year? Also, how are the trees doing? You said the cherry was producing, right? ...

Not much of anything happened this week, just more of the same. We're still struggling to find interested and sincere investigators, but the people we are working with are super nice and awesome. We've been working on changing the culture of the ward to be more missionary minded. I think that it'll be a long process, but a good one. The WML is great, and already a huge help. And I've noticed more and more interest from the ward members in what we're doing. Which is the first step!

We did have a bit of a roller coaster this week. We met this amazing family on Friday evening, who seemed too good to be true. Knocked on their door, they let us in, gathered the whole family, had an almost hour discussion about the restoration and the plan of salvation. They were asking the right questions. They said the first vision was beautiful and powerful. They were excited about the commitment to read and pray about it. But  then, Sunday morning, they texted us and said they weren't interested. L We dropped by that evening to give them a Portuguese Book of Mormon (they're from Brazil) and try to talk more. At least to get them to keep the return appointment they had set, but they just wouldn't let us. I don't know what happened. Maybe anti? But it's heartbreaking. There was so much hope, I really thought they were going to be interested. I had tried to put up walls around myself so that if they dropped us, it wouldn't hurt so bad, but I just couldn't. I love them so much after just the one visit. The way things were working out (like the way we got the Portuguese Book of Mormon was a mini miracle), I thought it was God's way of telling me not to be skeptical, but to have faith it would work out. So, I tore down those walls I'd tried to build. But then, it came shattering down. I've only had people drop me when I wasn't expecting it once or twice on my mission, and it's just so hard. I mean, the blessing this would be in their life, they're just shutting it out. Why? I love them so much. I just wish they would have listened at least once more. I know there's nothing you can do, but I can't help but wonder. The spirit was so strong the first time, I don't know how they would have not felt it. It's sad, but I do believe there must be SOMEBODY here to listen. SOMEBODY has to be seeking for the truth. Otherwise, we wouldn't be here, right? We just keep looking for that person. And until we find them, I'll just keep working like it's all up to me and praying like it's all up to the Lord. Something will give. It has to.

Guess that's it for me. I hope you have a great week! I love you so much! I'm doing great down here. Sis Gorley and I continue to rock it together, and I look forward to another marvelous week as the Lord's missionary!

All my love,
Sister Erika Marks ☀

Hello everyone! Well, this is probably the closest thing you're ever going to get from me to a "weekly email" so enjoy, haha:)

Seriously though, how are you doing? I hope you have all had a great 9 months, it feels like it's been so long since I've seen you, yet also like I just barely left on my mission. Go figure.   

Well, I've been doing great! I absolutely love love love my mission! I feel so grateful for the experiences that I've had. I have felt the highest of highs, and also some of the lowest of lows. The mission has been dynamic and changing. Stretching and rewarding. Most of all though, it's been a blessing. What a joy it is to be out for a year and a half, serving those in the great nation of Texas. For those of you who thought it was a state, I'm sorry to inform you that it is actually its own country, hahaha  seriously though, I am so grateful to be doing whatever little part I can to help these people change their lives, and help Heavenly Father in His work to bring souls to him. I love this gospel. I love the simple truths it teaches. There are so many different ideas we can be caught up in today, but if we stay rooted in the basics, you can't go wrong. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet. I know God loves each of us as His children. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, and not only that, but that it really will bring you closer to Christ than any other book. I know families are eternal, and I'm so grateful that you are my family!

You have each played such a significant role in my life, and I am grateful for it. I do have a request from you though. I am trying to collect a Family Testimony Book. The idea is, I would love to have a written testimony of every person in the family. From grandparents down to cute little Sam. Even if the children can't really write yet, I would love to have a drawing from them, or something like that. I don't care how long or short, eloquent or simple, strong or newly forming, they are each precious and I know the strength that comes from the bearing of testimonies. I'm going to collect all these in a binder to keep forever! So, I would absolutely love handwritten testimonies, but I know how hard that can be. So, even if you email them to me, I will print them out here. I am trying to have it done before the end of September, so if there's anyway I could get those testimonies by September 18th (a Monday) I would so appreciate it!

Thank you all again! I love you so much! I sent this email to as many as I could, but I know not everyone got it, so please spread the word. Thanks!

All my love,
(Your) Sister Erika Marks