"I'm a mean man, but I'm workin on it. I'm gettin meaner." -Pop (I love tracting)

Madison trunk or treat

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! 👻

Sister Makin and I are very festive this year :) We have been to 2 of our 3 halloween parties so far. First, the Madison ward trunk or treat. It was a HUGE success! Lots of people came, many of them I haven't met yet! And people brought their neighbors, too. Yay for member missionary work! Second, the Raytown Branch trunk or treat. We were their chili cook-off judges, it was an honor. And that activity was a HUGE success, too. I think there were more non-members than members there. Third, we are going to the Home Place assisted living to help out with their party this afternoon. So we get to wear these outfits 3 times, definitely getting good use out of them. And then we carved pumpkins last night. I've been in the bible belt too long, yall. I couldn't think of anything cool to carve. 

Sandy

While we were in Raytown I got to sit and talk to Sandy! (if you forget his name, just look at his arm) This guy is my favourite. He hasn't been to church in over 30 years. One day I show up at his house with Sister Child, we get talking, and I guess I said something that hit his heart because he points at me and says "that little one right thur got me back in church" he's been coming every week, I didn't even know! He was ready, the Spirit was with us, and a miracle happened in the Raytown branch. That was really special. 

This week we got to teach a lesson with one of the Recent Converts in the ward, their testimonies always inspire me. Chris got baptized a month ago, and all he talks about is how happy he is, how much peace is in his mind, how many positive changes he has seen in himself, and how true the Gospel is. It's awesome! But it's also so sad that all of us aren't like that. At what point does this excitement fade? Why don't we hold on to it? I guess we just get used to being happy? Or maybe we stop doing the things we should and the happiness goes away slowly? We need to look outside ourselves a little more, see how different other people's lives are! We have something great! I was reading in the Doctrine and Covenants yesterday, and found the happiest verses I have read in a long time: D&C 128:19-25
"Now, what do we hear in the gospel which we have received? A voice of gladness! A voice of mercy from heaven; and a voice of truth out of the earth; glad tidings for the dead; a voice of gladness for the living and the dead; glad tidings of great joy...Brethren, shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory! Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad. Let the earth break forth into singing..."
You should really read the whole thing. But this Gospel is REAL and if we live it right, the joy doesn't fade. It is only renewed, and continues to grow :) 

I love y'all! Stay smiling and have a blessed week!
Sister Bartsch

Southernism: Happy (noun)
"Wait! I have a happy for you!," "We have a little happy for them" "It's just a little happy."
A happy is a little gift or prize. Isn't that cute? This is one of my favorites 🎁 

 GOODBYE ELDER KULU! He got to go home this week! This Elder has been serving his mission for 27 months, patiently waiting for a visa to go home. A Miracle happened and he is in California with his family now :) yay!

Raytown Trunk or Treat

Styrofoam pumpkins (thanks, Makin family!!)

Madison District. Elders, y'all. I don't understand.