Birthday!

Well let's start off with my birthday. Today is my 21st birthday! We
started off the day with studies. I love studying the gospel, so I
couldn't think of a better way to start off my morning. Then we played
a game of kickball with the zone. It was a ton of fun! It was hot, but
totally worth it for the good times. We then had a surprise visit from
one of my favorite families! The Reeds drove down from Prescott Valley
to visit me on my birthday. It was so much fun to be able to see them
again and play with those crazy little kids! Tonight we have multiple
lessons with new families that we met just last night. I can't think
of a better way to end my birthday than introducing the gospel to new
people!

We had an individual get baptized this week! It was crazy how it all
worked out. He showed up at our church, and so we started teaching
him. He was dating a member of our ward. He was living in California
and started listening to the missionary lessons there. He came to AZ
and wanted to be baptized. He's an incredible guy with a strong
testimony of the gospel already. This past week he moved in to another
ward. He was still able to be baptized on Saturday, which was such a
great experience for him and all involved. We were sad that he won't
be in our ward, but we are so happy for his decision to be baptized.

Sometimes I get to this point of my email and I just sit back and
think what to write next, and I draw a blank. So if you ever want to
know more, feel free to ask me.

I read an amazing talk this week called "Finishers Wanted" by
President Monson. One of my favorite quotes was this, "Vision without
effort is daydreaming, effort without vision is drudgery; but vision,
coupled with effort, will obtain the prize." It is so motivating for
me to make sure that I have my goals and desires in my sights. Then it
helps me be motivated to get out and actually make it happen. It
sounds simple, but it can make a world of difference. It's all about
having vision and then putting forth the effort to make it happen.

I love you all! Have a wonderful week!

-Elder Toph