Hermana Barton: Estoy Stoked!: May 2, 2016: Surprise!

I got a new companion this week! We had special transfers, and my comp went to Hermosillo, and now I am with Hna. Riquelme, from Buenos Aires Argentina.(Where my dad served his mission!) She is awesome and very patient with me, because on Wednesday when she came to the bus station, I wasn't there, because I was with other missionaries. One missionary I was with, on our way to the bus station, crashed on her bike and her backpack came flying over her head, and she dented her face on her bike. We called a member to pick up my comp, then to take the missionary to the clinic. haha Nothing better to welcome the new comp to Peñasco!

I found this bakery in my area that, in the morning, they have a big stone oven, and are pulling out warm bread... It is delicious, and I feel like I am at home, or at Gma's house! But I have to limit the days that we pass by because it is Soooooo tempting!!

Peñasco is awesome, I love it! Here in Peñasco, we use bikes, it is pretty rad. But on Saturday I was riding past a car and someone opened their door, and they hit my bike, and I went flying and skidding through the street... the amazing thing is that I only skinned up my elbow, and I landed on my hip. I thought I had broken my hip or something, but when I went into a nearby bathroom to clean up my elbow, on my hip I had no cuts, only a small bruise, and a hole in my garments the size of a dollar coin. I didn't have a hole in my skirt, or my leggings. God saved my life! It was amazing! I have no doubt that we are truly protected and that God blesses us in so many ways! I have used some arnica and essential oils and am healing up quickly!

With my new comp, I think I have cooked breakfast for her every morning. It is just a part of me and my life to cook and live with someone. I felt funny eating alone. [Editor's note: the most recent comp before this one wanted to buy and cook food separately] It is not a bad thing, it was just different from what I was used to... but with my new comp she is awesome, like a best friend in only 4 days we have had together!

Today for my preparation day, I got to eat at a restaurant that is owned by a member here, that is on the beach. We drank piña coladas, and watched the pelicans, and I could smell the beach. It was awesome! Like therapeutic for me just to see the ocean another time. I was so happy, like a little kid on Christmas just to see the beach!

Happy Mothers Day this Sunday! Thank you to all the great women in my life, especially my mom. I feel so blessed to have her in my life. She has taught me so much, and has always been a great example to me and my sisters. I am also so grateful for the examples of my grandmas, aunts, and leaders, who have done so much to help me learn and grow from all their examples, motherly love, and time they have spent to help me.

Oceans of love to all,
Hermana Barton

PS--from Amy--Every time I think about Meredith's bike accident, 2 thoughts come to my mind: 1st, I am SO glad I didn't know anything about this until it was all under control. #Mom probs. 2nd, I just keep thinking about all of the people (probably YOU included) who pray for Meredith each day, and I am so thankful for your prayers on her behalf. I believe you had a part to play in helping her accident be as minor as it ended up being. I know that God truly does hear and answer our prayers--much more specifically than we even realize sometimes. Deepest thanks to all of you who pray for Meredith and all missionaries around our world.

At the bus station to send Hna Banos to Hermosillo. I spent the day with the sister training leaders. Hermana Zelaya, and Hermana Carrera(the one who had the bike accident and knocked out her tooth!)