I am not biased ...

World's Most Adorable Granddaughter!

Yay x3 (Hilary)

OKAY EVERYONE,

Transfers came and Hermana Guevara went. That was tough for her, on many levels (which I will explain in a letter). But my new companion is named Hermana Marca and she is fantastic. I mean, I don't know her too well yet, but I am so relieved to be with her and I am looking forward to this transfer a lot. I have set for myself a lot of new goals and I am really diving into the work.

Okay, exerpt from my letter to President Ghent:

The transfer ended really well here in Imbabura. Saturday was F's baptism and it was really special. He really has been converted to this gospel. It was something I had been praying about for a while, because I really wanted to be able to see the process of how the gospel changes lives from start to finish. Obviously I haven't seen the finish, but I got to see the start and how he was able to change his bad habits and accept the gospel, be baptized and he isn't stopping. He always has in mind his goals of receiving the priesthood and visiting the temple. He is such an example of faith and diligence in the gospel.
Okay, so F. is amazing. I cried a little bit at his baptism. He bore his testimony and it was so cool. I feel so blessed to be able to do this important stuff!!!!!!!!!!! Anway, he is doing so well. Yesterday when Hermana Guevara had to say goodbye to him, he was super bummed, but he was like, "Well, God will send you where he needs you and there is a purpose for you there. I am going to endure to the end and I want to see you on the other side." Whoa. He was one of those people who really was prepared. It was his time. I am so happy for him. 

Okay, funny story. The other day we fasted and I guess it was bad timing. That following morning we had a service project and it was really hard work (Dad, thanks for teaching me how to work. I work harder than more than half of the elders. Actually, I think there is one elder in our zone of eight that works harder than me. We do so much service. I love it. I really love forgetting about everything and just focusing on the labor. Work is nice that way.). Anyway, it was really funny because we both got pretty sick I think from heat exhaustion. Bad planning on our part I guess. But we didn't die. We are fine now.

Okay, so glad to hear that Lucky called! Jaja. And how cool is it that Sam is teaching Ecuadorians?!?!?!?!? I love that. These people are the best. To answer a few of your questions... 1. No, you have the correct address. 2. I don't know if Samantha is here yet, should arrive tomorrow. 3. The other day I received a letter from you with a list of questions I just answered and will send back this week. I also heard from cute Kenz. I hope she is doing well. 4. I am in Imbabura, I don't know if Sister Hess is coming here. She probably just stopped by the offices and dropped the stuff off there. I hopefully will get it via pouch pretty soon here. I haven't gotten the package yet, but I can't wait :) I love the pictures of you and Dad. I miss the Utah autumn!! Today it has been pouring rain -- finally! We have been waiting and waiting! Okay, you should be receiving my letters any day now... When you get the SD card, can you send the pictures of the baptism of G (the first baptism I had with a sweet short lady who doesn't really smile) to rachel.butterfield@myldsmail.net . This is the Hermana that contacted sweet G.

This last change was kind of tough at times. But we had some really amazing experiences too and I know I learned so much. It is cool because before the mission it was like I had a desire to serve and I didn't exactly know why. I knew that I had received so many blessings by having the gospel in my life and I wanted others to be able to have that too. But now that I am here, I am learning there is so much that I needed to learn to be able to move on in life more prepared. I feel like I have just gotten a better/more full perspective of reality. There is a talk by E. Holland where he is talking about how a lot of missionaries use the term "real life" referring to life after and outside of the mission. But E. Holland, as usual, almost yells, "THIS IS REAL LIFE. Capitol R. Capitol L." Cool.  (Might be spelled capital -- I DON'T REMEMBER)

Okay, well, time to go. I love you all. I pray for you every day. Thanks for writing. I MISS YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU.

H. Norton

Yes, she looks pretty mild, but this girl is one strong cup of tea       -       Joanna Norton

"Slooooow down now.. ¿tranquilízate vale?" & photos (Sam)

Malaga's cathedral is popularly known as "la manquita", the little one-armed lady, in reference to the fact that its second tower was never completed.

Waz up wazz up??

   I don´t have a lot of time today because I wrote Hermana Norton a good fat email. She has more time on the computer now and we almost haven´t talked at all yet in our missions so I felt that it was necessary.

   WOW. So much going on back at home. So much traveling and fun. I don´t know if I´m just imagining it or what.. but it seems like you guys are traveling a tonnnnnnnnn now that Hil and I are gone.... :) no no.. its ok.. I get it........ :D

   Wow, Mom, I loved your thought about the words ´bind´ and ´bound´. We have read it a thousand times but wow.. it makes more sense the way it was put in your email... ´´we can bind the Lord...by obedience...´´. sometimes we doubt and feel like we don´t deserve blessings but I have seen SO MANY miracles here in the mission with just being obedient. Example... we plan for the day and we plan a ´´miracle lesson´´ during an hour when we don´t have anything.. we work so hard alll day, all all day.. and we end up with that miracle lesson and an awwwesome new investigator that told us..."I would like to join this congregation.........." WOW. We did our part, SO the Lord did His.

   Tell Annika Jaccard congrats on first runner up! Thats so awesome!

   YESSSSSS. R´s other sister and mother were baptized!! And the other couple that were on the blog from Huércal-Overa, Elder Jones and I taught them too. :D AHHHH

   Tell Adam I´m proud of him. Whether he´s proud of himself or not, I´m proud of him. AND I GOT HIS LETTER. I LOVE HIS LETTERS SOO MUCH!

   Asea is going well... go figure. :) So you guys know, when I come home, I´m gonna learn 3 more languages and then help Asea extend further into those countries. :) mark my words!!! Keep me updated on Matthew Peters please. If their family says anything to you I would love to hear it. :)

   Next time you see Brother Walkenhorst, tell him I say hello! Also, please try to get the Parsons address for me. I´d love to write them a letter.

   We set 4 awesome baptismal dates this last saturday. Elder Núñez and I did splits with the two elder serving in melia (they are here visiting Málaga for safety precausions). So Elder Núñez went with Elder Jones (a different elder jones) and they ended up setting this fecha with this argentine guy, Mx... SUPER AWESOME. basically gonna get baptised without a doubt.. :) and Elder Bailey and I went to other citas and we set 3 fechas with this awesome family and this lady that lives there too. Do. is from ecuador and his wife is from paraguay and they have two kids, a little boy (4) and a little girl (2). M, this lady from ecuador, lives with them and came out of her room one of the first days we were there and listened for like 5 minutes and then ended up saying the closing prayer... so awesome! So elder Bailey and I ended up setting fechas with them three for the 13th of october as well. Mx´s fecha is for the same day. We´re super excited!

   This is the last week of the transfer. ALREADY. My third transfer in the field ends this week! WOW. And in 4 days I FINISH THE FIRST FOURTH OF MY MISSION. Wow, its going too fast. Slooooow down now.. ¿tranquilízate vale? But anyways, so this friday we will find out if one of us is leaving or if we´re both staying or what.. this is only Núñez´s second transfer here so we don´t think either of us will go but we´ll see. We´re gonna have a bunch of baptizms this next transfer so pray with us that we stay together! :)

  Anyways, family and friends, I love you all! Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. Go reread the introduction to the book of Mormon and the testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith. Then ask in faith to your Father in heaven to reassure and re-edify your testimony of Joseph Smith. His role is so so important in the fullness of the Gospel. Then, listen. Listen closely. And Continue listening and watching UNTIL you receive an answer. Because God will NEVER leave a question unanswered. And then don´t forget to write me and tell me what you learned. :) I love emails and letters!

   Gotta go! Love you!

-Elder Norton

"God is just merciful and I don't think we will ever be able to comprehend how much he cares for us." (Hilary)

Hi Family,

I hope you are all doing so well. We have had quite the week. We had a lot of lessons and we have really seen a difference, which is so nice after for a while feeling like our work was profiting nothing for anyone. Okay here is a part of what I wrote to President Ghent (the stuff in italics in blue is what I sent him):

We have had quite the week here in Imbabura. We had a few days that were so excellent. We have had our share of trials. Yesterday I really felt like I felt a tiny part of what Heavenly Father feels watching His children. We have been working really hard with a family of five kids and a single mom 
(This is F, J  , L, C, A, and S. The picture I attached is J and C. C. is the younger of the two and is so adorable. He calls me his princesita and the other day he gave me this little heart pillow and said "Hermanita! Le doy mí corazon!")
The children really have desires to progress but the mom has been harder to work with. We really thought we had a break through the other day. But something I have had to learn is that as much as I can do on my end and as much as Heavenly Father wants this work out for them, they will always have their agency. I feel like I have been able to get a glimpse of the love and respect Heavenly Father has for each of His children in giving them their agency but also giving them so many opportunities and blessings and reasons to choose the right. It is tough to see, but Hermana Guevara and I have been working hard on applying what we teach, with having hope and faith and patience in God's timing and will. (Yesterday I had a little break down. We have literally done everything we can with this family. We visit them daily. We are praying and fasting. We have spent so much time working through doubts they have had. But no matter what we do, she (F.) won't hold up her end of the commitments. It is so so hard to care about someone so much and then see them reject the blessings that are waiting for them.)

FE. is doing really well. His progress has been such a blessing to see. We have had a few of those shining missionary moments when everything pays off. He wanted to change and has really changed and has so much faith that his baptism this week will make such a difference in his life. He is really going through some hard times but has put into practice the repentance process and is starting to see differences. It is a blessing to be working with him and to see how the Gospel of Jesus Christ changes lives. 
(Yesterday we had a lesson in the church with FE and as we were walking to the chapel with him, the member who was with us asked him how we had found him (he's a contact). He said something along the lines of, "Me salvaron. Estaba en oscuridad y vi una mano... reaching down to me." ("I'm saved, I was in darkness and I saw a hand..." .. something like that) Later in the lesson he was telling us about the trials he has had recently and he began to cry. This grown man. It was really powerful. And what else is so powerful is his faith. He knows what blessings stand in store for him after his baptism.)

Okay I am attaching three photos. The other day we met/exceeded our goals and it was a super awesome day, so we bought ourselves this mousse thing. The minute we tasted it we realized it was coffee.... Hahahah so that was pretty funny. We were like, "Cool. So much for that." Jajajaj.

Yesterday was a dedication of a new chapel here in our stake. It was so beautiful and the chapel is so beautiful. There were sooooo many people all in their traditional dress. I attached a picture of that too. Really really cool experience.

Dad, I love hearing about the experiences you have had recently. Do you keep a journal of these things? I hope so. I feel like I am constantly learning new things and receiving impressions from the spirit as a missionary. It is so cool to be in a position where I am worthy of receiving the whispers of the Holy Ghost. I remember thinking before my mission that I hoped I would be able to learn to recognize the spirit more in my life and how I receive promptings so that once I got home I could be more in tune and use the spirit more in my life. One thing I learned is that before I wasn't doing everything I should have been doing to be WORTHY of the spirit's guidance. I think there was a lot of static and I couldn't hear the answers that the spirit was trying to give me. I remember thinking "Whhyyyyyyyyy am I not able to recognize answers?! Why don't I know what Heavenly Father wants me to do in this situation." But it was because I think it was like I was out of hearing range, and it was definitely my fault. Anyway. My mission has saved me in more sense than one. I believe I have really been converted and have really recognized what it means to live righteously. And I have a very firm testimony of the atonement and the power it has to change lives.

Okay, well I am going to write Sam and Mitch real quick. I love you all! I am doing well. Thanks for writing! Keep praying. Read the Book of Mormon everyday. It is the KEYSTONE to our religion! I didn't used to understand why people said that, but now I do. Pray and read. I love this gospel with all of my heart and I know that it is true. Every once in a while I really try to renew my testimony of the truth of the things we teach, so it doesn't dry out. Everytime I recognize that THIS is the truth, the next thought that comes to my mind is "Why on earth did I get to be born into this? Why was I chosen to receive all these blessings? What makes me worthy of this?!" I haven't answered that question yet... And I guess really, nothing makes me worthy of this. God is just merciful and I don't think we will ever be able to comprehend how much he cares for us.

Okay, enough rambling. I love you all so much!

Hermana Norton

"The perfect recipe to receive an answer from God..." (Sam)

Good day!
   Wow..... i´m completely losing my english... YA.... I try to speak english to the other american missionaries in my district and zone and I can´t..... Haha está bien.. That baptism was a little kid in our ward. His whole family are converts and he just barely turned 8.  The family is still growing ..... so, the chicito asked me to baptize him. :) I was more than happy to do it. He´s the best!

   I got letter from Brother Erb the other day.... HE IS AWESOME. When we did that weeklong high adventure and we built that house on the Indian reservation Brother Erb had us all write a letter to ourselves about what we felt during the construction of the house. How it was so hard, but we pushed through... and why we pushed through. And then he told us he would send it to us 6 months into our missions. We all did it and the high adventure ended. Brother Erb and his wife got called on their mission to the czech (sp???) republic.. and we all kinda forgot about it... Well just a couple days ago, I got a letter from him and right there inside it was my letter to myself as well. It's so interesting how far I have come. It feels like NO TIME. It honestly feels like last week that I picked up my first books and packet in the Provo MTC... and I saw sister Howe and Wilson and Driggs and Grey..... and i´m ONE FOURTH DONE. The work is harder than I thought it would be, but it is also soo, so much more fulfilling than I thought it would be. What is more important? Nothing is more important. We are currently living ´´the plan of Salvation´´ that God made For Us in the beginning of time. What could matter more than helping EVERY PERSON you come in contact with fulfill their purpose on this earth, follow Jesus Christ and be baptized? I don´t want to waste one moment. I´m already 1/4 done. WOW. I pray to my Father in Heaven that I will have the desire to help every person come to Christ. I hope that you will have the same priorities.

   Don´t worry about the letter. I´m excited to get it! I´m writing letters to you guys! I don´t know if i´ll finish them today..... maybe next week but they´ll be coming! :) 

    HEY. What the happened with the US embassy and what not ........ everybody´s going loco. The two missionaries that were in Malia... the Spanish city that is in the morrocco side of the medeteranian (sp).... are here in Málaga temporarily because of whats going on... but we don´t really hear anything! Hook me up with the info!
   Wow! Mom, you had an awesome week! Super busy! I wanna hang out with you and do yoga! AHH lucky! :)

   Everything here is super great! The work is great! So many prepared people! And the members give us sooo much food! And its all super super good! Haha we have at least one eating cita every day.. Haha I have to keep working out and walking and playing soccer or i´m gonna engordar! :) I actually have not changed more than 3 pounds up or down since I entered provo mtc... and before that..... for like 4 years... My weight never changes.. cool!

   We have a lot more contact with President here in Málaga. In fact, quick story... I don´t have much time..... but anyways... Last week, there was a meeting in Fuengirola, the city where the mission home is about a half hour away from Málaga. This meeting was for all the district leaders only, so Elder Núñez was going to go but the night before the meeting President called us and talked to us specifically about a couple things he was thinking about.. I love that about President Deere, he doesn´t scold anyone, but he treats every situation with a lot of thought and consideration. That´s a characteristic that I want to gain. Be fully engaged in what I am doing, when I´m doing it, and who i´m doing it with. He´s awesome. So anyways, he called us with a couple things and then at the end of the call he asked me to come to the meeting as well and I am so grateful to President for giving me the chance to come. I really trust President I think he trusts me as well. I still don´t think I deserved to come but it was such an awesome meeting!

   Other story really quick. Last night we had this cita with the Argentine guy living here in Spain and it was in the house of these argentine members... super cool. I talked about Mitch and where he served but they didn´t live by there.. anyways.. right from the start they commented on my spanish.  I was super humbled by their compliments and then E Núñez put the cherry on top. While talking to this family, he compared my Spanish to two missionaries.. the first was a missionary who was AP and who finished last transfer... and the other was to the current AP... who has really good spanish......... O.o.... I had no idea what to say. I was extremely humbled and excited to hear that. I have been working really, really hard on my Spanish and I know that the Lord has blessed me with the ability to communicate so that the work can move forward here in Málaga. Anyways.. kinda fun. :) Keep learning back home! We´ll all speak together when Hilary and I come home!

   Anyways! That's all for now folks! Love you! The perfect recipe to receive an answer from God: Pray every morning and night! Read daily! Go to church every Sunday! And constantly be pondering your answer!

I love you!

-Elder Norton

         Summer of 2010 the Grovecreek 5th ward priests quorum chose to spend a week doing a service / humanitarian project in place of the typical Scout high adventure. Under the direction of their YM president, Bro Erb, and with the help of many others, they went down to southern Utah and built a house for a family of 6, in less than a week. The experience was filled with long hours, hard work, and many miracles AND was life changing for the boys! I am so grateful to Brother Alan Erb and ALL of the leaders who have taught and influenced my children. The pictures below show a glimpse of their adventure. --  Joanna

"One of those mission moments that makes all the hard times worth it ... I sound like a parent" (Hilary)

"Consider the Lilies" courtesy of ldsfriends.com

Hey all! I hope your Monday is going well! I have good news! The mission rules changed and we get an hour on the computer now. HOORAY! So I plan to give many details about what is going on lately.

Okay, so to begin with, Dad thanks for what you said in your email. I needed to be reminded of the importance of submitting my will to that of the Lord. Things have been tough in this exchange. This morning was really tough, but then I read your email and remembered that there is a reason I am being tried right now in this situation and that I just need to push through.

So, ABBY GOT HER MISSION CALL!!! SHE IS GOING TO ROME!!!!!!!!! I received her Dear Elder Friday after a zone meeting and all the elders were laughing because I was freaking out. I felt like I had received my own mission call. She is going to be so great and I am so thrilled for her. It is perfect.

Okay, so this week has been pretty eventful. Tuesday the mission secretaries called us and told us that my companion`s visa had expired and she had to take a trip to Colombia... But President didn`t want me to travel to Colombia, so she went with another Latina Hermana and I stayed behind in a different sector. It was tough because we tried to cover the important appointments in my area as well as hers, which was exhausting. But it was a really good experience. It was nice to have a little break and work with someone new. There is always something to learn from each and every person. Also, she is from the states, so it was nice to have a little time to talk in English and our study sessions were awesome. There were a few times when we had to do divisions with members because we had so much to cover. It was cool though because I really felt comfortable and was able to carry the lessons. We had a lesson with a sweet girl named N. and she had a question at one point. Her family is super Catholic and have been giving her a really hard time. Her dad took her Book of Mormon and wouldn't allow her to attend church. Anyway, at one point in the lesson she said, "I have been reading in Moroni and I read verse 27. If I continue in the Catholic church, when I see God at the judgement bar, this is how it will be." And then she began to cry. It was tough to see, but at the same time, cool, because it was a moment where we could say, "That's why it is so important that you receive your own testimony of these things. Because once you know what is true, once you know what God wants you to do, nothing else matters. It will be hard. But the good thing is God is on your side." Anyway, it was a really neat moment, to see someone realizing the importance and weight of the everything. I am so grateful for the environment where I grew up. I have been very blessed.

One man we have been working with is named F. He is great. He really really wants to change. He has problems with drinking, and yesterday we taught the Word of Wisdom. We had touched on it a little before, so it wasn't a huge shock to him. But as we were teaching he was really excited to change and was finishing our sentences. I was saying, "It is not going to be easy, but Hermano, I know that..." and he says, "It won't be impossible. Y yo lo voy a hacer. (and I am going to do it.)" It was so cool. One of those mission moments that makes all the hard times worth it. (I sound like a parent.)

We are also working with a woman named F. and her kids. They are great. I feel like they are my younger siblings. Every time we see them they run up to us and hug us. It is really nice to feel a little love from the people here. They feel like a little bit of family here in Imbabura.

Okay, Mom, thank you so much for being so willing to help me in all the things I need. Good luck on the piano. I KNOW YOU CAN DO IT. And when I get back, I am going start practicing again. I have been playing here in Imbabura for one of our wards for chorus and it isn't pretty. Haha. I am excited to practice at home. Things you can include if you have more room - "Missionary Pal" book, Lectures on Faith, pic of all of the family, including Sam, pics of Sienna, cartoons for lessons I teach to kids about like the plan of salvation and the restoration (remember the ones in those old manuals? Can you send some copies that I can color and cut out and use with kids?), and a simple cookie recipe.

Oh! So I have been on and off sick lately. A couple weeks ago I was super sick with a sinus infection and the medications I was taking made me super super sick, so I had to stay one day with some members while my companion went out and took care of our appointments. They were so sweet. It was so so nice. My health really improved and I felt like their faith and love (CHEESY) was exactly what I needed. It was a really cool experience. Anyway, last Monday we went to that waterfall and I got attacked by bugs. I am going to send pictures. My legs were COVERED in bug bites. Then my legs and and ankles and feet swelled up. Literally my ankles were the size of tennis balls. It was so bizarre. Anyway, some of my shoes didn't fit and I had a really hard time walking. It was the wierdest thing. But I have been taking some pills and using this cream on my legs and they are healing. Anyway, there is an explanation to go with the pictures I will try to send.

Okay, gotta go. I love you all.

Mom, answers to your questions: Imbabura is significantly different than Quito. We walk and hike so much more. It is literally what you see in Nat- Geo magazine. M. is doing well and her family members are not members of the church. Luckily the younger people here speak Spanish, so she speaks Spanish. She is 16. And we wear the traditional outfit on Sundays. I love it!

Hermana Norton.

"tune in next week to 'the many milagros that the Lord pours down upon His people' " (Sam)

Hello to one and all. Elder Norton callin´ in from DOWNTOWN MÁLAGA.

   Wow! What a great week! We worked soo so hard this week and we know we are eventually going to reap what we have sown. Everytime I have a chance to sit down and talk with one of God´s children here, I am reminded of his unending love for each and every one of His kids. Its soo dificult because there are soo many people and so many distractions in the world but those that give us a minute and are willing to listen to the spirit of God, Really Feel His Love. I testify that We Can Too. Sometimes we forget how much God wants to bless us. He is waiting with open arms. All we have to do is Pray regularly and ask Him for guidence, Read and Study thoroughly in the scriptures, and Go to church Seeking inspiration. He will answer and guide us if we are constantly looking.

   Hey, I loved the update on everything! Sounds like all three of you are suuper busy with everything. I reeaally want an update from Adam about Jr. High. EMAIL ME  <3 YOU. :) Mom´s workin in the temple learnin spanish and piano! Wooop! And papa is as busy as ever with IBM, ASEA, and the new calling. Soo good to hear!

   AHH! P is the best! Definitely write her back (one because its good practice for your spanish :) and two because she will love that). And she loves, loves music. The restoration movie that we use as missionaries is her absolute favorite and she turns on the part where Joseph has the first vision and the music is.... Oh how lovely was the morning... she turns it on full blast and just dies listening to it. So if you want to send her something, send her cds or dvds with spanish choir music or the hymns in spanish. AHH that would be awesome. You rock!

   Btw, Huercal Overa update that I got today from Elder Jones... Two saturdays ago Ru. and Pr got baptized, last saturday Pr's mom got baptized, and in the upcoming week or two, there will be at least two more baptisms of people that elder jones and I taught!!!!!!!! :D :D :D :D Soo awesome! That branch is lighting up! WOOP!

   Here in the city I feel a huge huge difference in the work. Its super tough cuz city people live a completely different life than town people. Everyone is in a hurry, constantly doing something or earning money or losing money.. Hah.. not to mention the fact that we walk and walk and walk and then if an appointment fails us we´ve wasted all that time.. :/ in Huercal-Overa we were always by 2 or 3 or 5 investigators and you´d constantly be seeing the same people all across the town cuz its so small. In Málaga we can look diligently for a family of 5 for 2 weeks and not see one of them. Haha but we really are getting super close with a bunch of people. This girl named Me. from Honduras and her boyfriend who is a less active from a long time ago are getting married super soon and right after she wants to get baptized.  This family of 4, parents, a 4 year old boy and a 3 year old girl are progressing soo much. The boy is autistic and the parents worry so so much about coming to church with him but last night we had an awwesome lesson with them. And this Ecuadorian lady that is living with them came out of her room and listened to us too. She´s awwwesome! She listened to the last like 5 minutes and then decided to say the closing prayer. AHH. milagros milagros milagros! We have this dope guy from Ghana named A. He speaks english and spanish and is muslum but he is listening to us and he is so great! He believes strongly in the koran (sp) but is reading a little in the Book of Mormon and is like... "did you guys know that the Book of Mormon and the koran say a lot of the same stuff?? "  :) We watched this awesome movie about Christs life and the miracles He did and we asked A to pray to find out if Christ really is the Son of God or only a prophet (which is what they believe) and he told us over the phone that he has something to tell us next time we talk. We´re pumped!

   Anyways, thats the update right now of the work here in Málaga. Now for a couple random things that happened or I realized...... :)

-My same model of car, VW Golf, is ALL OVER THE PLACE IN SPAIN. Here in Málaga we counted how many times we saw my car in one hour.... 13 times in one hour. Thats an average of one sighting every 4 mins and 30 seconds........... lo echo de menos.. :)

-My camera works. No stress there.

-I got the package that was sent to HuercalOvera. AWESOME. Thank you so much.

-Next time you send a package, whenever, no rush, please send dill pickle flavored spits sunflower seeds, :) and my black skinny tie with little white dots. Thanks!

-Dad, Please send me those names of people you met in italy that you said live in Málaga... or nearby... they are perfect future investigators or references for other missionaries. Thank yuuh!

-Adam, you would be proud. 3 of my first 4 companions have learned how to do the Rubik´s cube. E. Nuñez finish the cube for the first time on his own two days ago. :) Aaaand we were at this member's house the other day that they pulled out a deck of cards and I threw down so DOPE MAGIC TRICKS. No tenían palabras... no sabían que decir. :D (>´´)> Aand we played some soccer the other day and I was kind of a wall in the goalie box.. and I had a sweet goal off a volley. Sorry, had to toot my horn there for a sec. I hope your proud of me, Lil bro! :)

   Anyways... thats all for now folks! Hope you tune in next week to ´´the many milagros that the Lord pours down upon his people´´ :)

I love you! Pray for me and I´ll pray for you! AHHH I´M ALMOST 1/4 DONE. WOW.

-Elder Norton

P-day photos (Sam and Hilary)

Malaga missionaries - Elder Nunes & Elder Norton
(3rd and 4th from left - sorry I don't know the other's names) 

Quito missionaries - Hermana Guevara and Hermana Norton
(2nd and 4th from left - once again, sorry I don't know all the names)

"Please continue to pray that the work here will progress" and photos!!! (Hilary)

Hermana Norton in traditional Ecuadorian dress

Hope all is well at home. Another P-day. Wow. My mission is flying by. The days seem so long and the weeks so short. (Just like you were saying Mom.)

Okay, I usually make a list of things I want to write about, but this week I didn't. I apologize. My letter might be a bit short and boring.

Saturday I received a whole bunch of mail. That was really cool. I received the clothes, Mom. Thank you so much. I love them and they all fit and the skirts are exactly what I needed. I got a letter from Dad. I miss him a lot. It is so cool to hear from him. He always has a spiritual thought or insight. I haven't gotten an email from him in a couple weeks. If he is busy, please tell him I love him and how much I care for him.

I am going to send you all some letters soon. Also, the other day I got in the mail the other SD card. So, I am going to send the one I have home to you now. I will try to send them tomorrow.

Mitch, I love the pictures of your baby girl. She looks just like her parents! I can't believe it! You can get that picture of me from Mom.

Hermana Norton, M , Hermana Guevera

Okay, things are going well here teaching people. Our newest baptism, M. is doing really well. She is so awesome. We have a few other progressing investigators, but we aren't seeing as much success or progress as we would like (or as much as I would think would come from how much work we are putting into each day). Please continue to pray that the work here will progress.

I am attaching pictures of me in the traditional dress of Otavalo and the baptism of M.

Love you. Miss you very much. Mom. Thank you so much for all you do. I love getting things from you and I love getting mail from you. It is so nice to hear from you. It keeps my hopes up :)

Hermana Norton

PS How is Sam doing in Malaga?

"A native companion brings a whole new perspective ... it's fun!" (Sam)

Hey hey hey!

   Wow Málaga is awesome! I love it here! Its huuuge. And especially compared to Huércal-Overa but its great. Elder Nuñes and I are working great together and I am learning more spanish every day and he is learning english super fast too. A native companion just brings a whole new perspective on everything. Its fun.

   I just saw the picture on the blog (Sam's mission president's wife keeps a blog for the Malaga mission) of Elder Jones and Elder Baraona in Huercal-Overa. Yeah, a girl named Pr. got baptized (a friend of R.... the shorter girl on the left side in white) and R´s older sister got baptized as well, N., the one on the right. AHH SO EXCITING. :)

   Haha.. yeah, those other pictures were at zone conference and yes.. I was on my feet more than on my seat. :) I dunno.. there was a need for someone to bring food back and forth and stuff.. so I felt better on my feet. But zone conference was "thee best". Ahhh it was awesome! The focus of zone conference was "the rescue" and helping less actives come back to the church... cuz there´s a ton :(... but President Deere showed the little 5 minute segment of toy story three when buzz changes to spanish buzz and is trying to show off to impress the cowgirl.. can´t remember her name... and he does this big trick and lands right in front of everyone and says.... BUZZ... AL RESCATE! Which means buzz to the rescue. :D it was hilarious. And it was soo good to see a movie again. :) I looove movies and we can´t watch them so it was good to see one again.

   You mentioned BYU starting up their season. I want details! Maybe dad will have to send me something on names and positions. Keep me updated! :)

   Also! I want updates on Romney and Obama and everything in the states. WE HEAR NOTHING. In fact, we don´t even hear anything about Spain... and we´re here!

   My camera has stopped charging.......... O.o... So I may need to buy a new one... We´ll see. I´ll let you know next pday if I need to buy a new one.

   I´m kinda bummed cuz this computer wasn´t working at the start  this morning and we already have to go meet up with some other elders and hermanas. The work here is great! We have several good investigators that are coming right along. Missionary work is just the best because everyone has one purpose. It doesn´t matter who you are working with, when you work with them, for how long you work with them, all comps are the same, the doctrine is all the same and TRUE, and the Church is growing suuuper fast. In the month of August our mission had 65 baptisms........ :) that's more than two baptisms a day every day of the month. Anyways, we gotta go! I love you all!

-Elder Norton

for more Spanish Buzz click here

and here