10-16-12

Dear Family,

Greetings, greetings, greetings! Thirty minutes is not enough time to write/respond properly! First of all, I love you!  Reading the emails makes me feel soo happy and sad at the same time. Why? Because I love hearing all about y’all! Thank you for all the time you dedicate to writing me-it counts as service- I promise! Keep them coming; I need them! Also after I read them I’m sad I can’t be with y’all. The latter feeling end quickly because I’m loving this experience more than anything! I wish I could describe this through words… let me at least try J  everyone here is constantly happy. Can you even imagine that level of happy? Everyone I see has a smile on. If they don’t, it’s because all you have to do is say, “Hola Elders!” or “Hola Hermanas!” and everyone cheerfully greets you back! This world would become 90% better if everyone chose to be happy: - Everyone starts off the day quietly – because we’re all so tired. But by the end of the day we’re loopy, but full of the spirit. The campus is beautiful!  It’s such a magnificent place! Today is sunny and warm! That makes P-Day that much better!
 We watched the Joseph Smith Movie Sunday and I want everyone reading my words to know I have a testimony of the prophet and seer Joseph Smith. More importantly, I want those of you reading this to do more than read em, pray to find out for yourself! Gain such a strong testimony about the restoration of the gospel! I know Joseph Smith helped restore this gospel. I know he helped translate the Book of Mormon. (Side note: how cool would it be to first meet Moroni in your room in angel form and then when translating the Book of Mormon read about Moroni as this kick butt, freaking Awesome military and community hero? AWESOME!)I know the book contains the word of God. I know if anyone reads it, they will grow closer to God and come to understand for themselves their purpose in this life. I’m so grateful for the atonement. I know that (I’m so used to writing: yo se que for “I know that”) My Heavenly Father loves me because He sent His only begotten Son to atone for my sins. The atonement is what makes me possible to give up all my pains, sorrows, afflictions, etc and be happy.  What a blessing! I’m grateful for temples (I miss my parents being there!) I love this gospel! Bray, I’m so happy for you to get to go through for the first time! I’m sorry I can’t be there!! I love you all! And I say (write) this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.