10-19-12

Dear Family,

Thank you so much for the beautiful care package!! Mom that box was 1 million percent adorable! My entire district loved it! I love getting stuff like that – it makes me feel so loved! I loved all the letters, the décor, the watch and the goodies!

Funny story, I got your package before I got your note card with sunshine stuff (so cute)! But the point of this: don’t worry – I’m getting your letters and I love them! Also on the same day I got a box of donuts from the Rhees family so I really felt the love! Please pass a thank you on to her from me and my district. That’s so awesome about Merial!! Yay for sister missionaries!

Tuesday devotional this week – we had Elder Shayne M Bowen from the 70’s and his wife talk. He’s the one who talked in Sunday conference about losing a child, etc… He had many encouraging words@ The top three things that stood out to me: a. decide today that you’ll enjoy your mission! (or day) Only you have the agency to choose to have/be happy. Mom, you’ve always been a good example of this! And like Hannah Montana says, “Life’s What You Make It!”  b. This will be the best 2 years (year and a half). Why? Because it’s the time I’ll spend being the closest to my Heavenly Father Ever!  C. “She wasn’t much. But she (me) was obedient and did all she could. I’ll make up the difference.” Christ is my mediator. If I do all I can, if I stay exactly obedient – through Christ’s atonement, I’m able to return to my Heavenly Father. What a beautiful thing!!

Morgie Bradshaw wrote me a beautiful letter!  That was a wonderful surprise! I feel the love and the prayers. I can’t believe I’m on my mission. Last night I was thinking: I’m a missionary! It’s crazy – I love it! I’m happy for her decision! She will not regret it for a moment!

Our district lately has been playing 20 questions – using Pokémon! And they really get into it! I couldn’t keep up. Bray and Ry, I need a quick reminder. Please. J  We then started playing with Disney characters – as per my request – and I had them all stumped for a while. Let’s see if you can guess… 1990’s, no singing in the movies. Male. Human. It’s a sequel, but the main character isn’t protagonist in the first one.. any ideas?  

It’s good to give your brain a break sometimes! But, we’re trying to limit It to one a day so we can try to stay on task.

Studying Spanish – slowly and hopefully, surely when we plan our lessons, it takes a long time for me to conjugate and translate the verbs.. Let alone memorize stuff.  I really hope it comes! 

Dad, thank you for your letter and telling me what’s going on at home. I have so many emotions and thoughts and feelings about it and I want to call and tell you about it dangit!

Family, thank you for your letters! Imagine being surrounded by thousands of loving and spiritual people. They’re all great. Now imagine being surrounded by 5 people who love you so sincerely and completely. 5 people who laugh at and with you. 5 people who greet you warmly. 5 people to hug you when needed. That’s my family! And when y’all can’t do those things for me for a while, when I get letters from my family, I feel such wonderful joy!

I love ya Ryley. Don’t be sad I’m not there ya goof! Anytime you feel sad, I want you to do one thing. Will you do it? Promise me? Read your scriptures. Every. Single. Day! I promise if you do that, you’ll hear the voice of the lord. You will feel the Holy Ghost, the Comforter. I saw a picture of you and Connor and the Youth going to Missionary prep… and THAT MAKES ME SO HAPPY!! Do you know what I saw in that photo? God’s Army. When I saw you holding the PMG’s it was as if I was looking at men and women standing with the armor of God; breastplate, shields, swords, etc. I saw the future of the MTC. Can you comprehend that? Y’all will be here sooner than you know. I invite all of you to continue being steadfast. Keep going to mission prep. Tell the Talley’s hello! Continue going to seminary. More importantly – be excited to go every day! Listen to the spirit and write down what you’re feeling! Oh, I’m so joyous to know so worthy young people; you know what I did with that picture? I showed it to 11 missionaries – all of whom have been set apart as Disciples of Christ – and every one of them exclaimed their happiness and excitement. Way to go!!

Connor, I love you!! Keep it up handsome!! Thank you for writing me when you can. I’m so proud of you and Luke. You’re a SuperHero!

Dad, you are the greatest dad in the whole wide world!! You’ve raised such magnificent sons! The other day, my district and I gathered around and (don’t get me wrong, they’re awesome) but none of them gave up their seats! It was one of those moments where I was like, wow! Where are the gentlemen? I was happy to know that had my brothers (or my pa) been in that room, they would’ve jumped up without a second thought. Proud sister, right here! Dad, pat yourself on the back! The talk Elder Bowen gave here can be applied to you: Be obedient. Do all that you can do to be pliable in the Lord’s hands. Your mediator will make up the rest. Never doubt yourself. Know how much I love you!