Fall is definitely in the air here. It's been beautiful weather between 60 and 70 degrees each day and the fall colors are gorgeous. Each year the trees not only in our yard, but here in Eagle, grow taller and fuller and the fall show of reds, yellows and oranges are eye candy. The wind was blowing a little bit today and I could see many of the leaves starting to fall from their limbs and it makes me sad, but for now I will go out of my way to drive down the streets that are lined with wonderful colors.
An update on our Samoan phone calls: I got about 2 more calls from Asega, each time I was able to understand a bit more. Then one day I got a call and she said, after a short hello: I need money for my family. The phone call was cut short, most likely her phone calling card ran out. Then after about another 15 minutes, she called again and said, I need help. I need help for my family, I have many people in my family. I have my mother and sister and brother-in-law and children. I need help. Sadly I had to tell Asega, I have many people in my family too. No money, just letters and pictures. I repeated this a couple times so there would be no question. It was very hard to say no, but after much thought (I knew this phone call would come some day) and talking with Paula Young and Harold between phone calls, I realized sending money even just one time could be very detrimental and would compromise our relationship and I knew there would be further requests perhaps even from several other family members. So I needed to be firm with this first request. I immediately afterwards put together a letter with updated pictures and sent it in the mail. I now know how much the letters and pictures mean to them, so I will try to be very faithful about getting those out to them regularly. I haven't heard anything from them since that last phone call about one month ago.
About 3 1/2 weeks ago, as we were getting ready for a short trip to Utah, just as we were getting ready to leave, I went to go get the dogs to put them in the car so we could take them to the kennel. But Barkley was no where to be found. He's 14 years old now, blind, deaf, tired and sore. He doesn't usually go very far from his couch in the piano room. Harold and I looked all over the house and in the yard. I went to the girls' schools to take them out and brought them back home to help join in the search. We got in the cars and searched the neighborhoods and spent about 3 hours looking for him when we finally had to make the decision to leave without him. I cried for the first hour of our trip knowing that he was somewhere, alone and not able to find his way home.
Two days later we got a call from a man telling us he had seen Barkley in his backyard, looked on his collar and found our number. Since we were still in Utah, we called our friend Mel Hugentobler and asked if he would go to this man's house and see if he could find Barkley. The man said that he had to leave and go to work. But Mel searched for 2 hours and was unable to find Barkley anywhere. I couldn't believe that the man who had found him, taken the time to look on his collar and get our number hadn't even tied him up so that we could come get him. He said he could tell he was older and having trouble. We were so hopeful at first with this phone call, but as time passed, the hope faded.
The next morning was Sunday, and as I was waking up, I heard the words in my mind, "He is dead." There was a part of me that was relieved to know he wasn't suffering somewhere, but I also became very sad. I didn't know it would feel so bad to lose a pet, but they truly do become part of your family, part of your memories, a big part of our lives in South Carolina.
When we got home the girls and I posted pictures of him in our area just in case. We received some calls from nice people who said they would be looking. It was nice to know there are such nice people out there. As we drive through the area, we still look around for him out of habit, but we definitely miss him.
One last tender mercy: Last night we had family night. Harold had to work at Mtn. Home-a 24 hour shift which is where he works now. Kristina was home, but she was just barely getting over the swine flu which had wiped her out for the last several days. So she was in the room, but I let her just lay on the couch and rest while I mainly spoke to the little girls. During the day I spent much of my time re-doing our family tree circle which had started to fade from being in the sun. Then I took it to the copy center and had 6 copies made for each of the kids. I had done so much work on it, there was no way I wanted to lose what I'd done again so I knew I had to preserve it somehow. So I was full of the spirit of Elijah and decided to tell some stories about my mom's side of the family. I started back in the 1700's with the Hawkes family relating some of the stories, each generation having more detail. I was trying to make the point of how wonderful family is. I told some of my mom's cute stories of her youth along with some from Uncle Bill. The girls thought they were pretty funny. I showed them Grandpa Jean Hawkes' missionary farewell program cover and some letters he had written. Then I shared a page from my own journal from 1995, a story about Alex when he was just 3 1/2 and how after our nightly prayers, he apologized for breaking Kirk's light. In the same entry I talked about a miscarriage I had had also. I then explained to the girls that some day their great great grandchildren would read stories about them and see pictures and want to know about their lives and maybe even one little girl would say, "Is that where I got my black eyes and my beautiful brown skin? From my great great grandma Leah"(then I said something similar about Nikki) Both Leah and Nikki thought this would be the most exciting thing. The girls were fascinated and had many questions about everything. Then after I finished with my testimony about family and journal keeping, both Leah and Nikki said "This was the best family night ever!" They were so happy and so genuinely excited and full of joy. I didn't even know that this would effect them so strongly and I, once again, had my own testimony of family home evenings solidified. They are such a struggle sometimes, as I try to keep their attention, etc. but in the end I always have such a great feeling and I am so grateful I have this one night a week to share my testimony with my children. A truly inspired revelation from a prophet of God. People who don't take the time to have family night don't know what a powerful blessing they are missing in their families.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
Contact with Samoan birth family
Yesterday, we got a call from Sister Agnes Aleki, who had been serving in our area and was from Samoa. She became a good friend of our family and was especially fond of the little girls. This past Tuesday, she finished her mission and flew home. We gave her a small package with pictures, salt water taffy and a letter to give to the girls' birth parents. Yesterday Sister Aleki calls from Samoa and has the birth parents standing right beside her. We were so shocked. They don't speak English but Sister Aleki translated and told us they want to have communication with us. She said they were very nice people and she will now be in contact with them when they need translation work done. We were able to find out that Koretta is still on the other island also and that she has 4 other sons. Asega (girls' birth mom) has 3 children, a boy 5 and a boy 3 and a little girl 2. Sister Aleki said the little girl looks like Leah. She took a picture and I can't wait to see it. We told the girls the news and they were very excited to know there were other brothers and sisters in Samoa.
The following is a letter I wrote to Paula Young this morning about another phone call we received in the middle of the night:
Hi Paula, (sorry this is a bit long) but after I spoke with you, I called back and got hold of Agnes on her sister's cell, but our birth parents had just left. So I asked Agnes if she could call Asega and ask her how you can get in touch with Koretta and where you can send letters, etc. I asked her a little more about Koretta to clarify. It's a little confusing, but for some reason 2 of her boys are with her and 2 of them are on Upolu. I asked about her husband and Agnes said she wasn't sure if she was actually married or not with the man she was with. Also Agnes said that when Koretta comes to get her things, they were going to call her so she could translate again.
I think it will be easy to find the answers to most things if I just put them down in an email to Agnes and let her call Asega.
Now, here's another twist to the story. Last night at 1am, the phone rang and of course it scared me to get a call so late. Well, it was Asega. I could clearly understand her as she said, "Kathi, Kathi, this is Asega." So I said hello and then she proceeded to speak very slowly and it sounded as if she was reading something in English. So it was difficult to make out each word, but for the most part she said, "I want to thank you very much for what you give us today." She went on from there and it was hard to make out the words, but she told me how much she loved us, how much she loved Nikki and Leah (calling them by those names) and also something about Nikki's birthday coming this month on the 24th and how she will be turning 8. I told her yes, and that Nikki would be getting baptized (I don't think she understood anything I was saying). She kept thanking us over and over and how it meant so much to her family. She read for about 5 minutes, so I was trying really hard to understand each word. Harold could hear part of it since he was right there next to me. After she finished reading, she just hung up.
I really appreciated her effort and was in shock for a little bit. I can't imagine trying to read something in Samoan, but it kind of made me want to make an effort to learn Samoan.
I asked Harold what he thought about this. He said he expected there to be stirrings when Sister Aleki returned. I guess I didn't think there'd be any contact except through emails with Agnes, so I'm still in a little shock. But this is actually what I've wanted from the beginning, just to have a little contact with the birth mom and now more than ever I feel Asega and I are in this together and I know there are many people praying for Nikki and Leah, both in Samoa and here in our extended family and I feel such a huge responsibility for their spiritual and physical welfare.
I'm sure there will be more to this story and I will be sure to let you know any time I hear anything. Here is Sister Aleki's(Agnes') email address if you want to send her anything. I know she wouldn't mind at all: sisteraleki@myldsmail.net
That's her mission address, but she can keep it for 6 months after her mission.
have a great day,
Love,
Kathi
The following is a letter I wrote to Paula Young this morning about another phone call we received in the middle of the night:
Hi Paula, (sorry this is a bit long) but after I spoke with you, I called back and got hold of Agnes on her sister's cell, but our birth parents had just left. So I asked Agnes if she could call Asega and ask her how you can get in touch with Koretta and where you can send letters, etc. I asked her a little more about Koretta to clarify. It's a little confusing, but for some reason 2 of her boys are with her and 2 of them are on Upolu. I asked about her husband and Agnes said she wasn't sure if she was actually married or not with the man she was with. Also Agnes said that when Koretta comes to get her things, they were going to call her so she could translate again.
I think it will be easy to find the answers to most things if I just put them down in an email to Agnes and let her call Asega.
Now, here's another twist to the story. Last night at 1am, the phone rang and of course it scared me to get a call so late. Well, it was Asega. I could clearly understand her as she said, "Kathi, Kathi, this is Asega." So I said hello and then she proceeded to speak very slowly and it sounded as if she was reading something in English. So it was difficult to make out each word, but for the most part she said, "I want to thank you very much for what you give us today." She went on from there and it was hard to make out the words, but she told me how much she loved us, how much she loved Nikki and Leah (calling them by those names) and also something about Nikki's birthday coming this month on the 24th and how she will be turning 8. I told her yes, and that Nikki would be getting baptized (I don't think she understood anything I was saying). She kept thanking us over and over and how it meant so much to her family. She read for about 5 minutes, so I was trying really hard to understand each word. Harold could hear part of it since he was right there next to me. After she finished reading, she just hung up.
I really appreciated her effort and was in shock for a little bit. I can't imagine trying to read something in Samoan, but it kind of made me want to make an effort to learn Samoan.
I asked Harold what he thought about this. He said he expected there to be stirrings when Sister Aleki returned. I guess I didn't think there'd be any contact except through emails with Agnes, so I'm still in a little shock. But this is actually what I've wanted from the beginning, just to have a little contact with the birth mom and now more than ever I feel Asega and I are in this together and I know there are many people praying for Nikki and Leah, both in Samoa and here in our extended family and I feel such a huge responsibility for their spiritual and physical welfare.
I'm sure there will be more to this story and I will be sure to let you know any time I hear anything. Here is Sister Aleki's(Agnes') email address if you want to send her anything. I know she wouldn't mind at all: sisteraleki@myldsmail.net
That's her mission address, but she can keep it for 6 months after her mission.
have a great day,
Love,
Kathi
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
September
Sept. 2, 2007
Dear Elder Sean,
It's Sept but it stills feels like summer for a couple reasons. The kids had school off last Fri and tomorrow after having only gone for 3 1/2 days and secondly, it's still very hot here. Close to 100 each day but at least it's in the 60's at night. Supposedly we're having a mild cold front coming in starting Tues and it will be in the low 80's the rest of the week. Having the kids in school for a few days helped us get back to a normal schedule around here and it was nice.
Nikki is doing well so far in 1st grade. She sits at table #5, but the wild kids sit at table #4 according to her. She's so funny explaining the rules of the classroom to us. It sounds very convoluted, but somehow it all makes sense to her. Leah is enjoying 2nd grade with Mr. Harrison. So far there's been no homework, so i think that's why it's a great classroom. She likes the new school Galileo and even the new bus drivers are better than last year because they're "funny". Kristina loves changing classes and having 7 periods throughout the day. All their classrooms are in one small area so they only have 2 minutes between periods. She loves pre-al and engineering the best at this point. However, her long term goals still consist of going to beauty school so she can cut hair for a living.
Alex is still taking voice lessons with Jeff Baker. Jeff really wanted alex to be part of this small group he was forming with kids from the Rivendell Music high school, but Alex decided to just be a part of Sis. Koefed's group. It's a good thing because Jeff's group would cost about $750. Unlike the girls, Alex has already had quite a bit of homework. They just jumped right into things in his classes. He's taking Spanish 5/6 this year and it will actually give him college credit which is nice.
We went to McCall yesterday just for the day. A couple of my quilts were in a quilt show there, so I thought it would be fun to go up and see them. We went to Camp Morrison and went on a hike and then the girls went swimming in the lake for a bit. The weather was nice there, but because there are so many fires in the local mountains it was very smoky and smelled like one great big camp fire. The fires in all parts of the west have been incredible this summer.
So how is your part of the world? I was reading about a couple hand gestures that are common in latin america and wondered if they are common in your area. The first is kind of like snapping your fingers but instead you kind of throw index finger against all your others fingers in a whipping motion. It kind of means "oh no, someone's in trouble". I can remember some friends of mine coming home from Brazil and doing that movement all the time. It had become a habit for them. The other hand gesture is made to alert others when there is a pick-pocket nearby. They said that on buses you might see women who are seated making this gesture. It's made by folding the four fingers down over the thumb one by one starting with the pinky, but done fairly quickly. Anyway, just wondering if there's anything like that there.
Sometimes I can't really tell if you're always getting our emails cuz you're not really answering anything or mentioning anything from our letters. I hope they're getting through. I've been sending my letters to both your email addresses.
I'm glad to hear that Isabel's baptism finally went well in the end. She sounds like she'll do well in the gospel. So how has your goal gone with contacting 300 people each week. I can't even imagine that. I just keep telling the same story 300 times to the same people, namely Nikki and Leah and Kristina and Alex.
Today at church we were all pretty busy. I substituted and taught the 5 yr old class in Primary. Kristina gave a talk and the scripture. Alex taught priest quorum and ended up teaching his Sunday School class also since no teacher showed up. Dad gave the Bishop's message in Primary, so he involved all 3 girls in that. A good day all around.
BSU played their opening game against Weber State and it was almost an embarrassing win of 56-7. EHS got rained out in Mtn. Home. BYU won against Arizona 20-7. It seems like half the ward went down for the BYU game.
Other news-Sean Daly got his mission call to Poland and he's leaving in Oct.
That's about it from around here. I printed out your next newsletter from the guys and will put in the mail this week. I look forward to hearing from you each week. Dad says I hang onto all your words, but I can't help it. I love feeling a small part of your mission by sharing and hearing your stories, so keep them coming. I'm proud to be your mom and I know the people in Argentina will feel your strong spirit and see your dedication to the Lord and they will know you have something special to share with them.
Have a wonderful week. Smile often--it will open many doors.
Love you,
mom
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoox
Dear Elder Sean,
It's Sept but it stills feels like summer for a couple reasons. The kids had school off last Fri and tomorrow after having only gone for 3 1/2 days and secondly, it's still very hot here. Close to 100 each day but at least it's in the 60's at night. Supposedly we're having a mild cold front coming in starting Tues and it will be in the low 80's the rest of the week. Having the kids in school for a few days helped us get back to a normal schedule around here and it was nice.
Nikki is doing well so far in 1st grade. She sits at table #5, but the wild kids sit at table #4 according to her. She's so funny explaining the rules of the classroom to us. It sounds very convoluted, but somehow it all makes sense to her. Leah is enjoying 2nd grade with Mr. Harrison. So far there's been no homework, so i think that's why it's a great classroom. She likes the new school Galileo and even the new bus drivers are better than last year because they're "funny". Kristina loves changing classes and having 7 periods throughout the day. All their classrooms are in one small area so they only have 2 minutes between periods. She loves pre-al and engineering the best at this point. However, her long term goals still consist of going to beauty school so she can cut hair for a living.
Alex is still taking voice lessons with Jeff Baker. Jeff really wanted alex to be part of this small group he was forming with kids from the Rivendell Music high school, but Alex decided to just be a part of Sis. Koefed's group. It's a good thing because Jeff's group would cost about $750. Unlike the girls, Alex has already had quite a bit of homework. They just jumped right into things in his classes. He's taking Spanish 5/6 this year and it will actually give him college credit which is nice.
We went to McCall yesterday just for the day. A couple of my quilts were in a quilt show there, so I thought it would be fun to go up and see them. We went to Camp Morrison and went on a hike and then the girls went swimming in the lake for a bit. The weather was nice there, but because there are so many fires in the local mountains it was very smoky and smelled like one great big camp fire. The fires in all parts of the west have been incredible this summer.
So how is your part of the world? I was reading about a couple hand gestures that are common in latin america and wondered if they are common in your area. The first is kind of like snapping your fingers but instead you kind of throw index finger against all your others fingers in a whipping motion. It kind of means "oh no, someone's in trouble". I can remember some friends of mine coming home from Brazil and doing that movement all the time. It had become a habit for them. The other hand gesture is made to alert others when there is a pick-pocket nearby. They said that on buses you might see women who are seated making this gesture. It's made by folding the four fingers down over the thumb one by one starting with the pinky, but done fairly quickly. Anyway, just wondering if there's anything like that there.
Sometimes I can't really tell if you're always getting our emails cuz you're not really answering anything or mentioning anything from our letters. I hope they're getting through. I've been sending my letters to both your email addresses.
I'm glad to hear that Isabel's baptism finally went well in the end. She sounds like she'll do well in the gospel. So how has your goal gone with contacting 300 people each week. I can't even imagine that. I just keep telling the same story 300 times to the same people, namely Nikki and Leah and Kristina and Alex.
Today at church we were all pretty busy. I substituted and taught the 5 yr old class in Primary. Kristina gave a talk and the scripture. Alex taught priest quorum and ended up teaching his Sunday School class also since no teacher showed up. Dad gave the Bishop's message in Primary, so he involved all 3 girls in that. A good day all around.
BSU played their opening game against Weber State and it was almost an embarrassing win of 56-7. EHS got rained out in Mtn. Home. BYU won against Arizona 20-7. It seems like half the ward went down for the BYU game.
Other news-Sean Daly got his mission call to Poland and he's leaving in Oct.
That's about it from around here. I printed out your next newsletter from the guys and will put in the mail this week. I look forward to hearing from you each week. Dad says I hang onto all your words, but I can't help it. I love feeling a small part of your mission by sharing and hearing your stories, so keep them coming. I'm proud to be your mom and I know the people in Argentina will feel your strong spirit and see your dedication to the Lord and they will know you have something special to share with them.
Have a wonderful week. Smile often--it will open many doors.
Love you,
mom
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoox
So Close
Sept 16, 2007
Dear Elder Sean,
The days are going by both quickly and slowly as we approach our time to go and pick up Kirk. I feel like there's so much to get done around the house, getting ready not only for Kirk, but for those who will be staying here at the house while we're gone and for those who will be coming to see Kirk when we get back. Excitement is in the air and it's also very bittersweet having him return. I love having my boys out on missions. The feelings and the blessings are incredible. I love your letters each week and my anticipation for them never diminishes. Kirk's mission I'm sure is different in many ways from yours, a different set of challenges, but all in all it's similar since you are both hunters and fishers of men whom the Lord has prepared. You and Kirk are very different, yet the knowledge you both have of the truthfulness of the gospel is the same and you have the same eternal goals in life. It's the same thing that I feel and know and it means everything to me. Keep up the this Thompson tradition.
Last Monday was Grandpa Trumbo's 78th birthday. He said they threw him a party at Susan's and actually placed all 78 lit candles on the cake. He said it was a bonfire. I'm looking forward to them coming here next week.
The girls and I were busy tonight making tons of zucchini bread. Since we planted our garden so late this year, we are just now getting the zucchini and when it comes on, there's usually plenty. So we took loaves around to some people in our neighborhood and ward. Then when we got home we found out the Kent's had dropped off some banana bread as a thank you to dad for getting this little plastic thing out of Chandler's ear. They actually had to go to dad's ER just to get it out because it was so wedged in there. So now we have sweet breads a-plenty.
Church was good. Nikki gave a talk in Primary and did an excellent job. She had almost the whole thing memorized. She's a little whippersnapper (to use some ancient vernacular). The other day she declared to us in the car that since it was the month of her birthday that she ought to be able to choose wherever we go out to eat. She knows how to work the system.
Saturday Alex had his MEN all day choir practice with a concert at the end. It was good. You can tell Mr. McMullen has fun with his MEN's group. Tonight Alex registered for the ACT. I warned him about how many questions you have to answer just to get to register. He wasn't happy about that but managed to make it all the way through.
The night before dad and I went to a primary board mtg/party at the Pinder's. Randy is the game master. In fact, he has a website partygamecentral.com. I never even knew that. Google pays him each month. I wish I'd thought of that. l love games. Anyway, he tried out a lot of games on us and I loved them. You would have been so proud of dad and I. We got split into groups of 4 for a Name That Tune game. Randy had a playlist on his iPod that he used for the game. They were for the most part popular songs, 70's, 80's and a little 90's. Every time dad and I would shout out an answer, everyone would say, Bishop, I can't believe you know that song. In the end we both shouted out the correct answer to the final question and got the win for our team. Randy played only about 2 notes from a song and I immediately shouted out The Monkeys and dad then shouted out the name of their song. No one could believe we knew it with only 2 notes. I had a lot of fun playing the games, you know how I am about games. Love em.
It's crazy to hear you talk about how hot it is now. Seems like you skipped a season there. We're in the 70's and low 80's now. My favorite time of year. I can't believe you guys don't have AC. How do you do it? I guess you must have to acclimate. Do you guys use cell phones there? Just wondering how you communicate with your ZL's and Pres, etc.
Have you gotten our latest pkg? Hopefully you got a few of the things you were hoping for. Let me know. You haven't mentioned how your Spanish is coming along--how are you doing with it? Are you feeling pretty comfortable or still struggling now and then?
Dad just called from work, his last shift before our trip. He's put in so many shifts already this month in order to take off time. I know he's going to love being off for a while. He said to tell you he loves you and will be writing you from the DR. We're taking the laptop on the trip so we can keep in touch with everyone. So next week we'll be writing from Puerta Plata on the northern coast of the DR.
How has your teaching been this week? About how many lesson appointments do you have on average a week? I know you've really stepped up your contacts with people, but I was just curious about how many of those contacts turn into lessons in the home. I know it feels frustrating to have people letting their commitments slip through, but that's even a problem in the states. Even when people are baptized, they still don't always follow through with word into action. They accept callings but somehow don't ever feel a strong level of commitment to what they've just accepted. I don't know how you instill that in a person, but I know I got it from watching my own parents, so example is a powerful teacher. I still find myself learning so much from other's examples. So it's all in who you surround yourself with. Testimony and commitment beget testimony and commitment. I truly commend the pioneers in any nation who start the trend. It's a tough beginning road. Just love the people for who they are now and help them become surrounded by people whose examples will naturally lift them up one rung at a time.
Alex said that Tyler called tonight (since Alex has your old phone) and was going to drop by, but he didn't ever show up. It would be nice to visit with him again so I hope he stops by soon. I'll write him and at least tell him when Kirk's homecoming is so maybe he'll come to that.
I hope you are doing well and enjoying the work. It must be about transfer time again since Kirk is having his last transfer this week. Have a great week.
Que tengas un bien día!!
Love you,
mom
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Dear Elder Sean,
The days are going by both quickly and slowly as we approach our time to go and pick up Kirk. I feel like there's so much to get done around the house, getting ready not only for Kirk, but for those who will be staying here at the house while we're gone and for those who will be coming to see Kirk when we get back. Excitement is in the air and it's also very bittersweet having him return. I love having my boys out on missions. The feelings and the blessings are incredible. I love your letters each week and my anticipation for them never diminishes. Kirk's mission I'm sure is different in many ways from yours, a different set of challenges, but all in all it's similar since you are both hunters and fishers of men whom the Lord has prepared. You and Kirk are very different, yet the knowledge you both have of the truthfulness of the gospel is the same and you have the same eternal goals in life. It's the same thing that I feel and know and it means everything to me. Keep up the this Thompson tradition.
Last Monday was Grandpa Trumbo's 78th birthday. He said they threw him a party at Susan's and actually placed all 78 lit candles on the cake. He said it was a bonfire. I'm looking forward to them coming here next week.
The girls and I were busy tonight making tons of zucchini bread. Since we planted our garden so late this year, we are just now getting the zucchini and when it comes on, there's usually plenty. So we took loaves around to some people in our neighborhood and ward. Then when we got home we found out the Kent's had dropped off some banana bread as a thank you to dad for getting this little plastic thing out of Chandler's ear. They actually had to go to dad's ER just to get it out because it was so wedged in there. So now we have sweet breads a-plenty.
Church was good. Nikki gave a talk in Primary and did an excellent job. She had almost the whole thing memorized. She's a little whippersnapper (to use some ancient vernacular). The other day she declared to us in the car that since it was the month of her birthday that she ought to be able to choose wherever we go out to eat. She knows how to work the system.
Saturday Alex had his MEN all day choir practice with a concert at the end. It was good. You can tell Mr. McMullen has fun with his MEN's group. Tonight Alex registered for the ACT. I warned him about how many questions you have to answer just to get to register. He wasn't happy about that but managed to make it all the way through.
The night before dad and I went to a primary board mtg/party at the Pinder's. Randy is the game master. In fact, he has a website partygamecentral.com. I never even knew that. Google pays him each month. I wish I'd thought of that. l love games. Anyway, he tried out a lot of games on us and I loved them. You would have been so proud of dad and I. We got split into groups of 4 for a Name That Tune game. Randy had a playlist on his iPod that he used for the game. They were for the most part popular songs, 70's, 80's and a little 90's. Every time dad and I would shout out an answer, everyone would say, Bishop, I can't believe you know that song. In the end we both shouted out the correct answer to the final question and got the win for our team. Randy played only about 2 notes from a song and I immediately shouted out The Monkeys and dad then shouted out the name of their song. No one could believe we knew it with only 2 notes. I had a lot of fun playing the games, you know how I am about games. Love em.
It's crazy to hear you talk about how hot it is now. Seems like you skipped a season there. We're in the 70's and low 80's now. My favorite time of year. I can't believe you guys don't have AC. How do you do it? I guess you must have to acclimate. Do you guys use cell phones there? Just wondering how you communicate with your ZL's and Pres, etc.
Have you gotten our latest pkg? Hopefully you got a few of the things you were hoping for. Let me know. You haven't mentioned how your Spanish is coming along--how are you doing with it? Are you feeling pretty comfortable or still struggling now and then?
Dad just called from work, his last shift before our trip. He's put in so many shifts already this month in order to take off time. I know he's going to love being off for a while. He said to tell you he loves you and will be writing you from the DR. We're taking the laptop on the trip so we can keep in touch with everyone. So next week we'll be writing from Puerta Plata on the northern coast of the DR.
How has your teaching been this week? About how many lesson appointments do you have on average a week? I know you've really stepped up your contacts with people, but I was just curious about how many of those contacts turn into lessons in the home. I know it feels frustrating to have people letting their commitments slip through, but that's even a problem in the states. Even when people are baptized, they still don't always follow through with word into action. They accept callings but somehow don't ever feel a strong level of commitment to what they've just accepted. I don't know how you instill that in a person, but I know I got it from watching my own parents, so example is a powerful teacher. I still find myself learning so much from other's examples. So it's all in who you surround yourself with. Testimony and commitment beget testimony and commitment. I truly commend the pioneers in any nation who start the trend. It's a tough beginning road. Just love the people for who they are now and help them become surrounded by people whose examples will naturally lift them up one rung at a time.
Alex said that Tyler called tonight (since Alex has your old phone) and was going to drop by, but he didn't ever show up. It would be nice to visit with him again so I hope he stops by soon. I'll write him and at least tell him when Kirk's homecoming is so maybe he'll come to that.
I hope you are doing well and enjoying the work. It must be about transfer time again since Kirk is having his last transfer this week. Have a great week.
Que tengas un bien día!!
Love you,
mom
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Sunday Afternoon
August 26, 2007
Dear Elder Sean,
I'm here at home with Kristina who wasn't feeling good during church. So I took her home during the third hour. I'll start your letter while I'm waiting for everyone to come home. I went to Mitch's farewell talk today. I sat with Sis. McKell and Sis. Frame. Also there standing in proxy for their son was Sis. Flake and Sis. Anderson. So Mitch's talk was given to a group of beautiful moms and a handful of young women instead of the large group of college kids you had in the audience. His talk was on pride and we moms had to laugh because he talked about one time he felt prideful during his freshman year and it had to do with your group. He talked about the time when you guys sat in Sunday School and how someone wrote on the roll, "look at the footprints on the ceiling" and how you guys sat in the back and chuckled as each person looked up. He said it was funny at the time, but then later he felt it was an act of pride where by doing that he felt like he was acting like he was better everyone else in the room. When he talked about that, we moms looked at each other and had good laugh knowing exactly the group he was talking about. Actually we looked a little guilty as if he were talking about us.
Mitch is excited to get going. He doesn't leave until the 19th of Sept, same date as Nigel. Elder McKell is now out in the mission field in Brazil as of last week. His mom said they got an email the first day he was out and he just kept saying it was insane there. She's not sure what that means and is anxious to hear from him this week. Elder Flake is coming up on one year next month.
We are trying to make our plans for going to pick up Kirk. It's really hard picking places to stay at a place we are so unfamiliar with. Even the travel agents aren't much help. Should be interesting, but I'm really excited. Jan and Jeff will stay here with the girls for a few days and then G & G Thompson will come and take over the duty.
So how has your week been? Hope you're starting to regain your energy. Remember every winter you come down with something. I'm not sure if it's due to your tonsils or not. Kristina's teacher Mrs. Bunn went to Argentina for a few weeks about a month ago and she said practically everyone got sick with pneumonia, but they just plowed through. She thought it was a combination of a new country, new food, cold damp air and being thrown into winter. They're all home now and feeling better. Hope you are too. Are you able to get everything done during the day that you want or is it impeding your work? It's hard being so far away from you and I wish I could help you more. You're in my prayers for health and strength.
Have you gotten the second newsletter from your friends? The other moms said their sons really enjoy those. I hope it doesn't take too long to get to you. Speaking of mail--we got a letter for you from the Church mail operations center. They said that you had send 2 letters through the pouch but they do not have pouch delivery to the Australia mission or the Utica mission. They said they went ahead and mailed the letters to the missions for you, but for next time you should use the following addresses:
New York Utica Mission
PO Box 149
Whitesboro NY 13492-0149
Australia Sydney North Mission
PO Box 8304
Baulkham Hills NSW 2153
Australia
Hope that info helps you. I took a little break, had dinner with the family, had father's blessings, read the scriptures and now Leah and Nikki are getting ready for bed. They're not too happy about going to bed while the sun is still up. School day tomorrow-yeah! I might be able to catch up with some projects around the house now and I might even start quilting again.
We went to the big Idaho State Fair this past week. Thought about you as we passed the vitamix/caps area. Travis gave everyone free BSU t-shirts. Everyone's pretty excited for the season to get started this year. It will be interesting to see how they do. If they lose the first game, the excitement will take a nose dive.
I took the Bears to Cabela's for a tour. It was good. l learned a lot, but I'm not so sure the boys did. they said they had fun though. Their best part was when they handed us a huge bag full of tokens to use at the laser gun station. There was no way we could possibly use all the tokens they gave us unless we stayed there the entire day, which of course, Kyle Houssian wanted to.
Leah finally got all her 13 cavities filled this week. It took her 4 trips to the dentist. I think we've given Dr. Moss enough money now to let him add an entire wing onto his house. Speaking of teeth--Nikki lost one of her front top teeth last week and now she just has a loose one on top and it's kind of worked its way into the middle so it looks like she has one tooth in the middle of her mouth. It looks so strange that we are all trying to help her loosen it to get it out. We could really use your expert touch here.
All 3 girls will ride the bus together tomorrow. They go to Eagle Elementary first where Nikki gets off and goes into her First grade classroom with Mrs. Miller2. Yes, I said first grade. I'm still holding my breath though and think they'll ask me to put her back into kindergarten. I told her to try to behave like a big girl. She laughed, did a cartwheel and ran away. Then Leah and Kristina get on a shuttle that takes them to the new school Galileo where Leah will go into her 2nd grade classroom with her teacher Mr. Harrison or the teacher with 2 earrings as Leah puts it. I have a feeling Leah will flat out tell Mr. Harrison how it's not right for him to wear earrings. Kristina goes to a separate wing where only the 6th and 7th graders will be. She is so excited to use the chemistry room. She thinks the "shower" is the coolest. Alex is going to be riding with the Purnell brothers this year (that is if he can manage to wake himself up in time). The Purnells said they owe us since you took them to school for a year-so thank you Sean for that.
Alex had choir camp these past couple of days and said it was fun. He's not real happy that Sonous is going to be so large this year-52 kids. But Mr. Mc says he needs that many for some of the songs he's planning on. When they make a CD, I'll have to send it to you.
I hope your week was fruitful. Has it started warming up there yet? I was thinking about the collar attachments you were talking about. I think I may have something that would work for you. I have this double sided tape that works on fabric and I could just cut it into strips to use on pieces of white fabric that I cut into collar shapes. We'll see. Maybe they'll appear in a pkg one day. :)
Let us know when you get the pkg we send you. We're still a bit nervous about everything making it to you. I stuck a lot of things in there for you, music, etc and I'm anxious to hear if you like it and can use it.
How did Isabel's baptism go? How about las familia Melo? I hope you're enjoying some success with some families coming to church. That's one of the best signs of their commitment and honest intentions.
I better sign off. Dad wants to talk about antibiotics with you. fun fun We are well here and you are in every prayer, sometimes more than once (thanks to Nikki's prayers). Have a great week. Be humble, teachable and prayerful.
Love you much,
mom
xoxoxoxxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Dear Elder Sean,
I'm here at home with Kristina who wasn't feeling good during church. So I took her home during the third hour. I'll start your letter while I'm waiting for everyone to come home. I went to Mitch's farewell talk today. I sat with Sis. McKell and Sis. Frame. Also there standing in proxy for their son was Sis. Flake and Sis. Anderson. So Mitch's talk was given to a group of beautiful moms and a handful of young women instead of the large group of college kids you had in the audience. His talk was on pride and we moms had to laugh because he talked about one time he felt prideful during his freshman year and it had to do with your group. He talked about the time when you guys sat in Sunday School and how someone wrote on the roll, "look at the footprints on the ceiling" and how you guys sat in the back and chuckled as each person looked up. He said it was funny at the time, but then later he felt it was an act of pride where by doing that he felt like he was acting like he was better everyone else in the room. When he talked about that, we moms looked at each other and had good laugh knowing exactly the group he was talking about. Actually we looked a little guilty as if he were talking about us.
Mitch is excited to get going. He doesn't leave until the 19th of Sept, same date as Nigel. Elder McKell is now out in the mission field in Brazil as of last week. His mom said they got an email the first day he was out and he just kept saying it was insane there. She's not sure what that means and is anxious to hear from him this week. Elder Flake is coming up on one year next month.
We are trying to make our plans for going to pick up Kirk. It's really hard picking places to stay at a place we are so unfamiliar with. Even the travel agents aren't much help. Should be interesting, but I'm really excited. Jan and Jeff will stay here with the girls for a few days and then G & G Thompson will come and take over the duty.
So how has your week been? Hope you're starting to regain your energy. Remember every winter you come down with something. I'm not sure if it's due to your tonsils or not. Kristina's teacher Mrs. Bunn went to Argentina for a few weeks about a month ago and she said practically everyone got sick with pneumonia, but they just plowed through. She thought it was a combination of a new country, new food, cold damp air and being thrown into winter. They're all home now and feeling better. Hope you are too. Are you able to get everything done during the day that you want or is it impeding your work? It's hard being so far away from you and I wish I could help you more. You're in my prayers for health and strength.
Have you gotten the second newsletter from your friends? The other moms said their sons really enjoy those. I hope it doesn't take too long to get to you. Speaking of mail--we got a letter for you from the Church mail operations center. They said that you had send 2 letters through the pouch but they do not have pouch delivery to the Australia mission or the Utica mission. They said they went ahead and mailed the letters to the missions for you, but for next time you should use the following addresses:
New York Utica Mission
PO Box 149
Whitesboro NY 13492-0149
Australia Sydney North Mission
PO Box 8304
Baulkham Hills NSW 2153
Australia
Hope that info helps you. I took a little break, had dinner with the family, had father's blessings, read the scriptures and now Leah and Nikki are getting ready for bed. They're not too happy about going to bed while the sun is still up. School day tomorrow-yeah! I might be able to catch up with some projects around the house now and I might even start quilting again.
We went to the big Idaho State Fair this past week. Thought about you as we passed the vitamix/caps area. Travis gave everyone free BSU t-shirts. Everyone's pretty excited for the season to get started this year. It will be interesting to see how they do. If they lose the first game, the excitement will take a nose dive.
I took the Bears to Cabela's for a tour. It was good. l learned a lot, but I'm not so sure the boys did. they said they had fun though. Their best part was when they handed us a huge bag full of tokens to use at the laser gun station. There was no way we could possibly use all the tokens they gave us unless we stayed there the entire day, which of course, Kyle Houssian wanted to.
Leah finally got all her 13 cavities filled this week. It took her 4 trips to the dentist. I think we've given Dr. Moss enough money now to let him add an entire wing onto his house. Speaking of teeth--Nikki lost one of her front top teeth last week and now she just has a loose one on top and it's kind of worked its way into the middle so it looks like she has one tooth in the middle of her mouth. It looks so strange that we are all trying to help her loosen it to get it out. We could really use your expert touch here.
All 3 girls will ride the bus together tomorrow. They go to Eagle Elementary first where Nikki gets off and goes into her First grade classroom with Mrs. Miller2. Yes, I said first grade. I'm still holding my breath though and think they'll ask me to put her back into kindergarten. I told her to try to behave like a big girl. She laughed, did a cartwheel and ran away. Then Leah and Kristina get on a shuttle that takes them to the new school Galileo where Leah will go into her 2nd grade classroom with her teacher Mr. Harrison or the teacher with 2 earrings as Leah puts it. I have a feeling Leah will flat out tell Mr. Harrison how it's not right for him to wear earrings. Kristina goes to a separate wing where only the 6th and 7th graders will be. She is so excited to use the chemistry room. She thinks the "shower" is the coolest. Alex is going to be riding with the Purnell brothers this year (that is if he can manage to wake himself up in time). The Purnells said they owe us since you took them to school for a year-so thank you Sean for that.
Alex had choir camp these past couple of days and said it was fun. He's not real happy that Sonous is going to be so large this year-52 kids. But Mr. Mc says he needs that many for some of the songs he's planning on. When they make a CD, I'll have to send it to you.
I hope your week was fruitful. Has it started warming up there yet? I was thinking about the collar attachments you were talking about. I think I may have something that would work for you. I have this double sided tape that works on fabric and I could just cut it into strips to use on pieces of white fabric that I cut into collar shapes. We'll see. Maybe they'll appear in a pkg one day. :)
Let us know when you get the pkg we send you. We're still a bit nervous about everything making it to you. I stuck a lot of things in there for you, music, etc and I'm anxious to hear if you like it and can use it.
How did Isabel's baptism go? How about las familia Melo? I hope you're enjoying some success with some families coming to church. That's one of the best signs of their commitment and honest intentions.
I better sign off. Dad wants to talk about antibiotics with you. fun fun We are well here and you are in every prayer, sometimes more than once (thanks to Nikki's prayers). Have a great week. Be humble, teachable and prayerful.
Love you much,
mom
xoxoxoxxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Sunday Eve
August 12, 2007
Dear Elder Sean,
How are you doing this week? Today at church Justin Sypherd gave his homecoming talk to our ward. He really enjoyed being in South Carolina, the Bible belt. Sounds like it was hard work, but he's strengthened because of it and learned a lot. He looked the same as if time stood still.
So now us and the Erickson's are next for having our boys/men come home. Jill has been making plans for at least 9 months now. She's so excited, I wouldn't be surprised if she fainted when she sees him for the first time. She has really missed him. I'm starting to get pretty excited myself. I called the DR the other day and made hotel reservations. Of course, when they started speaking Spanish it threw me off a bit and I immediately said, en ingles por favor.
We had a great time in CA but now we're back to reality. You know how that goes. It's like we go to Fantasyland for a while and forget all our worries. I guess that's what vacations are all about. Dad's work is going through some changes, some for good some not so good. The hospital is growing and it's experiencing growing pains. I think they're having a hard time realizing they're not a small town hospital any more. He's at work tonight doing a 9-7am shift. So the shifts are a little different now, not just 12 hours and they're having double coverage for the doctors during the busy hours.
We got your handwritten letter this week. That was so nice. In fact, I enjoyed seeing your handwritten words so much that it inspired me to hand write a letter to Kirk. I really haven't sent him anything handwritten and now i can see what a difference it is. You have a good eye for details too.
This week I'm getting things ready for my 11 yr old scout day camp on Saturday. Looks like we'll have a pretty good turnout this year so it should be fun. Alex is helping with the axes as usual and dad will give the class on first aid and he also conducts for me. I ask dad to do that because I think the young boys enjoy seeing a man in a scout uniform leading them. They've had women up to this point in cubs, so I think having men leaders is fun for them. I run the games and competitions and keep things running on time, etc.
Alex just came home from a special fireside our ward had. The Cameron's had a friend of theirs from DC speak to the youth. He's done a lot of work with refugees in Africa and has had many interesting experiences around the world working with the CIA. Alex told me tonight it's made him want to work for the CIA.
Tomorrow Alex will be taking his test to get his permit. Looks like Tues evening he'll be driving me home if all goes well.
Also Alex had his first date last Fri night. it was a special Priest date night at Trevin Rasmussen's. The good news is that he had a really fun time, he took Alena Daly. The bad news is that dad and I were also on that date. He'll forever have to admit that. We had a bbq, then played Mafia and had a fun game of kickball in the backyard. Alex actually got me out at first by throwing the ball at me. He did hesitate for a moment, I have to admit. Also he apologized to me later. Dad and I took off after that so Alex could have a little alone time (well, alone with all the other priests and their dates).
David and Caryn stopped by this morning on their way out of town. They went camping this past week with Caryn's family and were going back to CA today. I was glad they took the time to stop by. Their kids are so funny. They come in our house like a whirlwind, play hard, talk loud and then leave. They loved the boccerball game.
David told me to ask you if you like the ice cream there. He loved it.
So who have you been teaching this week? How is Isabel doing? Do you do a lot of tracting or do you have appointments most the week? What is your ward/branch like? Do you have to help out in the branch by teaching, playing piano, etc? I would love to write a letter to the sister in your branch, Hermana Salas. I think I'll have Carolina translate a letter for me.
The things you mentioned in your last letter that you miss aren't always as great as you might remember. Grass-constantly in need of attention, water, cutting and still insists on dying in big patches. Carpet-hard to keep clean, conceals numerous microscopic bugs and pet dander. Water-actually I do consider that a luxury here. Is bottled water hard to keep around? I hope you don't get hooked on the Coke there. Try to stay away from that. Water will keep you in better health all around. Fast food-after being on vacation and eating a lot of fast food, I really miss home cooked meals, something not cooked in mass production or in large vats of grease. Silence-important for sanity and also for hearing the whisperings of the spirit, so I'm sorry you don't get much silence there. Kirk has also mentioned that there's always noise everywhere he goes and can even hear it all from his pensions. It's not exactly quiet here in our house, but it's good noise for the most part. Microwave-it's good to slow down occasionally and enjoy the cooking process. Something that heats up quickly also cools down quickly (a good analogy can be made in testimony building). Sleep-watching dad suffer with sleep deprivation in life, I would never want any of you kids to have that. Are you getting a good night's sleep each night? I understand that a power nap probably sounds pretty good now and then, but it's good you are young, strong and filled with the strength of the spirit. I worry a little for your health after what you've been reporting, hopefully it's just a matter of building up endurance for this new lifestyle, so if you're feeling stronger now, let me know. Remember every spring you get a little run down.
You also said in your last letter that you were trying to send pix to us, but nothing ever came through. I hope you'll be able to send some sometime. It will be fun to see where you are, your comp, etc.
Keep up the good work there. I know it probably feels like looking for needles in a haystack sometimes, but we know there are many of Argentina's future church leaders out there waiting for the message you are bringing. The Lord has prepared them to this point. You are in the right place at the right time. Miracles will happen.
I love you and miss you. Say hi to your comp for me.
Love,
mom
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoox
Dear Elder Sean,
How are you doing this week? Today at church Justin Sypherd gave his homecoming talk to our ward. He really enjoyed being in South Carolina, the Bible belt. Sounds like it was hard work, but he's strengthened because of it and learned a lot. He looked the same as if time stood still.
So now us and the Erickson's are next for having our boys/men come home. Jill has been making plans for at least 9 months now. She's so excited, I wouldn't be surprised if she fainted when she sees him for the first time. She has really missed him. I'm starting to get pretty excited myself. I called the DR the other day and made hotel reservations. Of course, when they started speaking Spanish it threw me off a bit and I immediately said, en ingles por favor.
We had a great time in CA but now we're back to reality. You know how that goes. It's like we go to Fantasyland for a while and forget all our worries. I guess that's what vacations are all about. Dad's work is going through some changes, some for good some not so good. The hospital is growing and it's experiencing growing pains. I think they're having a hard time realizing they're not a small town hospital any more. He's at work tonight doing a 9-7am shift. So the shifts are a little different now, not just 12 hours and they're having double coverage for the doctors during the busy hours.
We got your handwritten letter this week. That was so nice. In fact, I enjoyed seeing your handwritten words so much that it inspired me to hand write a letter to Kirk. I really haven't sent him anything handwritten and now i can see what a difference it is. You have a good eye for details too.
This week I'm getting things ready for my 11 yr old scout day camp on Saturday. Looks like we'll have a pretty good turnout this year so it should be fun. Alex is helping with the axes as usual and dad will give the class on first aid and he also conducts for me. I ask dad to do that because I think the young boys enjoy seeing a man in a scout uniform leading them. They've had women up to this point in cubs, so I think having men leaders is fun for them. I run the games and competitions and keep things running on time, etc.
Alex just came home from a special fireside our ward had. The Cameron's had a friend of theirs from DC speak to the youth. He's done a lot of work with refugees in Africa and has had many interesting experiences around the world working with the CIA. Alex told me tonight it's made him want to work for the CIA.
Tomorrow Alex will be taking his test to get his permit. Looks like Tues evening he'll be driving me home if all goes well.
Also Alex had his first date last Fri night. it was a special Priest date night at Trevin Rasmussen's. The good news is that he had a really fun time, he took Alena Daly. The bad news is that dad and I were also on that date. He'll forever have to admit that. We had a bbq, then played Mafia and had a fun game of kickball in the backyard. Alex actually got me out at first by throwing the ball at me. He did hesitate for a moment, I have to admit. Also he apologized to me later. Dad and I took off after that so Alex could have a little alone time (well, alone with all the other priests and their dates).
David and Caryn stopped by this morning on their way out of town. They went camping this past week with Caryn's family and were going back to CA today. I was glad they took the time to stop by. Their kids are so funny. They come in our house like a whirlwind, play hard, talk loud and then leave. They loved the boccerball game.
David told me to ask you if you like the ice cream there. He loved it.
So who have you been teaching this week? How is Isabel doing? Do you do a lot of tracting or do you have appointments most the week? What is your ward/branch like? Do you have to help out in the branch by teaching, playing piano, etc? I would love to write a letter to the sister in your branch, Hermana Salas. I think I'll have Carolina translate a letter for me.
The things you mentioned in your last letter that you miss aren't always as great as you might remember. Grass-constantly in need of attention, water, cutting and still insists on dying in big patches. Carpet-hard to keep clean, conceals numerous microscopic bugs and pet dander. Water-actually I do consider that a luxury here. Is bottled water hard to keep around? I hope you don't get hooked on the Coke there. Try to stay away from that. Water will keep you in better health all around. Fast food-after being on vacation and eating a lot of fast food, I really miss home cooked meals, something not cooked in mass production or in large vats of grease. Silence-important for sanity and also for hearing the whisperings of the spirit, so I'm sorry you don't get much silence there. Kirk has also mentioned that there's always noise everywhere he goes and can even hear it all from his pensions. It's not exactly quiet here in our house, but it's good noise for the most part. Microwave-it's good to slow down occasionally and enjoy the cooking process. Something that heats up quickly also cools down quickly (a good analogy can be made in testimony building). Sleep-watching dad suffer with sleep deprivation in life, I would never want any of you kids to have that. Are you getting a good night's sleep each night? I understand that a power nap probably sounds pretty good now and then, but it's good you are young, strong and filled with the strength of the spirit. I worry a little for your health after what you've been reporting, hopefully it's just a matter of building up endurance for this new lifestyle, so if you're feeling stronger now, let me know. Remember every spring you get a little run down.
You also said in your last letter that you were trying to send pix to us, but nothing ever came through. I hope you'll be able to send some sometime. It will be fun to see where you are, your comp, etc.
Keep up the good work there. I know it probably feels like looking for needles in a haystack sometimes, but we know there are many of Argentina's future church leaders out there waiting for the message you are bringing. The Lord has prepared them to this point. You are in the right place at the right time. Miracles will happen.
I love you and miss you. Say hi to your comp for me.
Love,
mom
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoox
Sunday Morn
July 29, 2007
Dear Elder Sean,
A much calmer Sunday morning this week especially since we have hot water. I actually wrote you last Sunday but I only sent your letter to one of your emails and I guess you didn't check that one. Sorry about that. Let me know if you're just going to be using your gmail account or if I should send everything to both each time. I opened that sheet music you sent and the only thing weird about it was that the notes were all in the shape of a fortissimo "f" so it made it extremely difficult to read and play. I guess it could be done, but with a lot of work. If I can find that same version with actual notes, I'll send it to you along with Clair de Lune.
Just so you know what's happening with your letters each week, your emails are just for family now. I waited until Jared was gone to stop forwarding them. Also since we have the roommate/friend newsletter that I'll send you each month and I've sent everyone your pouch address and mailing address. If you really feel strongly about someone getting your forwarded emails, let me know, otherwise just send handwrittens to those you want to keep in contact with. I'll also be starting a combined newsletter with Jared too so you'll get to hear his news monthly.
Dad just popped home unexpectedly this morning since it's the 5th Sunday and there are no auxilliary meetings. He's off again to make some home visits. I think he's going over to Erickson's too. Jill has been pretty sick and the doctor thinks she has west nile virus. She definitely has all the symptoms. It's odd to see her just laying around and not outside working in the yard. I went to visit her yesterday and she looked so unhealthy. I'm kind of worried.
Dad and Alex and Brig got back yesterday from their high adventure. They said it was a lot of fun, the food was fantastic (Ashton managed to get some really good deals on pork ribs, free bacon, steaks, etc from Albertson's). They went to Deadwood and went mountain biking, shotgun shooting, kayaking. I'll let dad tell you more about it, but all in all sounds like everyone had a great time despite dad's clutch going out on the way there.
Brig is with us until this Tues when he flies home. We fly out to CA on Wed. So next week we'll be writing you from CA.
For the past couple of days Kristina has been taking care of the Thomas's home so of course we got to use their pool, aaaah. It's so blasted hot here still and swimming felt sooo good. Leah did her first dive off the board, she's a natural swimmer and still says she wants to be on a swim team. They said she has to be able to swim 25 yds without stopping in order to be on the team, so we're working on that. Nikki actually swims in the deep end now thanks to her swim lessons and me showing her how to tread water. She jumped off the board, first into my arms (nearly drowning me!) and then on her own and swimming to the side.
Kristina has also been working for Jodie Hugentobler at Other Mother's store. She got her first pay check and is hooked. She told Jodie to call her any time to help at the store. And her bigger news is that she's getting her braces off tomorrow! She's so excited. She actually got them on after Kirk left and is getting them off before he comes home, so he won't have ever seen her in braces. I'll send you a picture of her later.
Jared's mom called me yesterday. She said they were sitting in their living room with Jared's stuff all over the place trying to pack. She had a lot of questions about what to take, etc. I told her not to fret too much since he was only going to be in Provo and how easy it is to send things there as compared to overseas. They are leaving for Utah today, going to the drum corp show Mon night in SLC, staying with Tyler's mom probably on Tues night and checking into the MTC Wed.
Have you gotten the newsletter yet that I sent you? I think you'll really enjoy getting that each month. Just wondering how long it takes to get there through the pouch. How's your Spanish coming along?
So how is the work going there this week? How was the poncho fest different than our fairs here? I'd love to hear about it. Grandpa Trumbo said to tell you that even when he was on his mission way back when, people bad mouthed the USA. He said it got so bad sometimes that he actually had to sit down with a family who was complaining that all these guys from the US were super rich and had everything they wanted and how they wanted more and had to explain to them that he was only able to be on a mission because he had a father who worked on the railroads very hard and scrimped and saved so that he could help send his son on a mission. He said it was the same way when he was in Korea, so he said it sounds like things haven't changed much.
How is la familia Melo doing? Are they progressing and accepting the truth? Any word from la familia chazampi? I know that Hermana Concepcion feels comforted from your visits. It's sad and lonely for people who know they are dying and it's important they have people around them, even just to hold their hand, to feel some physical contact and for her to feel the presence of the power of the priesthood and the spirit in her room. My heart goes out to her and I am glad you are there.
For my birthday last week, dad and the kids gave me a new camera. I love it so far. It has a really large LCD screen and a 10x optical zoom which will be nice. BTW, are you able to open attachments that have short videos on them? Just wondering if I sent a short family video in your email sometime if you'd be able to open it. Let me know or maybe we'll just have to experiment one week.
Well, better go wake up Alex and Brig and tell them it's almost time for lunch and to get ready for church. I made eggs for the girls and they were in heaven. I hope I can still please them this easily when they are teenagers.
Have a miraculous week.
love you,
mom
xoxoxoxxoxoxox
Dear Elder Sean,
A much calmer Sunday morning this week especially since we have hot water. I actually wrote you last Sunday but I only sent your letter to one of your emails and I guess you didn't check that one. Sorry about that. Let me know if you're just going to be using your gmail account or if I should send everything to both each time. I opened that sheet music you sent and the only thing weird about it was that the notes were all in the shape of a fortissimo "f" so it made it extremely difficult to read and play. I guess it could be done, but with a lot of work. If I can find that same version with actual notes, I'll send it to you along with Clair de Lune.
Just so you know what's happening with your letters each week, your emails are just for family now. I waited until Jared was gone to stop forwarding them. Also since we have the roommate/friend newsletter that I'll send you each month and I've sent everyone your pouch address and mailing address. If you really feel strongly about someone getting your forwarded emails, let me know, otherwise just send handwrittens to those you want to keep in contact with. I'll also be starting a combined newsletter with Jared too so you'll get to hear his news monthly.
Dad just popped home unexpectedly this morning since it's the 5th Sunday and there are no auxilliary meetings. He's off again to make some home visits. I think he's going over to Erickson's too. Jill has been pretty sick and the doctor thinks she has west nile virus. She definitely has all the symptoms. It's odd to see her just laying around and not outside working in the yard. I went to visit her yesterday and she looked so unhealthy. I'm kind of worried.
Dad and Alex and Brig got back yesterday from their high adventure. They said it was a lot of fun, the food was fantastic (Ashton managed to get some really good deals on pork ribs, free bacon, steaks, etc from Albertson's). They went to Deadwood and went mountain biking, shotgun shooting, kayaking. I'll let dad tell you more about it, but all in all sounds like everyone had a great time despite dad's clutch going out on the way there.
Brig is with us until this Tues when he flies home. We fly out to CA on Wed. So next week we'll be writing you from CA.
For the past couple of days Kristina has been taking care of the Thomas's home so of course we got to use their pool, aaaah. It's so blasted hot here still and swimming felt sooo good. Leah did her first dive off the board, she's a natural swimmer and still says she wants to be on a swim team. They said she has to be able to swim 25 yds without stopping in order to be on the team, so we're working on that. Nikki actually swims in the deep end now thanks to her swim lessons and me showing her how to tread water. She jumped off the board, first into my arms (nearly drowning me!) and then on her own and swimming to the side.
Kristina has also been working for Jodie Hugentobler at Other Mother's store. She got her first pay check and is hooked. She told Jodie to call her any time to help at the store. And her bigger news is that she's getting her braces off tomorrow! She's so excited. She actually got them on after Kirk left and is getting them off before he comes home, so he won't have ever seen her in braces. I'll send you a picture of her later.
Jared's mom called me yesterday. She said they were sitting in their living room with Jared's stuff all over the place trying to pack. She had a lot of questions about what to take, etc. I told her not to fret too much since he was only going to be in Provo and how easy it is to send things there as compared to overseas. They are leaving for Utah today, going to the drum corp show Mon night in SLC, staying with Tyler's mom probably on Tues night and checking into the MTC Wed.
Have you gotten the newsletter yet that I sent you? I think you'll really enjoy getting that each month. Just wondering how long it takes to get there through the pouch. How's your Spanish coming along?
So how is the work going there this week? How was the poncho fest different than our fairs here? I'd love to hear about it. Grandpa Trumbo said to tell you that even when he was on his mission way back when, people bad mouthed the USA. He said it got so bad sometimes that he actually had to sit down with a family who was complaining that all these guys from the US were super rich and had everything they wanted and how they wanted more and had to explain to them that he was only able to be on a mission because he had a father who worked on the railroads very hard and scrimped and saved so that he could help send his son on a mission. He said it was the same way when he was in Korea, so he said it sounds like things haven't changed much.
How is la familia Melo doing? Are they progressing and accepting the truth? Any word from la familia chazampi? I know that Hermana Concepcion feels comforted from your visits. It's sad and lonely for people who know they are dying and it's important they have people around them, even just to hold their hand, to feel some physical contact and for her to feel the presence of the power of the priesthood and the spirit in her room. My heart goes out to her and I am glad you are there.
For my birthday last week, dad and the kids gave me a new camera. I love it so far. It has a really large LCD screen and a 10x optical zoom which will be nice. BTW, are you able to open attachments that have short videos on them? Just wondering if I sent a short family video in your email sometime if you'd be able to open it. Let me know or maybe we'll just have to experiment one week.
Well, better go wake up Alex and Brig and tell them it's almost time for lunch and to get ready for church. I made eggs for the girls and they were in heaven. I hope I can still please them this easily when they are teenagers.
Have a miraculous week.
love you,
mom
xoxoxoxxoxoxox
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Last Letter
April 19, 2009
Dear Elder Sean,
My fingers are wondering what to say. I'm so excited to come see you. In some ways, it seems like it's been forever since I've seen you and in other ways the time has flown by and I can't believe you are at the end of your 2 year mission (your first mission of many, I might add). I have thoroughly enjoyed your letters, your stories, learning about your friends, your companions and the people who have touched your life as well as you touching theirs. Isn't this world a wonderful place!!
I have been in contact with Marcela. She told me the news about her husband being made Stake President. If he's anything like her, I know he will be an awesome leader for the stake. Marcela has been very helpful also and said she'd make a list of fun places to see and go. I can't wait to meet her and her family. I am also looking forward to meeting the Maria Carranza and her family and Susana Paez and her family.
I've started making a big pile of things we're bringing. It's so hard to know what to bring, but it sure has been fun gathering. Dad is working every day except one this week, so he's not going to have much time to get ready. At least he's not working any night shifts this week. Mary is coming into town this Thursday so I can go over the schedule with her.
We had stake conference today and last night. I have to say that last night's meeting was the best. Brian McCauley spoke, Mary Taylor (the woman I replaced as RS president years ago), Pres. Merrill and Pres. McCauley. Every single talk was excellent. The theme was how to have hope in a world with so much despair. Brian spoke of his current circumstance, how his building business failed, then his next business he started also failed and he is still struggling trying to find a career in life. But he talked of his knowledge that the Lord is always watching over us and will eventually make things better and this he knew because of his experiences on his mission. In the MTC he fell out of bed, the top bunk, and was knocked unconscious for 16 hours. He was told he couldn't play any basketball in the MTC which of course took away his physical fun. Two weeks before he was to leave the MTC, the doctor said he could play basketball. In his first game, he promptly sprained his ankle. Back to the doctor and no playing for at least a week. Then he got to play his last week at the MTC and promptly sprained his other ankle. He entered Chile with a concussion and 2 bad ankles. He was greeted by his first companion, a native who spoke no English and was leaving to go home in 4 weeks. His bed and apartment was covered with fleas and soon so was Brian's body. Then he developed new red bumps and the doctor said he had scabies. While being treated for scabies, he became extremely tired all the time and they discovered he had anemia. Meanwhile, his companion couldn't care less about him and decided it was time to find his wife-4 weeks before his mission was over and that became his mission. Brian had to follow along with him. Brian said he was in the depths of despair and prayed fervently to the Lord to take these trials from him. Soon enough life was good for him and he was able to enjoy the rest of his mission. But what he learned was that trials do end and life is sometimes even sweeter. So he knows that somehow, someday his current trials will be over and life will be sweet again.
Pres. Merrill spoke about the same thing and it was especially difficult for him because just this week there was an article in the Statesman about how he had filed for bankruptsy 2 years ago and now they were losing their home and there was every little detail about his financial life laid out for everyone to read. I felt so bad for him. But he spoke of some of his own trials earlier in life and how people around him lifted him and helped him and how the Lord comforted him.
Pres. McCauley spoke of our need to be pruned by the Lord by using the example of his own apple trees which he has let grow huge over the years. He said the apple yield has been tasty and plentiful but as the trees grew, the quality of the apples suffered and even the over abundance of them have hurt the limbs of the trees. So this year he and Sis. McCauley spent days pruning the trees and how they look very sad. He said if the trees could talk, they'd be asking him why are you doing this to us. We have tried our best to produce good fruit each year, we have grown large and beautiful, why would you prune us? And he said he would have to say back to them, It is for your own good, knowing full well that they might suffer a bit this season and possibly next, but soon after that they would be lush and full of wonderful tasting fruit, a fruit more precious above all else. Pres. McCauley has such a way with words and stories. I just love listening to him.
Today we had a broadcast from SLC to the 16 stakes in the area. It was good, but I really loved last night's meeting.
Kirk just called and reported about his first Sunday back at school. He says it's a good ward and that Tiffany Shaw is in his ward. I asked if there were any cute girls and he quickly said, yes. He has a bigger apartment this year and sounds like he has fun roommates, 3 or 4 of them speak Spanish. Out of the 6, he's there with 2 of his friends from before and 3 are new guys. I'm anxious to hear how his classes are this year. He still needs to pick up a couple more credits. BYU-I seems to have a lot of classes all given at the same time, unlike BYU-Provo where it's offered several times during the day and even at night.
We're enjoying beautiful spring weather here now. It's so great seeing all the trees budding out and the bulbs springing out of the ground. We have been outside a lot this past week. Kirk and dad worked hard one whole day preparing the soil in the garden and repairing all the broken sprinklers.
While Kirk was home I managed to organize all my letters I had written him on his mission and put it on my blog. My plan is to slurp them into a book. Slurp is a site that takes your blog and turns it into a book, letting you edit and add pictures where you want. I'm going to do the same with the letters I wrote you. These have been my journal over the past 4 years. I have enjoyed keeping my journal online now. My typing skills are much faster than my writing.
I spoke with Kim Dumas tonight. This Saturday Cameron Dumas and Krystal Kjar are getting married, then in 2 weeks, Carsen Dumas leaves for his mission to Germany.
We had the Pinewood Derby this past week. It was lots of fun. Dad had a Beat the Bishop race for the boys too. They each got to pick one of our cars (the Shark, the Titanic or the Barbie car) to race against. They really enjoyed it. I found a fun idea for treats, so a couple of us made cars from Twinkies, with mini oreos as the wheels and we used icing on top to put a number and also half a cherry for the helmet of the driver. They were a big hit!
Are you still teaching the English teacher? I loved your Family Home Evening you had last week about the plan of salvation (esp. the part about getting brownies when you passed into heaven.) It is wisdom that the Lord has us complete all the saving ordinances so early in life because we sure need those ordinances to give us strength throughout life. It's similar to when the early saints were able to have such marvelous spiritual manifestations and even visitations. Those experiences gave them the strength to endure what soon followed and they were able to draw from them, I'm sure, numerous times as they continued to build Zion wherever they were. My temple marriage and having someone right by my side, on my side and both of us having the same goals in life have made my life so sweet even through the bitter.
I hope you enjoy this week. Just think back on how many people have been a part of your life these past 2 years. The people we meet and love in life make us who we are and who we ultimately become. I'm so excited to meet your friends and family there. Leah and Nikki are praying that you will have a fun last week. Nikki has literally prayed for Fernando every day since she heard his story. When people outside the family hear her pray, they always ask afterwards, who is Fernando? If only he knew...
Thanks for being so valiant. We feel so blessed as a family to have you serving the Lord. The service will never end...that's the good news.
We need to know where to find you next Monday and what time. Until then, have a miraculous week, take mental pictures wherever you go to keep for a lifetime and I'm counting the sleeps until our fun time with you next week.
I love you very much and always,
momxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxooxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Dear Elder Sean,
My fingers are wondering what to say. I'm so excited to come see you. In some ways, it seems like it's been forever since I've seen you and in other ways the time has flown by and I can't believe you are at the end of your 2 year mission (your first mission of many, I might add). I have thoroughly enjoyed your letters, your stories, learning about your friends, your companions and the people who have touched your life as well as you touching theirs. Isn't this world a wonderful place!!
I have been in contact with Marcela. She told me the news about her husband being made Stake President. If he's anything like her, I know he will be an awesome leader for the stake. Marcela has been very helpful also and said she'd make a list of fun places to see and go. I can't wait to meet her and her family. I am also looking forward to meeting the Maria Carranza and her family and Susana Paez and her family.
I've started making a big pile of things we're bringing. It's so hard to know what to bring, but it sure has been fun gathering. Dad is working every day except one this week, so he's not going to have much time to get ready. At least he's not working any night shifts this week. Mary is coming into town this Thursday so I can go over the schedule with her.
We had stake conference today and last night. I have to say that last night's meeting was the best. Brian McCauley spoke, Mary Taylor (the woman I replaced as RS president years ago), Pres. Merrill and Pres. McCauley. Every single talk was excellent. The theme was how to have hope in a world with so much despair. Brian spoke of his current circumstance, how his building business failed, then his next business he started also failed and he is still struggling trying to find a career in life. But he talked of his knowledge that the Lord is always watching over us and will eventually make things better and this he knew because of his experiences on his mission. In the MTC he fell out of bed, the top bunk, and was knocked unconscious for 16 hours. He was told he couldn't play any basketball in the MTC which of course took away his physical fun. Two weeks before he was to leave the MTC, the doctor said he could play basketball. In his first game, he promptly sprained his ankle. Back to the doctor and no playing for at least a week. Then he got to play his last week at the MTC and promptly sprained his other ankle. He entered Chile with a concussion and 2 bad ankles. He was greeted by his first companion, a native who spoke no English and was leaving to go home in 4 weeks. His bed and apartment was covered with fleas and soon so was Brian's body. Then he developed new red bumps and the doctor said he had scabies. While being treated for scabies, he became extremely tired all the time and they discovered he had anemia. Meanwhile, his companion couldn't care less about him and decided it was time to find his wife-4 weeks before his mission was over and that became his mission. Brian had to follow along with him. Brian said he was in the depths of despair and prayed fervently to the Lord to take these trials from him. Soon enough life was good for him and he was able to enjoy the rest of his mission. But what he learned was that trials do end and life is sometimes even sweeter. So he knows that somehow, someday his current trials will be over and life will be sweet again.
Pres. Merrill spoke about the same thing and it was especially difficult for him because just this week there was an article in the Statesman about how he had filed for bankruptsy 2 years ago and now they were losing their home and there was every little detail about his financial life laid out for everyone to read. I felt so bad for him. But he spoke of some of his own trials earlier in life and how people around him lifted him and helped him and how the Lord comforted him.
Pres. McCauley spoke of our need to be pruned by the Lord by using the example of his own apple trees which he has let grow huge over the years. He said the apple yield has been tasty and plentiful but as the trees grew, the quality of the apples suffered and even the over abundance of them have hurt the limbs of the trees. So this year he and Sis. McCauley spent days pruning the trees and how they look very sad. He said if the trees could talk, they'd be asking him why are you doing this to us. We have tried our best to produce good fruit each year, we have grown large and beautiful, why would you prune us? And he said he would have to say back to them, It is for your own good, knowing full well that they might suffer a bit this season and possibly next, but soon after that they would be lush and full of wonderful tasting fruit, a fruit more precious above all else. Pres. McCauley has such a way with words and stories. I just love listening to him.
Today we had a broadcast from SLC to the 16 stakes in the area. It was good, but I really loved last night's meeting.
Kirk just called and reported about his first Sunday back at school. He says it's a good ward and that Tiffany Shaw is in his ward. I asked if there were any cute girls and he quickly said, yes. He has a bigger apartment this year and sounds like he has fun roommates, 3 or 4 of them speak Spanish. Out of the 6, he's there with 2 of his friends from before and 3 are new guys. I'm anxious to hear how his classes are this year. He still needs to pick up a couple more credits. BYU-I seems to have a lot of classes all given at the same time, unlike BYU-Provo where it's offered several times during the day and even at night.
We're enjoying beautiful spring weather here now. It's so great seeing all the trees budding out and the bulbs springing out of the ground. We have been outside a lot this past week. Kirk and dad worked hard one whole day preparing the soil in the garden and repairing all the broken sprinklers.
While Kirk was home I managed to organize all my letters I had written him on his mission and put it on my blog. My plan is to slurp them into a book. Slurp is a site that takes your blog and turns it into a book, letting you edit and add pictures where you want. I'm going to do the same with the letters I wrote you. These have been my journal over the past 4 years. I have enjoyed keeping my journal online now. My typing skills are much faster than my writing.
I spoke with Kim Dumas tonight. This Saturday Cameron Dumas and Krystal Kjar are getting married, then in 2 weeks, Carsen Dumas leaves for his mission to Germany.
We had the Pinewood Derby this past week. It was lots of fun. Dad had a Beat the Bishop race for the boys too. They each got to pick one of our cars (the Shark, the Titanic or the Barbie car) to race against. They really enjoyed it. I found a fun idea for treats, so a couple of us made cars from Twinkies, with mini oreos as the wheels and we used icing on top to put a number and also half a cherry for the helmet of the driver. They were a big hit!
Are you still teaching the English teacher? I loved your Family Home Evening you had last week about the plan of salvation (esp. the part about getting brownies when you passed into heaven.) It is wisdom that the Lord has us complete all the saving ordinances so early in life because we sure need those ordinances to give us strength throughout life. It's similar to when the early saints were able to have such marvelous spiritual manifestations and even visitations. Those experiences gave them the strength to endure what soon followed and they were able to draw from them, I'm sure, numerous times as they continued to build Zion wherever they were. My temple marriage and having someone right by my side, on my side and both of us having the same goals in life have made my life so sweet even through the bitter.
I hope you enjoy this week. Just think back on how many people have been a part of your life these past 2 years. The people we meet and love in life make us who we are and who we ultimately become. I'm so excited to meet your friends and family there. Leah and Nikki are praying that you will have a fun last week. Nikki has literally prayed for Fernando every day since she heard his story. When people outside the family hear her pray, they always ask afterwards, who is Fernando? If only he knew...
Thanks for being so valiant. We feel so blessed as a family to have you serving the Lord. The service will never end...that's the good news.
We need to know where to find you next Monday and what time. Until then, have a miraculous week, take mental pictures wherever you go to keep for a lifetime and I'm counting the sleeps until our fun time with you next week.
I love you very much and always,
momxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxooxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Friday, April 17, 2009
June 07 to Sept 07-letters to Kirk
June 5, 2007
Dear Elder Kirk,
Well, I sent off a pkg for you this afternoon. In it I put your new bank card. The one you have now expires the end of this month, so this new one is good to go. I made it so it's also a Visa card/credit card as well as a debit card. The credit part of it is just for an emergency. I also had to pick your pin # so I hope I made it easy enough to remember. It's 7788. You'll have to think of something to help you remember that one. If you forget, you'll have to wait til pday and ask me. Be sure and let me know when you get it. I was kind of nervous sending something like that in the mail.
We actually enjoyed a full day of rain here which is pretty rare. It's nothing like what you guys are getting, when I say rain, it's really more like misting all day. But we've needed it.
Dad is at work tonight and I just put the girls down. Tomorrow is the last day of school. For the Elementary school, that just means parties. For Alex, that means a couple more finals. So far he's done quite well so I suspect he'll keep that up tomorrow. He went to the church and played basketball tonight with Jon Kjar and a couple other guys. I'll be going to Kristina's class tomorrow to help with some hula hoop game. Leah will only get one day of rest, then I'm taking her to Sylvan for testing and she'll take classes there all summer.
We're getting a shed built in the backyard. They poured the cement today. The VanWagenen's are building it for us, Mark and his son Russ. It will be nice to have a place to park the lawn equipment instead of taking up room in the garage.
This past Sunday dad got a new counselor in his bishopric. Bro. Houssian was released and Bro. Crosgrove was called. They also released Steve Campbell as exec. secty and made him scoutmaster. Bro. Adcock is the new exec. secty. Bro. Crosgrove will be an excellent counselor. We'll also miss Bro. Houssian though. He's such a great man. But this will be nice for him to be able to spend more time with his family-all those boys of his.
We also had all the seniors and their parents over on Sunday night for our annual senior's fireside. I love having them here and listening to their parents talk about them and hearing what the kids have to say about their plans and also how they feel about their parents. Remember when we did that at Bishop Stafford's?
Dad went to Alma Academy last week too. He only took the boys up there and went back up the next day for the afternoon and the testimony mtg. But it was a good thing he was there the first morning cuz just after he left, he got a call saying that Corey Campbell had fallen and broken his collar bone. Dad had to turn around and go back and bring Corey home. Corey ended up getting surgery the next day and having some plates put in there. This is Alex's first year to go to Helaman. I'm excited for him. We'll let you know how that goes.
Jill Erickson said they got a letter from Alex's mission president telling them the date that Alex would be coming home-Sept 19. We haven't heard anything from yours yet. I hope we hear pretty soon, so we can start making plans, etc. Jill also said that Rocky Mtn Fitness called and said to tell Alex he had a job as soon as he got back. Alex could probably get you back working there too if you wanted, but there's plenty of other possibilities out there for you too. We'll worry about that later.
Your pix of the service project were great. I can't imagine having that much mud around and walking around in it and living in it. I'm glad you were able to help. How wonderful to have willing, strong elders helping take care of things. Also I couldn't really tell much detail of your shoes that are wrecked in the picture you sent. If you get a chance to take another one and get more light on them, maybe put them in direct sunlight, then I'll send the picture to Petersen's and have a new pair waiting for you here.
How has the teaching been going? How is Andres and his wife? Have they made a decision about getting married, etc.? Show them the picture of all of us in white at the temple being sealed together as a family.
I'm glad to hear you got Grandpa Trumbo's letter. He said he was anxious to write you his feelings and had wanted to know if you had gotten the letter. I love that you're still working hard and having a desire to even continue to stay there. That tells me how much you love your mission and missionary work and the people of the DR. I know that there are still people there today praying to know what to do in life and where to find happiness and the Lord will place them in your path. Listen to the spirit and follow the promptings quickly.
Here are some tips for the week:
1. Always add to your finding pool, even if your teaching and baptizing pools are high. It's amazing how quickly you can find yourself with no investigators.
2. Establish a reputation for doing something outstanding, like having immaculately shined shoes, sharply pressed trousers or a missionary haircut.
3. Respect missionaries from other religions. Like you, they believe they have been called to do a work among God's children.
This past week I went out to dinner with Jodie Hugentobler and a couple friends of hers from Wyoming. One of the women had just returned from a trip to Africa where she and her family donated their time and talents in helping build a school there. They went with a group that is run by a couple in Utah and they need people all the time to help them out. It sounds like something I would love to do. They go twice a year and your kids can go with you, they just help out also in the orphanages and teaching the families how to cook, sew and garden. I told dad about it, but I think we have to at least wait until he's not bishop. You go for 3 weeks at a time and you live in a convent while you're there. Anyway, that really interests me and I hope to be able to do something like that one day.
Well, I better sign off. Sean said he loved your letter you sent and can't wait to actually talk in Spanish with you at Christmas. I don't know if he was able to write you back or not, but I know he really enjoyed hearing from you. He mentioned your letter again in a handwritten letter we got yesterday. You're a great brother and set such a wonderful example. Keep up the good work and remain true to the faith.
I love you a bunch.
mom
xoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxox
une 12, 2007
Dear Elder Kirk,
How has your week been? I have to say I've been thinking about you a lot lately and I'll tell you why. Alex went to Helaman Academy last week, his first year. Well, of course he came back with his head shaved and I can't believe how much he looks like you now. Everybody is saying that. I went into his room to wake him up the other day and I saw you sleeping in the bed. He's really changing as he's getting taller and older and I never would have guessed that he'd look so much like you. I told him maybe his hair will even grow back curly. He's at a friends house tonight for a 16th b-day party. All his friends are turning 16 now, so they have these big bashes.
Dad and Alex said the academies were great, as usual. Alex really enjoyed his first year. Our ward did well in all the events, so Alex never had to eat any weird food. He said Bro. Shaw gave a really good talk about Joseph Smith too.
Last weekend was Eagle Fun Days. We all went to the parade. We sat with the Sorensen's. It was perfect weather this year, not too hot, not too cold. The girls got drenched from the fire trucks which they loved. The wet part of the parade was really long this year.
On sunday I went to one of Sean's roommate's farewells, Brandon McKell. He's going to Brazil. He flies straight from Boise to Brazil to the CTM there.
Sean only has a couple weeks left in the MTC. We got his hand written letter yesterday. He sounds really good and in good spirits. He has a small list of things for us to get to him before he leaves. We're going to try and get as many things to him now while it's easy to ship. We hear horror stories about trying to send packages to Argentina. We've been spoiled with how easy it is to get things to you. Speaking of that, have you gotten the bank card yet? Just let me know.
How are Andres and his wife doing? How about Altagracia? I think it's a great idea that you are including the ward members, the bishopric, etc and taking them with you to make your visits. That makes a huge difference in member retention. And it only makes sense that everyone likes to feel welcomed and at least know a few people when they go some place new.
I hope you've been able to keep cool. Has there been any more rain? We actually had one whole day of rain last Sunday. couldn't believe we got that much, but it sure is needed. The shed is coming along. The VanWagenens are working hard. It will probably be finished by the end of this week.
Can you believe we don't even have our garden in yet. We've been holding off until the shed is done. Dad is growing some plants in the basement in the laundry room with a special light. We usually try to get the garden going right after Mother's Day. I hope we don't miss our window of opportunity.
Leah is enjoying her "new school" Sylvan. She loves getting the tokens and then making her purchases for fun toys. They are so supportive there and it's really what Leah needs. She struggles with learning, but she sure has a big heart and always wants to please and do good. Sometimes she acts before she thinks though and it gets her into trouble. She's working hard on that so she can be ready to be baptized in the fall.
I've been busy with the kids home. Took Alex all around today getting his paperwork he needed to get his driver's permit. He starts drivers ed on July 2nd. He's more than ready to start driving. I've also been typing quite a few patriarchal blessings lately. I guess there's a little bit of a rush at the end of the school year. Anyway, it's really been keeping my fingers busy. I really love that calling and working with the patriarch.
I'm also starting my work on the 11 yr old scout day camp. I'm trying to get all the instructors lined up. Wish you were here to help teach the lashing class. I had Scott McCauley do it last year. He's getting married in 2 weeks and will be staying in our ward living at his parents for the summer.
It sounds like from your letter that you're getting to the point in your mission where you can see the end in sight but really love what you're doing and would like to keep it going. I love the dream you had. Three months is still a lot of time to get a lot of work done, so keep working hard, but you really have been a tremendous missionary and I'm sure will continue to be so throughout your life.
Dad and I would really like to travel to the DR right after your release date and spend a few days with you there, then come home. We won't show up until after you've had your last meetings with the President, etc. and we don't plan on staying there a long time, but we'd love to be able to see a little of what you're experiencing and maybe meet a few people. I hope that doesn't feel awkward to you or make you uncomfortable in any way. I would never want that. Just let us know. You're our first missionary, Kirk, so we're just trying to figure things out too. We might have to make it a little tradition or something.
I'll send you some pix of the academy in another email. Hope you enjoy them. It's fun seeing all the boys around town with their new haircuts. You can tell who's been at the academies. :)
If there's anyone you'd like me to pray for that you're working with, let me know. I love you and miss you. Have a great week.
Love you much,
mom
xoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxox
June 19, 2007
Dear Elder Kirk,
Well, I guess we're practically officially in summer again. It sure feels like it. It's supposed to be in the 90's all week. But luckily for us, we're taking a little vacation to a place in Oregon called Wallowa Lake. It's only supposed to be in the 70's there. Yippee. We rented a cabin there for 3 nights and 4 days, kind of like how we did when we went to Redfish Lake. This place is supposed to be a lot bigger though. There's a city nearby that you can go to to shop and eat, play mini golf, bumper boats, etc. There's lots of hiking trails and also horseback riding too. So I think it sounds like a lot of fun. Jared Westerberg and his family just went there and they loved it. They actually go there often. that's how we heard about it. We'll let you know next week what it was like and send you pictures.
We have Brandon Robertson here for a few days. He's in town visiting his dad and brother. Alex loves having him here. They've been riding their bikes downtown for icees and playing video games and basketball.
As for the rest of the family, I'm trying to keep them all occupied. It's kind of hard especially when it gets too hot to play outside. Yes, I know...we need a pool. We say that every summer. But we got a slip-n-slide instead.
We had a nice Father's Day. In the morning, we made dad some egg, sausage, potato goulash. Then he opened presents. He, of course, got a new tie and also a tie pin. Me and Alex gave him this thing called Wolverine. It's kind of like an iPod but it has 100G and can hold movies, pictures, record shows from TV, records audio, music and it's real easy to create a slide show and just plug it into the TV to show your slides. Dad is always having a hard time when he wants to speak at a fireside or give a lesson and he can't seem to get his pictures from our computer to show up on the TV's. so hopefully this will help. Wish you were here to help him learn it, but Alex says he now knows more electronically than you do since you've been gone so long. We'll see. I remember how easy anything electronic is for you. For Father's Day dinner we had BBQ chicken pizza, corn on the cob and Frito salad. Kristina made some gooey chocolate cookies for dessert.
We got a new pair of Propets in the mail last week, so if you want me to send them to you I can. If not, I'll just keep them here.
The shed in the backyard is almost finished. It looks really good. We have to paint it the same color as our house. It will be so nice to have a spot to put all the equipment.
Sounds like your zone conference was really good. So what was your talk about that you didn't have to give? The lesson your president talked about is one I always have to learn over and over again. I catch myself thinking that when there's a problem I wish the other person would change and sometimes I even try to change them, but then I remember that if I just change how I think about things and change my reactions and myself then the problem always seems to either go away or get better. Thanks for sharing that with us cuz it's a great reminder to me.
Hopefully by now you've gotten at least one pkg. I can't believe that I sent the wrong card to you. I wasn't thinking. At least now you've got a full fledged credit card and when you get back home, you can use it and pay it off quickly so that you can start building up your credit. When you pay things on time you get a good credit score which means it's a lot easier to buy a home or start up a business and get a loan if you need it.
We got a letter from Sean yesterday. He sounds like he's really ready to go to Argentina. He'll be flying over your place Monday evening...
I talked with Aunt Susan yesterday. Brig is going to come to our place after EFY, so we're trying to coordinate our plans. She said Trevor graduated from HS last week. It's hard to believe he's already out of high school.
I talked with Grandpa Trumbo over the weekend too. He and grandma just got called to a mission in their area. They're in charge of the missionaries in their area and their apartments. It's a 2-year calling just like yours. He's excited about it. He loves working with the missionaries and with young adults. He'll be good at making sure that the missionaries all keep their apartments clean and in good working order too. So now we have another missionary in the family.
Here are some tips for the week:
1. Need a diversionary tactic to minimize the practice time at district and zone meetings? Ask a lot of questions!
2. When you're having difficulties with a companion, realize that God loves him as much as He loves and cares for you.
3. During discussions, bear testimony of what your companion has just taught.
4. Don't take yourself too seriously.
5. Be the type of missionary your parents think you are.
Well, I hope your week has been good. I'm hoping to hear news soon that Andres has set a date for baptism or at least for marriage. I can't wait to hear your stories. My prayers are with you and your companion always. Have a charitable week!!
Love you,
mom
xoxoxooxoxoxooxoxoxooxoxooxoxooxoxoo
June 26, 2007
Dear Elder Kirk,
So, yes, it's very hot here now. The kids run through the sprinklers, use the slip and slide and beg to go to Uncle Bill's. Sounds good to me. I'm taking the cubs on a bike ride down the Greenbelt this week too. We'll probably melt.
So how was your week? I guess you can see by Sean's emails that he's left the MTC and is down in Argentina now. We haven't heard from him. I wish we would get some word from his mission home that he got there safely, but I guess no news is good news. I hope he's doing well. You probably remember well your first week out of the MTC. I think you had it better though since you were used to being in the country already.
Sean spoke a little Spanish for us on the phone when he called from the Atlanta airport and he used the Cordoba accent which is a really strong singing accent. He almost sounded a little Italian Spanish. You guys will have fun talking to each other. Sean said he felt at home in the Atlanta airport and could even feel the humidity seeping through the walls.
We got our letter from your mission president too. I was actually a little sad seeing that you had a release date even though I'm excited for you to be home again too. I guess we have to contact the travel office and let them know we'll be traveling home with you. So we'll get on that.
How fun that you got to do splits with another elder especially someone that you knew from the beginning of your mission. Was it a new area of Moca that you were working in? I love your story about the lady who had watched you guys talking with other people and wondered about what you were teaching. Did you get a chance to go back and talk with her? I was also so impressed that Andres paid tithing before even being a member. That's one of the more difficult commandments for even the members sometimes. Andres is already showing great faith.
Well, we had a great week. Got to have a mini vacation. We went to Wallowa Lake in northeastern Oregon and it was beautiful there. It was like McCall only without the crowds. Our cabin was great. 3 bedrooms and 3 baths and right on the lake. Every day a deer came down out of the mountains and walked in our yard and got water from the lake. We loved watching it. Also there were tons of little chipmunk like squirrels who loved Reeses Pieces cereal that the girls fed them. One even got into our house and ran across mine and dad's bed in the early morning. Quite a strange feeling having a little critter run across your feet in bed. There were lots of hiking trails and that's what we did each day. We hiked to waterfalls as usual. The little girls did a good job and were able to walk quite a ways without complaining. We also played mini golf and went bowling and swam and paddle boated and fished. On Sunday we went to the ward close to there and it reminded us a lot of Hilton Head. Same type building and they were obviously very used to visitors coming during the summer. Everyone agrees that we should go back there some day, so maybe you can make the trip with us next time. I'll send a few pix in another email.
I'm trying to get back to reality here now. Here's what your brother and sisters are up to for the summer.
Alex-drivers ed, EFY, high adventure, parties, stake dances, PSP, working in the yard with dad, choir camp, voice lessons, playing golf and keeping me company.
Kristina-piano lessons, babysitting (for me and for other families now), jump rope club, girls camp for one night with dad.
Leah-sylvan, swim lessons, karate, jump rope club, slip and sliding, eating tons of Otter Pops.
Nikki-swim lessons, dance class, slip and sliding, watching food network with mom (one of her favorite things to do now), Otter Pop eating, losing teeth (she just lost another one yesterday).
When Nikki pulled out her tooth yesterday at dinner, she got so concerned about the blood that she accidentally dropped the tooth on the floor and along came Barkley who picked it up and ate it. We couldn't believe it. Alex joked that he would wait for it to show up and get it back for Nikki in a couple days. Nikki wasn't very happy about this. Then all of a sudden Barkley walked over by Kristina and the tooth dropped out of his mouth. He was about to pick it up again when we all yelled for her to pick it up. Luckily Kristina was quick enough and got the tooth for Nikki. She was very happy to have something for the tooth fairy.
Dad has been busy at work these past couple days and then he goes straight from there to the church. So he's home later in the evenings.
Here are some tips for the week:
1. Spend a week studying 2 Nephi 9.
2. Remember names, not numbers.
3. Resist the urge to read or view anti-Mormon material. some missionaries may say it will hep you be a better missionary, but all it does is fill your mind with false doctrines and uncertainty.
4. Try to have your investigators talk about 50% of the time when you teach a discussion.
Well, we are all well here and anxious as usual to hear from you this week. I read a quote that I like from Elder Oaks about our treasures in heaven and it made me think of you. "The Savior taught that we should not lay up treasures on earth but should lay up treasures in heaven (see Matt. 6:19-21). In light of the ultimate purpose of the great plan of happiness, I believe that the ultimate treasures on earth and in heaven are our children and our posterity."
You are definitely my treasure on earth. Keep up the strong faith and remember to share your testimony often. Remember that sometimes your strongest testimony will be shared through your actions and remember who you are working for and representing.
I love you so much. Have a spirit-filled week.
mom
xoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
July 3, 2007
Dear Elder Kirk,
I'm so anxious to hear how you're doing in your new area. We found it on the map and we even read about the city in our DR book we have. Sounds like those pulgas are a happening place. Is there a ward there or two? Give me some details.
So tell us a little about your new companion. It doesn't sound like you're a trainer any more since you knew him in one of your other zones. Has he been in Dajabon long? Our window washer (sorry I don't know his name) said your city is dry and hot. I doubt that means no humidity, but is it a lot different than other places you've served?
We got our windows cleaned the other day and one of the owners of the window washing place noticed our map of the DR and asked if we had a missionary there. He said about 10 years ago he went to the Santiago DR mission. So he was really excited to learn that you were there. He worked in the office the last few months of his mission so he got to see most cities in the mission and told us all about the places you've served. We showed him some of your pictures too. His parents came and picked him up and he told us some of the places he went with his parents. Then he went back to the DR about 3 years ago. So anyway, it was a lot of fun talking with him. Jared Westerberg works for him and he also was here cleaning our windows. You should see how great they look. Some of them haven't been cleaned since we moved in. I told Alex to get a job with them. They said they'll need someone to take Jared's place when he leaves on his mission, so we'll see...
Well, I have a few minutes of peace and quiet right now. Kristina is babysitting for the Kents, Alex is golfing, Leah and Nikki are at Billy and Fisher's and dad is at the church. We went out earlier and dad bought a bunch of fireworks for tomorrow. I can't remember if I told you this already, but we're going to go to Andrea Jones's house for a bbq and shoot off fireworks. Her dad loves to grill and has bought a huge amount of meat, so he wants us to come very hungry. The Westerberg's will be there too. Jared's mom has been calling and asking questions about getting ready for a mission. I guess I have some answers now that I have two of you out in the field. Jared is her first and she said she already started crying when she went to Petersen's Clothing to buy his suits. She's in trouble. :)
It's going to be in the 100's this week, so I'm going to have to call Aunt Nancy and check about using their pool a couple days or else we're all going to melt.
Sean sounds good in his emails. We got one today that I forwarded to you. He told us his p-day was Wed like yours, so when we got a letter today it kind of threw me off. Now he says his pday is Monday. I hadn't even sent him a letter yet this week, so I feel badly.
Last weekend I went to Matt Dykman's wedding reception, he said to say hi. Remember I told you he married Elizabeth Moore, Monte's older sister. So I went because I'm good friends with Elizabeth's mom through quilting. Elizabeth's sister Kathryn is also getting married in a couple months.
Alex is in the middle of drivers ed now. He says it's pretty fun and the teachers are pretty entertaining. He goes out driving for the first time this Friday. He's driving with Quinn Hugentobler. They have a new law now that you have to drive with your parents for 6 months after you get your permit. Remember you just had to do 4. And also if you're under 17, you can only have one other person in the car with you. So I'm pretty happy about the changes. When you get home, he'll be able to drive with you in the car which will be good. I hope you can remember how to drive. Has it been a while?
The ward is doing well. The singles branch is now a ward and they have a pretty good amount each week. Of course, it's summer time. Do you ever hear from Jason? I don't see him much. Hopefully he's keeping busy.
Our ward isn't growing any more since we don't have any new subdivisions, so it's kind of weird staying the same size. The real estate market has taken a huge dive lately and no one can sell their home. Last year everyone was selling in one or two days, now houses have been on the market for a year. The people that need to move are really frustrated. It's pretty much that way all across the US right now. There are a lot of people in the building business who are suffering right now. No one can predict how long it will last.
Well, that's about it for around here. What are you studying right now, what book or scripture? Just curious. Here are some tips for the week:
1. To get through companion study faster, play the Missionary Guide tapes on high speed. (do you guys use those?)
2. Don't create problems for the next set of missionaries who will move into your area.
3. When you have 138 days left, begin reading the D&C from the back--one section a day. (a little late for that, but you could start at about Section 80)
4.On your final Valentine's Day in the mission field, realize that next year's Valentine's Day will probably be just as lonely. :)
I hope the work is going well for you and your companion and that the members are there for you. Look for small acts of service wherever you go and keep using the gifts you've been given. If you need to, write down the gifts you feel you have now. And remember, your smile always warms hearts. I know that from experience. You are in our prayers.
Have a week full of gratitude.
I love you,
mom
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoox
July 10, 2007
Dear Elder Kirk,
Well, I hope you were able to sort out the debit card situation. Let me know if there's any problems and I can send you another card of yours that I have personally tried here and know that it works at ATM's.
We are hot, hot hot here. It's been in the 100's for quite a while now and most everyone is tired of it and would like a little break. At least it cools off just a bit at night. The girls are outside right now playing in the sprinklers with Fisher. They're pretending it's a hurricane coming when the sprinklers come around and hit them. When Sean wrote this week, he said it was snowing there in Argentina. Can you believe it? Snow in July.
Leah and Nikki are in swim lessons at Rocky Mtn this week and next. Leah is really looking like a pretty good swimmer and that's good since she's the one that wants to be on a swim team some day. Nikki is still trying to get the hang of things but she's trying. Alex just got home from his interview with dad to be ordained a priest and dad's still at the church. I'm trying to finish Alex's 16th birthday photo album without him finding out about it. It's like the one I made for you when you turned 16. It's a lot of work especially when you're trying not to let him see you working on it. I've been doing it while he's been at drivers ed.
His drivers ed has been going well and he's even driving now too with the instructors. They say he's doing well and he really likes driving. With the new law though he won't be able to drive alone until January.
Dad has been busy outside working on his new shed. He's organizing it, painting it and now he's starting to organize the garden. We're putting it in a tad late this year but hopefully we'll have some produce. At least something to make salsa from.
Our 4th of July celebration was fun. We went to Andrea Jones's house and her dad bbq'd and then everyone set off their fireworks. The highlight firework for me was this one called Army Men. There was a firework up in the sky and then all of a sudden all these army men with parachutes dropped from the sky. It was so cool. We'll definitely have to get that one again. Sounds like your 4th was pretty fun too in Monte Cristi.
So now you're in the desert. That's go to feel weird after being in the jungle for so long. And it's right in the middle of the summer. You're probably acclimated by now to the heat, but Dajabon sounds like a hot place, not to mention all those pesky mosquitos. Have you been able to find some good investigators? I've been reading a lot of missionary letters from some of Sean's friends and sons of some of my friends and I hope you know how blessed you are to be in a place where the missionaries are loved. It's certainly not that way everywhere else. You're having a wonderful experience being able to talk with so many people and to be welcomed into their homes. Even here in Boise I'm sure it's really difficult for the elders to find people to let them in.
I'm glad to hear you and Elder Smith are working well together. I'm sure you've made some great friends who will be friends for life.
The family is well here. Barkley is continually shedding. I don't think he stops shedding now. But at least he lets me vacuum him. He kind of likes that. We also bought this brush that gets wads of fur off of him. We do it outside and I think the birds love it and use the fur for their nests. Must be nice comfy nests.
Grandma Thompson just called and she said to say hello. They all love reading your letters. I started this website where we all post pictures from our families, so it's been fun seeing each other's pix. If you send some, I'll put them on there too.
Well, not much else different going on. It's hard thinking of things to keep the girls busy in this heat since they can't really go outside during the afternoons. Yes, I know, we should get a pool. We think about it every summer. But then it cools off and we get over it. :)
Dad and Kristina are going to girls camp tomorrow for 2 days. Kristina isn't officially old enough yet, but she gets to go with dad and loves it. A lot of her friends are there this year, but she missed the cutoff. Their camp is at a really nice place this year, with cabins and everything. Not exactly roughing it, right? I always had cabins when I was in Young Women, so I can't complain. It was a lot of fun and I'm excited for our girls to have the experience.
I hope you are finding success in your labors. The people in the DR sound like an easy people to love and that they have a natural love for others in them also. A "happy people" as they say in Samoa. Enjoy the work and remember who's side you are on. With God everything is possible.
I love you much. Take care of yourself and those around you.
mom
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoox
July 17, 2007
Dear Elder Kirk,
How has the high desert been treating you this week? Are you feeling at home in Dajabon yet? You always seem so at ease with every place you've moved to. It was great to hear that you found lots of new people to teach last week. How are they coming along? Did you end up having a baptism this past weekend?
So what do you have to do to set up a branch in Manzanilla? About how many active members live there? What stake would they be part of?
We're all doing well here other than the miserable heat wave that is still going on, no end in sight. Alex is at EFY this week with Brig Starr as his roommate. He called the first night and said things were going well. Jay Smack is actually in his group too. I hope they have a fun time. I'm going to Provo tomorrow, have to make the drive all by myself. Jodie was going to go with me but now she can't go. So I'm taking some books on tape to listen to. That usually makes the time go by fast since I won't have anyone to talk to. I'm going to stay with Steve and Carolina. I'll just spend Thurs and Fri visiting friends and shopping, etc then pick up the boys on Saturday morning. We'll probably go out to breakfast then head up to G & G Thompson's for a short visit, then we'll head home. I want to get home Saturday because Jared Westerberg's farewell is the next morning and I've promised him I'd go to listen to him.
Alex says he wants to go to a smaller EFY next year and see what it's like. I told him how much you and Sean liked Santa Barbara especially because of the size of the group. Around 350 people compared to 1000 at BYU. You had a small group in ATlanta too.
Before Alex left, we had a birthday party for him here at the house. We rented an inflatable slip and slide and a snow cone machine. How can you not have a great party with those two things! He had about 15 friends come and it was fun. We bbq'd hamburgers and hot dogs and we got him a Transformer cake since that is now Alex's favorite movie. Dad and I went to see the movie last weekend and I actually liked it. I was sure that I wasn't going to like it, so I was pleasantly surprised. I worked super hard and managed to get his scrapbook photo album done in time for his party too. So all went well that day. We had the slip n slide from 9 in the morning and they didn't pick it up until the next day. We had the snow cone machine all weekend, so we ate plenty of snow cones. They tasted good especially in the heat.
Sunday Alex got ordained a priest and right after Sacrament I took him to the airport so he could fly to SLC. Charmaine and Lanny picked him up and he had dinner at G & G Thompson's. Then Charmaine took him to Steve and Carolina's for the night. Sunday night we had the Hugentobler's over for snow cones and while we were sitting on the porch, the Teuscher's showed up with homemade ice cream. I love the summer time.
I'm glad you were able to find some new white shirts. Did you buy them at the flea market there? or at a store?
This week while I'm gone, Alyssa Taylor is going to help babysit the girls while dad is at work. The little girls are very excited about that. They rarely get to have a babysitter other than Kristina and Alex, so they think this is a real treat and are very excited. I just need her to help drive them to swim lessons and take them to the pioneer celebration this Saturday. Do they even celebrate Pioneer Day down there?
Well, that's about it for this week. Always something going on here, but that's how I love it. I love hearing from you each week. I'd love to see some pictures of your new area if you have some. I'll try to send some pix of Alex's b-day bash next week. I haven't even downloaded them to the computer yet. I hope things are going well for you and your companion.
I am so proud of you and love feeling a part of your mission as you share your stories with us. Thank you for sharing your testimony too. These are things that you may never know what an impact they make on members of your family. Remember as always, our prayers are with you.
hasta luego--
Love you,
mom
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
July 24, 2007
Dear Elder Kirk,
So how are you this week? How has the work been going in your area? Are you teaching much? So you're going to have changes in your mission, huh? Have they taken effect already? What are you going to do without a maid? That's too bad, not just for you, but also for the women who were getting paid for their work. How is Elder Bertrand's foot fungus. How come he had to stay in the house, that seems a bit harsh.
We are doing well here. We had a little break from the weather today and it was only in the 90's. But over the weekend I thought about you because our hot water broke on Sunday morning just as we were getting ready for church. Dad braved the cold water but I borrowed the neighbor's house while they were out of town. I felt so funny using their shower, but I just couldn't go without. Now we know a little of how you feel with cold showers. I'm really spoiled.
I went to Provo last week and had a fun time staying at Steve and Carolina's. I just shopped, met friends for lunch, went to the movies with Steve and Carolina and shopped some more. Then on Sat I picked up Alex, Brig and Jake Jensen and brought them home. We stopped at G & G Thompson's on the way too. Alex had a really fun time at EFY. He said the dances and speakers were the best. He loves going to dances. He and Brig are going to the stake dance this weekend.
Tomorrow afternoon the priests and teachers are going on their high adventure to Deadwood to go mountain biking for a few days. Dad is going with them. That's why Brig came home with us, so he could go to high adventure. He'll go home next Tues and on Wed we'll head out for Calif for Maria's wedding.
I went to Jared Westerberg's farewell last sunday. It was good. He's anxious to get going to Chile. We also went to his house that evening to visit with his family. He's like a son and is such a good friend to Sean. His mom is very emotional about it and I know how she feels so I try to comfort her.
Alex finished his drivers ed class and now he has to take the test on Aug 14 to get his permit, then he starts driving with us. Kristina is busy making money by babysitting, watering people's plants while they are out of town, and watching dogs for neighbors too. Leah did really well with her swim lessons. She and Nikki just play basically all day, with each other, with Kristina, with Billy and Fisher. they stay up late and sleep in a bit, aaah, the summer life.
Dad is busy between the ER, the garden and bishoping. I'm still the chauffeur, the part-time cook(I don't cook as much during the summer), the referee, the counselor, the quilter, the typer, the pianist, the entertainer, etc.
We have been working with a travel agency getting times and dates for our travel to the DR. We're pretty excited and as soon as we know our plans for sure, we'll let you know. It looks like we'll probably be there for about a week flying into Santiago and flying out of Puerta Plata. If you have a good idea for a hotel to stay at while we're in Santiago and in Puerta Plata, let us know.
Uncle Dave just called me for my bday. He was talking about you and Sean's letters. He can't believe how much you both write cuz he said he hardly wrote anything home. He wanted to know if you guys were fast typers. I told him you have always been good on the computer and it was just natural for you. He said to say hi.
Everything else is going well here at home. It will be just us girls in the house for a few days, so it will be a bit lonely here.
How are the saints in Manzanilla doing? Do you think they're ready to become a branch there? It's always great when that happens because it gives a lot of people opportunities for leadership responsibilities and usually they become a much stronger people. I hope things go well there and in Dajabon.
I think about you all the time and try to imagine what you're doing, who you're talking to, how you're feeling, etc. I still know you are in the right place and doing the right thing. It's amazing how we feel blessed as a family because of the work you are doing. Continue writing in your journal not just your daily activities, but how things make you feel, the people you've become friends with and have shared your testimony with and the knowledge you've gained.
Stay true to your covenants, you will be blessed.
Take care, our prayers are with you.
Love you,
mom
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoox
July 31, 2007
Dear Elder Kirk,
Well, I'm here packing everyone so we can be ready to take off for CA tomorrow morning. I took Brig to the airport today and it's weird to think we'll be seeing him tomorrow in his house. We're going to be staying with Jan and Jeff this time since Steve and his family will be staying with Susan in the big house. We'll probably be down there every day though since the main thing the kids want to do is swim and see more cousins. Dad's at work and he says he's so sorry that he's been slacking in writing to you. He said to send his love and told me to send you pix of high adventure, which I did. He's going to be very tired tomorrow on the plane. He's been working very hard lately. We'll be back next Tues so I'll have plenty of stories for you next week.
So how was your week? You sounded so great in your last letter. How are your investigators doing that you found last week? You've grown so much in the gospel and in missionary work and it's exciting to hear. Do you still go into Manzanilla every week?
Dad and Alex and Brig had a great time at high adventure. Dad's clutch broke on the way up to Deadwood, but somehow he managed to drive his truck home, I guess it was pretty much downhill all the way. We got the clutch fixed but it's still a little touchy, so we'll see. We might have to take it in again. Bro. Jensen had great games, hikes, bike rides, movies (Nocho Libre), food (Ashton was able to get a great deal on steaks, ribs and bacon from Albertson's where he works). Everyone seemed to have a wonderful time and it was nice and cool up in the mountains. Dad and the leaders got to sleep in Bro. Perry's RV, real tough camping, huh?
Sunday night we had a fireside at the stake center. Pres. McCauley talked to all the adults in the stake about the standards of the youth and their recommendations on how we should be raising our children and keeping them safe from all the onslaughts of evil that are in the world today. It's getting so bad out there and we need to make our homes a safe haven, free from the outside influences. Pres. Stafford talked about the problems with TV's, movies, ipods, video games, cell phones, computers, basically anything with a screen and how we can guard ourselves from the bad part of those. Pres. McCauley spoke on chastity and the problems he's seeing with the youth and adults in his office. It was an excellent talk, I'm going to ask him for a copy of it. He spoke very plainly and openly even though some of it was shocking to hear. He said if we put up fences in our families and we are the only ones with those fences, the kids will feel locked in, but if all of us in the stake put up the same fences that we could become a stronger people and stay strong together. We have a great stake presidency, very in tune with the spirit.
Kristina had to take care of the Thomas's house last week, so we got to use their pool. It felt soooo good. The girls are doing so much better now in the pool since their swim lessons. Leah actually did her first dive off the board and Nikki did her first jump off the board into the deep end and swam by herself to the edge of the pool. The girls said I was the best one doing handstands in the pool. I guess all that work when I was young swimming at our neighbors and friend's houses paid off. ha ha I'm hoping they go out of town again soon and ask Kristina to water the plants again.
I went for my first manicure and pedicure today with Jodie. It was fun. When the lady was doing my feet, I kept laughing. She was from Viet Nam and couldn't speak much English, and I would jerk a little when she'd massage my feet and she thought she was hurting me, but I kept telling her it tickled. I was trying to be mature about it, but it really tickled. It was a fun luxury to have that done today. Jodie's a good friend.
While we're in CA, we're going to take the kids to Disneyland. The little girls have never been there so I think every kid deserves a trip to Disney in their life. They are so excited about it especially when they see anything Disney in a commercial on TV. Leah wants to ride the rollercoasters. You know our family, she may end up being the only one on the ride. Nikki's a true Thompson and has to go to the bathroom just before a big ride or anything scary, but Leah's kind of game for things. Maybe we can pay Alex to go on the rides with her. I doubt he'll go... We'll also be going to Maria's wedding on Friday night. You'll like her fiance, James. He's a fun guy.
Well, I better sign off. Jill Erickson is on her way over so I can show her what to water while we're gone. Barkley's probably already shaking knowing that he has to go to the kennel. I think he senses something's up when he sees the suitcases all over the place.
Have a great week, Kirk. Your strong spirit lifts mine and I look forward to every letter every week. Continue to obey with exactness and the blessings will come.
Love you,
mom
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
August 7, 2007
Dear Elder Kirk,
Our week went by really fast, how about yours? We had a great time in CA as usual with the cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents. We swam, went to the beach for a bbq, went to Maria's wedding, went to church with grandma and grandpa, had a big dinner at Susan's, game night, a trip to Disney with the family, shopping, etc. Maria and James' wedding was wonderful. She had it at a beautiful country club in Camarillo, CA. James is so good for her. He's a fun, christian man who seems to bring out the best in Maria. Since she's older now, she's very anxious to start having children.
All the cousins said to say hi to you and they're anxious for your return. We stayed at Jan and Jeff's this time and that was fun. The little girls really enjoyed their first trip to Disney. It was pretty crowded on the Disney side, but we just tried to plow through and went on as many rides as we could that didn't have too long of a wait. The California Adventure side was wonderful, not crowded at all. We all loved Soaring over CA and went on it twice. We were at Disney from about 8:30 in the morning until 9:45pm. It was a long day, but luckily it always cools down in the evenings in CA. I don't think we'll ever try a Disney trip in the summer again though.
The cousins have all grown taller. Brig claims he's the only one who hasn't grown, not so sure that's true. Tyler and Trevor are thinking about coming up here to ID for a visit before they have to start college. I hope they make it here. Some sort of big road trip they're planning. Isaac and Bethany and Heidi and Cameron are all graduating from BYU at the end of this year, so they're going through the ceremony "walking" in the end of August. Heidi and Cameron are going back east to DC to do an internship this fall. That will be a fun place for them to do that.
Allen and his new wife Lisa look so happy together. She seems so good for him and for their precious family. Allen is just all smiles now and it's great to see. It was the first time we got to meet her. I hope they will come up for Thanksgiving with us this year.
Toni's girls are all beautiful. McKenna and Joe are planning on getting married in a year or two, Patrice is working in SLC now but living in Provo. She's open for any of us to set her up on dates. Sam is really getting tall now and he's only 13.
It was fun talking with Mary. She's working at Disney in one of the restaurants in Downtown Disney. She's so cute and bubbly all the time. She and Alex and David hung out a lot at their house. David has decided to quit high school and take the exit exam and start college. He's already taken a few courses. He just didn't like high school at all. He'd love to go to BYU-I sometime.
The photographer for Maria's wedding who also happens to be married to her best friend, is from the DR. So dad talked with him a little bit. He just returned from there a couple of weeks ago. He was going to ask his brother who lives in the DR for the name of a few good hotels in Puerta Plata for us to stay at. We'll let you know what he says. He was very friendly.
Sounds like you've really been working hard there lately and I know it will bring blessings. How was your week? Did you get to teach a lot. I hope so. We think of you so often even when we're on vacation. You're such a big part of our lives even though you're far away and you know you're always in our prayers. The DR has a big place in our hearts.
I hope and your companion are well and anxiously engaged in good causes. Stay true to your covenants. Until next week...
I love you,
mom
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
August 14, 2007
Dear Elder Kirk,
Even though your bday isn't for another week, it's officially the beginning of your birthday week, so enjoy. I remember when you turned 19, there weren't very many things on your bday list since you were just about to leave on your mission and now it's the same way. Your needs and wants are small and you're focused on the work you are doing.
We are back into the swing of things now back home from our vacation to CA. It seems like we are busier than ever. Trevor and Tyler are keeping things jumping here. You know Trevor, he always wants to be somewhere social. Tonight they went to a bday party with Alex. They don't care that they don't know anyone, they just want to socialize. In the morning Tyler and Alex are going to go to the cannery and work a shift. Trevor said he wants to sleep in. Tyler even helped mow our lawn today. They're both fun young men looking forward to serving missions pretty soon. Today Alex, Trevor and Tyler went shopping at Saver's, then to the mall, then they went to Del Taco for Taco tuesday where you can buy 3 tacos for a dollar. They said the man in front of them in line bought 60 tacos!
Alex got his drivers permit tonight. I went to his class with him and he got to drive home. He's a good driver. They have to drive with a permit for 6 months now instead of 4 and when they get their license they can't have more than one other person in the car with them for at least 6 months.
Kristina and Leah have been taking a jump rope class in Meridian. They love it. I love watching them. They are both getting so good and can do double dutch great. I'm going to buy double dutch ropes so the 3 girls can practice and have fun together. On Friday, which is the last day of the class, they are going to have the parents there to watch their tricks, etc. It should be fun. I used to love to jump rope as a little girl. I can remember doing it every day with my friends. Nikki wasn't old enough to take the class, but she definitely wants to take it next year. She says she wants to take a cheerleading class too. I actually think she has some musical talent and will be good at the piano. Leah might be tone deaf, I'm not sure.
I'm busy getting things ready for my 11 yr old scout day camp which is this Saturday. It's at Eagle Island State Park and should be fun. The rotations will be canoeing, axe throwing, archery, lashing (building a monkey bridge), first aid and camping. We're going to have a yell competition, a game, a relay during first aid and a knot tying game. Dad is teaching the first aid class of course and I've asked him to conduct too and give a scoutmaster's minute at the end. Alex will be conducting the axe throwing station. They're both a big help to me. We have 45 boys from the stake coming.
It was fun seeing Justin Sypherd this past Sunday. He looks exactly the same, like time stood still. Sounds like he really enjoyed living in the South and it brought back a lot of memories just listening to him. Kathryn Moore got married over the weekend, but I wasn't able to go to her reception cuz dad and I had a date with the priest quorum. Alex's quorum had a date night and each one had to show up with a date to Bro. Rasmussen's. Alex wasn't so happy about it since it was going to be his first date and now he has to say that his parents were on his first date. It was fun though. After a bbq, we all played this game called Mafia which is really big right now. We played it with the cousins in CA also. Then we played a fun game of kickball. Dad and I took off early so we could leave Alex some alone time (well, alone with all the other priests and their dates!)
The kids start school in less than 2 weeks. Kristina is excited to have a locker, Alex is excited to be an upper classmen, Leah is anxious to go to a new school (Galileo Math and Science Magnet School) and Nikki is hoping to get accepted into first grade. I really hope they let her go. She's very ready academically (maybe not so much socially).
I am anxious to start making quilts for a woman in CA who works in the courts and sees many children who are taken away from their families. She wants some quilts to give to them so at least they have something happy or positive from going through a horrible experience. My quilt group, the Material Girls, are going to make quilts each month and I'll mail them to her in CA for her to give out. Most the kids she sees there are between 4 and 17 years old. It's fun making quilts for such a good cause.
Well, that's about all. There's always something going on but you know how it is. Real joy comes when you are anxiously engaged in good causes. I consider my family to be the best of all causes and I love you all very much. I hope you have felt successful this week and that you are enjoying the work. Take care and continue to "search, ponder and pray".
Love you much,
mom
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxox
August 21, 2007
Dear Elder Kirk,
Well, we had fun thinking about you all day today. 21 years old. How wonderful that you can turn 21 in the mission field. Did your ward treat you kindly?
We are busy getting ready for school to begin next Monday. This summer flew by probably because we were busy all the time. Trevor and Tyler left our house Thurs night. We went swimming at Bill and Nancy's on Thurs. I haven't talked with Nancy for quite a while so it was nice catching up on news with her. They're going on a cruise through the Mediterranean in Sept. about the same time we'll be in the Caribbean. But they'll be back in time to come to our ward when you report on your mission. The day before Alex and Trevor and Tyler did a shift at the cannery doing peaches. They worked so hard and it was fun to hear their stories about working on the assembly line. It was hard work for them and they were so tired when they got home.
My 11 yr old Day Camp went smoothly and it was fun. I've heard back from a few people about how fun it was. This year in the lashing class they not only built a monkey bridge but also a catapult which was fun. Alex manned the axes as usual and one boy said Alex was the best part of Day Camp. He's really funny with the boys.
Tomorrow I'm taking our Bear den to Cabella's, a giant sports warehouse here in Boise. They're going to go on a tour there. They have lots of stuffed animals, an aquarium, an archery range, a small food store and much more there so it should be fun.
Alex is across the street at the Poulson's. Were they in the house when you lived here? I can't remember. Anyway, they have a son Alex's age, so he's over there right now making cookies from scratch. I guess they like baking. Either that or they're super hungry. Alex is trying to get his Eagle project written up. He's having a hard time. I think he could use your help but I've asked him to try and get it done before school starts so he's got a deadline.
He's got his drivers permit now and is doing well driving. It's funny to be in the car with the whole family. Nikki and Leah and even Kristina give him a hard time and really backseat drive. They tell him what he should be doing every second. I love it. If he can learn to drive with them in the car, he'll have it made. He has to drive with an adult now for 6 months.
Kristina had a big party here last Friday night. She and her friends had a High School Musical 2 party, a Disney TV special. They loved the first show and couldn't wait for the second one to come out. It's really a big thing here. Sean said it's even pretty big in Argentina. The girls took over the basement and Alex actually went to a friend's house down the street where they also were having a HSM party. I guess the lead guy in the movie is LDS according to the rumors and is going on a mission soon. All the girls are in love with him. So Kristina had a fun party here.
Leah is going to her last Sylvan class tomorrow. Since school is starting we'll just see how it goes in school and what her teacher says. I'm sure she'll have enough homework without having to worry about Sylvan. She loved her jump rope camp she went to with Kristina. They learned some really cool tricks and I was pretty impressed. She wants me to see if there's any camps during the year she can go to. So now she has 2 things she loves to do-jump rope (including double dutch) and swimming.
Nikki just lost another tooth and she looks so funny. It was one of her front top teeth. I'll have to take a picture and send it to you. Now she really has a lisp when she talks. Looks like she'll actually be going to first grade in a week. We got a letter from her teacher and we get to meet her this Thursday night. I know that Nikki is ready for first grade academically, but socially she has a ways to go. Should be interesting.
Dad and I keep busy every day between work, the garden, home improvements, callings, etc. We sent a pkg off to you yesterday, hope you enjoy it.
I'm happy to hear that the hurricane didn't have much impact in your area although I know how much fun you would have had with that. It was supposed to hit Jamaica and the Cayman Islands too, but went a little south of them, so Travis Hugentobler was also spared. Did you get much wind or rain from it? It was kind of fun watching the weather channel again like the good ole days in Hilton Head.
Kirk, I have to tell you that in your last letter when you were talking about about the cd that you and your comp listened to, the one about Christ's atonement and about how God speaks to all the elements of the earth, I just couldn't stop thinking about that. All week I've been looking at things differently and appreciating the earth and all its elements and realizing how they are all organized through the great power of our Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ and also knowing that we have that same power through the priesthood. It's very humbling. Thank you for sharing that. I would love to know the name of the cd so I can listen to the whole thing.
I was also so happy to hear that an entire family showed up for church a couple weeks ago from Manzanillo. I hope you've been able to work some more with them. How has your week been? You sound strong, worthy and willing and I know that the spirit will be with you and continue to work through you. Keep up the great work and remember you are always in our prayers.
Love you,
mom
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoox
August 28, 2007
Dear Elder Kirk,
I seem to have so much more time now. It must be a school night. The girls get to bed at 8pm (even though the sun is still out which Leah points out to me every night) so I have some time each night to get other things done now.
We are well here. The school year has officially begun. Nikki is loving her first grade class at Eagle Elementary. Leah says she has the best teacher, probably because he's a man and she loves being at the new school, Galileo. Kristina says having a locker is the best and she got an upper one. She also says her engineering class is going to be great. The school that Leah and Kristina go to is a math/science magnet school, so engineering is a big part of it too. Alex is already getting lots of homework this year. Right now Dallas Yorgason is over doing calculus homework with him. After that, Kiley Koefed is coming over to do history homework with him. Because he's so smart, I think he's a popular guy to do homework with. But we'll just let him think he's popular.
Bill and Nancy just came over and we had a fun talk with them. They're getting ready to go on a cruise in a couple days to through the Mediterranean. It sounds like a fun cruise. They fly into Barcelona to start with and spend a couple days there so we were telling them the fun places to see there.
We had kind of a normal week this past week. Just spent most the time helping the kids get ready for school and going to meet the teacher's night. I took the Bear den to Cabela's and it was a lot of fun. The boys said it was great, so we'll probably do it again with a new group of boys next summer. Tomorrow we're taking them swimming at the Houssians. It's still hot here although it's cooled down a lot at night, so we love opening the windows and doors at night.
We all went to the Idaho State Fair last week. It pretty much stays the same year after year. The new thing this year was a diving show, so we went to that. They had a big tank of water and 4 past diving champions who put on a show. It was very entertaining. In fact, Leah and Nikki thought the divers were so good that they asked them to sign their shirts after the show.
So how was your week? We've been busy making our travel arrangements to the DR. It's almost unreal that we're really going. We've made reservations at a hotel in Santiago for a few nights and a few nights in Puerto Plata and then one more night in Santiago, the night before we fly back home.
Hey Kirk, it Dad, Moms on the phone with Jan so I'm going to steal a few moments of her internet time, write you and then hit the sack. We are trying to get everything ready to come and visit. We need you to decide when you want to leave the mission home and come to join us, either late at night on the 19th (after 8:30 pm according to the letter President Thomas sent us) or in the am on the 20th. The next time you meet with President Thomas, talk to him about what you and your missionary companions are doing that night of the 19th and then decide when and where you want to meet us. We will have you forever, but the 19th will be your "last day" in the mission field so we want you to enjoy it where you will have to most memories and if that means we do not get to see you until the 20th, we can live with that easily. Write us back in a couple of weeks and tell us what you have decided. I'm getting tired and need to go to bed. I love you Kirk, work hard to the end of your mission, I'm going to be working hard to get all of my shifts out of the way so I can come play with you,so we can see who has more hours of work in by the time we meet. You'll never know how much fun it was to be a missionary until your home, miss it so bad, but can never go back; so soak it all up, enjoy each day and relish the companionship of the spirit you can only enjoy as a missionary. I love you, Dad
Hi Kirk, I'm back. My dad also called, so I've been on the phone for a while now. He calls me a lot more now that grandma is having such a hard time with her memory. It's sad for me to see her that way, but it's even sadder watching my dad try to cope with it. So I enjoy his phone calls a lot and totally understand how he just wants to talk sometimes. He was talking about your letters and says how much he loves reading them. He loves your attitude, your stories and your faith.
You mentioned that you could use some new white shirts when we come. Remind me what size neck you wear. Also we just sent another pkg so hopefully it will get to you soon. Let us know when you get it.
I better be off to bed too. It's getting late, but at least we don't have to get up to try and see the solar eclipse. there was a solar eclipse last night but it took place at 3 in the morning. Alex actually got up and saw it right after it took place. I saw it at 6 in the morning and it was just finishing. The earth and the heavens are amazing intricate handiwork of a loving Heavenly Father. Always take time to look around you and see His work.
I am so proud of you Kirk. Keep the fire of the covenants you've made with you always. Others will see what you have and want the same thing.
Love you,
mom
xoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxo
Sept. 4, 2007
Dear Elder Kirk,
Can you believe that we leave here in just two weeks. I'm sure you're having such mixed feelings about all this. I can't imagine. You're having such an incredible mission and have been so instrumental in helping bring the truth and the light into so many lives. It's been so fun to hear what you've been doing, to learn about people and their lives, their decisions, the complexity of life and the simplicity of the gospel.
How has your week been? You have been finding so many new people to teach lately. That's great. I can't believe how many inactive members you said there were there in Dajabon. You know that at one point they all knew and felt that the gospel was true, but then they have to continue to prove their faithfulness which can be so difficult for so many. I can't imagine switching the way I live after so many years. I feel so blessed to have been raised in the gospel and to have parents who continue to be such an amazing example to me.
Yes, we made reservations at the hotel in the Plat that you told us about, the Oasis Gran Marien and we'll be there through Sunday so we can go to church there. When we fly in on Wed, we'll be staying at the Marriott Hotel which is on the way to the airport. That's about all we know about it's location, but we'll stay there the night before we fly home so it should be a quick drive to the airport in the morning. We're going to stay in Santiago Wed, Thurs and Fri night. Then we check into the Plat on Sat night, Sun night and Mon night. Tues night we'll be back at the Marriott Hotel and we fly home Wed and get home about
9:30pm that night. We'll pick you up on Thurs morning, I guess at the mission home. Let us know if that's where we're supposed to pick you up. We're very excited. BTW, do you think you can navigate us around to all the places you want if we get a car or should we just take the local taxis, buses, etc?
Over the weekend we went to McCall. There was a quilt show there and I had a couple quilts in the show so we decided to go up for the day. After the show, we had lunch, then hiked up at Camp Morrison and then the girls went swimming in the lake for a while. There have been tons of fires here in Idaho and it was very smoky up at McCall. The fires are still not under control yet. The whole western US has suffered from lots of fires this summer.
Looks like we're finally going to get some cooler weather here. We had a huge wind storm pass through a while ago. In fact, one of the tops of the trees blew right off and now it's raining which is great for us. We really could use the rain here. I went out right before the rain and picked a bunch of grapes off the grapevines. They're so sweet and good this year. We should still have some when you get here.
School is going great for all the kids. Alex is trying to think of someone to ask to Homecoming. He said he's heard that practically everyone has already been asked that he knows. So we were trying to brainstorm today. He's also trying to think of a fun way to ask. Kristina started her ballet classes today at the Purnell's. Leah is happy with her class and says she has new best friends. Nikki is actually having to do homework and she loves it. Leah kind of helps her with it since it's the same exact thing she did last year. I think it will be good for Leah to help her.
Dad is at the church. He's really busy this month with work since he's taking off so much time at the end of the month ( but it will be worth it!). Pres. Stafford called tonight to find out when you'd be home. Brittany will be coming home the end of the year too. Jill Erickson is busy making all kinds of plans for when Alex gets home. She even sent him a bunch of job applications.
It's so funny to hear you talking about not having a maid and cooking for yourself, washing, etc. I forgot about you having a maid in the beginning until you mentioned that. You'll have to cook for us when you come home. We all love rice, so the dominican style rice would be great. You'll probably love our old washing machines we still have in the basement. They're old, but they work.
So how have your appointments been going this week? Did you baptize Nelson? Also what is happening with that family you found that were actually married by law? I hope they're still working with you. Has Edison made up his mind yet? Sometimes people don't realize that they've already received an answer and are waiting for some big sign.
So not much else going on here. Just the usual day to day activities, me being the chief chauffeur/taxi driver. Although now that Alex drives, at least I get to sit in the passenger seat when we go somewhere. Today I went out and test drove a new car for fun. It was a GMC Acadia, which is a crossover SUV. I drove great and it had so many fun things in the car. I loved the heads up display which is a display that shows up on the windshield and shows you your speed, the temperature, the radio station and song that is being played and the direction the car is going. It was really cool. You never have to look down at anything because it's all displayed right in front of you.
Anyway, I better get going. Dad just got home. Dad says to tell you he loves you.
I want to send a couple pix also. I hope this week is just wonderful for you. Here are the last of the tips from my little book:
1. Give away some of your clothing to members and missionaries before leaving to come home.(You asked about giving away things, but I really can't remember the things you took, so go ahead and if you feel inspired, give it away).
2. Remember the principles of the commitment pattern when you return home and start dating.
3. Give out at least one Book of Mormon on the flight home.
4. You aren't released until you've visited with your stake president. So if you travel after your mission, remember to still follow missionary rules.
5. Wear your most worn-out suit for your homecoming instead of new clothes. This will make it look like you worked really hard.
6. Write a letter to your future children as soon as you get home, summarizing your mission and what you learned. Plan to give it to them just before they enter the mission field.
7. Avoid travelogues in your homecoming address (which will be on Sept 30th by the way)
8. To say your mission was the best two years of your life is a bit inaccurate., It's OK to say it was the toughest, most challenging, yet most rewarding two years of your life.
Have a great day and a fun week.
Love you,
mom
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Sept 11, 2007
My Dear Elder Kirk,
I shouldn't have started thinking about how this is my last email to you because now my eyes are wet and I can hardly see the screen. They're happy tears of course, yet a little sad. I may have to keep writing you even when you're home.
I just got home from the church. I had to take our neighbor, Ryan Kent, who is turning 8 so he could have his interview with the Bishop. Your plaque is on the wall and you look great! I'm so proud of you.
The little girls just said to tell you that they want to go on walks with you when you get home. That's obviously a good memory that they have of you. And it just happens to be beautiful weather in the evenings for walks, so I look forward to it also.
We had a nice week, nothing too eventful. Sunday night we had the young women and their mothers here for a standards fireside. It was really nice and dad did a great job. Kristina got to go to this one even though she doesn't officially turn 12 for another month. She's so anxious to go into young women's. Also on Sunday we had a general authority show up for our meeting. It was Elder Nachez of the 70. He came in just before the meeting started with Pres. McCauley. They went right up to the stand and I saw him introduce himself to dad. Then I saw all of dad's bishopric stand up and start moving over and Elder Nachez sat down next to dad. Pres. McCauley sat next to him. They both ended up speaking to us at the end of the meeting. It was fun having them in our meeting. Elder Nachez spoke about his recent visit with Pres. Faust just before he passed away and how he told him how important it was to share our testimonies with our families so that they can then share that same testimony with their children. That way our posterity hears our testimonies even when we are gone.
Fri night dad and I went to the first home game for EHS. They lost miserably so it was kind of sad to watch. Hopefully they can bounce back from that and do better this week. Alex is over at a friend's house tonight doing his calculus. He seems busier this year with homework. He's taking one AP class and one honors class, so that's probably why.
I talked with Charmaine tonight and she has put $100 into your bank account for you to use these last couple of weeks in case you want to buy something fun. I forward your emails to her, so you can send her a message through your letter if you like. She'll be coming up the weekend you will be giving your mission report and is very excited to see you and talk with you. She and Lanny broke up over the weekend and she's having a hard time. They were together for 11 years, can you believe it? She just got back from a trip to the Yucatan with grandma and grandpa Thompson. They went down for about a week and had a great time.
I hope you're feeling better this week and that your end-of-the-mission sore throat has gone away. All 3 girls are just now getting over the same thing. Must be something going around the world.
How are Edison, Marisol and Francisco? How was your zone conference testimony? I'm sure it was very emotional and spiritual and i hope you had a wonderful time being with your zone.
We are so excited to see you. I keep thinking about it and trying to picture it in my mind. It will be very surreal. I'm also very excited to see the DR and to see a little of what you've been seeing these past two years and to meet some of the people you know. Is there anything we can bring to some of the families? I'll try to think of some things.
Kirk, our family has been so blessed because of your service to the Lord. It has been a tremendous experience for me as your mom, something I have prayed for and looked forward to all my life, raising a son who would have such a strong testimony of the gospel that he would want to leave his home and share the good news with people he didn't know but would soon grow to love just as our Father loves them. Your zeal, your attitude, your humility, your patience have served you well. These are gifts you have been given and you have magnified them. I know that you have probably realized many other gifts that you have been given now as you have served. Remember that these gifts (and probably many more) will be with you always and you will continue to use them in your life to bring joy not only to yourself but to many others especially as you remember to magnify and use them. Never hide them under bushel.
There are so many people who love you and have prayed for you these past 2 years. Always remember that. I, of course, love you more than any of them ;) and can't wait to be able to put my arms around you once again (in just one week). Have a wonderful, spirit-filled week.
Until the 20th--
Love you,
mom
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxxoxoxoxoxoxo
Dear Elder Kirk,
Well, I sent off a pkg for you this afternoon. In it I put your new bank card. The one you have now expires the end of this month, so this new one is good to go. I made it so it's also a Visa card/credit card as well as a debit card. The credit part of it is just for an emergency. I also had to pick your pin # so I hope I made it easy enough to remember. It's 7788. You'll have to think of something to help you remember that one. If you forget, you'll have to wait til pday and ask me. Be sure and let me know when you get it. I was kind of nervous sending something like that in the mail.
We actually enjoyed a full day of rain here which is pretty rare. It's nothing like what you guys are getting, when I say rain, it's really more like misting all day. But we've needed it.
Dad is at work tonight and I just put the girls down. Tomorrow is the last day of school. For the Elementary school, that just means parties. For Alex, that means a couple more finals. So far he's done quite well so I suspect he'll keep that up tomorrow. He went to the church and played basketball tonight with Jon Kjar and a couple other guys. I'll be going to Kristina's class tomorrow to help with some hula hoop game. Leah will only get one day of rest, then I'm taking her to Sylvan for testing and she'll take classes there all summer.
We're getting a shed built in the backyard. They poured the cement today. The VanWagenen's are building it for us, Mark and his son Russ. It will be nice to have a place to park the lawn equipment instead of taking up room in the garage.
This past Sunday dad got a new counselor in his bishopric. Bro. Houssian was released and Bro. Crosgrove was called. They also released Steve Campbell as exec. secty and made him scoutmaster. Bro. Adcock is the new exec. secty. Bro. Crosgrove will be an excellent counselor. We'll also miss Bro. Houssian though. He's such a great man. But this will be nice for him to be able to spend more time with his family-all those boys of his.
We also had all the seniors and their parents over on Sunday night for our annual senior's fireside. I love having them here and listening to their parents talk about them and hearing what the kids have to say about their plans and also how they feel about their parents. Remember when we did that at Bishop Stafford's?
Dad went to Alma Academy last week too. He only took the boys up there and went back up the next day for the afternoon and the testimony mtg. But it was a good thing he was there the first morning cuz just after he left, he got a call saying that Corey Campbell had fallen and broken his collar bone. Dad had to turn around and go back and bring Corey home. Corey ended up getting surgery the next day and having some plates put in there. This is Alex's first year to go to Helaman. I'm excited for him. We'll let you know how that goes.
Jill Erickson said they got a letter from Alex's mission president telling them the date that Alex would be coming home-Sept 19. We haven't heard anything from yours yet. I hope we hear pretty soon, so we can start making plans, etc. Jill also said that Rocky Mtn Fitness called and said to tell Alex he had a job as soon as he got back. Alex could probably get you back working there too if you wanted, but there's plenty of other possibilities out there for you too. We'll worry about that later.
Your pix of the service project were great. I can't imagine having that much mud around and walking around in it and living in it. I'm glad you were able to help. How wonderful to have willing, strong elders helping take care of things. Also I couldn't really tell much detail of your shoes that are wrecked in the picture you sent. If you get a chance to take another one and get more light on them, maybe put them in direct sunlight, then I'll send the picture to Petersen's and have a new pair waiting for you here.
How has the teaching been going? How is Andres and his wife? Have they made a decision about getting married, etc.? Show them the picture of all of us in white at the temple being sealed together as a family.
I'm glad to hear you got Grandpa Trumbo's letter. He said he was anxious to write you his feelings and had wanted to know if you had gotten the letter. I love that you're still working hard and having a desire to even continue to stay there. That tells me how much you love your mission and missionary work and the people of the DR. I know that there are still people there today praying to know what to do in life and where to find happiness and the Lord will place them in your path. Listen to the spirit and follow the promptings quickly.
Here are some tips for the week:
1. Always add to your finding pool, even if your teaching and baptizing pools are high. It's amazing how quickly you can find yourself with no investigators.
2. Establish a reputation for doing something outstanding, like having immaculately shined shoes, sharply pressed trousers or a missionary haircut.
3. Respect missionaries from other religions. Like you, they believe they have been called to do a work among God's children.
This past week I went out to dinner with Jodie Hugentobler and a couple friends of hers from Wyoming. One of the women had just returned from a trip to Africa where she and her family donated their time and talents in helping build a school there. They went with a group that is run by a couple in Utah and they need people all the time to help them out. It sounds like something I would love to do. They go twice a year and your kids can go with you, they just help out also in the orphanages and teaching the families how to cook, sew and garden. I told dad about it, but I think we have to at least wait until he's not bishop. You go for 3 weeks at a time and you live in a convent while you're there. Anyway, that really interests me and I hope to be able to do something like that one day.
Well, I better sign off. Sean said he loved your letter you sent and can't wait to actually talk in Spanish with you at Christmas. I don't know if he was able to write you back or not, but I know he really enjoyed hearing from you. He mentioned your letter again in a handwritten letter we got yesterday. You're a great brother and set such a wonderful example. Keep up the good work and remain true to the faith.
I love you a bunch.
mom
xoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxox
une 12, 2007
Dear Elder Kirk,
How has your week been? I have to say I've been thinking about you a lot lately and I'll tell you why. Alex went to Helaman Academy last week, his first year. Well, of course he came back with his head shaved and I can't believe how much he looks like you now. Everybody is saying that. I went into his room to wake him up the other day and I saw you sleeping in the bed. He's really changing as he's getting taller and older and I never would have guessed that he'd look so much like you. I told him maybe his hair will even grow back curly. He's at a friends house tonight for a 16th b-day party. All his friends are turning 16 now, so they have these big bashes.
Dad and Alex said the academies were great, as usual. Alex really enjoyed his first year. Our ward did well in all the events, so Alex never had to eat any weird food. He said Bro. Shaw gave a really good talk about Joseph Smith too.
Last weekend was Eagle Fun Days. We all went to the parade. We sat with the Sorensen's. It was perfect weather this year, not too hot, not too cold. The girls got drenched from the fire trucks which they loved. The wet part of the parade was really long this year.
On sunday I went to one of Sean's roommate's farewells, Brandon McKell. He's going to Brazil. He flies straight from Boise to Brazil to the CTM there.
Sean only has a couple weeks left in the MTC. We got his hand written letter yesterday. He sounds really good and in good spirits. He has a small list of things for us to get to him before he leaves. We're going to try and get as many things to him now while it's easy to ship. We hear horror stories about trying to send packages to Argentina. We've been spoiled with how easy it is to get things to you. Speaking of that, have you gotten the bank card yet? Just let me know.
How are Andres and his wife doing? How about Altagracia? I think it's a great idea that you are including the ward members, the bishopric, etc and taking them with you to make your visits. That makes a huge difference in member retention. And it only makes sense that everyone likes to feel welcomed and at least know a few people when they go some place new.
I hope you've been able to keep cool. Has there been any more rain? We actually had one whole day of rain last Sunday. couldn't believe we got that much, but it sure is needed. The shed is coming along. The VanWagenens are working hard. It will probably be finished by the end of this week.
Can you believe we don't even have our garden in yet. We've been holding off until the shed is done. Dad is growing some plants in the basement in the laundry room with a special light. We usually try to get the garden going right after Mother's Day. I hope we don't miss our window of opportunity.
Leah is enjoying her "new school" Sylvan. She loves getting the tokens and then making her purchases for fun toys. They are so supportive there and it's really what Leah needs. She struggles with learning, but she sure has a big heart and always wants to please and do good. Sometimes she acts before she thinks though and it gets her into trouble. She's working hard on that so she can be ready to be baptized in the fall.
I've been busy with the kids home. Took Alex all around today getting his paperwork he needed to get his driver's permit. He starts drivers ed on July 2nd. He's more than ready to start driving. I've also been typing quite a few patriarchal blessings lately. I guess there's a little bit of a rush at the end of the school year. Anyway, it's really been keeping my fingers busy. I really love that calling and working with the patriarch.
I'm also starting my work on the 11 yr old scout day camp. I'm trying to get all the instructors lined up. Wish you were here to help teach the lashing class. I had Scott McCauley do it last year. He's getting married in 2 weeks and will be staying in our ward living at his parents for the summer.
It sounds like from your letter that you're getting to the point in your mission where you can see the end in sight but really love what you're doing and would like to keep it going. I love the dream you had. Three months is still a lot of time to get a lot of work done, so keep working hard, but you really have been a tremendous missionary and I'm sure will continue to be so throughout your life.
Dad and I would really like to travel to the DR right after your release date and spend a few days with you there, then come home. We won't show up until after you've had your last meetings with the President, etc. and we don't plan on staying there a long time, but we'd love to be able to see a little of what you're experiencing and maybe meet a few people. I hope that doesn't feel awkward to you or make you uncomfortable in any way. I would never want that. Just let us know. You're our first missionary, Kirk, so we're just trying to figure things out too. We might have to make it a little tradition or something.
I'll send you some pix of the academy in another email. Hope you enjoy them. It's fun seeing all the boys around town with their new haircuts. You can tell who's been at the academies. :)
If there's anyone you'd like me to pray for that you're working with, let me know. I love you and miss you. Have a great week.
Love you much,
mom
xoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxox
June 19, 2007
Dear Elder Kirk,
Well, I guess we're practically officially in summer again. It sure feels like it. It's supposed to be in the 90's all week. But luckily for us, we're taking a little vacation to a place in Oregon called Wallowa Lake. It's only supposed to be in the 70's there. Yippee. We rented a cabin there for 3 nights and 4 days, kind of like how we did when we went to Redfish Lake. This place is supposed to be a lot bigger though. There's a city nearby that you can go to to shop and eat, play mini golf, bumper boats, etc. There's lots of hiking trails and also horseback riding too. So I think it sounds like a lot of fun. Jared Westerberg and his family just went there and they loved it. They actually go there often. that's how we heard about it. We'll let you know next week what it was like and send you pictures.
We have Brandon Robertson here for a few days. He's in town visiting his dad and brother. Alex loves having him here. They've been riding their bikes downtown for icees and playing video games and basketball.
As for the rest of the family, I'm trying to keep them all occupied. It's kind of hard especially when it gets too hot to play outside. Yes, I know...we need a pool. We say that every summer. But we got a slip-n-slide instead.
We had a nice Father's Day. In the morning, we made dad some egg, sausage, potato goulash. Then he opened presents. He, of course, got a new tie and also a tie pin. Me and Alex gave him this thing called Wolverine. It's kind of like an iPod but it has 100G and can hold movies, pictures, record shows from TV, records audio, music and it's real easy to create a slide show and just plug it into the TV to show your slides. Dad is always having a hard time when he wants to speak at a fireside or give a lesson and he can't seem to get his pictures from our computer to show up on the TV's. so hopefully this will help. Wish you were here to help him learn it, but Alex says he now knows more electronically than you do since you've been gone so long. We'll see. I remember how easy anything electronic is for you. For Father's Day dinner we had BBQ chicken pizza, corn on the cob and Frito salad. Kristina made some gooey chocolate cookies for dessert.
We got a new pair of Propets in the mail last week, so if you want me to send them to you I can. If not, I'll just keep them here.
The shed in the backyard is almost finished. It looks really good. We have to paint it the same color as our house. It will be so nice to have a spot to put all the equipment.
Sounds like your zone conference was really good. So what was your talk about that you didn't have to give? The lesson your president talked about is one I always have to learn over and over again. I catch myself thinking that when there's a problem I wish the other person would change and sometimes I even try to change them, but then I remember that if I just change how I think about things and change my reactions and myself then the problem always seems to either go away or get better. Thanks for sharing that with us cuz it's a great reminder to me.
Hopefully by now you've gotten at least one pkg. I can't believe that I sent the wrong card to you. I wasn't thinking. At least now you've got a full fledged credit card and when you get back home, you can use it and pay it off quickly so that you can start building up your credit. When you pay things on time you get a good credit score which means it's a lot easier to buy a home or start up a business and get a loan if you need it.
We got a letter from Sean yesterday. He sounds like he's really ready to go to Argentina. He'll be flying over your place Monday evening...
I talked with Aunt Susan yesterday. Brig is going to come to our place after EFY, so we're trying to coordinate our plans. She said Trevor graduated from HS last week. It's hard to believe he's already out of high school.
I talked with Grandpa Trumbo over the weekend too. He and grandma just got called to a mission in their area. They're in charge of the missionaries in their area and their apartments. It's a 2-year calling just like yours. He's excited about it. He loves working with the missionaries and with young adults. He'll be good at making sure that the missionaries all keep their apartments clean and in good working order too. So now we have another missionary in the family.
Here are some tips for the week:
1. Need a diversionary tactic to minimize the practice time at district and zone meetings? Ask a lot of questions!
2. When you're having difficulties with a companion, realize that God loves him as much as He loves and cares for you.
3. During discussions, bear testimony of what your companion has just taught.
4. Don't take yourself too seriously.
5. Be the type of missionary your parents think you are.
Well, I hope your week has been good. I'm hoping to hear news soon that Andres has set a date for baptism or at least for marriage. I can't wait to hear your stories. My prayers are with you and your companion always. Have a charitable week!!
Love you,
mom
xoxoxooxoxoxooxoxoxooxoxooxoxooxoxoo
June 26, 2007
Dear Elder Kirk,
So, yes, it's very hot here now. The kids run through the sprinklers, use the slip and slide and beg to go to Uncle Bill's. Sounds good to me. I'm taking the cubs on a bike ride down the Greenbelt this week too. We'll probably melt.
So how was your week? I guess you can see by Sean's emails that he's left the MTC and is down in Argentina now. We haven't heard from him. I wish we would get some word from his mission home that he got there safely, but I guess no news is good news. I hope he's doing well. You probably remember well your first week out of the MTC. I think you had it better though since you were used to being in the country already.
Sean spoke a little Spanish for us on the phone when he called from the Atlanta airport and he used the Cordoba accent which is a really strong singing accent. He almost sounded a little Italian Spanish. You guys will have fun talking to each other. Sean said he felt at home in the Atlanta airport and could even feel the humidity seeping through the walls.
We got our letter from your mission president too. I was actually a little sad seeing that you had a release date even though I'm excited for you to be home again too. I guess we have to contact the travel office and let them know we'll be traveling home with you. So we'll get on that.
How fun that you got to do splits with another elder especially someone that you knew from the beginning of your mission. Was it a new area of Moca that you were working in? I love your story about the lady who had watched you guys talking with other people and wondered about what you were teaching. Did you get a chance to go back and talk with her? I was also so impressed that Andres paid tithing before even being a member. That's one of the more difficult commandments for even the members sometimes. Andres is already showing great faith.
Well, we had a great week. Got to have a mini vacation. We went to Wallowa Lake in northeastern Oregon and it was beautiful there. It was like McCall only without the crowds. Our cabin was great. 3 bedrooms and 3 baths and right on the lake. Every day a deer came down out of the mountains and walked in our yard and got water from the lake. We loved watching it. Also there were tons of little chipmunk like squirrels who loved Reeses Pieces cereal that the girls fed them. One even got into our house and ran across mine and dad's bed in the early morning. Quite a strange feeling having a little critter run across your feet in bed. There were lots of hiking trails and that's what we did each day. We hiked to waterfalls as usual. The little girls did a good job and were able to walk quite a ways without complaining. We also played mini golf and went bowling and swam and paddle boated and fished. On Sunday we went to the ward close to there and it reminded us a lot of Hilton Head. Same type building and they were obviously very used to visitors coming during the summer. Everyone agrees that we should go back there some day, so maybe you can make the trip with us next time. I'll send a few pix in another email.
I'm trying to get back to reality here now. Here's what your brother and sisters are up to for the summer.
Alex-drivers ed, EFY, high adventure, parties, stake dances, PSP, working in the yard with dad, choir camp, voice lessons, playing golf and keeping me company.
Kristina-piano lessons, babysitting (for me and for other families now), jump rope club, girls camp for one night with dad.
Leah-sylvan, swim lessons, karate, jump rope club, slip and sliding, eating tons of Otter Pops.
Nikki-swim lessons, dance class, slip and sliding, watching food network with mom (one of her favorite things to do now), Otter Pop eating, losing teeth (she just lost another one yesterday).
When Nikki pulled out her tooth yesterday at dinner, she got so concerned about the blood that she accidentally dropped the tooth on the floor and along came Barkley who picked it up and ate it. We couldn't believe it. Alex joked that he would wait for it to show up and get it back for Nikki in a couple days. Nikki wasn't very happy about this. Then all of a sudden Barkley walked over by Kristina and the tooth dropped out of his mouth. He was about to pick it up again when we all yelled for her to pick it up. Luckily Kristina was quick enough and got the tooth for Nikki. She was very happy to have something for the tooth fairy.
Dad has been busy at work these past couple days and then he goes straight from there to the church. So he's home later in the evenings.
Here are some tips for the week:
1. Spend a week studying 2 Nephi 9.
2. Remember names, not numbers.
3. Resist the urge to read or view anti-Mormon material. some missionaries may say it will hep you be a better missionary, but all it does is fill your mind with false doctrines and uncertainty.
4. Try to have your investigators talk about 50% of the time when you teach a discussion.
Well, we are all well here and anxious as usual to hear from you this week. I read a quote that I like from Elder Oaks about our treasures in heaven and it made me think of you. "The Savior taught that we should not lay up treasures on earth but should lay up treasures in heaven (see Matt. 6:19-21). In light of the ultimate purpose of the great plan of happiness, I believe that the ultimate treasures on earth and in heaven are our children and our posterity."
You are definitely my treasure on earth. Keep up the strong faith and remember to share your testimony often. Remember that sometimes your strongest testimony will be shared through your actions and remember who you are working for and representing.
I love you so much. Have a spirit-filled week.
mom
xoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
July 3, 2007
Dear Elder Kirk,
I'm so anxious to hear how you're doing in your new area. We found it on the map and we even read about the city in our DR book we have. Sounds like those pulgas are a happening place. Is there a ward there or two? Give me some details.
So tell us a little about your new companion. It doesn't sound like you're a trainer any more since you knew him in one of your other zones. Has he been in Dajabon long? Our window washer (sorry I don't know his name) said your city is dry and hot. I doubt that means no humidity, but is it a lot different than other places you've served?
We got our windows cleaned the other day and one of the owners of the window washing place noticed our map of the DR and asked if we had a missionary there. He said about 10 years ago he went to the Santiago DR mission. So he was really excited to learn that you were there. He worked in the office the last few months of his mission so he got to see most cities in the mission and told us all about the places you've served. We showed him some of your pictures too. His parents came and picked him up and he told us some of the places he went with his parents. Then he went back to the DR about 3 years ago. So anyway, it was a lot of fun talking with him. Jared Westerberg works for him and he also was here cleaning our windows. You should see how great they look. Some of them haven't been cleaned since we moved in. I told Alex to get a job with them. They said they'll need someone to take Jared's place when he leaves on his mission, so we'll see...
Well, I have a few minutes of peace and quiet right now. Kristina is babysitting for the Kents, Alex is golfing, Leah and Nikki are at Billy and Fisher's and dad is at the church. We went out earlier and dad bought a bunch of fireworks for tomorrow. I can't remember if I told you this already, but we're going to go to Andrea Jones's house for a bbq and shoot off fireworks. Her dad loves to grill and has bought a huge amount of meat, so he wants us to come very hungry. The Westerberg's will be there too. Jared's mom has been calling and asking questions about getting ready for a mission. I guess I have some answers now that I have two of you out in the field. Jared is her first and she said she already started crying when she went to Petersen's Clothing to buy his suits. She's in trouble. :)
It's going to be in the 100's this week, so I'm going to have to call Aunt Nancy and check about using their pool a couple days or else we're all going to melt.
Sean sounds good in his emails. We got one today that I forwarded to you. He told us his p-day was Wed like yours, so when we got a letter today it kind of threw me off. Now he says his pday is Monday. I hadn't even sent him a letter yet this week, so I feel badly.
Last weekend I went to Matt Dykman's wedding reception, he said to say hi. Remember I told you he married Elizabeth Moore, Monte's older sister. So I went because I'm good friends with Elizabeth's mom through quilting. Elizabeth's sister Kathryn is also getting married in a couple months.
Alex is in the middle of drivers ed now. He says it's pretty fun and the teachers are pretty entertaining. He goes out driving for the first time this Friday. He's driving with Quinn Hugentobler. They have a new law now that you have to drive with your parents for 6 months after you get your permit. Remember you just had to do 4. And also if you're under 17, you can only have one other person in the car with you. So I'm pretty happy about the changes. When you get home, he'll be able to drive with you in the car which will be good. I hope you can remember how to drive. Has it been a while?
The ward is doing well. The singles branch is now a ward and they have a pretty good amount each week. Of course, it's summer time. Do you ever hear from Jason? I don't see him much. Hopefully he's keeping busy.
Our ward isn't growing any more since we don't have any new subdivisions, so it's kind of weird staying the same size. The real estate market has taken a huge dive lately and no one can sell their home. Last year everyone was selling in one or two days, now houses have been on the market for a year. The people that need to move are really frustrated. It's pretty much that way all across the US right now. There are a lot of people in the building business who are suffering right now. No one can predict how long it will last.
Well, that's about it for around here. What are you studying right now, what book or scripture? Just curious. Here are some tips for the week:
1. To get through companion study faster, play the Missionary Guide tapes on high speed. (do you guys use those?)
2. Don't create problems for the next set of missionaries who will move into your area.
3. When you have 138 days left, begin reading the D&C from the back--one section a day. (a little late for that, but you could start at about Section 80)
4.On your final Valentine's Day in the mission field, realize that next year's Valentine's Day will probably be just as lonely. :)
I hope the work is going well for you and your companion and that the members are there for you. Look for small acts of service wherever you go and keep using the gifts you've been given. If you need to, write down the gifts you feel you have now. And remember, your smile always warms hearts. I know that from experience. You are in our prayers.
Have a week full of gratitude.
I love you,
mom
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoox
July 10, 2007
Dear Elder Kirk,
Well, I hope you were able to sort out the debit card situation. Let me know if there's any problems and I can send you another card of yours that I have personally tried here and know that it works at ATM's.
We are hot, hot hot here. It's been in the 100's for quite a while now and most everyone is tired of it and would like a little break. At least it cools off just a bit at night. The girls are outside right now playing in the sprinklers with Fisher. They're pretending it's a hurricane coming when the sprinklers come around and hit them. When Sean wrote this week, he said it was snowing there in Argentina. Can you believe it? Snow in July.
Leah and Nikki are in swim lessons at Rocky Mtn this week and next. Leah is really looking like a pretty good swimmer and that's good since she's the one that wants to be on a swim team some day. Nikki is still trying to get the hang of things but she's trying. Alex just got home from his interview with dad to be ordained a priest and dad's still at the church. I'm trying to finish Alex's 16th birthday photo album without him finding out about it. It's like the one I made for you when you turned 16. It's a lot of work especially when you're trying not to let him see you working on it. I've been doing it while he's been at drivers ed.
His drivers ed has been going well and he's even driving now too with the instructors. They say he's doing well and he really likes driving. With the new law though he won't be able to drive alone until January.
Dad has been busy outside working on his new shed. He's organizing it, painting it and now he's starting to organize the garden. We're putting it in a tad late this year but hopefully we'll have some produce. At least something to make salsa from.
Our 4th of July celebration was fun. We went to Andrea Jones's house and her dad bbq'd and then everyone set off their fireworks. The highlight firework for me was this one called Army Men. There was a firework up in the sky and then all of a sudden all these army men with parachutes dropped from the sky. It was so cool. We'll definitely have to get that one again. Sounds like your 4th was pretty fun too in Monte Cristi.
So now you're in the desert. That's go to feel weird after being in the jungle for so long. And it's right in the middle of the summer. You're probably acclimated by now to the heat, but Dajabon sounds like a hot place, not to mention all those pesky mosquitos. Have you been able to find some good investigators? I've been reading a lot of missionary letters from some of Sean's friends and sons of some of my friends and I hope you know how blessed you are to be in a place where the missionaries are loved. It's certainly not that way everywhere else. You're having a wonderful experience being able to talk with so many people and to be welcomed into their homes. Even here in Boise I'm sure it's really difficult for the elders to find people to let them in.
I'm glad to hear you and Elder Smith are working well together. I'm sure you've made some great friends who will be friends for life.
The family is well here. Barkley is continually shedding. I don't think he stops shedding now. But at least he lets me vacuum him. He kind of likes that. We also bought this brush that gets wads of fur off of him. We do it outside and I think the birds love it and use the fur for their nests. Must be nice comfy nests.
Grandma Thompson just called and she said to say hello. They all love reading your letters. I started this website where we all post pictures from our families, so it's been fun seeing each other's pix. If you send some, I'll put them on there too.
Well, not much else different going on. It's hard thinking of things to keep the girls busy in this heat since they can't really go outside during the afternoons. Yes, I know, we should get a pool. We think about it every summer. But then it cools off and we get over it. :)
Dad and Kristina are going to girls camp tomorrow for 2 days. Kristina isn't officially old enough yet, but she gets to go with dad and loves it. A lot of her friends are there this year, but she missed the cutoff. Their camp is at a really nice place this year, with cabins and everything. Not exactly roughing it, right? I always had cabins when I was in Young Women, so I can't complain. It was a lot of fun and I'm excited for our girls to have the experience.
I hope you are finding success in your labors. The people in the DR sound like an easy people to love and that they have a natural love for others in them also. A "happy people" as they say in Samoa. Enjoy the work and remember who's side you are on. With God everything is possible.
I love you much. Take care of yourself and those around you.
mom
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoox
July 17, 2007
Dear Elder Kirk,
How has the high desert been treating you this week? Are you feeling at home in Dajabon yet? You always seem so at ease with every place you've moved to. It was great to hear that you found lots of new people to teach last week. How are they coming along? Did you end up having a baptism this past weekend?
So what do you have to do to set up a branch in Manzanilla? About how many active members live there? What stake would they be part of?
We're all doing well here other than the miserable heat wave that is still going on, no end in sight. Alex is at EFY this week with Brig Starr as his roommate. He called the first night and said things were going well. Jay Smack is actually in his group too. I hope they have a fun time. I'm going to Provo tomorrow, have to make the drive all by myself. Jodie was going to go with me but now she can't go. So I'm taking some books on tape to listen to. That usually makes the time go by fast since I won't have anyone to talk to. I'm going to stay with Steve and Carolina. I'll just spend Thurs and Fri visiting friends and shopping, etc then pick up the boys on Saturday morning. We'll probably go out to breakfast then head up to G & G Thompson's for a short visit, then we'll head home. I want to get home Saturday because Jared Westerberg's farewell is the next morning and I've promised him I'd go to listen to him.
Alex says he wants to go to a smaller EFY next year and see what it's like. I told him how much you and Sean liked Santa Barbara especially because of the size of the group. Around 350 people compared to 1000 at BYU. You had a small group in ATlanta too.
Before Alex left, we had a birthday party for him here at the house. We rented an inflatable slip and slide and a snow cone machine. How can you not have a great party with those two things! He had about 15 friends come and it was fun. We bbq'd hamburgers and hot dogs and we got him a Transformer cake since that is now Alex's favorite movie. Dad and I went to see the movie last weekend and I actually liked it. I was sure that I wasn't going to like it, so I was pleasantly surprised. I worked super hard and managed to get his scrapbook photo album done in time for his party too. So all went well that day. We had the slip n slide from 9 in the morning and they didn't pick it up until the next day. We had the snow cone machine all weekend, so we ate plenty of snow cones. They tasted good especially in the heat.
Sunday Alex got ordained a priest and right after Sacrament I took him to the airport so he could fly to SLC. Charmaine and Lanny picked him up and he had dinner at G & G Thompson's. Then Charmaine took him to Steve and Carolina's for the night. Sunday night we had the Hugentobler's over for snow cones and while we were sitting on the porch, the Teuscher's showed up with homemade ice cream. I love the summer time.
I'm glad you were able to find some new white shirts. Did you buy them at the flea market there? or at a store?
This week while I'm gone, Alyssa Taylor is going to help babysit the girls while dad is at work. The little girls are very excited about that. They rarely get to have a babysitter other than Kristina and Alex, so they think this is a real treat and are very excited. I just need her to help drive them to swim lessons and take them to the pioneer celebration this Saturday. Do they even celebrate Pioneer Day down there?
Well, that's about it for this week. Always something going on here, but that's how I love it. I love hearing from you each week. I'd love to see some pictures of your new area if you have some. I'll try to send some pix of Alex's b-day bash next week. I haven't even downloaded them to the computer yet. I hope things are going well for you and your companion.
I am so proud of you and love feeling a part of your mission as you share your stories with us. Thank you for sharing your testimony too. These are things that you may never know what an impact they make on members of your family. Remember as always, our prayers are with you.
hasta luego--
Love you,
mom
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
July 24, 2007
Dear Elder Kirk,
So how are you this week? How has the work been going in your area? Are you teaching much? So you're going to have changes in your mission, huh? Have they taken effect already? What are you going to do without a maid? That's too bad, not just for you, but also for the women who were getting paid for their work. How is Elder Bertrand's foot fungus. How come he had to stay in the house, that seems a bit harsh.
We are doing well here. We had a little break from the weather today and it was only in the 90's. But over the weekend I thought about you because our hot water broke on Sunday morning just as we were getting ready for church. Dad braved the cold water but I borrowed the neighbor's house while they were out of town. I felt so funny using their shower, but I just couldn't go without. Now we know a little of how you feel with cold showers. I'm really spoiled.
I went to Provo last week and had a fun time staying at Steve and Carolina's. I just shopped, met friends for lunch, went to the movies with Steve and Carolina and shopped some more. Then on Sat I picked up Alex, Brig and Jake Jensen and brought them home. We stopped at G & G Thompson's on the way too. Alex had a really fun time at EFY. He said the dances and speakers were the best. He loves going to dances. He and Brig are going to the stake dance this weekend.
Tomorrow afternoon the priests and teachers are going on their high adventure to Deadwood to go mountain biking for a few days. Dad is going with them. That's why Brig came home with us, so he could go to high adventure. He'll go home next Tues and on Wed we'll head out for Calif for Maria's wedding.
I went to Jared Westerberg's farewell last sunday. It was good. He's anxious to get going to Chile. We also went to his house that evening to visit with his family. He's like a son and is such a good friend to Sean. His mom is very emotional about it and I know how she feels so I try to comfort her.
Alex finished his drivers ed class and now he has to take the test on Aug 14 to get his permit, then he starts driving with us. Kristina is busy making money by babysitting, watering people's plants while they are out of town, and watching dogs for neighbors too. Leah did really well with her swim lessons. She and Nikki just play basically all day, with each other, with Kristina, with Billy and Fisher. they stay up late and sleep in a bit, aaah, the summer life.
Dad is busy between the ER, the garden and bishoping. I'm still the chauffeur, the part-time cook(I don't cook as much during the summer), the referee, the counselor, the quilter, the typer, the pianist, the entertainer, etc.
We have been working with a travel agency getting times and dates for our travel to the DR. We're pretty excited and as soon as we know our plans for sure, we'll let you know. It looks like we'll probably be there for about a week flying into Santiago and flying out of Puerta Plata. If you have a good idea for a hotel to stay at while we're in Santiago and in Puerta Plata, let us know.
Uncle Dave just called me for my bday. He was talking about you and Sean's letters. He can't believe how much you both write cuz he said he hardly wrote anything home. He wanted to know if you guys were fast typers. I told him you have always been good on the computer and it was just natural for you. He said to say hi.
Everything else is going well here at home. It will be just us girls in the house for a few days, so it will be a bit lonely here.
How are the saints in Manzanilla doing? Do you think they're ready to become a branch there? It's always great when that happens because it gives a lot of people opportunities for leadership responsibilities and usually they become a much stronger people. I hope things go well there and in Dajabon.
I think about you all the time and try to imagine what you're doing, who you're talking to, how you're feeling, etc. I still know you are in the right place and doing the right thing. It's amazing how we feel blessed as a family because of the work you are doing. Continue writing in your journal not just your daily activities, but how things make you feel, the people you've become friends with and have shared your testimony with and the knowledge you've gained.
Stay true to your covenants, you will be blessed.
Take care, our prayers are with you.
Love you,
mom
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoox
July 31, 2007
Dear Elder Kirk,
Well, I'm here packing everyone so we can be ready to take off for CA tomorrow morning. I took Brig to the airport today and it's weird to think we'll be seeing him tomorrow in his house. We're going to be staying with Jan and Jeff this time since Steve and his family will be staying with Susan in the big house. We'll probably be down there every day though since the main thing the kids want to do is swim and see more cousins. Dad's at work and he says he's so sorry that he's been slacking in writing to you. He said to send his love and told me to send you pix of high adventure, which I did. He's going to be very tired tomorrow on the plane. He's been working very hard lately. We'll be back next Tues so I'll have plenty of stories for you next week.
So how was your week? You sounded so great in your last letter. How are your investigators doing that you found last week? You've grown so much in the gospel and in missionary work and it's exciting to hear. Do you still go into Manzanilla every week?
Dad and Alex and Brig had a great time at high adventure. Dad's clutch broke on the way up to Deadwood, but somehow he managed to drive his truck home, I guess it was pretty much downhill all the way. We got the clutch fixed but it's still a little touchy, so we'll see. We might have to take it in again. Bro. Jensen had great games, hikes, bike rides, movies (Nocho Libre), food (Ashton was able to get a great deal on steaks, ribs and bacon from Albertson's where he works). Everyone seemed to have a wonderful time and it was nice and cool up in the mountains. Dad and the leaders got to sleep in Bro. Perry's RV, real tough camping, huh?
Sunday night we had a fireside at the stake center. Pres. McCauley talked to all the adults in the stake about the standards of the youth and their recommendations on how we should be raising our children and keeping them safe from all the onslaughts of evil that are in the world today. It's getting so bad out there and we need to make our homes a safe haven, free from the outside influences. Pres. Stafford talked about the problems with TV's, movies, ipods, video games, cell phones, computers, basically anything with a screen and how we can guard ourselves from the bad part of those. Pres. McCauley spoke on chastity and the problems he's seeing with the youth and adults in his office. It was an excellent talk, I'm going to ask him for a copy of it. He spoke very plainly and openly even though some of it was shocking to hear. He said if we put up fences in our families and we are the only ones with those fences, the kids will feel locked in, but if all of us in the stake put up the same fences that we could become a stronger people and stay strong together. We have a great stake presidency, very in tune with the spirit.
Kristina had to take care of the Thomas's house last week, so we got to use their pool. It felt soooo good. The girls are doing so much better now in the pool since their swim lessons. Leah actually did her first dive off the board and Nikki did her first jump off the board into the deep end and swam by herself to the edge of the pool. The girls said I was the best one doing handstands in the pool. I guess all that work when I was young swimming at our neighbors and friend's houses paid off. ha ha I'm hoping they go out of town again soon and ask Kristina to water the plants again.
I went for my first manicure and pedicure today with Jodie. It was fun. When the lady was doing my feet, I kept laughing. She was from Viet Nam and couldn't speak much English, and I would jerk a little when she'd massage my feet and she thought she was hurting me, but I kept telling her it tickled. I was trying to be mature about it, but it really tickled. It was a fun luxury to have that done today. Jodie's a good friend.
While we're in CA, we're going to take the kids to Disneyland. The little girls have never been there so I think every kid deserves a trip to Disney in their life. They are so excited about it especially when they see anything Disney in a commercial on TV. Leah wants to ride the rollercoasters. You know our family, she may end up being the only one on the ride. Nikki's a true Thompson and has to go to the bathroom just before a big ride or anything scary, but Leah's kind of game for things. Maybe we can pay Alex to go on the rides with her. I doubt he'll go... We'll also be going to Maria's wedding on Friday night. You'll like her fiance, James. He's a fun guy.
Well, I better sign off. Jill Erickson is on her way over so I can show her what to water while we're gone. Barkley's probably already shaking knowing that he has to go to the kennel. I think he senses something's up when he sees the suitcases all over the place.
Have a great week, Kirk. Your strong spirit lifts mine and I look forward to every letter every week. Continue to obey with exactness and the blessings will come.
Love you,
mom
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
August 7, 2007
Dear Elder Kirk,
Our week went by really fast, how about yours? We had a great time in CA as usual with the cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents. We swam, went to the beach for a bbq, went to Maria's wedding, went to church with grandma and grandpa, had a big dinner at Susan's, game night, a trip to Disney with the family, shopping, etc. Maria and James' wedding was wonderful. She had it at a beautiful country club in Camarillo, CA. James is so good for her. He's a fun, christian man who seems to bring out the best in Maria. Since she's older now, she's very anxious to start having children.
All the cousins said to say hi to you and they're anxious for your return. We stayed at Jan and Jeff's this time and that was fun. The little girls really enjoyed their first trip to Disney. It was pretty crowded on the Disney side, but we just tried to plow through and went on as many rides as we could that didn't have too long of a wait. The California Adventure side was wonderful, not crowded at all. We all loved Soaring over CA and went on it twice. We were at Disney from about 8:30 in the morning until 9:45pm. It was a long day, but luckily it always cools down in the evenings in CA. I don't think we'll ever try a Disney trip in the summer again though.
The cousins have all grown taller. Brig claims he's the only one who hasn't grown, not so sure that's true. Tyler and Trevor are thinking about coming up here to ID for a visit before they have to start college. I hope they make it here. Some sort of big road trip they're planning. Isaac and Bethany and Heidi and Cameron are all graduating from BYU at the end of this year, so they're going through the ceremony "walking" in the end of August. Heidi and Cameron are going back east to DC to do an internship this fall. That will be a fun place for them to do that.
Allen and his new wife Lisa look so happy together. She seems so good for him and for their precious family. Allen is just all smiles now and it's great to see. It was the first time we got to meet her. I hope they will come up for Thanksgiving with us this year.
Toni's girls are all beautiful. McKenna and Joe are planning on getting married in a year or two, Patrice is working in SLC now but living in Provo. She's open for any of us to set her up on dates. Sam is really getting tall now and he's only 13.
It was fun talking with Mary. She's working at Disney in one of the restaurants in Downtown Disney. She's so cute and bubbly all the time. She and Alex and David hung out a lot at their house. David has decided to quit high school and take the exit exam and start college. He's already taken a few courses. He just didn't like high school at all. He'd love to go to BYU-I sometime.
The photographer for Maria's wedding who also happens to be married to her best friend, is from the DR. So dad talked with him a little bit. He just returned from there a couple of weeks ago. He was going to ask his brother who lives in the DR for the name of a few good hotels in Puerta Plata for us to stay at. We'll let you know what he says. He was very friendly.
Sounds like you've really been working hard there lately and I know it will bring blessings. How was your week? Did you get to teach a lot. I hope so. We think of you so often even when we're on vacation. You're such a big part of our lives even though you're far away and you know you're always in our prayers. The DR has a big place in our hearts.
I hope and your companion are well and anxiously engaged in good causes. Stay true to your covenants. Until next week...
I love you,
mom
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
August 14, 2007
Dear Elder Kirk,
Even though your bday isn't for another week, it's officially the beginning of your birthday week, so enjoy. I remember when you turned 19, there weren't very many things on your bday list since you were just about to leave on your mission and now it's the same way. Your needs and wants are small and you're focused on the work you are doing.
We are back into the swing of things now back home from our vacation to CA. It seems like we are busier than ever. Trevor and Tyler are keeping things jumping here. You know Trevor, he always wants to be somewhere social. Tonight they went to a bday party with Alex. They don't care that they don't know anyone, they just want to socialize. In the morning Tyler and Alex are going to go to the cannery and work a shift. Trevor said he wants to sleep in. Tyler even helped mow our lawn today. They're both fun young men looking forward to serving missions pretty soon. Today Alex, Trevor and Tyler went shopping at Saver's, then to the mall, then they went to Del Taco for Taco tuesday where you can buy 3 tacos for a dollar. They said the man in front of them in line bought 60 tacos!
Alex got his drivers permit tonight. I went to his class with him and he got to drive home. He's a good driver. They have to drive with a permit for 6 months now instead of 4 and when they get their license they can't have more than one other person in the car with them for at least 6 months.
Kristina and Leah have been taking a jump rope class in Meridian. They love it. I love watching them. They are both getting so good and can do double dutch great. I'm going to buy double dutch ropes so the 3 girls can practice and have fun together. On Friday, which is the last day of the class, they are going to have the parents there to watch their tricks, etc. It should be fun. I used to love to jump rope as a little girl. I can remember doing it every day with my friends. Nikki wasn't old enough to take the class, but she definitely wants to take it next year. She says she wants to take a cheerleading class too. I actually think she has some musical talent and will be good at the piano. Leah might be tone deaf, I'm not sure.
I'm busy getting things ready for my 11 yr old scout day camp which is this Saturday. It's at Eagle Island State Park and should be fun. The rotations will be canoeing, axe throwing, archery, lashing (building a monkey bridge), first aid and camping. We're going to have a yell competition, a game, a relay during first aid and a knot tying game. Dad is teaching the first aid class of course and I've asked him to conduct too and give a scoutmaster's minute at the end. Alex will be conducting the axe throwing station. They're both a big help to me. We have 45 boys from the stake coming.
It was fun seeing Justin Sypherd this past Sunday. He looks exactly the same, like time stood still. Sounds like he really enjoyed living in the South and it brought back a lot of memories just listening to him. Kathryn Moore got married over the weekend, but I wasn't able to go to her reception cuz dad and I had a date with the priest quorum. Alex's quorum had a date night and each one had to show up with a date to Bro. Rasmussen's. Alex wasn't so happy about it since it was going to be his first date and now he has to say that his parents were on his first date. It was fun though. After a bbq, we all played this game called Mafia which is really big right now. We played it with the cousins in CA also. Then we played a fun game of kickball. Dad and I took off early so we could leave Alex some alone time (well, alone with all the other priests and their dates!)
The kids start school in less than 2 weeks. Kristina is excited to have a locker, Alex is excited to be an upper classmen, Leah is anxious to go to a new school (Galileo Math and Science Magnet School) and Nikki is hoping to get accepted into first grade. I really hope they let her go. She's very ready academically (maybe not so much socially).
I am anxious to start making quilts for a woman in CA who works in the courts and sees many children who are taken away from their families. She wants some quilts to give to them so at least they have something happy or positive from going through a horrible experience. My quilt group, the Material Girls, are going to make quilts each month and I'll mail them to her in CA for her to give out. Most the kids she sees there are between 4 and 17 years old. It's fun making quilts for such a good cause.
Well, that's about all. There's always something going on but you know how it is. Real joy comes when you are anxiously engaged in good causes. I consider my family to be the best of all causes and I love you all very much. I hope you have felt successful this week and that you are enjoying the work. Take care and continue to "search, ponder and pray".
Love you much,
mom
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxox
August 21, 2007
Dear Elder Kirk,
Well, we had fun thinking about you all day today. 21 years old. How wonderful that you can turn 21 in the mission field. Did your ward treat you kindly?
We are busy getting ready for school to begin next Monday. This summer flew by probably because we were busy all the time. Trevor and Tyler left our house Thurs night. We went swimming at Bill and Nancy's on Thurs. I haven't talked with Nancy for quite a while so it was nice catching up on news with her. They're going on a cruise through the Mediterranean in Sept. about the same time we'll be in the Caribbean. But they'll be back in time to come to our ward when you report on your mission. The day before Alex and Trevor and Tyler did a shift at the cannery doing peaches. They worked so hard and it was fun to hear their stories about working on the assembly line. It was hard work for them and they were so tired when they got home.
My 11 yr old Day Camp went smoothly and it was fun. I've heard back from a few people about how fun it was. This year in the lashing class they not only built a monkey bridge but also a catapult which was fun. Alex manned the axes as usual and one boy said Alex was the best part of Day Camp. He's really funny with the boys.
Tomorrow I'm taking our Bear den to Cabella's, a giant sports warehouse here in Boise. They're going to go on a tour there. They have lots of stuffed animals, an aquarium, an archery range, a small food store and much more there so it should be fun.
Alex is across the street at the Poulson's. Were they in the house when you lived here? I can't remember. Anyway, they have a son Alex's age, so he's over there right now making cookies from scratch. I guess they like baking. Either that or they're super hungry. Alex is trying to get his Eagle project written up. He's having a hard time. I think he could use your help but I've asked him to try and get it done before school starts so he's got a deadline.
He's got his drivers permit now and is doing well driving. It's funny to be in the car with the whole family. Nikki and Leah and even Kristina give him a hard time and really backseat drive. They tell him what he should be doing every second. I love it. If he can learn to drive with them in the car, he'll have it made. He has to drive with an adult now for 6 months.
Kristina had a big party here last Friday night. She and her friends had a High School Musical 2 party, a Disney TV special. They loved the first show and couldn't wait for the second one to come out. It's really a big thing here. Sean said it's even pretty big in Argentina. The girls took over the basement and Alex actually went to a friend's house down the street where they also were having a HSM party. I guess the lead guy in the movie is LDS according to the rumors and is going on a mission soon. All the girls are in love with him. So Kristina had a fun party here.
Leah is going to her last Sylvan class tomorrow. Since school is starting we'll just see how it goes in school and what her teacher says. I'm sure she'll have enough homework without having to worry about Sylvan. She loved her jump rope camp she went to with Kristina. They learned some really cool tricks and I was pretty impressed. She wants me to see if there's any camps during the year she can go to. So now she has 2 things she loves to do-jump rope (including double dutch) and swimming.
Nikki just lost another tooth and she looks so funny. It was one of her front top teeth. I'll have to take a picture and send it to you. Now she really has a lisp when she talks. Looks like she'll actually be going to first grade in a week. We got a letter from her teacher and we get to meet her this Thursday night. I know that Nikki is ready for first grade academically, but socially she has a ways to go. Should be interesting.
Dad and I keep busy every day between work, the garden, home improvements, callings, etc. We sent a pkg off to you yesterday, hope you enjoy it.
I'm happy to hear that the hurricane didn't have much impact in your area although I know how much fun you would have had with that. It was supposed to hit Jamaica and the Cayman Islands too, but went a little south of them, so Travis Hugentobler was also spared. Did you get much wind or rain from it? It was kind of fun watching the weather channel again like the good ole days in Hilton Head.
Kirk, I have to tell you that in your last letter when you were talking about about the cd that you and your comp listened to, the one about Christ's atonement and about how God speaks to all the elements of the earth, I just couldn't stop thinking about that. All week I've been looking at things differently and appreciating the earth and all its elements and realizing how they are all organized through the great power of our Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ and also knowing that we have that same power through the priesthood. It's very humbling. Thank you for sharing that. I would love to know the name of the cd so I can listen to the whole thing.
I was also so happy to hear that an entire family showed up for church a couple weeks ago from Manzanillo. I hope you've been able to work some more with them. How has your week been? You sound strong, worthy and willing and I know that the spirit will be with you and continue to work through you. Keep up the great work and remember you are always in our prayers.
Love you,
mom
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoox
August 28, 2007
Dear Elder Kirk,
I seem to have so much more time now. It must be a school night. The girls get to bed at 8pm (even though the sun is still out which Leah points out to me every night) so I have some time each night to get other things done now.
We are well here. The school year has officially begun. Nikki is loving her first grade class at Eagle Elementary. Leah says she has the best teacher, probably because he's a man and she loves being at the new school, Galileo. Kristina says having a locker is the best and she got an upper one. She also says her engineering class is going to be great. The school that Leah and Kristina go to is a math/science magnet school, so engineering is a big part of it too. Alex is already getting lots of homework this year. Right now Dallas Yorgason is over doing calculus homework with him. After that, Kiley Koefed is coming over to do history homework with him. Because he's so smart, I think he's a popular guy to do homework with. But we'll just let him think he's popular.
Bill and Nancy just came over and we had a fun talk with them. They're getting ready to go on a cruise in a couple days to through the Mediterranean. It sounds like a fun cruise. They fly into Barcelona to start with and spend a couple days there so we were telling them the fun places to see there.
We had kind of a normal week this past week. Just spent most the time helping the kids get ready for school and going to meet the teacher's night. I took the Bear den to Cabela's and it was a lot of fun. The boys said it was great, so we'll probably do it again with a new group of boys next summer. Tomorrow we're taking them swimming at the Houssians. It's still hot here although it's cooled down a lot at night, so we love opening the windows and doors at night.
We all went to the Idaho State Fair last week. It pretty much stays the same year after year. The new thing this year was a diving show, so we went to that. They had a big tank of water and 4 past diving champions who put on a show. It was very entertaining. In fact, Leah and Nikki thought the divers were so good that they asked them to sign their shirts after the show.
So how was your week? We've been busy making our travel arrangements to the DR. It's almost unreal that we're really going. We've made reservations at a hotel in Santiago for a few nights and a few nights in Puerto Plata and then one more night in Santiago, the night before we fly back home.
Hey Kirk, it Dad, Moms on the phone with Jan so I'm going to steal a few moments of her internet time, write you and then hit the sack. We are trying to get everything ready to come and visit. We need you to decide when you want to leave the mission home and come to join us, either late at night on the 19th (after 8:30 pm according to the letter President Thomas sent us) or in the am on the 20th. The next time you meet with President Thomas, talk to him about what you and your missionary companions are doing that night of the 19th and then decide when and where you want to meet us. We will have you forever, but the 19th will be your "last day" in the mission field so we want you to enjoy it where you will have to most memories and if that means we do not get to see you until the 20th, we can live with that easily. Write us back in a couple of weeks and tell us what you have decided. I'm getting tired and need to go to bed. I love you Kirk, work hard to the end of your mission, I'm going to be working hard to get all of my shifts out of the way so I can come play with you,so we can see who has more hours of work in by the time we meet. You'll never know how much fun it was to be a missionary until your home, miss it so bad, but can never go back; so soak it all up, enjoy each day and relish the companionship of the spirit you can only enjoy as a missionary. I love you, Dad
Hi Kirk, I'm back. My dad also called, so I've been on the phone for a while now. He calls me a lot more now that grandma is having such a hard time with her memory. It's sad for me to see her that way, but it's even sadder watching my dad try to cope with it. So I enjoy his phone calls a lot and totally understand how he just wants to talk sometimes. He was talking about your letters and says how much he loves reading them. He loves your attitude, your stories and your faith.
You mentioned that you could use some new white shirts when we come. Remind me what size neck you wear. Also we just sent another pkg so hopefully it will get to you soon. Let us know when you get it.
I better be off to bed too. It's getting late, but at least we don't have to get up to try and see the solar eclipse. there was a solar eclipse last night but it took place at 3 in the morning. Alex actually got up and saw it right after it took place. I saw it at 6 in the morning and it was just finishing. The earth and the heavens are amazing intricate handiwork of a loving Heavenly Father. Always take time to look around you and see His work.
I am so proud of you Kirk. Keep the fire of the covenants you've made with you always. Others will see what you have and want the same thing.
Love you,
mom
xoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxo
Sept. 4, 2007
Dear Elder Kirk,
Can you believe that we leave here in just two weeks. I'm sure you're having such mixed feelings about all this. I can't imagine. You're having such an incredible mission and have been so instrumental in helping bring the truth and the light into so many lives. It's been so fun to hear what you've been doing, to learn about people and their lives, their decisions, the complexity of life and the simplicity of the gospel.
How has your week been? You have been finding so many new people to teach lately. That's great. I can't believe how many inactive members you said there were there in Dajabon. You know that at one point they all knew and felt that the gospel was true, but then they have to continue to prove their faithfulness which can be so difficult for so many. I can't imagine switching the way I live after so many years. I feel so blessed to have been raised in the gospel and to have parents who continue to be such an amazing example to me.
Yes, we made reservations at the hotel in the Plat that you told us about, the Oasis Gran Marien and we'll be there through Sunday so we can go to church there. When we fly in on Wed, we'll be staying at the Marriott Hotel which is on the way to the airport. That's about all we know about it's location, but we'll stay there the night before we fly home so it should be a quick drive to the airport in the morning. We're going to stay in Santiago Wed, Thurs and Fri night. Then we check into the Plat on Sat night, Sun night and Mon night. Tues night we'll be back at the Marriott Hotel and we fly home Wed and get home about
9:30pm that night. We'll pick you up on Thurs morning, I guess at the mission home. Let us know if that's where we're supposed to pick you up. We're very excited. BTW, do you think you can navigate us around to all the places you want if we get a car or should we just take the local taxis, buses, etc?
Over the weekend we went to McCall. There was a quilt show there and I had a couple quilts in the show so we decided to go up for the day. After the show, we had lunch, then hiked up at Camp Morrison and then the girls went swimming in the lake for a while. There have been tons of fires here in Idaho and it was very smoky up at McCall. The fires are still not under control yet. The whole western US has suffered from lots of fires this summer.
Looks like we're finally going to get some cooler weather here. We had a huge wind storm pass through a while ago. In fact, one of the tops of the trees blew right off and now it's raining which is great for us. We really could use the rain here. I went out right before the rain and picked a bunch of grapes off the grapevines. They're so sweet and good this year. We should still have some when you get here.
School is going great for all the kids. Alex is trying to think of someone to ask to Homecoming. He said he's heard that practically everyone has already been asked that he knows. So we were trying to brainstorm today. He's also trying to think of a fun way to ask. Kristina started her ballet classes today at the Purnell's. Leah is happy with her class and says she has new best friends. Nikki is actually having to do homework and she loves it. Leah kind of helps her with it since it's the same exact thing she did last year. I think it will be good for Leah to help her.
Dad is at the church. He's really busy this month with work since he's taking off so much time at the end of the month ( but it will be worth it!). Pres. Stafford called tonight to find out when you'd be home. Brittany will be coming home the end of the year too. Jill Erickson is busy making all kinds of plans for when Alex gets home. She even sent him a bunch of job applications.
It's so funny to hear you talking about not having a maid and cooking for yourself, washing, etc. I forgot about you having a maid in the beginning until you mentioned that. You'll have to cook for us when you come home. We all love rice, so the dominican style rice would be great. You'll probably love our old washing machines we still have in the basement. They're old, but they work.
So how have your appointments been going this week? Did you baptize Nelson? Also what is happening with that family you found that were actually married by law? I hope they're still working with you. Has Edison made up his mind yet? Sometimes people don't realize that they've already received an answer and are waiting for some big sign.
So not much else going on here. Just the usual day to day activities, me being the chief chauffeur/taxi driver. Although now that Alex drives, at least I get to sit in the passenger seat when we go somewhere. Today I went out and test drove a new car for fun. It was a GMC Acadia, which is a crossover SUV. I drove great and it had so many fun things in the car. I loved the heads up display which is a display that shows up on the windshield and shows you your speed, the temperature, the radio station and song that is being played and the direction the car is going. It was really cool. You never have to look down at anything because it's all displayed right in front of you.
Anyway, I better get going. Dad just got home. Dad says to tell you he loves you.
I want to send a couple pix also. I hope this week is just wonderful for you. Here are the last of the tips from my little book:
1. Give away some of your clothing to members and missionaries before leaving to come home.(You asked about giving away things, but I really can't remember the things you took, so go ahead and if you feel inspired, give it away).
2. Remember the principles of the commitment pattern when you return home and start dating.
3. Give out at least one Book of Mormon on the flight home.
4. You aren't released until you've visited with your stake president. So if you travel after your mission, remember to still follow missionary rules.
5. Wear your most worn-out suit for your homecoming instead of new clothes. This will make it look like you worked really hard.
6. Write a letter to your future children as soon as you get home, summarizing your mission and what you learned. Plan to give it to them just before they enter the mission field.
7. Avoid travelogues in your homecoming address (which will be on Sept 30th by the way)
8. To say your mission was the best two years of your life is a bit inaccurate., It's OK to say it was the toughest, most challenging, yet most rewarding two years of your life.
Have a great day and a fun week.
Love you,
mom
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Sept 11, 2007
My Dear Elder Kirk,
I shouldn't have started thinking about how this is my last email to you because now my eyes are wet and I can hardly see the screen. They're happy tears of course, yet a little sad. I may have to keep writing you even when you're home.
I just got home from the church. I had to take our neighbor, Ryan Kent, who is turning 8 so he could have his interview with the Bishop. Your plaque is on the wall and you look great! I'm so proud of you.
The little girls just said to tell you that they want to go on walks with you when you get home. That's obviously a good memory that they have of you. And it just happens to be beautiful weather in the evenings for walks, so I look forward to it also.
We had a nice week, nothing too eventful. Sunday night we had the young women and their mothers here for a standards fireside. It was really nice and dad did a great job. Kristina got to go to this one even though she doesn't officially turn 12 for another month. She's so anxious to go into young women's. Also on Sunday we had a general authority show up for our meeting. It was Elder Nachez of the 70. He came in just before the meeting started with Pres. McCauley. They went right up to the stand and I saw him introduce himself to dad. Then I saw all of dad's bishopric stand up and start moving over and Elder Nachez sat down next to dad. Pres. McCauley sat next to him. They both ended up speaking to us at the end of the meeting. It was fun having them in our meeting. Elder Nachez spoke about his recent visit with Pres. Faust just before he passed away and how he told him how important it was to share our testimonies with our families so that they can then share that same testimony with their children. That way our posterity hears our testimonies even when we are gone.
Fri night dad and I went to the first home game for EHS. They lost miserably so it was kind of sad to watch. Hopefully they can bounce back from that and do better this week. Alex is over at a friend's house tonight doing his calculus. He seems busier this year with homework. He's taking one AP class and one honors class, so that's probably why.
I talked with Charmaine tonight and she has put $100 into your bank account for you to use these last couple of weeks in case you want to buy something fun. I forward your emails to her, so you can send her a message through your letter if you like. She'll be coming up the weekend you will be giving your mission report and is very excited to see you and talk with you. She and Lanny broke up over the weekend and she's having a hard time. They were together for 11 years, can you believe it? She just got back from a trip to the Yucatan with grandma and grandpa Thompson. They went down for about a week and had a great time.
I hope you're feeling better this week and that your end-of-the-mission sore throat has gone away. All 3 girls are just now getting over the same thing. Must be something going around the world.
How are Edison, Marisol and Francisco? How was your zone conference testimony? I'm sure it was very emotional and spiritual and i hope you had a wonderful time being with your zone.
We are so excited to see you. I keep thinking about it and trying to picture it in my mind. It will be very surreal. I'm also very excited to see the DR and to see a little of what you've been seeing these past two years and to meet some of the people you know. Is there anything we can bring to some of the families? I'll try to think of some things.
Kirk, our family has been so blessed because of your service to the Lord. It has been a tremendous experience for me as your mom, something I have prayed for and looked forward to all my life, raising a son who would have such a strong testimony of the gospel that he would want to leave his home and share the good news with people he didn't know but would soon grow to love just as our Father loves them. Your zeal, your attitude, your humility, your patience have served you well. These are gifts you have been given and you have magnified them. I know that you have probably realized many other gifts that you have been given now as you have served. Remember that these gifts (and probably many more) will be with you always and you will continue to use them in your life to bring joy not only to yourself but to many others especially as you remember to magnify and use them. Never hide them under bushel.
There are so many people who love you and have prayed for you these past 2 years. Always remember that. I, of course, love you more than any of them ;) and can't wait to be able to put my arms around you once again (in just one week). Have a wonderful, spirit-filled week.
Until the 20th--
Love you,
mom
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxxoxoxoxoxoxo
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