Feb. 22, 2009
Dear Elder Sean,
I just finished reading Jared's letter for the week. I love that they send me his letters. He sounds like he's doing great. I'm also researching all the possibilities for housing for Alex at BYU. It's hard to coordinate with so many. Unlike your group, they all seem to have their own ideas about where to live, etc. If you had to recommend a place for him, would you tell him to live in Heritage or Helaman and why? thanks for your help on that.
Alex and Kirk just got home from mission prep. Kirk said he had to be a 7th Day Adventist investigator tonight. Afterwards, Kirk went home teaching. He sees Tiffany Shaw and also her boyfriend so I'm sure it was a fun visit.
We had ward conference today. It was nice having the stake leaders at each of our meetings. Dad did a good job with his talk. He worked hard on it. Pres. McCauley led the discussion in Sunday School and also in RS. Pres. Stafford went in with the youth. Dad had to go to work tonight so I know he's going to be totally exhausted through the night. Plus I sent him off after a big meal of roast beef, mashed potatoes, carrots, broccoli and cheese sauce.
So how has your week been? Your letter last week had lots of amazing things in it. How are Rodrigo and Claudia doing? I loved seeing their picture. What is their last name so we can pray for them? How great to have the Cortez family with their newly converted enthusiasm helping you teach them.
I loved hearing that Aurora is teaching the 7 year olds. The lessons she'll teach the children will also teach her well.
This past week we've enjoyed really nice weather, well, at least it's not bitter cold any more. Around 50 degrees or so each day. We're basking in the sunshine each day. Also we're having the neighborhood puppies over each day for puppy play dates. It's quite the entertainment to watch puppies play.
Dad had the last of his Boise job interviews this past week. St. Al's didn't sound too interested, but St. Lukes would like him to work for them in Mountain Home and Weiser. Not exactly close to home, but at least they pay well and we wouldn't have to pack up and move. St. Luke's is supposed to send dad their numbers (pay, benefits, etc) this week and then we'll have to decide. Dad's not too thrilled with having to travel so far and put in 24 hour shifts (which is what they both have). But the alternative of having to start looking for jobs in other states sounds a bit daunting at this point. So we'll see what happens. We're praying each night about it and really want to make the best decision for our family. The economy is still extremely slow and down, houses are still not moving, businesses are cutting back and people are continuing to lose their jobs. So moving sounds like a risky decision right now, but we'll see....
I'm flying to Calif this Thursday to meet with grandpa's accountants and lawyers. Steve and Carolina are driving down there too so Steve can be at the meetings. Steve says Axel already has a steady girlfriend and says she might be the one. Didn't he just get home last month?? :) Then on Saturday I'll go with David and Caryn and their kids to the temple. I'll be back home Sunday night. The cubs Blue and Gold Banquet got postponed until this week, so dad's going to have to batch it there without me.
The youth talent show was so much fun to watch. I took the little girls and we were thoroughly entertained. Kristina did a funny routine with the piano where she and the neighbor boy fought over playing the same song on the piano and she also did a fun syncronized swimming skit with the beehives. Alex and the priests did a nice job as Alex played Belle on the guitar with Quinn on drum and Joel riding the unicycle shaking the maracas. The deacons took first place again and they totally deserved it. Randy Pinder choreographed a piece he'd seen on Youtube called the evolution of dance and those deacons did it flawlessly. We were all laughing so hard. I'm hoping they'll do an encore performance for the Blue and Gold. The bishopric performed as a latino group from Mexico singing words having to do with the Strength of Youth to the tune of "I am the Frito Bandito" (Sorry, can't remember the real name of the song) Dad was the only one who looked like an actual Mexican mariachi guy. Their band name was Los Muchachos Guapo de S.O.Y.(Strength of Youth)
Here are some tips for the week:
1. Before entering a yard, shake the gate to check for dogs.
2. When teaching a first discussion, use the new investigator's Bible instead of yours. Though the wording may be slightly different, it allows the person to see that the verses you share are in his/her version.
3. Don't visit church members on Monday evenings unless you have been invited by them to do so.
4. When your investigator leaves the room for a few minutes, swap ties with your companion and see if he/she notices.
5.Trust your mission president. He is entitled to inspiration on your behalf.
6. When training, carefully plan your new companion's first night so it includes a combination of tracting and teaching.
7. Tracting in a threesome isn't a good idea. It looks like the Mafia has arrived on the doorstep.
8. Don't let non-missionaries ride in mission cars.
9. Label your photos immediately with full names.
10. Remember the missionary version of D&C 4:3 "If ye have desires to serve God (in a particular area of your mission) ye are called to the work (in the opposite end of the mission).
I hope you are well. My prayers are always with you and I miss you terribly. We haven't sent our package to you yet, so it will go out this week. Say hi to Elder Davis.
Stay true to your covenants, the Lord never wavers on His side of the covenant.
Love you,
momxoxoxooxoxoxoxooxxo
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Charades and more
Feb. 15, 2009
Dear Elder Sean,
Just finished playing a fun game of charades with the family. Too fun watching Nikki and Leah act out words. How are you? I sure thought about you a lot today. Early this morning I went to the Beacon Light ward to hear Aaron Anderson give his report on his mission. His brother Trent was the youth speaker. Seems like I remember his brother speaking with him last time too. They speak very fondly of each other.
Aaron looked and sounded great. He spoke with such enthusiasm and you can tell he learned so much from his mission and enjoyed it even during the tough times. He spoke of the power of fasting and prayer and how doors opened for them because of their faith in asking through fasting and prayer, and not many doors open in New York. He gave me a big hug afterwards and said with a big smile, "Sean's mom!" Alex sang in a quartet at the meeting too. They sounded great. I told them they should sing at your homecoming.
It was fun seeing all the moms and dads of your friends again. After talking with the McKell's and the Frame's, I told them we all needed to get together and go out to dinner. Madison Flake drove up from Utah too as well as some other friends (sorry I didn't know their names). Aaron is planning on going to BYU for spring. Right now he's looking for a job and has been called as a ward missionary. He also plays basketball with Alex and his friends as the honorary "adult" that they need to be there. Tomorrow morning (no school tomorrow) they'll be playing all morning. Kirk said Jordan Potter keeps asking when all of you will be home so he can go and play baseball with all of you.
It was fun hearing a little from Elder Davis. Thanks for having him write us.
Grandma and Grandpa Thompson asked us tonight if you had received their package. I think I remember you mentioning it a few weeks back. They sent pralines, etc. Just let me know again if you got it or send out a thank you to them so they know it got there.
We just had a fill the temple weekend. I heard it was packed to capacity all 3 days which was wonderful. Dad and Kirk and I went on Friday. We took our own names through. We did initiatories first then went through a session. I went through for my birth grandma Hutchinson. It was the first time I have taken a name through where I have actually known the person here in this life. I was thinking about her the whole time and it was such a humbling experience. Kirk took Grandpa Hutch's name and dad took his grandfather Thompson. Next we'll do the sealings for the Hutchinson's.
We had the sister missionaries over for dinner last week. I love the spirit they bring into our home. It's almost palpable. They left us with a little lesson and Leah is very excited to invite her friends to the next activity day this upcoming weekend. I really hope they get to go because Leah is so anxious about it. I'll be talking with their mom.
I was wrong last week when I said dad was interviewing for jobs. He's doing it this week. We are very excited and anxious to hear what St. Al's and St. Luke's has to say. These interviews will be very pivotal in our lives.
This week in my studies, I read Peter in the NT. First I was in such awe of Paul and now I see Peter in such a powerful way. It's so great to see his growth from the impetuous days of his youth, fresh from the fishing boats as a young apostle to Jesus Christ. And now to read his wisdom that can only come from experience and age as he writes 30 years later and is well aware of his impending death. For some reason, I am seeing the NT in a brand new light. That's what I love about the scriptures. You don't just read them once in your life and call it good. There is always something new to be learned or gleaned.
Alex heard from BYU this week and it's a yes! Looks like he'll be there with you in the fall.
All the rest the kids are doing well. The YM/YW are all practicing for the big talent show this week. Even the Bishopric will be getting into the act. Brother Myler is writing some words about the Strength of Youth to the Mexican tune, Aye, Yai, Yai, Yai, I am the Frito Bandito. They will be performing it as a Mariachi band. Should be lots of fun.
This week I also met with the other missionary moms in our ward to swap ideas on how to best support our missionaries. So many fun ideas. One thing Sister Stevens mentioned was that they always sent little oil vials for Elder Stevens to give out to the men who had newly received the priesthood. I thought that was a good idea. If that's something you'd like to be able to give out, let us know. We can always pick those up for you. I hope you've always felt our love and support for you. The whole family reaps the blessings from your work and we are so thankful for the opportunities you've been given. The spiritual experiences in the MTC prepared you for the world you were heading into for 2 years. Your mission with all its spiritual experiences and lessons learned through the spirit is preparing you for your life. I hear many men refer back to the experiences on their missions as they speak, which is great, but what is even greater is to hear people refer to recent spiritual experiences. They are the ones who are continually striving to feel the spirit, learn more, and reach even greater heights. There is always so much more for me to learn in life.
I hope you are feeling well and enjoying the service you are giving. It truly is a marvelous work and a wonder. Here are some missionary tips for the week:
1. Surprise your landlord with a small gift.
2. Occasionally write an individualized letter to one family member instead of to the whole family.
3. Talk with the members, not at them.
4. Wipe toothpaste out of the sink.
5. Get up early once in a while and make breakfast for your companion.
6. Service projects at rest homes are very rewarding.
7. Be able to tell one Book of Mormon story dynamically by memory.
8. Don't confess or discuss past sins with investigators or members.
9. Get a haircut the first P-day of each month.
10. Answer the questions your mother asks in her letters (hey, that one was really in the book, I didn't add it on my own!!) :)
Better sign off and get in to dad before he falls asleep for the night. He's very sleep deprived these days. I can't complain though. I'm so lucky to get so much time with him compared to other working husbands. He has a great work schedule where we get entire days to spend together every week. I love it.
I'll leave you with Pres. Monson's words, "In order to really learn, one must learn to really listen." I'm going to try to be a better listener this week. Have a wonderful week. Can't wait to hear about what you did last week.
Love you always,
momxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxxo
Dear Elder Sean,
Just finished playing a fun game of charades with the family. Too fun watching Nikki and Leah act out words. How are you? I sure thought about you a lot today. Early this morning I went to the Beacon Light ward to hear Aaron Anderson give his report on his mission. His brother Trent was the youth speaker. Seems like I remember his brother speaking with him last time too. They speak very fondly of each other.
Aaron looked and sounded great. He spoke with such enthusiasm and you can tell he learned so much from his mission and enjoyed it even during the tough times. He spoke of the power of fasting and prayer and how doors opened for them because of their faith in asking through fasting and prayer, and not many doors open in New York. He gave me a big hug afterwards and said with a big smile, "Sean's mom!" Alex sang in a quartet at the meeting too. They sounded great. I told them they should sing at your homecoming.
It was fun seeing all the moms and dads of your friends again. After talking with the McKell's and the Frame's, I told them we all needed to get together and go out to dinner. Madison Flake drove up from Utah too as well as some other friends (sorry I didn't know their names). Aaron is planning on going to BYU for spring. Right now he's looking for a job and has been called as a ward missionary. He also plays basketball with Alex and his friends as the honorary "adult" that they need to be there. Tomorrow morning (no school tomorrow) they'll be playing all morning. Kirk said Jordan Potter keeps asking when all of you will be home so he can go and play baseball with all of you.
It was fun hearing a little from Elder Davis. Thanks for having him write us.
Grandma and Grandpa Thompson asked us tonight if you had received their package. I think I remember you mentioning it a few weeks back. They sent pralines, etc. Just let me know again if you got it or send out a thank you to them so they know it got there.
We just had a fill the temple weekend. I heard it was packed to capacity all 3 days which was wonderful. Dad and Kirk and I went on Friday. We took our own names through. We did initiatories first then went through a session. I went through for my birth grandma Hutchinson. It was the first time I have taken a name through where I have actually known the person here in this life. I was thinking about her the whole time and it was such a humbling experience. Kirk took Grandpa Hutch's name and dad took his grandfather Thompson. Next we'll do the sealings for the Hutchinson's.
We had the sister missionaries over for dinner last week. I love the spirit they bring into our home. It's almost palpable. They left us with a little lesson and Leah is very excited to invite her friends to the next activity day this upcoming weekend. I really hope they get to go because Leah is so anxious about it. I'll be talking with their mom.
I was wrong last week when I said dad was interviewing for jobs. He's doing it this week. We are very excited and anxious to hear what St. Al's and St. Luke's has to say. These interviews will be very pivotal in our lives.
This week in my studies, I read Peter in the NT. First I was in such awe of Paul and now I see Peter in such a powerful way. It's so great to see his growth from the impetuous days of his youth, fresh from the fishing boats as a young apostle to Jesus Christ. And now to read his wisdom that can only come from experience and age as he writes 30 years later and is well aware of his impending death. For some reason, I am seeing the NT in a brand new light. That's what I love about the scriptures. You don't just read them once in your life and call it good. There is always something new to be learned or gleaned.
Alex heard from BYU this week and it's a yes! Looks like he'll be there with you in the fall.
All the rest the kids are doing well. The YM/YW are all practicing for the big talent show this week. Even the Bishopric will be getting into the act. Brother Myler is writing some words about the Strength of Youth to the Mexican tune, Aye, Yai, Yai, Yai, I am the Frito Bandito. They will be performing it as a Mariachi band. Should be lots of fun.
This week I also met with the other missionary moms in our ward to swap ideas on how to best support our missionaries. So many fun ideas. One thing Sister Stevens mentioned was that they always sent little oil vials for Elder Stevens to give out to the men who had newly received the priesthood. I thought that was a good idea. If that's something you'd like to be able to give out, let us know. We can always pick those up for you. I hope you've always felt our love and support for you. The whole family reaps the blessings from your work and we are so thankful for the opportunities you've been given. The spiritual experiences in the MTC prepared you for the world you were heading into for 2 years. Your mission with all its spiritual experiences and lessons learned through the spirit is preparing you for your life. I hear many men refer back to the experiences on their missions as they speak, which is great, but what is even greater is to hear people refer to recent spiritual experiences. They are the ones who are continually striving to feel the spirit, learn more, and reach even greater heights. There is always so much more for me to learn in life.
I hope you are feeling well and enjoying the service you are giving. It truly is a marvelous work and a wonder. Here are some missionary tips for the week:
1. Surprise your landlord with a small gift.
2. Occasionally write an individualized letter to one family member instead of to the whole family.
3. Talk with the members, not at them.
4. Wipe toothpaste out of the sink.
5. Get up early once in a while and make breakfast for your companion.
6. Service projects at rest homes are very rewarding.
7. Be able to tell one Book of Mormon story dynamically by memory.
8. Don't confess or discuss past sins with investigators or members.
9. Get a haircut the first P-day of each month.
10. Answer the questions your mother asks in her letters (hey, that one was really in the book, I didn't add it on my own!!) :)
Better sign off and get in to dad before he falls asleep for the night. He's very sleep deprived these days. I can't complain though. I'm so lucky to get so much time with him compared to other working husbands. He has a great work schedule where we get entire days to spend together every week. I love it.
I'll leave you with Pres. Monson's words, "In order to really learn, one must learn to really listen." I'm going to try to be a better listener this week. Have a wonderful week. Can't wait to hear about what you did last week.
Love you always,
momxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxxo
Sunday, February 8, 2009
new member night
Feb. 7, 2009
Dear Elder Sean,
I'm pretty exhausted. Just had a few families over, ones that are fairly new in the ward within the last few months. We also had Mylers and Crosgroves and the sister missionaries. We had quite a house full, lots of noise coming from the basement. I like getting to know the new families in our home since it's so hard at church.
Church was wonderful, I know I sound like a broken record, but it was. The 3 sister missionaries spoke and the last one told us about her conversion story since she is going home on Wednesday. An amazing story which includes her mother deciding to join the church while she's on her mission (Pres. Monson gave the sister missionary special permission to go home for her mother's baptism) and she also just got word this last month that her dad has decided to get baptized and he wants her to speak at his baptism on Feb. 21. And that's just a small part of her story. We then sang God Be With you Til We Meet Again as our closing song and there wasn't a dry eye in the house.
Dad was able to go to a great meeting yesterday where Elder Holland and Elder Costa were the main speakers. He was there from 1pm to 5pm and was very spiritually fed. I'm hoping he'll write you with some of the details.
It was also opening ceremonies for the Special Olympics here in Boise yesterday. Many families in our stake hosted athletes and everywhere we went in town, we saw them. Kirk has seen and met quite a few of them as they've come to the mall and gone to his store. Speaking of Kirk's work, he was told last week that he was the top salesman for the month. Can you believe that? Kirk, a salesman. Travis says they just love him at work and now because he's top salesman, he gets 5% of his sales as a bonus. This week Ian Johnson will be there signing autographs, so we're going to send some things with Kirk to get his autograph.
Also Kirk spoke in the singles ward today. I heard he did a good job. He talked about the power of example. He spoke with Tiffany Shaw who also spoke on the same subject. In fact, Kirk said she spoke first and had all the same quotes and stories as he'd written down, so when Kirk got up there, he had to wing it. I actually got to hear a little of his talk because dad called me at home and he let me hear it through his cell phone from out in the halls. I was very proud of him.
This week dad has a couple interviews, one with St. Al's and one with St. Luke's. So once we hear what offer if any they have, we'll have all the info from this part of Idaho and we'll have to make a decision-stay and work with one of the groups here or look elsewhere.
Also Alex should be hearing from BYU tomorrow whether or not he's made it in. He's going to be scrambling here to get everything in that he needs to graduate.
Looks like everyone in the family has seen Aaron Anderson except me. He got home a couple nights ago. He played basketball on Saturday morning with Alex and Kirk and their friends at the church. His homecoming is this next Sunday so I'll report to you next week about that.
How was your week? That was a wonderful story about Marcelo. We hope to see him here in Boise on a mission. We have a sister missionary from Peru here right now. I'm sorry you didn't have much time to write about Aurora's baptism story, but we're so happy to hear that she finally got baptized. We were praying for her. Remember to be patient with people as they ponder, and search and question the things you teach. Even though they may seem to know that what you are saying is true, it is a huge step and most times very life changing. Some of us recognize truth and act promptly, others of us are shy or reserved and walk gingerly through life making sure each step is secure, others act impulsively and follow the crowd. Sometimes the crowd is headed in the right direction, sometimes not. If Aurora wanted more signs, let Heavenly Father be the judge as to whether or not more signs are actually what Aurora needs. All you can do is present the truth, live the truth and let the spirit teach the rest.
Are you teaching any new families? Sounds like your schedule is always so full. As AP are you also assigned to any wards or is that left to the other missionaries in your area? We are definitely having a retention problem with our recently baptized. I don't really know what happens. I called the young man who was baptized a few months ago to see if he'd come over tonight, but I just had to leave a message. The sister missionaries even went by before coming over here and they said they could hear someone inside, but no one answered. The missionaries think his testimony is still strong but he is struggling to make ends meet being newly divorced and raising a 4 yr old. I guess he's been putting in lots of extra shifts at work to try to make it. I wish he'd just let those around him help. He doesn't have to do this on his own.
We've been having a bit warmer weather here lately and it's been nice. I can actually go outside with Roxy during the night and not get frost bitten. I'm sending a few pictures we took of Roxy and Barkley and the Klondike which took place last week. The men called Kirk the snow gopher because he really went to town digging and made the whole tunnel himself.
I'm holding a piece of cheese in my hand so I've gotten both their attention. Roxy's learning from the best! She's in full swing nipping, hyper puppy stage now. I make the girls take her out back and run with her (good for both of them) to burn off some energy. Can't wait till she loses all her puppy teeth though. I've got lots of scratches on my hands and ankles-not fun.
Dad says he'll write you during the week about his meeting yesterday so he can write clearly and with energy. He's really tired and has to get up early tomorrow. He sends his love and can't wait to tell you all about the talks he heard. He shared them with me when he got home and I loved hearing what all the leaders had to say about these trying times, about church policies and about the family.
Have a week of love (after all it's almost Valentine's), the gospel kind of love where every soul has great worth. Ask Hermana Lucas if there's anything she wants me to bring for her when I come. Everything's very accessible here, so I'd be happy to help her out.
Tell us about your new companion and how things are going in the mission. I love sharing and being a small part of your mission.
I love you very much and am so proud of you and your zeal for the gospel. I'm always here for you.
Love,
momxoxooxooxoxoxoxo
Dear Elder Sean,
I'm pretty exhausted. Just had a few families over, ones that are fairly new in the ward within the last few months. We also had Mylers and Crosgroves and the sister missionaries. We had quite a house full, lots of noise coming from the basement. I like getting to know the new families in our home since it's so hard at church.
Church was wonderful, I know I sound like a broken record, but it was. The 3 sister missionaries spoke and the last one told us about her conversion story since she is going home on Wednesday. An amazing story which includes her mother deciding to join the church while she's on her mission (Pres. Monson gave the sister missionary special permission to go home for her mother's baptism) and she also just got word this last month that her dad has decided to get baptized and he wants her to speak at his baptism on Feb. 21. And that's just a small part of her story. We then sang God Be With you Til We Meet Again as our closing song and there wasn't a dry eye in the house.
Dad was able to go to a great meeting yesterday where Elder Holland and Elder Costa were the main speakers. He was there from 1pm to 5pm and was very spiritually fed. I'm hoping he'll write you with some of the details.
It was also opening ceremonies for the Special Olympics here in Boise yesterday. Many families in our stake hosted athletes and everywhere we went in town, we saw them. Kirk has seen and met quite a few of them as they've come to the mall and gone to his store. Speaking of Kirk's work, he was told last week that he was the top salesman for the month. Can you believe that? Kirk, a salesman. Travis says they just love him at work and now because he's top salesman, he gets 5% of his sales as a bonus. This week Ian Johnson will be there signing autographs, so we're going to send some things with Kirk to get his autograph.
Also Kirk spoke in the singles ward today. I heard he did a good job. He talked about the power of example. He spoke with Tiffany Shaw who also spoke on the same subject. In fact, Kirk said she spoke first and had all the same quotes and stories as he'd written down, so when Kirk got up there, he had to wing it. I actually got to hear a little of his talk because dad called me at home and he let me hear it through his cell phone from out in the halls. I was very proud of him.
This week dad has a couple interviews, one with St. Al's and one with St. Luke's. So once we hear what offer if any they have, we'll have all the info from this part of Idaho and we'll have to make a decision-stay and work with one of the groups here or look elsewhere.
Also Alex should be hearing from BYU tomorrow whether or not he's made it in. He's going to be scrambling here to get everything in that he needs to graduate.
Looks like everyone in the family has seen Aaron Anderson except me. He got home a couple nights ago. He played basketball on Saturday morning with Alex and Kirk and their friends at the church. His homecoming is this next Sunday so I'll report to you next week about that.
How was your week? That was a wonderful story about Marcelo. We hope to see him here in Boise on a mission. We have a sister missionary from Peru here right now. I'm sorry you didn't have much time to write about Aurora's baptism story, but we're so happy to hear that she finally got baptized. We were praying for her. Remember to be patient with people as they ponder, and search and question the things you teach. Even though they may seem to know that what you are saying is true, it is a huge step and most times very life changing. Some of us recognize truth and act promptly, others of us are shy or reserved and walk gingerly through life making sure each step is secure, others act impulsively and follow the crowd. Sometimes the crowd is headed in the right direction, sometimes not. If Aurora wanted more signs, let Heavenly Father be the judge as to whether or not more signs are actually what Aurora needs. All you can do is present the truth, live the truth and let the spirit teach the rest.
Are you teaching any new families? Sounds like your schedule is always so full. As AP are you also assigned to any wards or is that left to the other missionaries in your area? We are definitely having a retention problem with our recently baptized. I don't really know what happens. I called the young man who was baptized a few months ago to see if he'd come over tonight, but I just had to leave a message. The sister missionaries even went by before coming over here and they said they could hear someone inside, but no one answered. The missionaries think his testimony is still strong but he is struggling to make ends meet being newly divorced and raising a 4 yr old. I guess he's been putting in lots of extra shifts at work to try to make it. I wish he'd just let those around him help. He doesn't have to do this on his own.
We've been having a bit warmer weather here lately and it's been nice. I can actually go outside with Roxy during the night and not get frost bitten. I'm sending a few pictures we took of Roxy and Barkley and the Klondike which took place last week. The men called Kirk the snow gopher because he really went to town digging and made the whole tunnel himself.
I'm holding a piece of cheese in my hand so I've gotten both their attention. Roxy's learning from the best! She's in full swing nipping, hyper puppy stage now. I make the girls take her out back and run with her (good for both of them) to burn off some energy. Can't wait till she loses all her puppy teeth though. I've got lots of scratches on my hands and ankles-not fun.
Dad says he'll write you during the week about his meeting yesterday so he can write clearly and with energy. He's really tired and has to get up early tomorrow. He sends his love and can't wait to tell you all about the talks he heard. He shared them with me when he got home and I loved hearing what all the leaders had to say about these trying times, about church policies and about the family.
Have a week of love (after all it's almost Valentine's), the gospel kind of love where every soul has great worth. Ask Hermana Lucas if there's anything she wants me to bring for her when I come. Everything's very accessible here, so I'd be happy to help her out.
Tell us about your new companion and how things are going in the mission. I love sharing and being a small part of your mission.
I love you very much and am so proud of you and your zeal for the gospel. I'm always here for you.
Love,
momxoxooxooxoxoxoxo
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Sobering week
Feb. 1, 2009
Dear Elder Sean,
As I wind up this week, it is very sobering to look back. I know dad filled you in on the tragedy Kimi Anderson was involved in. I was so worried about her, but after seeing and hearing so much love and support for her today at church, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that she'll be lifted and loved to heal her. The Anderson's are praying for a miracle for the young man still in the hospital, but Bro. Clegg bore his testimony about how his family also prayed for a miracle for a newborn grandbaby who had been struggling for weeks. Elder Maxwell even came and gave it a blessing and in the middle of the blessing leaned down close to the baby in intensive care and called him by name and said, "I know you have an adult spirit inside this tiny body, and because you have an adult spirit you must now make an adult decision whether to stay here on the earth or whether to move on to the other side." Within 90 minutes, the baby quietly slipped away to the other side. So Bro. Clegg reminded the Andersons that this young man also has an adult spirit inside him and he will be making this decision that is best for him. Every testimony was wonderful, but hearing from Bro. Gary Anderson, first one up to the pulpit, was so powerful, humble and spiritual. I worked as RS pres. when Gary was HP group leader and he was an amazing man and leader. He gave everything in his calling and I was always so impressed at how much love he had for everyone. He's also been a true example of a great patriarch in his own home. He leads powerfully, quietly with love.
Also this week, in fact 2 hours after we heard about Kimi, I got a call from Carolina telling me that one of my good friends from High School had been given only 3 weeks to live from cervical cancer that had gone to her brain. She's a woman who always made me smile and who always had a smile on her face. I went out to lunch with her this last summer on one of my trips down to Provo and I'm so glad I did. We were looking forward to getting together more often and knowing that she will not be on the earth any more has really made me sad. Her life has been quite a story.
Then I found out the woman I visit teach fell skiing and broke her wrist. She's so active all the time, this is going to be hard for her. Then yesterday we got a call from Sue Thompson who had fallen and broken her right foot and right wrist. I work with Sue in cubs, we're the Bear leaders and I truly enjoy being with her and learning from her. Even though all this happened, she has such an upbeat attitude. I took dinner in to her family today and hope I can do even more to help her out. There were other things too this week that were pretty severe hardships on some of the families in our ward. So it's been very trying for many.
On top of everything, dad is trying hard to find employment before July 1. Tomorrow we're going to Mountain Home to take a look at one of the hospitals there that are looking for some docs to cover their ER. The pay might actually be better than what he makes now, but we'll see. The drive will definitely not be a fun one to make all the time. We're trying to stay here since the economy is so depressed. That's the plan anyways. Through all of this, I feel very hopeful. Sometimes change can be exciting. I'm learning a lot of lessons through this. I'm hoping to implement the wisdom gained into action in my life.
I talked with my dad tonight. He said he got your letter yesterday and loved it. He said there's no way he even thought about some of the things you think about at your age. He was pretty amazed. I'm going to be flying down to CA the end of this month to go to some lawyer/acct meetings with him. Uncle Steve will be there too. So many things have changed in his estate and since Steve and I are the executors we need to be there to sign papers and ask questions. We're trying to time everything so that it's the same weekend when David and Caryn go to the temple to have their 2 little ones sealed to them. Their adoption is finally final. It's been a long hard road for them, but it looks like you have 2 new cousins.
Today in RS the teacher asked me to take some of the time to talk about family sealings in the temple. It was enjoyable for me to share how I feel about that. I told everyone that it was just a part of me since I'd been doing them since I was one years old and how I wished every family could take each new child through to be sealed to them just so the whole family could have this wonderful experience together.
How are things going for you? Is this the week you're getting a new companion? I loved hearing how strong Edith is sounding. I know Aurora's heart can be softened because I've seen it recently with a very close friend whose husband had an affair. For the longest time, she blamed him for everything, but has been working with her Bishop, reading the Book of Mormon faithfully and doing all that she's asked to do. Then one night her heart changed. She saw so plainly how horribly she'd been acting in the family and with her husband prior to any of his wrong doing, her very words, harsh and vindictive, came back to her so clearly and she knew right then that she was instrumental in bringing the family down. She called me the very next day because her revelation had been so strong and she wanted to share it with me. I had never heard her talk that way before and frankly, never thought I would. She truly is a changed person. Her heart was softened and she and her husband are now working harder than ever to bring back the promised blessings that she knows can be theirs through their temple marriage. They both want it badly. I told her it was a miracle and that changes of the heart are only possible because of Christ. We both have a mutual friend who is in a similar circumstance, but she is without the gospel, and she is still suffering greatly because of her trial. There is distrust and often times animosity towards her husband and even though they are going to counseling, etc, I can't hear in her voice any signs of hope. She is actually a baptized member, her husband is not, but she does not attend church. We have had many conversations over the years about the church and it seems like such a simple answer for both of them to just give it a try, but the hearts are hardened and closed right now.
Aurora has so much going for her right now with her strong family. Can't wait to hear how she's doing.
Next week is the Special Olympics here in Boise. There are quite a few families hosting people from all over the world. It will be fun to hear all their stories. A couple ice skaters from Russia will be talking to Leah's activity day group, Kirk's single ward FHE group is having a group from Italy attend, etc etc.
Roxy Thompson is growing bigger each week. We don't know how big she'll be, but she's just about housetrained now. Yah! We've even trained her to ring a bell when she needs to go outside. If she'd just stop chasing Barkley so much. She just wants someone to play with and he's just a very old man dog. He's been extremely patient with her though, so I give him extra treats!!
Life is good. Family is everything.
Have a great week. I'm sure it will be a busy one for you. Our prayers are always with you.
Love you,
momxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxooxoxoxoxo
Dear Elder Sean,
As I wind up this week, it is very sobering to look back. I know dad filled you in on the tragedy Kimi Anderson was involved in. I was so worried about her, but after seeing and hearing so much love and support for her today at church, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that she'll be lifted and loved to heal her. The Anderson's are praying for a miracle for the young man still in the hospital, but Bro. Clegg bore his testimony about how his family also prayed for a miracle for a newborn grandbaby who had been struggling for weeks. Elder Maxwell even came and gave it a blessing and in the middle of the blessing leaned down close to the baby in intensive care and called him by name and said, "I know you have an adult spirit inside this tiny body, and because you have an adult spirit you must now make an adult decision whether to stay here on the earth or whether to move on to the other side." Within 90 minutes, the baby quietly slipped away to the other side. So Bro. Clegg reminded the Andersons that this young man also has an adult spirit inside him and he will be making this decision that is best for him. Every testimony was wonderful, but hearing from Bro. Gary Anderson, first one up to the pulpit, was so powerful, humble and spiritual. I worked as RS pres. when Gary was HP group leader and he was an amazing man and leader. He gave everything in his calling and I was always so impressed at how much love he had for everyone. He's also been a true example of a great patriarch in his own home. He leads powerfully, quietly with love.
Also this week, in fact 2 hours after we heard about Kimi, I got a call from Carolina telling me that one of my good friends from High School had been given only 3 weeks to live from cervical cancer that had gone to her brain. She's a woman who always made me smile and who always had a smile on her face. I went out to lunch with her this last summer on one of my trips down to Provo and I'm so glad I did. We were looking forward to getting together more often and knowing that she will not be on the earth any more has really made me sad. Her life has been quite a story.
Then I found out the woman I visit teach fell skiing and broke her wrist. She's so active all the time, this is going to be hard for her. Then yesterday we got a call from Sue Thompson who had fallen and broken her right foot and right wrist. I work with Sue in cubs, we're the Bear leaders and I truly enjoy being with her and learning from her. Even though all this happened, she has such an upbeat attitude. I took dinner in to her family today and hope I can do even more to help her out. There were other things too this week that were pretty severe hardships on some of the families in our ward. So it's been very trying for many.
On top of everything, dad is trying hard to find employment before July 1. Tomorrow we're going to Mountain Home to take a look at one of the hospitals there that are looking for some docs to cover their ER. The pay might actually be better than what he makes now, but we'll see. The drive will definitely not be a fun one to make all the time. We're trying to stay here since the economy is so depressed. That's the plan anyways. Through all of this, I feel very hopeful. Sometimes change can be exciting. I'm learning a lot of lessons through this. I'm hoping to implement the wisdom gained into action in my life.
I talked with my dad tonight. He said he got your letter yesterday and loved it. He said there's no way he even thought about some of the things you think about at your age. He was pretty amazed. I'm going to be flying down to CA the end of this month to go to some lawyer/acct meetings with him. Uncle Steve will be there too. So many things have changed in his estate and since Steve and I are the executors we need to be there to sign papers and ask questions. We're trying to time everything so that it's the same weekend when David and Caryn go to the temple to have their 2 little ones sealed to them. Their adoption is finally final. It's been a long hard road for them, but it looks like you have 2 new cousins.
Today in RS the teacher asked me to take some of the time to talk about family sealings in the temple. It was enjoyable for me to share how I feel about that. I told everyone that it was just a part of me since I'd been doing them since I was one years old and how I wished every family could take each new child through to be sealed to them just so the whole family could have this wonderful experience together.
How are things going for you? Is this the week you're getting a new companion? I loved hearing how strong Edith is sounding. I know Aurora's heart can be softened because I've seen it recently with a very close friend whose husband had an affair. For the longest time, she blamed him for everything, but has been working with her Bishop, reading the Book of Mormon faithfully and doing all that she's asked to do. Then one night her heart changed. She saw so plainly how horribly she'd been acting in the family and with her husband prior to any of his wrong doing, her very words, harsh and vindictive, came back to her so clearly and she knew right then that she was instrumental in bringing the family down. She called me the very next day because her revelation had been so strong and she wanted to share it with me. I had never heard her talk that way before and frankly, never thought I would. She truly is a changed person. Her heart was softened and she and her husband are now working harder than ever to bring back the promised blessings that she knows can be theirs through their temple marriage. They both want it badly. I told her it was a miracle and that changes of the heart are only possible because of Christ. We both have a mutual friend who is in a similar circumstance, but she is without the gospel, and she is still suffering greatly because of her trial. There is distrust and often times animosity towards her husband and even though they are going to counseling, etc, I can't hear in her voice any signs of hope. She is actually a baptized member, her husband is not, but she does not attend church. We have had many conversations over the years about the church and it seems like such a simple answer for both of them to just give it a try, but the hearts are hardened and closed right now.
Aurora has so much going for her right now with her strong family. Can't wait to hear how she's doing.
Next week is the Special Olympics here in Boise. There are quite a few families hosting people from all over the world. It will be fun to hear all their stories. A couple ice skaters from Russia will be talking to Leah's activity day group, Kirk's single ward FHE group is having a group from Italy attend, etc etc.
Roxy Thompson is growing bigger each week. We don't know how big she'll be, but she's just about housetrained now. Yah! We've even trained her to ring a bell when she needs to go outside. If she'd just stop chasing Barkley so much. She just wants someone to play with and he's just a very old man dog. He's been extremely patient with her though, so I give him extra treats!!
Life is good. Family is everything.
Have a great week. I'm sure it will be a busy one for you. Our prayers are always with you.
Love you,
momxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxooxoxoxoxo
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