Graham's Home

Mar. 18, 2012

Dear Elder Alex,

It's official now that we've seen him in person, Graham's actually home. We went to his homecoming this morning and he spoke for 30 minutes and did an awesome job. You can tell he was so humbled by his experience and kept talking about how much he changed because of it. He only told a couple stories of other people on his mission, but talked a lot about the change within himself and how he can see the big picture of the gospel. Here are a couple things that stuck out for me from his talk. He said that it definitely was the best two years of his life, but more important than that he now knows that it was the best two years for his life.

He also said that he learned two main things from his mission:

1. He said he really came to know who the Savior is and how much he means in his life.

2. He said he remembered a talk from Elder Holland in the MTC where he told them that after your mission, you must never go back to who you were before the mission, that you should be forever changed, and that's how Graham said he felt.  He also had a visiting authority come to his mission and tell them that they must always feel their missions right down in their bones (emphasis on the word bones said in a southern drawl).

After church, Graham came over to our house and stayed for a couple hours. His plans now are to go to BYU Hawaii. I asked him why there, and he said because that's where he got accepted. So he's off in a month to Hawaii to start college. After we talked for a while, Nikki challenged him to a game of Super Smash Bros to see if he could still play and of course, Graham took the challenge. He hadn't even played yet since he's been home. But Kristina said it came back for him very fast and he won most the games. It was fun hearing him whoopin and hollerin down in the basement just like the old days. Pres. Stafford asked me to text him when Graham was here so he could pop over and see him, so Graham also got to have another exit interview here at our house with Pres. Stafford. They met in the piano room. Graham said after this semester he's coming back to Idaho and most likely will be staying with us. But I think he'll miss you by a couple weeks, cuz then he has to start his next semester. Anyway, I'm sending him copies of your letters now so he can keep up with what you're doing.

We had a ward party, luau, on Friday night. The food was great. All of us girls wore the lava lavas from Samoa. It was fun, but didn't really get to meet too many new people like I was hoping. We have two elders who were both born in the same hospital that Nikki and Leah were on Samoa. One of them is Samoan and the other is Tongan, so they provided the singing entertainment with a ukelele and said the opening and closing prayers in Tongan and Samoan.

The rest of the entertainment and games were for the kids mainly. Nikki won the jello eating contest, hands down, not even close! It was so funny and she was so determined to be part of that contest.

We've had lots of rain this week, which is good for the area, but I'm very ready for spring. On the dry days, we've actually been getting out in the yard a little bit and doing some work. Dad has a plan for that area right when you come off the porch, so he's excited to have a big project.

Tomorrow night we are meeting the Smacks at Tangos, that Argentine restaurant in Boise so we can chat with Jay and so Jay can get his fill of empanadas.

How was your week? Have you had some more storms rolling through? How's your 40 day fast coming along? The youth in our ward kind of did the same thing. They wrote something down on a piece of paper that they were willing to give up, then they had a bon fire where they through their papers in.

This week on Thursday I had my stake humanitarian work day. But in the middle of it, I told them I had to leave and go meet someone. I went home in hopes of meeting up with Maria when she came to clean the house. I hadn't talked with her for 2 weeks and was really thinking about her. So I stayed at home for a couple hours just waiting around, then I just decided I better get back to the meeting and told Kirk I was leaving. I was getting my purse when I saw Maria's car pull up. When she came in, she said she really wanted to talk with me, so we went into my quilt room. Turns out she was on her way to get lunch, when she told the girl she was with that they should skip lunch and "get right over to Kathi's". If she hadn't skipped lunch, I would have been gone and missed her again. If I hadn't felt strongly about leaving my meeting right in the middle and come home, I would have missed her. I love how many miracles happen when there is missionary work going on.

She told me that the missionaries had been coming to their house and they had a couple lessons with them that were really good. She said she loved reading the scriptures and how she felt when she read them and loved the feeling she'd get when the elders came over. But then on their last appointment just before the elders showed up, her husband said he wasn't going to stick around, that he didn't want to have the meeting. Maria knew she couldn't have them there without her husband and she was very upset. They got into a fight over it and she told me how sad she's been and has spent time even crying about it, because she really wants to hear more and start going to church with her children and wants her husband to want the same thing. He had been so interested for the first couple lessons, so she was shocked. She found out that when he told his mother about it, she, being very Catholic, told him to stay away from the Mormons. I felt horrible for Maria and told her that her marriage was very important and to be patient, to pray for her husband, to keep reading, etc. I also told her that her husband was just respecting his mother. I told her I would pray for her husband, Gil, also. She has an older cousin in Portland who is a strong member, so she called him because she realized she didn't have my number,  and he suggested maybe having sister missionaries come teach her, but we don't have any Spanish speaking sisters here. I'm thinking her cousin should come over here and talk with Gil. Maria also called the elders and told them she wouldn't be able to meet with them because her husband wouldn't be there. I later called the elders to explain the whole story so they have the big picture. I told them to try just popping by if they felt inspired, to call Maria occasionally and not give up.

So I told her to maybe ask her husband if it would be okay if she went to church, because Maria said she tried telling him that learning about our church meant a lot to her. She said every time she comes to our house, she thinks about how much she wants her family to be like ours and wants her children to know what we know. I was very touched by so many things she said. I really feel for her and want so badly for her husband's heart to be softened. She would be a good member and it breaks my heart thinking about her children too and the possibilities they are missing out on. So if you could include Gil (pronounced "heel") in your prayers, I would appreciate it.

Well, that's about it. We heard this week that Dakota is out in the field now, but she got sent to Bosnia where they are the first missionaries there. Of course, Dakota learned Croatian, not Bosnian, so she's got some work to do now. We'll get her first letter from there tomorrow. Allen is down in Mexico now picking up Cole. They will be flying into LAX the week we are in California during spring break, so we should be able to see them then. We leave for Cali this coming Friday. Sarah flies in Wednesday and will make the trip with us. We are renting a 15 seater van from Ryan for the trip-should be interesting! I'll give you updates next week.

Have a wonderful week. I really appreciate the example you set in missionary work. It helps me. :)

Love you,

Mom xxoo

Sunday Eve

March 11, 2012

Dear Elder Alex,

This week seemed like it went by really fast. I feel like I was just writing you yesterday. Probably because last week I had a traumatic writing experience. After I wrote your letter, I accidentally sent it off to everybody on the list that usually receives your letters instead of sending it to you. I didn't even realize I had done it until I got first a phone call from Dawn Y. and then an email from Heather Pinder telling me thank you for sharing my thoughts with her. I didn't know what she was talking about until at the end of her letter I could see the letter I had written to you. Then I screamed, which woke dad up, and ran to the computer to re-read my letter to you to see if I had said anything sketchy. Then I got an email from Axel asking if I meant to send your letter to everyone. Then the next morning I got a letter from Diane Goodwin telling me she probably should have stopped reading the letter when she realized it was meant for you, but then she wanted to tell me how much my letter meant to her and how good it made her feel by some of the things I had said. So in the end, I guess if a few people felt better because of the letter, I shouldn't feel like hiding, but I tell you, that's a horrible feeling realizing something so personal has gone out into cyberspace for many to see. You better believe I will be extra careful from now on.

First off, congrats on your 201 bowling score. Makes a mother proud!  

Second, your story about the well all of a sudden appearing in  Daniel's yard was so weird and thanks for the pictures. You guys were really watched over. Sometimes miracles in our lives are very obvious, but most often they are subtle and I hope you can see them each day in your life as a missionary.  I hope Neil is doing well too.

So Dallas came home this week and it sounds like he's been chilling out at his house for a while. I think this week he's going to Provo to look for places to live with Devin. Devin said he's planning on you living in their apartment too, so I'll let you know what place they find and I'll just go ahead and sign you up unless I hear differently from you. What should I tell Austin and Cameron?

I had my last ward conference today and it was wonderful. The Bishop in the 7th ward gave an amazing talk and so did Jen Black (RS president) and so did Pres. Shaw who spoke in the Relief Society. You know when you go to some meetings and it just seems like the talks are meant just for you, that's how today was. In fact, I'm going to find this one article that Jen spoke about by Brad Wilcox called My Grace is Sufficient,  and send it to you. It's really given me a lot to think about. We are so blessed to live in an area of the world where there are so many strong members of the church whom I learn so much from.

Dakota leaves for Croatia this week. We sent her a little package in the mail last week to wish her the best. By the sound of her letters, she will be an awesome missionary and is very ready to preach.

This last week Dad's uncle Jim passed away. Do you remember him, grandma Thompson's sister Elizabeth's husband. Sean went to his services and then according to Jim's will he wanted everyone to go to Chuck-o-Rama afterward, so that's where they went. That's the first time I've heard a request like that...it made me smile.

Our ward, the 8th ward, (just trying to get used to saying that) is having a luau this weekend and we're supposed to feature green jello in honor of St. Patrick's day. Should be quite the interesting mix of cultures, but dad is going to carve some spam into the shape of a pig and I'm making coconut rice (which we had today for dinner and loved it) and some spicy, honey chicken. We're supposed to dress in polynesian attire too and the elders from our ward who are both polynesian are excited about the party and are even going to play the ukelele. They asked Leah and Nikki if they knew how to dance Samoan style, but they both declined.

Kristina had her first lacrosse games yesterday. She found out on Monday that she made varsity and was very excited about it. She's also going to be a ref and earn money for each game which she is looking forward to. Leah has been practicing, but no games yet. 

Sean went out with a girl named Juliet last week which we are all excited about since how rare is that that there would actually be a Sean and Juliet when we're all such big Psych fans. Anyway, we'll keep you posted there if they strike up a relationship...

Kirk and Sarah fasted today that their visa paperwork would go through. I know they're feeling a little anxious now to at least hear something from the visa people.

I'm visiting a few wards this week because March is RS birthday month and the wards have a special celebration and have invited the stake to come. I'm also meeting with Anita Kjar who is the new 9th ward RS president this week. That will be a fun visit. She will be wonderful for that ward.

Dad said to tell you that BYU is playing Iona this week in the tourney. I've never heard of them, but maybe that means something to you. :)

This Sunday we'll be going to the 7th ward to hear Graham speak. He said he'll be coming back here in the summer and would like to stay with us then. He's always welcome here. Next week, I'll report to you about Graham.

So that's about it here. I hope you are doing well, staying safe, having fun, sharing your testimony often and most important feeling the love of our Savior with you every day. It's a very tangible feeling when you are in tune. My prayers and thoughts are always with you.

I love you very much!!!!

Mom

New Ward

March 4, 2012

Dear Elder Alex,

We've been reading as much as we can about the tornadoes in your area. I feel so bad for the people of Harrisburg which is just north of you. Were there any missionaries there? Those tornadoes are so scary and there's hardly any warning. Have you gone out and done any service helping those who had damage?

Well, my head hurts tonight probably because I had to think about where I was so much today. It was just odd being in a newly formed ward. There were a few people I recognized and a lot that I didn't, so it was kind of weird. Everyone felt a little out of place. It took about 10 minutes to make all the new callings today. Dad doesn't have a calling yet, so he's pretty sure they'll put him into the high priest group. We'll see. I came through unscathed because of my stake calling, but that makes it a bit harder for me to get to know people because of my calling too. So I signed up today to take meals in for a family I'm not familiar with. Nothing like serving to help you bond with someone else-a lesson I learned early on in life.

The Borups were very happy to see us in the ward and are excited to hear any news from you. We have the largest youth group in the stake, but I think that's because there are quite a few families with 8-10 kids. The hard thing today was not being able to sit in our usual seats. In fact, all the seats up near the front were actually taken or saved and we got there about 15 minutes early. It might be difficult establishing a new spot for ourselves, but we'll work on that.

Yesterday we sent you an envelope with letters, the new ward boundaries, etc. Hopefully you'll get that soon.

Mission news this week-Rasmussens are going to be mission presidents in Birmingham, England. Tanner Mangum (EHS QB) is going to Chile in July (2 months before his 19th b-day).  Hmmm, you think being a committed QB for BYU helps you get out on your mission in time to get back for summer training... Eric McKell got called to the Mexico City mission.

Dallas comes home tomorrow, which reminds me. I wrote to Dawn about you rooming with Dallas and Devin, but I haven't heard back from her. Terri Westerberg wrote me and said Austin was asking about rooming with you and also it sounds like Cameron is thinking about transferring to BYU, so he would be another possibility for a roommate. Will you just write me and let me know what you're thinking and we'll try to get things arranged on our end. Sean said he'd find places for you, but I just need to know who you'd like to room with.

This week I will have a full week orienting all the new RS leaders in all the wards that were affected. Our poor little ward got completely cut up and it's going to take a while for all of us to feel a part of things.

We just finished playing Scattergories as a family. We laughed so hard because you know how it is whenever you play anything with Nikki and Leah. Well, Nikki for her first round just read the first ward and thought she was supposed to put down 12 things just for the first word, so she thought of 12 names of boys starting with the letter "T". Then for the second round, she forgot to turn her card around, so she was answering all the questions from round 1. Then on the third round, she actually got it right, but the letter was "J". So for the clue tropical locations, she wrote down Jafuji. We laughed so hard because it actually sounded pretty good. I guess she got Jamaica and Fiji all mixed up. So now we have a new family joke with our next vacation destination--that beautiful island of Jafuji!! I made some peanut butter chocolate kiss cookies tonight because I've been craving them for quite a while. I wish I hadn't made them because now I remember that they are super easy to make and super hard to resist. I need to go on a long walk tomorrow.

Nikki had a Cantus concert last night which was very nice. They are always so professional and she loves being part of it. Kristina went out with Mitch Reeve on a double date with Trevor Leifson and Courtney Dittman. Trevor just turned 16, so they tricked him and he didn't know he was going out on a date, but it was all set up. Sounds like they had a good time.

BYU got knocked out in the semi-finals of the WCC tourney by Gonzaga. It was a lopsided loss according to dad. So now we don't know where they'll end up in the March madness tourney.

Hugentoblers are moving out of their house in two weeks. They found a place to rent in the 7th ward. Now that we're all mixed up anyway, that doesn't phase me as much. We'll always be friends with them. We're just hoping Mel will find a job he really enjoys and that pays well. There are still quite a few more families with financial difficulties just waiting to hear from the banks that they have officially lost their homes and have to move out. I can't believe how long this depression or downturn has lasted. It's affected almost everyone we know.

I'm anxious to hear about your week, how everyone's doing in your mission from the storms. Of course, the only pictures we get to see are the highly affected areas. Is this tornado season? We are starting to warm up here, getting little glimmers of spring which is exciting. Can't wait to be outside more.

Sounds like Sean will be coming home for the summer and working for Travis at the mall. He talked with his boss there in Provo at the dispatch/police station and they said he can still have his job back in the fall which will be great. 

I still haven't heard anything from Graham, but his old ward said they'd let me know if he shows up. I hope he's doing well and is starting to adjust to life back home even though his new home is in California.

I've got a bunch of calls to make tonight to all the new RS leaders, so I better close up. Have a wonderful week and always remember how much we all love you. Family is everything! Everything else pales in comparison.

Love you,

Mom xxoo