Dear Elder Alex,
Well, this week we heard from Trent as he reported his mission in our ward. It was obvious that he was very fond of his mission and loves and misses the people he met in the Philippines. He told some stories about listening to the spirit and being led to people who ended up being baptized and how the promptings were usually just very subtle feelings or quiet whisperings. One time he lost his planner on a bus and after feeling prompted to pray three times in a row after he got home, he heard the words, it will come back to you. A week or so later a man approached him calling him Elder Anderson. He asked if he had lost his planner on a bus and said he had been sitting across from him on the bus and remembered him from the bus. He told him that he had his planner at his home. So when Trent went to his home to pick it up, he ended up teaching him and this man then joined the church. Just wonderful stories like that. Trent still seems like he was before his mission, a bit on the serious side and very spiritual.
I went to my stake meeting this week and we spent most the time talking about the upcoming temple dedication and all the work and volunteers that will be needed for it. The open house will be for four weeks and they are expecting about 350,000 people in that time. Then the night before the dedication will be a cultural celebration put on by the youth of 32 stakes, a huge feat in and of itself. Pres. Monson is coming also. Then on Sunday, there will probably be two sessions of dedication. Pres. Stafford said they asked for my name to help with the massive temple cleaning efforts and stake center cleaning, food, etc next door. They want the temple and stake center cleaned three times a day during the open house! Dad and I have also volunteered to help somewhere else with the dedication and we've been asked to be the medical people for the cultural celebration.
No news yet on the new temple here in Eagle, but they think they'll start on it next year.
We're three days away from leaving for Canada now, trying to make sure all the last minute details are taken care of. In Canada, they traditionally have a reception that is a sit-down affair with an MC. So there's a program that takes place and if there's anything you'd like to contribute to the program from your end, let us know. We can play a song you've sung, you can send a new song, you can tell some funny stories about Kirk that we can share. Everyone's doing something, so if you'd like to add your two cents, let me know. Should be fun, but we don't really know what to expect. We're driving up Thursday and driving home Sunday since Kirk has to get back to school on Monday. Fun times in the car-we're actually taking the big red van from Ryan's lot so it will be pretty comfortable.
I got your note about sending more garments, so I'm picking those up tomorrow and sending them. Have you gotten any other packages or dad's letters since you've been in your new place? We sent things to the mission home, so we're hoping they've gotten to you by now.
Our yard is now looking beautiful and ready for a reception, but we've been working hard to get it to that point. It's been so hot here lately, up to 100 just about every day. I'm looking forward to going north for a few days.
So how's the YSA missionary work going? It was so fun hearing how much you're enjoying the work there even though you had only been there for a week. Pres. Stafford said the young adults are the best missionaries in the church. I'm glad you're getting a chance to get to know Nashville too. You've been all over in your mission. It's pretty amazing.
Kristina finally came home a few days ago. She was gone for two weeks and it seemed like a long time. She had a great time at EFY and then with Riley Billings and her family. She stayed in a very small town and celebrated the fourth with them (all 200 residents). They had a rodeo, a parade and a fireworks show, so I'm sure the town seemed pretty exciting for a couple days. Then she came home and had all her friends come over and they painted the Mustang again, this time with all the Avengers all over it. Kristina is now hoping we never paint the Mustang so she and her friends can always paint it.
EFY fun!!
Riley and Kristina
Small town fun
Riding the tractor in the 4th of July parade in Fayette, UT
Saturday we had the missionaries over for dinner. We love having them in our home. After dinner they showed us a couple Mormon message, What Matters Most and Lessons I learned as a Boy. Then they shared their thoughts about them. I particularly loved something Pres. Monson said in the first one. He quoted Shakespeare who said, "They do not love that do not show their love." That really made me think. Sometimes we find it easy to say we love someone or care about them but the truth of that is only when we actually show love. It made me think about my own actions towards others.
Then today in RS we talked about missionary work and how everything we do every day should show our discipleship and speak of our true devotion. One sister shared a quote that I just love and thought you might like it too, "Preach the gospel wherever you can and when all else fails, use words." Saint Francis of Assisi
We just got off the phone with Sarah's parents. We're going over the last minute details with them. I'm really looking forward to meeting them. Sarah tells me I remind her so much of her own mom. I love talking with them because they are always saying "eh" after their sentences. Sounds like their weather is going to be wonderful too, in the 70's. My favorite.
By the way, this is the beginning of your official birthday week...so feel free to use it as an excuse and I hope you have a great week. The girls can't believe you're turning 21. They said that was soooo old and Kristina says she can't help thinking you're still 17. (which would be weird because she is almost 17 herself)
Keep the pictures coming. We love them. I particularly loved the ironic street signs! Keep working hard. Because you were sent to this new area, there are obviously people whose lives you need to touch who are searching, questioning and praying for answers. You will be led to them.
We'll be thinking of you often this week, missing you and most of all praying for you.
Love you,
Mom xxoo
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