Ward Conference

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