8 Jun 2008

June 8, 2008
Dear Elder Sean,
It looks like we might actually have a whole week of spring weather for once. This has been the weirdest winter and spring I've seen since we've lived here-7 years. Aunt Nancy even said she's never seen anything like this. I can't complain that we're into June and having cool weather only in the 60's and occasionally 70's because it's been nice to have that kind of weather to go outside and work in. I've been looking at your weather too.
Speaking of weather, we're sending off a box tomorrow and in it there will be a package for Sis. Paez and also some winter clothes for Karina and Vanessa's babies. I hope they can use them. We got most of them from Other Mother's and Jodie Hugentobler (who works there) donated some of them too.

I wrote to Susana Paez, but haven't heard anything back yet. I guess I can just email you the letter and you can print it out too. Hopefully, she got my email.

It was great hearing you had such a wonderful week last week. Where is Elder Hansen going? I'm happy to hear that you are excited with your new calling in the office. I know exactly why Pres. Olsen wants to keep you in the office. It must be wonderful for him to have someone who is capable, willing, and humble enough to be teachable. Keep up the good work.

How are Romina and Matias doing? I hope they have gone to church. So much of retention starts before the baptism. If they feel at home with the members, not like an outsider, they will continue to grow once they are members. It's just like how the prophets have told us that we will feel very comfortable in the degree of the kingdom we have been assigned to in our next estate. How can we possibly feel comfortable living in the highest degree of the Celestial kingdom if we have never even lived our lives anything close to that. The new member must live and act as a member long before they become a member. They cannot feel like an outsider and the best way to overcome that feeling is to feel the fellowship of the members, participate in the programs, and even hold callings. I have known several people who attended church first, held callings, etc long before they were baptized. I realize that's not the usual case, but you can sure see the easy transition when it is done that way. There is no doubt that many people feel the spirit very strongly when hearing the good news of the gospel for the first time, but we also know the natural man will still give strong pulls to the old life, the comfortable life and it's not an easy battle even for the very strong. The people who jump right in and change their lives completely are true miracles to me. The new members must learn how to use the precious gift of the Holy Ghost that they have been given to help guide them.

How is Hernan progressing? I love how the Lord works miracles when you and your companion are willing. Has he taken any further lessons?

Alex had a great time at Academies this week. His movie was well received, and their quorum got first place in quorum building experiences (no taste testing, again). Not to brag but dad says he's undefeated since he's been Bishop. (we'll send some pix)
Alex says he wants to know where your amplifier is. Tyler brought back your guitar before he left on his mission, but now Alex is looking for your amp. Alex starts his job tomorrow morning. He's excited to be a full time worker...we'll see how long that lasts.

Alex, Kristina and dad are at a fireside tonight where our ward is kicking off a new summer program called, STOMP, students trying out Moroni's promise. I told you about it last week. I'm excited about it and really look forward to it because the last time I read the BOM fairly quickly was with Pres. Hinckley's challenge and I had such a marvelous experience, so I'm ready again.

Everyone's well here. I talked with Aunt Nancy for a long time yesterday. It was fun catching up with her. We're going to plan a double date. They're going down to Calif. next month and getting a beach house and inviting grandma and grandpa to stay with them. Bill is having a hard time seeing my mom suffer through her memory loss. It is hard to see, but the fact that she can't remember that she can't remember is actually a blessing. So I'm glad they are going down and my mom loves the beach, so it will be fun for them all.

The seniors spoke in church today. We had 2 sets of twins, the Purnells and the Taylors and also Derrick Hansen. They all did a great job. I haven't heard of any new mission calls lately. Aunt Susan ran into Elder Beagley last week. The ward he's assigned to meets in their building. His companion was introducing him to everyone since he's new. When Brig walked into the room, he said, hey, I know you. Since Brig went to High Adventure last year, he met Ashton there. Diane Beagley is so happy that he's there with my family. I told her they'd keep an eye on him for her. Grandpa said he'll look in on him too. Small world.

Well, better run. Everyone's home from the fireside. I want to hear the particulars. Dad said they had 5 people talk about their experiences reading the BOM. Trevin Rasmussen talked and brought all the BOM's he's ever read except one that got stolen. He even had his first one from when he was 8 years old and he had even written things in the book. How fun to have something like that. I have mine from when I was 14 with all my notes. I don't think I read the BOM when I was 8. I was just jumping rope and roller skating every day.

Have a miraculous week. I am praying for Romina and Matias. Say hello to my friend, Hma. Paez.
I love you.
momxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoox