Valentine's Eve

Feb. 13, 2010
Dear Elder Alex,
Well, I guess it's officially Valentine's Eve, but hopefully that's not really on your mind. I'll wish you a Happy Valentine's Day. We just got back from Tracey's house where we had a game night. It was the Braithwaites, the Campbells including Jason and Brittany, and a new family that just moved here from Chicago, the Billings. Kristina has become really good friends with their daughter Riley. We had a lot of fun playing games. The big games tonight were Reverse Charades-it was a blast with a big group and then of course, Pirate game. We had to play that because Jason wanted revenge since he went out first last time. Well, this time he won, so I guess he really got his revenge. Caleb made those yummy bacon wrapped water chestnuts tonight and I remembered how you always made those and loved them. Kristina thinks you and Caleb are so similar, so there's one more thing. Kristina still beats him in ping pong though and it makes him so mad. But he's a whiz at math, so he's helped Kristina with that.

So your letter last week was crazy! First of all, a Facebook Elder! Kirk showed me your page and it's still hard to think that you can go on there, etc. What exactly are the rules you were given? I'd love to hear all about it. Do you think I should get a facebook page? I was wondering if you want me to deactivate your other account until you get home? Just let me know and keep us posted on what we need to do, if anything, on our end. Bro. Jensen said he'd like to be invited to be your friend. Some of the elders here said they heard something about that, but they thought it was just one of those missionary rumors. So we set them straight.

Then the day after we got your letter, I got my Christmas present from you in the mail. You should have seen dad and Kirk's faces. I was so excited! Carolina got one for Christmas so she was showing me how great it was while we were there and I couldn't wait to see one in our home too. 2 days later, there it was! Dad used it at church today. He had to sub in the High Priest quorum. I've been using it for lots of things and it's amazing. I love the size of it, it can even fit in my purse. I've even been tracking my calories each day on it. So thank you very much. I will definitely treasure it.

How is your new calling, ZL? Tell me about what that entails. I know you are a natural leader and have seen that in you since you were young, so I know you will do a wonderful job. Seek the Lord's guidance always and remember to give thanks to Him for the help and talents he gives you and you will be fine. You've always had a great sense of people. You seem to be able to read them well, if you know what I mean. That will help you immensely when you're working with not only investigators, but also other missionaries.

I was glad to hear that your President is keeping Foxcroft open cuz I know you said it was on the brink of closing at one point. I hope you'll be able to hear how Kris progresses and now also Bro. Stacks.

So what's your new area like? You're actually in Tennessee now, can't believe it! How many wards do you cover and how big is your area. We found it on the map. I'm guessing that since you're a ZL that you are in a car still, is that right? I hope your bike will get some use while you're out.

Dad and I decided to start a diet and really cut down this past week. I told him I'd support him in any diet he picked. Well, he picked the high protein diet, not exactly my favorite, meat, cheese and eggs,etc. I can't lie to you, it's been a little tough, but I'm trying to hang tight to help dad stick with it. He's doing great. So far he's lost around 5 pounds. We need to start exercising regularly now. Speaking of that, do you get any time to exercise regularly? How's the food there? Do you get a lot of dinner appointments? I hope it's not too much southern style food or you'll be in trouble. Of course, that sounds pretty good to me right now. Dad and I are trying to eat healthier all the way until spring break, the end of March. Hopefully by then we'll have some better habits established.

Where should we send mail now? Do you want us to use the mission home address or do you have a different one?

I started my day off with a stake council meeting early this morning and got to hear Kyle Ray report his mission to the high council. He's a humble yet very strong young man and it was an honor to be able to hear his report and feel his strong testimony.

I went to the 8th ward today for ward conference. I enjoyed going there since I know so many people. They called Tracey to be the YW president today too, so I was glad I was there sitting right next to her. She'll do a great job.

Sorry for all the questions I had today, it's just that I'm very excited to hear all about your new area and your new callings and your new companion(s).

I heard a talk at church today about how having a good character and faith go hand in hand. The speaker was using Elder Scott's talk from last conference called The Transforming Power of Faith and Character. I loved Elder Scott's talk, it had so many powerful points in it. But when the speaker was talking about how we should all strive to repent daily so that we can build our characters, he said he remembered always hearing this adage, "A clear conscience is a good pillow." I love that. What a great way to think about repenting daily. So I hope you always work hard each day to not only improve your character, but also to stay true to who you are and what you know. Be known as a man of your word.

Keep up the good work (in Tennessee now). I hope your first week went well and that you're already feeling at home in your new area. Your attitude cheers me up, so I know what it will do for the people there.

lots of love,

Mom
XXOO