Feb. 7, 2009
Dear Elder Sean,
I'm pretty exhausted. Just had a few families over, ones that are fairly new in the ward within the last few months. We also had Mylers and Crosgroves and the sister missionaries. We had quite a house full, lots of noise coming from the basement. I like getting to know the new families in our home since it's so hard at church.
Church was wonderful, I know I sound like a broken record, but it was. The 3 sister missionaries spoke and the last one told us about her conversion story since she is going home on Wednesday. An amazing story which includes her mother deciding to join the church while she's on her mission (Pres. Monson gave the sister missionary special permission to go home for her mother's baptism) and she also just got word this last month that her dad has decided to get baptized and he wants her to speak at his baptism on Feb. 21. And that's just a small part of her story. We then sang God Be With you Til We Meet Again as our closing song and there wasn't a dry eye in the house.
Dad was able to go to a great meeting yesterday where Elder Holland and Elder Costa were the main speakers. He was there from 1pm to 5pm and was very spiritually fed. I'm hoping he'll write you with some of the details.
It was also opening ceremonies for the Special Olympics here in Boise yesterday. Many families in our stake hosted athletes and everywhere we went in town, we saw them. Kirk has seen and met quite a few of them as they've come to the mall and gone to his store. Speaking of Kirk's work, he was told last week that he was the top salesman for the month. Can you believe that? Kirk, a salesman. Travis says they just love him at work and now because he's top salesman, he gets 5% of his sales as a bonus. This week Ian Johnson will be there signing autographs, so we're going to send some things with Kirk to get his autograph.
Also Kirk spoke in the singles ward today. I heard he did a good job. He talked about the power of example. He spoke with Tiffany Shaw who also spoke on the same subject. In fact, Kirk said she spoke first and had all the same quotes and stories as he'd written down, so when Kirk got up there, he had to wing it. I actually got to hear a little of his talk because dad called me at home and he let me hear it through his cell phone from out in the halls. I was very proud of him.
This week dad has a couple interviews, one with St. Al's and one with St. Luke's. So once we hear what offer if any they have, we'll have all the info from this part of Idaho and we'll have to make a decision-stay and work with one of the groups here or look elsewhere.
Also Alex should be hearing from BYU tomorrow whether or not he's made it in. He's going to be scrambling here to get everything in that he needs to graduate.
Looks like everyone in the family has seen Aaron Anderson except me. He got home a couple nights ago. He played basketball on Saturday morning with Alex and Kirk and their friends at the church. His homecoming is this next Sunday so I'll report to you next week about that.
How was your week? That was a wonderful story about Marcelo. We hope to see him here in Boise on a mission. We have a sister missionary from Peru here right now. I'm sorry you didn't have much time to write about Aurora's baptism story, but we're so happy to hear that she finally got baptized. We were praying for her. Remember to be patient with people as they ponder, and search and question the things you teach. Even though they may seem to know that what you are saying is true, it is a huge step and most times very life changing. Some of us recognize truth and act promptly, others of us are shy or reserved and walk gingerly through life making sure each step is secure, others act impulsively and follow the crowd. Sometimes the crowd is headed in the right direction, sometimes not. If Aurora wanted more signs, let Heavenly Father be the judge as to whether or not more signs are actually what Aurora needs. All you can do is present the truth, live the truth and let the spirit teach the rest.
Are you teaching any new families? Sounds like your schedule is always so full. As AP are you also assigned to any wards or is that left to the other missionaries in your area? We are definitely having a retention problem with our recently baptized. I don't really know what happens. I called the young man who was baptized a few months ago to see if he'd come over tonight, but I just had to leave a message. The sister missionaries even went by before coming over here and they said they could hear someone inside, but no one answered. The missionaries think his testimony is still strong but he is struggling to make ends meet being newly divorced and raising a 4 yr old. I guess he's been putting in lots of extra shifts at work to try to make it. I wish he'd just let those around him help. He doesn't have to do this on his own.
We've been having a bit warmer weather here lately and it's been nice. I can actually go outside with Roxy during the night and not get frost bitten. I'm sending a few pictures we took of Roxy and Barkley and the Klondike which took place last week. The men called Kirk the snow gopher because he really went to town digging and made the whole tunnel himself.
I'm holding a piece of cheese in my hand so I've gotten both their attention. Roxy's learning from the best! She's in full swing nipping, hyper puppy stage now. I make the girls take her out back and run with her (good for both of them) to burn off some energy. Can't wait till she loses all her puppy teeth though. I've got lots of scratches on my hands and ankles-not fun.
Dad says he'll write you during the week about his meeting yesterday so he can write clearly and with energy. He's really tired and has to get up early tomorrow. He sends his love and can't wait to tell you all about the talks he heard. He shared them with me when he got home and I loved hearing what all the leaders had to say about these trying times, about church policies and about the family.
Have a week of love (after all it's almost Valentine's), the gospel kind of love where every soul has great worth. Ask Hermana Lucas if there's anything she wants me to bring for her when I come. Everything's very accessible here, so I'd be happy to help her out.
Tell us about your new companion and how things are going in the mission. I love sharing and being a small part of your mission.
I love you very much and am so proud of you and your zeal for the gospel. I'm always here for you.
Love,
momxoxooxooxoxoxoxo
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Sobering week
Feb. 1, 2009
Dear Elder Sean,
As I wind up this week, it is very sobering to look back. I know dad filled you in on the tragedy Kimi Anderson was involved in. I was so worried about her, but after seeing and hearing so much love and support for her today at church, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that she'll be lifted and loved to heal her. The Anderson's are praying for a miracle for the young man still in the hospital, but Bro. Clegg bore his testimony about how his family also prayed for a miracle for a newborn grandbaby who had been struggling for weeks. Elder Maxwell even came and gave it a blessing and in the middle of the blessing leaned down close to the baby in intensive care and called him by name and said, "I know you have an adult spirit inside this tiny body, and because you have an adult spirit you must now make an adult decision whether to stay here on the earth or whether to move on to the other side." Within 90 minutes, the baby quietly slipped away to the other side. So Bro. Clegg reminded the Andersons that this young man also has an adult spirit inside him and he will be making this decision that is best for him. Every testimony was wonderful, but hearing from Bro. Gary Anderson, first one up to the pulpit, was so powerful, humble and spiritual. I worked as RS pres. when Gary was HP group leader and he was an amazing man and leader. He gave everything in his calling and I was always so impressed at how much love he had for everyone. He's also been a true example of a great patriarch in his own home. He leads powerfully, quietly with love.
Also this week, in fact 2 hours after we heard about Kimi, I got a call from Carolina telling me that one of my good friends from High School had been given only 3 weeks to live from cervical cancer that had gone to her brain. She's a woman who always made me smile and who always had a smile on her face. I went out to lunch with her this last summer on one of my trips down to Provo and I'm so glad I did. We were looking forward to getting together more often and knowing that she will not be on the earth any more has really made me sad. Her life has been quite a story.
Then I found out the woman I visit teach fell skiing and broke her wrist. She's so active all the time, this is going to be hard for her. Then yesterday we got a call from Sue Thompson who had fallen and broken her right foot and right wrist. I work with Sue in cubs, we're the Bear leaders and I truly enjoy being with her and learning from her. Even though all this happened, she has such an upbeat attitude. I took dinner in to her family today and hope I can do even more to help her out. There were other things too this week that were pretty severe hardships on some of the families in our ward. So it's been very trying for many.
On top of everything, dad is trying hard to find employment before July 1. Tomorrow we're going to Mountain Home to take a look at one of the hospitals there that are looking for some docs to cover their ER. The pay might actually be better than what he makes now, but we'll see. The drive will definitely not be a fun one to make all the time. We're trying to stay here since the economy is so depressed. That's the plan anyways. Through all of this, I feel very hopeful. Sometimes change can be exciting. I'm learning a lot of lessons through this. I'm hoping to implement the wisdom gained into action in my life.
I talked with my dad tonight. He said he got your letter yesterday and loved it. He said there's no way he even thought about some of the things you think about at your age. He was pretty amazed. I'm going to be flying down to CA the end of this month to go to some lawyer/acct meetings with him. Uncle Steve will be there too. So many things have changed in his estate and since Steve and I are the executors we need to be there to sign papers and ask questions. We're trying to time everything so that it's the same weekend when David and Caryn go to the temple to have their 2 little ones sealed to them. Their adoption is finally final. It's been a long hard road for them, but it looks like you have 2 new cousins.
Today in RS the teacher asked me to take some of the time to talk about family sealings in the temple. It was enjoyable for me to share how I feel about that. I told everyone that it was just a part of me since I'd been doing them since I was one years old and how I wished every family could take each new child through to be sealed to them just so the whole family could have this wonderful experience together.
How are things going for you? Is this the week you're getting a new companion? I loved hearing how strong Edith is sounding. I know Aurora's heart can be softened because I've seen it recently with a very close friend whose husband had an affair. For the longest time, she blamed him for everything, but has been working with her Bishop, reading the Book of Mormon faithfully and doing all that she's asked to do. Then one night her heart changed. She saw so plainly how horribly she'd been acting in the family and with her husband prior to any of his wrong doing, her very words, harsh and vindictive, came back to her so clearly and she knew right then that she was instrumental in bringing the family down. She called me the very next day because her revelation had been so strong and she wanted to share it with me. I had never heard her talk that way before and frankly, never thought I would. She truly is a changed person. Her heart was softened and she and her husband are now working harder than ever to bring back the promised blessings that she knows can be theirs through their temple marriage. They both want it badly. I told her it was a miracle and that changes of the heart are only possible because of Christ. We both have a mutual friend who is in a similar circumstance, but she is without the gospel, and she is still suffering greatly because of her trial. There is distrust and often times animosity towards her husband and even though they are going to counseling, etc, I can't hear in her voice any signs of hope. She is actually a baptized member, her husband is not, but she does not attend church. We have had many conversations over the years about the church and it seems like such a simple answer for both of them to just give it a try, but the hearts are hardened and closed right now.
Aurora has so much going for her right now with her strong family. Can't wait to hear how she's doing.
Next week is the Special Olympics here in Boise. There are quite a few families hosting people from all over the world. It will be fun to hear all their stories. A couple ice skaters from Russia will be talking to Leah's activity day group, Kirk's single ward FHE group is having a group from Italy attend, etc etc.
Roxy Thompson is growing bigger each week. We don't know how big she'll be, but she's just about housetrained now. Yah! We've even trained her to ring a bell when she needs to go outside. If she'd just stop chasing Barkley so much. She just wants someone to play with and he's just a very old man dog. He's been extremely patient with her though, so I give him extra treats!!
Life is good. Family is everything.
Have a great week. I'm sure it will be a busy one for you. Our prayers are always with you.
Love you,
momxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxooxoxoxoxo
Dear Elder Sean,
As I wind up this week, it is very sobering to look back. I know dad filled you in on the tragedy Kimi Anderson was involved in. I was so worried about her, but after seeing and hearing so much love and support for her today at church, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that she'll be lifted and loved to heal her. The Anderson's are praying for a miracle for the young man still in the hospital, but Bro. Clegg bore his testimony about how his family also prayed for a miracle for a newborn grandbaby who had been struggling for weeks. Elder Maxwell even came and gave it a blessing and in the middle of the blessing leaned down close to the baby in intensive care and called him by name and said, "I know you have an adult spirit inside this tiny body, and because you have an adult spirit you must now make an adult decision whether to stay here on the earth or whether to move on to the other side." Within 90 minutes, the baby quietly slipped away to the other side. So Bro. Clegg reminded the Andersons that this young man also has an adult spirit inside him and he will be making this decision that is best for him. Every testimony was wonderful, but hearing from Bro. Gary Anderson, first one up to the pulpit, was so powerful, humble and spiritual. I worked as RS pres. when Gary was HP group leader and he was an amazing man and leader. He gave everything in his calling and I was always so impressed at how much love he had for everyone. He's also been a true example of a great patriarch in his own home. He leads powerfully, quietly with love.
Also this week, in fact 2 hours after we heard about Kimi, I got a call from Carolina telling me that one of my good friends from High School had been given only 3 weeks to live from cervical cancer that had gone to her brain. She's a woman who always made me smile and who always had a smile on her face. I went out to lunch with her this last summer on one of my trips down to Provo and I'm so glad I did. We were looking forward to getting together more often and knowing that she will not be on the earth any more has really made me sad. Her life has been quite a story.
Then I found out the woman I visit teach fell skiing and broke her wrist. She's so active all the time, this is going to be hard for her. Then yesterday we got a call from Sue Thompson who had fallen and broken her right foot and right wrist. I work with Sue in cubs, we're the Bear leaders and I truly enjoy being with her and learning from her. Even though all this happened, she has such an upbeat attitude. I took dinner in to her family today and hope I can do even more to help her out. There were other things too this week that were pretty severe hardships on some of the families in our ward. So it's been very trying for many.
On top of everything, dad is trying hard to find employment before July 1. Tomorrow we're going to Mountain Home to take a look at one of the hospitals there that are looking for some docs to cover their ER. The pay might actually be better than what he makes now, but we'll see. The drive will definitely not be a fun one to make all the time. We're trying to stay here since the economy is so depressed. That's the plan anyways. Through all of this, I feel very hopeful. Sometimes change can be exciting. I'm learning a lot of lessons through this. I'm hoping to implement the wisdom gained into action in my life.
I talked with my dad tonight. He said he got your letter yesterday and loved it. He said there's no way he even thought about some of the things you think about at your age. He was pretty amazed. I'm going to be flying down to CA the end of this month to go to some lawyer/acct meetings with him. Uncle Steve will be there too. So many things have changed in his estate and since Steve and I are the executors we need to be there to sign papers and ask questions. We're trying to time everything so that it's the same weekend when David and Caryn go to the temple to have their 2 little ones sealed to them. Their adoption is finally final. It's been a long hard road for them, but it looks like you have 2 new cousins.
Today in RS the teacher asked me to take some of the time to talk about family sealings in the temple. It was enjoyable for me to share how I feel about that. I told everyone that it was just a part of me since I'd been doing them since I was one years old and how I wished every family could take each new child through to be sealed to them just so the whole family could have this wonderful experience together.
How are things going for you? Is this the week you're getting a new companion? I loved hearing how strong Edith is sounding. I know Aurora's heart can be softened because I've seen it recently with a very close friend whose husband had an affair. For the longest time, she blamed him for everything, but has been working with her Bishop, reading the Book of Mormon faithfully and doing all that she's asked to do. Then one night her heart changed. She saw so plainly how horribly she'd been acting in the family and with her husband prior to any of his wrong doing, her very words, harsh and vindictive, came back to her so clearly and she knew right then that she was instrumental in bringing the family down. She called me the very next day because her revelation had been so strong and she wanted to share it with me. I had never heard her talk that way before and frankly, never thought I would. She truly is a changed person. Her heart was softened and she and her husband are now working harder than ever to bring back the promised blessings that she knows can be theirs through their temple marriage. They both want it badly. I told her it was a miracle and that changes of the heart are only possible because of Christ. We both have a mutual friend who is in a similar circumstance, but she is without the gospel, and she is still suffering greatly because of her trial. There is distrust and often times animosity towards her husband and even though they are going to counseling, etc, I can't hear in her voice any signs of hope. She is actually a baptized member, her husband is not, but she does not attend church. We have had many conversations over the years about the church and it seems like such a simple answer for both of them to just give it a try, but the hearts are hardened and closed right now.
Aurora has so much going for her right now with her strong family. Can't wait to hear how she's doing.
Next week is the Special Olympics here in Boise. There are quite a few families hosting people from all over the world. It will be fun to hear all their stories. A couple ice skaters from Russia will be talking to Leah's activity day group, Kirk's single ward FHE group is having a group from Italy attend, etc etc.
Roxy Thompson is growing bigger each week. We don't know how big she'll be, but she's just about housetrained now. Yah! We've even trained her to ring a bell when she needs to go outside. If she'd just stop chasing Barkley so much. She just wants someone to play with and he's just a very old man dog. He's been extremely patient with her though, so I give him extra treats!!
Life is good. Family is everything.
Have a great week. I'm sure it will be a busy one for you. Our prayers are always with you.
Love you,
momxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxooxoxoxoxo
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Inversion breakthrough
Jan. 25, 2009
Dear Elder Sean,
Well, we've had an entire week of inversion weather here and today the sun finally broke through. It was almost weird seeing the sun again and putting sunglasses on. However, it was so so so cold. I guess winter is still here.
We had our first Sunday of meeting at 12:30pm. It's kind of a strange meeting time. Alex, of course, thinks it's the greatest since he can sleep in so long. I feel like we barely got home, had to get dinner on quickly and then we had to get ready for a youth fireside here tonight. The last of the kids just left. They're a fun group.
Well, we're into week 2 of having a new puppy. Not loving those trips to the backyard in the middle of the night. She's getting better these last couple days at sleeping through the night, so cross your fingers. There's nothing like standing out there in your pajamas with a coat on in the dark of the night. Roxy knows how to sit and sometimes does down. She's getting bigger and sometimes she gets pretty nippy and tries to herd everyone. She's dying to play with Barkley, but he'll have nothing to do with her and goes out of his way to stay away from her.
Church was great as usual. The youth leaders, Primary pres, YM/YW presidents spoke about Faith in God, Personal Progress and Duty to God. Sunday School was amazing, of course. Talked today about Joseph Smith being prepared to receive the plates and how much preparation there was and how much of the Lord's hand was in everything that had to do with the Book of Mormon and still has today. In RS we discussed Elder Wirthlin's talk "Come What May and Love it" and how laughter eases so many burdens and trials in life. A happy attitude is more effective in extending the quality of a person's life than nutrition or exercise.
Kirk got called to be the Elder's Q secretary and to home teach Tiffany Shaw. He's also going to speak in the singles ward in 2 weeks. I'm glad he got a calling even though he's only here for a few months. He's spending a lot of time texting one of Rachel's old roommates, Laura. He denies any feelings, but they sure do talk a lot. He's also talking about going to some of the Mission prep classes that are starting next week. I told him if he just showed up Bro. Shaw would definitely put him to work.
Alex is pretty busy and has now started dance festival rehearsals to add to everything else. He's one of the leaders in the ward that will help others learn the dance. They're doing the Tango. He calls it the Mormon Tango, probably pretty far-fetched from the Argentine Tango.
Kristina is taking Spanish for the first time now in school. It's funny to hear her learning, not that I'm so much more advanced, but so many words I just figured she already knew are brand new to her. She's also taking home ec which she's really excited about. She quit her band, too much on her plate for now. Maybe some day she'll go back to being a drummer.
Leah is doing well in school. She's really made some big strides and enjoys learning the times tables. It gives her a big sense of pride knowing them and loves that she knows something that Nikki doesn't know yet. Her reading is improving slowly too. She has lots of friends at school and also in her jump rope class. Tonight she helped me make the cookies for the fireside and she did a great job. She's actually enjoying her piano too. I think Sally Larsen has really made it fun for her.
Nikki is well, Nikki. She lives large, moves large, eats large, loves large and has a large tender heart. She's constantly amazing me with what she understands. She also loves to sing and does so pretty loudly. Today whenever there was a note longer than a quarter note, she held it loud and with a unique vibrato. I think she has the makings of an opera singer, or an "Oprah singer" as she says.
I completed Leah's baptism quilt this week. How's that for speed? It took me 4 years to get Kristina's done and only one year to finish Leah's. Now I'm on to Nikki's. She's excited to pick out the colors and design. I bet hers will be quite interesting.
Dad's still working on finding employment for this summer. His last day in Caldwell is June 30. Most of the doors in Idaho are slowly closing for us and are just not feasible. We're trying to come to grips with the fact that we'll most likely be moving. I just wish we knew where. Still looking into Texas and Utah at this point. Any requests?
We made our reservations for our trip to Argentina! We arrive the morning of the 26th of April and will be staying at the Holiday Inn. Then we called the church travel dept. and they booked your return flight home with us on the 4th of May. I'll send a separate email to you so you can see it. Just tuck it away for future use so you don't get too trunky. There's still quite a bit of time and I'm sure lots of work you want to get done.
How's the work going for you this week? Didn't get to hear too many stories from you last week. The girls are now praying for Eleana. The story about her mom had a huge effect on them. I love hearing how your baptisms are filled with so many people and how you get so many contacts from that. Non-members just don't usually come to the services here. The new members don't have that same enthusiasm that spurs them on to tell all their friends about what they just discovered.
I hope you are doing well and enjoying the work. Did you get our last package and the one from Grandma and Grandpa Thompson yet? It's fun to hear when you get things from us.
Have an awesome week. Be an instrument in His hands.
Love you,
momxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxo
Dear Elder Sean,
Well, we've had an entire week of inversion weather here and today the sun finally broke through. It was almost weird seeing the sun again and putting sunglasses on. However, it was so so so cold. I guess winter is still here.
We had our first Sunday of meeting at 12:30pm. It's kind of a strange meeting time. Alex, of course, thinks it's the greatest since he can sleep in so long. I feel like we barely got home, had to get dinner on quickly and then we had to get ready for a youth fireside here tonight. The last of the kids just left. They're a fun group.
Well, we're into week 2 of having a new puppy. Not loving those trips to the backyard in the middle of the night. She's getting better these last couple days at sleeping through the night, so cross your fingers. There's nothing like standing out there in your pajamas with a coat on in the dark of the night. Roxy knows how to sit and sometimes does down. She's getting bigger and sometimes she gets pretty nippy and tries to herd everyone. She's dying to play with Barkley, but he'll have nothing to do with her and goes out of his way to stay away from her.
Church was great as usual. The youth leaders, Primary pres, YM/YW presidents spoke about Faith in God, Personal Progress and Duty to God. Sunday School was amazing, of course. Talked today about Joseph Smith being prepared to receive the plates and how much preparation there was and how much of the Lord's hand was in everything that had to do with the Book of Mormon and still has today. In RS we discussed Elder Wirthlin's talk "Come What May and Love it" and how laughter eases so many burdens and trials in life. A happy attitude is more effective in extending the quality of a person's life than nutrition or exercise.
Kirk got called to be the Elder's Q secretary and to home teach Tiffany Shaw. He's also going to speak in the singles ward in 2 weeks. I'm glad he got a calling even though he's only here for a few months. He's spending a lot of time texting one of Rachel's old roommates, Laura. He denies any feelings, but they sure do talk a lot. He's also talking about going to some of the Mission prep classes that are starting next week. I told him if he just showed up Bro. Shaw would definitely put him to work.
Alex is pretty busy and has now started dance festival rehearsals to add to everything else. He's one of the leaders in the ward that will help others learn the dance. They're doing the Tango. He calls it the Mormon Tango, probably pretty far-fetched from the Argentine Tango.
Kristina is taking Spanish for the first time now in school. It's funny to hear her learning, not that I'm so much more advanced, but so many words I just figured she already knew are brand new to her. She's also taking home ec which she's really excited about. She quit her band, too much on her plate for now. Maybe some day she'll go back to being a drummer.
Leah is doing well in school. She's really made some big strides and enjoys learning the times tables. It gives her a big sense of pride knowing them and loves that she knows something that Nikki doesn't know yet. Her reading is improving slowly too. She has lots of friends at school and also in her jump rope class. Tonight she helped me make the cookies for the fireside and she did a great job. She's actually enjoying her piano too. I think Sally Larsen has really made it fun for her.
Nikki is well, Nikki. She lives large, moves large, eats large, loves large and has a large tender heart. She's constantly amazing me with what she understands. She also loves to sing and does so pretty loudly. Today whenever there was a note longer than a quarter note, she held it loud and with a unique vibrato. I think she has the makings of an opera singer, or an "Oprah singer" as she says.
I completed Leah's baptism quilt this week. How's that for speed? It took me 4 years to get Kristina's done and only one year to finish Leah's. Now I'm on to Nikki's. She's excited to pick out the colors and design. I bet hers will be quite interesting.
Dad's still working on finding employment for this summer. His last day in Caldwell is June 30. Most of the doors in Idaho are slowly closing for us and are just not feasible. We're trying to come to grips with the fact that we'll most likely be moving. I just wish we knew where. Still looking into Texas and Utah at this point. Any requests?
We made our reservations for our trip to Argentina! We arrive the morning of the 26th of April and will be staying at the Holiday Inn. Then we called the church travel dept. and they booked your return flight home with us on the 4th of May. I'll send a separate email to you so you can see it. Just tuck it away for future use so you don't get too trunky. There's still quite a bit of time and I'm sure lots of work you want to get done.
How's the work going for you this week? Didn't get to hear too many stories from you last week. The girls are now praying for Eleana. The story about her mom had a huge effect on them. I love hearing how your baptisms are filled with so many people and how you get so many contacts from that. Non-members just don't usually come to the services here. The new members don't have that same enthusiasm that spurs them on to tell all their friends about what they just discovered.
I hope you are doing well and enjoying the work. Did you get our last package and the one from Grandma and Grandpa Thompson yet? It's fun to hear when you get things from us.
Have an awesome week. Be an instrument in His hands.
Love you,
momxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxo
Sunday, January 18, 2009
It's Always Something
Jan. 18, 2009
Dear Elder Sean,
Well, we've survived 5 days with a new puppy. Life is certainly a little crazier because of it, but it's also fun. Roxy is a cute dog, however, now she has diarrhea and things haven't seemed so cute any more. Hopefully, it's just because she's eating a different food. She's half Australian Shepherd and half miniature poodle-hence an aussiedoodle. Barkley is annoyed with her youthful exuberance, so sometimes we have to take her away from him. She really wants to play with him though. Hopefully by the time you get home, she'll know some of the family rules, especially rule number one-pee outside.
We've had a roller coaster these last couple weeks with dad's work. We hear one thing, then get told another, etc etc. But now we know for sure that St. Al's is really undercutting them and expecting the ER docs to take a 50%pay cut. It's really been a blow to the doctors here and they're all looking for other work at this point. Dad is going to talk with St. Luke's, a couple groups in Utah and a few others that we might look into. We've done this before so I know we can do it again. It's just so all consuming to think about. If we can, we may just rent this house out so we can keep it. But the market is so down right now, nothing is selling. We were just barely finishing the mess with the IRS audit and then this news hit us. Our story is not unique as there are so many around us going through similar circumstances. We're so grateful for dad's training. He's very employable just about anywhere in the country, so we can't complain even though it has been and is a difficult trial for us. We'll keep you posted on our new journey. When one door closes, another always opens!
Sports news-It's going to be Pittsburgh Steelers vs Arizona Cardinals for the Superbowl. Dad just filled me in.
We had another wonderful spirit filled Sunday School class this week. I actually look forward to class each week. Bro. Hugentobler was the teacher today and he talked about a couple things from his mission in Argentina. When I hear the brothers draw upon their mission stories, it makes me feel good knowing that my sons will be able to do the same thing one day. Scriptures and spiritual events are embedded into their minds. Another thing I've noticed is that things I learned really well as a youth have stuck with me in my life. There are certain scripture mastery verses that come back to me all the time. Songs I learned on the piano are still in me, as well as guitar songs, etc. So what you are learning so well right now will be with you a long time. I've also found that it's so much harder the older I get to memorize or keep things with me. The info must go into a new compartment now, one that's not easy to access. It doesn't stop me from trying though. So take advantage of your youth now, learn as many new things as you can and make them a part of you forever.
Dad's counselors, Bro. Myler and Bro. Crosgrove, spoke in church today. They introduced our ward's goals for the year, which is to build Zion as a family and as a ward. Bro. Crosgrove talked about one of the most important things we can do is to remain clean. If we are clean, we are able to give and receive anything the Lord would want us to and thus be instrumental in building Zion wherever we are. Remember too that that was one of Pres. Hinckley's Be's, Be clean.
I hope you've been able to teach the Cardozo family more this week. Were they able to come to church? They sound like a wonderful family. And of course, I'm hoping to hear some news about Juan's family. The little girls were very touched by Eleana's story and her mother not letting her read the Book of Mormon. Keep us posted on that.
Have you gotten all our packages yet? Did you get the one that had your Christmas Eve presents in it, or with Bro. Pinder's letter? I think that was the last one. Let us know which ones you get. I printed out your letter to Sis. Transtrum and gave it to her in church today. She always looks so pretty. I've already asked the kids to all prepare something to play for her, so I'll let you know how that goes.
Steve and Carolina said Axel did a good job with his talk last week. Katie (Lutz) and Graig (who live in Sandy) came, Patrice Caudill, Ben and Alyssa, Allen and Lisa and their kids and even Bethany came. Allen called me the other day and asked about how to get Cole signed up for college. I didn't even realize he was a senior this year. So Alex and I have been talking them through the BYU registration process. Cole will probably live with Alex in Heritage also. So now they have 5 total in their dorm. (That is, if everyone gets accepted). Alex is procrastinating with all his end of the year stuff and it's driving me a little crazy. All he has to do for his Eagle project is write it up, he has 2 online courses he has to take in order to graduate, he needs to apply for scholarships, etc. And of course, as I'm writing you, I can hear him downstairs laughing playing Wii with Kirk and Kristina.
So I haven't heard you talk much about where you live now. Is it just you and Elder Lish or are there others there? What kind of a place is it? Do you cook for yourselves all the time or do you get a lot of your meals in the mission home?
Here's a couple missionary tips for the week:
1. Lock your apt. door whenever you leave and before going to bed. Leave a light on when you're out at night.
2. Don't linger after diner appointments.
3.Carry a photo of your family in your wallet.
4. Stay awake while your companion drives.
5. Your journal should be a record of both your activities and your thoughts.
6. Attend Bible study classes and be a friendly participant.
7. How you act on P-day is a direct reflection of how you will act when you are a returned missionary.
8. Get plants for your apartment.
9. Have food on hand for Sundays in case your dinner appointment cancels. Don't be in a situation where you feel compelled to go to the store on the Sabbath.
10.On hot days, take a cold shower during your lunch break.
11. Read one chapter from Proverbs a day. In one month, you'll have read them all.
12. Leave a list of free P-day activities in your area book.
Better turn in for the night. I look forward to Sundays to get to write you and Mondays to get to hear from you. Tomorrow is President's Day so the kids are home from school. Kirk will work for a few hours, but we'll try to get out and do something fun with the family. The snow has melted, but it's still plenty cold. Send some of your warmth our way...
Have a busy week and remember-Be clean and everything else will fall into place.
I love you,
momxoxooxoxoxoxo
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Jan. 11, 2009
Jan. 11, 2008
Dear Elder Sean,
Sounds like you had quite a full week last week, hopefully this week was just as full. Full is good.
January is flying by. We had our 11am meeting this morning, our new time. It's going to be short-lived though. As I speak they're holding a special meeting at our building for the Eagle 8th ward, and all the Star wards. They're splitting them all and forming another ward. It will be called the Beacon Light Ward and it's going to meet in our building. So now we're going to have 4 wards in our building. Our new meeting time will be 12:30pm. There were a few moans when that time was announced. Moms will little kids have a hard time with that time since it is nap time. The new ward will meet at 8:30am, the singles ward at 10:30, us at 12:30 and the 8th ward at 2:30pm. Dad is at the meeting tonight to see how they're dividing and who the new bishops will be.
When dad gets home we're having the Priesthood Preview fireside here. There's only 5 boys this year and I actually had them as 9 year olds in Bear scouts, so it will be fun to have them here. So we're getting the house ready, etc.
It's been nice having Kirk home. He's been working every day at the mall and really likes it there. They've converted his store to the clearance store, so they keep pretty busy selling the BSU sale items. Alex is taking Fitness for Life online, so he and Kirk have signed up at Rocky Mountain to work out. Kristina is busy with Beehives, she's in the presidency and they do a lot of fun things. This week they're making Mormon ad videos. Should be fun. Leah has Sis. McCauley now as her Activity day leader and I'm very excited for her to learn from her and spend time with her. Sis. McCauley always gives 150% is everything does. Nikki talks about being able to go to Activity days too in the fall. She had her first day in senior Primary today and said she really liked it. Leah said Nikki was very reverent the whole time. I think sitting in the front row helps you be that way.
I am really loving our gospel doctrine class each week. We have amazing discussions and the spirit is always so strong. In my personal study I have started the New Testament and I've Tivo'd the BYU discussions they have on the New Testament. Religion professors all sit around and discuss it. It's like I'm taking the best class ever and get to hear from 4-5 professors all at once. I did that with the Book of Mormon too and loved it. If I was smart I'd do it with the D&C since that's what we're studying this year in church, but I am learning so much from Paul's teachings that I want to complete it first. We just finished Hebrews. I wish Paul told us more about the Hebrews who converted and how many there were. Those who believed had so much to learn, but Paul makes it so clear to them about the higher law that they now must live. All through history we see progression as Christ moves us from one law to the next as we are ready.
Dad has been busy at work this past week. There are going to be lots of changes coming soon for him. St. Al's is going to be taking over their contract at West Valley and no one really knows what that will entail. We do know that St. Al's only hires board certified ER docs (dad is ER board ceritifed) but the 2 partners who run the group are not board certified ER, so they are almost sure their jobs are on the line. St. Al's is talking with them tomorrow, so we'll know more about what their plans are after tomorrow. We feel like we are on "alert" until then. St. Al's takes over July 1st of this year. It's not a great feeling not knowing what's going to happen, but we're trying to be prepared for anything. If ye are prepared....
Axel got home this past Thursday and we got to see some video of him coming down the escalator at the SLC airport. It was short because Gio said he wanted to just see him and hug him in person instead of taking pictures. He didn't get home until midnight because of missed connections and then got released the next morning at 11am, then went to class at BYU at 1pm. Nothing like jumping right in. Carolina says he's very happy and excited for this new phase of his life. Uncle Steve went to some of his classes for him last week before he got home. David Lutz, who is now at BYU, said he saw Steve on campus and always yelled over to him, "hi, Uncle Steve!"
Last night dad and I went to the reception for David Nicholas (remember the "bearded one" at Thanksgiving. Well, he shaved his beard last year and amazingly girls weren't afraid of him any more and he met a really cute girl who had served a mission in Argentina, Buenos Aires North. She's now teaching Spanish at Rocky Mountain High School (the new high school in this area that took about 1/3 of EHS students). They had it at the old Train Depot in Boise which was a fun place and had a mariachi band playing. For refreshments they had empanadas, meat and fruit. Shannon (his wife) was excited for us to taste the empanadas since she obviously was the one who wanted them at her wedding. I loved the meat ones the best. It was fun talking with Dave's parents, Robyn and Pete (remember Pete and your test drive of his car). He asked about the Mustang. We told him it gets driven on a daily basis although it handles horribly in the snow-just ask Alex about that.
So have you been back to Raul's home?
Terri Westerberg called me this week because they hadn't heard from Jared and then found out it was because he was called to be AP and his p-day changed. She didn't really know what an AP was but had read it in your letters, so she wanted to talk with me. Jared will be a wonderful and faithful servant. It was great talking with her. We can't believe how similar you and Jared have been in your missions. Alex is always hanging out at their house now, so it's fun to be in so much contact with them.
Andrea Jones came over the other day to help Kirk learn some basics on his ukelele. Then they asked me to play my mandolin because they needed someone to play melody for Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Then Alex and his buddies joined in singing parts and Kristina played the piano. We had a lot of fun and now they want to record it and put it on youtube. I better brush up on the mandolin, I don't want to be the weak link.
Well, I better get things ready for the fireside. It's almost time. I sent you the Eagle Elder's newsletter last night, so hopefully you'll get them this week. We're getting our new puppy this Tuesday. I don't know if I'm ready for that puppy phase again. This could be a roller coaster ride. Wish me luck. We'll send you pix next week.
Grandpa Trumbo called me and said he was so happy you got his letter. Have you gotten the package yet that has Bro. Pinder's letter in it? What things did you do with the stuff we sent you in the last packages? It would be fun to hear.
I got a thank you email from Sis. Lucas and some fun pictures of her family and the girls playing with their barbies. She has a beautiful family. Have you had a chance to watch the DVD I sent you yet? I gave a copy of that to lots of people. It's a very humbling and yet motivating story.
I'm listening to Ye elders of Israel being sung on the computer as I write you and it feels me with the spirit and much tenderness for what you are doing. Can't wait to hear from you this week and to share in your spirit. It means a lot to me.
Have a great week and as you remember who you are, share with someone else who they really are. Every soul longs to belong.
I love you very much.
momxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxox
Dear Elder Sean,
Sounds like you had quite a full week last week, hopefully this week was just as full. Full is good.
January is flying by. We had our 11am meeting this morning, our new time. It's going to be short-lived though. As I speak they're holding a special meeting at our building for the Eagle 8th ward, and all the Star wards. They're splitting them all and forming another ward. It will be called the Beacon Light Ward and it's going to meet in our building. So now we're going to have 4 wards in our building. Our new meeting time will be 12:30pm. There were a few moans when that time was announced. Moms will little kids have a hard time with that time since it is nap time. The new ward will meet at 8:30am, the singles ward at 10:30, us at 12:30 and the 8th ward at 2:30pm. Dad is at the meeting tonight to see how they're dividing and who the new bishops will be.
When dad gets home we're having the Priesthood Preview fireside here. There's only 5 boys this year and I actually had them as 9 year olds in Bear scouts, so it will be fun to have them here. So we're getting the house ready, etc.
It's been nice having Kirk home. He's been working every day at the mall and really likes it there. They've converted his store to the clearance store, so they keep pretty busy selling the BSU sale items. Alex is taking Fitness for Life online, so he and Kirk have signed up at Rocky Mountain to work out. Kristina is busy with Beehives, she's in the presidency and they do a lot of fun things. This week they're making Mormon ad videos. Should be fun. Leah has Sis. McCauley now as her Activity day leader and I'm very excited for her to learn from her and spend time with her. Sis. McCauley always gives 150% is everything does. Nikki talks about being able to go to Activity days too in the fall. She had her first day in senior Primary today and said she really liked it. Leah said Nikki was very reverent the whole time. I think sitting in the front row helps you be that way.
I am really loving our gospel doctrine class each week. We have amazing discussions and the spirit is always so strong. In my personal study I have started the New Testament and I've Tivo'd the BYU discussions they have on the New Testament. Religion professors all sit around and discuss it. It's like I'm taking the best class ever and get to hear from 4-5 professors all at once. I did that with the Book of Mormon too and loved it. If I was smart I'd do it with the D&C since that's what we're studying this year in church, but I am learning so much from Paul's teachings that I want to complete it first. We just finished Hebrews. I wish Paul told us more about the Hebrews who converted and how many there were. Those who believed had so much to learn, but Paul makes it so clear to them about the higher law that they now must live. All through history we see progression as Christ moves us from one law to the next as we are ready.
Dad has been busy at work this past week. There are going to be lots of changes coming soon for him. St. Al's is going to be taking over their contract at West Valley and no one really knows what that will entail. We do know that St. Al's only hires board certified ER docs (dad is ER board ceritifed) but the 2 partners who run the group are not board certified ER, so they are almost sure their jobs are on the line. St. Al's is talking with them tomorrow, so we'll know more about what their plans are after tomorrow. We feel like we are on "alert" until then. St. Al's takes over July 1st of this year. It's not a great feeling not knowing what's going to happen, but we're trying to be prepared for anything. If ye are prepared....
Axel got home this past Thursday and we got to see some video of him coming down the escalator at the SLC airport. It was short because Gio said he wanted to just see him and hug him in person instead of taking pictures. He didn't get home until midnight because of missed connections and then got released the next morning at 11am, then went to class at BYU at 1pm. Nothing like jumping right in. Carolina says he's very happy and excited for this new phase of his life. Uncle Steve went to some of his classes for him last week before he got home. David Lutz, who is now at BYU, said he saw Steve on campus and always yelled over to him, "hi, Uncle Steve!"
Last night dad and I went to the reception for David Nicholas (remember the "bearded one" at Thanksgiving. Well, he shaved his beard last year and amazingly girls weren't afraid of him any more and he met a really cute girl who had served a mission in Argentina, Buenos Aires North. She's now teaching Spanish at Rocky Mountain High School (the new high school in this area that took about 1/3 of EHS students). They had it at the old Train Depot in Boise which was a fun place and had a mariachi band playing. For refreshments they had empanadas, meat and fruit. Shannon (his wife) was excited for us to taste the empanadas since she obviously was the one who wanted them at her wedding. I loved the meat ones the best. It was fun talking with Dave's parents, Robyn and Pete (remember Pete and your test drive of his car). He asked about the Mustang. We told him it gets driven on a daily basis although it handles horribly in the snow-just ask Alex about that.
So have you been back to Raul's home?
Terri Westerberg called me this week because they hadn't heard from Jared and then found out it was because he was called to be AP and his p-day changed. She didn't really know what an AP was but had read it in your letters, so she wanted to talk with me. Jared will be a wonderful and faithful servant. It was great talking with her. We can't believe how similar you and Jared have been in your missions. Alex is always hanging out at their house now, so it's fun to be in so much contact with them.
Andrea Jones came over the other day to help Kirk learn some basics on his ukelele. Then they asked me to play my mandolin because they needed someone to play melody for Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Then Alex and his buddies joined in singing parts and Kristina played the piano. We had a lot of fun and now they want to record it and put it on youtube. I better brush up on the mandolin, I don't want to be the weak link.
Well, I better get things ready for the fireside. It's almost time. I sent you the Eagle Elder's newsletter last night, so hopefully you'll get them this week. We're getting our new puppy this Tuesday. I don't know if I'm ready for that puppy phase again. This could be a roller coaster ride. Wish me luck. We'll send you pix next week.
Grandpa Trumbo called me and said he was so happy you got his letter. Have you gotten the package yet that has Bro. Pinder's letter in it? What things did you do with the stuff we sent you in the last packages? It would be fun to hear.
I got a thank you email from Sis. Lucas and some fun pictures of her family and the girls playing with their barbies. She has a beautiful family. Have you had a chance to watch the DVD I sent you yet? I gave a copy of that to lots of people. It's a very humbling and yet motivating story.
I'm listening to Ye elders of Israel being sung on the computer as I write you and it feels me with the spirit and much tenderness for what you are doing. Can't wait to hear from you this week and to share in your spirit. It means a lot to me.
Have a great week and as you remember who you are, share with someone else who they really are. Every soul longs to belong.
I love you very much.
momxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxox
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Back home from Utah
Jan. 4, 2008
Dear Elder Sean,
Well, we're back home as of this evening around 5pm. Right when we got home dad and Nikki and I had to turn around and get ready for the baptism preview for all the kids in the stake getting baptized this year. It was nice and Nikki, of course, is very excited to get baptized but has to wait until Sept. It will be nice to have all the family together for our last baptism (at least in our immediate family).
We had a great time in Utah. It was very cold but at least the roads were all clear for our drive down and back. We spent the first couple nights at Grandma and Grandpa's. We even went next door and printed out your letter last week from their neighbor since they still don't have internet. The next day we went to a traveling museum show called Body World where a man from Germany took actual cadavers and plasticized them and then formed them into different positions and stripped away the skin so you could see the muscles in action. He had every body part displayed in various forms also and it was very interesting. He even had in utero babies from 2 weeks forward. It was amazing. The little girls didn't go to that, they thought it would be too gross and I'm sure they wouldn't have enjoyed it.
That night we went out to dinner for Grandpa Thompson's 82nd birthday. He wanted to go to Red Lobster. The next day we hung out around their house. Grandma took me over to a lady's house in her ward who is an excellent quilter. Dad, Kristina, Leah, Nikki and I also went over to the Weigel's house. Dad and I had a nice visit with Darla and Rick and the girls played Wii in their basement and played with their 2 dogs. Darla says Tyler is doing well and living in Boise working and plans on returning to college when he gets enough money. Darla was really pushing for us to move by them. I told her maybe someday.
Wed night we went to Steve and Carolina's for dinner and games. It was New Year's Eve. Of course, we all ate the ritual 12 grapes just before midnight. Carolina had picked up her grapes from Costco and they were HUGE! I'm surprised we didn't have any choking incidents. haha Alex went to a dance with Dakota and had fun. Gio and Jenn came over for the festivities too with their puppy Tofu. Tofu is like their child and it's funny to watch them with him. He's a cute dog though. On Thursday we went shopping at the Provo malls with Charmaine. She got the kids their Christmas presents there.
Thursday night we went over to the Young's in American Fork to see the little girls' cousin Tani. We had dinner with them and watched the kids put on "plays". Very funny. It was quite the wild time with that much Samoan energy in the room. We really enjoy spending time with them and they truly have become family to us.
Friday Carolina, Kassie and Dakota took us to Park City for the day. Steve had to work so he couldn't go. We hadn't been to Park City for a while so that was really fun. Gio and Jenn came too. We also went to the Olympic Park there which Carolina had never been to. We had lunch at Cafe Rio-we just can't seem to get away from that place. That night Jan and Jeff and David showed up. They were there for the weekend to drop off David at BYU and get him set up in the dorms. Us adults went to the movies that night and came home to watch the last part of the Sugar bowl where Utah dominated the game and won and ended their season undefeated. This could make them National champs. Then we visited into the wee hours.
Saturday the kids with Dakota all went sledding. The night before there was a good size snowstorm-about 4 inches worth. So just down the street from Steve and Carolina (right by Steven Covey's house) there's a park that they call Rock Canyon Bowl Park and it's shaped like a bowl so it was perfect for sledding. We watched them for a while, then took off with Charmaine to go see Steve's new Noah's in South Jordan. It's beautiful. I can't believe how much nicer this one is than the Linden one. Looks like now they're going to build one in Arizona and one in Denver. Steve will oversee the building of both of them. We called G & G Thompson and asked them to meet us for lunch, then we headed back to Provo. That night we all went to the BYU/Wake Forest basketball game. It was the 2nd largest crowd in Marriott Center history. It was a good game, but there was quite a few bad ref calls. The crowd almost got out of control and the coach had to take the mic and ask people to not throw things and be respectful. BYU lost in the end, but they had the lead on and off throughout the whole game. It was a fun game to watch, but disappointing.
Jan just called me because she just said goodbye to David and was crying. She knew I could relate.
So how was your week? You've been so busy and getting so much done lately. I was happy to hear that Juan got baptized. I hope Aurora keeps progressing and is open to the spirit. I'm really glad she has Alicia to talk with.
You gave us homework last week. I wasn't able to forward your letter to all the family until tonight, so you probably won't hear back from anyone until next week, but without looking I would say that the blessing of tithing is to not be burned at the last day. We'll do our homework this week.
Have any more packages shown up yet? I sure hope so. Grandma and grandpa sent you one while we were there, so now there's even more to look forward to.
I hope the new year is treating you well. There's something very invigorating about the new year and I definitely have goals for myself and for our family. Can't wait to hear what you've been up to and what your plans are for this week. AP's sure need to know how to multi-task. I can remember always telling you that I love being anxiously engaged in good causes and you must surely understand that now.
It's late and I better sign off. Have another "best week ever".
Love you much,
momxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxooxoxxooxoxoxo
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Post Festivities
Dec. 28, 2008
Dear Elder Sean,
It was GREAT talking with you on Christmas! I hope you had a wonderful day. I'm still very hopeful that you will get some of the packages we sent to you. Please let us know as soon as you get anything. You sounded great, happy and it made my day.
Church was wonderful today. Our Sunday School lesson was very spiritual. We finished up studying the BOM for the year and Bro. Mason, our teacher, focused on Moroni's words about faith, hope and charity. Then we talked about miracles and gifts of the spirit. Bro. Mason shared a miracle from his mission and we talked about how these are evidences as Moroni called them and asked if any others wanted to share any miracles. It was sweet to hear the stories and evidences from a few in the room. They were all very tender. It was evident that so many of the miracles happen when it comes to building up of the kingdom and people joining the church. Bro. Mason as a young missionary promised his 70-something year old investigator in Belgium that the ocean water would be warm enough for him to be baptized in(they were on an island with no fonts and it was too far for this gentleman to travel to the mainland and he had come down with pneumonia a few years earlier when he went out in the cold water and almost died). As they were teaching him over the weeks, the weather turned quite warm and the day before the baptism the water was in the 70's, but they woke up the next day to a huge rainstorm. The investigator called and said he couldn't go out in the rain for fear of getting sick. Bro. Mason told him the Lord didn't do all this work to warm up the ocean water just to see him back out of baptism and then promised him that the rain would subside for his baptism. They met in a building near the ocean for the meeting, talks and music, etc. It was still pouring rain. Then it was time to sing the first 2 verses of the hymn that they always sang right before each baptism. As they were singing, it stopped raining where they were. They walked to the cliff to go down to the beach and could see black skies all around with a hole in the clouds letting the sun through lighting the area where they were to do the baptism. They performed the baptism, went back inside and it started to rain again.
Many others in the room had similar stories, all very powerful and evidences of a loving Heavenly Father.
Last year I remember that Pres. Olsen and his wife were Santa and Mrs. Claus. Did they do that again this year? I remember also that President came walking through your office last year, so we got to talk briefly with him. Anyway, it's always fun getting to talk with you. And Hma. Lucas was so nice and thoughtful to take such good care of you missionaries.
Just as we were trying to call you (in the middle of our various attempts at phone numbers), Sister Aleki called us. I thought it was nice that she called us on Christmas day. Since her family in Samoa doesn't have any modern conveniences, I was glad I was able to talk with her and wish her a merry Christmas. She did get to call her brother who lives in California and she was going to try one of her relatives in Samoa who has a cell phone, but wasn't sure if she'd get through to her family. She's getting transferred this week to Meridian. I'm sure all this snow is quite a shock to her system.
Speaking of snow, it just keeps coming. We've never seen so much snow here. All Christmas eve and all Christmas day it snowed, which made it absolutely beautiful. On Friday it cleared up, then it snowed all day Saturday. I've been taking the kids hookey bobbing just about every day.
There's a little break in the system and we are going to try to get to Utah tomorrow. Getting back home will be another feat. We are leaving in the morning so if your letter isn't here by the time we leave, we'll check for it when we get to Utah. Sure wish grandma and grandpa would get the internet. We'll find a signal somewhere and log in. We're going to go to temple square to see the lights, take grandpa out for dinner for his birthday (this year he wants to either go to Red Lobster or a chinese restaurant-the kids are hoping for chinese), spend new years at Steve and CArolina's, visit the girls cousin, Tani, shop, tour, go to a BYU basketball game and head home after church next Sunday. That's the plan, but we'll be watching the weather each day. School starts next Monday and dad has to work next Monday, so we need to at least make a valiant effort to get back before then.
We spent most the afternoon playing games and wrapping gifts for grandma and grandpa and Charmaine. Kirk was able to get the week off too, so I'm glad he'll be able to come with us. Travis is a nice boss and very generous.
I spoke with my dad the other day and he was asking if you've gotten his letter yet. I really hope it gets to you. I don't know what he wrote, but he'd love to hear when it gets to you.
Today was Nikki's last day in junior Primary, can you believe it? Our little family is growing up quickly. She still keeps talking about getting the gift of the Holy Ghost. Also Sis. McCauley got called to be Leah's achievement day leader, so that's going to be great. There were quite a few calling changes made today especially in the Primary which is what happens at the end of the year. I'm still with the Bear Scouts though. That's good. We have a trip to Doug's Burger Den planned next week, so I can't miss that!
Cameron Dumas and Krystal Kjar got engaged last week. One of the Ray boys gave his farewell today in the 8th ward. Axel comes home next week. We just miss him coming home. Lacey Anderson and her husband spoke in our ward today. They have moved in with Lacey's parents, so it will be nice to have them in our ward. She talked about how great it will be to have the new temple in Cordoba because all the people in her mission will be able to attend that one and it will be so much closer for them. We saw the entire Shaw family at the movies on Christmas day. Tiffany is not engaged yet, but it could be any day now. Alex is still asking her out hoping that all 3 of the Thompson boys can say they dated her. So far she just laughs at him. We had a Christmas day buffet here with the Leifsons, the Kents, and the Hugentoblers. It was fun having them all here. Christmas Eve was so much fun at the Cameron's too. I would love to make that a tradition. Wish you could have seen Leah and Nikki's duet of Jolly Old St. Nickolaus. Leah did a good job playing the piano, but they laughed for so long just trying to get started that I thought they'd never do it. Stewart Jensen and his wife spoke in the single's ward today. He's a high councilor now and I guess he's over the single's ward. Kirk said they both were fun speakers.
Well, that's about all the news since we last talked. How did your meetings go over the weekend? I hope the Vallegas are still feeling the spirit. How about that neighbor family that helped you with the 12 days of Christmas? Are you teaching them? I love that story.
Here are some missionary tips for the week:
1. Always lock your car even if you'll be away for only a minute.
2. Drink orange juice.
3. When traveling to an area to tract, don't be in such a hurry that you overlook the hundreds of people you pass along the way.
4.Know the mission song by heart and sing it enthusiastically. If your mission doesn't have a song, write one.
5.Always have some money on hand.
6. Don't do a door approach with your hands in your pockets.
7. Be patient.
8. Carry a toy with you. Pull it out when young children start disrupting a discussion.
9.Create new words to Primary songs.
10. Write to perspective missionaries in your home ward.
Have a miraculous week, Sean. I love you very much.
momx0x0x0x0x0x0x0x00xx00xx0
Dear Elder Sean,
It was GREAT talking with you on Christmas! I hope you had a wonderful day. I'm still very hopeful that you will get some of the packages we sent to you. Please let us know as soon as you get anything. You sounded great, happy and it made my day.
Church was wonderful today. Our Sunday School lesson was very spiritual. We finished up studying the BOM for the year and Bro. Mason, our teacher, focused on Moroni's words about faith, hope and charity. Then we talked about miracles and gifts of the spirit. Bro. Mason shared a miracle from his mission and we talked about how these are evidences as Moroni called them and asked if any others wanted to share any miracles. It was sweet to hear the stories and evidences from a few in the room. They were all very tender. It was evident that so many of the miracles happen when it comes to building up of the kingdom and people joining the church. Bro. Mason as a young missionary promised his 70-something year old investigator in Belgium that the ocean water would be warm enough for him to be baptized in(they were on an island with no fonts and it was too far for this gentleman to travel to the mainland and he had come down with pneumonia a few years earlier when he went out in the cold water and almost died). As they were teaching him over the weeks, the weather turned quite warm and the day before the baptism the water was in the 70's, but they woke up the next day to a huge rainstorm. The investigator called and said he couldn't go out in the rain for fear of getting sick. Bro. Mason told him the Lord didn't do all this work to warm up the ocean water just to see him back out of baptism and then promised him that the rain would subside for his baptism. They met in a building near the ocean for the meeting, talks and music, etc. It was still pouring rain. Then it was time to sing the first 2 verses of the hymn that they always sang right before each baptism. As they were singing, it stopped raining where they were. They walked to the cliff to go down to the beach and could see black skies all around with a hole in the clouds letting the sun through lighting the area where they were to do the baptism. They performed the baptism, went back inside and it started to rain again.
Many others in the room had similar stories, all very powerful and evidences of a loving Heavenly Father.
Last year I remember that Pres. Olsen and his wife were Santa and Mrs. Claus. Did they do that again this year? I remember also that President came walking through your office last year, so we got to talk briefly with him. Anyway, it's always fun getting to talk with you. And Hma. Lucas was so nice and thoughtful to take such good care of you missionaries.
Just as we were trying to call you (in the middle of our various attempts at phone numbers), Sister Aleki called us. I thought it was nice that she called us on Christmas day. Since her family in Samoa doesn't have any modern conveniences, I was glad I was able to talk with her and wish her a merry Christmas. She did get to call her brother who lives in California and she was going to try one of her relatives in Samoa who has a cell phone, but wasn't sure if she'd get through to her family. She's getting transferred this week to Meridian. I'm sure all this snow is quite a shock to her system.
Speaking of snow, it just keeps coming. We've never seen so much snow here. All Christmas eve and all Christmas day it snowed, which made it absolutely beautiful. On Friday it cleared up, then it snowed all day Saturday. I've been taking the kids hookey bobbing just about every day.
There's a little break in the system and we are going to try to get to Utah tomorrow. Getting back home will be another feat. We are leaving in the morning so if your letter isn't here by the time we leave, we'll check for it when we get to Utah. Sure wish grandma and grandpa would get the internet. We'll find a signal somewhere and log in. We're going to go to temple square to see the lights, take grandpa out for dinner for his birthday (this year he wants to either go to Red Lobster or a chinese restaurant-the kids are hoping for chinese), spend new years at Steve and CArolina's, visit the girls cousin, Tani, shop, tour, go to a BYU basketball game and head home after church next Sunday. That's the plan, but we'll be watching the weather each day. School starts next Monday and dad has to work next Monday, so we need to at least make a valiant effort to get back before then.
We spent most the afternoon playing games and wrapping gifts for grandma and grandpa and Charmaine. Kirk was able to get the week off too, so I'm glad he'll be able to come with us. Travis is a nice boss and very generous.
I spoke with my dad the other day and he was asking if you've gotten his letter yet. I really hope it gets to you. I don't know what he wrote, but he'd love to hear when it gets to you.
Today was Nikki's last day in junior Primary, can you believe it? Our little family is growing up quickly. She still keeps talking about getting the gift of the Holy Ghost. Also Sis. McCauley got called to be Leah's achievement day leader, so that's going to be great. There were quite a few calling changes made today especially in the Primary which is what happens at the end of the year. I'm still with the Bear Scouts though. That's good. We have a trip to Doug's Burger Den planned next week, so I can't miss that!
Cameron Dumas and Krystal Kjar got engaged last week. One of the Ray boys gave his farewell today in the 8th ward. Axel comes home next week. We just miss him coming home. Lacey Anderson and her husband spoke in our ward today. They have moved in with Lacey's parents, so it will be nice to have them in our ward. She talked about how great it will be to have the new temple in Cordoba because all the people in her mission will be able to attend that one and it will be so much closer for them. We saw the entire Shaw family at the movies on Christmas day. Tiffany is not engaged yet, but it could be any day now. Alex is still asking her out hoping that all 3 of the Thompson boys can say they dated her. So far she just laughs at him. We had a Christmas day buffet here with the Leifsons, the Kents, and the Hugentoblers. It was fun having them all here. Christmas Eve was so much fun at the Cameron's too. I would love to make that a tradition. Wish you could have seen Leah and Nikki's duet of Jolly Old St. Nickolaus. Leah did a good job playing the piano, but they laughed for so long just trying to get started that I thought they'd never do it. Stewart Jensen and his wife spoke in the single's ward today. He's a high councilor now and I guess he's over the single's ward. Kirk said they both were fun speakers.
Well, that's about all the news since we last talked. How did your meetings go over the weekend? I hope the Vallegas are still feeling the spirit. How about that neighbor family that helped you with the 12 days of Christmas? Are you teaching them? I love that story.
Here are some missionary tips for the week:
1. Always lock your car even if you'll be away for only a minute.
2. Drink orange juice.
3. When traveling to an area to tract, don't be in such a hurry that you overlook the hundreds of people you pass along the way.
4.Know the mission song by heart and sing it enthusiastically. If your mission doesn't have a song, write one.
5.Always have some money on hand.
6. Don't do a door approach with your hands in your pockets.
7. Be patient.
8. Carry a toy with you. Pull it out when young children start disrupting a discussion.
9.Create new words to Primary songs.
10. Write to perspective missionaries in your home ward.
Have a miraculous week, Sean. I love you very much.
momx0x0x0x0x0x0x0x00xx00xx0
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