The amazing Murray family!
My last Bible Study. Goons! I'm gonna miss that group and actually being able to understand the olde testament for once.
My favorite youths, Libby and Chloe King!
A random smattering of Spartans whom I gathered in the hallway.
Another favorite youth Nathaniel, plus Brother Murray.
The Avilez family!
Sister Richardson with the Robertozzi's (he's gonna be baptized!!!) and their beautiful fruit tart!
Ernesto! Oh, and he tried to give me a goodbye hug and it was really awkward. I stood like a raptor for the hug, Sister Richardson has been making fun of me a lot for that.
The Ramos family! They always invite us in and give us tasty foodz!
Sister Taylor and I--she's a superb sister!
Happy valentimes! Even though I'll be home for that!
Our classy get up for my last p-day activity (we played "sports" which are not my strongsuit. There was much ducking and "eeeugh"ing involved);
Part of the gang havin' a good uplifting time!
Frozen yogurt with Elder Harris and Sister Richardson, and everyone else.
Dearest Family,
I can't believe this is my last email. Two yips and a woof! This eighteen months has both been very long, and yet quite fast. In two days I'm going to see all of you? Weird! But happy!
This week has been good and not good. I'll start with not good so that I can end on a good. I've been in the depths of despair because I'm going to be leaving all these people I've grown to love so much. Sister Richardson is in the depths of despair because she's training, after being out here only six weeks! But with so many new missionaries coming in, God needs her. She's excited, just terrified. There weren't a ton of receptive people this week, so meh... And Little Peter got bitten by a dog!
On a brighter note, Little Peter was called as the deacon's quorum president! The Bishop said he was very enthusiastic about his new calling! And speaking of the Bishop, he's moving to Utah, so we just got a new one, and it's Brother Lambert! He's our old ward mission leader, so we know that he'll be a very missionary-minded bishop and the work will progress faster with his help!
Also, I had my departing interview this week with President Jeppson. We talked about my service out here, and how the Lord feels about what I've put in. I feel like God is happy with what I've done here and I know I've grown much closer to Him because of it. I also know that I can never look behind me now. I've put my hand to the plow and I must move forward. I will never stop being in His service as long as I live. I'm excited to study the scriptures when I get home, to fulfill callings to the best of my ability, to visit teach, to serve others, to continue to share the Gospel with everyone, and to help with redeeming those who've passed on. We also talked about my future plans...eek. I have no idea what I want to do. I thought a mission was supposed to guide me to something solid, but I have no idea. He told me I need to be social (eeeugh) and date (eeeeeeeeeeugh!), and that God will bless me to quickly get out of my awkwardness about those things. We'll see...
We shared a lesson with the Avilez family, and this time the kids stayed for the lesson. It was a fun one, even if none of the kids really spoke. I tried to be as enthusiastic as possible and make it entertaining if nothing else. But we did feel the Spirit, so that's what matters. They gave me a card afterwards and it really touched me. The mom, who isn't a member said that of all the missionaries to come through, I've made the biggest impact because of my love of the word of God and my enthusiasm about it. How can we not be enthused about the heros in the scriptures and their sacrifices? And that those words are actually the words of the Creator of planets and universes? It's pretty incredible!
And lastly, we taught Brother Robertozzi and set him with a baptismal date of March 14th! He would be ready earlier, but he wanted to do it on he and his wife's anniversary. Which means that a year from his baptism they could be sealed on their anniversary! She has been wanting this for him for over thirty years now, and what a joy that he's finally recognized the truth! I'm just sad I won't be there for it:( Oh, also, D. Todd Christofferson (the Apostle!!!!) is coming in March. Gah! I barely missed him!
Well, I love yous guys and I'm excited to hug all of you, to hold children again, to not back other people's cars, to chew gum if I want to, and to watch the Hobbit and not feel guilty about it since it's not a Church movie! I'm also excited to do family home evenings, family scripture study, family service projects, etc, so get ready!
Love you,
Sister Meeso Soup
