Week 12

Monday, September 10, 2012 9:50 AM

Hey kids, 

Sounds like all ya'll are doing just fantastic.  That's good.  I love you all so much.  It's sure a good thing that I'm out here on the Lord's errand because not many other reasons would instill in me the desire to remain away from my family for 2 years.  So, to answer some of your preguntas, the Raleigh temple is one of the smallest, if not the smallest, temple in the world.  Reminds me a lot of Monticello, but we had a really good experience there.  We did an endowment session, and it definitely strengthened and helped me continue on in perseverance.  The drive is about 3 hours long and we got up at the ridiculous hour of 4:30 in the morning.  Gross. I wrote some letters in the car because that was a preparation day, which definitely messed the week up and stunk overall.  When we got home, because we live so far away, (the second farthest from Raleigh), our entire Preparation day was gone and we had to go to an appointment.  Thankfully, we have a preparation day today. 

Every morning we work out for 30 minutes before we shower and everything, so yes, we get other exercise to answer mom's question.  I did receive these letters from family members.  #12 mom with the pictures (looks really nas....as in Nas-Car) ;), Dad's and Grandma's.  Oooh, question.  When you forward my mail, do you include my return address on it so that these people know how to write back to me?  

Okay, back to business.  Yesterday, we had an excellent Sunday.  Elder Jensen and I were running around the entire time being busy, trying to get in contact with people and set things up.  We had 2 investigators at church, which is a miracle and the ward members just took them right under their wings.  Fantastic.  That's the way the ward is supposed to work.  The members of this ward really are generally amazing.  Great stuff.  Also, on Saturday, we had a baptismal interview for one of our investigators whose baptism is this Saturday.  He gets to be baptized by his dad, who is a returning less active.  Great family.  The son's name is Gerald, and he is nine years old.  We are very excited for him.  There are definitely families in this ward with whom I will be friends for life.  

So this week is supposed to be all sunny.  Boo :( and we have been enjoying the rain and thunder and lightning.  Great stuff.  I'm still waiting on my hurricane, but we're starting to run out of season...it better happen soon.

It's hard to believe this transfer is half over, but I'm kind of excited for the change...I kind of hope I train someone, but either way, I know the Lord has plans for me, so I'll just try to align my will with His so that things all work out for the best.  

Other than that, it's good to hear from all of you.  I'm glad that BYU is doing well in football so far.  Apparently, Riley must still be doing well, which is great, especially for him and his morale.  

Thanks for everything you do.  And that's crazy how many general authorities you have had and will have in the near future.  The Lord is definitely emphasizing something to us through his appointed servants.  It's probably best we listen ;)

Have a great week,

Love,

Elder Patty