Week 24

“Can we go search for the holy grail again??” Tom requested :) hahahaha

Monday, December 3, 2012 10:37 AM

Hey family,

How-dee-do?  Well...what to say. Let's see.  Soon it will be 12/12/12 :) how exciting.  Tell Nana she'd better get better immediately...no excuses :)  Sounds like y'all are having some grossly warm weather.  Not good at all.  Today, we are having some grossly warm weather too...70 degrees.  Poor earth must have lost her calendar ;)  

Well, I got packages from Grandma and you, family, as well as letters from Grams and mom 24 I think as well.  Not positive on that, but pretty sure.  So, here's a tale to tell you; currently, as a mission, we are reading the Book of Mormon and highlighting/ underlining certain things.  I'm really loving this experience, and it's making me think more than I ever did about some things. Right now, I'm in 2 Nephi, and I'll tell you what...trying to differentiate between when a reference is to Jesus Christ and a reference is to Heavenly Father is less than easy.  You don't realize it when you just read through, but when you're specifically looking for references to Jesus Christ, you realize just how difficult it is at times.  Probably never thought about it now, did you?? :)

Interviews went well.  I'm always glad to receive counsel and guidance, especially from President.  This past week has been kind of difficult for us.  We had A LOT of appointments fall through and saw some investigators slide in their progression.  I know there is something we are to learn...but no one ever said missionary work was supposed to be easy.  Oh, and on top of that, I'm kind of getting sick :)  which is always fun.  Oh, and DJ was right too...true, I am getting more sleep than I ever consistently got at home, but I need a lot more energy aka...always tired. plus being sick equals more tired.  Fun stuff.  

Yesterday, we had one investigator at church but two fantastic things occurred :)  Our two most recent converts both received callings yesterday to be ward missionaries and they both received the Aaronic priesthood!!!!  It was a super great experience. :)  They are both great men.  Friends forever :) Plus, one of them went and bore his testimony in sacrament meeting yesterday which was a really powerful experience :)  So sincere.  My eyes were just glued on him while he was talking.  great stuff.  

Oh, i almost forgot!!!!!  I WAS SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO SUPERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR HAPPYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY AND EXXXXXCITTTTTTTTEEED WHEN I SAW THE DELICIOUS COOKIES LOCATED WITHIN MY PARCEL!!!!!  AND SO MANY OF THEM!!!!!  THANK YOU SO MUCH FAMILY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (particularly, mother :)  I've eaten....let's say....a lot of them already :)  soooooooooooooooooo good :)

Finally, we got the November Ensign magazine which is super exciting :)  Recently, due to some conversations I've had with various individuals and experiences I've had, my love and appreciation for the heavenly called leaders of our church has grown tremendously.  I know those men are chosen and called of God to help us all return to live with our Heavenly Father.  Their responsibility is so great, but they persevere in patience and love.  I promise you that Joseph Smith was and IS a prophet of God.  He was called to restore Christ's church to the earth in its fullness. Why??  Because Heavenly Father loves us soooooooo much.  His plan is perfect.  It's glorious.  And it all revolves around us many times ungrateful children receiving more than we can even imagine from a Father who cares for us so deeply.  

Sounds like dad is busy with everything as usual.  DJ and Chris are still studs, as usual.  And mother is amazing, as usual. Thanks for being the best family in the world. :)

Oh, and I don't know how the calling on Christmas thing is going to work yet.  

Oh times two, I think I never got any pictures of the new floor...

No more ohs, I think :)

Love,

Elder Patty

ps.  I'm gonna miss this ward a ton, but I think I may be ready for change soon...