First of all, your missionary plaque is looking sweet in the cabinet by the bishops office. Speaking of the Bishop, he loved your last letter and is so proud of you! He sent me a little note that said "because of your experiences and because you chose to make your life right with the Lord, you will be a better missionary for it. Romans 8:28" I believe that too!
Today was Josh Vrska's homecoming. He looks great and has a total Mexican/beaner accent. He was sad to have just missed you but is so incredibly happy for you (and jealous… he wants to go back out). He wants to be added to your weekly letters. Trevor gets home before Thanksgiving. Can't believe it! Seems like you two were just running through drive thrus - "coning" in every one of them. I am on the lookout for the gorgeous Sister mish in the other ward. I didn't see her today, but I'm gonna call dibs for you.
I got really sick this week so I didn't do anything very exciting. It is a flu/cold so I get the best of both! Yah! I'm feeling better today though. Before I got sick I was able to deliver some treats to that missionary I told you about in Lewisville. He is a really shy, sweet kid and he had a great trainer. I know this missionary was struggling and missing home and it was fun to bring him a little reminder that he is loved. It made my day!
We are busy planning Ama's 70th birthday. She turns 70 on October 19th. You can use your calendar that Noelle gave you to give birthday shout outs in your emails. That would be super thoughtful. We are thinking of taking a mother daughter trip. Maybe to NYC or something just for a couple of days. She doesn't want a big party (we gave her a big 60th party in Noelle's backyard… do you remember that?). We will for sure have a family get together either way… but it won't feel the same without you!
I'm working with Katie and Andrew to help them buy their first house! They have done such a good job of saving money that they can get a nice first home. They are thinking about Frisco. Probably by Christmas which will be fun for them.
Your letters have been so great to get! So many people comment on them because they are you and funny but sweet and powerful at the same time. They really help us all because we miss you soooo much! We can hear your humor and your "voice" coming thru them. I re read them 20 times during the week so I can feel closer to you. I've also had a really strong desire to be at the temple. For some reason, it also helps me to feel closer to you. I treasure that one time that just the two of us went together. It is an amazing feeling to know that you are my son forever. I can't imagine it any other way! There is so much pain and uncertainty for many people in the world. The gospel provides answers and hope to those people. I'm so very grateful to have the knowledge of the gospel and how my Savior has made eternal life possible for me and my family. That message will be such a powerful one for you to teach the people in Guatemala. I am so excited to hear the stories you will share with us.
I am also so proud of you and your positive attitude! It is another blessing of comfort for your family to know that you are happy and doing well. You will receive such blessings if you continue to serve with this great attitude and love of the gospel! And your message about obedience was amazing! You are learning the lessons the Lord has been working so hard for you to learn. I could not be more happy for you! I know the blessings will overflow because of your attitude and your obedience. Keep showing the Lord that He can trust you and remember that He has said, "I the Lord am bound when ye do what I say, but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise." My thought for you this week was something I read:
"If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you."
I know what you are doing is very hard work! I'm sure the hours are tough. Learning a new language isn't easy. And doing all of this away from the comfort of home and family. But in my life, it is during the challenges that I rise to the occasion and grow. It's when the good stuff can happen! C.S. Lewis said, "The Lord says to us, give me all. I don't want so much of your time, so much of your work; I want you. All of you. I have not come to torment or frustrate the natural man but to kill it, no half measures will do. I don't want to only prune a branch here and another there; rather I want the whole tree out. Hand it all over to me, the whole outfit, all of your desires, all of your wants and wishes and dreams. Turn them all over to me, give yourself to me and I will make of a new self in my image. Give me yourself and in exchange I will give you myself. My will shall become your will, my heart shall become your heart."
I love you my boy! Have a wonderful week and know that you are prayed for many times every day in our home. We talk about you all the time! You are loved and missed so very much!
infinity + infinity and even more than that!
xoxox
Mom
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