The Golden Rule Is a Terrific Tool!

Monday, May 28, 2018

Burke, Virginia

What a deliciously exciting week! Just kidding. It's Burke. 

Update with our cranky neighbor: He's supposed to be moving soon. Now THAT'S exciting. He's still here, though. Which is fine. Yesterday morning, he started banging on the ceiling again. But it's okay because we left for church to replenish our spirits. We went to the Springfield Young Women to talk to them about missions and why we decided to go and how we prepared for it, and our neighbor was outside bringing his garbage out to the dumpster. As soon as we saw him, we all just stopped breathing. He hadn't seen us yet, but we were in too deep at this point to just turn around and hide. So we did the only thing that we could do. I yelled "RUN!" (I whispered it because I didn't want him to hear us.) Sister Merritt and I booked it to the car as fast as we could. Man - I have never run so speedy quick in my life. I unlocked the door and dove head first into the driver's seat and thwacked my head on the steering wheel which made the horn honk, and it scared me half to death. Not only that, but it drew everyone's attention to the idiot missionaries. Including our neighbor, whom we are hiding from. Sister Anderson didn't know that this particular individual was our downstairs neighbor, so we made her back us. Poor lass. We were able to peel away without a verbal or physical confrontation, but it was a close one. I could be a spy. 

Comp bonding.

We were out walking, and there was this kid who we ran into who was on his way to basketball with his buddies. I made the mistake of saying "How fun! I love basketball!" because he invited us to join in.  So, we did. And I was awful. I don't think I've ever had so many people making fun of me in their heads before. All I did was try to make one basket, and the ball broke loose and started bouncing in the parking lot and hit one of the youth's car, and they just yelled "My dad's car!!" Yep. I just hung my head and chatted with a nice old man on the sidelines about church. That's my comfort zone. It actually turned out to be a pretty cool conversation. He had been taught by missionaries years ago in Korea, and he said he wanted to come to church. There are blessings that come from playing basketball, kids. 

In District Meeting, I was blindfolded for something, and I got hit right on the noggin with a dodge ball. That was less fun. 

District Meeting

We had a really cool miracle happen this week! We had met this girl a few weeks ago, and she said that we could come back and teach her and her family, and that her dad was actually a baptized member of our church! Anyway, we stopped by one evening, and the mom answered the door, and she was really nice to us, and then the girl and the dad got home and invited us in, and we ended up teaching the Restoration to all of them. We asked how the father felt when he was baptized 20 years ago, and he talked about how good he felt when he was baptized. The Spirit in the room was so strong, I almost became a blubbering idiot. But I held it together. The dad hasn't been to church since he was baptized, but he told us all about the missionaries who baptized him. He remembered the elders' names and everything. It was such a cool experience. I don't know what's going to happen with their family, but I'm excited to see what happens. If nothing does, it was still a good testimony builder for me. 

Lemonade stand we donated our money to for about 3 ounces of lemonade.  The girl next to me is in 5th grade.  I'm suddenly aware of how much of a shrimp I am.

There is a guy who we ran into, who we talked with for almost two hours, and it was a really great conversation. He had been taught by missionaries previously and couldn't understand that we have to abide by some rules and that we couldn't go into D.C. whenever we wanted to. He threatened to kidnap us and take us there. So, if I get kidnapped, just know what I am enjoying a day in D.C.

The beautiful creation I made during Sister Anderson's language study.

We were talking to a lady, and she was telling us that we will get to heaven as long as we follow good principles - like the Golden Rule.  And before I could stop myself, I said, "The Golden Rule is a terrific tool! It helps you decide what to do!" And then I just did a mental facepalm because My Turn On Earth is creeping into my vocabulary. At least I didn't burst into song and start dancing around. Small victories. 

Whelp, emailing from a tablet today, and it's not my bread and butter. Signing off! 

Love, 

Me

May 21 - 28, 2018

Monday, May 28, 2018

Cockburn, Western Australia

This was a good week, it was flat out!  It was all go, Mate!

So, this Wednesday we were able to follow up with a part member family that we tracted into last week.  We met her husband and her kids, who aren't members.  We got to know them, and they said that we could come back any time.  They also said that they would have to feed us some time... A tender mercy...

So, last week there was a member from my ward that went missing, Brother Ian Collett.  He is 70ish and has dementia, so one day when he went out for a walk, he never came back, and now it's a statewide man hunt.  He has been missing for over a week now, and it's not looking very good.  There have been many rainy nights.  So, on Thursday we got a call from the Zone Leaders, and they said that we were allowed to go and help out with the search party.  So, we drove over to Byford (where he was last sighted), and started searching in the bush and knocking on doors to see if he is seeking shelter in anyone's shed.  Then we went back on Friday and helped with the search again... But we got to wear our P-DAY CLOTHES!! it was also raining heaps.  Pictures below.  But we still haven't found him.  At this point, it's no longer a search and rescue, just a recovery.

On Saturday, the sisters in our ward had a baptism, which was good.  We didn't have any investigators to attend, but it was still a pretty good baptism.

So, I don't remember if I've mentioned much about B*, but he's a 90-year-old less-active member we found.  We started to do service for him, and he said he wanted to come back to church.  He knew the bishop, so we took the bishop around to meet with him and arrange a ride for church.  Last Sunday, the person who was supposed to give him a ride flaked out and didn't even show up to B*'s door, and this Sunday, Bill wasn't there either, so we asked the guy why he didn't give B* a ride, and he said that B* never answered.  So, we went around to B*, and he said that no one ever showed up, and that he doesn't want to come back to church, and that we should give it a rest... Turns out, that the member went to the wrong house.  OH! The life of a missionary.

Elder Kleven

It's Nothing Less Than Scandelous, That Jesus Took Our Place. Just Call It What It Is; Call It Grace.

Monday, May 20, 2018

Burke, Virginia

Things are hoppin' here in Burke! 

We had a tornado warning on Monday night and thunderstorms. It was so pretty outside! We were eating with a member.  Their power went out , and our car coordinator told us to not drive for a while, so we stayed for FHE with them. 

Waiting out the storm with the S* family during FHE.

So, to start off on a happy note, our downstairs neighbor is psychotic. Just kidding. That's not happy.  Last week, on Monday night, we went to bed and did our journal writing and scripture reading and all that fun missionary stuff from the comfort of our beds so that we wouldn't walk and incur the wrath of our buddy downstairs. Well, it didn't work. You see, apparently he could hear us breathing, so he decided that he needed to bang on the ceiling with a hard object every twenty minutes from 3:30 am to 6:30 am. We counted, and he aggressively made sure we weren't able to sleep NINE times. Needless to say, I was a little grumpy when my alarm went off that morning. We talked to the senior couple over housing, and they said they would talk to the leasing office and potentially have us moved. I'll keep you posted. 

Good news, though! That morning, we got up and got ready and went to "Train the Trainer." It was good. I learned lots. Although, when President was in the middle of bearing his testimony to us about the importance of being a good example so that the Spirit can be with us, my alarm went off SUPER loudly and it started playing "Through Heaven's Eyes" when Jethro (or Brian Stokes Mitchell) is singing his little chanty thing around the fire. I thought it was the person sitting next to me, so I was a little bit miffed. I was like "Dude. President is speaking." But then I realized it was, in fact, coming from my tablet, and that it was my responsibility to end the loud interruption. Everyone just looked at me. *facepalm* Sorry, President! I promise that this slight mishap does not reflect my ability to train! (It's a good thing that Sister Merritt is training with me, or I don't know how I would do it. I'm not old enough for this!) 

Sister Anderson is super excited to be a missionary! She was originally supposed to go to Turkey, but when she was in the MTC, the missionaries were pulled out of Turkey, so she was reassigned here temporarily! And we get her! 

Sister Merritt welcoming Sister Anderson to the Trio.

The Trio!  Kleven - Anderson - Merritt

The Trio after meeting with A*.

 I wonder what they clean these keyboards with.  I do not want diseases.  There is a sticky-fingered baby in a stroller next to me, and we keep making awkward eye contact.  We keep catching the other one looking and then quickly look away.  I'm pretty casual at it, though.  I've got some sweet skills.

We've done a lot of work with the members this past week. One of the sisters in the ward just got surgery, and she hasn't been able to clean her house for a while, so she asked us to help her with that. We got to wear pants and play in her ball pit for a second. How cool is that? Speaking of, remind me to invest when I come home. Incredibly therapeutic. But man, she has the best story ever. Probably the strongest and bravest person ever. Also, she has the cutest 3-year-old down-syndrome son that I just want to cuddle. They have a much greater capacity to love than the rest of us. Isn't that just special? 

This picture is special, too.

We had a Bring-Your-Friend-to-Church Day yesterday, and there were a grand total of 0 non-members there. It's okay. I know a lot of members invited their friends and neighbors, but none could make it. We did get to go into Primary and share a message with them, and that was enjoyable. I miss Primary. 

Anderson & Kleven - finding investigators and sharing The Book of Mormon.

The Trio - finding investigators and sharing The Book of Mormon.

I have been studying more about grace recently. Isn't it a fascinating topic? In 2 Nephi 25:23, it says:  "For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do." We know that through grace, we are saved. Jesus Christ is the one who made it possible. I've always thought that the "we" in "after all we can do" is talking about people in general. I've come to the conclusion that I believe the "we" is talking about me + Christ. After I have done everything I can do and after Christ does all he can do, that's when we are saved. I love grace. 

Whelp, I think that's all. Love you all! 

Love,

Me

PS - Here are pics of people in Burke, all of whom I love:

At M*'s house.

With M* at the home of the A* family.

May 14 - 20, 2018

Monday, May 20, 2018

Cockburn, Western Australia

This was a good week, not a lot of success, but it was good regardless.

It was one of the sisters' birthday in the district last P-day, so we celebrated that.  

District P-day

We had interviews with President Fife this week.  That was good, too.  That actually may have been the last time that we have interviews with President Fife, it depends on if President Benallack wants to do the interviews next transfer.  So we'll see about that.  

Yesterday at church, the Primary song person asked Elder Christofferson and myself to come into primary when they were singing "If the Savior Stood Beside Me."  So, they asked us to come in and just stand there.  Afterwards, they asked us how it was, and all I could think to say was "Pretty good."  I wasn't sure if they wanted us to act like an American Idol judge or not... Probably not because this isn't America.  Turns out, though, that Australia has its own version of The Voice.  I  didn't know that until just recently... fun fact.

Otherwise, nothing new or out of the ordinary this week.

Saw a bush fire during comp study and got a picture of it.  And how tall Christofferson is!

Bush fire - 1

Bush fire - 2

Christofferson is tall as!

Elder Kleven

Sacrifice Brings Forth the Blessings of Heaven

Monday, May 14, 2018

Burke, Virginia

Alrighty then... You know, we had a solid week. 

First of all, Happy Mother's Day!  Love you, family! 

The Burke Ward Mother's Day brunch.

We had a finding goal of 300 new investigators by the end of the week, so Sister Merritt and I were finding people for eons. We ended up finding 13 new investigators. And for Burke, that's awesome! Burke is not all that densely populated and when you've already talked with pretty much everyone, it's slightly difficult. But the Lord was with us this week! 

Sister Merritt and I received a phone call from President Huntsman on Friday, and he told us that a sister had been reassigned from Turkey to come here, and that he wanted us both to train her! We will be in a trio! I never thought I was going to be in a trio. And that scares me a little bit. Also, I'm sorry for the new sister coming out. Having to deal with both of us will probably not be her favorite pastime. Oh well. Sacrifice brings for the blessings of heaven, no?

When we left our apartment on Tuesday, our car, Darryl, was gone and the road was freshly paved.  I just said "DARRYL! THIS IS NOT FUNNY! COME OUT NOW!"  Needless to say, it was not successful.  We went to the office to ask them what happened to our car, and they gave us the number to the tow company and told us that some were towed and some were relocated.  We called the Elders, and they were nice enough to give us a ride to District Meeting.  Afterwards, we went on a hunt to find Darryl , and after walking about a billion miles (Not really.  It was just down the street.  But it was hot.), we found our lil' buddy behind a dumpster.  Man, I was so happy to see him there because the Spirit would not have been conducive with the thoughts going through my head had he been towed.  Thanks, Heavenly Father! 

There is a youth sitting next to me working on his homework.  He is writing a paper entitled: "Victories for the White Western Womanhood."  I would like to read it and brush up on my knowledge. What are those specific victories?  Who knows?  This youth, apparently.  He keeps sighing, and his shoulders are all droopy. What a sad, strange, little man.

We put our investigator, G*, on date this week! We have had a couple lessons with him, and he is progressing quite nicely. When we went to his house for a lesson, he told us to teach his neighbor and then took us over to his neighbor's house. Turns out, his neighbor lives in a creepy shed in someone's backyard, and we had to trek through the wilderness to get there. It may have been worth the allergies and the mosquito bites if his friend was happy to see us. He wasn't. 

There was an activity with the youth, and it was blind volleyball. I thought they were going to blindfold the youngins and throw them to the wolves (Or other youths trying to play volleyball. It's interchangeable.), but that's not what it was. Their eyes were uncovered, but the net had a couple tarps draped over it. But boy, oh, boy, am I ever so happy I was privy to the sight of them playing volleyball. I was asked why I wasn't playing, and I simply pleaded my case of "Sister Missionary wearing a skirt is not conducive to volleyball playing." And that's true. To a point. But you would know the real reason if you have ever seen me play any sport ever (example: basketball). The ball is simply not my friend. I probably would have jumped in and embarrassed myself if the other team hadn't been hidden by a giant covering. We got Popsicles, so the night was deemed a success. 

We went over to A*'s apartment for a lesson, and his sister answered the door. She was delightful company! A* was chillin' on the balcony, and when he came inside, I was helping make Cameroonian (....?) food. Some of it, I wouldn't try again. But it was fun to see his reaction at finding the missionaries in his kitchen. We taught the Restoration and made his sister a new investigator, too. Fun stuff!

I've stumbled upon the force of the adversary. We were walking and talking and being missionaries, when I saw it:  ALLERGIES. They were swarming throughout the air. Some nice men were doing yard work and blowing those allergies all around. The giant force was coming our way, so Sister Merritt and I dove for cover. Then it started to rain, so Satan's cunning plan was dissipated. Thanks again, Heavenly Father! 

I was reading in the scriptures this morning and read the Psalm of Nephi in 2 Nephi 4:15-35.  It's such a great testimony builder.  Isn't his trust in the Lord magnificent?  In verse 20. he says, "My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions in the wilderness; and he hath preserved me upon the waters of the great deep."  It just makes me realize how often the Lord has "preserved" and been my support.  Especially now that I'm on a mission.   

I seriously can't remember anything of import that happened this week. Forgive the Sister Kleven brain. Nothing can be done. 

I realize that even though I said nothing happened, I seem to have made this as long and boring as possible.  If you've made it this far, congratulations.

See ya! 

Sister Kleven

PS - It was a sad week for pictures. Nothing more to share with y'all. Use your imagination.  

May 11 - 14, 2018

Monday, May 14, 2018

Cockburn, Western Australia

So, I'm not going to send a very long email this week.

We had the opportunity to head to the temple on Thursday; it was really good.

We had Zone Conference this Friday, which was really good...  I learned heaps from President Fife. I'm going to have one more with him before he leaves and we get President Benallack.  I'm excited for the new mission president, but I'm going to miss President Fife heaps.  But I know that President Benallack has been called of God to come lead the mission force here in WA.  He knows where each of us need to be in our lives to best help others and to best grow ourselves.

We had exchanges with the Elders from Narrogin.  It was good to see them.  Always fun to have them and learn from them.  I was with Elder Colby, he's a cool guy.

Exchanges in Narrogin:  Kleven & Colby

Exchanges in Narrogin:  Christofferson & Mejia

That's about it.....

Elder Kleven

Mother's Day Chats - 2018

Mother's Day 2018

Cockburn, Burke, Las Vegas

This year, Maura and I were in Las Vegas over Mother's Day weekend, so our chats with Elder Kleven and Sister Kleven were quite different than they were at Christmas.  Our missionaries were able to talk to the Richardsons and meet Rockwell's new wife, Megan, and Elder Kleven.  It was wonderful to see their faces and hear their voices.  As all missionary parents understand, there is nothing sweeter at this time than to hear from them, and to get that interaction face-to-face is heavenly.  They're doing extremely well, and for that we are grateful.

Here are a couple of screenshots to document the occasion. We miss them, we love them, and we pray for them.

Saturday, May 12, 2018 - Mother's Day in Western Australia

Sunday, May 13, 2018 - Mother's Day in the States

May 1 - 10, 2018

Thursday, May 10, 2018

Cockburn, Western Australia

This was a good week and a half...  Nothing much to report, HEAPS of tracting... Heaps of appointments falling through... Good old missionary work.

We actually have a list that the old Elders Quorum President gave us before he was released.  It's a list of prospective elders that seem to have fallen off the face of the earth.  So, they sent us good ol' missionaries after them.  One of the less-active elders we followed up with is B*, an older guy in his 90s, so he didn't want to come back to church, but he did accept our offer of service.  We went around and weeded his garden and mowed his lawn.  He was cool AS!  What a funny guy.  After we finished, he remarked that he wants to come back to church and that he should have taken one of the members up on their offer (for a ride to church when they met at the shops). Turns out that he knows the Bishop pretty well, so we spoke to Bishop about him, and he may be coming to church again soon.  No pictures of B* because no cameras proselyting and all that...

Also, I fixed me bike, pictures of that...

One of the thorns common in Western Australia that puncture bike tires and the bottoms of shoes.

Tire - before and after.

Not much else happened except when we ran out of food, we found extra leftovers from some members in our refrigerator.  "A blessing!  A blessing from the Lord!  God Be Praised!"

Elder Kleven

Livin' on a Prayer!

Monday, May 7, 2018

Burke, Virginia

I drank sour milk last night on accident, and I haven't been the same since. My eye keeps twitching, and my mind can't focus, and I shudder every now and then. Not to mention the nightmares. *shudder* Make sure you check the labels before drinking milk from the carton. It could save your life. 

Good times, good times. Whelp, Armstrong was baptized on Saturday! It was awesome. When we got to the church, I asked about the font, and our Ward Mission Leader said he had the water filling for 3 hours now. I walked in there, and I guess something is all funky with the drain because it was barely to the 2nd step. To paint you a picture, the water for a children's baptism should be covering the 3rd step, and for an adult baptism, it should be covering the 4th step. We needed a lot more water to sufficiently dunk Armstrong that morning. So I gather together the four people we had in the building and handed everyone pitchers from the kitchen, and we marched to the bathroom where the font was being filled. We started filling them up with the little sink in the women's bathroom, but my mind kept going "this isn't enough!" Then, inspiration struck, and I ran to the showers to fill my pitchers up there. Thank you, Heavenly Father! Man, we looked like crazy people. I was very wet very quickly. While we were filling the font, I heard someone yell "Sisters?" And so I poked my head out the door, and President was standing on the other side of the font on the men's side and just gave me a thumbs up and said "Keep up the good work." So, I did. Anyway, we ran out of time, so we had to skedaddle to where Armstrong was patiently waiting for the whole shebang to start. The program was awesome. President gave a talk on the Holy Ghost for it, and afterwards, he came up to me and told me how nervous he was up there. He said it was the first talk he had ever given at a baptism. Well, you are welcome for providing you with that experience, President! He did very well, by the way. Then when Armstrong was getting baptized, the water was still too low, so after a few times of his appendages coming up out of the water, Bishop made him sit down to be completely submerged. And it worked! But it was overall a really spiritual thing, and I am just so happy that I was able to be there and teach Armstrong from the beginning. He got up to bear his testimony at the end and just talked about how happy he was. Yay! It's funny- we live in the same apartment complex as Armstrong, and he didn't know it because we're not supposed to tell people where we live. But we kept running into him every day the week before his baptism! I guess Heavenly Father is helping us with daily contact. I'm sure Armstrong thinks we're stalking him. Poor guy. Oh well. 

 

Armstrong, Sister Kleven, Sister Merritt

Sister Koch, Armstrong, Sister Kleven, Sister Merritt

Armstrong's baptism

 

He showed up late to church yesterday, and I almost had a heart attack. My heart was palpitating to extreme levels during the opening song because he wasn't at church. And, if he doesn't come to church, he doesn't get confirmed and receive the Holy Ghost! It's pretty serious stuff. He finally walked in during the Sacrament song, and I didn't explode. Success? I think yes!

In other news, some exciting stuff happened this week! We went to the S* Family's for dinner, and I asked how everyone's day was and their youngest, who is 4, told me that he was playing at a neighbor's house and "An ant got on him so he had to run home and scream." It was hilarious. He's the cutest kid. 

Also, Sister Merritt lost her tablet. It was in her hand one moment and then gone the next. We have retraced our steps multiple times and it's nowhere to be found, apparently. If it's outside somewhere, it's completely ruined because there was a big ol' rainstorm. Maybe it floated away. Poor Sister Merritt.  

We went to a member's house to do service while they were out of town, so we took a picture of ourselves all serious like at their dinner table.  We printed it out and got a frame and put it on their piano for them to enjoy on a later occasion. 

I got my first mosquito bite of the season. Maybe I should commemorate this occasion by burning something. Because that is just how happy I am. 

Last night, I realized that we had about 0 miles left to go before we ran out of gas.  So we started to panic because it was the Sabbath, and the mission doesn't like us getting gas on Sundays.  Anyway, we were about 5 miles from home, and we just kept singing "OOHH!  Livin' on a prayer!  OOH!  We're halfway there!  Take my hand, we'll make it I swear!"  And guess what?  We did!  We pulled into our apartment complex on fumes, but we were able to get gas this morning.  Good stuff.  

 

A picture from M* during church.

 

This morning we went to Café Rio with the STLs and the Hermanas, and I got a delicious burrito.  Then we went to Burke Lake and walked around for a little bit with our Café Rio.  We popped a squat and partook.  It was a good morning.  Then we went to the mission office for two hours and gabbed with the senior couples.  Elder Nielson taught me Swedish and gave me a fountain pen.  It was delightful.  Man, I don't ever want to leave here.  One of our members is going to bribe President with cookies to have him keep me here another transfer.  I hope it works.  I'll keep you posted.  

 

With Sister Merritt at Burke Lake

P-day at Burke Lake with the Sister Training Leaders

 

I think that's it in Burke!  Missionary work is awesome, and I love it, but I hate allergies, but it's okay because... well, sacrifice brings forth the blessings of Heaven. 

Love you lots!  

 

Sister Kleven

I Would Walk 500 Miles

Monday, April 30, 2018

Burke, Virginia

Alright, alright, alright! What a delightful week to be a missionary. For those who aren't, my condolences. 

Sister Merritt & Sister Kleven

Adorable, happy companions blowing dandelion fluff.

First off, A* is getting baptized on May 5th. We had a lesson with him and talked to him about getting baptized on April 28th. Turns out, it wouldn't work out, and he thought it would be best to push the date back. So we did. And everything is fine. He came to church yesterday and he wore a native drew from Nigeria. It was beautiful, and I asked where I could score one of those. He said that I can order one on Amazon. Sounds about right. But then last night we had his baptismal interview, and he passed, and it was wonderful, and now we're getting a baptism ready for this Saturday! When we were in a lesson with A* this week, we were talking about names with him, and he said that in Cameroon, no one has a "first" name or "last" name. They just have names. He has four names and said that he gets confused all the time when he has to fill out paperwork. I didn't understand his frustration until I had to fill out his baptismal record and neither of us knew what his first name was. Hmmm. I hope we did it right. His father has the same name twice.  Why do we do things differently here in America?  He's so cute.  He came to church and to his baptismal interview with his Law of Chastity pamphlet that we gave him.  Just to be prepared, you know. 

Sister Merritt, Sister Kleven, and A*.

Yesterday, we went to the Family History Hangout with the youth, and it was delightful.  We got to index for a little while and hung out with the kid who had to go because he wasn't old enough to stay home alone and his whole family came.  We bonded because we were intellectually the same age.  He's 8.  Nonetheless, it was fun.

Merritt, Kleven, and friends at the FHH.

FHH gang.

Man, we walked about 50 miles this week.  You would think that I'm exaggerating, but I'm not. 

Beautiful trees we saw when we were walking 500 miles.

Just kidding.  Of course I am.  But it was a lot of walking.  I feel mighty and like I would walk 500 miles. And I would walk 500 more.  Just to be the missionary who walks 100 miles to show up at your door. Speaking of apostate music, Kiss by Prince started playing in the store today, and my heart just started beating along to the music.  Tender mercies are real.

The homeless man next to me just burped in his sleep.

We had exchanges this week with the STLs, and I got to go to Lincolnia for the day.  It was so much fun to be back in the city again!  Also, their area borders Alexandria 3rd (my last area), and Sister Wayment got lost, so we ended up driving all around A3!  Isn't that wonderful?  I knew exactly where we were, and the nostalgia hit me pretty hard.  We even went into the library where I used to go, and I saw a lot of people I know.  That may sound pretty lame, but I was on the verge of tears.  It. Was. Beautiful.  Again - tender mercies from the Lord!

We got to go on exchanges with a Laurel in the ward.  It just reminded me how cool I hope to be but how cool I will never be.  I made her listen to Songs for a Mormon Child.  I guess it turned out good because her mom texted me after we dropped her off and thanked me for making her sit through it because she would be polite to me.  Hm.  I don't know if that's a good thing or not.  I'll go with good. 

Sharing the Word of the Lord with our friend, Brother P*.

I don't remember what we did this week, but I know that the Lord is watching over me.  And my companions.  And those around me.  I was reading through a conference talk from this last session.  It's entitled, "He That Shall Endure unto the End, the Same Shall Be Saved" by Elder Claudio D. Zivic.  At the close of his address, he says: "Life is different for each of us. We all have a time of trials, a time for happiness, a time for making decisions, a time for overcoming obstacles, and a time for taking advantage of opportunities. Whatever our personal situations may be, I testify that our Heavenly Father is constantly saying, 'I love you. I sustain you. I am with you. Do not give up. Repent and endure in the path that I have shown you. And I assure you that we will see each other again in our celestial home.'”

I love you lots! Keep up the good work.

Love,

Me