This week was great! Sister Liston's root canal went well. We
had a Spanish Conference Wednesday and then went to the temple Thursday. It was
cold and windy but so nice! Then bass derby this weekend was eventful. We
helped a sister paint her fence. Saw fireworks Saturday night. Yesterday was my
last day in Rio Vista because next week is Stake Conference. We taught Relief Society.
It went really well. We taught chapter 19 in Teachings of Presidents of the Church.
We taught Javier the Word of Wisdom. He explained he drinks
a cup of coffee every day. I just kind of continued teaching about the
blessings of following the Word of Wisdom. He then said he would try not
drinking it. We’re excited to see how it goes! He really wants to understand
the doctrine and have a firm testimony. He understands that baptism is not
something small. He knows it is something you must be prepared for. I’m so
grateful he understands that.
We also taught Guadalupe and Juana. They are amazing! We
taught once again about prayer and the importance of teaching their children
about Christ. They really want to help their two children know Christ, to know
that it's only through Him we receive a remission of our sins. They are very
good people. When they found out I leave next week they said, "Well, you could
just stay here and become our oldest daughter!" I thought that was very
sweet of them. They might be teaching us how to cook this week!!!
So it still hasn't sunk in yet that I will be going home. Every
once in a while I will get that glimpse but then I just continue working. Packing
some boxes is weird. Knowing I won't be out knocking doors in just over a week
seems weird. Not that I’m not excited to return home to you. :) I can't wait! It
will be a difference, a change. My life has been missionary life and soon I
will be returning to "normal life."
But I will continue to enjoy every moment and every person. That’s
what I will miss the most about my mission. The people. The area is beautiful,
the life we live is great and challenging, but I will miss the people I
associate with daily. Thankfully technology has made it a little easier to continue
those relationships across the country. I hope you will all get the chance to
meet those I have come to know and love so much.
I realized this past week the great importance of parents,
that both of them are there and are united and the home is filled with love and
gospel learning. Too often I see children lead astray and exposed to the world
in unnecessary ways because the home has been broken, because that central
family unit is not in place, a father and mother who love one another and love their
children. Things that are not even a temptation or even cross my mind are continually
bombarded on those families that have been broken. I am so grateful for a
family that is close and united. For parents whom love and respect and serve
each other. I am so grateful for siblings that have high standards and help me become
and do better.
I have also learned the importance of surrounding yourself
with good friends. Too many times our standards are lowered or bent because of those
we surround ourselves with on a daily basis. We become like those with whom we
associate. We are affected by everyone we meet.
Now that I think about it this might be my last email. I don’t'
really know. I haven't received any information about my last few days in the
field. The extent of what I know is that Monday night I have dinner with the Alba’s
and all the other missionaries who go home the following day. I’m excited for
that! I love being with the Alba's!
So a few boxes will be sent home today. You can go through
them. There are a couple neat things in them. I was going to tell you but
you'll just have to see for yourself!
If it's possible I would like to go to the temple before I
am released. I don't know if you have talked with President Anderson yet, but if
we could work it out so we go the 24th and then I am released that
afternoon/evening. If not it's fine. I just want to get to the temple as soon
as possible. I’ve been dreaming about being in the Boston Temple again. :)
Also, no sweets or goodies of any kind, I am looking forward
to good clean food that will help my body heal and become strong again.
But I’ll tell you soon enough all about everything else. :)
I love you!!!!
FROEVER LOVE
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