FAMILY!!!
How is everyone doing? I just want you to know that I miss you tons!
First of all, I wanted to say THANK YOU SO MUCH for the Christmas presents. You really didn't need to get me that many presents. I seriously would have just been happy with a Christmas card. I want you to know how much I appreciate everything you do for me. I will be sending a thank you letter that is more personal, but I wanted ou to know that I got the packages and that I am so grateful for them. My companion also says thank you. It's hard not to open them all right now. :) One of the biggest Christlike attributes that I am working on and learning, on my mission is patience. :) This is definitely helping me develop this particular Christlike attribute... Thank you so much, Words really can't express my gratitude. At times, I don't feel worthy to have such an amazing family, but I hope that I can make you proud as I serve the Lord with everything that I have... (Her entire family is always proud of her)
Yes, I do leave all the negative experiences out of my emails. I always try to stay positive. Sometimes it's hard, but one thing I've learned on my mission is that sometimes those negative experences, if handled with faith, hope and optimism, become some of the most amazing experiences of my life. They have built my faith, and have helped me learn to rely on the Lord. I know that these experiences will help me be a better person, and someday a better wife and mother. And hopefully, they will make me a better daughter. I know that I haven't always been the most fun person to be around, but I can see that my mission is changing that. I'm still learning, but I think that I'm starting to realize what it takes to be more Christlike. I know that we are going to have a lot of fun when I get off my mission, because I can even see that I am becoming a different person, a better person. It has been a rough process but it has been worth every second of it. I know that I will continue to learn and grow...
By the way... I'm not trunky AT ALL (seeing as I still have 13 months left), BUT I just want to see if you can start planning to come up January 2011, because we have a huge departing testimony meeting for all the missionaries leaving and I really want you to be there... So... Could you maybe start plannning for that??? Thanks. :)
Anyways, I'm glad that your Thanksgiving was good. Ours was really good. It was really hard to be away from you all, but we had a lot of fun with the Law family. They are so amazing So, you heard I got to see DeAnn, James and Princess Codie? (Mother's note: DeAnn was saying hello to her siblings through computer technology when Catey was at her house) Yeah, I was like, "Who is that baby DeAnn is holding?" And then it dawned on me, "Oh my goodness, that is CODIE!!!!" She got to hear my voice for the first time. She is soooo stinkin cute, and chunky. I can't wait to meet her. Oh, are you going to have her for Christmas? I was just wondering if I was going to get to talk to her. It was really good to see DeAnn and James... I hope I get to see you all in a few months. Hint, hint. :)
Oh, I almost forgot... Transfers were yesterday. My companion and I are staying together in Tooele! We are really excited... We had 3 baptisms last Saturday, and spoke in 2 different sacraments on Sunday. It was a crazy weekend. The work has been amazing. I'm excited to tell you all of the amazing experiences that I have had on my mission...
By the way, Dad I spent like $9.00 today at Wal-Mart for medical purposes. I have been getting really bad migraines, so I bought some Advil Migraine. I think I might just be trying to adjust to the cold (this morning when we went to zone study at 7:50 a.m., it was 15 degrees). I think it's probably that along with stress... But I just wanted you to know. Don't tell Mom, I don't want her to worry. :) (Mother's note again: Yeah right, like I am not going to worry!!! Also, does she not think I read her emails - what a silly missionary).
Anyways, I think that's pretty much it. I can't believe it's almost Chritmas. Time flies!!! Tell everyone I said hi and that I love them. I pray for you all every day. I will write you a letter this week.
I am so proud of everyone. It seems like everyone is doing really good. I am so excited to see the progress that everyone is making, and I can't wait to sit in the temple with my family. I know that this is what Heavenly Father wants for us. That is why I'm on a mission, to help others be with their framilies forever, through the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that this is where Heavenly Father needs me. I know that He is proud of you all as you strive to come closer to Him. I can feel the love that He has for each one of you, His children. Don't ever forget that you are a child of God and that your whole purpose on this earth is to be able to become like He is and to return to live with Him again. In the name of our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, Amen.
I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU!
Love,
Sister Stroud
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