25 September 2011
Dearest momma papa, family, and friends,
So I got the letter! Thanks. It did get sent to the mission, and they actually forwarded it to me as well, so that's nice.
Things sound like they've been good at your end. Fun about those salads. I am excited to try them! Make sure you teach me how to make all these things when I get home. Ok?
And also fun to have Aunt Christine there.
So we have had a good week. Well, actually, it's been one of my lowest of numbers in a long time. For some reason, I wasn't quite as well planned or something this week, and if I don’t' plan it, it doesn't happen, because I’m the only one who really knows the area. It’s kinda a pain. But I have to teach sister Whitaker the ropes of everything and everyone before I leave. Because we only have one transfer for her to learn everything that she needs to. Probably stressful for her. A bit stressful for me too. But at least it means I am sprinting to the end. Not slowing down.
But it's been a weird sleeping week this week. I think it's hit me that I only have 4 more weeks till I come home, and my body is reacting to the nervousness or something of it, by sleep walking EVERY night. Yep. Every night. I’m exhausted when I wake up, because I don't get very restful sleep when I do that. So I am frustrated. But I hope it stops. But I did make sister Whitaker hide the keys, and she'll do that every night now. Because if I leave the flat, it could be a disaster. Anyone know of any ways to stop sleep walking? I remember when I was younger, I asked Dr. Gillespie, and all he said was not to drink water after a certain point. But I don't think that's the problem. I think it's just my nerves aren't letting me sleep. I feel like the mother in pride and prejudice, worrying about my nerves! Ha-ha. But it's a weird problem to have on a mission, don't you think?
So it's been a cool week! Especially because of the baptism! It was such an amazing baptism. Sister Dorothy Blair, an 82 year old mother, grandmother, and great grandmother of a family of strong members finally got baptized! It told me to never lose hope! But it was such a good baptism. The family did everything. They did the prayers and the talk. Sarah Hamilton and I did the musical number, she on the violin, me accompanying her, and we played "How Great Thou Art" and it was beautiful. And the actual ordinance was really beautiful. Because she's 82 and suffers from health problems, and is very weak, her son in law baptized her, and her grandson in law also was in the water, and after the prayer was said, they both picked her up so she was lying flat, and then slowly and gently pushed her down. It was very sweet. While we were waiting for her to change, we gave a missionary presentation, which was really nice. We have never done it before, but Sarah Hamilton asked us if we would, and it ended up being amazing. We taught the restoration, in presentation form. And then left them all with a commitment to read and pray about the Book of Mormon, and share it with their friends. It was a very powerful presentation, and all the Book of Mormons we brought in were taken. And a lot of non member family members were there. It was so cool! It was a wonderful baptism!
Then on Saturday, I had the chance to go work in Sulihull with Sister Baker, because Sister Pope and Sister Whitaker had a baptism in Banbury. So I was on a bike! And boy was it fun! It was so much fun! Tiring. But it really made me feel like a missionary. Sitting in a car is such a luxury! But we had a good time. I loved serving with Sister Baker! I bet she'll be training soon. She’s such a good missionary! I’m so proud of her!
Yesterday, poor Sister Whitaker had the worst cramps ever. She brought a hot water bottle to church, and during gospel principles, she went into the YSA room and slept on one of the couches. She was so sick! Sad. But it was a wonderful day, and Sister Blair was confirmed a member of the church! I’m so excited for her and her family! In a year they will all be able to be sealed together in the temple! What a blessed occasion that will be!!
Today, we are with Sister Ogden. Her knee is really bad, so we came and went to Costco with her, and out to lunch with her. And are now helping her cook dinner for the elders tonight. And she even invited us to dinner! I wanted to spend a pday with Sister Ogden before I go home. So this is it! I really love her. I wish she had a son that I could marry, but alas. None to be had.
Overall, it's been a good week. Ready to work really hard this week. We need to get our work up! But I am SOOOOO excited for conference this weekend. I can't believe that it's already October conference. It’s crazy to me! I came into this area right before the last conference. It doesn’t feel like I've been here this long, but obviously I have. It’s weird how fast time really does fly on a mission.
Things here are going great. I am growing every day. And pray for me that I’ll stop sleep walking please! I pray for it every night now, and it's slowed down a bit. But I still wake up every morning with different clothes on than what I went to sleep in. So who knows?!
Love you! Mom.
Well! I love you so so so so so so so much! Thanks for everything. You are wonderful! See you soon! Ahh! Four weeks. I have so much to do before then. Ahhh!
Love you!
Annie
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