New Companion and Elder Bednar is Coming!

Wowzers. What a week - well two weeks really. Dad it was a little odd to get your letter with Taylor's punctuation or lack there of. Is it that hard to CAPITALIZE? I mean really - you'd think I was reading a text or something. Just kidding small one - you know I love you. And I'm very grateful for all the stuff your doing to help the old ones.

I didn't mean to freak out Becky, I didn't write anyone last week what with getting a new companion and all. (Kelli had written to Becky telling her that Michael might have a brain tumor and was in surgery that day - Becky came to the house to check on us and was very relieved after 10 days thinking the worst - We love you Becky!) That was intense. Friday the 22nd was Zone Conference, side note: that was a rough Conference. Everyone was testifying of how they found joy in the work and I was sitting there thinking, "Well, I would if I could but I can't, 'cause my companion is dying." Mom as you know I was having a rough week that week mainly 'cause I was going a little stir crazy with a touch of Cabin Fever and all the stuff with dad - but we talked about this on the phone. Anyway my interview with President consisted of him telling me that Sister Short was probably going to be leaving on Tuesday or Wednesday. And then letting me know that he and the Lord were aware of my desires to be working and were pleased with what I had to offer. Which really wasn't much - but it felt really good to hear that.

We found out Monday that she would be leaving at 5:30 am on Wed. So the frenzied packing and saying good-bye began. It was exhausting. At 2 o'clock on Tuesday President and Sister Summerhays drove up to our apt with Sister Malcom in tow. Sister Malcom was trained by Smithers in Crestview right before she came to Tally and has been in Crestview for 15 months. I thought a year on campus was a long time but 15 months is considerably longer. Anyway we have a lot in common and it is going to be a good companionship. She has been very helpful as I get back into the groove of being a missionary. I'd gotten very lazy with Short. It was very easy to do so since she slept most of the day. I get to get rid of some bad habits I picked up, like 3 hour naps. Sigh. Those were the days.

I love the pictures ya'll sent. In one of them dad looked like Craig - wonders never cease. The Meadow Wood party sounds all sorts of special- but I'm glad you continued to be my dad through it all. (Michael and three other members of our ward where in the same hospital at the same time.) I also noticed that you had your iphone on you in almost every single picture. What on earth was so important that you had to have your phone on you at all times? Are you crazy man? Speaking of crazy I only support the camping thing if mom does otherwise I am very opposed to it. It takes 6-8 weeks to recover from any surgery let alone a major one. I do not think that that will give you sufficient time to be better. You may be better than the ordinary man but even Superman dies. (Michael had hoped to go back packing with Bishop Hosskisson in early July but his picc line will still be in so he can't go).

As for your blessings I have seen many miracles with that. Mainly with Short. She'd have a fever and whoever was voicing the blessing, usually Rass, he'd say, "According to your faith, be healed." and then she was - it was great fun. Until she got her headaches and then the blessings changed to, "You have something to learn from this. So thank you for asking but no." Oh speaking of which I have officially asked for more blessings in the last 13 months than I have my whole life. Which isn't that many but it's an improvement. Go me.

I attached your thanks, along with mine, in my letter to President today, I know he will be grateful for the expression.

As for my birthday, it falls on a P-day which is very convenient. I have one of two plans. 1) go to the giant tepee and play with tomahawks and other old Native American war tools. 2) go up to the I-Max and watch an educational video. Both of which will be followed by carrot cake and cream cheese icing. No I haven't changed.

Today our P-day activity was to go play Tennis. I haven't done it since they forced us to in HS during gym. I hit the ball a few times but had to keep checking my racket to be sure there wasn't a huge gaping hole in the middle where I was trying to hit the ball. I think it (the hole) came and went to spite me. I have a lovely burn now and I'm grateful that I have an excuse to be in charge of next weeks activity and no one can argue with me 'cause I am the birthday girl.

I'm glad everyone is doing better and I've got a busy week ahead of me. Elder David A Bednar will be here on Saturday to give the missionaries a training. I'm very excited. And Sister Malcom and I have lots of new investigators to sift through this week. It's gonna be big - Epic even. Love you all! Have a blessed day full of peace and love.

Kelli