October 13, 2014

*Totally just got a bloody nose and am now e-mailing with tissues stuffed in my nostrils because I love you. I am the crazy person at the public library.

So you know those times when you hear someones voice and think, whoa I didn't know so and so lived here? Well Eric Kelder's voice box twin lives in Wisconsin and his family is cooking me and my companion Canadian Thanksgiving. It is extremely ironic, because just as Eric likes to tease Canadians and loves America, Brother McCoy also does. I'm not sure why he offered to host us, possibly to poison my food, but his wife is a saint and they are awesome member missionaries. So I am hoping it is out of the goodness of his heart, and not in spite of my love of Canada and nationaity. Feel free to pray for the first.

I was reading in Alma chapter 48 the other day and it says: "Verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men." As I read this I thought, dibs that blessing. And I went back to see what they had described Moroni as being. I loved reading vs 12 that says he "Yea, a man whose heart did swell with thanksgiving to his God.." I loved that! So in honor of Thanksgiving and Alma, I will write this letter in form of thanksgiving:

This week I am thankful for Turk. Because seriously, everyone here has a pet, mostly a dog or a cat. Pet Co is making bank here. But none are as loyal and fun as Turk.

I am thankful for strong mothers who have influenced our entire family for good. I was reading about the armies of Helaman and thought of Cori and Chelsey raising the future members in Alma 56: 44-48, 56. Thank you Mom! I love you.

I am thankful for the buss, because even though I have met some crazy people, it is the most fun and entertaining place to talk about the gospel.

I am thankful for cilantro and the place down the street that makes the most delicious cilantro salsa I have ever tasted.

I am thankful for the scriptures, because as I read them, I am reminded of all the things I love, mostly our family, this gospel and our God.

I am thankful for dill pickle chips, and the good people at Old Dutch for making them. Thanks for the package Mom! The coat came just in time for the temperature drop!

I am thankful for good people seeking to find truth everywhere. Barb was a member who passed away and had a funeral this week in the Methodist church where her sister is a member. We got to talk with her family. They are amazing people. It was so funny as she said, we are grateful Barb is baptized in your church as well. Her bases were all covered. Ha ha, win for baptism.

I am thankful for the preisthood and how it blesses us every day. An investigator who dropped the Elders just called because her friend is in the hospital and remembered that they can give blessings. I am glad I have always had that ability and blessing in my life.

There are so many things I am thankful for, especially our family and that I can write you every week. I think I'd go crazy without my piece of Heaven here. There is a family named the Armstrongs that took us out to supper lots. Brother Armstrong is a member but his wife is not. She said though that she'd get baptized just for the promise of getting to be with him forever. I melted. They are the coolest couple ever. They are older with all their kids grown and they have the coolest love for family.

Okay I should let everyone go eat their turkey but I love you I love you and I am working hard.
This is for Chelsey but I wore my Canada shirt for Thanksgiving. Don't worry I have a button up to be missionary appropriate for tracting. Love you!