15. yeesh.

Hey family!
I just love you all so much! You don’t need to worry about me getting discouraged. Dissapointed is probably a better word. It never lasts long though, typically some miracle shows up to save us whenever things aren’t going well. I can’t really help but be happy constantly, so that even during sadder moments, it’s not quite so bad. It reminds me of that line about the Three Nephites, how they didn’t feel pain save for sorrow for the sins of the world. It’s hard to watch other people so unhappy and lost. I myself, am perfectly cheerful. But I’m sad for them sometimes. But you don’t need to worry about me getting discouraged, I know I’m out here doing the right thing and it’s vastly more rewarding than I could ever express. Every day I have a couple of dozen moments where I just have to stop and say to myself, “I am so happy I’m here right now! I can’t believe I ever considered NOT doing this!”
We’ve got transfer calls on Saturday, so next week I’ll be able to tell you what’s up—if I’m going anywhere or if I’m getting a new companion or what. Me and Hermana Forsling have been together for three transfers here in Crosstimbers, which is the longest that either of us has ever had the same companion. But, she’s only got one transfer left before she finishes her mission, and we don’t know if she’s supposed to just stay here, or if there’s one last place she needs to go to…
I forgot to say… I’m SO excited that Nanette is going on a mission! Sweet! That’s so cool, she is going to have such an amazing experience. I’m so glad that she and Alejandra both decided to serve, that’s just about the whole of my single adult class from our ward now… what’s McKenzie up to? :)
This movie you’re describing sounds way neat. I dig the concept immensely. I bet it was neat looking too… Fun analogy for the internet/gaming world too. I LOVE weird movies. I suggested in the car on the way here (we got a ride with the Elders on account of having literally NO miles left for the entire month) that we ask permission from President to watch New York Doll some P-day, none of them had heard of it, so I told them a little about it. Hermana Forsling insists it will never fly (on account of President’s disapproval of Rock Music).
That’s a really interesting story about Charlie down there in ‘somewhere in Mexico’:) There’s some pretty dangerous places out there, but with the protection of the Lord… well, I’ve seen it at work. That’s cool that they just started teaching a lesson. I can see that being super effective… Sheesh, scary.
School sounds like it’s so much fun! You haven’t been wearing your high heels and stuff to class have you? (I probably would, actually, now that I think about it) but that’s pain! Wow. That’s a relaly good idea to have the students write out the stories in paragraphs occasionally as well. Good practice for them on writing papers.
The Baby kitty sounds SOOOO cute! I can just imagine this little blackish/grayish-strippedy-green-eyed little fluffy muffin playing with our two big bad boys. Adorable! As far as names go, I still say we should do our usual gig of having like 50 to answer to.
It’s so weird to hear my name now. There was a random side character in The Work and the Glory (we watched it for a P-day, interesting movie, too dramatic/not enough funzies/uplifting moments if you ask me… also, not enough violence.) anyway, there was a side character with my name, and when they said it, I expected everyone’s head to turn and look at me on reflex, just because that’s usually what happens when my name comes up in a movie. And it didn’t happen. And I realized it’s because NOBODY here knows me as anything besides Hermana Lillywhite. Weird moment. I giggled and then they looked at me, but they were just confused.
I’m sorry I’m the one who was keeping you pudgy. I suspected as much. Especially since all my companions mysteriously gain weight around me. Even on exchanges. Hermana Forsling says it’s because I inadvertently encourage people to do, and eat, and say, and be whatever they want. This is both a good and bad thing. It’s a power I must learn to control.
I’ve actually gained fifteen pounds. Not cool. And also, a little confusing, since I don’t consume nearly as much sweet stuff as I used to, am fasting frequently and often miss meals on account of just not having enough time to eat… I’m pretty sure it’s all the avocado.
Also, I did actually learn how to make some more stuff. Next time we make caramel apples, I can make caramel sauce from scratch and it’s REALLY good. There’s something called a “Hello Dolly Bar” that Hermana Forsling showed me, “Chocolate Coma” courtesy of Hermana Frieszell. Papusas, tortillas, torta (Mexico this means sandwich, Spain it means cake, I’m talking about a sandwich) this really delicious Apple Cake recipe that one of our investigators gave us… Platanos con Crema, and Hermana Nunez taught me how to make some real good salsa. It’s spicey though, but I LOVE it.
I’m working on a cute little recipe book in one of the Yo Gabba Gabba journals I’ve got. Because there is totally a party in my tummy.
OH! And Toritlla chips. Really good ones.
Okay, so maybe all that would be why I gained fifteen pounds. Plus, it’s hard to exorcise properly, and now I’m not even on a bike anymore. Our area requires cars. Whatever. I’ll just have to whip my bum back into shape.
Well, I’d better get going, I’m really happy I finally got to read your letters! (The website was having difficulties for a bit) I’m crazy busy, but I LOVE you, and I pray for all of you. I’ll be praying especially hard for Grandma this week, I hope everything goes well!!! I LOVE you.
Lovin’ you lots y lots Mwahmwah, Hermana Lillywhite

Letters! Yes! I win!

Familia mia,
I’m so happy! Today is a good day, a random Preparation day in the middle of the week is healthy sometimes I think. I hope you all remembered about Monday being a regular day… sort of, it started out normal but then we had to go all the way to the office for a kind of ‘Surprise Zone Conference’ with Elder Paul B. Johnson. Excellent, excellent thing, that. Very inspiring. Then I was on exchanged yesterday, so, today is P-day! I missed you all terribly this week because of the extra-long wait. Baseball playing was really fun last week, I made it to home base, thanks to Elder Zambrano. And Elder McGary almost killed me when I slid into first and he just about landed right on top of me with the ball a split second later—but I was safe! Hermano Martinez said so and there was much rejoicing. Good day. Good game. My companion got sunburned. So did everyone else except me and the other ‘not-white’ people in our zones. (I count as not-white in comparison to these rubios.)
It was a crazy week… we had Interviews with president the next day, then Zone meeting/President and Sister Hansen’s anniversary (they bought us lunch), then temple the day after that, then district meeting the day after that, then we woke up at ‘way-too-early-in-the-morning’ to go to South Houston for a Multi-Mission conference with the South and East missions to hear from President Costa, who is an AWESOME 70. He’s very inspired, said exactly what each of us needed to hear and made us laugh while chastising subtly. Beautiful thing.
Then Sunday. One of the most depressing days of my mission so far—or it might have been, except that some really great things started happening more towards the evening. Miracles, let me just be vague, because I don’t have much time and I’m just not sure this is a good ‘letter-story’. Then, the not-pday Monday happened, and exchanges… I was sent to go work with Hermana Bastian again, in her area, which boarders my old area. We got a referral by accident, that was supposed to go to Elder Dorion and Elder Morin, but they didn’t know that and made an appointment with the man. When I looked at where he lived on the map I was like “Yep… That’s my old area. That’s not you guys.” But we went and taught Mynor a first anyway. He’s from Guatemala and he’s married with four kids (boy 13, twin girls 9, and another boy 8) and I think they’re all going to be baptized pretty fast here. He had a book of Mormon from his uncle back in Guatemala and he says he’s really excited to learn more.
This week has been crazy and wonderful. I’m working with so many genuine people right now. We’ve just got to keep working and watch out for trouble, it always comes, doesn’t it? Hermana Forslying and I are really hoping they’ll leave us both here and together for her last transfer, which starts right after general conference. But wherever the lord sends me or her, I know it’s the right thing. I didn’t want to leave my first area, but God took care of the people I was teaching and now their baptized or they’ve got dates, or are otherwise well in the care of their father in heaven… and since I came here I’ve meet people who I can’t imagine not knowing. I’m so glad I came, and I know wherever I go, I’ll find the people I’m supposed to help, and I’ll love them just as much as I love the people I have to say goodbye to—if only for a moment!
I got several letters from Chantal this week! MWAH! I’m working on a letter to you right now sweetie, and I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to write, but I LOVE you! And I got one from Mr. Jacob Cantwell. Oh my, it sounds like I’m living in a rather dangerous area. Funny story in relationship to previous topics—for the Mutli-Mission Conference President Hansen asked all the Elders to wear blue ties and all the sisters to dress in blue. We’re in the north side of Houston, and we went down to the south. Now, I’m positive that Preisdent Hansen wouldn’t know this, and neither would any of the missionaries who work with him, but when gang members from North Houston go to South Houston, they wear blue. It’s the “North-side Gang Colour—son!”. So, our mission was inadvertently participating in modern day secret combinations, which I found pretty hilarious and also disturbing… mostly funny though.
And I got Mommy’s package! So I feel very loved. The rice crispies were delicious! My companion and I squealed for joy when we got them, and thank you very much Shazi for the letter! And thank you Sifu for your letter which was also contained in the package, pretty, pretty, pretty calligraphy! I’m going to be sending you a letter soon as well and then you can tell me how my Spanish is grooving along. The Baby kitty is SO CUTE! I made a funny noise when I saw her, I’m sure. She’s so ADORABLE! I wanna cuddle. I can’t though, for a bit. And thank you for all the funny comics and the sox and the yummy juice-instant things and the letter! Seriously, I feel so loved. Everybody was telling me how right around 6-8 months you just stop getting mail from anybody because they all forget about you and move on with their lives. But I get love! Yay love! (This is from Elders who stop writing after the MTC, I’m pretty sure is the difference there too).
Anyway, everything sounds amazing, I love it when you go into detail about the food. Me and Hermana Forsling were discussing it and we decided that we LOVE the food bits. Also, Shakespeare Abridged sounds awesome! I definitely have to see that again soon. Elder Meade, who recently finished his mission, was in that play in high school, he played the guy who has to be all the women, he said. At the time he had curly, thick, beautiful hair down to his shoulders (he showed us a picture), but he wore a wig for comic-relief purposes anyway.
I REALLY need to send you guys a package, I know. I’m ridiculous. I have a picture card and other things that I just really need to get back to you folks! I don’t know if I’m going to get the chance to do it today, but maybe Monday? Maybe? Please? I don’t know, man. Life is crazy.
The trip sounds enchanting. I hope Grandma is doing well and that everything goes good with her surgery, I’ll be praying for her extra hard. And yes, that has got to be the most appropriate nick-name for her!
Kimber sounds like a lot of fun, I knew you’d love it! And yes, I think being a teacher would be really fun, and more likely than not, that’s what I’ll end up doing… As much as I’d love to stay home and write books, I’ve always known that’s not really a practical plan to base your life around, but teaching others to express themselves with language would be so rewarding! And as a missionary… I’ve definitely discovered that I do love teaching. (even if I figured out that I like it more on a personal, one-on-one level)… still, that’s definitely what I’m going to have to look into when I get back. Hermana Forsling has basically convinced me that if I don’t go to graduate school I’m a terrible person, so… haha, I’ll probably be doing that too.
I love your description of how daddy gets Laney out of bed and just stands her on her feet in the morning—that’s perfect! I sure do miss you all a lot. But I’m so happy right now, and getting your letters and hearing about all the things your doing helps me feel close to you, especially out here in the fields, it’s easy to feel close to your family when you’re serving Heavenly Father.
The Luvin’ you lots and lots is a reference to… That Thing You Do? I had to think hard, and I’m not 100 percent sure that’s right. I’m losing it, folks. Pop-culture is slowly draining out of my ears at night and being replaced by… well, mostly the Spanish Language actually. Sometimes at night in my dreams I can hear my old playlist. I had a really interesting dream about getting trapped in an Investigators house during a flood and we all watched the rain bury the house through the windows while “Behind Blue Eyes” wafted through the rainy air. I love The Who.
Also, I did manage to remember The Fifth Element in its entirety last week and I rehearsed the whole movie to Hermana Forsling over the course of a few mealtimes, I even had a go at performing what I remembered from the Diva’s Aria. Hermana is sold, she loves the movie and she’s never even seen it.
I hope that everyone is wonderful and happy. Content with life, school, classes, work ect. I know that I’m doing a great work for my God right now, and I know that I am a member of his true church, restored to the earth and in possession of the authority and power of God through priesthood keys, and that Jesus is the Christ, the savoir and redeemed of the world. Even when I get discouraged or when faced with disappointment, I can’t deny the necessity of every day of work that I’m doing, and of every trial and challenge. I’m so happy and so filled with love, for all of you, and for every child of God I see.
I LOVE you family, and I miss you terribly. I’m sure I’ve forgotten to say something important here, and perhaps I’ve said a great many silly things, but what's important is; I love you!
Hermana Lillywhite

LETTERS! Hay dos! cha-chacha...

(MY MISSING LETTER FROM AUG. 31st! I accidentally sent it to Toddlillywhite@totallynotevenareale-mailaddress.com which was very silly of me, but at least the e-mail and everything is working alright. I’m just a dumbbunny.)

Fambly,
Stake conference this weekend. What a rush! Sadly, this may be my last stake conference in Spanish, since they announced that they’re taking three of the wards in the stake (including the two I’ve serve in) and meshing them up with the English stake down the pike. NO idea why they didn’t just split the stake in two. It’s MASSIVE. There are like 15 Spanish wards, (well, 12, now) and they’re all HUGE wards. Anyway, so, the stake conferences from now on are going to be in English with ‘spanish-rooms’ in the building where there with be translators (probably us).
It was a great experience, three of the speakers were English, so they had a translator come up and translate the whole talk. It was very fun, and funny. Hispanic people are so casual, whenever he couldn’t think of the English word in Spanish he’d just look into the crowd and say, “Como se llama?” and like twenty voices would shout out the word he was searching for, from this massive crowd of Hispanic people. So fun. President Hansen spoke. He bore his testimony in Spanish (and did very well) but his talk was in English with some random Spanish words thrown in for funzies.
Then, I had the WONDERFUL experience of getting to go to a very special Baptism. Do you remember the Ecuadorian family I told you about ages and ages ago? The one when I requested help in finding a handsome, sweet, funny, smart Spanish speaking return missionary who would like to marry an adorable spunky Ecuadorian lady with two small children a mother and two teenager sisters to take care of? Remember her? Her name is Carolina and she and one of those teenaged sisters, Marisol, just got baptized last night. It was WONDERFUL. I think I owe Elder Dorian cookies or something, because he came into City View to take over after Hermana Frieszell left and he’s really trying hard to find and work with all the people who we were teaching there. It was SO exciting and I’m so happy I got to come and see them finally get baptized, after all the months and months and months… I think they were like my second lesson with investigators ever. My first week here I taught them. Nelly and Maria Jose still need some time, but I know that mi Padre Celestial has been preparing them for a long time to have this. I’m sure it won’t be too long before I get to go back for another baptism for this family. I’ll be sending pictures soon.
Hermana Frieszell’s parents came to pick her up—their spending about a week down here in Texas, we just went to Breakfast with them, for P-day. They’re super sweet, nice people. It was cute to see them trying so hard to communicate with the ward members in spite of the language barrier. I even got to jump in and translate for a second there. Very fun.
But Carolina and Marisol’s baptism was perfect, beautiful. I was so happy to go. They are so happy! The ward has really stepped up to the plate to help this family. The little kids are so cute and I’m positive that Nelly and Maria Jose will be joining them soon.
I sure do miss you guys, I hope everything is well. I’m so sad to hear about Grandma’s heart! But that’s good that they were paying attention enough to stop it at the last minute. I’ll be praying for her. Laney will like Mr. Evan’s class, it’s good to hear about them. That’s so cool that Alejandra gets to drive to her mission with her mom! I’d love that so much. Yeah, we had to do the same kind of thing with a guy in the other ward. He wasn’t legal either so they had to take him straight to the mission by car. I LOVE Complete Works-Abridged, it’s so hilarious. Have fun and tell me all about it please! Jensen is such a little stress-buggy. Jensencita. CHILL. It’ll be okay, I promise. Her classes sound like fun… Mommy, you must tell me all about school and your class and how prospy is doing these days!
I loved getting your letter from the campout. It did smell like campfire—very fun, and it sounds like it was a great little trip. I’m glad to hear that you and missy and Sarah are enjoying Sifu’s class! I remember coming home covered in red marks. That was soooo divertido. I love hearings about you all having a blast, I do hope you’re taking every chance to enjoy yourselves thoroughly. The article about Gary Ceran was really inspiring too. I’m glad to hear that he’s still working hard, I know he’ll be rewarded for it. Are they almost done with those blasted malls yet? What’s the deal? I got into a rant the other day about that whole situation because somebody made a comment about political leaders in Salt Lake and the church and it got me off on Rocky Anderson and then the sky bridge and the mall and what a ridiculous design the gateway is and a lot of other subjects that probably aren’t even connected, but seemed relevant at the time. It’s amazing I still remember stuff like that after they shoved another language in my head in nine weeks. I do think I may have forgotten how to walk in high heels at least. Which is an unnecessary skill at the moment anyway.
I don’t think there’s anything left to talk about right now… Just that I owe some serious pictures, but it’ll probably have to wait another week, since we don’t have the miles to go to Walmart. We’ll just have to shop at Food Land, as suspicious as it is.
I adore you all with your lovely, lovely faces and celestially sprinkled spirits!
Hermana Lillywhite (todavia una poca rara)

Dearest Darlingest Fambly Whom I Heart Mucho,
I miss you!!! I felt soooo sad all week thinking that you hadn’t gotten my letters! Sister Chestnut gave me a call last Tuesday night to let me know that there was an issue with my letters. But, the issue turns out to be me just not having a brain—so there’s the letter that I accidentally sent to a non-existing e-mail address above. And I’m very, very sorry. Muy sorry.
This week we had zone conference and some more fun, fun things. We’re going to play softball today. I really like softball a lot I decided. You stand there at the base and everybody moves in real close and starts to yell things like “Here’s the out!” then you swing and miss at a murderous ball for a few minutes until you’re out, then you sit down and write in your journal until the inning is over and then stand in a field for a few minutes and avoid the white ball and it all starts over again. Softball is cool. My kind of sport.
Actually, I’m finding I actually do enjoy sports a lot more than I realized I did. I’m just no good at them! And playing sports as a missionary is a little weird. I’m not sure I give my full approval. But hey—I’m going to play today at least.
Oh wow, so I do have a little bit of cash! Cool. I need to be smart about this though. Working at the school itself sounds like a good idea… and if I can get into BYU I could try to work at the MTC. Every return missionary applies, and few get the job, but I might as well try. Otherwise, those options you talked about sound really good. Tell daddy I’m sorry if I’m spending too much! I’m really trying to be smart about it… I think I might need to warn you in advance about this week though. We’ve got temple this week and there’s a couple of investigators/recent converts who need presents, for their belated/upcoming baptizes. I’m going to TRY to be prudent, but yeah… also, The church has asked us to buy the new translation of the Spanish Bible that they’ve just put out. I don’t know how expensive it’s going to be, but they are THICK books. I saw the “cheap-give-away” copies and they’re way better bound than the other books we give away because they’ve got so many pages. So, I’ve got to pick up one of those and some other stuff as well…
BABY KITTEN! Ahhh! CUTE. Cute.cute.cute.cute.CUTE! She sounds AODRABLE. I want to cuddle. Send me pics pronto! I must bask in the cuteness described.
Kimber sounds like it’s turning out to be really wonderful! How many students do you have in your class? That’s so cool that Jensen and Shazi got to share their experiences at the school. I can’t think of any really great stories right now, but if they come to me later I’ll tell you about them. Oh! It’s already come in handy to know the hook-dates on my mission. Good stuff. You’re going to do great, and I bet you can help to make the school a success.
That’s sad about Sister Noyes and Brother Davies, but I’m sure they’ll have the support of the ward and daddy to help them and the families. Pancreatic cancer’s very painful isn’t it? It’s hard to see people suffering, but we’ve got an advantage in the church of having an Eternal Perspective. Still, that’s pretty terrible, but it won’t last for any longer than it’s supposed to and eventually, everything will be alright.
That’s funny about those dreams Alejandra’s mom had about her, also very revealing and interesting… I love hearing about people’s dreams. Some missionaries get exasperated and start mentally rolling their eyes when an investigator/member starts talking about their dreams, but I love it! I know that God speaks to us through dreams. And often times, the spiritual language of dreams is very personal. It’s funny sometimes, sure, but it’s also sacred revelation for these people—so that’s very neat. I’m glad that Alejandra and her mom are doing well. This is a rough time for both of them!
My stock of thigh-highs seems to need constant replenishment, but it’s gotten better since Sister Hansen made a new rule: we no longer have to wear ‘medias’ (Nylons) unless we’re in a situation in which the Elders need to wear their suit-jackets. So much of the time I’m actually wearing those little footsy-sox underneath my shoes! You know, the kinds that just go around the foot, and not even up to the ankle? It’s hard to find kinds that stay on, but the ones they sell at Kroger and Fiesta just hanging around are pretty good. I’m wearing a pair with ‘ositos’ (little bears) on them that Hermana Castillo gave me from her last trip to Fiesta. So… If you happen to come across any of those, por favor!
As for my opinion on kitty names, these are all REALLY good. The only real reason to use Luna or Bellatrix is to keep in the Harry Potter theme though, since Bastet & Miss Moppet are such GREAT cat names. Bastet is nice and intellectual. Also, any Goth kids will think we’re one groovey Adams-esque family. Miss Moppet is totally classic. But Luna also has some “kitsch (sp?) cache” with the anime crowds who remember Sailor Moon and her little black cat Luna… and Bellatrix is awesomely Harry Potter and also a round-about reference to Helena Bonham Carter, who is awesome… I don’t know , these are some fine choices. You’re probably going to have to give her all of them, but in what order?
Well, I’m going to keep this letter shorter today as well, just because you’ve got my letter from two weeks ago too! And also because I’m hoping I’ll get to chance to do some hand-written funzies today while I’m hanging around in the dug-out.
2nd Nephi 31… Excellent choice
Tengo bastante amor para vosotros. BESO!
MWAHMUCHO/Hermana Ailsa Chrisitan Lillywhite

Querida Familita Mia,

No se si eso (aqui, por arriba) es correcto. Creo que, si, pero mi espanol es de los estados unidos, entounces... nunca se!

I'm so sorry I didn't write yesterday! It was laborday, so all the libraries and everything was closed. But the happy news is that I get to write to you today! YAY! Felizidad por la vida, AIIIAYAIAIAYY!

I really am excited today, I don't know why, I think it's because of the extra day, I was extra excited to hear from y'all. I'm always way stoked to get your letters, but today, I just feel like I'm extra excited... So, I'm confused, I thought Jensen got a solo room to herself, but you've mentioned Luma as a roomate of hers? Explain:) Maybe she lives right next door or something? Anyway, that's excellent that she gets to make some new friends, and ginna-ga-boobin, I'm SO happy that you like all your classes. They sound boss. Especially the movie-watching one:) I've got to be honest my little sister, I still don't think movies are evil. I'm probably not going to be able to sit down with you for a month and watch all these shows, like you've been saying, but I don't think it'll be too weird to watch TV again... you just have to be EXTRA nice to me, start me out on milk. Disney movies... Pixar! Ya know? Then we can slowly ease me into romantic comedies and some action adventure... SLOWLY though. Anyway, Luma sounds nice! Is she in any of your classes? Your other classes sound like they're perfect for you as well. You'll do awesome! Just keep working hard.

And mommy, your class will be great! I can already tell from hearing you talk about it. It's going to be so cool. Those kids are way lucky to have you. I certainly will be praying for you! And for your adorable kimber-prospy students. If they give you guff, just tell the kung fu teacher and he'll beat them up. That's what the other teachers did when we were bad.

Yeah, there was a thing brought up about money the other day... OH yeah! Guess who is in my district now? Elder Lang! The one from Aunt Nuggie & Uncle John's ward. We were talking and it turns out that my companion and Elder Lang are basically set up already for after their mission. They've got cash/jobs/schools, everything lined up. So me and Elder Lang's companion, Elder Remmington, were being kind of quiet and then he just goes, "I'm broke." and I just sort of nodded and was like, "I think I might be broke too." and we had a good laugh about it. I don't actually know if there is any money for school for me when I get back... I guess I can always work for a while and save up. There is bound to be a job for a bi-lingual hypergraphian with a bachelor's degree in English, right? But I really do want to go back to school... I just realised I'll probably have to try and figure out a couple of details about that at some point.

Laney is so silly... half finished homework in your desk, huh? Silly rabbit. She's so cute, I miss her face and her sillyosity. How's she liking school so far? Any fun new friends?

Choosing your fast day in a forty-day fast as fast sunday is cheating!But it might have worked... good idea, haha. That's a really cool idea, I hope you guys see some success for your missionaries. They sound like great Elders from what you've told me. It's hard in some of those areas, but that doesn't mean you can't have success. Oooo! I want to see Uncle Dan in MacBeth!So cool. Totally unfair... they'll just have to do it again next year, says I. I'm glad he's happily working away on a new script--I can't wait to read it, and the old one! [redacted].

Was that Museum movie cute? I saw a poster for it a couple of times, so I knew it was coming out at least, which is more than I can say for most movies. (It's so weird to be all cut off sometimes). Yummy... food and gelato. I haven't heard from Chantal in a bit, what's the deal, babs? Que estas haciendo? Tell her I said that.

Yeah, the weather is unbareable. It was REALLY hot yesterday too, but we had fun... You'll never guess what President actually let us do... we went to a Baseball Game!!!! Coolest P-day ever. It will probably never happen again, because SO many missionaries were there. It was funny. You could just look across the stands and see all these white shirts and ties with little nametags (I think Hermana Forsling and I were the only sisters who came though). We ended up on the bigscreen alot.

It was a way fun game, Astros vs. Philies. The Philies pitcher has a real attitude problem, but so did a bit of the crowd (The parts that weren't occupied by scores of missionaries). Aside from that it was a way fun, wholesome game of ball! Completely with cute little kids and dogs and sportmanship and all of that. I'll be sending my ticket and the funky astros apron they gave me home to you folks to charish. I like baseball, I realised. It's really fun!

There were like dozens of flyballs too. A few came right close to us but we never caught one. By the end I figured they should just hand one out to everybody in the crowd as there had been so many. I don't know if the game was on TV or anything, but if you can find any clips of it, you might see me, or some of my homies (I don't know if it's inappropriate to refer to the Elders as 'homies') in the crowd. WAY fun game. The Astros won!

That's such a wonderful story about Katherine and Matt! I love that. It's so sweet... That's a nice mission President who would allow that too. President Hansen would probably okay that too. At least, I'd hope so. He's strick on some things and not-so-much on others, so it's hard to tell. But that's soooo cool! Lucky Elder:)

Well, this week was pretty chill. Well, not really, actually a lot happened, but you know that whole 'some stories are better in person' thing, I've mentioned? This was one of those weeks. I didn't find out that my companion can do cornrows. And there was an adorable incident in which one of our recent converts, Antonia (15) stole the keys to our car and set off the alarm when we were standing outside next to the car, looking for the keys. She's such a joker. It was pretty funny.

This week is going to be zone conference! I'm super excited. Zone conference is always so uplifting. This has been a pretty battered transfer so far, but I know that hard times come and go. And we'll be fine, we're in the lord's hands after all.

I LOVE you all, os amo muchisimo! I hope everything is as lovely and prefect and the same as it sounds. I miss you all a lot, but I'm so happy! And I know it won't be long before I see you all again and get to touch and hear and smell you too:)

Kissito, Hermana Lillywhite