April 14, 2004

Hello everyone!

I feel so rushed during emailing in that I feel there is so much to be said and read.  A lot of things went on this week and it sounds like you all had a busy one too.  That is crazy to hear you got my flight plans.  Around 3:00 then?!  Ahhhh.. It really is weird to think 7 more emailing days, 7 more weeks of being here.  I've mentioned it before, but I'm getting super scared to come home.  I keep having night mares.  Not bad or scary dreams, but just a lot where I wake up exhausted and more drained than anything and where I just want to cry because I don't want it to be like that when I get back.  I understand life goes on for both sides, and I can see now how RM's feel when they get back and how they feel depressed because they don't fit in.  But I know every missionary goes through that and I will get the hang of things.  Probably won't even have a problem with it and am worrying to much I will.  Just keep me busy and going when I get home with fun activities!!!  

This last week we had a lot of days inside.  Sister Allred has been having stomach problems.  We went to the doctors on Friday and they gave her medicine which helps at times.  So it's been nice to have catch up time on studies and getting things more organized.  It's also been nice to get out and teach.  The biggest stresser this week was getting everything set for Jessica's baptism.  Recap of her situation, the missionaries have been teaching her since October.  She has been wanting to get baptized since, but her dad kept saying no.  Well we came along and told her if her mom says yes, then she can get baptized since her mom has custody over her.  We told her of coarse she still needs to tell her dad and get his permission.  Well we got that a couple weeks ago at the BBQ.  He told her she needs to talk to her grandpa though and get his permission.  Thursday night we got everything finalized program wise and gave her the baptism form for her mom to sign when she got home.  Friday the mom still hadn't signed it and wouldn't sign it until Jessica talked to her grandpa.  That whole night the mom wouldn't give Jessica the grandpa's number or let her use the phone.  So it was frustrating Jessica.  Saturday we went over to see if she called him, but she still hadn't but was going to call him before the interview in a couple hours.  When we came over later for the baptism interview, Jessica looked beyond distraught and said her mom won't sign the paper and doesn't want her to get baptized this weekend.  Jessica went and talked to her privately, and all we could hear was the mom going anti on us and trying to persuade her from doing this.  Jessica stood her ground and a few minutes later came out angry but showed us that the paper was signed.  She started doubting everything herself and was confused why all this stuff was happening.  She wondered why if something was so true and good like this church, why does everyone degrade it and talk bad about it and not want me to be apart of it.  We told her that is all Satan.  He knows it's true and wants to keep you and everyone out of it.  The spirit was not there with us in all of our frustration.  She still went through with the interview, and afterwards was beaming and had that spirit back in her countenance.  We pointed that out to her, and she told us she knew this was true and would continue to fight to be baptized.

So that was all Saturday.  We were very nervous the rest of the day in the fear that the mom was super mad at us and would tell her not to do it.  Sunday morning we went over and woke Jessica up and to make sure she was ready for church.  She seemed ready and like nothing was wrong and things were still on.  The talks during Sacrament could not have been any better for Jessica.  I was just so happy and knew these were the talks meant to help her as she becomes a member.  It was the YM's presidency that spoke.  Thomas Clelland (baptized in Jan) talked about his baptism and his journey getting there.  The other speaker talked about the Atonement using an analogy of seminary students and donuts. (you'll have to look the story up.  It's about a seminary boy having to do 10 push ups for his class mates to receive a donut).  The other speaker talked about his baptism at age 16 and how he was the only member in his entire school and family (Pretty much like Jessica!) and how he had to defend his beliefs and rely on Heavenly Father.  It was great!  4:00 finally came and Jessica was baptized!!!!  I talked on the Holy Ghost.  She was baptized and confirmed since we have Stake Conference next week.  The Relief Society room was packed.  I've never seen such a turn out for a baptism like that.  During "half time" when they were changing, we let people bear their testimonies.  Bro Martin got up just balling and told Jessica he sees a lot of himself in her in that he was just like her where his family didn't approve.  Everyone was crying.  So powerful.  Jessica went up and bore her testimony.  And if everyone wasn't crying before, they sure were by the time she was done.  She really is such an incredible girl.  I have learned SO much from her in fighting for what you love.  I don't know how her family is going to accept her now, but to see that she knows that this gospel is true and will do everything in her power to live it, is inspirational.  Everyone kept coming up to me afterwards telling me how blown away they are with how strong she is.  She's a fighter and is going to make an awesome member. :)  So proud of her and so glad everything worked out to where she was finally able to be baptized!!!!  YAY!!!!!!

That of coarse was the highlight of the week.  Oh and guess what?!  Sister Allred and I found out that we're related.  We were watching "Mountain of the Lord" and they showed a guy plowing.  Allred said, "My great great great...grandpa was the first man to plow in Salt Lake".  I looked at her like "You can't lie to me like that.  That's my grandpa.  You can't fool me with that story."  So I said "William Carter?"  And she was shocked I knew.  I told her he's MY great great great...grandpa!  We were both just confused and in awww.  How weird is that?!  All because of Polygamy, we're related.  Ha ha.. jk  She comes from Sophronia and William.  Very interesting.

 Also this week we had a competition with the Zone on how many people we could invite to be baptized.  Our district lost, but it was kind of fun making that our main focus on every contact we made.  I found it very awkward in being so blunt, especially when people were NOT interested in our contact.  But it was still a learning experience for me to remember our purpose as missionaries.

So your one brief recap of this week is:

- We prayed with a Muslim.  Allred gave her a BOM.  The lady was scared to touch it in fear it was the Bible.

Hopefully you all enjoyed the story of Jessica and her journey in her baptism.  It was a great weekend.  Transfers are next week and I'll will be starting my last transfer.  It seems unreal that all the time of wishing for the end, that it's a lot sooner than I'd like now.  I hope I can keep being a missionary in all that I do when I get home.  I hope I don't forget or lose the things I've learned here.  I'm so glad I chose to come out.  If I knew it would be this hard I wouldn't have, so it's a good thing I didn't really understand! Ha ha..  I have loved the things I've learned through all the pain.  Thank you for pushing me with love and keeping me out here.  I can't wait to see you all in 51 days.  I LOVE YOU ALL SO SO SO SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

- Hermana Sorensen

April 7, 2014

What a great Conference huh?!  I was just blown away at how similar but different all the talks were on.  We watched it at the church.  Yes I was the one with you dad that watched it at Winter Quarters.  That was fun.  I think watching it at the church is nice, but not as nice as it is watching it with family and being in your pj's.  Ha ha..  Did you go for a car ride during sessions or do anything fun?!  I'm sure the trees are just blossoming (from what I saw of temple square).  All the trees here have blossomed and are now sprouting the leaves.  We had a cold front this past week.  Really windy, but I'm sure it was still in the 70's or something.  Last night we went knocking doors and everyone was out walking, skating, playing, etc.  Really nice evening weather.  I can't wait for the summer.  

My favorite talks at conference (don't have my notebook for names) were Ballard's for sure.  I was shocked to see for once, that I have seen, an apostle follow-up like that.  I sure wish we were followed up more like that.  I think we all learn a lot and try to apply what we've learned but through time we forget.  I don't know if I liked it all just because I am a missionary and am trying to work with the members right now, or if I'd still like it if I was off my mission.  But the whole idea of following up and seeing if the members are really doing what they are suppose to do from what they've been told is genius.  Good call to repentance I guess.  I also liked the Olympic one with our "4 seconds".  And then the truck load one by Bednar.  Which were your favorites?

Well this week was kind of chaotic.  We were suppose to have a baptism yesterday for Tionna and Daneea.  Everything was set and planned for.  They passed the interview and everything.  Saturday night when we were headed to bed, Tionna called us and said they don't want to get baptized tomorrow.  We talked to Dion the mom and she said the girls don't know enough and especially Daneea since she's to young.  I don't know why all of a sudden Dion has a problem with the girls being baptized other than Satan got to her.  Dion hasn't been home the last week to talk to her about things.  I'm sad that she is more wrapped up in her life then she is in her kids lives.  They live on their own pretty much.  We went to be distressed but knew we couldn't do anything at that moment.  We called them in the morning to talk more about things.  Tionna was suppose to go to Conference with Thomas (her older brother who was baptized in Jan), but she wouldn't wake up.  After the morning conference, we drove over there and talked to Daneea and Dasha about things.  Tionna still wouldn't come out or get up for us.  Daneea really wanted to get baptized.  She had all her clothes out and everything for it.  She cried when we were there.  We told her to stand up for her self and tell her mom that she does know enough and tell her why she wants to be baptized.  We went briefly through all the lessons and told her "see!" you know it all!  Tionna finally came out and just kept telling us she doesn't know enough and wants to be baptized but not today.  So we cancelled it and are leaving it up to them to tell us when they want to be baptized.  It's frustrating and sad to see Satan get them like that and especially Dion.  A lot of stress, but we made the rest of our conference day great.

We still have our date for Jessica Saliee to be baptized this Sunday though and are hoping it's not a flop too.  But we all feel more at ease with this one.  I guess the only thing that could stand in our way is if the Dad changes his mind back to not letting her.  But she really wants to.  She came to church last week and mutual in which she just loved it.  We were happy about that.  Last night we saw her and she is inviting all her friends to her baptism.  So that's exciting.  Please pray for her that things will run smoothly this week and that she will be baptized Sunday.  Thanks!

I can't explaining everything that went on this week, so a few moments briefly are:

- had my 1st Walking Taco here in California.  Ate it with Doritos though and not Frito's.  Still yummy and reminded me of home! :) 

- was told by a less-active family in our ward that Koala Bears can rip your face off.  Yikes!

- woke up with really "low blood sugar" and was out for a day. Not sure what exactly it was, the mission doctor kept telling me something different every call.  Ha ha..

- one of our lessons with an investigator turned into a lesson about ghosts and haunted houses.

- Hit one of the Elders with our car when he was on his bike. (not really) We were going to race each other at a stop light.  When it turned green, we all went, but all of a sudden we see Elder Smith fall of his bike.  Not sure what happened but they keep teasing us we hit him.  I'm a horrible driver!  Ohh I don't think I've even told you, but we drive a truck.  Everyone laughs when they see 2 tiny sister missionaries hop out of it.  We feel pretty powerful in it.

Not sure what else happened this week worth reporting on.  I guess it's good though so I can have some stories to tell when I get back.  58 more days.  I love you all and hope you are all doing good.  Get feeling better Mom.  Hope you had a good Birthday Laura!!!!  We will celebrate again when I get home. ;)  Tell everyone hi and that I love them. 

LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

- Sister Sorensen

March 31, 2014

Thank you all for the Birthday wishes and presents!  It was a good day.  I've definitely had better, but considering the circumstances, it was good.  I'm glad you got the email from Sister Dillon.  I had dinner planned with them back in February.  Such a cute couple.  They made us some yummy chicken!  And then we had Apple pie.  Yes the maplenut ice cream here is really good!  The Dillon's stock up on it I guess because it sells out quickly.  So I felt bad eating their stash, but Mmmmmm.. hopefully you will get to try some of it one day.  It's a seasonal one though so it will be tricky.  I have pictures of my Birthday but I forgot my cord.  Did you get the pictures last week?  Hopefully they worked that time.  If not I guess I will just have to wait.  Thank you for the presents!  I especially liked the Sherlock T-shirt!!!!!!!!!! :) Ha ha.. You all are the best!!!  We also just got back from the Sequoia's.  The awesome Horan's drove down to take us with our Zone.  It was pretty chilly up there.  There was snow and ice on the paths.  But it was fun being with them.  What troopers to drive 3+ hours just to take me and Sister Allred there.  They woke up at They woke up at 3:30am to be here at 6:30 this morning to leave.  I love them so much!  Look for the postcard in the mail! :)  And yeah Ida Ormsby's sister is just like her.  They are a cute family.

That is funny you found the green poster.  Yeah I remember making it, but thought we threw it away.  No never did I think I would be speaking Spanish later on in my life.  Wish I was better with it, but I know enough I guess to do what the Lord wants me to do.

Things here are good.  Jessica is still set to be baptized the 13th.  Dion didn't come to church so we have to postpone hers.  But Tionna and her little sister Daneea are planned for this Sunday after Conference.  Fingers crossed things stay solid.  They are such a floppy family.  They always cancel things and/or it is super complicated to teach them.  James Eason, we sadly dropped.  His mother is not happy we are coming over, so to not push the mom, we have to stop.  It's sad that parents won't let their kids chose for themselves.  I know being a parent isn't easy though and they just want what is best for them, but it's still hard and sad that even though the kids want to learn, we have to stop because of the parents.  And one of our other investigators we dropped yesterday.  He is our neighbor Armando.  He was drinking when we were talking to him.  Sister Allred told him to dump it, but he said it's not beer, God just turned it into tea, and that God wants him to drink.  Hummmm.... yeah I don't think so.  We asked him if he wants to change and he said no.  Ha ha..

I enjoyed the General Women's Broadcast too.  I ached to be with all of you though.  It made me sad thinking you all were together having a fun girls night out.  Next time!  But I loved all the songs and the incredible spirit that it brought to the meeting.  Every one of them I just felt peaceful.  It was good.  This week we also had Sister's Conference.  The topic was "The Time That's Left" and of coarse we talked a lot about how we can use what time we have left to the fullest.  This was the first sisters conference where I felt inspired and motivated to change.  Probably because I only have 2 more months left...but it was just excited, always is, when we learn more about who we are and what we are here to be.  We now have 61 sisters here in the mission!  When we got home, I opened the card I got from Grandpa.  Well, before that, earlier that morning (so Thursday morning), as Sister Miller and I were driving up to the conference (we were on exchanges) I sat there and realized I would never get handmade holiday cards from Grandma again.  I was hurt, got upset and was confused on why God didn't allow me to say goodbye to her.  I stayed composed though and tried to think eternally and to stay focused at the conference and like I said it was great.  Well I opened the card from Grandpa and broke down in tears to see that my prayers were heard in that I was sent a handmade birthday card with all the hugs and loves he had for me.  It crushed me to not see grandma's signature as well, but how sweet it was to know that Grandpa is still there and loves me and is trying to carry on Grandma's love and traditions.  Thank you Grandpa in remembering me and doing that for me.  You have no idea how much that meant.  I sure love you and can't wait to see you soon.

It has been a touchy week, but I've realized I need to turn more to the Lord in my struggles and to get strength from him.  He knows how to succor me and pull me through this time.  (Alma 7:11-12).  I sure wish I could throw my hands up and quit, but I know I have all of you cheering me on and are seeing that I finish what I've started.  So thank you.  2 more months.  Can't give up now!

I love you all so much.  I'm so anxious to get home, but beyond terrified too.  I'm starting to realize things won't be the same when I get back.  Life moved on for all of us and it's going to be a lot of adjustment getting back into things.  I don't want to see the sad that's happened (deaths, sicknesses, aging, even government stuff, etc.)  So bare with me and love me for the awkward person I'm going to return as.  Hopefully it won't be too bad.  Ha ha..

Hope this week is a good one for all of you and you feel of my love for you guys.  I sure feel yours, or else I wouldn't still be out here.  I love being a missionary and am learning to love the different trials and obstacles that God puts into our lives.  I know all of these things are for my good and ours.  You all are the best!

LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!

xoxoxoxoxoxox

- Sister Sorensen

March 24, 2014

I can't believe my Birthday is here again.  I thought I had one last year! ;)  Ha ha jk.  It sounds like you all had a fun.....and long trip to Illinois.  That makes me happy you got grandpa to go for part of it.  Did grandpa have fun?  What all did you do there?!  I can't wait to go out there and explore!  How was Kaylor's homecoming though from what you heard?  I'm sure it was good.

Well lately I've been thinking back on my mission and I feel like I don't have any exciting moments or stories.  But this week was one of those weeks when you do!  I'm a bad story teller, so hopefully all this will make sense in an email and I have time to write everything.  But the biggest exciting story is with an investigator named Jessica.  The missionaries have been teaching her for awhile but her dad is against her getting baptized.  Well we found out she doesn't need his permission since he doesn't have full custody of her, she only needs her moms.  So we sent a call out to the mission to pray for her and that her dad's heart will be softened in accepting her being baptized.  We kept asking her if she talked to him but she kept saying no, that she's scared, but thinks she'll talk to him at her sister's Birthday party.  So yesterday was the party.  She invited us to it so that we could meet him and hopefully help soften his heart in that he sees and knows us.  It was nerve wracking to watch her keep approaching her dad trying to figure out when to bring it up.  I felt very awkward being there and especially if it would go bad to be there.  Few minutes past by and she came up to us and said that if there is anything that he has learned from her these past 16 years, is that when she sets her mind on something, she never backs down, and that he can see she really wants this.  So he gave her the approval!!!!!!!!!!!!! Saturday night we actually went over and talked to her and actually asked her when she wants to be baptized.  She had the date for next week (30th) but we knew we had to move it back since she hasn't been to church twice.  We talked about it and she said April 13th.  When she said that, we all felt so excited and good about it.  But we knelt down and asked Heavenly Father if that is when He wants.  When Jessica said Amen, all of us just looked at each other smiling.  We knew that was right, but now just had to get the approval from dad.  And now having the approval, the 13th is set in stone for her to be baptized!!!!!!!!!!  We are just SO excited!!!!!

The other story was with Tionna.  She's having a word of wisdom hold back, so we asked her when she thinks she will be ready.  She said April 19th.  Sister Allred and I were kind of bummed to hear that because we feel she could do earlier, but again, we knelt down and prayed.  When she said Amen, she said "We need to do it sooner, like the 6th."  So, we prayed again and asked about the 6th.  The feeling we felt the 2nd time compared to the 1st was an answer there that the Lord knows when these people need to be baptized.

Also this week, this Saturday we had a Stake Women's Conference.  I'm running out of time, but it was a really good conference.  Its theme was "Keepers of His Light" and centered on having Christs light within us.

Sister Vicki Marshall and me

The main speaker Sister Vicki Marshall from Las Vegas grew up in the Convent.  So she told of her experience as a nun and her run ins with Mormons growing up.  She converted to this church because of a neighbor who listened to the promptings of the holy ghost in making a cherry pie for her.  Why not apple, berry, peach, etc pie?  Cherry?  Hummm...  Cherry however was Vicki's all time favorite and she would "sale her soul" for that pie. :)  This neighbor then invited her to the Relief Society activity and there the Holy Ghost blew off all the negative things she heard and saw in this church.  She was later baptized and now goes around sharing her story.  She was so awesome to listen to.  I could sit there all day.  Sister Crandall and I got a picture with her.  She was so happy to see us sacrificing our time and helping find stubborn people like her to bring the gospel to.  It was nice.

Well my time is up.  Thank you for everything and all the Birthday wishes.  It should be a good day I hope.  I love you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

- Sister Sorensen

March 17, 2014

Sisters Allred, Crandall and me with Shamrock shakes.

Thank you so much for your thoughtful letter.  Made me teary eyed knowing you all love me and are here for me.  I'm glad to hear you made it to Illinois safely!  How long are you going to be there?  What's your stops on the way back?  Any fun stops there in Alton?  There is a gentleman in the ward that served in Illinois a while back.  (like 25+ years) when it was all one mission.  I couldn't think of the place Amanda and Solomon lived but I knew it started with an A.  He said Aurora, and I recognized that and said yes, but then realized later that that is where Solomon's parents live.  So you'll have to let me know what ward or area they live in and see if they were around at the same time.  Probably not, but oh well.  Hanford I feel like there are tons of connections back home.  For example.......my bishops wife (Shirley Sopp) is Ida Ormsby's sister!  Awhile back she asked if I knew Thurgoods, but Saturday at a ward activity she came up to me and said she thinks her family knows ours.  She asked me if dad was a dentist in Clearfield.  I said yes.  I asked her the name again and she said Don and Ida Ormsby.  My mouth dropped with excitement.  I told her yeah I know them and can't help but associate them with Scouts and seeing them on the 4th of July and getting food at their booths.  She said yeah they are big into that.  Ha ha..  Cool huh?!?!

Well it's been a good week....only in that Sister Crandall has been here with us the past few days!!!!  Wednesday President Gelwix called and said she will be coming to stay with us for a couple days.  It was been so great being back with her and getting to work together.  This is her last transfer and so she's a traveling trainer.  I'm scared for her to leave.  It's been nice having someone love me.  But tomorrow we have a Zone Conference, so she will probably be leaving then.  Sigh..

That's sad to hear about the Brown's.  What a crazy couple months and year they have been having.  Let them know I love them.  I'm sure they wouldn't really want that news going around, but thanks for letting me know.  Just tell them I've been thinking about them and can't wait to see them all soon.  Have we gotten any word back on their house in Montana then for this summer?

Not a whole lot of new reports to report on.  Dion and Tionna have been slacking.  I feel Tionna can get baptized, but Dion is just taking her sweet time.  But they both didn't keep their appointments this past week and didn't come to church.  But we met a couple other people that have dates.  We saw James Eason yesterday and talked to him about the Strength of Youth pamphlet and how to be better individuals.  He opened up a lot on his addictions to drugs and his time in jail.  He really just wants to be forgiven and leave the past behind.  He said just the other day he bought some weed but seconds later felt to give it back.  He did and just said the person could keep the money.  He's been through a lot and I hope he can feel and see how the Gospel can literally change his life.  We set a date for April 12th.  We hope he continues to have this drive to change and be better.

I want to thank you like always for your thoughts and prayers.

I love you all!!!!!!!!!!!! 79 more days!!!!!!!!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

- Sister Sorensen

March 10, 2014

Banana Split at Superior Dairy

I finally went to the famous Superior Dairy here!!!  A gentleman in the Elders ward took us out for Hot Dogs and ice cream.  We got a banana split to share.  It was big.  I don't understand all the talk about the place, but it was still fun.  I'll have to take you all there too.  And yes, I finally got the package.  The blame isn't on the mission office this time, it goes on my zone leaders!  I guess they had it in their trunk and just kept forgetting to give it to me.  But I got it last Monday and have been loving it every night!  Thank you for doing that!  

Guess who I met this week?! A distant relative of ours I'm sure.  Like I said, there are a lot of Sorensen's here in Hanford and everyone asks me if we're related.  There is a Kathy Sorensen in the ward that we've been trying to stop by and see.  Last Tuesday after Zone Meeting, we went to Panda Express and there was a lady standing in front of me talking to me asking if we just had a meeting.  I figured she was a member in the other ward because she knew all the missionary/church terms: zone leaders, district meeting, conference, etc.  I asked her what ward she's in and she said 2nd.  I told her that's the one we're in and inroduced myself.  She then said her name is Kathy...Kathy Sorensen!  AHHHH!!!  She then looked at my badge and smiled.  We got talking and she asked me..."are you from Manti?"  I said my grandparents and cousins live there.  She then asked me if I know the Blackhams!  I told her I went to school with one of the kids: Jordan.  It was just fun talking about people we know and finding connections.  As she was leaving she told me I have to come over and we can talk more to see where we're related.  So that's exciting.  I'm sure there are a lot of Sorensen's in Manti too, but it was a mini blessing from God to help me smile.

This week we set a baptism date for Dion and Tianna.  Dion is the mom, Tianna is 18.  I feel bad, I don't know what all I've told about our investigators and area, but we have a recent convert Thomas who was baptized earlier this year.  We've been teaching his family now.  I feel Tianna is pretty solid for the date (March 22nd).  She's been coming to YW's, church, etc and loves it.  Dion won't come to church because she doesn't have a dress.  Sad that that's what is keeping her back.  I personally think it's an excuse, but hopefully I'm wrong.  At Hannah's House I've been helping them sew pillow cases!  You should be proud of me mom! :) Ha ha..  I think today we're making scrapbooks.  I love going over there and doing crafts like that.  Gets my mind off of things.  

Well I hope your week is good.  Good luck Dad with your choice for work.  Be safe on your travels coming up.  I will look for the letters in the mail.  Hopefully I can figure out how to do the passport thing.  I love you all am looking so forward to our reuniting in 13 more weeks!  And I know it's super in advance, but can you start questioning bishop what he wants my topic to be when I get back?  You know me and the need for advance notice!  Ha ha..  Thanks!!!!!

I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

- Sister Sorensen

March 3, 2014

Thank you for the loving letter.  I don't even know how you do it, but every time I read your letters I literally feel all your love for me and just smile.  I have never known true love until being here.  I hope you all really know how grateful I am for each and every one of you.  Thank you for the letters, emails, packages, kisses, smiles, hugs, and just concern and love for me.  I appreciate it so much!!!

Things this week went good.  Honestly can't think of anything new or exciting.  We met a couple new people and are teaching this family (the Eason's).  I don't know if I mentioned James a while back, but we met him outside his house smoking and asked if we could come back and talk more of Christ.  We did and his mom and sisters sat in on the lesson too and just really loved us being there.  They knew we couldn't stay long and so they said, "go outside, and then come right back in, so that way you can be here another hour!"  Smart kids!  Ha ha..  But we had a return appointment last night but they cancelled.  So we are really hoping tomorrow they don't.

Yes we have been getting some rain the last few days luckily!!!  It's been nice.  Now the fog is here though too.  The mornings are weird in running in it.  You just are drenched in water by the end of your run only because of all the moisture you are running in.  Ha ha..  

That's so exciting Kaylor is coming home soon!!!!!! Can't wait to hear all his stories.  Hope you all have fun on your trip to see Amanda, Solomon, and Gideon.  Yes I would love to go out there and see them when I get back!   And also, no I have not received the package yet.  Again, that is my mission.  You literally have to send stuff forever in advance in order for me to get it on time.  We only get packages when the Zone Leaders go to Fresno for meetings.  So not sure when the next time they are headed there especially with Transfers coming up.  No meetings.  Sorry!  Thank you though for it and I will love it when I get it!  It's weird to think I'll be 23.  I remember turning 21 and freaking out because that was the age to go on a mission.  Yet here I am now, 2 years later on a mission still, and getting older.  Yikes!  Jim and Amie Horan said they are coming to visit me that Monday the 24th to celebrate early with me.  I am super excited for that!  I miss them so much!  I miss everyone in Los Banos so much!  I can't wait to take you there!  I sure hope I haven't missed any ones Birthdays.  I've tried to send a card out around then, so sorry if it comes too early or too late.  And if I've forgotten all around, I apologize.  It's hard to keep track of everyone being away!

I'm happy to hear you all are studying together about Paul. I don't know much about him either but it sounds like you all are learning a lot and applying the things you learn to yourselves.  I've been reading a lot in True to the Faith.  I love reading in the scriptures a principle and then reading more about it in True to the Faith.  I have learned I can't just sit and read and try to find something in my studies, but to read something and go off of that.  Research it.  So like background, history, definitions, etc.  That's where I've found a lot of my understanding has come from the last little bit.  I miss being able to pull up LDS.org or the mormon channel and looking up topics there or listening to them.  Can't wait to do that regularly! :)  

Well I love you all!!!! Hope this week is a good one for all of you.  Don't forget about me!!!!  Good luck dad with hiring someone new.  If you need any help there when I get back, I'd love to.  Take care!!!!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

- Sister Sorensen