Trainer

Background:  We found out that she will be calling at 1:00pm Sunday, and is able to talk for 40 minutes.  It will be our best Christmas present! Merry Christmas everyone, we love you all.  Val

FAMILY!

Wow it sounds like you are all so busy. Fun times. First things first: I will be calling Christmas morning. I have between about 11-3 my time which is around 8-12 your time. What time is the best? I will have Sister Wege call you or email you to find out when is the best time to call. Apparently I only have 40 min to chat which is not a lot of time at all but it will be fun! I'm excited to chat with all of you. I miss you all so much!

This past week has been crazy busy. I found out last Saturday that I am training the new Sister. She came in today. Her name is Sister Lawrence and she is from Micronesia. She is a sweet girl and I remember now what I felt like as a new missionary. Oh man, she is in for a change. I was shocked that they would have me train. I still feel new and that I don't now a lot of things. Oh well, I guess we will be learning together. It will be a good experience and I know I will learn a lot!

I have met many wonderful people at festival. I have had miracles happen. People come in here and just feel the spirit. The lady I told you about last week, we went over to her house and her mom opened the door and put her hand over her heart and just said, "you are happiness to me. I feel happiness". She doesn't speak English too well but I was pickin up what she was puttin down. She felt the Spirit and she touched my heart by saying that. She also said, "tell your mothers that I am jealous". HA! I felt bad cause her daughter was sitting right there. I think I know what she means though because she doesn't know how to express herself. She loves the Spirit that she feels. I am so excited to start teaching her daughter. She is in LA for the holidays but she will be back. They said that they are going to go to the LA temple during Christmas so hopefully the Sister missionaries there will direct missionaries to visit her mother.

I love this work so much. I am loving it more and more. It is wonderful and hard. I saw a few of my friends here this past week. I saw Tasha and she took a pic with me. I also saw a guy named Oliver who was in my ward in Utah and my friends Brady and Barbie. It was fun to see all of them. It was weird because it seems like I have been here forever but when I saw them it seemed like I just saw them not too long ago. I don't know what to make of time. Time is so weird on the mission.

At festival I have seen some down syndrome kids that I have fallen in love with. One of them came up to me and just hugged me and the other one grabbed my hand to shake it and just hugged my hand. Oh, let me tell you that I just melted. I loved them. I love that I can be in a place where I can talk to so many people. This was definitely the place that I needed to go. Heavenly Father knows me so well. He knows all of us so well and I realize more and more everyday of His love for all of us....it is quite incredible.

I have a lot of responsiblity on my shoulders now with this new sister here. I hope I don't ruin her. A lot of my friends left today-such great missionaries. Hopefully I can keep in touch with them so I will have friends when I get home since all of my friends are getting married:) The mission is just full of getting so close to people and then having to say goodbye. It is terrible! But I hope to see them again. They have all taught me so much and I am so grateful.

This is the best work on earth. Please keep me updated on all the miracles happening with you all. I love you all so much. I'm excited to talk to you soon!

LOVE YOU and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Sister Lewis

Merry Christmas!

Background:  Nothing special to add to Janell's email, but the Lewis family would like all of you to know that we love you and wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! - Val

Wow, you all have been busy! Made me tired just thinking about it:)

I can't wait to get pictures of everything with Lynda's house. It sounds like there was a ton of work done. That is super exciting! I'm glad dad is getting some rest now.

It has been busy here. Festival of Lights is a fun time but it is exhausting too. I have seen many miracles come to pass and it is amazing. There was a lady that I met at outside of my apartment complex about 4 months ago during a fire drill. She came up to us and asked us if we were mormon. I was in my pj pants because my companion and I at the time were planning so I wasn't in a skirt when the fire alarm went off. It was a funny sight I'm sure but I had my name tag on. Anyway, she was super nice and said that we could stop by and say hello to her anytime. Our roommates went and chatted with her later that week and talked a little about the temple but she said that she wasn't interested in the church. They stopped going over and that was that. Forward now to when I just got transferred this last transfer...

I was thinking about this lady from 4 months earlier and how nice she was. We decided to text her and see how she was doing and maybe see if we could visit her. She texted back and said we could and that she was going through a hard time. We went up and chatted with her a couple of weeks ago. Her mom was in town but didn't come into the room to chat with us. We didn't talk about much other than why we were missionaries and how her life has been hard for the last month or so. We invited her to come to the Festival of Lights because it was such a nice beautiful place. She agreed and said that she would love that. Well, on Monday I was thinking about her and wanted to text her to remind her of the concert that night that we had invited her to. Things happened and I forgot to text her. But as I came upstairs from our sister's lounge, who was there?... It was her and her mom. She told me that she just texted us to tell us she was coming. It was such a blessing to see her AND her mom. So I talked to them about the temple and why we have them. She loved it all. I then had to go to my assigned area and so she and her mom went looking around before the concert started. Right before the concert was starting I was heading to my next post in the VC when I saw her and her mom and they came up to me to tell me that they wanted one of our books (the book of mormon of course). I was so happy inside! Her mom wanted a Persian book and she wanted one as well in english. I told her that we would come bring it by this week before they go home to California for the holidays. It is so amazing how Heavenly Father works. This lady is in my area now since I was transferred here and I will be able to give her a Book of Mormon and tell her what it is all about. I love this gospel and I love the miracles I see everyday. I kind of wish I would haved learned more Korean from Brian and Russian from Mindy because those would have come in handy here. I meet people from all over the world everyday. It is so cool! The Spirit of Christmas is the best. It is the best to testify of Jesus Christ and how He is the source of happiness and peace in this life. The gospel is true. I love it with all my heart.

Please let me know when Trent will be coming or if he will be coming here. I have anticipated him coming to the VC because a lot of the Baltimore elders come here during the festival.

Tell everyone how much I love them. I love you all so very much! I'm so happy to hear that people are doing good. I will be calling home on Christmas but don't know the time yet. Transfers are next week so a lot of information won't be sent out to us till next week. I just know that the phone conversation will be only 40 min long.

I love you all! Keep turing to the Savior in all that you do. He is the source of all joy. I love Him. I love all of you and miss you like crazy!

See ya!

Merry Christmas!

Sister Lewis

Another Update

Background: I've added a few new recipients to Janell's weekly emails, so here's her blog in case the new people want to see past letters and photos: http://janellsmissionblog.blogspot.com/  The Festival of Lights is a nightly musical program at the Washington DC Visitor Center during the Christmas holidays.  Every night is a new program.  Sorry I'm late sending this report, but I've been in Idaho doing some house remodel work.  When you see Janell refer to "Dobbie", that's her twin sister Jodee who has Prader-Willi Syndrome.  Another email is close behind. - Val

The Festival of Lights is so wonderful! I was behind the scenes for the most part during Ambassador night because I was in the back pouring punch but it was cool. The gospel is being spread just by the atmosphere of the Visitor Center. Elder L. Tom Perry was the general authority that was there last week. We got to shake his hand. It was pretty awesome. He is so tall. He asked us where we were from and when I said Sacramento he said that his son just served as a mission president there not too long ago. I thought that was cool. He also told the sisters that they were sent to this mission because of our smiles. What a nice one he is:) Last weekend it was super busy but this week it has been quite slow but it will for sure pick up this week. Jenny Oaks Baker (Elder Oak's daughter) is performing this weekend and lots of people come when she plays. Next weekend we have a girl named Sandra Turley coming and singing. I wonder if Dave or Rene know her because she is a BYUer. Sang on Broadway in Les Mis I guess. Anyway, needless to say it should be busy and really good. I got to usher last night and watch a group from a highschool and they were cute. They did a good job. It is kind of cool everynight because all of the sisters get to be at the VC and it kind of feels like I'm going on stage or something. I miss the theatre so it works out great. Heavenly Father sent me to the right place:) He knows me so well!

Let's see...I don't know if I have many new miracles. I always think that the people I talk to could become a miracle someday and I just won't know about it. I had a lady come into the VC that got mad at me and another lady that was upset at the church but that is normal. Some people just choose to be angry and there is nothing anyone can say to help them choose otherwise. But I have met some very nice people who love coming to the festival of lights and talk about the good feeling that they get there. It really is amazing what this festival does to bring people to the gospel. Mom, we have a creche exhibit with nativities from all over the world as well. It is really cool.

To answer your question about Christmas, I don't really need anything at this point. Thank you for sending me stuff. I just feel bad because I just got my hair done and I bought a pillow and blanket since I have been needing those for the past 6 months. I have my Christmas now. But I did love the package. It was fun. I LOVED the things my Dobbie made. Tell her that I love her and miss her. I miss her wrapping.

I hope that everything at Lynda's goes well. Make sure and send pics. I want to know how everyone is doing. I really do miss my family so much so I like when I know how everyone and what everyone is doing. Please keep me posted.

Mom, I don't know if I told you that both my roommates are getting married! Yep. Ashlee and Carrie! And some other friends that I know. I won't have many friends when I get back but I am SO happy for all of them. I love them all so much! I love that they found great guys. I love seeing the blessings in other's lives while I am gone. Please let me know of the great things that are happening. I wish I could say that I'm teaching a ton of people...but...this area is one of the hardest. A few of our investigators decided that they are done with learning. I hope that someday they change their minds.

I love this gospel. It is so true. I see everyday how it blesses lives. Please tell all the birthday people I say happy birthday. I know that is lame and generic but my old brain doesn't work that well anymore and I can't even remember what I did yesterday...sad but true. I'm not the greatest missionary but I do love the work. Thank you for all your prayers in my behalf. I pray for you all the time. I have been so blessed to have the best people in my life. I am a lucky girl! Tell dobbie thanks for the doggie cards. I love them! LOVE YOU!

Sister Lewis

PS- there are so many missionaries that come to the VC from the Baltimore mission. I hope I will see Trent!

Attached is a photo of Janell with her new companion sent to us by a senior missionary in the mission.

Val

Happy Thanksgiving!

HELLO! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

It is getting busy around here with the Festival of Lights that starts next week at the VC. It should be a good time. Next Wed night will be the night that the ambassadors from all over come and then the night after is the diplomat night. I think my feet are going to kill by the end of the month but I'm sure it will be a good time. I love Christmas!

Today we went and did service for the Salvation Army. They serve thanksgiving meals to the homeless every year. We got to help out with the food. They feed about 5000 people a day. It was super fun. I got a little burnt but all was well. After we got to have some food and I got to take a picture with a heavy weight boxer that was there. I don't know his name but it was fun. He looked like some professional sports player and I found out that he is boxing at the Convention Center in DC on Dec 10th. Maybe you can look it up to know who it was. I will try to print out the picture so I can send it home. Oh and next week I will seeing a general authority. Maybe I will just have a couple of photos with famous people to send home:)

Let see, a lot has happened in a week and I'm sure a lot more will happen in the next month. Thanksgiving is tomorrow and we are invited to the Bishop's house to eat. We will have a couple of our investigators there as well. Tonight we are eating with the Bishop and then we have an appt with our investigator who is also going to feed us. Oh the eating. I will take it easy though.

I love my new companion. Sister Joost is her name. She is so fun. We are kind of alike and we both are kind of laid back so it works out well. I'm kind of hoping that we stay at least a couple of transfers together.

I love you all so much! I love the work that I get to do. Heavenly Father is so aware of us and all of His children. Promise me that you all will always turn to Him. There is no better way. I can promise anyone that.

 LOVE YOU ALL!!!

Sister Lewis

More Miracles

Background: I've added two missionary couples that served with me in the California, Sacramento mission in 2006-2008 to Janell's weekly report.  They may be able to help me identify/locate Sister Johnston and the Carmichael Bishop (possibly through the Huff's) who met with the Ethiopian man named Ayalew.  Anyone else in Elk Grove who can help identify the family Ayalew watched conference with would also be wonderful.  Most of us realize these experiences are not coincidences as you will see in the two stories below.  Thanks for any help any of you can furnish.  -Val

Hello to my wonderful family. I can't believe that Trent is a missionary now. YES! I just saw the senior couple that is serving in the Baltimore mission. Their names are Elder and Sister Olsen and they said that they will be looking out for Elder Lewis! They work in the ghetto area and said that they would try to get Elder Lewis to be in their area. It is a pretty dangerous area I guess but they love it. I hope to see Elder Lewis soon!

So, so much has happened in the past week. Last week we had a general authority come and speak to us. Elder and Sister Kearon. They are so amazing! It was a wonderful conference and the Sprirt was so strong. Me and my companion and one other sister sang at the meeting. It was a pretty song. Anyway it was fun to hear from them. They are amazing people. Sunday we had stake conference where another general authority spoke. We had a man call us and want to come to the "mormon" church. He met us there. He is a very sophisticated man who is from Ethiopia. The conference was great. After the conference we talked with him and found out that he used to live in Sacramento. When I told him that I was from there he got super happy. He said that he met with mormons when he lived there and lost their information. So I need you pappy to do some detective work for me if you could. He was friends with a bishop and his family that lived in Carmicheal in May of 2006. He can't remember his name. He met with a sister missionary by the name of Sister Johnston in June 2006-Aug 2006. I know this is not a lot of information but I told him that I would try to find out his name and maybe find that missionary. He has come across missionaries many times in the past 7 years but has never really listened and accepted the belief. He loves the people though. He told me that he saw us as his soldiers and teachers and he will allow us to teach him. He is such a nice man. He also talked about a family that he spent time with in Elk Grove. He talked about the big church which I think he is talking about the Stake center. He was there in Oct 2007 and watched general conference with them I guess. I wish I had the names of the people. I will check with him. He is a professor at a university in Australia. He is a very kind man. I hope somehow we can find these people that he talked with. I will try to get more information from him. His name is Ayalew. I will try to get his last name. I think that he was a little miracle.

There is another miracle that has happened within the past couple of weeks. There was a lady that I met on the street about a few weeks ago while we were on our way to a members house. I looked behind me and she was walking to her car. I just suddenly turned around and asked her if she was a dancer. She kind of looked like one but I just had the feeling to ask her that. Turns out that is was a professional ballerina and she has been one for about 20 years. Last year she had surgery on her foot and she hasn't been able to dance since. She is super down about it. We chatted for like a half hour about dance and other things. She is having shots in her foot and it sounded like the same thing dad did with his shoulder. I think that gave her some hope that the pain would cease a little bit. We talked about the joy of dancing and sharing that joy with others. I told her that she was able to help so many people and bring joy to so many by dancing and sharing her gift and talent. I told her that she has a gift and that she still can share herself with others. She was such an amazing person. She said that she teaches yoga now and told me where she teaches. I told her that my member friend that I was visiting loves yoga so I would give her the information. So anyway, after we met with her I prayed that someday I would see her again. We went to the member's house and we told her the story of this amazing person that we just met. We told her her name and she said, "shut up, I get her mail sometimes". She pulled out of the trash this lady's mail. I laughed and we joked how Heavenly Father is so awesome. I told her to stop by her house and become friends with her so that she can meet up with missionaries. I knew at that time that I wasn't in that area but it would be awesome to teach her. Fast forward to now, I am in the Chevy Chase ward which is pretty much the same area but just not with the singles. I just got a call from that member friend that she had a amazing story to tell me and that Heavenly Father loves me. I called her back to get the scoop. What happened was this: The member was at her own yoga class and over heard a conversasion of this lady talking about ballet and her hurt foot. So she went over to the lady and asked what happened and said that she herself had the same type thing happen to her. She then asked her name and the lady said, Elizabeth Gaither. This was the lady. And then the member friend asked where she lived and yep, it was the same lady. She then told her that there was 2 weird things. First, she gets her junk mail sometimes and second, that her missionary friends knows her. Elizabeth I guess just stopped and said, "I knew you were going to say that. I haven't stopped thinking about them since I saw them. I can't believe we didn't exchange information. That missionary just filled me with so much hope and I haven't been able to stop thinking about them. Do you have their number?" The member said that she invited us to dinner this week and then invited her. So funny that I have been thinking about this lady ever since I was transferred and have been praying to find her and teach her. Heavenly Father is so aware of all of us. Prayers are answered. I haven't met with Elizabeth yet but I do have her phone number now. I will keep you posted with more from this miracle.

I love this work. It is so wonderful. I know that our prayers are answered. I love that you all are doing so well. Sorry if my emails don't make too much sense sometimes because I am trying to write so fast. I love you all so much!!! Keep me updated!

LOVE

Sister Lewis

Background: I've attached the photos of Sister Gordon, Janell, and Andrea who was baptized last Sunday!  Val

This week has been a very busy week. We just went through transfers today and I was transferred to the Chevy Chase ward. I stay in the same apartment but just have to move rooms. My new companion's name is Sister Joost. I call her Joosty Toasty. I like her. I will miss my Sister Gordon but Sister Joost is a goodin too. She is from Southern California but her family now lives in Arizona. I was SUPER sad to leave my area though. I LOVED my DC 2nd ward. I loved everyone. I loved the singles. It felt like home. I kind of knew that I would be transferred because I was completely happy. Can't be too content on the mission. Apparently they don't like when you are content:) I was really sad but I'm now ok with the idea. I need to meet new people and learn how to work in a family ward. I guess Senator Reed is in my new ward. I know cause it will still  be in the same building as my DC 2nd ward and I see body guards at church every week. It shall be an interesting ride but I am excited. I am also going to be a senior companion. People around these parts keep making a big deal about that. I can really care less. I think my first item of business as senior companion will be to make my companion senior companion. Ha! I think people take those titles too seriously. They keep congratulating me like I won some kind of contest or something. I don't like it but it is what it is. I'm just glad to have an awesome companion. She will be great and I will learn a TON from her. I'm ready! Also my new District leader is like a major scripture master guy. I have so much to learn.

Well I love hearing about everybody. I will try to see what I can do about taking video of me. I will ask a senior couple if they can do that for me. Keep me updated about everything.

OH I almost forgot! Andrea got baptized last Sunday! I love her so much! She bore her testimony and it was so awesome. I love seeing people's lives change for the better. She seems so happy and I am so happy for her. She is such an example to me. She is super smart and I know she will be the means of bringing so many souls to the knowledge of the Savior. She will be visiting her mom who lives in the bay area and I told her to go visit you in Elk Grove. You will love her. She is so great! She kind of reminds me of Wendy a little bit...maybe that's why I love her so much. We plan on taking a trip to Disneyland after my mission. I hope Diane will be in on that too!

Well I'd better go. I love this work. I love my Savior so much. The Book of Mormon IS true. This gospel is everthing. I love you all so much and miss you like crazy. I will be able to talk to you soon so that should be so awesome!

LOVE YOU!

Sister Lewis

Background:  "One Clear Voice" is a women's musical quartette that our daughter LaRene performs with.  Val 

Date: Thu, Nov 3, 2011 at 10:02 AM

Wow you have all been busy and it sounds like so much fun! I miss all of you so much! I wish I could have been there in AZ. I love that time. I hope you took some footage and that I can watch it when I get back...in a year:)

How did the fastball tournament go? I love that your friend gave a lady a Book of Mormon. That is awesome! It really is so true and anyone can know of that if they read and pray about it. Which brings me to tell you that the girl that we have been meeting with and reading the Book of Mormon with will be getting baptized this Sunday. There is power in the Book of Mormon! I have gained a stronger testimony of it everyday of the truthfulness of it. It has helped me so much reading it so much everyday. I have noticed better days lately. There really is so much power in that Book because it IS the word of God and it testifies of Jesus Christ. By reading it you feel peace and comfort. It answers questions and leaves you feeling so great! I will give the Book of Mormon challenge to anybody. If they read and pray about it with a sincere heart, with real intent and having faith in Christ, they WILL know the truthfulness of it. If they want to know if it is true, tell them to to read it and pray about it. Now I challenge all who are reading this to the Book of Mormon challenge. If any of you who read this letter know of anybody who wants to know whether the gospel of Jesus Christ is true or not, try this. Have them read and pray about the Book of Mormon. I promise that they will know that the gospel is true and that Joseph Smith was and is a prophet of God. It is just so true.

Well the work here has been good. Last Sunday we had a concert at the VC by Jon Schmidt. He is a piano player and is SO good! It was a fun concert. Christmas time should be fun! I also found out that a general authority is coming to the mission next week. That should be good. I was asked to sing with a couple of other girls for when he comes. It seems like I'm asked to sing all the time lately. I haven't performed yet but I'm sure once I do the asking will cease :)

My companion bought One Clear Voice's newer CD so I'm always listening to Rene! That is fun! She said that Rene sounds like Barbara Streisand...go Rene! :) Mom, I did get my scarfs by the way THANK YOU!

I 'm glad to hear that everyone is doing good. My family is really the greatest. I love hearing the update about everyone. Keep me posted about everything! Mom, I will let you know about Christmas and what I will need. It will be fun to talk to everyone. Tell Lynda that she definitely needs to go home for Christmas cause I would love to chat with her too! Mom, tell Jared Fox that I say hello and that the ward mission leader that I work with knows him. His name is Robert Kitz. Funny small world.

Well I love you all. I'd better go. Keep me posted!

Love you!

Sister Lewis

More News

Background:  You are receiving this email late because we just returned from AZ (as Janell mentioned).  I was there playing baseball (been doing that each year since 1988.  Janell was 6 years old when it started and has attended over a dozen times, and loved those trips).  - Val

You must all be in AZ right now! So jealous! I bet the weather is wonderful there. Although, it is pretty awesome here in the fall I will say:) The weather was so perfect this morning. It was a Zone Activity day so we went to the mall (Smithsonian). It was SO cool! We went to the aerospace museum, the dinosaur one and then one more...I don't remember the names. Whoops:) It was fun to see all of those places. The team I was with in our little "amazing race" game took all the pictures because my camera started dying. I was so sad about that. After the activity me and Sister Gordon stayed and walked to the Lincoln memorial. It was so awesome. She took pictures with her camera so I will print those out and send them to you later. It was fun to see it all. I am kinda sad cause the reflection pool by the Washington monument is under construction so there was no water. Bummer. But all in all it was pretty awesome. I think we will try to go back to the city soon to see more.

This past week has been super good. It has been crazy busy. It feels like we are always rushed for time and I love that. I like being busy and having people to see and talk to. Let's see, last Sunday we had a baptism...we had nothing to do with it but it was such a wonderful baptism. She was ready to be baptized. It was such a spiritual meeting. Last Saturday there was a spanish night at the Visitor Center that we went to. There were performances from different countries and that was a lot of fun. I didn't understand anything they were saying but it was still fun to see dancing!

Last week I thought of Mindy cause a family from Russian came into the VC. I just talked to them for about 20 min and it was so cool! Their son is getting ready to go on a mission. I think the dad hinted that his son should write me and get my email but I pretended that he didn't ask for it. That is just so awkward. But, they were super nice and awesome and it made me want to be in Russia. The wife, as she was leaving, just hugged me and said that I touched her heart. I just melted. I bet those people in Russia are LOVING Sister Browning! They are so wonderful and nice. Maybe someday we will have to go there Cepta Browning!

Well, as you all may know I am loving this work. I don't want to change wards. I would be content to just stay where I am for the rest of my mission. On Sunday there was a girl who came to church with a friend of hers and when I talked with her she said that she wanted to meet with us to learn more. I love those moments! She said that she doesn't know much about the church. She was raised with Atheist parents so I'm excited to meet with her. She seems so awesome. She met the friend who brought her to church on the metro. I love member missionaries! They are the key to this missionary work!

I have to give a shout out to a couple of people. TAMERA! You had twin girls!!! That is soooo wonderful! I love being a twin and I love that you have twins! I got the letter that Sheldon wrote and the pictures from your boys....oh man they are so cute! I love you all! I will want to see pics of the cute new ones!

Also, a shout out to Financial Services! I got the Halloween package and it was SOOO awesome! I miss you all so much! It was so fun to get the wedding announcements of the married ones...I am SO excited and happy for both of you guys! My Trava is married and Govn'a! Oh, the joy you all bring to me. Keep me posted on everything. Sounds like it's been busy around there. Ashley, thank you SO much for my favorite candy!!! You remembered! OH and by the way my nephew got called to your mission! I love missions!

Well I'd better go. It has been a long day today but such a good one. I love and miss you all so much. I hope to get a letter from your mom and dad ;) I hope you are all having a blast in AZ and I want to know all about it. Love you!

Sister Lewis

Update

Background:  Cameron Lewis is my brother, Gary's son.  Gary is a bishop in Truckee, CA.   Lewiston, UT was named after my great-great grandfather, William Hendricks Lewis.  (I met the new Sacramento Mission President (President Lewis) a few weeks ago and his g-g grandfather is also W. H. Lewis...our great grandfathers were brothers. The world continues to get smaller).  For those of you who would like to read the talk that she mentions titled, "It's True, isn't it?" can read it here: http://lds.org/liahona/1993/10/its-true-isnt-it?lang=eng&query=its+true+isn%e2%80%99t+gordon+hinckley .  I am going to print it and send it to her.  - Val

From: Janell Lewis

Date: Thu, Oct 20, 2011 at 9:28 AM

Thank you so much for the jacket and the scarves and hats. They will come in handy in a few weeks. Don't worry about the gloves. I got some from another sister.
I do like the soap you sent to me. I am still using it. Thank you!
Thank Diane for the cupcakes. I didn't know they were from her. They were FANTASTIC!
I LOVED reading about Mindy's proselyting techniques. Oh that was awesome! I wanted to be there. I would LOVE to try that out here. It is such a cool idea. I will have to share it with some others to see if it would be possible. The colleges here have some strict rules so I don't know if it would be possible but that was such an awesome idea! If anybody else has some good ideas please let me know. Sister Gordon and I are excepting ideas:)

I love that you told me about the miracles that are happening for the family. I pray everyday for all of you. I love all of you so much. It is quite incredible how important this work is to our Father in Heaven. He is SO aware of all of us and of all our prayers. He does answer prayers! I love to know that everyone is doing well. Keep me updated with everything.

I got a letter from Brian and Lori and family. I LOVED IT! Thank you so much! I love that I am serving with my nieces and nephews. Some people laugh when I tell them that but I can't imagine it another way. I love hearing their testimonies and their ideas. I wish I could be serving closer to them...good thing that Trent gets to come here then huh?:) I love my nieces and nephews so much. It is funny when ever a child comes into the VC I am immediately talking to them. I forget to say hi to the parents and I just talk to them no matter what age they are. We talk about Jesus and listen to the Christus. I think the parents are shocked that we have so much to say to each other. A couple of the Sister missionaries have commented on how well I talk with the young ones. I tell them it's just cause I love them so much and they are like my nieces and nephews that I miss so much. Some of the Sisters say that they don't know what to say to the little ones. I just wish I could talk to them all day. I guess we all have our different talents and loves.

Oh I hear that Cameron Lewis is living in Virgina super near by. There is an Elder in my mission, Elder Shirleff, who is in Gary's home ward and so Gary writes him all the time. He is also friends with Cameron and Cameron told him that he was going to take him out to lunch. I told the Elder that they should come stop by the VC and "watch a movie" or something. Ha! I'm so sneaky. That would be fun to see my cousin here.

I met a guy yesterday that was from Lewiston, UT. I showed him my name tag and he said that there weren't too many Lewis' left in Lewiston. I just thought it was cool that someone from Lewiston came to the VC.

So we had a miracle last Sunday. There is a girl in our ward that called us last Friday and said that she is getting baptized this upcoming Sunday and that she was told that she needed to talk to us first. So...we have a new investigator that is getting baptized this Sunday and we didn't do anything to help her learn anything. She has been investigating the church for about a year and a half. She has the most amazing story. It made me cry when she was talking to us. She at one point was a Catholic missionary! Just goes to show that this is the true church. She told us about a talk that her friend gave her to read entitled "It's true, isn't it" by President Hinckley. I want to find it and read it. She said that when she read it she knew. That was the talk that finally pushed her to know what she needed to do after time and time of answers being given to her. I'm so excited for her. She is awesome. I hope that some of our investigators will be able to attend her baptism and listen to her testimony. There is so much strength in testimonies.

I love this work! It is so awesome. Another miracle is that Karl, the recent convert, is now talking about going on a mission. He said that he wants to but is not sure how financially he will pay for it since his parents aren't members and probably won't be too happy about all of it. I told him that Heavenly Father will provide a way when if he has that desire. He is such a great kid. Maybe you all could have him over for dinner or something at Christmas when he is home in Folsom for Christmas. That would be cool for you to meet him.

Well, I love this work. I love the Book of Mormon. I am currently reading 5 chapters a day because I told you how we are reading with Andrea, an investigator of ours. She is awesome. The Book of Mormon is SO wonderful. It was indeed written for our day. It strengthens my testimony everyday. I love my Savior so much. It is because of Him that we have all that we have. He is our Savior and Redeemer. He is our advocate with the Father. He is one that we talk of and testify of. Having true faith in Him is our key to any type of happiness. This gospel is TRUE! It IS true, isn't it?!

I love you all so much! Thank you so much for all of your prayers and love. I feel it everyday. Keep the letters coming and the miracles coming. I love knowing about all of it. Go preach the gospel! People are ready to hear it!

Love you all!

Sister Lewis

News & Photos

Background: "Trenton" is our grandson who was just called to serve in the Maryland, Baltimore Mission (adjacent to Washington DC North Mission); "Grow" is like a family member from our ward who is returning from his mission next week (Philippines).  I've attached some of the photos for her blog: #131 - (Top) Sister Otieno, Claudia, Javier (recent convert), Sister L; (Middle) Sister Chan (Hong Kong), Sister O, Sister L, Sister Joost (P-Day); (Bottom) Sister L and Jenny Jarimillo (from Colombia); #132 - (Top) Sister L (thinking of Halloween?); (Bottom) Perla and Sister L (birthday picnic); #133 - (Top) Sister O, Karl (1st baptism), Sister L (after DC Temple VC fireside); (Middle) Sister O, Karl, Sister L (at Karl's baptism); Sister O & L.  Address: Washington DC North Mission, 11700 Falls Road, Potomac, MD 20854-2823   - Val

HELLO! I can't believe that it is Wednesday again. It has gone by super fast! Sounds like you all have been busy as normal which is fun to hear about. Is Trenton so excited that he'll be so close to his wonderful aunt?? haha:)

I think my package is at the VC but I will get it tomorrow. Thank you for sending it. I will let you know if I need you to send any of the other ones. I'm thinking the grey one and my scarfs would be great. If you want to put in some gloves as well...I wouldn't complain:) YOU ARE THE BEST!!!

That is so funny that Grow gets home so soon...or is home now. Tell him I say hello. I'm glad that you got the pics I sent. I have to be better about writing in my journal because you are right, I will forget.

Ok so last Saturday at the VC the young women from a stake nearby came and did something called "mini mission day" or something like that. They got to hang out with us for half of the day and experience being a missionary. It was so fun to have them! I got a girl named Sister Bearman who is 15. She is the cutest thing. She was nervous to talk to people at the beginning of the day but by the end she was ready to go off and talk to people by herself. I did get a pic with her which I will send at some point. She gave me a big hug before she left. She will be a great missionary someday. In my area we are teaching a girl named Andrea. She is so great. She wants to read all of the Book of Mormon before she commits to anything so after praying about it I suggested that we read with her 5 chapters per/day. That means that we will finish the Book November 3rd. I am so loving this challenge. It has been so great. The more and more that I am reading the more I am getting how much Heavenly Father and our Savior love all of us. They love us sooooo much! I really do love the Book of Mormon. I wish that more people would just read it.

So dad sent me an email asking what stake my companion is from in Logan. I know that it is not his because she lives outside of Logan and it's not Paradise. I am with another companion today so I will ask her when I see her today.

So I will be performing in the Christmas program at the VC. I don't know the song yet still but pretty much they are planning on singing Galena fireside type songs. I have these flashbacks and I laugh to myself. Sometimes a dance pops into my head as well:) It should be good. I was also asked to sing a solo for a "Night of Music and Inspiration". I don't feel super confident doing that but whatever I guess. They will reap the consequences of that choice...hahaha!

Well I'd better get going. The Elders want to use the computers now. Silly Elders.

I love you all so much! Keep me updated with everything!

Love,

Sister Lewis

More News

Background:  Trent is our grandson...Craig and Denise's second son.  If any of you want to email your "Why I Believe" story to me, I will copy and send them to Janell, or you can mail them to her at: Sister Janell Lewis, Washington DC North Mission, 11700 Falls Road, Potomac, MD 20854-2823.   -Val
 

Wow! There is so much going on...but I LOVE it!!! Ok, first things first. I just screamed when I heard Trent's mission call. MARYLAND BABY!! AND that mission is right next to mine so often Elders from that mission come bring investigators to the VC so that means...TRENT I'LL SEE YOU IN MARYLAND!!! (Just bring your investigators to the VC and I will give you all a tour! It will be awesome to see peoples faces once I tell them that I'm your aunt. Just don't tell your mission president cause he might not let you come:) jk) I had a friend that I worked with that had the exact mission. There are some major ghetto parts so be careful and become friends with all the gang members:) You will love it i know!

So awesome that Lynda is learning violin. I love the violin. I wish I had more of those musical abilities. That will be so fun for her. To answer some of your questions, I was just asked to participate in the Christmas program that the Sisters do in December for a couple of the nights. I don't know what yet but I will let you know. But I DO get to be at the VC every night in December because thousands of people come through and all the Sister missionaries have to be working all those nights. Apparently there are a lot of miracles that take place during that time so I will do my best to keep you posted. I don't know if I can watch all of the performances because there are a lot of different posts to cover but I may be able to see some. I am trying to work it with one of the senior couple Elders to help me learn the sound system in the main theatre so that I can be there for everything! You know how I love the theatre! Also there is a fireside most Sunday nights at the VC. The "Why I Believe" fireside is once a month. Which brings me to my first request: I would love to get as many of you as possible to send me "why YOU believe". I love to hear these. You can just write me and tell me why you believe or how you know the gospel to be true. This would be wonderful if you could do that. Thanks!

SO yes I LOVED conference too! I found that most everybody answered a question that I had or talked about something that I have been thinking about lately. It was so wonderful. We also had a couple of investigators watch it too and they loved it. How can you not really? It seemed to go by too fast. I wanted more. Funny how things change from when I was young. Conference always seemed long and I would love to sleep during it or do something else while listening. It is now my favorite time of year and all I want to do is listen and write down notes and thoughts. It goes by too fast now. Ha, I really do love that we have a prophet today. We are so blessed! I noticed that all of them talked about the importance of reading the Book of Mormon. Wow, I really do love the Book of Mormon too. And of course the church is awesome because they just had the Ensign come out that talks ALL about the Book of Mormon. I LOVE this issue of the Ensign. If you haven't read it, read it. It is soooo good! My companion laughed at me and said, "wow, you sure do love that Ensign". I think it is especially because of the subject of what is inside. There truly power in that Book. They always talk about the power of the Book of Mormon but it is true. I have come to realize more and more the power in it's pages. It invites the Spirit to be with us when we read. It seems like such a simple thing but...by small and simple things are great things brought to pass. This is TRUE! Reading and prayer are ESSENTIAL! If we are having a hard time in life, the scriptures are one of the best remedies. I tell you what, I know this to be true. I sure do love this gospel with all my heart. I am learning more and more everyday. I love the prophet. We heard some wise counsel in conference from him. I loved when someone quoted him when he told him, "Remember, it's better to look up". I think there is so much importance in that. To look up instead of down. To turn to our Savior in times of need. He is there for us. The Book of Mormon testifies of him. We have SO many witnesses and evidences of the truthfulness of the gospel. There are thousands of evidences in the scriptures alone. People can read for themselves to know of the truth. Give em a Book of Mormon.

Well I just get really excited after I study so there you go. Ha! By the way funny thing happened the other day in the VC. I saw a friend of mine that was in a show with me a year ago. His name is Jared. Rene and Dave know him. He was just in the area and wanted to stop by. He had no idea that I was there on a mission. It was fun to see him.

By the way mom, my p-day will be on wednesdays for the rest of this transfer (6 weeks). I LOVE the chocolate you sent. Thank you for sending the skirts. I haven't gotten them yet but I should see them soon. I am getting cold because I have NO winter clothes at all. Sending maybe my black jacket would be nice and maybe I will go buy a winter coat. I don't know if I have a good winter jacket at home. Email me if you find one. So, I might have to buy some winter things if you don't mind. I also have to get my hair done today just to let you know. I miss you all so much. I LOVED the pic of Dobbie. I loved the cupcake face thing. I love hearing about Mindy. I get her letters but don't have much time to read all of them. She looks so good. I wish I could be serving with her. This work is so great! We had some people from Russia come into the VC the other night. We played the Christus in Russian for them. Wish Min were here to proclaim the gospel to them:) I will keep you all in my prayers. Have fun in AZ and take pictures! I love you all so much!!!!

Oh ya i forgot to talk about my companion. Her name is Sister Gordon and she is from Logan, UT. She is such a cute and loving girl. She is a joy to be around and I think this transfer is going to be so great! I wish I could tell you more but I have to run. See you!

Sister Lewis

Transfers

Not much news this week ....transfers.  Enjoy Conference!...Val

Well once again I have P-day on a Wed. Transfers were today and I will be staying in the DC 2nd Singles ward. I do love it here. I kind of hope that I will stay here the whole mission. I sent my companion back to Kenya today and received a new companion by the name of Sister Gordon. She has been out about 7 transfers now and she is great. I know I will learn so much from her and she will kick my rear doing missionary work. She is also one of the training sisters at the VC so we will be there a LOT this transfer.

Last week was a lot of saying goodbye for Sister Otieno. I have had so much food that I don't think I will be able to fit any more food inside of me. It was so fun to visit with all of the people in the ward and see how much she will be missed. 

By the way, dad, you should be getting an email from a guy in my ward that took us to the White House and took our picture. Let me know if you get it. I also thought it was cool that the guy who gave the fireside played ball with you. Of course he did and of course you knew him:)

How is everybody doing? I can't believe that it is October already...well soon at least. I want to say happy birthday to all birthdays that I missed. I hope they were all fun. 

Oh mom, before I forget, I was wondering if you could send me a couple of skirts that I didn't pack. One is a brown skirt and the other is a black/greyish skirt. They would be good to have for the winter i think. 

I don't have much to report this week. With my companion going home we spent a lot of time doing that sort of thing. I love you all SO much. It is interesting that every Sunday during Sacrament meeting I always think about my family. I think about all of you. I realize more and more how much I have the best family ever! I am very excited to watch General Conference this weekend. I hope you are all able to do the same. It is the best time of the year:)

Love you and miss you all so much! Send me pictures of you all! 

Sister Lewis

My First Baptism

Background: The "quote" I sent Janell was from C.S. Lewis:  'In the end, there are two kinds of people...those who say to God, "Thy will be done", and those to whom God relunctly says, "Thy will be done".'  Janell collects provoking thoughts (or quotes) so if you have some favorites, let me know and I will forward them to her.  She speaks of the fireside speaker, Brad Bryan below who played baseball at Cal (my alma mater).  I played through 1964 and graduated in 1965, so I looked in my '65 Yearbook (attached), and there he is, middle row, 5th from the left...small world.  I don't specifically remember him, but he looks familiar.  So that you don't call the authorities, Jodee rode home from the park in the back of Diane's van because she couldn't climb into the front...and Diane called it the trunk.  Jodee thought it was funny.  The "conference" she is encouraging everyone to watch is the General Conference of the Church where all the general authorities (apostles..) will speak, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing in 4 major televised meeting from Salt Lake City on Saturday and Sunday, October 1st and 2nd.  Broadcasts will be on cable channel KBYU in High Definition at 9:00am and 1:00pm PDT each of those days.  These are held each April and October and will have a world-wide audience.  I record them and review them from time-to-time during the next 6 months.  We regard them as modern-day instruction for the world, similar to Paul instructing the Romans,  Corinthians, etc. ~2000 years ago.  Janell is right...it seems that someone has always addressed me personally at every conference.  Enjoy! - Val

I loved the quote that you sent. Keep em comin'.

So...I just went to the White House!!! So cool! Smaller than I imagined but cool that I have now officially been inside. The Obama's were inside too but I didn't see them. I only know that because the guy who took us works there so he had the inside scoop. He was the only one who could take pictures so I didn't get any pictures on my camera but I'll have him email you the pics he took.

I DID get the chocolate but I had no idea it had to be refrigerated. I will put it in the fridge once I get home. I have been still eating them though...hopefully that has nothing to do with the fact of me getting sick lately.

So today is my companion's last p-day before she leaves next week to go home to Kenya. She is way excited. We ended with a bang last Sunday because we had a BAPTISM! It was my first baptism. Yep, it was Karl. He is so awesome! He is such a solid kid. I will send you pics. He was even talking about serving a mission in a couple of years. Oh, that made me so happy because that was my first thought when we first started teaching him. He will make an excellent missionary! One of his favorite things he learned about the principles of the gospel was the word of wisdom. That should tell you how stellar he is. That one is a hard one for people to like. :) The night after the baptism there was a "Why I Believe" fireside at the VC. Karl spoke at it. He bore his testimony. I was like a proud parent. Everyone came up to us after to say how solid he is. Yep. He is ridiculous...but in a good way. Not many like him around. At the fireside a man spoke named Brad Bryan or something like that. He played baseball at Cal Berkeley! Ya! I asked when he was there and he said 1963. I told him that my dad and uncle played there too. I wonder if you played with him or if that was right after you played dad. In his talk he had a LOT of baseball analogies...made me miss my pappy. It was awesome!

So I was watching a video at the VC the other day and low and behold who do I see? Yep...it was Dave Tinney! Hahahaha! I laughed out loud. It was a random dvd that I never have seen before about the D&C sections or something. He was a bad guy.  Hahahaha...loved it! I also saw Lita on one of our kiosks! She is on there and it made me  miss all of my people. I love knowing famous people:)

Well I'm glad to hear that Jodee got to ride in the trunk of a car! Ha ha Dobes! That is awesome. Sounds like her birthday was interesting as well. What a good time.

Mom, I had sports day last Wed so that is why I had P-day. It was super fun. I will send you pics. I have a TON of pics to send to you...it will make you so happy:)

Thank you for all the birthday gifts and wishes! They were so wonderful!

I am so grateful for all of you. I know that Heavenly Father is so mindful of everyone of you. I'm so excited for conference. It is my favorite time of year. Watch it. Someone will speak on something that is specifically for you.

Well, I have to get going. I love all of you so much. Let me know how everyone is doing. LOVE YOU!

Sista Lewis

Update & Photos

Explanations: Perla is the Relief Society President of the local ward Janell is serving in.  Ironically, she is the sister of Janell's great friend in Provo, Tasha!  Small World!  The next email that will follow shortly contains pictures of Perla's birthday "party" for Janell.  She is blessed to have so many wonderful friends!  Definition: "Quad" is a reference to the 4 LDS scriptures that come together in one book, and contains the Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.  I have also attached some photos of the Visitor Center Missionaries (she is top row, far right...Val

So...I got a package from you! YAY! However, no email. BOO! Thank you so much for the gift that you gave Perla to get me and also the soap! It was awesome!

I had an awesome birthday yesterday. Perla had a picnic for me in her living room. It was SOOOO cooool! She really is so wonderful. We laughed and talked and ate yummy food...and the Georgetown cupcakes were AMAZING! Wow. yep. Good day.  We also had a couple other food appointments so needless to say I was well feed. We had to lessons that we got to teach yesterday. One to a guy that we have never met and the other to an investigator that we have had for a long time. They both went really well. The lesson we gave to Peter (he is a guy from Kenya. He is awesome. He is the guy that we have known for a while), he told us that he is ready to be baptized. Sister Otieno and I were shocked but SO excited! He is so great. I love all the people that I get to meet here.

Today we had a mission Sports Day. Of course our team won both times:) It was really fun. I'm excited for tonight because we have 2 more lessons. One is wiht a girl named Andrea and the other is with a guy named Karl...the one I told you about. He is getting baptized on Sunday so we are going to talk about that! I am SOOOO excited for him! He is truly amazing. I was planning on telling the ward to buy him a quad of the scriptures for his baptism but on Sunday when he came to church he already had them. He ordered them online. Ha! He is wonderful!

I received letters from people in the ward and i LOVED them! I thank them so much for those.

How was Dobe's birthday? What did she do? Did she get my package? I want to know all about it.

Well, I can't really remember the rest of my week. It has been good I'm sure. I love all the people like I said. Heavenly Father is so wonderful and answers our prayers. We just need to ask. Power of prayer is amazing!

I love all of you so much and you are all missed by me:) BE GOOD!

Love,

Sista Lewis

Message from Sister Lewis

Clarifications: Casey is Janell's nephew (nickname, "Chi"), has been married for almost a year.  Heath is a brother-in-law.  The message she refers to on lds.org is worth watching....we also saw our good friend Bethany (Slade) in the video on page 1, titled, "I am a child of God"...if you are like me, you'll end up watching most of them...they're like longer versions of the public service announcements from the church....feel good moments!  You might also enjoy the story below Janell's, where her mom relates a story of her niece, Mandy, who is an Elk Grove cheerleader and also in the marching band. - Val

 

Wow, I have gotten so many pictures from all of you and I LOVE them! Everyone is getting so old and I have only been gone a couple of months...what?! Keep em comin. I love them.

It has been a busy, long week but so good. So much has happened. Last night I had official African food. The Kenyan diplomat here is Sister Otieno's friend so we go over there often. Last night we had African food and it was good...spicy but good. I love them. They are so fun and nice. I feel like I have friends all over the world now. Maybe someday I can travel to visit them all:) One in China, Africa, Germany, Chile, Canada, Australia, and the list goes on. I love it:)

Oh, I wanna tell Casey that we taught a guy and he likes to write music for a living...RAP music that is. I immediately thought about you and Heath and your raps. The kid rapped for us. It was awesome. I laughed to myself cause I imagined you and Heath going at it. So funny. This guy is pretty legit though. Also Chi, there is a sign in the lounge of the VC that says, "Shine the light. Be the light." Hahahahaha. I thought of you again. Any babies on the way by the way???:)

This week we were supposed to have our Sports Day for the mission but it was raining so bad so no sports day. i was really looking forward it it. Sometimes here on the mission you just crave those days you know?

Yesterday we also met with our investigator from Folsom. He is getting baptized on the 18th. He is so good. He said that his favorite part of what we have taught him are the word of wisdom and the values of families. I totally see that kid going on a mission someday. He is so ready and he LOVES the gospel! It makes me so happy to see that. I love that people actually want to know the truth and they are searching for it. It is so great to see.!

So last week there was an accident at our service project. A glass table broke and all these crystal plates and whatnot fell and shattered to the floor. Yep, all broken my friends. Bad thing about it is that they were furious. Well, needless to say we might now go back very soon to their house.

Oh, guess what? There is a guy in our ward that is a security guard for the President or something like that and he arranged for us to have a tour of the White House on the 22nd!!!! Cool huh? And he will go through with us so he can take pictures. I'm kind of super excited about that!

So I saw an awesome mormon message on lds.org this week and you should all check it out if you haven't seen it. It is lds.org-> go to mormon messages at the bottom of the page-> click on page 3 I think and it is called "lessons I learned as a boy". Watch it for family home evening. I want all the kids to watch it cause it is super good and I think they will love it. Also, there is a talk that you can type in the "search" bar called "Sage's Song".

I love this gospel more and more every day. I love my Savior so much. He loves all of us and did so much for us. I love that we have the fulness of the gospel. It is such a blessing to know this. I love the Book of Mormon. I love that it applies to us, now! An intersting thing I learned this week was about the Tree of Life. It talks about the people holding to the rod of iron and THEN a mist of darkness arose. The mist came after they were holding to the rod. Some people fell away because of this. And a "mist" is very slight. You can barely feel it and yet it blocks your view. This just shows how satan works. We need to remember to always hold to the rod. Keep doing the small things like praying, reading and studying the scriptures, and going to church. These things will keep you on the path even though they seem small and simple.

Sorry this letter is long. I must go now. One last shout out to my twin sister...HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY DOBBIE!!! WE ARE 29!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOVE YOU!

Love all of you so much!

Sister Lewis

On Thu, Sep 8, 2011 at 12:02 PM, Ann Lewis <annhlewis@gmail.com> wrote:

Are you there?  Mom

On Thu, Sep 8, 2011 at 8:50 AM, Janell Lewis <janell.lewis@myldsmail.net> wrote:

HAHAHHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't stop laughing!!! I just died laughing pretty sure. Oh my gosh....make sure that is the first video I watch when I get home. Oh my gosh!

On Sat, Sep 3, 2011 at 5:08 PM, Ann Lewis <annhlewis@gmail.com> wrote:

Everyone needs a chuckle-

Last night I went to see Mandy cheer at her football game.  She did a great job and half time was approaching.  The band was waiting down at the end zone to come on to do their routine.  Mandy went running down the field only to find out that the cheer group was going to do their cheer first.  So she ran down the middle of the field to the cheer group to get in position for the routine. 

After the routine was over she proceeded to run down the middle of the field toward the band.  A lady met her half way with a shirt to match the band members uniform.  She dressed while running down.  She then started looking for her clarinet .  The lady had not retrieved it for her.  She proceeded to ask everyone she could see to find it.  The band proceeded to come down the field to start their routine.  Mandy was still searching asking everyone she  could to find her instrument.  She finally found a man which pointed up toward the stands where the band had been sitting.  By this time the whole band was in position to start.  Mandy saw that there wasn't time to go retrieve the instrument so she ran into her position to start the program.  Diane was busy videoing the process.  Mandy took her place on the field right in the center front.  She was dressed with the shirt but .... her white legs stood out.  The other band members had black pants on.  She held her hands up to her mouth with her fists tight to represent that she had her instrument up to her lips.  The music started and she marched all over the field in perfect step, white legs, no instrument but marching perfectly.  Diane all of a sudden starting singing, "one of these things is not like the others, one of these things just doesn't belong."  I started cracking up.  Mandy did a great job, finished her routine, ran off the field throwing her shirt to one of the ladies and ran back to lead the cheering again.  IT WAS A CLASSIC!  America's Funniest home videos here we come!  I am dying to see the video.  Thought you might like the story.  Love, Mom