Background: Short message today...computer problems.  - Val

 

Hello my family!

It has been a very interesting week and I have seen many miracles. It has been hard but also very good. We met with a family that we were planning on dropping because it has been hard to connect with them and there hasn't been much progress with them. That happens a lot and I was sad that it was going to happen with them because I love them. We talked with them and instead of dropping them, they now are on date for baptism. Apparently they do like us coming over and they want to come closer to Jesus Christ. That was fantastic news!

Megan is progressing still and is getting ready for her baptism in June. She is so fantastic! She wants Lynda's phone number if she is willing to talk to her. She has a son who is autistic and he reminds me a lot of Carter. I think she is comforted to know that someone else knows what she is going through. She is so great and has a wonderful heart. I'm so excited for her!

So I really don't have a lot of time today. Usually my computer lets me have extra time but I guess not today. NO!!!!! So weird.

I love you all so much! I love that everything is coming together for the party! I love you and miss you all!

Sister Lewis

It was SO fun to talk to you on Sunday. I met with the  President yesterday at our combined district meeting and I asked him about you two coming out to get me. He recommends it. So, I  guess you two should come out. I was worried  that there wouldn't be a lot of people for you to meet since my first area was a YSA ward so during the  holidays none of them will be around and my second area was Chevy Chase...and I didn't teach many people there. Although, Perla is now in that ward and there are many people in that ward that I LOVED! AND Rob  Moffat  should be performing at the VC that Saturday so that would be  fun. I think I would love most for you all to meet the sisters and  the couples and the president and his wife. They are so awesome. I would also love to do a session in the temple with you. It is so gorgeous here. We can also go sight seeing and go to places that I'm not able to go. We could also head up to New York since it is not that far away. Let me know what you want to do. The mission office sends out information 3 months before I go so there is a ton of time to plan it. I'm just wondering about  who will watch Jodee and stuff like that. Let me know.

The  mission  is so wonderful. I can't imagine being anywhere else right now. I got a little sad at the end of the phone call but I was ok. I'm happy for your anniversary! Sad I'll miss it but that is ok. I know I need to be here. I have a lot to learn. I finished Jesus The Christ book last week. I was so happy. That was one of my goals. That book is so amazing. If you have never read it i I recommend it to everybody. It is a powerful book. I also want to finish up the Book of Mormon before we read it as a mission next transfer. I want to read through it 3 times on the mission so my goal will be accomplished if I can do it. That is the most wonderful, powerful book on this earth. Joseph Smith wasn't kidding when he said it was the most correct of any book and would bring you more closer  to God than any other book. It is true. I know it for myself. I know that when people read it, their lives change for the better. We have seen it in a lady we  are teaching right now. Her name is Megan and she is SO awesome! She has such a pure heart and a desire to know the truth. She reads everything we  ask  and even more. She  told us that she wished she knew about this a long time ago. She told us that we should be knocking on everyone's door. We laughed and said  that it  is what we want to do but not everyone is as open and willing to listen as she is. She has  been praying and receiving answers and it is so awesome to see her excitement. She knows it is true. She will be getting baptized in June. OH, I love this gospel. It is true and it  changes lives.

Well I have to go. My companion is waiting for me. I love you all so much! I miss you all and will see  you soon! Keep me updated with everything!

LOVE YOU!

Sister Lewis

Background:  The "miracles" Janell is referring to is the day-to-day blessings we receive that her mom writes to her about...Jodee falling in Primary, but being rescued and unhurt...a new job from out of the blue...straight A's in school...genealogy information from an unknown relative...etc.  The missionary brother that went to Spain was Craig. -  Val

 I LOVE hearing all the miracles that are happening. It makes me so happy! It has been a wonderful week here. Last Saturday we had Elder Bednar come teach us for 3 hours! I loved every second. He just taught doctrine and taught us the true way to teach-just as the Savior taught. I didn't want it to end. That usually happens whenever general conference ends or an apostle speaks, I never want it to end. Elder Bednar is so good. So many experiences have happened where his words have been the ones I needed at that moment. His spirit is so strong. He truly is an apostle of the Lord. Maybe we can chat a little more about that on Sunday! Which, yes, I will try and call around 12:30 your time. It should work out just fine.

I'm glad to hear that Dobbie is fine. I love that angels are always with her to help her.

Last night was "Night of Music and Inspiration". I was way nervous as always but when I got up to sing the nerves weren't as bad. Still nervous voice but the spirit of the song is so strong so it didn't matter. It is a pretty song. Perla came and I was so happy to see her! I introduced her to my companion and told her how we were friends before the mission. Sister Lin looked at me funny and asked, "how did that happen?". Ha! She thought I broke some kind of rule or something. I told her to ask Heavenly Father about it because HE did it. She seemed a little better after that. Sister Lin is very honest. I certainly am VERY aware now of all my faults and wrong doings. Oh, good times.

I love that Lynda got all "A"s"!!! YES! I knew she was always brilliant:)

I love that Craig and Denise got their house and that Mike got a new job. Sounds like things are going well. I loved getting a picture of JoAnn and Jordan and Rylee. She is SO cute! I love hearing about everyone. So fun.

I have been very busy here. I seem to have less time in my area because I am at the Visitor Center more often. That is ok though because I LOVE the VC! It is fun to see everyone who comes in. Yesterday there were people who came in from Spain. I told them that my brother served his mission there. They were nice. They didn't want to have missionaries but I think they had a nice time. The Spirit is so strong in that building. I love being right next to the temple. I love the temple. We got to go there last Friday. I truly am so blessed.

I don't have a lot of time left but I will be talking to you all soon! Sunday!!!!

I love you all so much! I miss you like crazy! Talk to you Sunday!

Sister Lewis

Bonus:  Janell's wonderful friends (Tasha & Perla Antoniak) sent this attached photo of her singing at the Washington DC Visitor's Center.  If you come to her return home talk (probably in December) I'll ask the Bishop to ask her to sing this song at that meeting...I hope you can all come.  Val

Background:  The comment about Sariah being so cute....Sariah is Jolene's 4 year old daughter who is really cute and energetic (she's the one in the attached photo with her eyes closed...photo taken almost 2 years ago).  Well, the other day she asked Ann for a glass of water, and Ann, always the grandma teaching proper manners says,  "What's the magic word?"  Sariah looked puzzeled for a second and then smiled and replied, "Bippity Boppity Boo?"    Val

 

Seriously, Sariah is so cute! Ha, what a funny little one. I am excited to see them. First thing, I plan on calling home next Sunday around 3 my time which will be noon your time. I hope that will work out. Maybe you can come home a little early from church. Maybe I will try to wait till around 3:15 or so. That should give you enough time. Make sure you feed Jodee a little bit before hand so that she will talk to me...at least for a little bit.

I can't believe that Mindy gets home so soon. So crazy. I don't ever have enough time to read all of her letters but we plan on doing some major chat time when I get back.

Sounds like you all are doing so good! I love that! I would love to see some updated pics of Rylee since I'm sure she looks so old now. I want to see pics of everybody actually but I don't know how realistic that will be. I'll be content on what I get.

It has been busy around her. My companion doesn't know English too well so that has been fun. I laugh most of the day everyday even though she doesn't know why she is funny. She is just so honest and without any guile at all. She says what is on her mind at all times. If you ever want complete honesty, ask Sister Lin. Oh, she is so cute. She keeps on saying that I am perfect...looks like I'm teaching her English very well! Ha! I think it is just because she hasn't had a companion yet that really communicates with her. I don't know. All I know is that she is so funny. I wish you could all meet her. She said I was like a flower and everyone is a bee and wants honey. hahahahahaha...I have no idea what she is talking about but you can catch a glimpse as to why I am always laughing.

Being a trainer at the VC has been busy. Just trying to learn everything. I feel inadequate in every way but I know I am to learn something from this. I know I have learned patience, humility, and other things here on the mission and Heavenly Father knows I still have such a long way to go. Friday we get to go to the temple. I love the temple so much. I'm so excited about that. And then Saturday we get to hear from Elder Bednar for 3 hours. Oh, I am spoiled! I LOVE IT! Next Tuesday I sing in the program at the VC. I'm singing a song called, "Child of Light". Don't know if you know it but that is what I was asked to sing. I had a horrible dream last night that it was terrible. Ha, well, I guess that is what it will be. I don't know why they ask for me to sing solos. Terrible idea but oh well.

Oh last week I got to attend a leadership training meeting and the Matsumori's have lunch with the 4 sisters who are VC trainers afterward. They are so incredible. I expect he will definitely be a General Authority one day. Sister Matsumori was in the General Primary Presidency before they came out here. I'm pretty lucky. They asked if we had any questions. I love questions so it was fun to ask them. I'm going to have to think of some good questions for next time.

Well I hope you are all doing fantastic! I love you all so much and am praying for you all the time. During our phone call I only have 40 min to talk just to let you know. I want to know how the anniversary things are going and how everyone is doing.

I love you all. I'd better go. Keep me updated with everything!

Sister Lewis