My schedule has been nice, I only worry about one or two classes. It’s been kinda hard cause I’m in quite a few of freshman classes so I don’t meet a ton of kids in my grade. I’m kinda doing my own thing. I eat lunch in the truck(that’s where I am typing this), but it isn’t as sad as it sounds, it is what it is. Work has been good, it’s pretty easy which is nice and everyone is nice, one bad part is home coming for Middleton is coming up and I’ve already had one person ask if I wanted to go with another worker idk, so mom helped me come up with an excuse that Sadie’s in town so I wanted to do stuff with her. What a joke! Then Riley Lenards brother from McCall asked me if I wanted to go with her in McCall but I told him I was gonna be out of town. Which isn’t a lie, because for My birthday mom and dads gift was tickets to the bsu vs. byu game down in Provo. I am so pumped! The game is on a Saturday but dad and I are heading down Thursday night and Friday dad is gonna play 36 holes w his brothers and I’m gonna go golfing with cache and Trey. It’s gonna be so much fun. On not such a good note, I found out about basketball open gyms a week ago and went to one that was an optional shooting. The coach wasn’t there but I shot around w a bunch of juniors and seniors. Then two days later I went to an actual open gym and was shooting around with the same varsity guys when the coach pulled everyone to the middle and called by name all the guys who he wanted down stairs (upper class men) then he told all of the fresh and sophomores to go upstairs. He didn’t tell me to stay down, but how would he. He had never seen me before. So when everyone was splitting up I went over to him and I introduced myself and told him I was a senior. He barely even looked at me and said “ya your up stairs”. That’s it. That’s all he said. I was beyond ticked. I went upstairs and played a game or two and then went to the bathroom and almost had a breakdown. He didn’t even give me a shot. Who knows I could have been crazy good (I’m not) but he didn’t even give me a chance. I left the open gym early and decided to go to the temple. So I could have my breakdown. When I got there Sadie had texted me how open gym went, so I called her and vented while I sat on a bench by the reflection pool. So that was a pretty tuff night. I decided that I’m not gonna play basketball for the school because the coach is a hoser and even if I made the team I’d ride the pine cause there are so many guys and they are younger so the coach would want to develop them. Dang it, it still makes me mad. I also decided to really get better at golf so I can make the school team. Another gift I got was mom and dad are gonna pay for me to have golf lessons so that’ll be sweet. My first lesson was on my birthday and I’ve gone to the range or played three times since then. Yikes! That’s enough about me.
How are you doing? Is the language getting better? I hope you are settling in. We all talk about you all of the time. How much longer till transfers? If you are busy don’t respond i get it. Just want you to know how much I love you. Thank you for the birthday card. You got this sorella!!
RESPONSE:
Awh miles! I miss you so much! It is killing me not to get to talk to you guys! But makes me so excited for your Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks!
Thank you so much for the " beefy email" I loved the update and feeling like I know what you are up to, you are in my prayers!
That is so sad about eating in the truck :,( I thought you met a kid who you ate with? No? I feel so bad your senior year feels so random and just buckling down and getting through- you're a stud miles, I don't know how you do it! Try to enjoy it, it will be over before you know it. & I know how much Avery loves being there with you, she told me about how much she loves seminary with uou- I miss it so bad! I miss you and your stupid dragon scriptures and the little paper dragon you put on the projector, i miss you throwing gum wrappers at me while I was playing the piano and just messing around, it was the best!
The basketball coach sounds like a complete HOSER! That is so beyond lame that he wouldn't even give you a chance, the whole set up is so lame with lowkey recruiting and all of it. I'm so so sorry it is so lame and that the move and all of it have put you in. A rough position. That isn't fair and I bet it hurts but I promise there are much bigger and better things! & I am beyond proud of you for going to the temple to sort it all out. You are such an example to me, you know what matters most and it is impressive! You are going to be an amazing missioandy no doubt! & thst is a great idea to excel at golf, a life long sport! Sorry to bring the sting of that while situation up again, just know I feel for you, thanks for telling me about it. You'll always be the best at basketball in our family prob ( unless Graham can take you ;) although I want a rematch in PIG when I get home, I got pretty good in Hawaii playing against all the elders jkjk we don't play any basksfball in Italy and it makes me kinda sad. Lots of basketball and volleyball.
That is so so fun! The byu bsu game in provo will be HYPE esp when it is in provo so you are the minority all decked out in orange- fun! I hope bsu pulls it this year, I've heard byu is supposed to win, they need some humble pie after their win against Utah. Bring it Boise! So fun! I'm so excited for you. And to hang out at nates will be fun!
Holy cow you are a total ladies man! Wowza you can't catch a break! Hahaha I'm dying! It is so weird to me that rylee would want you to ask her again, you just did that out of kindness, and the Kraus worker, weird and random, isn't is a guy ask girl, tell them to stay in their lane haha. It is good you have the out wifh mxcall and other things! Brutal, that is funny not funny
I am doing a lot better! Conference was literally so heaven sent. I loved when Brad Wilcox compared our lives (my mission) to cross-country road trips and how we were never intended to get from point a to point b on one tank of gas- God provides little "gas stations" along the way fo give us enough to make it the next stop ( whether that is 3 months or just the next week, he always provides) I felt like conference was a fill up for me, like i was running on empty but got the uplifting and strength i needed to keep going! (***hopefully that made sense*** :)
I think my favorite talk was by Camille N Johnson about letting God have the pencil to write our stories what was your favorite talk? So hard to pick !!
I thought about you a lot when the one lady encouraged all the youth to get their patriarchal blessing. Have you thought about getting yours? I know you talked about getting it when you got settled down in Meridian! I am so excited for you to have it, mine has been such a strength to me on my mission, I read if every week if not every other day, Im so excited for you. This week I had a lot of friends receive mission calls, one to Japan Tokyo North, one to Wisconsin, and another to Brazil! I know I tell you all the time but I am so so pumped for you! (Fiji, Italy, Maryland, Madagascar- I will make a legit guess when it gets closer, I'm still praying for revaion on it;) Rome would be Littttt
Learning a language is a grind. I'm trying so hard but it isn't coming as easily as i prayed it would. It was hard spending 11onths in English and only getting 7 to be here, it is enough time to learn it but not really to use it ya know. That is bad faith on my part, the lord prepares a way and there are definitely other ways to share the gospel and serve but it is pretty frustrating most days. One day at a time:).
Transfers are on the 27th. This Wednesday is the half, it feels way long! Crazy to think I have 3 left after this. My ideal set up would be one more here on Lodi with a new comp next transfer and then my last 2 transfers in a new area before I head out. Someday 5 months sounds like a lifetime and some times when I think about it it feels like I'm going home so soon! Mission time is so weird, I actually hate it, you'll see what what mean soon enough! Enjoy lazy days and Sunday naps but you have so much to look forward to and prepare for!
Thank you for the email miles! It meant so much to me to hear from you, I have missed talking to you so bad! This is hard, but man is it worth it! I hit 150 days left on Monday! Time will roll and I'll be home so soon, trying to soak it in and milk the mission for all it's worth! Thank you miles!
Love you more than you know! Prayers your way! I miss you so much! Sorry for my novel:) & happy late birthday, crazy to me you are 18 and an adult, such a big year!
Emma! How are you? It was so fun talking to you the other day. I miss those calls so much. That pic by lebron was pretty sweet. Really old but cool. The nba season just started and the first game was lakers v warriors. It was a good game but the warriors won and Sadie gets bragging rights but she’s been pretty quite cause she’s always in Seth lala land. What a joke. They might get married before you get home. No I doubt it but that better not take up this last summer that I’m around. I’ve set up an interview with the bishop on Halloween to get my patriarchal blessing which I’m realing looking forward to. Other than that I’m just kinda moving along with school. Kinda boring but that’s prob because I don’t talk to any one. But mom said I could come home for lunch which will be nice sometimes. Kinda lame, basketball is getting started here without me. Man ima miss that. But snow in McCall this week so snowboarding soon
And when the snow is gone you’re gonna be home!! I take the ACT again this weekend and I’m pretty stressed cause I’ve spent a ton of time on Magoosh and I’ve learned stuff but most the time I was kinda just checked out going through the motions to get the 30 hours. So I hope it turns out ok. I really don’t want to take it again. The whole fam except me and dad went up to McCall this weekend so that makes it even more lame. But maybe we can go golfing which would be fun.
I love you Emma! I’m constantly thinking about you and what you are doing. Big shoes to fill!
RESPONSE:
Miles !!
Thank you for your email, I always go to my inbox during lunch and refresh it to see if I have any mail (hoping I have something haha) but your email came at a time when I just really needed to hear from home
When I saw the LeBron picture I said, "demeure! I need you to take a picture of me with him for my brother" hah she thought that was weird because she didn't didn't know who that was but it us the first time I've seen a basketball ad and not a soccer one, so we had to take the opportunity
What a fun game to start off the NBA with the warriors VS the Lakers! Ugh that ticks me off about sadie, I get it, and it is supposed to happen, we want her to get married at some piint right ? Hah but it us annoying I bet when he becomes her everything- it it so strange to me thst I don't have any clue who he is, it is weird that he is always with uou guys and aadie will send me updates but I don't know him,weird! Soon enough I guess.
yay yay yay! I'm so pumped you are going to get your blessing. It talked about it in come follow me and I keep thinking about you! It will be such a cool experience, if is crazy how a random patriarch who you likely don't know and they don't know you, can recieve such personal revelation for YOU! another testament thsf the church is true! Yay! I'm pumped for you! Praying it is everything you are needing to hear> it will be!
I'm sorry the school scene is so lame, keep pushing! Thst is nice you can come home for lunch ! How far is the high school from the house? Have you met anyone who is going to do golf? I bet it is hard to try to make friends or even care when you only have to so it for 5 more months, just biting the bullet and getting through! Proud of you! Sorry about basketball, that hurts my heart to know you're missing it, fhe whole situation is lame and didn't play out in your favor at all, but way to be positive and fo find other things fo be excited about! Will you teach me how to snowboard when I come home? I really want to learn! Is if more fiun than skiing?
"When the snow is gone, you'll be home" YAYAYAYAYYAAYY! I love the sound of that! 4 months sounds short but feels long, which makes no sense. Trying to remember that these are my last 4 months to representing my Savior full time, but it is a grind haha! All for theSavior, makes it easier! I hope you get called to the HHM! Thst is my guess andwish! !
How did the ACT go?? Thst magoosh thing is pretty brutal, I know, but I hope it helped bookstore your score, it is important. Of you don't get high enough will they make hou take it again? What is the goal? 25? Those trstd are brutal, and stupid in my opinion, why is everything dependent on a time multiple choice test? Dumb. But I hope it went well amd the resulted are what you want !
That is lame you didn't go to mccall- bc of the ACT? I'm glad you got to go golfing, mom sent me a picture, the weather looked awful! Diehards haha!
i love you miles, thanks so much for the email, I miss you more than you know! Keep your head up & soak if all in, you'll be gone before you know it. Pretty soon we will be switching roles, I'm going to be your hype girl on your mission! Can't wait! I'm excited for you !
Love Emma
sorry I didn’t get to email you last week
How are you doing? How’s the new comp? 6 feet tall? Hopefully that feels a little closer to home
Is she cool tho? I also heard you had to talk to Seth on call, was that awkward? Was Sadie on too? What a joke. You’ll have to tell me about it but I bet it was hard to really get to know him. Every week it seems like that whole ordeal is getting more intense. I just don’t want him on our last trip and hopefully I can dip out before they get married. I haven’t been up to much lately. Kravz is slowing down for the winter and I’ve been reffing at grahams games which is nice cause it’s all under the counter and I can ref for two hours and make more then working at kravz for four. It’s not terrible besides some cranky moms but some of those little kids are so cute. I’ve been reffing elementary schoolers and six year olds. Oh and my n seminary the other day the girl with the spiritual thought never showed up so the teacher asked me to do it on the fly. So I thought I’d keep the streak alive and find one on dragons;). I found 2 nephi 23:22 and had a girl read it to the class. She paused half way through to ask if she was reading the right scripture, but then I said how this scripture really speaks to me because I’m a big fan of dragons but then the end of the scripture talked about the righteous and wicked in the last days so I could give a little thought on the end. But like the whole time no one said anything or even laughed. I prob took it way to serious so no one thought I was joking except avery in the corner who told me to stop acting like a doofus or she’d tell momsmh. But made me sad that it wasn’t the same.
I hope you have a really good week and can’t wait to hear from you on Wednesday. I love you!
Miles
RESPONSE:
Miles!!
I loved hearing from you! No worries, whenever you have the time is perfect!
Yes haha my new comp is 6ft tall, feels like home good one. How tall are you these days, 6'2?? I saw the picture of you and sadie when she camehome, you look like a giant! She is driving me crazy! But we're only two weeks in so I'm trying to stay positive- only 4 more weeks then I will hopefully leave her and leave Lodi, I love Lodi bit after 18 weeks I'm ready for a change! I need time to pick up! March is close but so far still all at the same time. Missions are so weird, it is the best and I never want to take off my tag but at the same time it is the hardest thing ever and I'm just ready to come home to mama. I miss you guys so much! Yesterday I was walking and this little otalian boy started laughing and it sounded like little Graham with his high pitch squeal/ giggle, ugh my heart. I hate that I can't really talk fo you guys as much. I haven't seen you in a whole month! I haven't seen Graham in like 2, I miss it!!!!
I laughed so hard at your spiritual thought about dragons haha! I miss that! Seminary with you was always so fun, me you, zach and Liv haha, brother denzer prob didn't appreciate us all of the time but we always did what he asked and I got a lot out of seminary haha. Everytime I read my scriptures and I come across a verse about dragons, I write your name in the margin, it cracks me up! Too funny. And when you said she stopped mid verse to ask if it was the right scripture hahaha I love it! I love your confidence, like you really don't care what others think, it is awesome! Avery she is too cute. She is trying to find her place in a new high school but I bet she is so grateful to have you there, it was cute how important it was fo her that you had seminary together
Reffing games is a sweet gig! &so nice it is under the counter! I remember thinking that about working with Nataie, no taxes! Keep earning that money, it will be so huge! How close are you to paying for your mission? I think I am going to stay home between March and September to work and set myself up financially for school instead of spring term. You've had quite the resume of work experience(swim lessons, dads office, tacos, kravz, reffing...) its awesome uou are a hard worker and mature enough to get it done ! Proud sister over here!
YESSSSS! I had one on one time with Seth and sadie! It actually wasn't that bad or awkward, I definitely thought it would be! He has an interesting voice and kinda went overboard on the compliments bit he seemed kind and he really does make sadie so happy. I don't know what she is like about it, from what everyone tells me it is next level, Seth land. Maybe I lucked out missing out on that one, do you really want to be gone for their wedding ? That would be sad! You might miss their first baby! You'd get the poster when you come home "I've waited my whole life to meet you" cute! Haha who knows , I am sorry it has be a lot though. It sounds exhausting to always hear about him and fo have fo be so nice. I can't really get a read on what everyone thinks about him, is he actually weird or are you just sick of hearing about him and losing sadie all of the time fo him? Mom said you know his brother and he is a little weird? What are your thoughts on him, future brother in law ?!
Have you heard back from the AC Praying it went well! When is your blessing?? You said you met with bishop on Halloween right? Have you thought aby more on an availability date for your papers? I SAW YOU OPENED YOUR PORTAL !! WHATTTT?! I am pumped for you but it also makes me so so sad bexuase I don't want you to leave! I feel like i haven't seen you forever and I'm only going to get 5ish months before 2 more years but you already know I am going to be one of your biggest supporters! I am so excited for uou,really!!
Man, I love you miles. I miss you so much! Thanks for the email! Makes my day every time! Keep working hard and grinding out school, Thanksgiving is right around the corner and then CHRISTMAS!! You're in my prayers!
How was last week? I’m sorry about the comp situation. That’s lame. 3 weeks tho right?! I’m so ready for thanksgiving break it’ll be so nice to get up to McCall. Besides Sadie and Seth being there. That’s good tho that you seemed to like him. He is really nice but he just kinda acts weird in a big group and the last time I saw him was in Utah w the cousins and he just acted odd. Idk whatever ya your right if Sadie likes him then that’s what matters I just don’t love interacting w him. It’s so weird like every night mom and dad are on the phone with her talking about the wedding. They are basically married already. I am pumped to see gg and Oprah tho it’s been a long time. Mostly I’m just excited to get up to McCall and get away from meridian and school. It’s exhausting and brutal to grind out. I miss McCall a ton and can’t wait to start snowboarding. Maybe after thanksgiving they’ll open up brundage, that’d be sweet. I’m pumped for you to try out skiing or snowboarding when you come back. Hopefully the snow is still decent. I’m glad you decided to not go to school right away. For one it would have been annoying with the newly weds and getting some Mula will help a ton. Who knows maybe if my mission isn’t until later in the summer we could go up to McCall and work, that’d be fun but we can think about that later. What’s new in Italy. They celebrate thanksgiving right?
I am about two thousand off of my mission which is exciting but working at kravz making 9 is brutal slow and it’s hard to get hours right now in the winter. Is it getting cold in Italy? My act scores came back. Mom probably already told you but I did two worse. 21. What a joke. I’m slowly getting over it but so frustrating after all that Magoosh and time. Ahhh ticks me off. Whatever rip going to byu. But I was talking to Zach Bingham and he said you only need to put your scores in if you think they we will help you get in but I’m not sure.
I’m not going to byu i cause I feel like that is lame and if you don’t get in in Utah then you go there. Also I kinda wanna get out of Idaho for four years cause I’m prob gonna end up back in Idaho. But who knows how I’ll feel after my mission. Are you getting excited for Provo? That’ll be sick. Crazy you’ll definitely be married while I’m gone. Please don’t make me have two Seth brother in laws. Ya I did open up my portal. So insane. Emma, it’s getting so close!
My blessing on Sunday was sooo cool. The patriarch was so awesome and the blessing was super neat. It talked a lot about my mission and turned a lot of my fears into peace if that makes sense. It was so crazy to hear him talk about my kids and my life in the next 10 years. Wild. Also how much I’m loved and how much god trusts me was so cool. It’s weird having my blessing checked another box off the list but the blessing opened up so many more boxes. Hopefully that all made sense.
I love you Emma. So proud of what you are doing and the example you are. I’m always thinking about you.
Miles
RESPONSE:
Miles!
YOU GOT YOUR BLESSING! AHHHH! Im so pumped for you! Mom sent me some pictured and said it wad powerful! I'm literally over the moon for you! It is so cool he talked about your mission, and thst it set you at peace a little bit. It totally makes sense, I know what youre talking about. I remember feeling just like that, I got my blessing really close to submitting my papers too. Actually i read mine when you got yours and on the 24 of this month it will be 3 years since I got it YOU HAVE SO MUCH POTENTIAL! you didn't need a blessing to tell you that but it is so cool to see a small part of how God sees you and a little glimpse at all that lies in store! I can't wait to hold your little chunk babies! I want to be an aunt ao bad! That is a good way of putting it "opened up more boxes" I understand more than you know! I'm so so so excited for you miles, you have no idea. This morning for personal study I read my call letter ( i still get teary and goosebumps) and it just got me pumped to be there for yours! My mission has been the hardest thing i have ever done but I wouldn't trade it for the world! I can't wait for uou to have this experience! IT IS SO SO SO SO SO CLOSE, I KNOW !
last week for me wad alright! It dependable on the day with my companion. Some days were friends, other days I worry she is going to punch me or something, she honestly kinda scares me but we're making it work. Companions are kinda weird bsxuase you can't just "deal" with each other. The Spirit can't work like that so you really learn/are forced to forgive and start over. So many lessons to learn in 18-24 months! But we taught a really cool lesson with a less active lady in the ward and we found out her 9 year old son isn't baptized and he wants to be!!! Ahhhh! I loved pumped to bust out some fun object lessons and get him dunked! Miracles! The transfer is half way over and I'm 90% sure I'm leaving to my last area. Only 15 more weeks as a missionary which feels SO long but it will go fast and I'll be home so soon! I want to try and get a job at the Italian restaurant by the house (il sugo??) That would be fun I think?? Im not sure!
YES! if you don't leave super early for your mission I would be totally totally down to go up to mxxall and work! That would be a blast! Ugh I can't wait to see you, it feels like forever since I've seen you! Thabks for fhe email update, they make you guys seem closer !
Way to call Seth out on his social anxiety tough crowd. You do realize he is your brother in law, you might as well try to like him becuase he is going to be around a lot more! It kinda scares me the way you talk about him, I know fhe whole thing has been hard on the family and annoying but from the way you write about him he sounds like a total weirdo that you can't stand, ahh! Red flags haha! Hopefully you're just fed up with all of it and he is actually decent. Mom seems to like him more than dad, she says Seth is quick fo love which is overwhelming but a good thing?? That is so weird to think I might be married before you get home. I wish it wasn't like that. I want your opinion and you to know him, but it will all woek out. Maybe I'll make a huge cuteout poster of you for my wedding pixtures haha
I heard about the ACT score- LAME! I'm really sorry, that is so so frustrating! Zach is right, you technically don't have to put it. Apply and see what happens- if you don't get in, you can always reapply when you get home from your mission. Or go somewhere else, byu isn't the only college! But im pretty sure Kenedee got in with an act of 24 and good essays, so you never know- that makes sense about wanting to get out of Idaho, although I've heard positive reviews about byui. Who knows, you've got time to process and make a plan, one foot in front of the other:)
I'm glad you get to go up to mxxall! And yay for winter sports! Do you think i should do skiing or snow boarding? Mom and dad said I kinda need to decide so I can get one or the other, I'm kinda scared of skiing and snowboarding, like it is fun but it also kinda scares me and I feel like snow boarding is harder/scarier than skiing?? Thoughts?
I sure hope the snow is good enough for one run! Even at the little ski hill or something! Say hello to gg and opah for me! Tell opah "emma says "mi manchi tantissimo" and see what he says :)
You're so close to there with the mission! That's impressive, you've worked really hard! I'm proud of you! that is annoying with kravz and going from mxcall paycheck to the valley, but slowly and surely!
It is kinda cold here, really rainy. It snows I Lodi every once in a while but i don't think it will this year. I think I will move somewhere new in 3 weeks though and I'm excited about that!
Thanks so much for the email miles, I know takes a lot of time bit it really does mean so much me! I love you more than you know and am so proud of the man you're becoming! I was beaming looking at the picture of you after your blessing, total future missionary! Thats my brother!!!
Ciao! Never mind that was weird I can’t do that how bout habari ninafricka ! (That’s hello girl in Swahili if you were wondering ;) at least I’ll get to say that once who knows but I definitely had to look up hello but the one word I do remember from doulingo is girl. Thanks for your email! I love reading them and is always the highlight of my Wednesday. I hope transfers went smoothly. Crazy that was your last one. Emma it is freaking crazy that your gonna be home here in a month. I am so pumped and yes definitely yes you can come with me to mission prep. You are now in with know way out!
Ya the cabin news was a big bummer. I walked downstairs and mom and dad were talking in moms office with McCall realtors on her computer and I just looked at dad and said no way and he played dumb and then mom was sad and said it was none of my business and told me to get out so I was already pretty mad when they told all of us that night at dinner. I don’t know why though that’s been our life for the past 3 years I feel like. I just imagined all the family reunions and snowboarding and the view and all of it being around for a long time. I still feel like ima say I’m from McCall when im on my mission. Unless I just say United States with a bunch of tongue clicking and hand motions *knocking on wood* it sad and really lame, But you are right it is a blessing that alliance is doing well and who knows it might come in clutch for me in the future. Ya I only did that senior project because I knew I could get the information wrong cause I have dad. But every day dentistry does seem like a better and better option because not gonna lie I’m pretty spoiled (blessed) with the life I have and want that for my family. Also I have such a sweet setup with dad and all. Honestly still not sure yet and trying not to think about it too much. Architecture still sounds cool I just do not know. Two years to figure it out right ? I got pretty lucky with the time in the cabin. You and Sadie got jipped and I’m leaving at a good time, or so I thought..
Last weekend we went up to McCall Friday morning and stayed till sat night but it was so brutal. The second we got up there to the second we left we moved boxes and bins and books and candles and beads. Beads! Mom has this ginormous bin of beads that almost broke my back. We went through every drawer (except the kitchen) and took every thing out of our rooms which was sad because that was my room for the whole year we were up there. We went to the dump with car loads and I personally went to the DI 3 times with moms car full of stuff, not lying the last time I went the same lady came out and said “ oh YOUR back” whatever just take my stuff lady and do your job. So much junk it’s not even funny. Oh mom, always prepared . We got a uhaul in Donnelley and stiffed it full of storage stuff only and Saturday night right when we got back to meridian we went to this new storage place and dumped all the uhaul stuff. You would of totally got the same vibes as me it was like working for DD all over again and our storage shed is like huge. Like two cars in there huge. We got a ton done and cleared out the entire storage room and swept it out. I found like 4 dead frogs (that emoji popped up so I’m definitely gonna use it)
Then we got it all out into the garage. So next weekend dad and I are going back up to finish getting the storage and then the whole pile of meridian stuff (that includes about eight bins and boxes of your stuff just kidding but your bins are flipping heavy) so hopefully that all fits into another uhaul.
So ya McCall is a joke right now I just hope it isn’t like that when you get home and right up to when we sell it. I guess I just don’t want to go up to McCall and clean every time but just enjoy it like we use to. It’s gonna be hard though cause it’s empty now. Fingers crossed that we have it for spring break and we can go to brundage with you. You’ll only hurt my feelings a little bit if you don’t snowboard. But ya do whatever you want and whatever makes sense.
Ok my bad my last email sounded a lot more depressing than I wanted it to sound. I was just saying how much I hated being alone at that class, and that having no friends is lame. But my life isn’t depressing by a long shot. Ya mom and dad shut down going to the nampa one with Scott and Zach cause they want me to go to the one I’m supposed to go to. And plus Scott is in basketball right now, and Zach is basically married. So I didn’t want to third wheel that.
Ok I haven’t been good on the scripture challenge yet but I’ll get on it. The first one I’m gonna memorize is Alma 5:7 but I also really like Moses 6:34, that might be a good missionary plaque one but I really like psalms 23. Ahh I don’t know. Yours was a song right? Anyways I’ll start memorizing and see what I can get done before you get home.
Which ones are you gonna do?
Other than McCall (oh and by the way I have claimed the mightiest mover badge unless they move again while I am gone and you have to move Sadie’s freaking library). New semester in school just started and I have Econ and gov this semester with the same teacher is kinda brutal. But my schedule is super easy so I can’t complain.
Last semester wild but kinda sad too. Im sure you’ve heard about my latest roped in love life smh. Another dance what a joke. Tip-off? Like what even is that. I swear I was too nice at kravz dang it. I knew I should of been more flaky and mean at work whatever. Her names Lydia and I think it’ll be better than Riley she seems more fun. Still a little different but nice. And at least it’ll be with Brock and brogen. And it’s at Middleton so besides kravz people I won’t know anyone and I can pull a girls basketball dancethat was so fun. I’m just gonna be ticked if there is some day date or something, what a joke. Ima a try to get out of kravz here pretty soon not cause of that but cause I’m making like nothing and I’m still about a thousand short.
You might actually have a chance at pig against me when you get home because I have become very rusty not playing. But I don’t know if I’ve told you about stake basketball on Thursday nights. It’s pretty official and has a season with playoffs at the end and I look forward to it every week. It’s definitely not the same as basketball use to be but it’s still fun getting back out there and playing. Each ward is a team and we aren’t that good but we do alright. Little graham got some reps with us last week which was fun.
Although where you have gotten to serve is pretty legit, I get what you are saying and am trying to not care or think about where I might go cause I’m the end who cares you know. I really like that not counting the days but making the days count you poet you. I love you Emma. You are in my prayers. Dont wish this last month away. (I cannot talk whatever I’m serious tho) Love you. Can’t wait for Wednesday!!
RESPONSE:
habari ninafricka hello girl I'm not sure I'd you are up to par with your swahili, or maybe you're just better than Google translate (see the picture) but THANK YOU for your email!
I'm totally down to go to mission prep, I think I will be missing parts of mission life when I get home, I'm there! Thankyou, this transfer is off to a start. I'm grateful it is my last "change" of this kind anyway, I'm tired of new comps and trying to figure out how to work together and what they like and their quirks and it is just all a lot! It is fuj too, mixes things up and makes time go faster, but this is my 10th go around and I'm just ready to be done. She is another talker, did I already mention that? But she is really good with the language, it is going to take conscious effort not to cruise out, she wants to teach the whole lesson by herself and is totally capable with italian so if I wanted to I could really ride it out but I don't want to look back at my last month knowing I didn't finish strong, I might not be able to communicate in the language ljkd she can (sometimes if is embarrassing and i just feel like an idiot compared to her) but I know in 37 days, I will be grateful I didn't ride in the passenger seat entirely. Soooo, yes, last transfer is underway, nuts I'll be home in a month, couldn't be more excited!
I kinda forgot how funny you are! All your little comments and funny jokes, I laughed out loud like 5 times reading your email, I loved it! I'm excited for more inside jokes! Man I've missed you miles!
Do it! I totally claim Mccall as my home and I only lived there for like 4 months haha! Unless I just say United States with a bunch of tongue clicking and hand motions oh brother haha! Thst got me pretty good
Mccall was a special place and will always be such a fond memory!
You have so much time to figure it out! Dentistry is an awesome career and secure option but at te end of the day, if you don't love it, that is a lot of time and school and work. But if you do end up on that route, I have been rethinking dental hygiene, would you hire me? ;) Miller family practice! But don't sweat it, you've got so much time, I still am not sure and I'm coming up on college, yikes!
beads you deserve the MIGHTIEST mover badge, you go! Mom sent a cute text to sades and I saying you were such a beast and she couldn't do any of this without you! Thank you for being such a help to the miles, you have been a lot of the glue for the family with all of these crazy transitions, it could have been a lot harder if you weren't on board! It wad so selfless of you just to roll with the punches and not make mom and dad sick over how hard it had been for you! You're amazing! &sorry for my bins they're heavy, I know!
whatever just take my stuff lady and do your job
The lady at the DI hahaha i'm dying
I feel like that big of a storage shed will become the perfect hoarding place! Why does it need to be thst big? Maybe we should just focus on downsizing instead of storing so much stuff thst we will likely never use! Yikes! But I know it sets mom at peace, so it's a win. DD pt 2 that was such a joke haha!
Mom said she wouldn't close on a sale before spring break, although if we just went up to clean it out it would be different :( I am totally down to try snowboarding, I will be absolutely awful but it sounds fun!
Zach kinda turned into a loser, no offense. Following Drew's footsteps who is he practically engaged to? Avery Peterson? What a dufus! I think it is a good idea to go to the one for you, you never know, maybe there is something your teacher will say that you really need or something.
I chose "I'll go where you want me to go for my plaque, looking back it is probably pretty gaggia to anyone who saw i was called to Hawaii and iItaly, like of course you'd go there, but just being reassigned felt like a really big sacrifice and was really hard even though I learned two dream destinations. Whatever you pick will be perfect, maybe you should get something in swahili when you get called to Tanzania i am working on either 12:27 in italiano right now, I haven't been good about memorize them which is bad vecuade I was the one who was invited by elder Anderson whoops
Last semester, miles!! You are almost graduated! That is absolutely insane! I'm sad too, you're going to leave on your mission way to soon I only get a couple months, but I am pumped for them and so excited for you to get your call and get going, so many miracles and experiences for you in the next couple years, wow!
Kravz sounds like a joke, and I admire you SO much for saying yes to Lydia. You are a better person than I am! I love you miles! It should be fun w Brock and brogen, and you totally threw it down at that girl's basketball dance Hhaha church ball sounds fun! And so cute little Graham got some pt, you're such a good big bother to him I'm rusty too, I have seen a basketball since leaving Hawaii, no one plays here.
You poet you I wish i could take credit for the make the days count, but it def wasn't me. thanks miles, the prayers and emails mean more to me than you know!
I feel like I write so much in response to your email that you're probably falling asleep by the time you get to my missioanry point of this but I can't help it!
1. EXPECT MIRACLES! There is a scripture in Moroni 7 ( verse 29) where Mormon asks, " have miracles ceased? "NO! There are so many people waiting, searching, for the answers that the gospel brings, God is bound by obedience, when we do our best, he provides the work. You'll find during your mission that the work comes and goes in waves. Some transfers the work pops off and you're constantly teaching! Then there are times when you are scraping the barrel to find one person to listen. I think it is easy to forget the good times when finding is the only thing you're ever doing. But I love that scripture in Moroni becuase, holy cow there are so many people ready to receive. Story time: my fourth transfer in Hawaii i got transfered to Honolulu. It wad my first area outside of my baby area and I was whitewashing. Meaningless my comp and I were both new to the area with no idea who anyone was, normally an area gets whitewashed when it has been dead for a while or nothing is really happening, get some fresh blood in there to stir things up, that wad the case when we went to Honolulu. The past missionaries kinda strained relationships with the ward and lost the trust of the ward leadership, it was honestly kind of a mess. When I first got there I was way overwhelmed. I knew literally no one, not even my comp and there was nothing to do but so much to do at the same time, so lamprey and I went to a park in our area and said a prayer together that we would be guided to know how to start in this area. I kid you not, the very first name we called from a Grey dot in our area book (she had been introduced fb go missionaries in the past) was Theresa McBride. She was a miracle. We were able to teach her all the lessons, she was baptized the last week of thst transfer, and then we were able to and do baptisms in the Laie temple with her. I can't tell you how special that wad for me, it fortified testimony thst MIRACLES HAPPEN! they aren't a result of our labors but a result tof our willingness to let Heavenly Father use us. That dead area of Honoulu became the busiest area in the whole mission. We worked our tails off and God provided the work. It wad the peak of my entire mission, I saw so many miracles and am so grateful for everything I learned there. Sooooo, this is my long way of telling you to never doubt miracles, never think an area is dead or thst you can't make a difference. God works according to our faith and we work according to His timing.
2. Something that we do in this mission that we didn't in Hawaii is picking a christlike attribute to work on for that transfer. It is 6 weeks to hone in on one and try to become better. There is a line in preach my gospel in chapter 6 abt christlike attribute thst says, " when you improve one, you improve them all" I really believe that. When we strive to be more patient, we are automatically more kind, more compassionate, we just become better! Same with all the other attributes! So, that is something I would suggest for your mission, think about it, 24 months is like 17 transfers or something, that is 17 opportunities to become more cheistljke! It also helped focus my personal studies and to be mindful in situations that I could be more patient or humble or whatever attribute I chose. Food for thought.
3. Something God really intended me to learn on my mission was that that GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER when I was in Hawaii I prayed to come to Italy, completely convinced that when I got to my dream mission I would just love it ! And now that I've been here I wish I could be back in paradise! Haha, it has been a really hard and humbling lesson for me to learn but something thst I really needed to figure out. President Nelson said it best when when said, " the joy we feel in our lives has little to do with the circumstance of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives" there is joy to found in every area, every companionship, every mission, every lesson. It is hard to find sometimes and I'm still not perfect at seeing the good, but i can promise that life is what you make it. And your mission will be what you make it, so make it the best! And grow wherever your planned, don't wish it away bscuade you'll miss every phase.
4.last one! JOURNAL JOURNAL JOURNAL! this had been a saving grace for me on my mission, to vent, to process, to record spiritual experiences and funny memories, I read through some of them often and it had helped me get through rough patches on my mission. You will want to look back and remember this time. My other peice of advice is to take pictures of it to share with mama. Every week, she reads through my journal and responds in a long email helping me process and it means so much to me to known she knows. It feels like getting to talk talk her everyday! And p-days fly by and you don't get enough time to tell her everything. Esp if you serve somewhere with an internet Cafe or only a certain amount of time to call home. It helps her to know how to help, what quotes fo send ;) amd what to pray for. Obviously it is totally your decision and it you'd rather keep it to yourself that is totally cool to, but definitely journal! It will be such a blessing for you and for your kids and posterity!
Okay, that's a wrap! Here are some pictures, some of Theresa, and some random ones, man, I am so excited to see where in the world you'll go and what you will Do. You have so much to look forward to! Ahhh! So exciting! Good luck with everything this week! I dont know when the dance is but good luck haha! I love you!
Hey sorry I got this to you so late.
I hope you’ve had a good week.
Thanks for your email. It means a lot to me and I’m always getting a lot out of it. I really needa get on board with journaling cause holy cow it is terrible
30 days ! Woot woot! That is so crazy to me!
Okok so my Swahili is a bit rusty but come on it’s google translate that thing is never right. Watford would be disappointed .
I feel like my last couple emails have been full of stuff happening but honestly nothing has happened this week. Last weekend just me and dad went up to the cabin to finish bring stuff down. 26’ Uhaul was still needed even tho I swear we had one last week. And btw this week was definitely your bins week. Every other bin I had to get in like a squat position and break my back. Then when I put it in the uhaul (cause dad saw that it looked heavy and told me to go all the way in the uhaul with it) I would always open the heavy ones and think holy cow what in the world is in here. And I swear every time it would be a combination of shoes and boots, and fluffy scarfs or something. Thankfully you only had about 8 XL bins unlike Sadie and her flipping library. Oh did you see here engagement pictures. I’m not gonna say anything about that.
It was fun to hang with dad that weekend tho and we watched a lot of basketball that night. I think we have gotten the cabin to the point where we can go up and chill like we use to and not pack which is a relief. Although I’m probably wrong and mom has like eight more junk drawers. Oh and mom wanted me to tell you that she was not impressed when you called her DD storage facility a hoarder Zone.
Moms leaving here on Wednesday for Florida, so that’ll be different. I wonder how pday call will work? Anyways I’m pretty sure dad is taking us up to the cabin this weekend to ski so that’ll be fun.
I just brought down all of my books and things from McCall and I have so many books that I should read that’ll help me for my mission but I’m kinda overwhelmed and cannot stand reading so ima struggle through those. Although I am excited to start this book called melkezidick(holy cow that was a struggle) priesthood written by elder renlund (who btw kinda creeps me out so reading his book hopefully helps) but we are gonna read it together so that should be good.
That dance is on the 26th
Ok here’s my spiritual thought for the week:
So I listen to talks on the way to work so that’s how I came across this - Richard g Scott 2003
I will share one sure way you can begin to accomplish such growth. I have seen valiant missionaries brave icy wind, resist torrential rains, slosh through slippery, muddy streets, and conquer fear. Often they bear a powerful testimony, only to be rejected and roundly criticized. I have seen them struggle to communicate truth in a new language. Sometimes the listener stares in puzzled silence. Then there dawns the shattering realization that the message is not understood. But I wouldn’t change any of it, even if I could, because there are those golden moments of success that make all of the hardships worthwhile. Such rewards come when the Spirit touches a heart for eternal good because someone like you was there. To share truth in difficult circumstances is to treasure it more. When you push against the boundaries of experience into the twilight of the unknown, the Lord will strengthen you. The beauty of your eternal soul will begin to unfold.
The challenges are greater now than ever. That is why the Lord needs more capable, better prepared missionaries. He needs those who are clean and pure so that they can be guided by the Spirit and can testify with converting power. Qualify to be one of those exceptional missionaries. It will not be easy. But when was anything really worthwhile easy?
I thought that might make sense for you
Then I like this part from that talk about satan:
He knows that he has no power over a righteous individual. Yet he is a master at making sin appealing to the undecided.
I really like the word undecided in there. It makes me want to double check myself and think am I committed? Have I decided to put Christ first? Idk I just think that is really neat and makes me wanna do better and be better. We have so many tools to kabosh satan and I feel like well I know I can go through the motions and get caught in his webs.
I’ve always thought that you have this barrier around you on a mission like satan isn’t gonna get you cause your holy 24/7. The closer I’m getting to it and the more I see, he is still gonna nag you, you know. But hopefully being on a mission is like one extra piece of armor.
I love you Emma! Have a great week!
RESPONSE:
Oh man! Sorry about my bins! 8 of them?! It will be so weird to come home and to have so much stuff! I have been living out of 2 suitcases for a year and a half! It will be a good time to downsize!
Sounds like a fun special time with dad, I bet he loves it just as much as you do! I heard about Mom going to Florida, I hope she has so much fun! And yay for normal weekend at the cabin! About time after all the hard work you've been doing, mom tells me every week that she couldn't do this without you!
I saw sades engagements! She looks beautiful! & Seth obviously makes her happy so I'm good with it, although all the kissing pics made me cringe I know it will be different with you
and I when we're getting married but it just makes me uncomfortable right now haha esp as a missioanry when even hugging a boy is a "sin" haha. But I was so happy she shares the pictures with me!
. the 26th is a ways away! She asked early! Didn't want you to get snatched up haha! A lady we are teaching, Viviane is getting baptized on the 26th!! I'll be home less than a week later
I definitely went and listened to that talk by Richard G. Scott. It seriously touched my heart and was so needed! Thank you
I also loved the part about Satan and how he only has power on the undecided. I feel like one of the webs that he gets me with often is complacency. I get caught up in going through the motions and not really praying like I should, or studying like I should so it is such a good self check and reminder to be ALL IN! such a good talk! And how cool that you listen to talks on the way to work, you're such an example to me!
This email shouldn't be a mile long today:)
1. "Everyone who had ever participated in missioanry work knows that the most effective strategy is USING THE MEMBERS" it is so true! Sometimes it makes me feel kinda guilty of the member missioamry I was before my call but I am committed to serving strong when I come home! I can't tell you how much working with the members has blessed me, in finding, but also in my own relationship with them. When you start teaching an investigator, the first step is to find them a member to be a fellowships becuasd they will be there long after you're gone. And esp in a different language and culture, the members speak and relate so much better! There are so missioanires who feel like working with the members is not effective or it is somehow a waste of time to teach lesson to active families but they are missing the mark. The role of a missioandh is to be the teacher, finding is the responsibility of the members. In a perfect world, the members would be giving us referrals left and right, obviously that isn't the case, so we participate in finding efforts, but if we can harness the power or the members and find ways to get them excited about it, the success goes up so fast! I've seen it just this transfer with a man we are teaching named Francesco. About our 3rd lesson with I'm we invited a member to come. Now every Sunday he has someone to sit with and Steven is actively involved in Francesco progression, it is so cool! Not only are we hoping g he comes to church but now members want him there and the support network builds! Also, working with members allows you to build lifelong b friendships that will mean the world to you when uou leave!
2. Become best friends with your bishopric! The peak of my mission was in Honolulu, my 3rd transfer and first area outside of my baby area. I think I might have already told you about this, but at first the bishopric really didn't like us, they had had some interesting sisters before thst kinda broke ward trust, it took time and hard work but they are literally my best friends and they got on board with misspoanru work and we saw straight miracles! 3 baptisms in 2 transfers!! Coming from an area that was "dead" and needed to be whitewashed, when we involved the members, fhe ward popped off and it wad SO FUN! MISSIOANRY WORK WAS A BLAST! so long story long, use the members and the church leadership!
3. Elder uchtdorf coined the phrase, "we are going back to the future" he is talking about the use of technology in missioanry work. It had become a necessity with covid while we haven't been able to knock doors or street contact. If I'm being honest, it is kinda rough sometimes. We are stuck inside, on Facebook, trying to not get distracted and to find people ready to hear the gospel based on their profile pixture. Thst being said, the gospel is being preached in parts of the world where missionaries aren't. It really is a fulfillment of prophecy thst the gospel will reach all four corners of the earth! There are so many advantages to technology and if we can learn. To balance it with in person mussioanry work and to use it right, we will see miracles! Which leads me to the SAFEGUARDS! You will know what I'm talking about when you get to the field, we read part of this manual every single day during comp study, they are 4 principles that help us to use technology righteously and to stay on our missioanry purpose. They are so important and they really do make a difference. I'm not perfect at always following them but it is something I'm trying to committ to being better about cause I want these healthy technology habits when I come home. Maybe it would be helpful to so a little self check, "How often am I on my phone?" What app do I use most? Would I feel totally comfortable handing my phone over to mom or dad o see anything I was doing on it?
Learning to be in charge of my device and not to let it control me has been a really big bonus blessing od my mission!
4. Okay lastly, just some random appearance things that I've noticed and I thought you'd like haha
A. I don't know what it is but I feel like every elder here wears there tie to short and it looks so bad haha! Like the triangle hits above their belly button and it just looks like they don't knownhow to tie it!
B.i don't know if it is becuase they have grown and gained weight since they bought their pants but the super tight, high water, show off your socks. Kinda pants ?? I doubt mom would let you get away with it but just so you know what a sister missioanry is thinking about it, don't do it haha
C. I'm all for fun socks, but I feel like a mission isn't the time to wear crazy socks that show when you sit down, like wild stripes or tacos or womething weird haha
D. If you serve in Europe I think scarves pass, but anywhere else, scarves, bowties, suspenders, cardigans ?? Kinda femmy haha, you know what I mean?
I probably seem like the most judgemental person on the planet picking apart every little thing, honestly what you wear is not important in the grand scheme of things, but something thst the prophet said in a missionary devotional thst really hit me and made me want to dress the part was
" you literally represent the Savior. You may be the only book of mormon people ever read" it is so true, fhe way we look and fhe way we act will influence those who are willing to listen.
Anyway, there are some random points for you! I miss you miles! 30 days is wild to me but still a good chunk of time. I love you so much! Have so much fun skiing this weekend! Take care!
Love,
Emma
Hey Emma! Hope you’ve had a great week!
Ok I take back what I said there are 15 bins and I refuse to move them anywhere else. I swear half of them are shoes and scarfsWe moved them from the garage to the bonus room (I think that’ll be your room) this week. Like holy cow Emma, down size is an under statement. Like unhoard or DI frenzie would be better. I can’t wait for you to go in that room. What a mess but im glad you stuck with the essentials . I swear I won’t let myself have more than five bins when I go but who knows.
This week was pretty low key. No mom around was kinda brutal but we had a fun time in McCall. Dad let us stop at Albertsons on the way up to grab ice cream pints (did you ever do that?) skiing was fun and the snow wasn’t terrible, but idk by spring break it might be pretty icy. Just don’t fall and you’ll be good. When we got back Saturday we zoomed in to Kaleys mission call! Did you here about it? Zimbobwe! What the actually flip. Like so jealous. That’ll be so cool. English too that’s kinda crazy. I wonder if she’ll be a good missionary. I never really was around her, always too cool w the older kids. I’m sure she’ll do great. Hard act to follow tho after her other siblings. So cool I cannot stop thinking about it. Oh did you here Taylor is having a baby boy in August. Crazy, I’m pretty sure Ashlee is having another boy too. Oh and marquel is have twins. Just kidding;)
The miller group me is so bad right now. They are all drooling over the Kessler boys. Like Marianne went and customized a ton of shirts for the family and went all the way over last weekend for senior night. Like I can’t imagine how the twins must feel. Their mom has her dream sons so brutal. They are decent and coop has a good shot but they are nothing crazy. They just got in the system over there and Landon knows people. Makes me mad but whatever.
I went over to Scott’s last night and me him and Zach hung out so that was pretty fun. It’s kinda hard cause Scott is always wanting to do it at his house which isn’t terrible cause he has a hot tub but then we end up watching something lame after and idk I just kinda wanna go do something. It was fun to catch up tho. I’m going over to Skyviews senior night on Tuesday which is gonna be sad to see, cause I definitely imagined that for a long time .
Ok maybe I’m just weird and don’t have any friends but holy cow avery and liv are like soul sisters now. Like she talks to that girl more than she talks to me. And liv is cool I just think it’s a little odd. Like I thought you guys were tight and then I thought her and mom were like weird tight. But now it’s her and avery. Idk I just thought you might think that it’s a little funny. It’s like 5 years. Whatever I can’t talk I have no friends.
Ya that’s what I’m thinking the 26th is far away. Like so far away I couldn’t make an excuse. She texted me the other day (well actually she is always texting me(idk even how she got my number) ) anyways she was trying To get me on a group date with every one in our group this next week and I was like ah nah I don’t think so. That’s a one and done . Did I tell you she wants us to go to jump time for our day date. JUMpTImE! Maybe it’s just me but I think you stop going there when ur 8. What are we gonna do hold hands and jump??! Ahhh so frustrating. And to make it worse she’s the manager so she makes the shifts. And every other time I go to work I’m with her. So the 26th can’t come fast enough.
What you don’t like those kinda pants??!! Emma that is so cool right now and that’ll be the only way I fit in. And what looks super good is cutting my ties into square ends so it’s even shorter.
Just kidding ya no I think that is so dumb and looks like a Utah pretty boy. I’ve been trying to where suits more often to get use to it but do elders always where suits? It probably just depends on where you go huh?
I bet getting members involved is a huge blessing, I always thought the sisters and elders that got mom and dad to help them always lucked out.
I like to think of myself as a very techy individual and am pretty skilled with tech stuff so I’m sure Facebook will be a breeze…… jkjk ya im sure the hole technology part is gonna be hard but like you said good.
Let me know how you like your new companion ok? I love you like crazy and am always thinking about you! Keep it up! Under a month now!!!
RESPONSE:
Di frenzy I'll go meet you friend at the DI hahaha, I'll get a handle on all my bins, the goal is to have maybe 3?? Just wait miles, once you put away all you clothes, you'll have your own bin collection haha! I'm kinda excited to go through it all, that sounds fun!
I thought you were serious about Marquelle and twins, can you imagine! Yay for Ashley, maverick,, Emmy and a new baby boy!!! And that is super exciting for Tayler! Kaylee is going yo miss all of that :(, the baby will be 1.5 when she gets home, that would be really hard! You'll prob miss your first niece or nephew! But then uou get the cute sign at the airport, "I've waited my whole life to meet you" it'll all work out! Kayley's mission call I thought she was kidding ay first, I didn't know they sent American sisters there? That is so cool! It will be so good for her, I hope she can buckle down and see it through! How exciting! You are the next mission call right? Crazy!!!!!!!
I saw a fun skiing picture, and yes! Pints of ice cream from Albertsons wad always the best! It is cute you missed mama and can appreciate her being gone, yoy should tell her. It looked like she had fun in Florida!
Holding hands and jumping oh brother! Send me a picture of this girl, I want to know what she looks like! That is kinda awkward about work shifts and trying to dodge other group dates! I'm SO not looking forward to dating when I get home, esp without the buffer of a mission, it will be interesting! Hopefully she can chill out and after the 26th you can just move on. She seems pretty bold haha
I've seen enough posts about the Kesler boys to last me my entire life! That is cool about 1000 points, that's pretty crazy! It is lame though that everyone acts like their NBA players, I can't imagine what that's like for Brock and brogen, I think it would make me really sad, like my mom wished she had different kids or something. She is weirdly intense about high school sports though, oh well, you do you Marianne.
Scott! I love that kid, he is so kind and just real! He is totally missing some social cues, like hosting the get together every single time, but still fun to catch up! I'm sorry about senior night, I know that hits so close to your heart and must be brutal. hang in there, you're almost done with high sschool, there are bigger things ahead! Besides, basketball isn't a big thing in Africa I've heard
Utah pretty boy is the perfect way to describe it, I actually like the square end on ties, but not as a missioanry! At least in Hawaii and Italy, elders wear suits to Zone conferences, interviews, and church, but not everyday pros, I had one elder in my district in Honoluly that made a goal with himself to never bot wear a suit, he was kinda weird but props to him, he always wore it haha.
My new comp, sorella stephensen, get along really well unless we are teaching and ghen she drives me nuts vecuade she never stops talking haha. But she is a kind girl, it is nice knowing when this companionship will end, makes everything a little easier and easier to let things go and not get overly irritated, worse case it is only 3 more weeks (WHICH IS ABSOLUTELY INSANE)
thanks so much for your emails miles, I know it takes a long time but they are always so thoughtful and detailed and Funny! And really make my entire week, you are amazing and I'm so grateful you're my brother!
I just had a couple of thoughts as far as missions go this week
1. The first is PrimoGiorno. This is our mission mantra it means first day. I love it becuase it reminds me that everyday is a brand new day. It doesn't matter if we messed up a lesson yesterday or I wasn't as obedient ad I should have been with everything or whatever it is, I think it is easy for missionaries and people in general to make one mistake and then spiral downward becuase they slipped once. But something I've learned on my mission that will bless the rest of my life is that, thanks to christ, every day can be a new day. And the same goes for the people you're teaching, they are allowed a fres slate and a new day. Sometimes it is frustrating when we are teaching people and especially with the commandment, it is easy to get frustrated when John drinks coffee again even after he knows he shouldn't, but every day is a primogiorno, and there is so much grace and motivation in that!
2. I love these two pieces of advice
A. Study the life of the Savior until you are like him and B. If your eloping motivation for the work study the Atonement. When you have a second, go read Alma 7 (specifically verses 11-13) oh I love this chapter, you'll find when you start to serve that the reasons you chose to serve and the reason you choose to stay are a little different. Missions are hard and sometimes, going home sounded so appealing but it just took one study of the Atonement to remember all that He did for me and how these months are just a small repayment, although I'll never come close to repaying him. There is a difference between knowing what the Atonement is and knowing that it is for you, strive to get to a place where you know how it applies to you and you know how to draw from the enabling power, you are going to be an amazing missionary miles! I cannot wait!
3. Life is full of mountains and valleys, sometimes you'll be at your peak and sometimes you will feel in a hole, just know that everything will pass, the good and the bad, ao don't et to discouraged in the valley, know that the peak is right around the corner! And milk p-days! Play hard, sleep, eat good, and love talking to the family, it is the recharge that I need every single week! It gets me through the next 6 days before I can do it again!
4. The last little thought is to celebrate the little things! Like month marks or birthdays or holidays, it makes life more fun! And it helps to have things to count towards!
I love you miles! I'm SO excited to see you! Have the best week
Emma
Sorry this is so late I totally meant to send it out earlier. I hope valentines day was nice for you. I was thinking about it and I’m only going to email you two more times right!? That is so flipping crazy to me. Emma you are like basically done and your gonna come home, go to college, get married and when I see you again you’ll have like two kids! Ok maybe not that fast but it’s gonna fly guaranteed.
It’s so weird Sadie is about to be married. What in the world, she doesn’t seem that old. I’m so glad you’ll be here for the wedding tho so I’m not the only one making weird looks. Oh boy that’ll be a weird weekend. You’ll see.
Oh my goodness I am so pumped for our cruise this summer! Like that’ll be so fun, it’s lame Sadie won’t be there but still it’s gonna be a blast. So many memories coming up! Oh Dave was saying if you wanna come work at kravz he’s bumping it up a dollar from minimum wage so it’s looking pretty good smh. What a joke. I think I’ll occasionally work their during golf but then after that dip out. But golf puts me through the end of the year so that’s like two more Middleton dances so maybe not That might sound super cocky but Emma it is so brutal it’s a freaking danger zone in there️ Oh and I don’t have a picture of her and She doesn’t have social so this is her GroupMe profile pic (I attached it at the bottom) and it just makes me crack up cause it’s definitely the perfect pic for her She’s nice just different and I’m just not looking forward to that. I legit work with her every week cause she makes the schedule. She has a ‘girls get dirty too’ lanyard on her keys too.
Your gonna have to find a good job huh. I think I’m gonna work at Fred Meyer this summer so you should too, idk whatever works best for you, honestly I see you probably working for dad or something.
Speaking of golf I’m pretty nervous. We had a meeting the other day and apparently there are a couple decent kids that came from rocky so it’s not gonna be a walk on for sure. At the meeting there were like 20 girls so that was crazy maybe like 12 boys. The coach seems cool so that’s good. He says he’s keeping 10 and 10 so like 5 varsity. He said varsity needs to shoot low 80s which is kinda tuff cause last season I was pretty consistent in high 80s so shooting that low at tryouts is gonna be hard. I’m pumped tho too cause I have really started to enjoy golf and just love being out there. So we will see…..
Did you see Cooper’s call! Reno, Nevada that’s cool, idk his reaction was kinda bland. But it’s hard cause like every other person in GroupMe put Africa so that’s disappointing I guess. I’d be cool with that idk it’s pretty close but so is ugiene Oregon so who knows. It doesn’t matter but I’m sure it’ll be good for coop. He’s like the golden child right now. It’s like districts over there and every weekend the whole family heads over to eastern Idaho smh.
I’m pumped that your gonna come w me to mission prep. I just got back tonight and it was really good. We had to go into classrooms today as companions and role play a lesson with investigators. It was kinda fun and felt weird. We taught the restoration in chapter 3 of pmg. I can’t imagine doing that everyday for two years. Wild.
Byu acceptance letter is coming here in a week. I’m so nervous and will be so bummed if i don’t get in but it all works out how it’s supposed to, but there is no way in the world I’m going to BYUI. Like cwi before byui.
I love you Emma have a great week only a few left. YOUVE GOT THIS. Love you like crazy. So proud of you !
Wow! I cannot believe I’m gonna see you in person this week. You did it! You are the biggest example to me Emma! I am beyond excited to see you (I can’t believe you would say I’d give a fake hug.) hope this last week for you is everything you want it to be. Live it up! I know you’ll be super out of the loop and tired when you get home but you should come with us on Saturday to the championship games at the Idaho center. Especially if McCall, coop and Kobe, and owyhee are all playing in it. But if you are exhausted that probably won’t help. This week is going to go so slow waiting for you. Man I am so stoked to have you back. I know you are busy packing and other things so I’ll keep this short.
First I want to say thank you so much for all of the emails you have sent me here this last couple months. I wish we would’ve done that the whole time(that’s my fault) but am so happy for the time we had. I can’t imagine how busy your pdays must be but want you to know how much your emails meant to me. They honestly made me get much more into the missionary zone if you get what I mean. I have a long way to go tho.
Tomorrow is golf tryouts and I’m so nervous. I played with dad on Saturday and couldn’t hit my driver to save my life. Ahh so brutal so I hope it goes ok.
I can tell you more about the dance in person!! But it was ok but really glad it’s over.
I love you like crazy Emma and can’t wait to see you! See you soon!!
Comments
Post a Comment