emma's emails to keep

 ANNA!!!! 🥳🥳🥳🥳

I am so so so happy for you! I'm literally in tears right now! Of course I will speak on the Holy Ghost, I feels so honored that you would ask me 💗 I wish I could be there in person but I will be there! Thank you so much for letting me know! I am so proud of you! Love and miss ya! Saturday will be so so special! 

Sister Miller

Emma :) 

Also, I just got home this weekend from my mission, I would love to keep in touch! Here is my phone number 2089956354

On Wed, Mar 9, 2022, 11:25 PM Anna Urash <gymbanana3@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi Sister Miller! This is Anna. I am getting baptized this Saturday at 10:00 HI time and was wondering if you would be willing to do the talk on the Holy Ghost. (Over zoom) It would mean a lot to me that you could be apart of my baptism? You are such a big reason for this day!

Sent from my iPhone

Emma! You’re just the best! I love reading your emails every week, and dreaming of Italy. I’m so proud of you and happy to see the adventures you’ve had. You are also wise beyond your years.

What’s the plan next?? What are you planning on studying and such when you get back? Somebody asked me the other day how long I’ve worked with an assistant, and it took me back to you being my first and favorite!❤️

 I have had 6 others since you. 3 of them are still with me. Autumn Hansen, Kaiya Wright, and Sydney Brooks. We are growing FAST! I have those 3  helping me be triple and quadruple booked. I rent out the salon room every day. Another stylist works 2 days a week, and then my sisters, who are nurses take the other 2 days each week doing Botox and fillers and microneedling. I am currently in full swing working on opening an actual full service salon. We are talking to a builder about a commercial space, and have a graphic designer working on our logo. Just look at what you helped me accomplish!! You helped me take that first big step, and I just think of you, and our time working together, as such a huge blessing! I just love you forever.❤️

I’m so excited to see everything you do in life, even if it isn’t hair. But you always have a place with me if you do. Lol keep me in the loop. I’ll be a little bit sad when I don’t see your sweet emails in my inbox anymore.

So proud of you Emma, you have your priorities straight, and I’m grateful for your example.

Nat

On Wed, Feb 23, 2022 at 10:40 AM Emma Miller <enmiller@missionary.org> wrote:

Aloha!! 

We took full advantage of being able to leave Vicenza on p-day and had a district p-day in Verona! I love my district, some really amazing missionaries and Verona is stunning! Couldn't ask for more! 

But it gets better: Viviane's baptism is official for this Saturday and we are in full swing with preparations from programs to sugar cookies! It will be a really special day and I'm so grateful to get to be a part of it with her. It will be a tender experience my last Saturday in the field, my heart is just so full! 

We had conferenza di palo (stake conference) this Sunday and it was amazing, I left with a full cup! One of the speakers emphasized the first verse in the Book of Mormon, "I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father" (1nephi1:1) Like Nephi, I can say I've been born of goodly parents (actually the BEST parents) and can't thank them enough or the influence they have been in my life! So my challenge for you this week is to tell someone who has impacted you that you are grateful for them! 

This is it! MY LAST FULL WEEK! I have no idea how I'm feeling but the days are slipping through my fingers so I'm trying to soak it all in! 

Amore, 

Sorella Miller

Emma! You have been on my mind like none other lately, not that you aren't always on my mind but I want you to know how much I love, and look up to you. 

     I have been keeping up with your weekly emails (they're the only ones I read heh) and I was appalled to see that you are on your last transfer??? I can not believe that,  I will be sad to not get your weekly anymore so you better still write me from time to time! 

     I have been pondering on the importance of family lately as the world seems to increasingly become more against the family unit. As I have studied both the scriptures and preach my gospel I have learned a lot-- but let me tell you that I never feel the spirit more abundantly then when I am thinking of the love I have for our family, and the love they have for me. I want you know that, holy cow I love you and would do anything for you-- and I want you to know that you can do this. The mission is the hardest thing I have ever had to do, companions are hard, being away from family is hard and there are so many other things that are hard about this crazy calling that we have embarked on. I am not quite sure how you must be feeling as time goes on, anxious about life after the mission, struggling with a companion maybe? I don't know, but what I do know is that you are loved, and thought of daily not just by your immediate family but my me and mine as well. 

       You are such an example to me Emma of Christ, and of the kind of person that I want to be, keep that spirit about you and I know that you are going to continue to change lives for the rest of your life and beyond. God has been so good to me in so many ways-- but there is no greater blessing in this life to me then the family I get to be a part of. Thank you for being my role model, and the light on the hill that is always shining through when I and others are having a hard day. I can't wait to see you again, and give you a big hug, but till then hasta luego Hermana te quiero muchisimo - Rope 

Sorel= la Miller!

It=E2=80=99s so sweet to hear from you. = =C2=A0Thank you for your email.=C2=A0 =C2=A0I can't believe that you are on= your last transfer!=C2=A0 I remember when you first came out to the Oloman= a Ward and we just loved you (and still do).=C2=A0 I love that you were abl= e to serve in two different missions. What a wonderful opportunity to share= the gospel half way around the world. I know you have blessed the lives of= so many people.

 

Enjoy your last weeks there; I hope things settle down soon.=C2=A0 = Hawaii is still high in numbers 4,000-5,000 which is a lot for us.=C2=A0 St= ill, we have to do our best to stay healthy and our family has been blessed= .

 

Thank y= ou for your vote of confidence in my new calling.=C2=A0 I have a lot to lea= rn and grow, but I=E2=80=99m up to the challenge and look forward to drawin= g closer to my Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ.

 

Eat lots of gelato and your = favorite foods!=C2=A0 I=E2=80=99m sure the language is going great now for = you and that is so exciting.=C2=A0 I think Italian is such a beautiful lang= uage.=C2=A0 Thank you for always sharing your sweet testimony and beautiful= photos=E2=80=A6what an album you will have!=C2=A0

 

Until we write again=E2=80=A6I w= ill look forward to your emails.=C2=A0 I know you are busy so thank you for= taking time to write.=C2=A0 Don=E2=80=99t worry about responding to me; I = know your last weeks will be filled with wonderful work and experiences.

 

Have a supe= r week!

 

M= uch love and aloha,

Aunty Jenn

 

Sent from Mail for Windows

 

From: Emma Miller
Sent: Tuesday, Ja= nuary 18, 2022 9:21 PM
To: Jenn Hoopii
Subject: Re: =E2=99=A5 from Sorella Miller week 71 (1-5-202= 2)

 

Aunty Jenn! 

 

</ = div>

It was so good to hear from you 💗 I am still am= azed with Italy and the culture here, I don't think it will be here long en= ough to take it for granted! 

=  

I heard covid was getting p= retty bad in Hawaii! So frustrating! It is definitely an issue here too, th= ey are starting to mandate the booster vaccine. As missionaries, we aren't = able to leave our areas right now, and no in-person lessons, so it feels li= ke quarantine, but we are able go walk outside. I'm hoping things settle do= wn before I have go leave, that would be a lame way to end, but it is so co= ol to see how none of this can affect God's work. He has taught us ways aro= und it and it is amazing to me. 

 

You will be amazing as a= Sunday school teacher! How exciting for Loa'a! I can't wait to see where h= e gets called! I bet all you are anxious! That is so awesome! Maybe he will= serve in Japan :)? I saw that CJ is going to St George! Missions are the b= est! 

 

I just started my last transfer, so I will go home = at the very beginning of March. So bittersweet! But I'm really excited to s= ee my family, it feels like it has been years hah! 

 

Thank= you so much for your email and prayers! Oh how i love you and your family!=  

 

<= p class=3DMsoNormal>Sorella Miller 

 

On Sun, Jan 9, 2022, = 7:16 AM Jenn Hoopii <jennhoopii@= gmail.com> wrote:

Aloha Sorella Miller,

 

It is so good to hear from you each week.  Sounds like you are still= enjoying the beauty of Italy and the people and culture.  That=E2=80= =99s so wonderful.  I love your beautiful photos =E2=9D=A4.

 

Hawaii is experiencing high numbers of Covid (mostly Omicron) so it is= very unpredictable and we are always on guard but still trying to keep a s= ense of normal.  How is it in Italy?  Are the infection rates hig= h?

 

This year, Olomana Ward starts church at 11:0= 0 am so it=E2=80=99s a nice change and we don=E2=80=99t have to rush to chu= rch.  We were going to try to meet our second hour, but Bishop Ramanla= l decided to keep our second hour on Zoom for safety.  Relief Society = will be on Zoom tomorrow.  I was released as RS president in December = and was called last week as a Sunday School teacher (adults). I=E2=80=99m n= ervous but only need to teach once a month and I really look forward to lea= rning a lot and drawing closer to our Savior.  This call really is for= me 😊 .

 

How much longer for you on the mission? = Time flies so quickly.  Our youngest son, Loa=E2=80=99a, turned 18 la= st month and will be putting his papers in in a couple of months.  Tha= t=E2=80=99s the plan anyway.  Bishop is working with him to get things= started.  Our young men will be serving missions every year for the n= ext few years.  CJ Ioane starts his training his month.

&nbs= p;

I pray the Lord will continue to keep you safe and healthy and= will bless your work and service.

 

Have a wonder= ful week!

Love and aloha from Kailua,

 

= Aunty Jenn

 

 

Sent from Mail for Windows<= /p>

 

From: Emma Miller
Sent: Friday, January 7, 2022 6:= 32 AM
To: Holly Mill= er
Subject: =E2=99=A5 from Sorella Miller week 71 (1-5-2022)

 

Aloha!

 

Happy 2022~ 

 Things have been a little more low key with missionary work wi= th the holidays continuing in Italy.  New Year=E2=80=99s kept us = inside because it is =E2=80=9Cpredictably unpredictable=E2=80=9D as a gener= al rule.   It was a good opportunity to do some serious deep clea= ning in our apartment and we were also able to watch the Disney movie, Lucc= a- which is set in Italy.  The Holiday Season lasts through Three King= s Day 1/6/21  (Feast of the Ep= iphany) when = the arrival of the wisemen to the baby Jesus is celebrated and also La Befa= na brings gifts to children.  It=E2=80=99s a sweet tradition!</= p>

T= his week I read a talk about the Sabbath day that had a quote that I really= liked.  It applies to almost anything we are making choices about- = =E2=80=9CWhen I have to make a choice about whether an activity was appropr= iate for the Sabbath, I simply ask myself, =E2=80=9CWhat sign do I want to = give God=E2=80=9D That question made my choices about the Sabbath day cryst= al clear.=E2=80=9D  Isn=E2=80=99t that good to keep in mind?

I = hope this first week of 2022 has been good to you! You are all in my prayer= s!

Amore,

Sorella Miller

</= blockquote>

 

 

=

Miles! 

It made my week to hear from you! Haha I'm so dead 😂 ciao is hey and bye wrapped into one word, it has become habit now so you might get sick of it whej I'm home haha. Yes, some duct tape would come in super handy with this comp and I think the new one I'm getting too 😶 hah! We got transfer news yesterday and McIntyre is leaving and I'm getting sorella stephensen! We met at the airport when I came to italy, she has been out less than 9 months but we have been in Italy the same amount of time. Hopefully she can help me with my Italian. God needs me to learn something with these chatterbox comps haha, it will be good, trying to go into it without preconceptions, 6 weeks good or bad, easy money haha!

I'm so sorry you feel so alone, that is lame and a result of constantly moving around, 3 high-school in 4 years, miles uou amaze me! I couldn't have done it, hang in there, you're almost done ! that mission class sounds intense with an odd duck teacher haha. I thought you were going to go with Scott and Zak? and no, I wasn't thinking kid in the Hoodie in the back ahah, I'm impressed that you would go, even all by yourself. Honestly even after my mission I won't be a front row middle seat kinda person and I think that's okay haha. Thst makes me sad that they didn't even say your high school, LAME! I'm so sorry miles, that sounds so hard. If it makes you feel any better (maybe not haha) but im SO excited to spend time with you when I get home! Man have I missed you! Idk if I am allowed to go to mission prep, but i totally would! Not gonna lie I was hecka bummed about the cabin news, there goes our plan to work up in mccall this summer. That is so hard! I am going to miss that place so much! I'm giving up on snowbaording, I doubt I'll be able to go often enough to figure it out, but skiing is still fun! It is going to be a heartbreak to give it up completey but at the end of the day, it is just a house, we can build super fun memories anywhere. You kinda hit a good time w being on your way out later this year, still hard though. Trying to recognize what a blessing it is that Alliance is doing so well and growing, we are really blessed. 

Panama city is a sick call! Sketch but cool! Is it insane to see people reading their calls, like MILES that will be you in a couple months! I saw a kid post on fb, "just finished the mtc, tomorrow I'm headed out of the country for the next 2 years" ahhhhh! It is so insane! Missions are crazy! So fun, so hard, literally all the feels! I am pumped for you! 

I love that you remembered that 10 scriptrue challenge, I thought about that too this week! I'm not doing so hot but I'm recommitting! I'm so proud of you miles! You are going to be such a stud missionary! There is an elder in my district, he totally reminds me you, tall blonde, funny, sharp, kind, willing to work hard and try even when the language is hard and he is new! You are going to crush this mission thing! 

That's the best feeling to have senior projects done! Dentistry huh? Just becuase it wad easy wifh dad and everything or are you reconsidering? What about architecture? I've been rethinking dental hygiene, idk, I feel like I'm going to end up picking something thst i don't really love, I hope not, but im still frustrated and unsure of what I want to do. 

That is super embarrassing about the senior on the team, I know it prob breaks your heart not to be out there though, sorry :(. But I want a rematch with pig when i get home, I got lots of practice with the elders in Hawaii and I'm good now haha! I will definitely win. 

Anyway, I've already written a novel and haven't even gotten to the missioanry part, bear with me, I'll try to keep it shorter! 

1. NO EFFORT IS WASTED! I can't stress this one enough. There have been so many times on my mission where I felt like nothing was happening. I was working so hard, trying to be obedient, and nothing. But I have learned that literally any effort we make, no matter how small, fhe Lord counts for our good. There is a scripture in d&c that says, " I the Lord am bound when ye do what I say, but when ye do not what i say, ye have no promise" (i don't know the reference 😬 ) but I love this scriptrue and have relied on it a lot! The lord is bound by faith not by tactic. Sometimes it feels like we are doing A+B so we should be seeing the result of C. But God doesn't work like that, it isn't an order form and the results don't come when we want tgem to. It really taught me to be obedient vecuade i love the Lord and not becuase I know i would get so many baptisms or something. And the Lord never cheats us! When we put in the work, he ALWAYS provides miracles. When I was serving in Honolulu, me and my companion were whitewashing, we were both brand new to the area, and I remember the first Sunday there, we were In a Ward council meeting and we had said we were so excited to work hard and our bishop said, " yeah, we'll see " I remember being so offended and turned off by his rude comment but it ad also motivated to prove him wrong ( fast forward to now, he is my all time favorite bishop, he gave me my priesthood blessing before i left Hawaii, he feels like family to me haha) we had gone maybe two weeks and still weren't really teaching anyone, but we had called up this random person who had met missionaries into he past, his name was JR, he was kinda socially weird and just a 20 year old guy, but we decided to meet him at a beach park and to teach him the restoration. It wad a DISASTER! a total dumpster fire! One of the worst restoration lessons I think I've ever taught. I wad still pretty new on my mission and new to Honolulu. He asked weird questions about the priesthood and it just was horrible haha. My companion and I were so sad an frustrated, we felt like we gave it our all to prepare and put forth the faith to meet w fb him and fhat is what it eneded up like?Huh! But what I didn't understand yet was that it isn't my work. It wasn't my job to get JR to be interested, it wasn't my job to be perfect, God just asked for my effort and he made everything all right. About 6 months later, I was serving in Lodi, and my companion from Honolulu, sent me a text with the soon link to JR'S baptism! What I thought was a horrible lesson in Honolulu, turned into a baptism, but definitely not becusde of us, God loves effort and he uses us to do his work! He doesn't have to, he could do it so much better without me, but he loves me enough to let me play a part! And man have I learned so many amazing things becuae of it ! 

2. How are your morning prayers? Before my mission, I think i said them maybe once a week? And I'm still notnperfect at making them meaningful at 6:30, but I've made a habit of being consistent with it and it really makes a difference to start and end everyday with Heavenly Father. 

3. Dad gives the best advice!! Anytime I have a question about the gospel, or about life.. or when I'm struggling, dad gives fhe best advice. There was a little stretch in September and again in December where I was really considering coming home early. I was done. This seemed too hard, I felt useless in Italy and just wanted to quit, dad's emails were a big reason why I found my answer to stay. I know sometimes at home, dad's advice is unsolicited but really he only wants the best and he knows so much more than I gave him credit for. 

4. I was just thinking about you anticipating your mission call and i just would encourage you to not pick a place. I know Africa is the cool dream and I know it is SO hard not to dream and hope for certain calls but I promise, where ever you're called will feel right and it will be where you are needed! I've had two calls and they gave both been just what I've needed, I can't tell you how much my testimony has grown with my reassignment, I don't have a single doubt thsg i needed Hawaii and there were people there that needed me! I know you are probably gagging to yourself right now because I landed Hawaii and itlay but I promise it doesn't matter the place. Just dont set yourself up to be dissapointed, wherever you get called will be perfect! "I'll go where you want me to go" 🎶

5. Okay last bullet ( so much for keeping it short haha) there is a phrase in the scriptures that really helped me from early on in my mission, it is repeated literally literally times and normally you don't pay much attention to it but it had really helped me when the mission seems too long. " and it came to pass" that's the phrase. Nothing lasts forever, good and bad. Fun p-days end, you have to hang up with mama and it sucks everytime! Hard days pass, stressful lessons or hard companions are temporary. Make the most of what you have while you have it. I've learned the hard way that the grass is hardly ever greener. Pretty much the whole time I was in Hawaii Hawaii prayed and prayed andprayed thst God would send me to Italy. Don't get me wrong, I'm so grateful I got to experience this and I LOVE this country but it has been the hardest 6 month of my entire mission and I miss Hawaii everyday. We never recognize how wonderful we have it until it is gone. I think this applies to you right now, like you said not wanting to wish away "being a kid", and it will apply on your mission. Mission time is weirdest thing, it is the longest 2 years ever! But it also flies! One day you're 4 months out and then you blind and your getting your year mark! Oh man miles, fhe adventures you have right in front of you! So many miracles! Jsut know, it isn't as long as it sometimes feels and uou only ge those 2 years once, so make the most of them and keep the perspective. Sister uhi would always say fhe quote,  " don't count the days, make fhe days count " easier said than done, but makes all the difference! 

I love you miles! Thanks for your email, I seriously can't wait to see you! Keep plugging along, it will get better! 

Emma

On Thu, Jan 13, 2022, 2:37 AM Miles Miller <swagmiller10@yahoo.com> wrote:

Thanks for the email! I should have asked a long time ago but what in the world does ciao mean😂
I hope you had a good week! From what mom told us sounds like you needa tape your comps mouth. Brutal. I bet that’s a joke but good job not losing your head and being kind. Garuntee ima struggle with that.
That’s so cool about those two people you got to get baptized. I bet you meet a lot of people like that. And I really like reading your emails so don’t feel bad if they are long. Mine are tiny
Ah Emma I’m sick of not knowing anyone here. This week the gathering Israel class started, that’s the mission prep class I was talking about. I’m super happy to be learning in the class it’s just the social part I don’t love. It is at the stake center next to the meridian temple just to give you a picture and it’s at 7:00 on Tuesdays. The teacher is brother lyons and he is definitely an odd ball, but kinda in a brother Tolley kind of way but like even more high energy. Same build tho for sure. Anyways he is super nice but is intense sometimes cause of how much energy he has. He for sure keeps it interesting though. Anyway his lesson was really good and he did a good job of reigning it in so it was a really neat lesson. But before I tell you about the lesson… I was by myself going in (obviously) and it is in the relief society room and I was kinda early so there were lots of seats. I went to the end of the second row and sat in the second to last seat ( I know what you are thinking that I was the kid in the back with the hoodie on in the back corner) but that’s why I left a seat between me and the wall. AND I was in the second row right like close to the front. Sorry this is like way more detail than needed but every part was just awkward 🤦‍♂️. Anyway I had to squeeze by a few people so there was a seat between them and me and the wall. And once the place filled up it was obvious to see there was one awkward gap where I was sitting. Oh I forgot to tell you this class is for all seniors and they say it isn’t mission prep but that’s so they get more kids. Anyway I was the only one there who didn’t know anybody and totally alone. I mean I expected that but it was so bad. Then to start he started calling out high schools and wanted people to cheer. Most were from eagle rocky and meridian. But he said like five schools and owyhee wasn’t one of them. So I wasn’t gonna be the kid who raised my hand and said owyhee and I’m positive no one in there was from owyhee cause we only have like 85 seniors. So that was bad too, sorry I guess I’m just pointing out that I was literally alone and knew no one.
Other than that the lesson was great. We started with called to serve which was cool and I made a point to sing like you said. Then he made a girl stand up and tell everyone about her mission call and he told everyone to go crazy since we weren’t in the chapel. She is assigned to Panama City which is legit. But it is crazy to think that we are all gonna get mission calls and have to announce them at this class. We watched the talk elder Holland gave at the mtc about Peter and the savior on the shore. What a sick talk! Mom said you really liked it too. I got chills like twice and can only imagine what it must have been like at the mtc or on a mission like you. Elder Holland is such a beast. I really needed to ask myself “do you love me more than these”. There are so many things in my life that are oars and nets and fishes, things that I enjoy, but definitely not things that should get in the way of feeding his sheep. I also really liked the forever part. So powerful.
We also read the missionary purpose out of pmg and it made me think of you. He had us go Alma
5:7 which is a super neat verse on changing hearts. I want to start with that one on that challenge you gave me a long time ago about memorizing 10 Christ scriptures because that one I feel like will definitely be good to know for my mission. And honestly that class this Tuesday really made me just want to be all in. I literally have less than 5 months and I’m not where I want to be. I’m guilty of going through the motions a lot with church stuff, and really just want to be sharper. So I’m really happy with that class ( besides sticking out🙄). Oh and at the beginning he asked us why we want to serve a mission and when I thought about it I honestly don’t have a answer that isn’t primary answers if you know what I mean. So I’ll get back to you on that.
Other than that school has started to slow down probably because I’m thinking about it ending too much. I was in the car actually the other day coming back to the school from lunch and I thought about only having one semester left of really being a kid. So I’m trying to do my best to not wish away these next few months even though I cannot wait to see you. This past week have been finals and so we are rapping up the first semester, crazy! I don’t know if I told you about senior project but it’s on a career and I did dentistry. We finished up the essay part last week and yesterday I had to give a 10 min speech to two district judges which was kinda scary but I think it went well and am just glad it’s over. It is so wild checking these things off my list cause I feel like it wasn’t that long ago when I was watching you and even Sadie doing your senior project.
The other day I went with dad and avery to the owyhee boys game vs Skyview. It was the first game I went to for owyhee and they are pretty legit. They won by thirty and just looked like men among boys really. It would of been a bad set up for me because there is one senior on the team who is actually decent and would get quality minutes at a school like Skyview but just get trash time at owyhee. With 5 min left in the fourth the trash bag coach will put him in and the student section goes crazy and starts chanting like mvp and other things which I would think is embarrassing but this kid eats it up which is funny. But even the team goes crazy when he goes in which is nice but I would hate that so much. It literally looks like he has special needs the way everyone reacts.
Mom has asked me what I’m doing on my phone like ten times now (I’m not that fast at typing)
I love you Emma and am always checking my inbox for your email
Keep up the great work!!

Sent from my iPhone

Sei la nostra bambina e un bellissimo angelo!!!

A cura da te tesoro e ricorda che sei sempre nel nostro cuore. Ci sei mancata tantissimo !!!

TVtttB!!!

Il Mer 12 Gen 2022, 08:25 Emma Miller <enmiller@missionary.org> ha scritto:

Ciao Elisa! 

Mi Manchi così tanto e anch Francisco! Spero che abbiate benissimo! Come sono andate le tue feste? Natale e capodanno? 

Questa settimana al negozio ho visto "il vino" che Francisco ci ha dato 🙄😅  mi ha ricordato di tutti i giorni siamo venute di visitare. Adoro la vostra casa e voi! 

Sto cominciando il mio ultimo trasferimento come un missionario la prossima settimana. Solo 1.5 mesi più 😢😱 pazzo! Ma sono emozionata di vedere miracoli nel queste sette settimane e poi di vedere la mis famiglia, mi mancano tantissimo! Spero che posso vederti prima di andrò ma se no, ritornerò e dire ciao!

Ti voglio un mondo di bene cara! Un abbraccio così forte! 💗

Sorella Miller 

On Tue, Nov 30, 2021, 9:16 PM Elisa Becerra <elibecnav@gmail.com> wrote:

Principessa mia, tuo Italiano per me è perfetto, dal giorno che ti ho conosciuta sono riuscita a capirti, perche hai un'anima bella!!!

Grazie per tuo amore sono riuscita a sentirlo e mi mancherai tantissimo, pero ricorda ti porto nel mio cuore e grazie per le tue testimonianze e amore a Nostro Salvatore !!!

SEI UN BELLISSIMO ANGELO!!!❤

You have an even better week!

Thanks Em! I love you so much!!!!

On Wednesday, January 12, 2022, 12:44:10 PM MST, Emma Miller <enmiller@missionary.org> wrote:

Awesome! Thanks Abe, I'm pumped!

I love you! Have the best week! 

👠👠💜

On Wed, Jan 12, 2022, 6:57 PM avery miller <avm2006@yahoo.com> wrote:

She has no idea about the shoes I mean- sorry:)

On Wednesday, January 12, 2022, 10:56:45 AM MST, avery miller <avm2006@yahoo.com> wrote:

I asked mama- she has no idea;) 

She said:

6 in kids

7 women

On Wednesday, January 12, 2022, 10:52:05 AM MST, avery miller <avm2006@yahoo.com> wrote:

ummmmmm....idk?

I think like a 6?

Hold on...

On Wednesday, January 12, 2022, 10:27:08 AM MST, Emma Miller <enmiller@missionary.org> wrote:

Yayyyy! What is your shoe size! Super important! 

On Wed, Jan 12, 2022, 4:40 PM avery miller <avm2006@yahoo.com> wrote:

Oh My Gosh Em! Those are seriously so cute AND I would totally wear them! We would be twins! Thanks again for thinking about me!

Love ya!!!

abe

On Wednesday, January 12, 2022, 03:16:45 AM MST, Emma Miller <enmiller@missionary.org> wrote:

Abe! 

I found these heels, they reminded me if you so much with the shorter heel and they are red like mine! What do you think? They are on a CRAZY after Christmas sale amd I want to get them so bad! What size do you wear? Would you wear them? 

Mom will prob say no so don't say anything! They are seriously so cute and cheap! I want to know what you think honestly!! If you say no, I'll find uou something b else from Italy so just tell me what you think honestly! 

I love you 

Your letter so touched my heart. I too have wanted to go home. This mission has been hard for me. But every time I waver I look at your beautiful faces and know that this is what my Heavenly Father and Savior need me to do. And I am reminded of what I so loved about our other mission. It was serving you and all your companions along with those pesky Anziani. LOL 

Thank you so much for sharing your experience in September with me. It really is amazing the impact we have on each other for good and for bad. But we both know that we are loved daughters of our Heavenly Father and the Saviors atoning sacrifice makes everything possible. 

I am trying to remember Elder Kopischke counsel each day to be kind to myself. And I pray that you will too. What an amazing young woman you are, so sweet, gentle, and kind. These are attributes of our Savior, WOW!!!

And for sure we would love to be your Italian grandparents, and hope we can be your friend forever. Please come see us in Colorado, you will have to wait nine months though. And we get to Idaho quite often, so we can always try to meet in the middle.

We love you and pray for you each day. See your face on Zoom each week, OK.

Love LeNan (Sorella Howe)

Emma! Thank you so much for your emails I really like reading them. New Year=
s was pretty fun, Seth=E2=80=99s family came over that night so it was kinda=
interesting. Definitely some weird ducks in that group but Sadie must not c=
are. They are all really nice tho. Snowboarding was a blast and avery was te=
lling me that you are gonna try snowboarding so I=E2=80=99m pumped. Ya so th=
ere is some kinda mission prep class starting in a couple weeks that is for a=
ll 18-20 year olds. I think I told you about the buildings it is at and I wo=
uld need to meet up w Zach and Scott and go to the nampa one maybe.

All the things you=E2=80=99ve been saying about the lame elders makes me wan=
t to throw up in my mouth. I=E2=80=99m definitely not a singer but I get wha=
t your saying and I=E2=80=99ll make a point to sing. Thanks again for the em=
ail Emma it means a ton and I like going to the scriptures you put in there.=
Love you tons thanks for the updates! =E2=80=9CTalk=E2=80=9D to you next we=
ek!!

Sent from my iPhone=

GG! 

Thank you so much for the email! I love hearing from you, opah has sent me the cutest emails too! I am so grateful I was called to his mission, I feel like it gives me a special connection with him. Im so excited to speak Italian with him when I get home, he has told me he has forgotten it but I really haven't become fluent either so we will be good for each other haha. 

I love starting my emails with Aloha.i miss Hawaii everyday! I feel like a Hawaii Honolulu missionary serving in Italy. I love this country and the people here but I feel more connected with the missionaries and mission in the states, being reassigned has been so weird and so hard but the biggest blessing of my mission! 

I heard you got up to Idaho! So fun! They LOVE when you visit, I CANNOT WAIT TO SEE YOU IN APRIL! I get home at the end of February I think, it might end up being March 4th or something. I don't know how to feel about it, I really love being a missionary but i miss my home and family and life haha. It feels like come March I will have finished my time in italy and am going back to Hawaii, not really like my entire mission is over. It will be hard to leave this country,  but I think we will be back to visit wifhin the next couple of years! I would love to come back with you! I think harder than leaving Italy will be taking off my name tag. This has been such a ljfe changing experience! I know it sounds cliché but I really feel like I have come come know my Heavenly Father in a way i never have before, for that alone i will be forever grateful I served. I really hope ruby serves, i would 10/10 encourage everyone to go, you learn so much you couldn't otherwise! I could go on and on about how much I love my mission and how hard it had been and just all of it, seriously the most mixed bag haha! 

I'm glad you like the heels, they are so high, I normally wouldn't buy heels quite that high but when in Italy :) I figured they could be special occasion shoes, I will wear wear whdn i give my homecoming talk :)

Haha that whole paragraph was so funny to read about your mom and your thoughts on little girls in heels, it is so true! HAH 

that is a cool experience you had and that you remember it! You have had such an impact on so many that I'm sure you will never know! Probably so many young women in california, it seemed like everytjme we went to church in valley center someone would tell me, " your grandma is my best friend... she is the best leader... " they even had a nickname for you (glav) !! MY GG IS AWESOME! 

But you have also had such an impact on me. I wish I could remember more about the year we got to live with you while dad was in Korea, but it was so evident that you loved your family and would so anything for them. Your faith and trust in the Lord even when things are really hard is inspiring to me, I love you more than you know! 

The other day I was going through pictures and I came across temple pictures back from October 2020 when it went though for the first time. Afterwards I got to drive with you back to mccall, something happened and we had to park on this little road while mom drove back to get something from my dad, while we were just sitting there I was kinda asking you about the temple and some of the things that kinda overwhelmed me and you said, " I feel.bad for the actor who had to play the role of Satan" hahah! I think about it everytime I've had the chance to do an endowment on my mission, you're always with me at the temple haha

Isn't it crazy about Sadie! Can you believe she is getting married, is sure can't! I've met Seth once over video for 5 minutes and that's it! What?! It is super strange but he seems awesome. If sadie loves him and my parents gave him the green light, I'm sure I will love him too! It just all happened so fast, God had his own plans. I'm just so grateful I will get to be there for the wedding and I'll get to be at the sealing which is so so special to me! 

I love you so much GG! I cannot wait to see you and opah! Take care! All my love and prayers, 

Emma 

On Fri, Dec 31, 2021, 8:41 PM Susan Glavinic <soobeegee@yahoo.com> wrote:

Dear Emma,

I think that is so cute how you still start your emails with Aloha!  You are one mixed-up lady!!

So I started this email a long time ago, then life got in my way, and I was distracted.  We've been to IDAHO in the meantime, and you are right...visiting with your family makes any day great!!

You are having a wonderful adventure, all wrapped up with serving your Savior, which makes it even more wonderful!!  And those shoes! Oh, my!!!  Oh, to be young again...makes my feet hurt just looking at them!!  I used to love wearing heels (maybe not quite that high!), but my ankles and feet can't handle them any more...give me a good pair of flip-flops (not that great for your feet either!) or just bare feet!! I often wonder if the shoes I used to wear when I started picking out my own, contributed to the bunion I now have???  My mother was big about shoes, always making sure when we were growing up that we had good well-fitting sturdy ones. I still cringe when I see young little girls in flimsy open shoes with heels that they can hardle walk on.  I always wonder how ofter they roll their ankles falling off the heels!!   How old do I sound????!  But yours are really darling...I'm a little envious...just walk carefully in them!!

I had to smile at your comments about Francesco and the joy you feel watching people come closer to the Savior.  I can only name one person that I know I influenced for good in that direction, (there may be more/may be not because lots of times we don't know the influence we have on others), but I do remember feeling inner satisfaction about whatever small part I may have played in that person's life.  It is not only service to those people, but also service to your Heavenly Father.  And anytime you can serve Him, you are on top of the world!!  Cherish this time of your life!  By the way, Opah says you speak better Italian than he does!! That doesn't surprise me!!  He says he mixes it up with Spanish.

Exciting news about Sadie!! When do you come home?  I'm glad you will be there to share that day with her!!  We have been invited as well, so we will see you then!  So much excitement and change going on...you coming home; Sadie getting married; and Miles graduating and getting ready for his mission!!  I know you will be happy to be home, but I'm wondering how you will feel about leaving Italy?  I'm sure it will be bittersweet...If you ever plan a trip to go back with your parents, I would love to go as well.  I've been to/through Italy several times.  It seems that most of the flights I used to take when traveling to Europe went through Rome.  I have been to Rome, Venice, Florence, but it was a long time ago... 

Love you, Sister...and will be overjoyed to see you in April!!

GG

On Wednesday, December 8, 2021, 07:46:12 PM PST, Emma Miller <enmiller@missionary.org> wrote:

Aloha! 

Not a ton of time today so this will be brief, but i hope you are all enjoying this month and finding ways to serve others and remember Jesus Christ! I was making a poster this week for a christmas activity and I thought it was so cute that reason for the season in italian rhymes as well: RAGIONE PER LA STAGIONE ❤🌲 

I made it safe and sound to Vicenza and am still trying to find my bearings- it feels like a tender mercy to have an American military ward along with the amazing italian ward. It is the perfect blend of my two missions and reminds me of Hawaii a lot ♡  this is such an exciting time of year to be a missionary and to spread the good news that Christ brings peace! 

I hope all is well! I'm always here if you need any prayers! Hopefully I will have more to report next week!

Amore,

Sorella Miller 

Abe! 

Talking to you was the highlight of my week too! It is crazy to me to think that the next time I'll probably talk to you is in 8 weeks at the airport 🤯🥲💗 

Ok, here are my thoughts on Luca. I LOVED the animation and that it was in Italy, it will always be one of my favorite Pixar movies becuase it is in country. I loved the little Italia lines, so many little inside jokes that you wouldn't know unless you spoke italian, which was super fun! I loved how the little Guilia kept saying " Santa mozzarella, Santa gorganzola, Santa..." with all the different cheeses haha so funny! I thought it had a clever ending with everyone getting a happy ending BUT I thought the middle was stupid! It was so anticlimactic, I spent the whole movie hoping they wouldn't get caught and them hiding that when they won the race in the rain no one cared because they won. Huh? O was really disappointed with the thought process there haha. So there is my play by play of the movie, overall prob a 6/10. 

What are your thoughts on it?

I'm glad to hear you like snowboarding! Honestly I'm kinda scared to try it, I'm not super good at skiing and snowboarding looks harder. But I'm so pumped to try it and just to be in the snow and with all you guys ! I heard sadie tried skiing again, haha she is so funny! Does Seth snowboard. He seems like the type. 

The new years with the Jones family seemed way fun, and yes, a little long sounds about right especially for you :) but good job for sticking it out, count your blessings you weren't at the Kesler house, I saw some videos on fb, looke xfun for bout 5 in and then just a total zoo! New years for me was fun, we had a district game night over zoom and then watched Luca. We set an alarm for 11:50 and frank Fanta at 12. We were pretty crazy ;). Fireworks weren't anything crazy here, there were a couple but it was pretty foggy out, Hawaii wins as far as holidays go! But cool to experience it here. I cannot believe it is 2022! I come home in like 58 days or something! Ahh! 

This is going to be a big year for our family, you are so so right! Sadie will become sadie Jones 🥲💗 miles will graduate, get his call ( I'm still working on my final guesses, so far it is foreign: Tanzania, Africa (swahili speaking) and stateside: North Carolina) but it will probably change before I have to make a legit guess ahah. And miles will probably leave this year! So many changes, I wish I could come home in March and just press pause, we would all be together and I just want it to stay thsg way, but they are exciting changes and we will all be together again soon. 

I love you Avery! Thank you for your sweet emails, as always. Good luck with school, I hope the past couple days haven't been too bad, going back after break is never easy. Last month of basketball make it count! I can't wait to watch some games next season and call you afterwards for the rundown. Thank you for being such a support to me, it means more than you know!

 All my love,

Emma 

On Sun, Jan 2, 2022, 1:54 AM avery miller <avm2006@yahoo.com> wrote:

Em,

I don’t have much to report since we talked last but I’ll give you the newest tea;) Don’t get me wrong- I’m so glad I got to talk to you, twice! It literally made my break!

It has been such a blast to get back to Brundage- I absolutely love snowboarding and I can’t wait for you to try it! - I think I’ve gotten better than last year too- it’s so much fun Emma! 

It is crazy to me to think that you’ll be coming with us this season too! Ahhh!!!! Lesssss Gooo!

I can’t wait!

New Year’s was fun- all of the Jones family is super fun and nice but it was a little long- You know me….Avery = hates all social gatherings (specifically family ones;)

I did get a little emotional though when everyone was saying happy new because now it feels so real- 2022 is going to bring a lot of change to our family, good and bad. Sadie is getting married😭, YOU are coming home!!!!!!!🥳, Miles is leaving 🥺, and I’m going to be the oldest at home. Yikes man! Oh Em, you coming home is the only thing keeping me going! 

I love you so much!!!! I’m counting down the days but keep doing what you’re doing because Hawaii and Italy are better because of it…because of YOU!🧡

Love you lots,

                        Abe🧡💜🧡💜🧡

On Wednesday, December 15, 2021, 12:00:59 AM MST, Emma Miller <enmiller@missionary.org> wrote:

Abe!! 

Only 11 more of these emails! Thanks for being consistent, it has made not being able to talk to you hardly ever, less horrible. I feel like I'm kinda in the know 💜

I'm bummed you lost to Skyview! Ahh! I wanted that win for you so bad! I saw some pictures of you against kiana blacker and Shelby, that must have been so fun! Thst is frustrating about sitting the second half beciase of eye rolling, I feel like you might have learned thst watching me, so sorry. It is so true though, even if your coach is crazy or makes a bad call, there is a level of respect that has to be there to see success. Sometimes it wad hard for me to see that, especially with pasta haha, but it is bigger than basketball! It is learning to respect your boss or you bishop when they make a bad call or things don't go your way. I totally know what you mean thiugh when you said you didn't even realize you rolled uour eyes! That is totally an emma thing, my eyes give everything away and I don't even notice half the time! Keep working on it, your team needs you and you need pt, keep killing it! I love watching clips and seeing pictures

Guess what?! I'm so upset, I fried my straightener. I think the voltage was just too high and it is totally broken. I have had this straightener for ever (I used it like every single day in high school haha, I should have yikes!) I'm hoping I an find an italian one somewhere for cheap tht will et me to March, I'm so annoyed haha 

Ryker didn't even come?! What a hoser! I'm glad you're over him, you can do so much better! That is brutal for Scott Hayes and cade Michaelson, that would be so frustrating, I don't know why they even try out, but I can see how it would all be so hard. Sad. 

Also, I'm totally fine with Skyview losing to Owyhee! Let's go Owyhee storm or whatever! I can be bandwagon, I don't feel connected to anyone at Skyview really so I don't care haha! 

I'm glad you are feeling a little bit better about Seth. If he is good for sadie then he is good for us :). Today for p-day I am going to Venice and there is this famous tie place that gives discounts to missionaries so I'm going to get a tie for dad, miles, Graham, opah, and I think Seth too, don't tell anyone. I'm really going to try and just love him from the getgo, it will make it easier. I feel like if I want to keep my relationship close wifh sadie he will have fo be a part of that which is good bit is kinda hard to swallow. It will be good though 

Good luck with your talk! If you wrote it out, uou should send it to me! And your blessing ?! YAYYY! I didn't know it would happen that fast but man I am so excited for uou! That will be absolutley so amazing, like am early Christmas present 💗 I'll be praying for it and for you! The only advice I have for prep is to fast the day of, be prayerful, and read: Your Patriarchal Blessing: A Liahona of Light by President Monson!! So good! Man I'm pumped for uou! 

My turn haha. You're sweet to ask. I'm taking all day by day. It has been a lot, I feel pretty overwhelmed and as always, inadequate to do all that Heavenly Father is asking of me. Italian is a struggle but I'm trying to find the grace in all of it. My mission has been the hardest thing I have ever done but this week I made a list of all the ways I've grown and the blessings I've seen from the past 15 months and man is it worth it! I'm so grateful to be here and really just trying to remember that. I have kinda a tough comp situation this transfer and with christmad around the corner I'm feeling more homesick than the usual, but that comes with the job :) thank you for your love and prayers, so felt and so needed. I love you Avery!

I cannot wait for Sunday for you! keep being amazing, I can't wait to see you so so soon! 

Emma 

On Tue, Dec 14, 2021, 5:15 AM avery miller <avm2006@yahoo.com> wrote:

I’ll start from the beginning…

Scott Hayes it’s on varsity because he’s a senior this year. Although he probably only played two minutes. It’s like that for that Cade Michaelson too but he only played .8 seconds. I have no idea how I convince Miles to go to JV- I think I have mama to thank for that one;) He played ok- but again he kinda short- poor kid. 😬

 Skyview shouldn’t have beat us-dang it. I didn’t play a lot the last half and at first I was kind of confused but then later in the locker room I kinda understood. We lost by like 9 and that was only because we had to keep fouling them. So we got in the locker room and he was super ticked and I was frustrated because I hadn’t played very much in the second half. And then he asked one of his assistant coaches what she thought and she said that it was super frustrating as a coach to see girls on the bench look away when coach was talking to us or roll our eyes. When she started saying this I didn’t think I was doing any of those things but then when my coach started talking again he re-emphasized that it was very frustrating to have us roll our eyes and if we were going to do that he was going to sit us. And then he stares right at me for like a solid 15 seconds. By that time I was trying to think of any time I might have done that but I really couldn’t think of one. Honestly I don’t know if I did- dad said I might have done it without knowing-he also said how you used to do that a lot🙄😂

Anyways, I left the locker room in tears and was super frustrated. I didn’t have any points and I didn’t play very well and that was embarrassing because I knew so many people there. Now our record is 4-4 😳😳😳

Speaking of people that were there-Ryker told me he was going to come but then he never did. I’m totally over him but I was totally annoyed too-Yikes! I also saw a lot of girls that I played basketball at south with and during summer ball. I don’t know if you remember Shelby but I love that girl and Gracie. Pretty much everybody on that JV team I really like and wish my team was like them. They gave me a bunch of hugs and remember my name it was so cute and made my day-I still wish we could’ve beat them though. I did see a lot of kids in the student section I haven’t seen in a long time and that was kind of fun even though I didn’t talk to any of them. Are varsity beat Skyview’s varsity and I don’t know how you feel about that but I thought it was kinda funny- a bunch or seniors against a bunch of freshmen. 

Also- I’m so glad you totally understood what I was taking about with boy drama. You get me so well!- I miss that🥲 also I totally remember “kick their trash” 😂😂😂. Speaking of boy drama……. Seth is coming on Friday and staying Friday and Saturday night. I don’t know how I feel that he’s staying here but it’s whatever. Like I said Im closer to him since after Thanksgiving break. April is coming fast so I don’t really have another option but to like him. Seriously though  I think he’s perfect for her that’s all that matters. 

Also I have to give a talk on Sunday and I’m freaking out but on the good side of that I’m also getting my patriarchal blessing this Sunday too!!!! I’m so excited!!! Do you have any tips for some good preparation?

OK now your turn:

How are you doing and be honest with me because mom doesn’t fill me in enough

I love you so much Emma and of course you’re in my prayers every single morning and night. 

Keep going because whatever your doing is soooo wonderful and I have no doubt you have, are, and will bless so many. You’ve already blessed me by being an amazing sister and example. 

Love you lots!!!! 

                            abe🧡🧡🧡🧡💜

 

On Wednesday, December 8, 2021, 12:00:31 AM MST, Emma Miller <enmiller@missionary.org> wrote:

Abe! 

Sorry I missed last week! I meant to respond and just ran out of time! 

That is a bummer to lose by 6! You'll get em next time is right! Mom told me about Naiya and her little sister, they are massive haha, I remember being so scared to play mtn view, 6 is a good loss though! It is fuj not to be blown out ! YAY SKYVIEW VS OWYHEE! kick their trash ;) (do you remember that?) I totally understand why you would be nervous, but you'll do great and I already know it will be a dub so just enjoy it and play hard! That is so cute about Alex Barass, if you see her again make sure to tell her i miss her and am proud of her! I wish I could come back and come to the game too! It sounds so fun! Live it up for me! 

Did Scott make varsity?? How did you convince miles to go to JV? Did mom know? Did he play well? I 110% UNDERSTAND WHAT YOURE TALKING ABOUT! that is how I felt about cam burgess, we would text a lot but everythne j saw him I wondered why I liked him haha, don't get me wrong he is super kind and we are actually good friends now that we are missionaries and have moved on but he isn't my type haha. So I know where you're coming from. That is not good if you're taller taller him haha 😅😂 although although bet he shoots up soon! Are you nervous for him to come to the game, is that one of the main reasons you're scared to play Skyview? Did you get to talk to him at all? It is all so weird and awkward, I'm sorry. Just keep it as friends and be kind, you won't regret it! But don't lead the poor kid on either. 

Oh brother Lydia. How old is she? 15? Her boyfriend haha she has been boycrazy from day 1 ! Yikes, steer clear! That is super kind of her to come and say hello though. And how cute that Watford came and sat with you. I always felt more connected to him after he came up to mccall with bowen. I really like him :) he is a total weirdo but so so kind! Lots of Skyview people! Do you miss it? 

That is hard about practices! I always hated when they would say "optional" or weekend praxtixe and then when you weren't there they held it against you but thst is high school athletics for uou! I remember being frustrated with schedules but at the same time , I tried to remember how much i loved basketball and it made it better. You only get it for 4 years, well have mccall for a long time, yay! Keep working hard and don't forget to love it ! ( I should take my own advice Hha )

Thank you Avery! I haven't really seen much of vicenza yet, I'm sure it is beautiful though. I'm going to verona tomorrow for p-day, like shakespears verona, have you read Romeo and juliet yet? I might go see the balcony !

Awh Abe! Your list made me teary. That made me feel so good! I love you so much. You are the best sister a girl could ask for and I miss you to Italy and back! I'll see you so soon! Talk to you next week! 

💛💛 emma 

On Mon, Dec 6, 2021, 5:18 AM avery miller <avm2006@yahoo.com> wrote:

Not a whole lot has happened since my last email except for basketball. We played Mountain View and lost by 6- bummer!!! We’ll beat them next time. They are the only undefeated team in our conference so that makes me feel much better too. On Friday we play Skyview @ Skyview and I’m really nervous- I’m excited to play those girls but I’m nervous to play in that environment, you know?

On Saturday Miles, Graham, & I went to the Skyview vs. Nampa game @ Skyview boys game.  I had been emailing Ryker and he told me about his game and he’s coming to my game on Friday so I thought I would go to one of his. Miles was already going to watch Scott and some of his other friends play. I was kinda nervous because I hadn’t seen him or anyone else since moving to McCall. He’s on JV but I’m pretty sure I’m taller than him😂😂😂 I also realized he isn’t that cute.😬( that sounds terrible;) So…..that kinda helped me get over him. Before it was hard to not still like him because he was always emailing me but after seeing him in person…. Is that bad? Idk - This is kinda hard to say over email and not face to face. Anyway, it was super fun to see all the other kids in the student section like people from south or girls I just played basketball with. Alex Barass ( I don’t think I spelled that right;) came right up to me and give me a huge hug. She told me that she wished you would come back from Italy for the weekend so you could come to the game and she could see you. She totally loves you! I also saw Shelby who I absolutely love! Lydia Bailey also came over and gave me a hug- she is so sweet! Apparently her ”Boyfriend” is on the Nampa team. Watford also sat by us the whole time:) I also saw Makayla Naylor, Jacie Young, Megan Cahoon, Bri Cahoon, Abby Pasta, and  the rest of the Skyview crew/ Basketball team. It was really fun to see everyone but it also made me great fun I’m not going to school there. Also- the first counselor in the Bishopric texted dad and asked if I could give a talk on the 19th- Ugh! At least I have like a whole month to prepare. #Silverlinings

Other than that not much to report. I’m just trying to get through these last two weeks of finals before Christmas break. Although I only get eight days in total in Mccall because me and dad have to come back down so I don’t miss any basketball. I don’t know if mom told you about that but our game against Capital I didn’t get to play the first quarter and half of the second because I missed one Saturday practice during Thanksgiving break because we were in Mccall- Yikes! So now i’m kind of paranoid about missing any practices. 

 I hope you’re loving Vicenza!!!! I can’t wait to see all the gorgeous pictures, especially the ones with you in them;)! I love you so much and want you to know that you mean so much to me! One of the #LighttheWorld things this week was the telling someone three things you love about them and I’ve been thinking about you all week. I couldn’t narrow it down to only 3:

1. You are so sweet, humble, and inclusive- I remember you always letting me do scripture study with you- you set such an amazing example then and now!

2. Your testimony is so strong and powerful- even you going on a mission has taught me so much and the type of missionary I want to be. 

3. You are so gorgeous!!! 🥵🔥 

4. You are such an amazing listener- You always listen to what I have to say, even if it is the littlest thing, and you know exactly what to say. 

5. You have and always will be there for me. And I hope you know that I’ll 100% always be there for you.  I think it has been hard to adjust to Sadie being gone and Seth, especially for you, but I’m not going anywhere Em. I can’t wait for our talks again- I really miss them. 

You are so special to me and I love you so much. Keep doing what you’re doing Em because it’s wonderful!!!

Love you lots,

                       Abe 💜💜💜💜🧡

Grandma and Grandpa!! 

Christmas in Italy was definitely one to remember! This whole experience had been crazy, soaking up the time I have left! 

Thank you so much for your prayers! They are so felt and needed, it really means so much to me! 

Oh how I miss you guys! I heard about the grind Christmas party, you both have quite the legacy! I'm so grateful to be a " Miller " 

Wishing you the very best year! (2022 can you believe it?) Can't wait to see you! 

Buon Natale & Buon Capodanno! 

Love, Emma 

On Sun, Dec 26, 2021, 9:05 PM Brent <bjmiller10@gmail.com> wrote:

Dear Emma,    We hope you had a Merry Christmas in Italy!  We love you and keep you in our prayers every day.  Hope too that the missionary work is keeping you busy and happy!  May this new year be a wonderful one for you!      G and G Miller

Sent from my iPad

Awwwhh Kevin! :( He's got this, I believe in him!

. 

Dude, is it your goal to make me cry every WEEK? I actively cried in my office reading this sweet sweet email.Truly the most tender mercy you got to meet Sister Jensen! Also it makes me giggle that there was a teeny little Thomas fan club off in Italy 😂 

That was the Sunday that literally changed everything. She was right, I wasn't active at the time but had made a lot of changes in my life and made a deal with Heavenly Father that I was going to start listening again and doing what He told me. I had made the effort to go to church that day and kept looking at her in Relief Society and getting the prompting that she needed a hug. It sounded so silly and stupid in my head and I didn't even know her at the time, but I figured if I made a deal with God, it would be sillier to back out so soon. So I did. And it made a lasting impression on both of us! After that, I decided I would find the missionaries and ask if they needed help with anything. (You know those members that aren't necessarily active but still love the missionaries and tried to help wherever they could? Yeah, that was me! lol) While waiting to talk to them, the bishop saw me and asked how I was doing because he hadn't seen me in a while. He asked what my summer plans were and before you know it, I burst out "I think I wanna go on a mission!!" There's no other explanation but the Holy Ghost literally taking over in that moment. I bet that definitely surprised him because my church attendance had been random at best- but there and then he asked if I had time to meet with him to start the process! Naturally, I was terrified because I knew I was going to need to talk through some things, but man oh man am I glad I did. That day is probably one of my top ten favorite days of life now, and it's all thanks to the Holy Ghost and Sister Jensen!!

Before I knew it, I got called to be a youth Sunday School teacher and went out with the missionaries literally all the time, especially after I finally got my mission call. It's crazy to think a whole life can change from a hug, but it can and it did! 

In conclusion, I'm so so glad you got to meet Sister Jensen, give her the biggest hug from me!! I love you so so much Sorella💓

Ashley

On Wed, Dec 8, 2021 at 12:00 AM Emma Miller <enmiller@missionary.org> wrote:

Hey Thomas! 

Sad update, Kevin slipped up with the word of wisdom and had fo post pone his baptism, he is still working towards it but I think it hit him kinda rough :( but one step at a time! 

Guess what?! I went to church in my new area on Sunday for the first time! I'm serving in an area with an Italian ward and an American military ward. I met this one lady and was talking to her and told her I had served in Hawaii. She said, I had a friend who lived in SC with me who was assigned to Hong Kong but spent the whole time in Hawaii.." before she even finished I lit up! ASHLEY THOMAS! (The lady's name is sister Jensen?) I talked about you for a solid minute about how you were my blessing in Hawaii and felt like my mom, it was pretty funny and made me miss you! 

She said one Sunday she was having a really hard time but really hadn't told anyone about it. She said you came up to her after sacrament and said, " you look like you could use a hug" and she said it changed her whole day. She told me, " she wasnt active when I heard about her bit when I met her at church, that girl is so in tune with the spirit and I knew she would be an amazing missioandy" well, sister Jensen was SO right! 

Anyway, I love you more than you know! Such a small world! Have the best week!!

All my love! Emma 

Dear Emma,

What an amazing adventure and place to serve your mission. I'm so happy for you to get to see so much of Italy and take so many wonderful photos of the streets, architectures, people, foods, and places that you are visiting while serving your mission. You're such a blessing to all that have the opportunity of meeting with You. Of that I am certain.😊

God was definitely watching over you and helping you live your dream of serving your mission in Italy. Of that you can be certain. Without his help your dream would not have been possible. He knows you well. He loves you so much.

Just like your family loves you too. I'm sure that they miss you and can hardly wait for the day that you return from your mission. I agree with them too.

Until then keep on enjoying your mission and your PD too.

I'm so glad that you are taking so many wonderful photos of the locations that you have visited. You will have them for the rest of your life and be able to share all of your experiences with so many others during your lifetime.

Love you forever and ever, and miss you do.... much, Auntie K

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day giving thanks and blessings to others 💗🙏💝💙💜💕😊

I am always giving thanks to you for you in all that you do in this lifetime. Stay safe and enjoy everyday as God has intended for you to have. Especially doing his work here on earth.

Love you sweetie!!! 

Thank you so much for sharing! I loved the pictures and you look as beautiful as ever. I'm happy that you will be able to share your talents and they will come back to you easily as you have a real purpose for using them. I loved being able to have a visit from your family again. They are still playing very well.

Love,

Gerry Winter

On Wed, Oct 13, 2021 at 12:28 AM Emma Miller <enmiller@missionary.org> wrote:

Ciao sister Winter, 

How are you doing? I miss you. 

My mom sent me some fun pictures and videos of you with the kids, your piano playing still sounds beautiful as ever and you look so good! It makes me so happy The kids were able to play for you, we had the very best piano teacher. You shared quite the talent with us Miller kids and if is something I know i will always be so grateful for. 

Right now in my ward here in Italy, my companion and I are the only ones who play the piano, she plays most Sundays but she is leaving our area in a couple weeks so it will be up to me to play the hymns for sacrament. I haven't really played since Hawaii so I'm a little nervous but hopefully I can go practice a little before. 

I love you so much! You are in my prayers! Here are some fun pictures💛

Love

Hey! Don't be sorry, you've got real life to worry about. I'm just happy to hear from you whenever, no worries! 

Life is good, God is great, and Italian is a work in progress. I'm a far cry from fluent haha, I understand more than I can speak, slowly but surely. We have quite a few families in my ward from Brazil, they are learning Italian with me & passing me up so bad! they said Italian and Portuguese are similar so if you ever want to learn another language.. ;) 

It's grind but that's a mission for ya! Italy is beautiful, still blows me away, I love this country. 

What a perfect time to move to Rexburg, right before winter, yikes! Haha. How far is rexburg from where you are from? Is that like a trade school type thing, like does it line up with university semesters or its own deal? I hope work went well for you! What has been the best part of being home? 

It is good to hear that mission life is easier than real life from someone on the other side- trying not to take this time for granted! Although you're not giving me much to look forward to post mission lol! Good and bad in both sounds about right. 

Thanks for the email, hope you're doing well! & happy late birthday!  

Sorella Miller 

On Sat, Oct 2, 2021, 5:36 PM Rylee Spencer <rylee.spencer@missionary.org> wrote:

Hey sister Miller I’m so sorry I haven’t emailed you for a while! When I got home life got busy and ya I’ll just leave it at that! So super sorry about that! How has it been has it been getting better? I’ll be your doing amazing and your fluent in the language of Italian!:) you’ll have to let me know how things have been for the last little while! 

Things for me have been alright but living life and trying to get by haha! I just finished working for the guy in Oakley and Sunday I move to rexburg for the horse shoeing school so I guess we will see how that goes haha! Let me just tell ya I would so much rather be out on the mission real life is hard and a pain haha! But it’s good it has its goods and bads just like a mission! Well again sorry it took me forever to email back trust me I didn’t forget about ya I’m just the worst at emailing or texting and all that in general haha! Hope your doing well sister Miller!!:)

On Wed, Aug 18, 2021 at 3:45 AM Emma Miller <enmiller@missionary.org> wrote:

Darn it! Sorry it has been such a rough transition- thrown into real life after 2 years of missionary mode, that sounds hard. But you have my prayers that it gets better quick! You're onto bigger and better things:). I remember you said you were working in Oakley, but remind me again what you're doing? & then school in the fall or no? 

I caught the end of your homecoming talk! sorella demeure and I got home from a lesson at 6:30 and were able to join, I heard the part starting at Uncle Rick (I'm sad I never got to meet him, Baier always talked about setting something up, he sounds awesome! And obviously loved you a lot) You did great, idk what you're talking about. That is the first thing sanders told me about you when I came into the zone, "elder Spencer is an awesome missionary but he beats himself up" She was right, you're too hard on yourself. Both my comp&I thought you did awesome. But i bet it feels good to have it over with! 

Oh sanders! I honestly miss her, she was so innocent and just so sweet! You sure it was goodbye? You'd better watch out for an email ;) ahaha (you have to lmk if she does, deal?)

Thank you for the advice, I'll take all I can get. This week was definitely a little easier than last, progress! Slow but steady :). Just wait, Italy will be my favorite place by the end of this! Prayers mean so much to me, they are so felt, thank you! Have a great week! 

Sorella Miller 

On Mon, Aug 16, 2021, 8:35 PM Rylee Spencer <rylee.spencer@missionary.org> wrote:

Hey sister Miller good to hear from ya! Gald to hear that your making the best of it and getting through it, you're awesome and I look up to you alot! 

Well RM life is hard haha I have had such a hard time adjusting and trying to get used to being an actual normal human being and it has been the hardest thing ever Haha! But it's all good I have been taking it in day by day so it's good! I start work next week and move our so that will be good to jump in and just go! I have my homecoming talk yesterday and it wasn't that great haha but oh well it's over and I can move on haha! Ya I definatley learned alot from good old elder sims about being positive life is so much better when your happy and you just make the best of it!  

Anyways sister lamphrey walked up to me the day before I left and she goes you better inform how emailing my girl Miller goes haha! So I laughed pretty hard at that when she said it! 

Sanders probably said good bye to me 20 times haha and then we were at the air port getting ready to leave and her and some other sisters showed up and said good bye again and so I got plenty of goodbyes from sanders haha! 

Well if I have any advice for ya it would be to just dig in and embrace it all, the happiest I was on my mission was my last transfer when I completely looked past all my life before the mission and just focused soley on the people and the mission and dont get me wrong it was still hard but it was 10× better!! And the language will come just study as much as you can be patient with yourself, you got this sister Miller, you're awesome!!!:) 

Well shoot me an email when you get some time! Hope your doing well and your always in my prayers! Keep up the awesome work! Proud of you sista miller! 

Rylee 

On Wed, Aug 11, 2021, 12:10 AM Emma Miller <enmiller@missionary.org> wrote:

Today's the day!!? Or tomorrow? Idk, I'm all turned around still, but I cannot believe you are actually going home! I bet your mom is so excited to see you! Can't wait to see pictures if you post any or if you are tagged. How exciting! I'm so happy for you !! ("My mission has meant everything to me...") I love that- I think that's how you know you did it right, when you feel like that! Ahhh! Mission accomplished! Way to go!! 

Awh, that is sweet of you to say, but I don't feel amazing, I feel like an idiot haha! I understand like 1/2 of what is going on (on a good day) and can't speak Italian to save my life, I'm getting really good at smiling and waving lol! Please tell me this will get better haha! How did you get through the first 12 weeks of Brazil, because I feel completely hopeless! If I'm being 100% honest, this is so hard, i feel like I am starting my mission all over again, everything is new & I'm pretty helpless but trying to find grace in all of it considering it has only been one week, heaven help me :). 

This probably sounds hecka negative! Me & you both, learning from elder sim's example! Italy is amazing; the people, the food, the culture! It is everything I thought it would be and more! We are opening a new area, a province in the middle of northern Italy, called Lodi. It is seriously so cute! My sweet trainer is so patient w me, she is from France and speaks fluent French and Italian, not a whole lot of English, which makes things interesting haha. Also, I took for granted having cars in Hawaii, riding a bike in a dress is an adventure :), but it adds to the experience. Is it bad that I'm grateful I am here for just 7 moths instead of 18? Long enough to love it, not long enough to hate it haha! In all seriousness though, life is good and God is good, I miss Hawaii SO much but I knew this change was coming & obviously I have a lot to learn from it! 

Haha I'm dead! Sanders has told me that before, and honestly idk why she thinks that either ?? But I'll back you up when I talk to her, reassure her that you don't.

Lamprey talked to you about sending me an email or about you "hating" sanders- you lost me. But President walking around the corner to either conversation doesn't sound good! Too funny! 

Well, now the whole mission will remember you as the guy who wrote sister Miller and for your pro lip sync video hahah! Speaking of: that song came on and my companion asked me about it, so I showed her the video, she goes, " lui è un bravo cantante" she thought you were actually singing and I didn't know how to explain lip syncing in italian so i just left it. She thinks you have a great voice lol! 

Okay, sorry for my novel! Hopefully this will give you some reading material for the LONG flight home :).  I'll def take you up on that if I ever need something, thank you sm :) Same here, if there is ever anything, don't hesitate! Best of luck with RM life, one week at a time, yeah? :). You're probably feeling it all, which is so valid, and I completely understand the bittersweet! So proud of you Elder Spencer !!  

Sorella Miller 

Il Lun 9 Ago 2021, 11:23 PM Rylee Spencer <rylee.spencer@missionary.org> ha scritto:

Haha oh no worries about sanders bugging me I was planning on emailing you I was just going to give it a couple weeks but Sanders just motivated me to do it sooner haha! But I hope you're doing well and settling into Italy! You seriously are amazing haha your alot tougher than me I would be dying right now! But hey I mean when we were talking you sounded so positive and happy to be going to Italy so that is awesome! If that's one thing Elder Sims has taught me it's to be positive so I'm definitely trying to be a more positive person that is for sure!

Well I go home this week and holy cow am I low key freaked out haha it's just the weirdest feeling ever and it doesn't feel real! I'm so excited but sad at the same time! My mission has meant everything to me and it's hard to say goodbye to the last 2 years I have grown in ways I never could have if I wouldn't have served! I have all my stuff packed up and ya it's just the weirdest thing ever! 

So I finally told Sanders that I emailed you because she kept telling me to and I think she has told the whole mission haha!🤣 but it's all good Sanders keeps asking me why I hate her and I dont and apparently I must've done something to get her to think that but I feel bad and so it's fine if she tells the whole mission I dont care haha! I just hope she realizes that I dont hate her I literally have nothing against her!🤣 Lamphrey said something to me about it at the mission office and then president Walker walked around the corner and I was just like oh crap haha so I'm sure he was like what is going on here haha!🤣 but it's good I just thought you'd laugh about that haha!🤣 

Well if you get some time let me know how your doing and how settling into Italy has been! Also if you ever need anything let me know I'm not very good with anything but hey if I can ever help you out with anything let me know!😉 haha 

Well I guess this is the last time I I'll be signing off as Elder Spencer so I guess here's to one last time!:) hope your doing well:)

On Wed, Aug 4, 2021, 6:23 AM Emma Miller <enmiller@missionary.org> wrote:

Hey! 

Oh my goodness, that sounds like sanders (gotta love her lol). So sorry!  I think she overheard a convo where Stewart told me I should write you, but obviously she got carried away! You totally didn't need to email, sorry if you felt pressured into it.

But no, it isn't awkward at all, your email was so sweet! Especially coming from you because you  did the same thing w Brazil/Hawaii. Takes one to know one! 

Also, thank you so much for coming to the airport, that really meant so much to me! I meant to tell you good luck with going home and everything you've got going in the next month but I totally spaced! So anyway, goodluck! I can't imagine how you are feeling with one week left (Crazy!!) But I hope it is a great one. You should be so proud of yourself, it was easy to see that you were a great missionary & I am grateful I got to serve around you for a second. 

Take care of Idaho for me! You'll have to let me know how adjusting back to normal goes, I know I'm still here for a while, but it scares me! You'll do great though haha! 

Thanks again for your email, I feel bad/embarrassed that sanders wouldn't leave you alone about it & to take you away from p-day basketball but honestly it made my day. Kill it this next week! No doubt you are leaving Hawaii better than you found it! 

Sorella Miller 

On Tue, Aug 3, 2021, 3:51 AM Rylee Spencer <rylee.spencer@missionary.org> wrote:

Hey Sister Miller its Elder Spencer haha!  So I'm just sitting here in the gym and your old companion has probably told me 100 times to email you and so I guess here it is I really hope this isn't awkward haha like dont get me wrong I was wanting to email you when you left but I was going to give it some time but Sanders is literally watching over my shoulder and so I'm sending ya one haha! But I just wanted to say thanks for your awesome example and huge testimony! I'm sure it hasn't been easy traveling to a new mission and all but if I do say you would be the one to do it! The lord definitely picks his strongest servants for stuff like that so just hope you know I look up to you alot for what you are doing! Italy is literally the luckiest to be getting you! 

 I really hope this isn't weird and if it is and you dont respond like I totally get it haha I would'nt blame you! Anyways hope your doing well Sister Miller! If there's ever anything I can do please let me know!:)

Elder Spencer 

Sistahhh Miller!! 

I don't think words can express how much I love and adore you! You are THE sweetest person and so kind and personal. I love your emails and they mean so much to me. You are definitely the ultimate example of a Christlike person in my life and you are on it! I know the mission has been hard for you, but you have served with flying colors and are doing so amazing! There are so many blessings that your family is now receiving and what you and your future family will receive in the future because of your sacrifice and service! There is no doubt about that. We are all here striving and becoming who God intends us to be!! You are doing amazing things, even if it doesn't always feel like it!! 

Thanks for always building others up. You are so right, I'm exactly where God needs me at this time and I've already grown so much these past few weeks of this transfer. I've learned the importance of communication and having boundaries and loving people no matter what and doing things out of love! I know this is all preparing and strengthening all of us for whatever lies ahead! 

My favorite talk was Elser Meredith's and it was so good on the driving and looking forward and being disciplined. Ahh conference was just the best in general tho. I'm glad it lifted your spirits and helped you a lot!! That makes me happy! 

I love you so so much ! I hope you have the very best week! 

- Sister Rothwell 💛 

On Tue, Oct 5, 2021, 10:19 PM Emma Miller <enmiller@missionary.org> wrote:

Rothwell you are a saint! I miss you bad! As i was reading your email i just am so impressed with your attitude and dilgence in doing whatever the Lord asked of you regardless. I don't know what training is like, and I don't think I will have that responsibility on my mission, but I have a pretty good guess that it isn't easy. Watching you do it so many times ( is this your 4th missioany) is so crazy to me! You have so much faith! & you know what they say, being a trainer is the most important calling becuae you shape the upcoming missionaries and culture of the mission! You are so good at it too, when I look at hunt and kurihara, they are amazing and learned from the best mother! So while this transfer and the last couple months feel like a struggle (especially with this companion- I can imagine that situation is hard) know that you are exactly where God needs you bwcuase he knows he can depend on you 💗 there is so much trust in all He has asked of you and is so amazing and such a blessing amd example for me to witness you take it in stride and bloom in the middle of it. You never seem down and you never conplain, I seriously learn so much from you even a continent away! 

I am doing a lot better! Conference was literally so heaven sent. I loved when Brad Wilcox compared our lives (missions) 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 !! 

Oh my gosh thank you for typing all of that out, it is seriously such a strength to me to head your outlook and optimism on. Mission and this time to serve! These past two transfers have been the hardest of my entire mission, but with time &conference it is getting better! So much to learn wifh humility at the top of the list! I remember thinking if I could just get to my year mark then I could finish the last 6 months easy, but now that I'm there with only 5 months left it still is a good chunk of time. I'm so grateful to be here and I love my Savior but serving a mission has been really hard for me. There have been so many unexpected twists and turns and I'm just really tired. Ready to go back to my comfort zone haha. I am trying to be all in and finish strong but 150 days feels long! But I'm doing so much better than August with all of this and with homesickness so only uphill from here :).

I loved this part of your email ( I loved your whole email but this part specifically :) 

♡ "I'm also trying not to be too hard on myself to stay motivated and just love and soak up this time wearing the Saviors name on my chest. Each day comes with highs and lows and I'm just thankful that I'm not the only one who feels this way and that the Savior understands me and you perfectly!" ♡ 

So true and so helpful! I love you so much!! 

Your emails are such a strength to me, you have been such a support to me and I need it more than you know! I look up to you so much! 💗 hope this week was a little better for uou! I already know you are making the best of it, but sending extra prayers that it will get better! Love you lots! 

Love, 

Sorella Miller 

On Mon, Sep 27, 2021, 6:31 PM Dacia Rothwell <dacia.rothwell@missionary.org> wrote:

SORELLA MILLERR! 

ugh. I miss you so stinking much. I can't even begin to explain it. I am living with Sister Swan and we always talk about how much we love you! I hope you're doing well! I can't believe how it is. I'm so thankful you were reassigned here and I bet you miss it. There's pros and cons with serving in 2 missions... I was only in my reassignment for 6 weeks and look back on it a lot... I can't imagine how you feel! How are things going for you?

It's crazy I go home so so soon. I hate the thought of that and going back to school and work and family and reality of adulting! It's coming so quick! I feel like I just hit 9 months too and that you and Wilson just got me a ton of cute treats for my 1 year 🥺 awww! I have always felt the sense of not wanting to go home just cause it's so safe being a missionary and just teaching people about Jesus, but as time has gone on, i have started to feel ready to complete my mission and it's creeping up on me. 

It's honestly been so hard for me to keep my motivation too. We just sent new goals mlfor miracles in the mission and I'm like... I either have no faith or motivation...🥲😅😬 I feel like I am motivated more when I have a good personal study for some reason. When I stay focused on why I am here rather than what I am doing..  it helps. I let myself feel trunky sometimes and get it out of my system... I listen to music to help haha and then I just think how this time we have as missionaries is SO short and it seems like a drag some days, but it helps us grow! Opposition in all things right?🤣🤣 how are you doing with being on the mission and feeling homesick and all? 

I've got to be honest... I've never ever wanted to go home on my mission... like there's been hard days or times I wish I was home for something, but I've never wanted to get on a plane back to Utah until the 1st few days in Hilo. I'm in a trio with the sweetest, Sister Sala, from the VC and a new missionary. It's been the hardest week of my mission and I miss Maui and my mission friends, but I'm trying to stay positive. I feel like a lot of us OG HHM sisters are just being thrown around and are all struggling with the situations we're in with companions and areas. I'm follow up training a girl who's last trainer never let her do anything and she's just very out spoken and controls everything now with taking over the area and it's not the move... the zone doesn't really like her and she's just not compatible with me. She babies me and I'm over here like... uhhh sis, you've been out 7 weeks lol. I've gotta lay down the law real soon. Luckily, I have Swan and we're going to go on hecka exchanges this transfer. We're also in a trio, so that's another adjustment AND I'm getting used to being in a huge zone compared to Maui! Ahhh! I do know the Lord called me to follow up train and do damage control and be here for a reason so I'm really trying to have faith. I need to learn something from this. I'm trying. :) hehe. I'm also trying not to be too hard on myself to stay motivated and just love and soak up this time wearing the Saviors name on my chest. Each day comes with highs and lows and I'm just thankful that I'm not the only one who feels this way and that the Savior understands me and you perfectly! 

I just remind myself of d&c 122:7-9..."And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.

8 The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?

9 Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever." 

Let me know how you are doing cute girl! You are amazing and doing so good! You are such a light and I love you so so much. I am so thankful for you! Have such a good week 💗 I'm praying for you! 

 

Ofa atu😊💛🤙🏽🤗

- Sister Rothwell 💛 

Dearest sister sweet Emma, 

Or should I refer to you as the best looking "Mary Poppins" ever!!!! 🤔😊💖

Please 🙏 be careful.

Just an FYI. I wouldn't mention the word *-"Mafia" anywhere in the country of Italy, please, please, please.  

Not even in relation to a game. You never know who you are talking to anywhere in that country. 

I realize your intentions were harmless and not intended to harm or make fun of anyone. However you are in a foreign country and they could take it as ill will. I know you never intended to insult anyone. Please be careful. I Love you too much. I care about your safety first and foremost. Not attempting to make a big deal out of it. Just want you to be safe!!!!

I want you to be safe at all times. I know God is with you and he loves you as much as I do and your family too 💝 🤙👍🙏🙏🙏🙏💐🌹🦋🐺🐱👌💕♾️

Love your photos all of them. Especially the ones that you are in!!! Lovely blue jacket. You are dressing Very sharp!!!!

Love you forever and ever into infinity and beyond 😘 love you your auntie K ❤️

PS: when I am better I will write to you more. Sorry if I don't make sense. Just know that I will always love you no matter what. One day you might understand just how much you mean to me.💝💖⭐🌞🌈🐾💐🌞🌹🦋

Pasta your emails are honestly always EXACTLY when I need them! You're inspired! 

Thank you for the reminder, it is easy to forget when things get hard. Serving a mission and just growing up makes me so grateful for you and the basketball family I was able to be a part of! Most of my life lessons and experiences come from basketball season hah. I truly learned so much about being  "relentless" and doing whatever it is I want to if I'm willing to work for it. 

I saw a homecoming pic of Abby, my mom sent me a screen shot, oh my gosh she is growing up! She looked beautiful and I hope it was such a fun night! Tell her hello for me 

Anyway, thanks so much for the email and being such a support to me. I am so so blessed. I miss you and hope all is well with your family! Prayers your way! 

Ciao ciao !

Emma 

On Fri, Sep 17, 2021, 3:43 PM Pasta,Cindy <cpasta@nsd131.org> wrote:

Emma, I wanted to reach out and remind you how

much inner strength you honestly have!! It's the times in life that are the most difficult that we learn the greatest life lessons!! It will help you understand more about who you are becoming and what you can handle and cope with!!

I'm sending my best coaching voice of keep shooting you know you

have a beautiful shot!!!

Sending my best Emma 😎

This is one of my favorite bible quotes too!!

Deuteronomy 31:6,8 

Be strong and bold; have no fear or dread of them, because it is the Lord your God who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you.

Where I got the be a strong confident woman😉

 

Cindy Pasta

Health/Aerobics/Wellness

Asst Athletic Director

NFHS Coaches Ed Board

Skyview Pride

Worry more about your character than your reputation. Character is what you are,
reputation is merely what others think you are.  ― John Wooden

The most important thing is that you become the best version of yourself. Are you better today than you were yesterday?  That’s the mamba mentality.” — Kobe Bryant​​

   

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Thank you for all of those lovely pictures. I'm so happy that you finally made it to Italy. I was just reading a story about how that chapel was built. There are so many wonderful sights to see in Italy, what a history! I love you and happy that you get to experience all of the historical sights and especially to teach the gospel to all those wonderful Italian people. They seem so warm and happy and hope you are finding them that way. My prayers are with you.

Love,

Gerry Winter

On Wed, Sep 15, 2021 at 2:01 AM Emma Miller <enmiller@missionary.org> wrote:

Aloha Sister Winter! 

I miss you! I just wanted to send you a quick email to let you know that I was thinking about you this week. I hope you are doing well! 

Italy had been really cool, it is so different from Hawaii but I am learning a lot! The language has been kinda tough and I am used to teaching in English but God qualifies who He calls and I am seeing that first hand! I'm so grateful for Jesus Christ!

I love you! 💗💗💗

Love, 

Emma miller 

Here are some fun pictures ! 

Good morning Sorella Emma Miller!

Wow, we love the photos and we love the quote you included!

"Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine."  We surely agree that it is reassuring.

We think of you and pray for you with your heart given fully to Heavenly Father and Our Savior Jesus Christ in sacred service with your heart now attached to both of your mission locations.

I had not stopped to think about Italy being high in humidity until you commented on it.  Looking at a map and seeing the seas on either side of Italy it is easy to see why the humidity is a factor there.

We look forward to reading about Elder Bednar's visit!

This quote from President Nelson was given in 2011.  The BYU Devotional talk was entitled, "The Peace and Joy of Knowing the Savior Lives." It was originally given in DEcember 2002.

"As Jesus descended below all things in order to rise above all things, He expects us to follow His example. Yoked with Him, each of us can rise above all of our challenges, no matter how difficult they may be (see Matthew 11:29–30)."

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2011/12/the-peace-and-joy-of-knowing-the-savior-lives?lang=eng

As I read this I thought of you as a missionary.  You are living this reality, this promise, with the Savior's help to rise above each challenge in our lives.  It is on a whole new level as a missionary. It is so comforting and wonderful to know that our Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ are perfectly aware of our every challenge and that they actively support, guide, protect, and help to refine us and teach us through each trial and growing experience.  

May Heavenly Father be with and bless you,

Brother Chandler

Emma Miller!!!!

I miss you so much too!!! I hope that all things are going well in Italy. I am so looking forward to all of your stories!!! The good, the bad, and the ugly. ALL OF THEM!!! 

What is your favorite part about Italy? 

I could really use an Emma Miller hug!!! Oh man do I miss those!! 

Don't worry about the times that you just came in and chilled in the back room. I was always just happy to see you and that you had a place that you felt safe coming to. My room was and still is always open for you to come visit. 

We can definitely go to McCall and go hiking when you get back!! A good refreshing day in the mountains would be so much fun. I was able to spend some time with Sadie the last time I was in McCall. We walked through the botanica garden and laughed and talked and enjoyed flowers!! 

My trip to Alaska was AMAZING! As you saw I got to go onto the Mendenhall Glacier and get into an ice cave. That was the whole reason why I was there. The other things were just extra perks. The guy I was/am with is Scott Gillatt. We haven't defined anything yet and I am okay with that. We just like spending time together, and he is willing to allow me to drag him to all corners of the earth to explore the beauty of this planet!! 

Remi and Ruby are good. Ruby is on oral chemotherapy because her tumor in her mouth grew back and we had to remove it for a second time. So we are trying to slow down or maintain the growth and spread. Remi is doing good. Not moving very well but is still so happy and loves his ball and playing tug-of-war with his blanket and howls when I come home out of excitement. 

Clemson is going good. This is my research semester and of course I chose to do my research on BIRDS.. haha   I am seeing the effects of high energy foods in attracting backyard birds during the pre winter months. So when birds are trying to put on fat for the winter I am seeing what foods they are more likely to consume. It is a lot of work but going well. I will graduate in May! I still have the dream of teaching overseas for a while and/or working in a lab somewhere. My sister might have a lab manager position open in the next couple years....so I guess Oklahoma would be fun..... haha 

Teaching is chaos but I still love it. I have truly been struggling with my anger though. With the pandemic, decisions being made by our community, our school board, and the changes to our teaching styles in the classroom (not due to the pandemic but due to moving to standards based grading) I have high stress, anger, and at times really don't enjoy my job. 

We don't have a JV girls soccer team for the second year in a row so I am only assisting again this year, but truly this is going to be my last. It is time for me to step away. I just don't enjoy coaching soccer like I used to. I will stick with basketball for probably two more seasons to help out Kacy, but then I will be done with that as well because hopefully I will be moving on from Skyview to different things. 

I miss you so much!!! I can't wait for a hug!!! Class is about to start so I need to wrap things up.

Keep spreading love Emma Miller!!!

Love

Bowen

On Wed, Sep 8, 2021 at 2:08 AM Emma Miller <enmiller@missionary.org> wrote:

Bowen

 

I just want you to know that really really really miss you! 

I was exercising this week and a song came on from Mumford and sons, everytjme I hear this song I have flashbacks to sitting in the back of Watfords car driving back from the hike and you and Watford were jamming out haha! So so so fun! I also went and found the picture and it made me miss you even more! 

I cannot wait to see you in a couple months! Can we take a roadtrip to McCall and go hiking?! I need some.serious bowen time, I took for granted all those 4th period opens in your classroom. You have always been a safe place for me since I got over being a weirdo freshman and not coming I your room haha. I caught myself daydreaming the other day and I was rolling through memories of basketball seasons. I will never forget standing outside the Middleton locker room when you drilled into me a little for Givin up and setting a bad example for the team. You always knew when I needed someone to validate and when I needed someone to tell it to me straight and tell me to get over myself. I remember one practice, I had just finished downstairs and I wad frustrated w pasta or something and I remember just thinking, "where is bo, I need a hug" I came up to the upstairs gym where your girls were doing defensive slides and you came over and gave me a hug and I just broke. You let me vent to you in the middle of practice and it made all the difference. I could go on and on w memories and experiences where you taught me so much. You were/are a constant for me and I am so grateful for you! 

I loved seeing your posts about Alaska! Holy cow it is so amazing! Im so glad uou finally got to travel! Who is the guy you went with?? Am I missing something? 

How are remi and ruby? How is Clemson and school going? Are you coaching this year? How are you doing w school back in session? 

So.so many questions, sorry! Cannot wait wait hug you again! I love you so! 

Love, 

emmamiller :)

 Oh Em,

it was a good day-I’m still not totally sure about the whole Meridian vibe but I’m trying not to judge;)

I only got lost once and all my classes were fine but there is definitely not a dress code 😬 I had lunch with Miles and we sat in the car and ate our lunch because there was no room in the lunch room. Then I had seminary with Miles and it was a nice break from the craziness of school, but the whole time I was crossing my fingers that he did’t call on me.🤞🏼We also had a assembly and it was okay but Miles said Skyview assembles were better. I met some lds girls but I kinda felt like a 4th wheel because the all came from the same middle school. All in all it was a good day but I’m not looking forward to the next 4 years but oh well. I just keep telling myself that all I have to do is make it to the end of February;) 

Really the main thing that kept me going today was the temple. I can’t even tell you how amazing it was to be back in the temple. I wore the orange/rust dress that you sent home so that it would be like you coming to the temple with me.  You should have seen the huge smile on little Graham’s face every time he came up out of the font. So precious. I loved being there and I can’t wait until you’re able to go to the one in Rome. I can’t tell you how much I love you but I want you to know that you are in my daily thoughts and prayers❤️❤️😘😘

Love you lots Sorella,

                                    Abe

Aloha my dear friend Sorella,

Wow! Thank you so much for the update and for those incredible pictures! Funny about your pizza! We miss you here in Hawaii! Yes - I can understand about the “culture shock” being on Italy. It will certainly take a little time to find your rhythm there. Just remember how wonderful you are and don’t forget to give yourself the time to get used to things and most of all - don’t forget to enjoy it! 

Sending you lots of love from Hawaii!

Bernadette 

On Aug 25, 2021, at 4:37 PM, Emma Miller <enmiller@missionary.org> wrote:



Aloha, 

Another week down & i got to go to a baptism this week! It was in Sorella Demeure's last area (Piacenza), this man was so sweet and so prepared! The font was a portable swimming pool in one of the church classrooms, the church in Italy is so young, the faithful members here are seriously modern-day pioneers! 

Last p-day was so fun! We took a train to Milan, and walked around the city, there is so much to see it is almost stressful haha! I had my first ever Italian pizza, when we got to the little restaurant, I couldn't understand the menu so I told my companion to order for me. I'm not super picky and I figured I would like anything on a pizza, well I forgot that my companion, Sorella Demeure is French, so when the pizza came out with anchovies ( which she loves ) we had a good laugh- not the worst thing in the world but not what I anticipated! Lesson learned for next time! 

Even without the language aspect, the Italy Milan mission is not anything like the Hawaii Honolulu Mission. Both amazing, and both hold pieces of my heart but I am still trying to find some sort of rhythm here. We have a Zone conference this week and it will be so good to see other missionaries in person! In COME FOLLOW ME this week it talks about growing grace by grace (d&c 93:13) & I loved that! Life is like a ladder, one step at a time & a good reminder to be patient with ourselves as we grow ♡ 

Enjoy your last week of August! Crazy to think fall is here, yay for sweater weather! I miss the cold, I have been in 70°+ for way too long haha! Hope you are all doing well! 

Amore,

Sorella Miller 

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Oh Em! I miss you so much and I can’t wait until you come home!!!!🥳😘🧡

Of course I’ll email you after I get homefrom school- it will be the first thing I do!

Your prayers mean everything to me-thank you so much 

Je vous aime - That is “i love you” in French;)

❤️

On Wednesday, August 25, 2021, 10:03:42 AM MDT, Emma Miller <enmiller@missionary.org> wrote:

Oh Abe! 

I hope you know I am thinking about you all day tomorrow! If anyone can do it, I know you can. Just remember back to your first day at McCall middle, these same butterflies but you did it and LOOK AT YOU!  I know it will be scary, but just know you are not in this alone! You've got your family supporting you, you've got miles:) who really would do anything for you, and most importantly you have the Savior walking the freshman halls wifh you! Don't forget it!! 

Cannot believe you ars a freshman!!! Blows my Mind! 

You are gorgeous, confident, and draw people to you! Walk in there and show them who AVERY MILLER is! You will do amazing things and I can't to head all about it ! (& I will be home before it is over 🥳🥳💗) 

Just wanted you to know I am thinking about you and praying for you always but especially tomorrow! I love you w my whole heart abe! If you get some time, email me and let me know how it goes! 

Puó lo fai!! I love you so much

On Thu, Aug 19, 2021, 7:02 PM avery miller <avm2006@yahoo.com> wrote:

I hope you had a great day I’ll be thinking about all day-my time;)

Love you lots Sorella!!!

Ciao opah! 

Grazie per il tuo email! Spagnolo e italiano sono molto simili, la mia collega è francese e lei ha detto lo stesso, ma ha detto la sua francese si è aiutata imparare italiano. 

complementi sul 1 Nephi 7! Quello è buono! Stiamo imparando insieme :). Ogni volta penso sulla tu, e stai imparando italiano senza il MTC, sono meravigliato! Questo è difficile! Italiano è difficile, non posso immaginare provando imparare svizzero anche! Sei bravissimo opah! 

Come ti senti? Ho ricordato il tuo accidente sulla bicicletta! Non va bene! Ma, speriamo tu stia recuperando bene! Sei nelle mie preghiere! 

Si, abbiamo indossare le mascherine in chiesa ma non fuori! Possiamo contatta alla stretta ma non "tracting" porta a porta. Sono "whitewashing" una area nuova, per cui non ha missionari per un anno. Il lavoro è lente adesso, ma stiamo lavorando trovare più persone insegnare !! Insegniamo una maggiore parte dei nostri lezioni in italiano. Nella mia rione, ci sono tante persone da Brazil e Perù, quindi, è un combinazione di italiano e Portuguese e spagnolo haha! Sono confuso! Ma sto provando :). 

Com'è GG? Mi mancate! 

Grazie per gli auguri ♡ ho adorato il tuo video, ho sentito molto speciale:). 

Vi voglio un mondo bene! Sono grata per te! Ti parlo Presto! 

Amore, 

On Thu, Aug 19, 2021, 6:44 PM Larry Glavinic <ljglavinic@yahoo.com> wrote:

Emma,
Felice Compleanno! Bene, sto leggendo il Libro di Mormon. Sto per 1 Nefi 7. Il mio italiano sta tornando, ma il mio vocabolario non è buono. La scorsa notte ho fatto un sogno in cui stavo parlando a un gruppo di oratori principalmente spagnoli. Avevo difficoltà perché parlavo sia spagnolo che italiano stentato. Sono molto simili.

Mi sono piaciute le foto del tuo appartamento e del locale (LODI). Mi ha ricordato la mia missione e le cose non sono cambiate molto in 50 anni. i campanelli automatizzati delle porte degli appartamenti su edifici a più piani. A volte suonavamo 2-3 in modo che qualcuno aprisse l'edificio e poi andasse di porta in porta.

Credo di averti detto del mio incidente in bicicletta. Ora sono 5 settimane. 2 giorni fa ho smesso di usare il deambulatore e ieri ho guidato di nuovo la macchina. Inutile dire che è lento, ma tornerò a una vita più normale forse tra un altro mese. La nuova domanda è posso fare le scale?

Il governo ha cambiato ancora le regole COVID. Siamo tornati ad indossare le maschere alle riunioni (chiesa e tempio) Tutta questa maschera è un brutto scherzo.

Ho un vecchio amico italiano di BARI. Stava programmando un viaggio di vacanza in Italia, ma rimandato all'anno prossimo a causa del COVID. Indossi le mascherine in Italia adesso? Stai seguendo porta a porta? Stai insegnando a qualche investigatore? Stai insegnando qualche lezione di inglese? Lo abbiamo fatto spesso per incontrare persone che avevano avuto un discreto successo.
Opah Lorenzo Glavinic

Don't worry about it at all! *Tranquilla cara!* that is what everyone has been telling me haha ( which is all of the time) like, it's all good ! 

I totally get it, emailing is SO time consuming! Don't stress it! 

That really shocked me about Mortenson! I didn't know she was disobedient, I'm so sorry sis. That is HARD! but you are more than capable, from the time I left for maui to when I got back, you completely stopped up with obedience and taking over the Tongan ward, you are amazing and regardless of your companion, will do exactly what the Lord needs you to do in H-town. Maybe next transfer You'll be training?! ;). Can I be your trainee's aunt? Haha 

Man, i wish I knew mortenson better, I'm trying to get a read on your comapionship but I can't. It is so good you have the stls involved and in the know, and everyone had room to be more obedient but it is so lame go me that she doesn't want to step it ip and change. I would want to finish on a high note. Doesn't she have 2 transfers left after this? 

I was hecka surprised about lamprey and Christensen getting split, thst wad prob a good thing, they struggled a bit 

She looks like she could be sisters w her new trainee ahah. Don't you just adore Schneider?! She is my queen. I literally love her so much, she helped me a TON, during the beginning of my mission 💛 

Htown sounds way fun! w brower aho, and Capps! I hope you are loving it!

I hope this change of housing had given you a breath of fresh air, sometimes change is just needed so you don't get stuck going throuhh the motions. You are going to hit 9 months soon yah? 9 in Honolulu! You are so needed there, I just know it! Who else would keep the "will it lives" up and going!? I love watching them, makes me feel a little closer to Hawaii! 

I miss you SO BAD! I was scrolling though my Hawaii pictures, I do that whdn I get sad haha and I saw the two we took on exchanges and my heart hurt! Freak I miss you! But you'd better better Ima be at the airport when you get home! Lsss than a year away! Keep being obedient! It sounds way hard but I know it is worth it! 

Thabk you 🥺💛 are needed your email! It made my whole entire day just to hear from uou! Adjusting is freaking hard and I miss Hawaii everyday but trusting in the process. I go home 6 months from today and you'd better believe I will love Italy by the end of this! God has big plans and i just have fo learn to trust Him. 

You were by far my favorite companion! I love you more than you will ever know! 

I passed a store with some elephant stuff and thought of you ♡ man I miss you! Thinking about you and praying for uou always 💛 I love you 

Emma 

On Wed, Aug 25, 2021, 10:20 AM Anastel Nuusila <anastel.nuusila@missionary.org> wrote:

I'm so sorry i haven't responded to you in days/weeks. It's been one heck of a week lol. Lowkey the longest week of my life haha. 

Yes I now have Mortensen and she is so sweet but the only part that is super freakin difficult is that she is hecka disobedient. It does make it kind of hard for me because I already  struggle with obediance. 

I asked the STLs if they could do a training on obedience and ofc they changed their whole plan Monday night and had a training about the importance of obedience. It was actually really good and definitely needed. After Zone Council I told Mortensen that I wanted to be more obedient and she laughed at me a little and said "okay! that's whatever.. you do you" lol she then turned to me and said that she wasn't that disobedient and that she will keep doing the things that she is doing but she will try to improve 1% a day lol. I was dead after that.😂

So yeah idk if me and Mort are good together. Iv'e asked Heavenly Father if this is really what he wants. I'm sure he's just trying to teach me something. We had to have a comp inventory with the STLs because I blew up on her after she tried yelling at me on our way home a couple of days ago. We're fine now but I just let her do her own thing. Also living with Stewart is not that bad. Maybe the first couple of days because she was stressing for no reason at all lol. But she wrote pres about Mortensen. It's kind of hard for her to train when someone you're living with be breaking all of the rules. But her trainee is so pure and sweet.

 This probably ain't gonna make any since... I'm sorry lol.

I can probably last a couple of more transfers here in HTown. I love the ward and I think the city is growing on me haha. I do have hope for this zone tho lol. It's just up to them to make if fun ig. Here are the companionships in the zone and their areas.

Nu'usila & Mortensen: Tongan Ward

Stewart & Kauwe (trainee): Hawaii Kai Ward & HTeach

Schneider (STL) & Christensen: Manoa & Makiki Wards

Brower (STL) & Sircable (DL) : Auwailimu & McCully & HTeach

Del Rio (DL) & Aho: Micronesian Ward

Capps (ZL) & Burnete (trainee): Kimuki Ward

Halsey (ZL) & Thompson: Kahala Ward

Horsley (AP)  & Adnderson (AP) & Henry (AP): YSA Ward

 

Oh  Emma this is my 3rd day of writing this email lol. I swear I'm the worst at writing emails haha. But man I freakin miss you BIG time!! Ik a lot of things are new and different to you in Italy but the lord sent YOU there because he knew you were strong enough to take all the crazy things that come with that mission! Yesterday I was reading a Talk called "By Divine Design" and as I was reading it you kept popping up in my head. There was one thing that really stuck out to me and it was " We shouldn't call the little changes in our plan missteps but we should call them first steps to being on the Lords errand. "

Emma ik the Lord has a plan for you and you're out there in Italy for a reason. I miss you so freaking much too. I think about you ALL the time! Remember you took a piece of my heart to Italy so take care of it! I pray for you always. You'll always be my bestie sister Emma! Best companion I never had hands down hahah. I love you! I love you! I love you! Have the best day ever. Ofa lahi atu

Nu'usila♡

 

On Wed, Aug 11, 2021, 12:24 AM Emma Miller <enmiller@missionary.org> wrote:

I didn't mean for you to respond today haha! But it made my heart so happy to hear from you! 

Awh yay! Sister Mortensen is so cute! That will be so good! I bet that is hecka awkward living w Stewart still and probably weird for her to be in zone transferred (esp to htech!) That sounds brutal! So h tech is now, Stewart, her trainee, brower and sircable? 

You def downgraded in the pad situation haha but hey, could be a whole lot worse 

How are you feeling about staying in h-town? I know how much you love the ward but also how you wanted to leave the city? 

I cannot believe lamprwy is in kona- seems weird to split Christensen training! Who is Christensen new comp? 

Transfers are always so weird! O am waiting for them to post the transfer board so I can get a feel, even though it doesn't have anything to do w me anymore 😭💔

Dude I am struggling so hard ! I am trying to be positive and trying to remember that Italy has been my dream for so long but this is freaking hard! It is like starting my mission all over again except this time in a language that i don't have any idea what is going on. I can understand like 50% but can't speak to save my life so everyone just treats me like an idiot. My trainer is from France and doesn't speak very good English but is fluent in italian so I I losing my mind trying to understand everything and to top it all off, I am whitewashing a new area w a bike! Biking will be the death of me, it is so brutally hot and i am exhausted at all levels 

But to anyone who asks how u am doing, I am adjusting to the differences but doing well :). I know that was all so negative and honesty i just need to vent to someone who will understand what i am saying 

Italy is amazing, it is breathtaking and the people, food, and culture is unlike anything I've ever experienced! I feel so grateful to have this experience but it is really pushing me. I've never thought about going home early ad much as I have this past week. 7 months of this doesn't feel possible. I'm trying to put on a brave face to everyone else and especially my family because I want want to think I am thriving and living my best life but I seriously am just having a rough go. 

I have faith it will get better though 🥳🥳🥳

So I'll just hang in there until it does :). 7 months will come and go so im just trying to be present and get the most out of this experience. 

Oh how I miss Hawaii! I miss being an English missionary and being able to say whatever I want to say haha- maybe this language thing is a blessing for these Italians so they don't have to listen to me haha. 

I am growing though for sure! This is really teaching my to ve dependent on the Savior in a way I never have been before! Lots of prayers, lots of tears, lots of Journaling, but i know it will be worth it! 

Thanks for letting me rant, sorry if you actually read through all of that, I just needed to process. 

I love you so much! Have the best day and love on Hawaii for me 

Emma 

Il Mer 11 Ago 2021, 11:42 AM Anastel Nuusila <anastel.nuusila@missionary.org> ha scritto:

Emma!! Only the lord knows how much I love and miss you🧡 you're amazing and Italy is so fetchin lucky to have you!! 

Yes I am still in HTown in the Tongan Ward. I am no longer with Stewart but I still live with her and her trainee in the Htech sisters pad. They moved to awaialimu pad. My new companion is Sister Mortensen. 

Sister Stewart is now training a new sister in Htech lol and she is white washing Hawaii Kai with her.

But yeah if there is anything else you want to know just ask me hehe I'll tell you everything that's going on. Anyways... how us Italy?? How are you? The language? The people? Everything! I want to know!? 

I love you Roomie🥰

On Tue, Aug 10, 2021, 8:12 PM Emma Miller <enmiller@missionary.org> wrote:

How are you doing???? 

Oh my gosh I miss you so bad! I'm trying to peice together transfer news but are you staying? Going? Training? W Stewart? I know lamprey is leaving so I just wanted to check in and see how you're doing

I hope you know how much i love uou! Think about you all the time! Have the best night and week! 

Emma ;). 

We will think of you all day- all good things, all good things (olaf)

Love you sweet Emma-- 

This birthday is special because of where you are what you are focused on.  That's enough memory to make this birthday very special.  

Still get some gelato or something (or something) (Pedro, Napoleon Dynamite) And if you see a backpack, get it-- it's a good keepsake even later.

Big birthday hugs! Take a picture holding up a 2 fingers right hand and make a 0 with left today for me...pretty please

xoxo

Mama

Holly

www.myalliancedentalcare.com

 

Ciao Bernadette! 

Thank you so much for your email! It was do good to hear from you! 

Italy is amazing! I don't have the words to describe how beautiful it is, I'm in love w Europe already!! 

I'm struggling w the language, granted i have only been here for 2 weeks but I still feel really confused and can't say much. But I'm continuing to study italian and saying lots of prayers in the waiting! It will come, slowly but surely :). 

Luckily the time difference wasn't too bad! The day I got in they kept us up the whole day and didn't let us nap, so we would have an easier time adjusting- I'm still kinda tired but grateful that travel went smoothly and that I I finally here! 

I heard about sister lamprey going to big island. Crazy! Awh ♡ we both miss you and Julianna so much! You were so kind to us and treated us like family! We will definitely be back to visit and will keep in touch via email in the meantime 

I hope you and your family is doing well! Please let me know if there is anything specific I can pray for, that is about all I can offer right now, but don't hesitate! 

I love you! So so grateful for you! Take care! 

Sorella Miller 

On Thu, Aug 12, 2021, 11:32 AM Bernadette Metzler <amazinghawaii01@gmail.com> wrote:



Aloha Sorella,

How are you? How is Italy treating you?

Sorry - I haven’t gotten back to you sooner. 

Thank you so much for the lovely pictures you’ve sent! 

As you are adjusting to the time difference and the “new” country, how do you like it so far? It might be a little early to tell, but I would love to hear what you think so far. 

I guess you heard that Sister Lamprey also left to Kona. I miss you both. You both not only are wonderful and lovely young people, but also have your hearts in the right place. Please let me know how things are going. 

Looking forward to hearing from you soon again. Until then - all my best to you!

Love,

Bernadette 

On Aug 4, 2021, at 10:21 AM, Emma Miller <enmiller@missionary.org> wrote:



Aloha!

Not much time to write, off to Italy, but my heart is still in Hawaii.... so many hard goodbyes this week with members, friends, &  missionaries that will always be dear to me.   I'm excited and nervous about this next chapter of my mission in Italy- and so so grateful for the sweet experiences I've had in paradise.

Amore,

Sorella Miller

I'll leave you with a scripture from the Book of Mormon: “Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.” 

2 Nephi 31:20

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Sorella Miller,

Posso dire che il tuo italiano sta migliorando.  La practica e la buona.  La buona notizia posso ancora leggerla.!! Stavo cercando il mio Libro di Mormon.  Credo de aver dato allora a te.  Quindi sono andato "online" i ne ho ordinato una nuovo con entraembe la lingue fianco a fianco.  Quindi non ho bisogno di un dizionario!

Quindi stai imparando il Francese del tuo compangao?  Da Dove viene in Francia, Lione, Parigi, or Marce??

Mi e successa una cosa brutta un mesi fa.  Sono caduto della bici electtrica e me sono rotto il bacino dopo un settimana in ospedale... Sono a casa con un deambulatore.. La buona notizia e che no i necessaria alcuna operatione!!  Guariro in 3-4 mesi e tornero a bicicletta /// ????

Non caderi della bici no vale la pena !!!

Pensavo LODI  dove e??  Fosse de Livorno o Venezia?.  Ma NO

  Guarddato sulla mappa ed e a sud di Milano tra Pavia e Crema e a nord di Rossano.  Per lo piu pasesa agricolo.  Non c sono mai stato.  Ero a Brecia e Bergamo.  Comunque pases molto carino molto come la Sud di Francia meridionale.  Divertti ci sono persone  gret in italia.

 Amo,

Opah Glavinic

PS:  Io sono mi itala falta molto parole.  Devo lego il Libro Mormon e dopo sta migliorando

On Tuesday, August 10, 2021, 09:46:08 PM PDT, Emma Miller <enmiller@missionary.org> wrote:

Ciao opah! Spero questa email ti trova bene e che stai guarendo! Italia è bellissima, la cultura, le persone, il cibo, ogni cosa sono diversi da Hawaii ma molto bello! Sto servendo nella piccola città ha chiamata, Lodi. La mia collega è francese e non parla inglese, un poco ma non parla bene. Buona pratica per il mio italiano! Tutti i nostri viaggi è delle biciclette e sono molto stanchi! Ma, amo italia. Sto impasndo italiano e non capisco molte cose ma ogni giorno capisco un più- lentamente ma sicuramente! 

Ti voglio tantissimo bene! Sono grato per te! Leggi il libro di mormon in italiano? Sono ed è molto difficile per me ma siamo facendo questa insieme! Hai un buona settimana,  parlerò presto! 

Amore, 

On Tue, Aug 10, 2021 at 10:32 PM Emma Miller <enmiller@missionary.org> wrote:

I miss you so much! I walked into the mission office in Milan and it made me miss you, and I need to thank you for always providing candy for us, that was so sweet and I took it for granted haha! 

Italy is amazing! It almost doesn't feel real being here, the Duomos, the food, the people, the culture! It is all so different from Hawaii and from anything I have ever experienced. 

The transition has been kinda tough, I am clueless 99% of the time but it had only been a week so I am trusting that it will all come w time! I am homesick for Hawaii and the missionaries there! I hope you are doing well! 

Please tell Elder Evans thank you for helping me with my travel and the suitcase ordeal, I'm so grateful for both of you! You feel like grandparents to me and I am so grateful you love and care about all of us missionaries! You are truly amazing! Ti voglio tanto bene! 

Here are some random pictures :) 

amore,

Sorella Miller 

I showed your cute pictures around the office! Everyone loved them! (especially the gelato! All but Elder Kitashima  who told me to tell you “ I hate you!” #meatpatty

He said you would understand? 💕

I can’t even begin to understand how overwhelming all this is but I want you to know that you are always in my prayers and you are never far from my mind. I love you so much Em! Everything is going to work out and where ever you are and where ever you go you’ll be amazing. Oh Em, I miss you like crazy but what you’re doing is incredible! You’ve got this Sorrella Miller!❤️😘🤙🏽

Wow! You are actually going to Italy! Beyond pumped for you! I can’t tell you enough how much of an example you are to me. Love every second of it, because it’ll fly by so quick. Plus, when you are older it won’t be so easy to get there. I’ve been doing my come follow me study and read in section 79 of the doctrine and covenants and it really made me think of you. (I replaced Jared Carter for your name).

1 Verily I say unto you, that it is my will that my servant Emma Miller should go again into the eastern countries,🇮🇹 from place to place, and from city to city, in the power of the ordination wherewith she has been ordained, proclaiming glad tidings of great joy, even the everlasting gospel.

2 And I will send upon her the Comforter, which shall teach her the truth and the way whither she shall go;

3 And inasmuch as she is faithful, I will crown her again with sheaves.

4 Wherefore, let your heart be glad, my servant Emma Miller, and fear not, saith your Lord, even Jesus Christ. Amen.

Lesss Goooo!!!

Rooting for you always all the way here in Idaho. You’ve got this, and you’ll do great!

Love ya like crazy!

Miles

Sent from my iPhone

You are so sweet, thank you! I love you Emma! Taking leaps of faith are always scary and are the moments where we are most vulnerable! God has a way of shining light during uncertainty! You can do it you will do amazing things! Maybe when you get back we can do a session together! I would love that! 

On Mon, Jul 26, 2021 at 3:22 PM Emma Miller <enmiller@missionary.org> wrote:

Macy! 

You have no idea how much this email means to me! I get emotional thinking about you going through the temple, I am beyond excited for you and couldn't be prouder, it will be so special! ♡ August 2nd, a whole year! Congratulations, that is seriously so amazing. I don't think it was a coincidence that our dates lined up like that- you are such a big part of my life, I am so grateful we were such good friends in school & for the relationship I have with you & the relationship between our families! I love the stancius ♡ My mom always told us how important it was to have good friends because "you are who you hang around"; You are a blessing in my life.  I have learned SO much from you! 

I love elder Holland too! He us such a powerhouse! Thank you for that quote, I needed it!! Especially getting ready for Italy, I am so scared but you're right, it is just a new chapter, God's work is the same everywhere! 

Thank you so much for the email, it made my entire week ♡ I am so proud of you! Your growth in the gospel! You are so amazing and I'm so grateful for you! 

Happy early one year anniversary of being baptized! (I prayed and prayed and prayed you would find the gospel, &I think I always knew you would because you were just ready! You could tell there was a light about you!) & CONGRATS on the temple next month! That makes my heart so happy! 

I love you Macy! 

Love,

Emma 

Emma, Thanks so much for the email. It came at a great time. The Miller =
family  represented its self very well today with Sadie conducting the =
music and your Mom giving the opening prayer. I really miss her but like =
you mentioned we know we wlll be together again. Are you still in Hawaii =
now or are you heading to Italy? I=E2=80=99ve been having trouble with =
my email so I may have missed something. Thankfully your family is =
moving back to Meridian so they will be closer. I love you too and pray =
for you on your Mission.
Love
Jack
> On Jul 12, 2021, at 4:13 PM, Emma Miller <enmiller@missionary.org> =
wrote:
>=20
> Jack,=20
>=20
> I hope you know how much I love you. My heart broke this week when my =
mom told me the news that sweet Connie had gone home. I went into my =
room and just cried. Oh how much we all loved her. She is such an =
amazing lady. She knew what it looked like to love as the Savior would, =
she adopted us as her grandgirls and grandsons, and will forever hold a =
special place in my heart.=20
>=20
> Connie exemplified joy & did what made her happy- you could tell that =
from her pink walls and fluff =F0=9F=92=97 you found a great one Jack =
and thanks to the gospel of Jesus Christ, this isn't goodbye but "see =
you soon".
>=20
> I was reading in my personal study from a talk by sister Alburto from =
2021 & she said, " Moreover, we can=E2=80=99t fully appreciate joyful =
reunions later without tearful separations now. The only way to take =
sorrow out of death is to take love out of life" you and Connie were the =
perfect pair. You loved unconditionally and are the role models that I =
so needed. I take peace and comfort in knowing that she is close still =
and that she is healthy and happy =E2=99=A1 finally able to do the =
things her mind always wanted but her body wasn't able. Thanks to Jesus =
Christ, families are forever !! JACK, you get Connie FOREVER =F0=9F=92=95=20=

>=20
> I cannot imagine how you are feeling but I want you to know that you =
are in my prayers. I love you so much, you are like my third grandpa and =
I miss you so much. I will be thinking about you all day on Tuesday and =
wish I could be there.=20
>=20
> Love you so much,=20
> Emma Miller=20

Aloha Sister Miller,

I apologize for the delay in sending this note off to you.

I want to thank you so very much for the beautiful touching note you gave me, brought me to tears. I will keep that forever.

I am so grateful to have met you and Sister Wilson, what a treat to get to know you and study with you both. I'm just sorry out time together was short but I understand that you here to touch as many lives as you can.

I wish you all the best for the rest of your mission, I thank you for your service and hope to see you again one day. I will never forget you.

With so much Aloha,

Sister Hoy 😘

I know we talked yesterday but I just wanted to wish you a happy 'Half Way' day - I don't think that is actually a thing but I just wanted to tell you how amazing you are! You're an awesome example to me and I can't wait until you come home. But, for now I just wanted you to know that I'm constantly thinking about you and I hope you are having a great day! I can't wait until next Monday!!!

(P.S: You and Jerry are in my prayers-have a great week;)

Emma, I am loving this adventure you are having Maui is my favorite Hawaiian

Island. Thanks for the blow hole video so fun you get to have time to visit these

amazing areas of this beautiful island. School ended so crazy and fast for me and it's unreal

its already summer break. I just wanted you to know Abby and I are praying for you

and always wishing you the best with this experience!!! Thanks for sharing it all

with us too. I enjoy your spiritual and life messages and all that you're learning.

This reminds me of the saying you get what you work for not what you wish because 

you're the only one who knows if your dreams are coming true in life!!!

You're sharing fun quotes, so I wanted to share a teaching /coaching quote back!!

 

Cindy Pasta

Health/Aerobics/Wellness

Asst Athletic Director

NFHS Coaches Ed Board

Skyview Pride

Worry more about your character than your reputation. Character is what you are,
reputation is merely what others think you are.  ― John Wooden

The most important thing is that you become the best version of yourself. Are you better today than you were yesterday?  That’s the mamba mentality.” — Kobe Bryant​​

   

---

From: Emma Miller <enmiller@missionary.org>
Sent: Tuesday, May 25, 2021 5:33 PM
To: Holly Miller <clevelandmiller@yahoo.com>
Subject: ♥ from Sorella Miller week 38 (5-24-21)

 

WARNING: This email originated from a source outside of the Nampa School District.

Please only click links and attachments if you're sure they are safe.

---

Aloha!

Settling in on Maui and loving it!   My new companion, Sister Wilson and I are exploring where we are and getting to know the ward and area.  Our area is up country, and pretty rural.  We live  in a cottage on the grounds of the  Church historical site, Pulehu Chapel.  It has a pretty amazing history. 

 It's a bit of an adjustment to change from the city vibe in Honolulu, and I definitely left a little of my heart there.  First Kaneohe, and then Manoa- and all my aunties and uncles, companions, other missionaries, friends-  these people & places will always be special to me.  Our new ward is wonderful too, and there's a lot of work to do- so we're digging in.

This week we explored the Haleakala Crater.   It was freezing at that high  elevation, and as we drove there, we passed through the cloud layer and at the summit,  it felt like being on top of the clouds- I even had to bust out my puffer jacket that was way deep down in my suitcase.  We also checked out Nakalele Point Blowhole & even though pictures of  Hawaii never do it justice-  I still try to capture it. It's referred to as paradise for a reason. 

This week I'd just like to share this thought by Gerald Lund: "At times HOPE can lighten the load, and other times it strengthens the bridges." Lots to ponder on there... 

Lots of love from Maui

Amore,

Sorella Miller

---

Notice: All communication transmitted within the Nampa School District email system may be a public record and may be subject to disclosure under the Idaho Public Records Act (Idaho Code 74-101 et seq.) and as such may be copied and reproduced by members of the public. In addition, all district emails are generally kept for a period of 400 days and are also subject to monitoring and review.

Emma your are so cute! I loved my gift, it was definitely my favorite colors ;) 

Thank you so much for your sweet letter too, I love your letters.

In your letters, every time, you say how you feel bad that you took advantage of me when I scratched your back but I wouldn't have traded those midnight talks for anything. 

I also wanted you to know that you have inspired me to take French 1 next year.

The main reason I want to do it is so I  can put it on my mission papers. (Then I can have a better chance to go on the Girls trip...JK....no, seriously)

 I'll still do Spanish on Duolingo though. 

Anyway, I hope you have an amazing day I'll be thinking about and praying for you 

Can't wait to talk to you Monday:)

Love you,

               Abe

On Wed, May 5, 2021 at 11:01 AM Geraldine Tovey Winter <wintergeraldine90@gmail.com> wrote:

I'm so impressed, eating with chopsticks. You learn a lot on your mission! Thank you for the postcard. I really enjoyed it and so happy to hear that you get to play the piano which is such a blessing to everyone you meet. i seem to be the only one in this facility that plays and I play every day for awhile. It helps me too and everyone seems to enjoy it. Thank you for the AlOHA post card, so pretty. I will keep you in my prayers. May God bless you.

Gerry Winter

On Wed, May 5, 2021 at 8:12 AM Emma Miller <enmiller@missionary.org> wrote:

Aloha! Another week in paradise! (even though sometimes I get so busy with what I'm doing to appreciate it like I should) The work in Manoa is busy and we are striving to share God's love and the light and peace the Savior offers each of us, with anyone who will listen.  (some days that goes better than others ;) but that's okay, it's how it goes, and the message is still true!

 We celebrated my companion's 20th birthday this last weekend...  Not everyone gets to turn 20 in Hawaii!  Also had exchanges this week and it was fun to spend time with other sisters in our district.  They are a blast and I just love them all. Also spent a morning fishing with the elders-- they caught an eel...so gross.

Still no word on Italy, but missionaries I'm in contact with from my MTC district (shoutout to the greatest MTC district) are beginning to head over,  so I'm hopeful!  Send me, send me!  Grateful for every day I get to be here on this beautiful island though, too.  The aloha spirit is real!!  So much to keep learning about being a consecrated missionary. 

This week I read a quote that I really liked, " God always gives His best to those who leave the choice to Him." - J.Elliot.  So this week, that's my focus.  I'm leaving it all to Him- and I'm willing to go where He wants me to go and serve where He wants me to serve.  So grateful to be His emissary-- even when it's challenging- what an incredible privilege.

Amore, 

Sorella Miller

It is so good to hear from you and the progress you are making on your mission.  I'm very proud of you and happy for the small part that I played in your life especia;lly learning to play the piano. I'm teaching a lady here how to play the piano. She only has one workable hand but she is smart and is progressing and satisfying for me to see her progress. May God continue to bless you as you teach and bless the lives of others. What a wonderful blessing you are to their lives.

Love,

Gerry Winter

On Mon, Mar 29, 2021 at 6:01 PM Emma Miller <enmiller@missionary.org> wrote:

Aloha sister winter! 

My companion and I were blessed to meet a lady named Theresa here in Honolulu. She made the decision to be baptized on saturday and it was one of the coolest experiences of my entire mission 

I was able to play the piano for the service :). Especially during covid when no one can sing, it was cool to be able to serve in that way 

It made me so grateful for you and all the hours you spent with us miller kids at the piano! Thank you for all of your time and sharing your talents, it is something I am forever grateful for. As I have gotten older, I have found such a love for the piano and that would not have happened without you

 

I love you so much and miss you! I hope you are doing well and staying healthy! Happy Easted and enjoy general conference 

Love, 

Sorella Emm Miller 

💗💗💗

On Thu, Mar 25, 2021, 6:22 AM Geraldine Tovey Winter <wintergeraldine90@gmail.com> wrote:

Thank you so much for sharing! 

Gerry Winter

On Wed, Mar 24, 2021 at 10:05 PM Emma Miller <enmiller@missionary.org> wrote:

Aloha!!! What a busy week, and that's a blessing!  I am so thankful for the Manoa area and ward! Great things are in the works!  So amazing to be a part of it!!  Planning and praying on a baptism this Saturday for one of our friends!  

Also this last week, we were able to visit the Honolulu Zoo, and do a service project aboard the USS Missouri at Pearl Harbor. 

 As I'm short on time, I thought I'd just leave a scripture with you (and lots of love!) 

 "The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace."

 Psalm 29:11

Isn't that beautiful?  I believe that and trust it with all my heart. ♥  

Amore

Sorella Miller 

----- Forwarded Message -----

From: Steve Wilkinson <noreply@churchofjesuschrist.org>

To: "avm2006@yahoo.com" <avm2006@yahoo.com>

Sent: Sunday, February 14, 2021, 07:26:43 AM MST

Subject: Message from the Missionaries

Hello McCall 2nd Ward! We hope you've all had  fantastic week and have been enjoying snow! Here is our little thought for the week!

1 Nephi 21:14-16

   14 But, behold, Zion hath said: The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me—but he will show that he hath not.    15 For can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee, O house of Israel.    16 Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.
This shows how much Jesus Christ loves all of us! He had a perfected body but still kept his scars to show us He will never forget us. We have all gone through experiences in our life that have made us feel distant from the love of God at times. The next time you feel like Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are far away, remember that Christ literallys bas you in the palms of His hands!!
We invite you all to ponder this scripture and internalize what it means to you. We promise that as you remember Christ and His Atoning Sacrifice, you will be set free through the infinite and unconditional love of Jesus the Christ! 
Much love <3Sister Dickey & Brown (208)919-0225

---

❤️❤️❤️I read this and thought of you because I remember when you decided that this scripture was your favorite one. Miss you like crazy.

Mama also told us about Steve and how you told him what was what😂 that is so awesome Em!!

Hope you have a great week

Love you lots

Abe❤️

Sorella Miller

I have been receiving your missionary emails and enjoy very much watching from afar you work and your progress as a missionary. You know how much we love you. You are an inspiration to so many. I ran across this quote and it reminded me of you.

John Quincy Adams said, ““If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

Keep leading out young lady, we are proud of you.

Love, The Colmans

On Tuesday, January 19, 2021, 11:48:41 AM MST, Emma Miller <enmiller@missionary.org> wrote:

Aloha! 

Highlight of the week was extending a soft baptismal date to Lisa and Melissa this week! They said they would pray to know and that they were definitely interested in baptism if they received their answer- and that is the beautiful thing about the gospel, those who ask with sincere desire and a willing heart are promised an answer !! Needless to say, WE ARE PUMPED!! 

On Saturday we were able to do a fun little posterboard asking people what their goals are for 2021 !! We had a lot of success reaching out and it was way cool to see what everyone was hoping to accomplish!  How are your goals coming? Recommit if you need to!! 

I made a goal this past week to learn all of the Italian lyrics to 'The Prayer' by Cèline Dion and Andrea Bocelli. Proud to report that I did it !! But no, I will not be singing it for anyone haha. 

Trying new foods is a bonus to serving in hawaii! There are so many things here that I hadn't even heard of in Idaho, & many things that I was too scared to try until it was served to me haha. Nothing overly exciting this week, but my love for seafood is growing! Shrimp twice this week is the new record ( Miles, you should be proud ;)  Although, the taco truck in Waimanalo wins out over the seafood. 

For my studies this week, I spent a lot of time pondering about the word, GRACE. I think it is a beautiful word, but more than that, I am forever grateful that our Savior's grace is extended so freely to each of us. & if He is willing to give me grace, then we should be able to show ourselves some grace as well. Be kind to yourself!! I promise you are doing better than you think you are! Keep it up, heaven is cheering you on ♡♡♡ 

I love hearing people start their sacrament talks with aloha, chopsticks have become my utensil of choice, and I have embraced my crazy natural curl after losing the battle to humidity- I guess you could say hawaii is growing on me :) no news on Italy but with more & more missionaries heading back to original assignments, I'm doing my best to soak in everything the islands have to offer. Nothing can beat the people, the culture, and the views ♡

Have a wonderful week & find the good, I promise it is always there!! Vi amo tutti! 

Amore, 

Sorella Miller

Emma!! 

I have another amazing talk that I think you would love! This was the BYU devotional last week and it is amazing. Elder Budge came to our stake conference a few years ago and he was really awesome....so down to earth and relatable. 

 I especially loved the part about giving the Lord two eyes. When you think of the mission as a round pen experience it kind of changes your perspective a bit...or it could. https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/l-todd-budge/broke-hearts-contrite-spirits/

We got to talk to Preston yesterday. He said that he had been in touch with you and that you were feeling a bit homesick. That makes sense when you come from such an amazing family💛 but I wanted to share a thought from my brother in law. When Preston was in the Mtc we did a call with him and my sister. They are serving in Brazil where he presides over the São Paulo west mission. I’m pretty sure what he was sharing was from a talk by elder bednar but I haven’t been able to find it. But here is what he shared: 

Stay Present 💛 he talked about how this is the best tool he has found to help missionaries adjust and be happy. If you let yourself go too much into the past you will be depressed and if you let your mind go to far into the future you will feel anxious. But our Heavenly Father is all present. That is an example to us of where he wants each of us to stay. Of course it’s important to remember our past and plan for our future but we don’t want to dwell there. Being present is being where God is and where he can be with us. It’s where he can come to our aid and help carry us. Staying present is hard. But I’m trying to do better at just being in the moment that is happening and enjoying it...or not enjoying it as the case may sometimes be, but feeling it and learning from it and growing in that moment. And then going to the next moment to feel and grow and experience. I know that when I truly do stay present my relationship with God improves and my relationships with those I am currently with improves. They get all of me...they know that I am totally there and they can feel that. They know I am not divided or distracted. I remember a time on my mission where we went to dinner at an Indian families home. They were two adult sisters who each had a son and they live together with their mother. I don’t know if I’ve mentioned this to you before but when I first one on my mission I was trying to be a “missionary”. Like the perfect missionary that I had always envisioned and seen in movies. I have left very little room to be myself as a missionary… If that makes sense… It was like I was playing a part in a play. But something about this night with this family allowed me to let my hair down a little bit and be myself. They taught us how to make roti which is an Indian bread that they serve with Currys. The sons were teaching us how to roll the dough and it was just a fun night! I felt my personality break out of this missionary mold, I was just so present and was just really enjoying being myself.that It was like a light went on in my head and I realized that I could be a missionary and myself. I think what really happened was I was able to finally be present as a missionary… I was just in the moment and being myself in that moment and enjoying what was happening all around me and everything else sort of disappeared. I’m still practicing this I’m trying to get better at it every day but i am my best self when I’m present. I don’t know if that will actually help you with homesickness but I hope that you can feel the power of being present and that they will take away some of the anxiety and depression that might come with feeling a little home sick. 

Hope you know that you are in our daily prayers and that we are all so proud of the time you are giving. I know how difficult it is! It’s funny but Missionaries all get hit with something because Satan likes to harp on our weaknesses and get inside of our head so that we’re not completely thinking about missionary work. For me as a missionary I was completely distracted by gaining weight on my mission. It would consume my thoughts and cause me to be anxious and depressed because I was so worried about putting on a little extra weight. It’s like Satan just knows what will get to us the most and he just constantly attacks to try to divide our power and make us less effective as a missionary. Missing our families or caring about our health seem like important and good things right....but he turns them against us to try and stop us from what we are trying to do. It’s so cunning! 

Know that I am praying for you to stay present! I believe there is a powerful key there to overcome all distractions and serve with all your “heart, might, mind, and strength” (giving all of you). Hope all this rambling kind of makes sense but know that all of these things will give you experience and will be for your good and you will come out the conquerer! 

Enjoy that talk I think you’ll find some really great things in there that will help you as a missionary. I love you and I’m so proud of you! Keep up the good work and trust the process💛 

Aunt Jenny

Sent from my iPhone

On Jan 26, 2021, at 1:51 PM, Emma Miller <enmiller@missionary.org> wrote:



aLoHa 🌺

 

Here's to another week-

 

We went to Target on preparation day for groceries, & as we were finishing up, and two ladies came up to us -excited to see missionaries! They both have sons out serving missions, & after a short conversation I found out that one of the ladies has a son who was called to my mission in Milan,  Italy, but has been reassigned to Missouri! Such a small world!! Since it was p-day, she was on the phone with him. She turned the phone around and we had a 10 second conversation over facetime haha, kinda awkward lol but maybe I'll meet him in Italy :)

 

One of Sister Hart's friends from Mililani got baptized on Saturday so we got permission to go! It was so cool to watch her take that step and to see her family there and the way that her decision to be baptized will affect the rest of her life and her cute family. I was so grateful to get to go- we are hoping to see some miracles like this in Kaneohe ♡ 

 

Ho visto Sorella Ellison questa settimana!  lei mi sta aiutando con la mia Italiana! 

The church has a cool program going for reassigned missionaries who don't have the opportunity to speak their mission language in the field.  Once a week I can schedule tutoring appointments- and it just so happened that Sorella Ellison and Fratello Ross are tutors this transfer!! It was just the push I needed to set up a language tutoring appointment.  It was so good to see one of my MTC teachers and get help with Italian! It is a huge blessing and helps hold me accountable for effective language study. 

 

Investigator update: Steve’s progress is slow but steady. Melissa is doing really well; we extended another baptismal invite this week, and Anna is back in Hawaii after a vacation home to the mainland. We have potential for some serious miracles, and I feel blessed to be a part of all of it. Missions are hard! But there is nothing quite like seeing someone understand that they can have the blessings that the gospel has to offer, and how Jesus Christ can bless and change people's lives makes the bad days worth it ♡ 

 

I read a quote this week that said, " slow progress is still progress"  Two steps forward and one step backward in the right direction will still get you to your destination! Don't give up! You can do this! Turn to the Savior and trust that He WILL help you through ♡ I love you all and am so grateful for the strength and support you all are to me! Grazie di tutto! 

 

Amore,

Sorella Miller 

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“Tua Italiana e molto Bene”. Jesus Christ know the way he is the path. It becomes more apparent as you walk it. I believe we get “perks” aka miracles when

 we stay on the path, aka the covenant path. 

Transfer are interesting in my opinion because they force us to learn new things quickly and prepare us for the many changes in the future not just in this life but  in the eternities    

Love

Oprah Glavinic

Sent from my iPhone

On Jan 12, 2021, at 12:42 PM, Emma Miller <enmiller@missionary.org> wrote:



Aloha! 

Another week down & so many little miracles! 

We had a bomb lesson with Steve and committed him to pray specifically about baptism! He's  Excited to meet with him tomorrow and hear about his experiences. He is so & prepared, now we just need to help him realize it :). 

Wednesdays are my favorites (tied w/ p-days ;) I always look forward to meeting with Melissa and feeling of her sweet spirit! We read a chapter of the Book of Mormon with her and she joined the zoom link for church on Sunday!! I love that girl!! 

Random, but I learned this week that a tandem cartwheel is harder than it looks & that authentic ramen is 10x better than the store bought kind haha (although that stuff if pretty good too) 

We got transfer news this weekend & I get to stay in Kaneohe with the same 3 sisters !! Yayy! I love it here- both wards I'm serving in are amazing and it doesn't get prettier than Waimanalo ♡ I'm so ready to witness some miracles in the next 6 weeks !! 

Voglio finire con la mia testimonianza che il Signore sa esattamente dove siamo e cosa stiamo passando. Non c'è niente che lui non capisca. Il salvatore conosce la strada perché lui è la strada !!  Fidarti di lui!

Amore, 

Sorella Miller