So last Monday Mom sent me the story about how Bruce had gotten the emergency alert about a missle going towards Hawaii and the emotions that went down in that 30ish minutes. When I read it, I couldn't help but start crying a bit, cause wow, that would be the worst thing ever. But what a good reminder it was to not take the people you love for granted. I loved what President Nelson said in the funeral of President Monson, how President Monson always said it was important to say I love you more. It's so true, cause who knows when the death of a loved one can happen. It's like that moment when Bruce saw the emergency alert and thought those were his last goodbyes.
So pretty much this is just a letter to tell you all I love you. I'm not expecting to die but I just want you all to know how thankful I am for each of you. I honestly hit the jackpot with the fam I got. I'm so thankful that we will have the chance to be together for eternity if each of us makes the correct choices. Let's not have anyone missing up there in heaven! Each of you have played such a big part in my life.
Dad, you make me laugh more than anyone. I've always tried to look on the bright side and have a good attitude, and I have you to thank for that. You always try to look on the bright side of things. 90-10 rule. So I'm thankful for the way you've taught me to look at life. Also your three Ps have helped me so much in the mission. Positivity, prayer and patience.
Mom, all the talents I have are thanks to you. You were the one that suggested Joe and I take guitar lessons. Then you were the one that forced me to sing with my guitar. Remember when we were gonna sing at the Tulip Festival and I was sooooo mad at you cause I didn't want to sing in front of anyone hah. But you've always pushed me to strengthen my talents. Whether it's a pottery class or helping me sew something, just always there to encourage me to learn new things. In every occasion you've put your family first. and I've always noticed that and love that about you.
Bruce...well couldn't have asked for a better or cooler big bro. All the coolness this fam has was planted by your seeds haha. It's incredible to me your faith and desire to do exactly what God wants you to do. You are so prayerful in your decisions and it's always so clear that the decisions you've made were not just your own opinions and desires but it was a decision you made with Heavenly Father. I'll never forget the time we spent traveling together. Some big bro time very much needed in my life.
Veronica. You've been my girl since day one. God knew what he was doing when he put us as sisters cause without you i would be lost. Before you left on your mission I never really had good, close friends cause i didn't need them. I had you and that was perfect for me. You've been my best friend since we were lil lasses and I know you will always be my best friend. You're so humble. Like when you notice something in your life that you want to make better or change, you start immediately to better yourself. You serve everyone and have such a love for people.
Joooee my baby brother. I use that term every time I show a pic of my fam to anyone, cause you're still my baby bro no matter how big or adult-like you are. Joe, my baby brother, you are such an example of hard work and how if you have a goal that you want to reach you gotta work at it. You're such a good leader and example to the fam and all your friends.
Well I could go on and on about each of you, but just know I love you all sooooo much. I hope you know the effects you've had in my life.
Yay for when a whole less active family comes to church for the first time in ages!
Also, yay for giant pigs! I was so pumped.
BeBo got baptized! His sister was baptized a few years ago and he never showed interest in the church until she left for the mission. He's the funniest kid. He's waiting to be signed to play baseball. I guess he's super good and he says when he's rich he's gonna buy a big house with a pool and have two pitbulls haha.
This week I hit a year in the mission. It has without a doubt been the best year of my life. Thinking back to the MTC, it's crazy how fast the time has passed. It's been hard at times, but with each difficulty I've grown and that's the thing that I've noticed most out here in the mission. How I've grown. My testimony is the strongest it's ever been. I feel like little by little I'm learning to become more of the person God wants me to be. There is such a joy that being a missionary brings. It's indescribable to teach and watch people obtain a testimony. For example, we are teaching an atheist right now and the other day, he prayed for the first time in years. When he told us, I was just so happy. This week, BeBo was baptized and when he came out of the font he had the biggest smile on his face. This gospel brings joy, so much joy, and I've felt it more on my mission than ever. It's my favorite thing ever to help others feel some of the joy it can bring. I'm thankful that God sent me to the DR. I love these people and this country with all my heart. And I love my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ even more!
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