November week 2

November 8, 2009

Dear Elder Strong,

Happy Birthday to Steven, Uncle Pat and Aunt Sis. It’s the beginning of all the November Birthdays. I ordered your contacts this week, from Dr. Stuarts’ office and then I will have to mail them. I did that because you hadn’t used your insurance up for the year and it was just easier, financially. And you’ll be getting a package for Thanksgiving cooking. If there is anything that you want included, let me know.
The boys won their game at the State semi-finals. Jason played most the game; he had a crucial tackle and was named by the announcers several times. I didn’t go, but Dad did. It was held in Apache Junction, down by Mesa. Saturday, they will play Heber aka Mogollon High again. I will be glad when Football is over, but it has been a fun season. Michael ordered me a hoodie when he ordered his.
It’s been a good week, we keep busy. There were 2 fall concerts, the band and then the choirs’, I have worked a lot. I did accept a part-time position where I will teach for the Jr. High 5 days a week, just in the afternoons. That job will begin this coming week. Dad had jury duty on Friday. Jared’s dad was the judge. We just keep plugging away.
Today, and last night, we had Stake Conference. It was very uplifting and I feel renewed in Spirit and desire to improve. I sang in the Choir and it was a deeply spiritual experience. The choir was led by Sr. Linda Hunt, and the piano was played by Terrie Farnes. They both have battled cancer and there was such a feeling of love and sisterhood felt among us all. I am so glad I had that experience.
We talked to Papa and he is planning on coming the week before Christmas. It will be good to see him again. Bess will still be in school, so she won’t be able to come.
Of course, I am no where near ready for the holidays, and with the days in the 70’s it doesn’t seem like it should be nearing winter. I will complain in March or so that it seems like it will never be Spring.
I really have missed you, we continue to pray for you. I know that you are working hard and that it will result in many blessings for those you are serving. Remember how important it is to love and serve the members and to work well with the Bishops. President Hancock gave a great talk on the keys of the priesthood. He spoke of specific keys that are given for the gathering of Israel and that missionaries, not bishops, have the keys to determine worthiness of investigators before baptism. He also said it wasn’t the Temple president’s job to determine worthiness of a member to attend the Temple, but a Bishops and Stake president’s. He is so practical and yet so doctrinal at the same time. We are blessed to have such great leaders. President Hancock of the Temple presidency also spoke – he was the guy that gave you the ties and cufflinks. He is pretty cool.
I love you and pray for you and trust that you are serving God with all your heart. I know that you will make us proud, and that you are a great asset to the missionary work there. Tell your companion hello from us, and let us know if you need anything.

Love Mom and the family.