July 10-16

Matthew,

Another week passes.  It feels like I just wrote you and now I'm doing it again.

We had a good week at Cooke City.  It was good to see James and spend time with him and Marilyn and her kids.  I took up Mark's two boys Derek and Jared.  They were a handful and made the trip less wonderful but I survived and they survived and I get to go up at least one more time without them.  We also took Will Harkness for someone for Isaac to hang out with.  Will was fine to take.  This time at the cabin was nice because I completely unplugged and loved it!  I was able to read some really good books and paint and just enjoy.

The mosquitoes were pretty bad and they love Eleanor.  She got eaten alive.  She has 28 mosquito bites on just one arm.  Do you have big problems with mosquitoes?  

One night I gave her benadryl just so she could sleep.  I helped James install the floor of his trailer one day and painted another day.  It's coming together well.  

The kids didn't want to leave Cooke.  They begged to stay one more day- but I wanted to get home to dad so we came home Friday.  

Yesterday we went up into Heber valley and did some hiking and got milk shakes.  It was nice to get away.  I have felt so restless this summer so it has been nice to be able to go to the cabin so much this summer.

My Nana Ruby died yesterday.  We are all so happy for her.  She is now with my Opa and her daughter Pat, her brothers and sisters, and her parents.  What a beautiful thing death is for the old when you have the gospel of Jesus Christ!  You give people this peace with the message you share.

I am glad to hear yo are doing well.  How was meeting with your mission president?  What kids of questions did he ask you?  What do you think of him?  Is your companion able to focus his last few weeks on his mission or is he a drain on you?

 I love you and think that you are awesome!  Work hard and you will be happy.  I pray for you multiple times a day.

Love,

Mom 

July 2-July 9

Matthew,

I love getting your letters.  I love to see the happiness in your eyes of the photos.  I especially loved the story of you running into the new members that you weren't able to say goodbye to.  That was a tender mercy from the Lord telling you he is mindful of you and the sacrifice you are making to serve him.  

How is the obedience of your companion?  Are you able to get along?  This week you meet your new mission president- I wan to hear all about it.  So take mental notes to write me.  

Thought about teaching people- If they reject you it just mean they aren't ready for your message in their life right now.  Eventually- in this life or the next they will remember the things you taught them and the spirit they felt and be receptive and be ready to learn more.  You have a great gift to give them.  1-They are a child of God and he knows and loves them.  2- They can talk to Him any time they need help in their lives.  If that is all they get out of meeting with you, it is enough.  Once they pray and are willing to listen the spirit will lead them back to the missionaries.  Don't be discouraged or frustrated.  We only see a very small time line of peoples lives.  Spread Joy, happiness, and let people feel the Spirit of the Lords through you. 

This past week Mark and David's families are in town.  It has been fun/ stressful (in a good way).  One day Isaac and Jacob went to sleep over with Jim and Ali so it was just the girls.  We went out to dinner and a movie (Wonder Woman).  It was a little inappropriate for Bridie and Eleanor.  Oh well.   Live and learn.  

We went camping up Hobble creek Friday night.  It was a typical camp out- not a whole lot of sleep.  Jasmine came with us and did ok.  We stopped by the new reservoir in Springville and played in the water. 

Today is Aunt Christina's birthday.  This week was the fourth of July.  On the 4th we went out to a patriotic program and a mini Jamestown.  They do a great job.  Then the adults went to lunch and the kids had pizza and watched a movie here.  That night we watched Fireworks on our back lawn.  James came into town for the weekend!  It was so great to see him again!  We are headed up to Montana tomorrow so we will see James again soon.

I love you and am so proud of you!

Love,

mom

P.S.  We googled Palawan and it came up as the most beautiful island in the world.  Are there times that the scenery takes your breath away?   

June 25- July 1

Matthew,

It was so good to hear about all the wonderful things that happened to you last week.  Especially being able to see your new converts going to the temple.  That is so wonderful that they are going to the temple.

This Monday is your mission presidents last day.  How is the change going to go?  When will you meet your new mission president?  Were you able to say good bye to the last one?  

Palawan is a known tourist destination- Do you see tourists?  Do the people you come across work for the tourism industry (hotels, tours, etc.)?  Do you see the resorts and does it feel like a tourist town or are you in a different area than all that?

What is your ward/branch like?  

We have had a good week.  This week is the 4th of July but yesterday was the Stadium of Fire so we had the Debry side over for dinner and to watch the fireworks.  Harkness' came to watch the fireworks.   

Thursday night was our Anniversary.  23 years- that is a long time.  I am so glad I married your dad.  He is good and honors his priesthood and tries his hardest to make good decisions.

Mark's family is in town and so is Davids.  Athena had her baby this week.  Her name is Ruthie (Ruth).  It has been so fun to spend time with Mark's boys.  Derek was so excited to come sleep over.  He told me "I am prepared to have sleepover at your house." As soon as he saw me.  This week should be busy too.  

Today I taught the 4years olds about missionaries.  I showed them pictures of you and told them about your mission.  They loved the picture of the big bug and were horrified to see the homes that burned.  I showed them the picture of you cutting grass with a machete.  It is so fun to think of you in a distant land serving the Lord in all that you are doing.  

I love you and think you are awesome!  

Love,

Mom