Yikes ... where does the time go?? I am two weeks behind schedule in posting to Ashleigh's blog, but did hear from her today, so it's HOT OFF THE PRESS!!

Last weeks' update (better late than never I say...)

Quote of the week: "Satan, what a JERK" - Elder Brown

Moment of the week: Hermana Smith tripped and fell as she was climbing the stairs to say the closing prayer in church!

I have the best teachers EVER. In all honesty I do. Brother Mickelsen (Brian is his first name) was on the Glenn Beck show 11/13 discussing a bill he's proposing to tighten up on on-line porn (I hear you can you-tube it). Hermana Scaife knows like 4 languages and is learning more. She is the funnest person I know ... and Brother Mickelsen would remind you of Frank ...

So it was a great week. I got more mail than I know what to do with. Everyone is so great at reemembering me. Char and Judy (a gal I worked with) both sent cookies and Tammy (who I also worked with) sent me pictures and a note. Tiffany continues to write and I got a letter from Becky and Aubrey. Heather, Carl, and Cheria all dear elder me.

The District next to ours left last week and that was super sad but such is MTC life. We got to go "off campus" because Hermana Barker (my companion) had to go to the doctor because her hands are all cracked and bleeding so that was an adventure. Please send a knitted hat (black preferably) and some gloves - it's now cold here.

We get to have a big Thanskgiving dinner and then a guest speaker and then a big service project making books to send to the kids of the world. I hear coloring crayons are involved and I'm very excited! No class but no sleeping in. I'm still excited my Spanish is doing good. We taught our first lesson in Spanish only this last Thursday -- CRAZY

Current update:

Thanksgiving was fabulous! They fed us all sorts of good food (minus corn) and we got pie and everything. We didn't get to do books but we assembled 1st aid kits instead. Over 2500 missionaries were at the MTC so it was quite the party!!

At the end of the day we had an assembly and instead of a speaker, missionaries got to get up and share with everyone what they were thankful for. Now you'd think you'd show some restraint for such things ... but apparently people get nervous ... it was amusing to say the least and slightly uncomfortable at times!! Some things should never be said over a microphone. It upset a lot of people, but quite frankly it made my day!! Some of these people couldn't pass a McDonald's interview and yet they've signed up for 2 years of the most important work this world has!

I meet the most interesting people here ... I can't even tell you! I met this Elder from Petersburg who knows Addie Florschutz !!! And this girl from Norway who was a boxer since she was 12 and an Elder who literally had a bandage on his head for weeks from falling out of a mango tree back home! And there are people who were Southern Baptists, and athiests, and all manners of other randomness all called to do the Lords work. Elizabeth Smart is also here ... she will be serving in England I think ... you should see the gossip that has raised!

People are so funny.

Quote of the week: It was the end of the day and we were in our rooms (me, my companion and the other 2 hermanas) and we were talking about how sick we were of wearing the same things over and over ... and Hermana Smith was like "I've accepted the fact I have to dress like a paligamist every day" and it was the FUNNIEST thing!

My Spanish is coming along SO slow. We leave in 2 more weeks ... I'm excited but not ready!!! Dec 15 to be exact and we get our flight plans any day now!

I would also like to mention I have the best friends ever! Tiffany and her family have been doing so good keeping in touch and Becky sent me Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread and an Advent calander of waxy chocolaty goodness. And Katelyn dear-eldered me again ... Yes i am quite blessed.