January 6, 2014

Yay! Road trip!  As for the release date, you might want to actually call president Nieder about that.  My official release date is August 6th, but I don't know when the transfer ends...it could be a little earlier or later.  There is a paper up in the office with release dates that are coming up, and mine should be up there soon because they put them up a few transfers in advance, but i'm not sure.  After this transfer, I only have 4 left and each transfer is 6 weeks.  I would call president, though.  Oh, by the way, did you know today is my 11th month mark?  Crazy, huh?

Don't apologize about all the primary talk!  I love it and I'm glad you are enjoying it.  New year, new changes!  Speaking of this new year, we had to be in our apartments at 6 this past new years eve, so we kind of just sat around with sparkling cider and beads and noise makers...and went to bed early.  Most exciting new years of my life!  

New transfer starts tomorrow, and sister Abernathy and I are still together!  Still serving with elder Dahneke and Bishop in desert Bloom!  My 5th transfer serving with elder Dahneke, how weird.  Did I tell you all that we have a district of 4?  Smallest district in the mission... our zone leaders come every time, even though they're serving all the way in ensign (my old area) because we can't be 2 on 2.  Yeah, they combined Desert Bloom with the Spanish zone last transfer, even though desert bloom is far, far away from the other spanish wards that make up the zone.  It's all good, though.  

Juliana came to church again on Sunday.  The last lesson we invited her to be baptized and she said she would when she knows more, but next time we see her this week, we're going to set her with a specific date.  I love her so much!  

We had our mid- 12 week training meeting the other day!  We all shared what we loved about our companions and sister Abernathy told everyone how funny I was and how she never goes a day without laughing.  So then, after the meeting sister Nieder tells me, "sister smith, you're going to be a fun mom."  You'd be surprised how much people talk about marriage and babies.  There's no escaping it.  Almost every training sister Nieder gives, she mentions that we are preparing ourselves to be excellent spouses and parents!  I'm not freaking out or getting baby trunky, I'm just letting you know, I never expected this!  Let me be a missionary forever! 

With this new year, I want to constantly ask myself, what more can I do?  Because I don't have a whole lot of time left on my mission, I want to make sure I end without regrets.  I want to be able to look back and be proud of what I've accomplished.  I want to rely more on my Savior as well.  Even with the little things.  I need to get on my knees more often.  

I love you all very much!  It's such a blessing to see that Heavenly Father is taking care of you and so many miracles have taken place.  I hope you see that. :)