Cheshire Cat

Dear Family- 

He didn't tell me until Friday night. AFTER I had seen the video.:) We came to the library (with Presidents permission) to find out more about it. I was able to see the video and read the email. I wrote about it in my letter and told Brig about it. I can honestly say that I have never been so happy in my life. It was amazing. I read the word Brazil in the email but it didn't really register until I saw the video. I watched it and just covered my mouth. I didn't know what to do. I wanted to start screaming and shouting at the top of my lungs. I literally wanted to jump up and down. And I wanted to cry. I couldn't email you back until today, but I really wanted to. We walked outside the library and started unlocking the bikes. I sat there just looking at the ...mission? I guess? From that spot I could see a bit of Glendale and LA. I just stood there looking. I thought about Brig getting the call I wanted (and not until then did it hit me) but as soon as the thought came I realized what I was looking at and just felt this overwhelming peace. I thought of me being here, Preston being on the other side of the world and Brig going to Brazil. It just felt good. Like yeah, this is exactly how its supposed to be. I didn't feel jealous at all. Just extremely happy for him. We unlocked the bikes and started riding away and I stopped. I wanted to go home so I could celebrate (scream & sing my head off, like I did after Claudia's baptism) but he didn't want to. So I told him I needed a minute. I stood there fighting tears and laughing. Then I couldn't take it, so I sat on the side walk and started crying and grinning like the Cheshire cat. It was quite the experience for me. I literally didn't know what to do with myself, I was so happy. I felt like I had so much energy that needed to be spent cheering, but also that I was exhausted from being overjoyed. It happens in the scriptures and I never really knew what it meant until now.

Basically I'm happy for him:)

Mom, don't feel bad for me at all. Please. Please please please. I don't need that. Just be happy for him. DO NOT WORRY!! He'll be fine! My friend Kat is literally from there. She's there right now visiting family. She says he has nothing to worry about.

Having Brazilian success and seeing that many people come to Christ is better than anything in the world. We're out here to save souls. Baptizing someone is the most amazing experience on Earth and having air conditioning isn't worth not having that. Am I happy that Brig is going there, more than anything. I know I'm supposed to be here, but I still don't know why. It still kills me at times. I still get mad and bitter, but I know I'm supposed to be here. 

A Real Letter!

Mama-

HAHAHAHA!!!! Please tell me you took a picture of that! I would love to see his face! No joke, the guy sitting next to me looks EXACTLY like Golem. Its freaking me out. That's so cool for Jake and Max!! Did you tell him that Brig's uncle served there? That makes me so happy! Tell Clayton not to worry about it! Honestly!! If he messes up a little bit its not the end of the world. He can handle it. He just needs to learn from the experience.

You ma'am have a crazy week. I don't envy you.

My birthday was great! I love my ward so much. Honestly. It felt like home. No, it wasn't a lame gift (the lasagna). I was just so surprised. Lisa just kept talking about this Amazing surprise from my parents. At one point she totally made it sound like Dad was going to walk in from the other room. I freaked out a little. The food was really good.  I loved it. They did so much work. I was super shocked to see everyone just there. Had so much fun.

Ya, he knows that I've done that several times, right? Tell him that he should enjoy being so nervous while it lasts. He needs these experiences so that he can get over them in the future faster.

Thank you for not showing up.  Ha ha.   I would have hated it and loved it if dad was there. I'm not even sure if I'd like it if you were allowed. These worlds mixing. It was weird enough seeing the picture of Dad standing next to Lisa. I don't know what I'd do if he was there while I was at the party. I think he should have door bell ditched us at our building! That would have been hilarious!! I would have been SOOO happy!

HAHAHAH!! There really was an earth quake?? A sister was upstairs while we were doing mission prep at their house and she came down screaming that there was an earth quake. None of us felt it and we all thought that she was crazy. Well she actually is a little crazy, so we weren't fazed by the event. That's funny. I've yet to feel one of the quakes here. There have been like four. I hate this! I want to feel one.

Do I need anything? Um..yeah. I guess. I could use new bathroom supplies. I'm almost out and I'll have to get new stuff soon. Just the regular stuff. Um...There isn't much I'd like to have. I'll be sure to make a list when I think of them. I know there are things, but I don't remember. Oh! I'm buying glasses. Ok? I told you about them in the letter. I finally decided to do it and I got a bunch of cash for the b-day, so I'll be doing that soon. I also am cooking for the Bents this Thursday. What should I do so I don't look like a fool? What should I make?

I think I might love this ward as much as RC2. Honestly. I love our ward so much, but this is like.. my ward. I don't know. Like my people. I love them. I really don't want to leave Burbank, but I know I am. I know they do love me. I have a very good relationship with several members. Being around them makes me happy. I get depressed for the lack of success at times, but the members are always amazing and totally my favorite part of the mission. Without a doubt. What should I make for dinner for them and where should I go to get glasses?

All of this stuff with Clayton sounds so great.  Dang it! I so badly wish that I could be there for him. Just to see him going through this stage of life. He's going to be so different when I get home and I'm missing all of this.

Tell dad thank you for the letter. I loved it. Totally what I needed. TOTALLY lead by the spirit! I have no time left. I love you! I miss you and appreciate all that you do for me. Thank you for being so wonderful and faithful. I don't know what I would do without your amazing testimonies. Thank you so much for making my birthday so good. Have a good week! Love you!

PS>please send the recipe for greek chicken with your letter. I'm not sure if the portions are right in mine.

Happy Birthday Elder Sharp!!! (May 30th)