Phone Call!

Hi everyone! I hope you all had a Merry Christmas. I did! I was able to spend some time talking to Michelle. She is having a wonderful time up there in Alaska! She loves the work and loves seeing the gospel of Jesus Christ change peoples life for the better. She said it's so rewarding to see people become much happier.

She is currently getting over a cold that has had a grip on her for a while. We're grateful that our Heavenly Father has given us doctors to help us with these earthly bodies!

Michelle had spent a lot of time in Wasilla before being transferred to Eagle River. She has made some lifelong friends there and will miss them, however she is really excited to be in Eagle River. She knows that that is where she is supposed to be right now.

Michelle has developed a deeper love for the Savior and a stronger appreciation for His atonement. She knows that following the Savior is the only way to true happiness.

Apparently, this winter has been much milder than last winter. She was told by locals last winter that it was one of the coldest winters in a long time. This year's winter is just the opposite. It's shaping up to be one of the warmest winters in a long time. Michelle said they only have a couple of inches of snow on the ground and it's only been the last week or so that it hasn't all melted during the day. I'm not sure if she's happy or sad about that...

All in all, Michelle is having the best time of her life. There is nothing she would rather be doing. She wishes all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

Mail Call!

Here's the latest.

Daddy,

My new place...okay! We live with the Goldberg's in the Alpenglow ward (but we're over the Meadow Creek ward). They have an extra room and bathroom in their basement so that's where we live. We have a spot in their heated garage and we share the kitchen with them, we have our own shelf in the fridge but, Sister Goldberg says her house is our house and we're welcome to anything in the fridge, freezer or cupboards. She has a son on a mission in Idaho right now. Her daughter, Katie, lives here and so does Brother Goldberg's daughter, Sam. Sam and Katie are both leaving on Sunday to go spend Christmas with their other parents. Brother Goldberg joined the church in his early teens when he was living in a Jewish orphanage back east. We did Hannukah with them and it was really neat to see him to the traditional Menora lighting prayer and everything - cool!

My new ward is great - I met some of the people last year when Sister Hubbard and I were in a trio helping Sister Sloan out. The family that we're spending Christmas Eve with (the Ramptons) is actually the same family we spent Christmas Eve with last year. :D I'm excited to be here.

Sister Preusz has been out for 3 1/2 months - she was in the MTC with Sister Lott and Sister Grace.

Well, I need to go email a few other people - I love you!

Love,
'chelle

Mail Call!

Sorry it's taken me so long to post this. Here's what Michelle emailed last Monday.

Daddy,

So...today is transfers. I'm being transferred to the Meadow Creek Ward in Eagle River with Sister Preusz who is from Gig Harbor. :D So, here's my new mailing address:

22501 Eagle Glacier Lp
Eagle River, AK 99577

It was really weird to leave my ward yesterday...so weird. They're like my family - I've grown so close to them all. The Beus's are going to swing by and visit next November on their way home from picking up their son from his mission in Tucson, AZ. There's a young man I know in Wasilla who leaves for the Washington Seattle Mission in January..maybe he'll serve in our ward!

Whenever I talk to missionaries, I always like to ask them what they have learned on their missions. In my last email to Michelle, I asked her the same question. Here is her response.

What have I learned?
So much...I've learned how important it is to rely on the Lord...we are small and simple creatures but, with His help we can accomplish great and marvelous things. I loved President Packer's conference talk about the weak and simple things of the kingdom. :D I've also learned more about patience.
I've learned sacrifice.
I've learned how to love more freely.
I've learned how to make Banana Bread...and Apple Crisp(I made my first ever apple crisp yesterday morning when I should've been packing....it was really yummy!). :D What part of my testimony has been strengthened the most?
Well...every part really...but, if I had to say just one I'd say that I've gained a increased testimony that there are no coincidences. We have a Father in Heaven who has a plan for our return to live with Him again. Everything happens for a reason. We are placed in specific places and situations with our specific talents and abilities and personalities for a reason.

Well, Daddy. I'm short on time today...I'll try and write you a letter later today. I love you!

Love,
'chelle

Page Updates

Hi everyone. Just wanted to let you know that I've done some "housekeeping" here on the Blog. The "WHERE IS MICHELLE NOW?" link on the right, shows Michelle's new area of Eagle River. Also, the weather forecast on the bottom of the right sidebar has been changed from Wasilla to Eagle River.

I hope everyone enjoys reading this blog as much as I enjoy keeping it up. My plan is to turn this blog into a book that I can give Michelle when she gets home. I'm pretty excited about that.

Next time you drop by here, leave a note and say Hi!

New Address

New Address Alert! Michelle has been transferred to a new area in her mission. Click the "Current Address" link on the right for the new address.

Mail Call!

Here's the latest from Michelle. Short, but sweet.

Daddy,

Your first snow, eh? Way good. We haven't had any fresh stuff in awhile. We still have some on the ground but, it's all crunchy and frozen. Lately (lately being yesterday and today) we've had some crazy wicked winds. It was 20 degrees out last night but, we figured with the windchill factor it's probably closer to -20...brr! We tried tracting for like 20 minutes yesterday and almost got blown over..lol.

I'm glad you got the package...it was lots of fun to make those tapes...I've got another one that's almost ready to send.

Well, I've got to go...a student needs the computer here at the library. I love you! Have a great day!

Love,
'chelle

Voices from the past...

This is exciting! I received two audio tapes from Michelle. They were recorded between November '06 and September '07. They are really fun to listen to. They are kind of a recorded journal, plus several other events she has been involved in.

Until I figure out how to get them on the website, anyone is welcome to come over and listen to them. It's great fun!

Mail Call!

Here's the latest from our little Eskimo...

Daddy,

I am feeling better now. I got a blessing on Friday and that helped tremendously. I should've gotten one on Wednesday after District Meeting though...Thanksgiving was not the most fun event of my life...being sick for holidays where you eat alot of food stinks...I didn't even have any pumpkin pie...*tear* Thanksgiving was fun though. We went over the the Allreds and they had the Beus's over too (two of the neatest families). So, we had thanksgiving with the Allreds and their 10 kids who still live at home and then the Beus's and their 4 kids who are still home - it was way fun. We stayed there all day because I didn't feel like moving around enough to go visit other people.

We have Thanksgiving again this week on Wednesday with our recent convert and her family. She just got baptized (and married first) on Saturday. Her husband and step son were baptized several years ago but, they've been less active until just recently.

I love you!

Love,
'chelle

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hello all!

This is just a quick little note to wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving! Thank you for all of your love, support and friendship - I appreciate each and every one of you. I hope you have a wonderful week and that it's filled with all of the things that you're thankful for. :)

Love,
Sister Michelle Barrett

~*~*~*~*~*~
Sister Michelle Dawn Barrett
Alaska Anchorage Mission
It's the finest, greatest mission, it's the best!

Christmas Package

Hi everyone. I'm getting a package together to send to Michelle for her Mission Christmas Party. I'll be sending it by the end of November. If anyone wants to include cards, letters or small gifts, just drop them by and I'll include them in the box. Thanks!

Mail Call!

Here's the latest from Michelle. It's short and sweet, like her! :)

Daddy,

The Iditarod thing was pretty cool. I don't know how specifically we got involved - I think it's something the missionaries help out with every year. Yay Missions!

It is a really small world. The Allreds in my ward used to live in Puyallup (like 6 or so years a go) and one of their 24 year old sons (he's a twin) had his first job at the Super Mall too. :D Yay Super Mall!

Well, if you're working have fun in the rain - at least it's not snow. We've had snow off and on since Saturday afternoon.

Well, we're gonna head out and shop before Bloodsport and Deathball. Love ya!

Love,
'chelle

Mail Call!

Here's the latest. I received this on Monday.

Daddy,

I'm glad you liked the pictures...I'll probably send more home in awhile. We helped twice with the Iditarod - the pictures you see are from the 2nd time when we were trail guards. Sister Sloan and I stood at one end of a tunnel and yelled "team" to the Elders at the other end so they could clear the trail for the teams. :D It was pretty cool. :D

It's mostly just been cold, windy and clear. We have had some snow but, not a whole lot...we've got a few spots that look frosty....but that's about it.

I am having the time of my life! :D MISSIONS ROCK! :D We played Bloodsport and Deathball for Halloween - it was super fun...except that I jammed my finger...but I'm good. Speaking of injuries...they stabbed me with a needle today...a.k.a. I got a flu shot...argh...not exactly how I wanted to start my Pday...

Well, gotta go...not much room here at the library!

Love ya!
'chelle

New Photo Albums

Okay everyone. I've created some new photo albums! Just click on the "Mission Photos" link on the right. There are four new albums. People, Things and Events, Places, & Scenery. There are very few duplicates between albums, so be sure to check them all out.

We've Got Pictures!!!

I finally received Michelle's camera card! I'll upload the pictures in the next day or two. YAY!! :)

Mail Call!

Here's the latest from Michelle. She isn't moving, by the way. I think Wasilla loves her too much. :) Notice what I put it BOLD below. I know we've heard it before, but I'm really hoping this time!

Daddy!

Snow...and we still have it...but it hasn't been fresh since Sunday or Monday...so it's really crunchy since it's melted and then re-froze at night...super slippery! It's been in the 30s most of the week..crazy stuff!

Ooooh...fall colours...pretty. :D We got a week or so of fall up here...and then it was winter. lol Why did I think that I was getting tranferred? Because I've been in Wasilla since May 19th...and I'm still here. lol. Transfer number five in Wasilla and moving on to companion number 4 in Wasilla..lol. Sister Aitken and I are swapping companions so I'm getting Sister Lott's MTC companion, Sister Grace - I pick her up from Palmer at 5pm today. :D So...no address change. :D

I'm sending you a little package today(one of the envelopes you provided in your package)...with a memory card and a list of what the photos are. You should get it this week. The other package you'll get next week. :D

Umm...for Halloween we have to be in by 6pm...and I think we're all going to go to a member's house together and play games or watch church movies or something cool like that. :D They keep us in because it keeps us out of trouble.

I'm SO NOT trunky*. I love being missionary! It weirds me out to think that I'm already almost at my year mark....crazy weird!

Well, time to go! I love you!

Love,
'chelle

*To be "trunky" means to be anxious to go home. To be ready to pack your "trunk" or suitcase and go home. Sometimes missionaries can get so excited about going home (trunky) that they kind of lose sight of what they're supposed to be doing. They "go home" mentally a month before they go home physically.

Mail Call!

Here's the latest. I find it funny that she actually wants to go to one of the coldest places in the world.

Daddy-kins!

So, We woke up to half an inch or so of snow on Saturday morning and it's stayed warm enough that most of it is still here...I fully suspect that we are full on into winter now...yay for coldness!

Guess what!? I'm totally Alaskan! I was outside this morning in basketball shorts and a hoodie and it was only 26 degrees...crazy huh? Yep...good times..lol It was raining Friday night when we went home..but it must've turned colder during the night because there was snow Saturday morning.

Aw...I wanna carve pumpkins...

...transfers are in a week...and I'm pretty sure I'm leaving...sad day. We find out Friday morning.

Do the weather reports say whether Fairbanks has snow or not? I suppose I could find out in a week or so...if I get transfered there. I'd kind of like to get transfered to Fairbanks for the winter - I think it'd be fun to be able to say that I survived a winter in one of the coldest places. :D Sister Lott still gets excited about snow. She has seen it before but, only like twice....she's from Mesa, AZ.

Yay for a package! I'm seriously going to send you one either this Monday or next Monday...it depends on whether it gets put back together today or not. :D Well, I've got to get! Love ya!

Love,
'chelle

Update

Just a quick update on the address. The new one I posted a couple of days ago should work, but the official address, according to the post office, is now posted under "Current Address". It's just a different Zip code.

New Address

I've put Michelle's new address in the "Current Address" link, over on the right. She's still in Wasilla, but they've moved into a small apartment over a garage at a members home. She says all the other missionaries are jealous. Apparently it's a very nice apartment.

Mail Call! (finally...)

Yay! I finally got email from Michelle. I'm just a little excited... So, she still doesn't know her new address (who doesn't know where they live!?). Here's the latest...

Daddy,
Hello (finally)!! :D Sorry about the lack of communication. Last week we didn't make it out to the library (poor planning) and the week before I could check my email but it wouldn't let me reply to anything...argh. I am glad that you got my note card last week.

Training is going well. It's not as crazy as it was at the beginning but, it's still crazy. There's just so much to do and nowhere near enough time to do it all in. I have some pictures of Sister Lott and I...I'll have to print one up and send it to you next week. Sister Lott is doing good. She's so funny - we got not even half an inch of snow yesterday morning (it was all gone by last night) and she was freaking out, she was so excited..lol...it was cute.

I didn't get transfered...transfers aren't for 2 weeks. But, we did move apartments. I'll have someone send you a quick email this week to let you know [of the address] for sure. :D Until then just have people send things to the mission office. :D Yeah...so weird to think that I entered the MTC a little over 11 months ago and that I've been in Alaska for a little over 10 months...crazy!

Well...since I haven't emailed in 2 weeks I have a TON of emails to catch up on. I love you Daddy!

Love,
'chelle

Change of Address

I received a post card from Michelle today. It really didn't say much except that she has a new mailing address... however, she doesn't know what it is yet. So... once again, I'll let you know when I know. For now, you can send mail to her Mission Home address. Click the "Current Address" link for updates, including email and Mission Home address.

Still No News...

I still haven't heard anything from Michelle. Monday was a Holiday (Columbus Day), so the library where she sends and receives email was probably closed.

No mail... :(

No mail from Michelle this week... so far.

Have any of you been using the weather report link I have for Wasilla? It's on the right, below all the other links. It shows the sunset and rise times among other stuff. If you click on it you'll get the weather report for Wasilla. Right now they're forecasting snow up there for Friday night!

Mail Call!

Here's the latest from Michelle.

Daddy,

It has been a very busy week...and the first half was very nerve racking...I about died of nerves....lol. My greenie is pretty awesome though. Sister Lott is from Mesa, AZ - born and raised. She has 3 younger brothers, 1 younger sister and an older sister. She is the first in her family to serve a mission. I'm so excited to have her here with me in the Knik Fairview ward - she is great!

Training is an awesome responsibility. President and the APs were telling us that there are 2 names from your mission that you'll always remember - for good or bad - and that's your mission president and your trainer. Ever since I got my transfer call, a week and a half ago, I've noticed that I'm more bold and more focused...this is really pushing me to be the best missionary I can be so that I can help Sister Lott be the best she can be. It's awesome to know that Heavenly Father, President Lewis and the Assistants have such faith in me. :D I will send pictures home next week...I'm going to get a new box that isn't as beat up and I'll re-package everything, along with the memory card, and send it off next week. :D I love you!

Love,
'chelle

Still in Wasilla!

This is a picture of Michelle and Sister Aitken. Sister Aitken was Michelle's last companion. Michelle now has a new trainee. I don't have a name or picture yet.

I received the following email from a member in Wasilla. It makes a dad proud!

Greetings Bro. Barrett,

I'm Bro. Bill Hayward, and was asked by your daughter to let you know that she is not being transferred this time around. She was not able to get to a computer her last P-day to inform you herself, hence the request.

Also, I wanted to let you know of the wonderful Christlike example she is and how very much we enjoy having her in our home when occasion permits. Her countenance is reflective of the Saviour, her deep dedication to the work, reflected in her every day conduct. It is plain to see both her heart and mind are focused, in the right place and she is always looking well beyond the mark.

When at our home, her example for my two younger daughters (12, 14) along with my sons (16, 18), has served to strengthen their resolve to serve missions,and she is very much loved by all, but perhaps most by my daughter Leilani, 14.

We wish to thank you for the support you've provided her as an ambassador of the Lord. You can be proud of your daughter--and justifiably so--for the work she is doing. Your efforts in teaching her eternal truths have not gone unnoticed and have had the desired effect. Truly, she will return home to you, a stronger, wiser, better prepared young woman; able to magnify her divine calling in all she's called on to do.

Yours in the Gospel,
Bill & Christine Hayward and family

So, Michelle is still at the same address. Go ahead and mail those Birthday cards! Also, I've put this picture and one of the Hayward family in the mission pictures.

Snail Mail

Here's a letter (click here) I received from Michelle's Mission President. It's very exciting! Look for the magnifying glass icon. It'll make the picture bigger so you can read it.

I still haven't heard from Michelle, but I believe she is still in Wasilla. I'll post it here when I find out for sure.

No mail... :(

I haven't heard from Michelle today, so I don't yet know if she has moved. I'll let you know when I hear something.

Mail Call!

Here's the latest from Michelle.

Daddy,

Oh man...Bloodsport is so much fun! I'm going to have to teach people how to play after my mission...maybe I'll get my institute group to play. :D

Erm...so I'm sending a package home today...and I just realized I forgot to put the memory card in it...I'll probably be sending a mini package home sometime in the next couple of weeks then so you can get it and have pictures...though there are some pictures in the package...le sigh.

Poor Grandma...I'd scream too if a dead rat fell out of something I was moving. I can't really picture Grandma screaming...lol

Yay Seminary! Who is her [Sarah's] teacher? What classes does she have at the high school?

I PASSED OFF MY FIRST LESSON THIS WEEK!!!!! :D

There's a new sister area opening next transfer - one sister is going home and three more are coming out...rumor has it that I might train...crazy stuff...we'll find out Friday.

If anyone is going to send me cards or packages have them sent to the mission office...or wait until next week when I can get you my new address. :D

Is Allison still preparing for her mission?

I hope you have a good day! I love you!

Love,
'chelle

PS - everytime I see a mixer truck here I think of you. They're not backwards here like they are in Utah. :D

Mail Call!

I received an email from Michelle on Tuesday! Here are some excerpts:

Daddy,

Yay we get to email today! :D I hope you had a good Labour Day! We played Bloodsport in the morning, did our shopping, wrote some letters, had comp study, went to dinner and picked raspberries, and then went over to a member's house to wish their daughter a happy 8th birthday!..it was a pretty good day. :D

Right now I'm working on the Old Testament - and I'm in Ezekiel. It's pretty good...kind of repetitive...the people didn't listen very well...sigh.

I will get the pictures sent out this next week. I keep forgetting the package at home and then the post office was closed yesterday. I have the package sitting out in plain sight now though so it'll get sent off. :D

I am passing my first lesson off on Wednesday - I'm ready and my District Leader knows it - it'll happen or else I'll throw a dodgeball at him...:D

So Ben Miles is actually in Romania now... Crazy!

Well, I think that about covers everything. We have a baptism on Saturday - more details about that next week when I have more time! I love you! Have a lovely day!

Love,
'chelle

Snail Mail

Hi everyone,

I received a "real" letter from Michelle on Thursday. Her mail server was down on Monday. That's why we didn't get any email from her. Next Monday (Labor Day), we probably won't get mail from her either. She usually checks her email at the library, which will be closed because of the holiday.

She says she getting better at the sports that they all play on p-day. Most of the rest of the letter was reminding me that it's her birthday on September 26th and she wants lots of stuff.

It would be great if everyone who reads this would send her a birthday card! I'd love to see her get dozens and dozens of cards! So please, send her a card and have your friends and families send her a card! She'll be turning 22!

Important! Send your cards so they reach her before September 17th. That's transfer day and she could be moving. If you can't get it to her by the 17th, wait until after, to see if she'll be moving.

Okay... this will only be exciting if everyone and their dog sends her a card. Just do it!

Thanks!

No mail... :(

Just a quick note to tell you that I haven't heard from Michelle this week. It could be that she had some sort of conference on Monday and they had to reschedule their P-day.

I'll let you know when I hear something. Anyone tried those recipes yet?

Mail Call!

Hi everyone! Sorry I didn't post last week. My computer crashed and I had to slick the hard drive and start over from scratch. The good news is that I was able to back up everything before it was too late.

So, here's the past two weeks letters. They are both very short. It's like she's busy or something! :) I'll start with this weeks letter, which except for a little personal stuff is only a couple of lines.

Daddy!! :D

Crazy business this mission stuff - and crazy how time flies! Things have certainly changed in my perception of the Gospel and of who I am and where I am headed - that sure knowledge makes all the difference. :D

Well, we've got lots to do today. I love you!

Love,
'chelle

Here's last week's letter.

Daddy,

I'll try my very best to get the package sent out this week - but we're super tight on time today. If it doesn't go out today I will send it next week for sure.

Wasilla is great - we will definitely come back and visit this place for sure! :D

It is so nice to have a companion for more than 6 weeks - I love it! :D

Oh man...I didn't know about the whole apostle thing until we were doing a lesson about following the prophet and the member told us that President Faust had passed away that morning - crazy! I can't wait to see who the new apostle is either - keep me posted! :D

I love you too Daddy! :D

Love,
'chelle

Post Script... She didn't say anything this week about mailing a package or pictures... sigh...

Mail Call!

Here's the latest from Michelle. It sounds like she's staying put this transfer.

Daddy!

I am at the halfway mark(on Wednesday)...that's so weird to me!! It seems like a little over a week ago that you dropped me off at the MTC...and at the same time it feels like it was an eternity ago...crazy!

What lies ahead?...probably training in the next transfer or so....that's kind of scary, but hey...if the Lord, President Lewis and the Assistants think I can do it than I have no doubt that I can. :D

I did not move this month! I'm so excited - I love Wasilla! It's pretty much the best ever! :D I also get to keep Sister Aitken - I haven't had the same companion since Sister Hubbard and I stayed together my first and second transfers....it's really exciting to have some continuity. :D

Oh man...those recipes are sooo good! The Halibut Tacos are much healthier than the lasagna...but they're both REALLY good. :D

OH! I have a really good talk for you to read! "O Divine Redeemer" by Neal A. Maxwell from the November 1981 Ensign. It's really good! :D

I have a package that I will be sending off next Monday (I forgot it in the apartment today...) and I will stick the camera card in there...that way I can get some pictures off it for some people before I send it home. :D

Guess who I met yesterday?! Truman G. Madsen. His grandson was serving up here and finishes his mission today so the Madsens came up to get him, along with his mom and sisters. So, we had a special missionary fireside with him yesterday...it was really good. :D

Well, I love you! Have a great week!

Love,
'chelle

Lastly, if there is anyone reading this that is not sure of our belief in Jesus Christ, please read the article that Michelle mentions in her letter. Just click on it.

More Recipes Waffle Cookies

Michelle Says: "these are sooo good!"

Waffle Cookies

1 cup butter

1 cup cocoa

1 1/2 cups sugar

2 t. vanilla

4 eggs

2 1/2 cups flour

pinch soda

Mix all together. Drop by tablespoon full on waffle iron for 1 minute or less. Frost.

Frosting

6 oz. choc chips

1 1/3 cups milk

1/4 cup butter

Melt together and stir in 2 1/4 cups powdered sugar.

More Recipes Halibut Tacos!

Here's another recipe that Michelle says is really good.

Halibut Tacos

1 lb Halibut

1 t. butter

1 t. Cajun Seasoning

In a skillet melt butter along with seasoning. Cut fish into bite size pieces. Place in skillet, cover and cook until flaky.

Coleslaw

1 pkg. Coleslaw

1/4 cup sour cream

1/4 cup ranch dressing

Mix together and serve in tacos :)

Recipes!

Here are some recipes I received from Michelle. Try them out and let us all know how they are!

Halibut Lasagna

1 t. butter
1/2 t. dillweed
1/2 t. thyme
8 oz. cream cheese
1 1/2 cups butter (wow!)
1 cup Parmesan cheese
1 cup Swiss cheese (I'm assuming it's shredded?)
1 pkg. lasagna noodles
1 1/2 lbs. Halibut

In a skillet: Melt 1 t. butter, dill & thyme. Add Halibut and cook until flaky - set aside.
In a sauce pan: combine cream cheese, milk, butter, & 3/4 cup Parmesan & 3/4 cup Swiss. Melt until creamy.
In baking pan: layer noodles, Halibut & sauce, repeat. Sprinkle w/remaining cheese.
Bake @ 350 for 30-35 minutes.

More recipes to come!

Mail Call!

Hi everyone. Well... Like her email address, this weeks email was shortnsweet. Apparently it's been raining this week, and she loves it. She really loves the city of Wasilla. She says it's beautiful. Of course we wouldn't know because she doesn't send pictures! Anyway, she is doing really well and loving what she's doing.

That's all til next week. Speaking of next week... Next Monday (August 6th) is mission transfers, so she could be moving. I'll let you know when I know.

Mail Call!

Here are some highlights from Michelle's email I received Monday:

Daddy!

You're favourite missionary is doing well. :D The Vazquez family did get baptized on Saturday! It was such an amazing service - the spirit was SO strong, it was great!! :D

It's rained a fair amount here as well, it's actually raining today! :D

Oh man...we haven't had any 100+ temperatures...but we have had in the 80s...I about died...I like this 50s - 60s with clouds and rain...it's my favourite. :D

Bishop Hatch, that's so cool. The Hatch's are such a neat family. You'll have to tell them hello for me next time you see them. Have the Guisinger's left yet for Japan? I haven't heard anything from Grandma and Grandpa in awhile to let me know.

I'm glad Trek went well. It would be fun to be a Youth Leader. Sister Aitken says that I should apply to be an EFY counselor after my mission - that'd be fun.

Nope, we didn't have peach yogurt pancakes yesterday. Sister Aitken made pancakes out of a Jiffy muffin mix - the apple cinnamon kind. They were so good!...you didn't even need syrup since they were sweet already. I'll have to try cornbread pancakes - that sounds good too. :D

I know I'll come back here to visit, that's for sure, but I don't know if I could live here. If I did though I think I'd have to live in Wasilla...I love it here! :D

Oh man...Caiti's leaving...weird! Has she registered for a school down there at all yet?

Well, we've got some shopping to do and I have some serious letter writing to do...catch ya later!

Love ya!

Love,
'chelle

Mail Call!

I received an email from Michelle today. She's doing great and having good success. She's also enjoying the warmer weather, although according to the weather forecast, it's been cloudy and sometimes rainy for the last couple of weeks. Michelle likes that kind of weather though, and I admit I do too.

It sounds like Michelle and her companion are teaching several people and have a family that is planning on being baptized this Saturday. It's very rewarding to see people change their lives for the better.

Way to go Michelle!

Mail Call!

Here's the latest. This is only part of her email, but the whole thing is just so... bubbly!

Daddykins!! :D

Did you know that Alaskans eat more ice cream per capita than anyone else?...crazy little factoid, huh?...that's so weird!
and ice cream is so good...I might have to buy some today...

Sister Aitken and I are doing awesome. Yesterday I made us Strawberry pancakes for breakfast...they were way yummy...I wished I had some yogurt though so I could make yogurt pancakes like you used to do when we were younger. :D We're getting along great though and we're seeing some success. We have a mother and 2 of her kids on date for the 21st...it's one of those stories that always seems to happen to other missionaries...it's awesome! Last Sunday we were going to do some tracting before church. So, we turn down this road and Sister Aitken asked if we had anybody who lived in this area and I said yes, Laura lives here. So, we decided to go visit Laura (Sister Moeller and I and then Sister Aitken and I had been trying to contact her for the past 6 weeks). We pull in to her driveway and there's a car there and the door to the house door is open and a lady comes to the door when we get out of the cars - it's Laura Vazquez! She comes outside and says "Sister missionaries! We're almost ready - we're coming to church today, it starts at 11 right?" We told her it didn't start until 1 so she invited us in and we visited with her and her 9 year old daughter, Gabriela, for a little bit. Then, we had to leave and get something from our apartment before church and they had to finish getting ready.

So, we get to church and they aren't there yet but, they did show up and they sat with us...and they stayed for the whole 3 hours! Gabriela loved primary and she's working on memorizing the Articles of Faith. Laura loved all three hours - she took notes in Sunday School so she could read up on the stuff later. She cried through practically the whole 3 hour block...and she loved Relief Society! She loved getting to know that there were other women out there who know what she's going through with her kids and everything - it was GREAT!

Every time we leave her house we practically have to pinch ourselves because we can hardly believe that this is happening to us....it's so amazing! The Lord has been preparing her for a long time to receive the Gospel...and we are so grateful to be a part of this!

See, transfers here are different. All the companionships who are changing meet at the Eagle River chapel at 3pm on the day of transfers and then we have a little meeting, the people who are going home lead us in the mission song, we move our luggage to our new car and leave to our new area with our new companion. Unless you're going somewhere where you have to fly...like Juneau, Ketchikan, Whitehorse or something like that...then you leave early that morning and fly, by yourself, to your new area...scary!

It is easier to keep my place clean when I have less stuff. I've got a lot of stuff to go through when I get home...

I did have moose - it's way good! I've had moose pot roast, moose meat loaf...we have moose steaks in the freezer...it's good stuff. :D

Well, my Daddy, have a fantabulous week! Your card finally went out on Saturday (I think...). I put it in the mailbox Wednesday night, but the mailman didn't come around again until Saturday...

Well, I've got a few more emails to do and then we've got to jet out of here - we have a TON to do today...

Love ya!

Love,
'chelle

Happy Birthday America!

America The Beautiful

Katharine Lee Bates wrote the original version in 1893. She wrote the 2nd version in 1904. Her final version was written in 1913.

Here is a note from Katharine Lee Bates:

"One day some of the other teachers and I decided to go on a trip to 14,000-foot Pikes Peak. We hired a prairie wagon. Near the top we had to leave the wagon and go the rest of the way on mules. I was very tired. But when I saw the view, I felt great joy. All the wonder of America seemed displayed there, with the sea-like expanse."

America the Beautiful - 1913

O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

More...

Mail Call!

Here's the latest from Michelle. She's still at the same address but has a new companion.

Daddy,

Did I tell you what President Lewis said when I got my last transfer call? He told me that they were very impressed with how well I was doing and they've noticed that I'm making myself available and that I probably won't stay a Junior for very much longer...crazy!

I've been working really hard this week. I'd heard that Sister Aitken is super obedient and a really hard worker so I wanted to make sure that I was being like that when she got here so she wouldn't have to drag me along. It's been a tiring week, but it feels so good! I'm so glad that I made this decision to come out and serve a mission - it's such a neat experience! :D Right now we live in the coveted Wasilla apartment...we have a washer and dryer, two full bathrooms and a garage. :D Our's is second only to the "Celestial Kingdom" which is a mother-in-law apartment at a member's house. Slowly, but surely, they are going to start moving as many missionaries world wide as they can in with the members to cut down on the cost.

Yeah, I really don't have too much trouble with thinking about home. I've never really gotten homesick. It is an adventure and I'm pretty good at adjusting to things...the only thing I don't like about being transfered is having to pack and unpack everything....

I miss music too...but I have lots of good stuff to listen to so I'm good. I also really miss Harry Potter...it's everywhere and it's driving me crazy. I can wait a year though so I'll be okay as long as nobody spoils the 7th book for me. :D

I'm going to pass off my first lesson this week though...I'm pretty excited. :D

Apartment inspections are a joy... Really though, I'm a lot better at keeping my stuff organized and clean when I'm living with someone else who isn't related to me...kinda weird...but true. :D

Yep, Sister Hubbard and Sister Moeller are both home in the lower 48 now. It wasn't too hard to say goodbye...she's going on to the next mission in her life and I've still got this one to finish. It's all good. She did email me though...she went out for like 5 hours with the Sister Missionaries this past week..lol.

Halibut Lasagna was so good! It was with a white sauce...yumm! We just had halibut tacos at another member's house this week. This time the halibut was breaded and the sauce was mayonaise, white vinegar, water, cilantro, jalepeno, and garlic all blended up...it was actually pretty good. It had just enough kick to make your mouth tingle. :D I'll see what I can do about getting recipes for you. :D Speaking of food : Last night I had a bear. We had bear sausage spaghetti. It was pretty good. I don't think I'd eat plain bear, but it was good in the spaghetti.

The weather this past week has been pretty good...well, good to me. It's been overcast and rainy and in the 50s...I love it! :D That's awesome that you look forward to Sundays...I used to too. Now, Sunday is the most stressful day of the week. I look forward to Mondays....:D

My new companion is awesome! Sister Aitken and I were both trained by Sister Hubbard...so we're sisters! :D She's from American Fork, Utah and she turns 25 this year. Her year mark is on the 5th of this month. She actually trained Sister Pedersen. :D She's awesome though and we're gonna tear it up this transfer! We're so excited! I guess she actually prayed that she would come to Wasilla and be my companion...she said she needs someone happy and upbeat like me....awesome, huh?

Well, I've got to finish my emails so we can go shopping and then I have to write like 5 letters...yikes!

I love you and Happy Birthday!!

Love,
'chelle

Church Announces Millionth Missionary Milestone

They are as much a symbol of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the Salt Lake Temple and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, clean-cut suit-clad young men [and women] on bikes or on foot going door to door with a gospel message. Mormon missionaries have fanned across the globe since the earliest days of the Church and in the process have reached a major milestone.

Here's a link to the rest of the article.

Here's the latest from our favorite missionary.

My Dearest Daddy,

I felt so bad when I remembered [Fathers Day] on Sunday morning...I really meant to send you a card or something...ARGH! I still love you!

I'm glad the girls had fun at the Edward's Family Reunion...that's a bummer that you missed it.

I do remember when Grandma and Grandpa were missionary apartment inspectors. The Senior Missionaries in the office take care of inspections and stuff like that here in Alaska. Hey...are there any Sister Missionaries in our Stake?

Yep, teaching in the summer is rough....but, teaching in the winter is tough too since people are out snowmachining or staying warm down south somewhere...it's not as hard to find people during the winter though. The people we find now though are pretty good.

I'm definitely working on my obedience to certain things. President Lewis tells us all the time that it's natural to think about home and sometimes it's necessary too but, if that's all we think about and we focus on it constantly that's when it's a problem. We can think about home and stuff, as long as we stay focused and I'm doing pretty good about staying focused. T.V. is the WORST though - as a missionary I HATE the T.V.!

My new companion, who I get this afternoon, is Sister Aitken. She's been out for almost a year now and she trained my MTC companion, Sister Pedersen. She's been serving in Fairbanks for the past couple of months. She and I were both trained by Sister Hubbard so we're "sisters."

We get two new Sisters this week but, we also lose two: Sister Moeller and Sister Hubbard. So, we're at the same number of Sisters and will be for awhile. We have atleast one Sister coming out next transfer but, we also have another one leaving.

It is kind of awkward sometimes to try and make friends with the Elders but, I'm finding that, for the most part, it's not awkward on my part. I feel like I've gotten a grasp on my flirtatiousness and that I can just try and "hang out" with the Elders and be friends or whatever. It's pretty cool. The only time it's really awkward is if an Elder or someone else makes it awkward.

Mmmm...BBQ Salmon. I haven't had any BBQ Salmon up here...but I've had it prepared lots of other ways...and Halibut too! :D I love whenever we have fish for dinner at anyone's house, I always get so excited! We had Halibut Tacos 2 or 3 weeks ago and then Halibut Lasagna the following week - it was SO GOOD!! :D

I can't believe that Grandma and Grandpa have been married for 60 years...that's so cool! I still remember when we were preparing for their 50th anniversary!

Well, we've got to head to Anchorage in the next half hour so I better keep replying to emails. We're meeting all the Anchorage Sisters in about 2 hours to do lunch and hang out before transfers, it's going to be fun!

Love,'chelle

I'm assumeing Michelle is staying at the same address. She said she has a new companion, but she didn't say anything about a new address. I'll have her clearify that next week.

Halibut Lasagna... That actually sounds like it might be good! Anyone have a recipe?

Mail Call!

Michelle is doing great. She's enjoying the warmer weather and the almost 20 hours of sun! Even when the sun does finally go down, it doesn't really get dark. It's just twilight.

Talking to and teaching people is becoming more of a challenge now because of the good weather and long daylight ours. She says in Alaska there is just so much to do! Hiking, boating, fishing, etc. No one is ever home. Nonetheless, she is persevering and absolutely loving what she's doing.

Monday is transfers and Michelle will be getting a new companion since Sister Moeller, her current companion, has completed her mission and will be going home.

Happy Fathers Day!

Ours is a great privilege and responsibility. The exalted position of a father was well stated by American general Douglas MacArthur, who said: “By profession I am a soldier and take pride in that fact. But I am prouder—infinitely prouder—to be a father. A soldier destroys in order to build; the father only builds, never destroys. The one has the potentiality of death; the other embodies creation and life. And while the hordes of death are mighty, the battalions of life are mightier still. It is my hope that my son, when I am gone, will remember me not from the battle but in the home repeating with him our simple daily prayer, ‘Our Father who art in heaven.’” *

Thanks for the picture Bobbi!

*In Emerson Roy West, comp., Vital Quotations (1968), 118

Missionary Information

For those of you who would like to know more about the missionary program of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, here is a link to an article on the Church's website. It has some interesting information.

Here's a short letter from Michelle I received last Monday. Sorry it took so long to post.

Daddy,

I haven't been home since 7am since our Zone went on a Hike this morning; it was wicked hard. I couldn't do it, but some of the Elders had ropes so Elder Southworth, who used to be a gymnast/male cheerleader aka he's pretty strong, tied it around his waist and then had me hold on to it and he helped me up the trail. It was really nice of him. Elder Whittington (who is from Pleasantview UTAH!) let me have some of his gatorade and he and Elder Heaton (one of my Zone Leaders) encouraged me all the way up. They were very sweet and they're my favorite Elders right now. :D lol The view where we finally stopped was beautiful (there are pictures) and totally worth the fact that I won't be able to crawl out of bed tomorrow morning. It probably won't help that I spent a couple of hours playing Dodgeball and kickball today too. Pretty much, my Zone is awesome! :D

I love you tons too! :D

Love,
'chelle

Mail Call!

Here's what our favorite missionary had to say today:

Daddy!

The weather here the past week has been reminding me lots of home. We've been kind of cloudy and overcast with some occasional showers, it's nice. Yesterday after church when we went out to the car the thermometer inside said 81....yikes! It was only in the high 60s, but the car was baking inside...my chocolate bar turned to goo...lol

Speaking of mailing things, I sent you a letter today with my notes from our meeting with Elder Nelson and a copy of my talk outline. I'll have to record the talk on my tape recorder since it's just an outline that I sent you.

I do like my new companion. Someone called us a married couple the other night at dinner, lol. It was really funny.

The work is going well here and the members are AWESOME too. They take such good care of us.

I love you bunches!

Love,
'chelle

Mail Call!

I got a short email from Michelle today. Here's the latest...

Daddy!

Oh hey! Be proud! I filled the gas tank all by myself yesterday! :D

Things with my new companion are still going great! I LOVE Sister Moeller to death, she's awesome! I'm sad that I only have 4 more weeks to serve with her.

Our meeting with Elder Nelson was AMAZING! I didn't ask any questions, but I took really good notes. I'll copy them tomorrow after District Meeting and send them to you as soon as I get some 2 cent stamps. Oh...you should send me stamps...preferably Star Wars stamps. :D

The missionary work here in Wasilla is going great. The people are awesome and we have several people with "soft" commitments to be baptized, meaning when they know it's true they'll take the plunge.

...we're emailing during lunch today since yesterday was a holiday. Well, time is short, gotta go email mom really quick!

Love ya,
'chelle

Okay... you read it. She wants Star Wars stamps!

New Feature!

Hi everyone. I've added a new feature to Michelle's Blog. Scroll down a little, and on the right sidebar notice that I have added current weather information as well as sun and moon, rise and set times.

I hope you like the new features!

Chris

P.S. No email from Michelle today, as it is a holiday and the library where she uses the computer is closed.

Mail Call!

Here's the latest from Michelle.

I did have a great time with Sister Hubbard and Sister Woodbury this past week... the only stress was packing everything on Friday. I still haven't bought a new suitcase though since I haven't been anywhere too far like Fairbanks or Ketchikan... I'll probably buy one soon though... I should've done it last transfer though since there's no tax in Anchorage... Wasilla has tax... Oh...by the way - I'm in Wasilla now! It's about an hour or so North of Anchorage.

My companion is Sister Moeller, from Utah, and I'm so excited to be with her for the next five weeks (it's a short transfer since the last one was longer). She goes home in five weeks though and I'm not excited to "kill off" another companion... I've only been with her since Saturday afternoon after our meeting with Elder Russel M. Nelson.

Speaking of Elder Nelson, [he] was AMAZING - we got to have a Q&A with him... he answered our doctrinal questions! It was so cool, I'll send you a copy of my notes later this week along with more details. WE GOT TO SHAKE HIS HAND! :D

I love you Daddy! Have an excellent week!

Love,
'chelle

New Address!

Check out the links for "Where is Michelle Now" and "Current Address". They have both changed!

News From The North

Hi Everyone. I got a phone call from Michelle on Mothers Day! It was really exciting to talk to her! We talked for about an hour. Besides Christmas, Mothers Day is the only time Michelle will call home. Michelle was able to talk to her sisters, her mom, some aunts and uncles and some grandparents. It was a great day for all of us.

Now the update. Michelle is having a wonderful time being a missionary. She told me that these past six months have been the best time she has ever had in her life. She absolutely loves what she is doing. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a true gift and she is so happy that she gets to share it with the people of Alaska.

Michelle's companion for the last month has finished her mission and went home on Monday. Well, actually, her parents came to pick her up and they are touring Alaska before she goes home. So, that leaves Michelle without a companion... Not really. She is back with Sister Hubbard, her trainer. They'll be together until they shuffle some Sister missionaries around and Michelle is reassigned. So, for now, send snail mail to the mission home. The address is on the "Current Address" link, over on the right.

That's it for now. Michelle says "Hi" to everyone on the Blog!

To Our Mothers

As someone once said: "God could not be everywhere, and so He gave us Mothers."

I want to take this opportunity to thank my Mother. She has been an inspiration and example to me. Thanks Mom! I love you.

I also want to thank the Mother of my daughters. Although we have gone our separate ways, she is still an inspiration to our daughters, who love her very much. Happy Mothers Day Kathi.

And for all Mothers out there...

Happy Mothers Day!

Mail Call!

Such that it is... Here is the whole of Michelle's email for this week. Apparently the computer at the Library, where she checks her email, was reserved, and so she didn't have much time to use it.

I ran out of time, I'll email you next week...

Love ya!
'chelle

Mail Call!

I received an email from Michelle on Monday. Below are a couple of excerpts. Other than that she says she doing great and is really enjoying the work.

....I do like getting pictures. A lot of them I put up on my wall, I'll send you pictures of my wall here pretty soon, and the rest go in my photo album or in my journal.

The past couple days here have been pretty good too. We've had partially clear skies and it's been in the mid to upper 50s during the day...but we've had some wind and clouds the past couple of days so that kinda makes it a bit chilly.

She keeps promising pictures... None yet though. I'll post 'em when I get 'em.

Mail Call!

Here's the latest from Michelle. Thankfully, she and her companion are feeling much better!

Daddy!

Yeah...it was a great week...lol...not so much. I'm feeling so much better now though! I'm pretty much back to 100%...I even played some volleyball and bloodsport today! :D

...I was miserable....but I'm better now so it's all good! :D I think I've learned what I'm supposed to be learning from these experiences of getting sick so (hopefully) I should be done getting sick for awhile.

Meh...it wasn't really scary to go to the E.R....it just took FOREVER!...definitely a journal experienc though...and journal I did, I can assure you.

I really do love the cd...it has Come Thou Fount and it has the FULL version of it...you have no idea how happy that makes me! I also really like the other cd you sent, the one that Raney made for me! It's great...I only wish my companion liked instrumental more because I don't get to listen to it very much.

Speaking of my companion...we had (well...we started it and I finished it a few days later) a really good companionship study from Preach My Gospel the other day. We were reading about Patience in the Christlike Attributes chapter and we were doing the scripture study that went with it and there was a GREAT scripture on patience...Romans 5:3-5...it is so good! Read it and love it! :D

I also had a really good study in the same chapter on Hope in preparation for my Zone Conference talk...that was really good too...I'll have to mail you a copy of my talk...I was proud (in a righteous way of course) of it. :D

You'll get to hear me sing when I finally finish the tape I'm working on right now...there are recordings of us practicing "Saviour, Redeemer of My Soul" on there....I just have to finish the tape...and send the package I've been promising you for a month or so now....oh boy...I got some really good pictures last night though, so I'll go print some up at Wal-mart and then I'll stick it in the package which WILL get mailed out either at the end of this week or the beginning of next week, I promise. The pictures are really neat though! We went down to Earthquake Park, which is between the ocean and the airport. We went because it was really pretty and we wanted to take pictures so we decided to try and do some street contacting while we were there and then take pictures. The street contacting didn't work very well since mostly everyone stayed in their cars, but we got some really good pictures of the city and the sunset and then I got some neat videos of planes coming in to land at the airport. :D

There is one set of missionaries in the Yukon Territory. No sisters though, just a pair of Elders in Whitehorse.We've had some pretty good weather the past couple of days. When we came in to email around noon it was about 50 degrees.

Work is slow here too...but we've been sick. Hopefully it'll pick up here soon.

Well, I love you Daddy! Have a splendid day!

Love,
'chelle

Mail Call!

Here’s the latest from Michelle. It sounds like she had a rough week…

Daddy,
I'm glad you're feeling better. I agree - it is definitely a plus to be able to breath. :D I'm over my cold, but alas...t'was not to be the end of my afflictions. I woke up at 2:30ish Monday morning with an upset stomach and proceeded to spend the next several hours going back and forth from my bed to the bathroom...while curled up on the bathroom floor around 3:30am I thought that perhaps I shouldn't wait until a blessing was offered - I'd just ask. So, when it was a more reasonable hour (6:30) I had my companion call the Zone Leaders to tell them that we wouldn't be at Zone sport that morning and to ask them if they could come over and give me a blessing. They came over sometime between 10am and noon (I wasn't completely coherent) and gave me a blessing along with a bottle of gatorade. Then, around 5:30 my companion started to have the same symptoms...so the Zone Leaders were back at around 8:30 or 9pm to give her a blessing, bring us more gatorade, applesauce and saltines...oh man. We ended up in the ER at about 2:30 Tuesday morning because Sister Jenkins had really bad abdominal pains that wouldn't go away...so they hooked her up to an IV and gave her 2 bags of fluid because she was SUPER dehydrated. We finally got out of the ER around 9am...which was when our 5 Zone Conference started...the one with Elder Dellenbach of the 70...yeah...we missed that one...we slept through it because we were SO exhausted. I'm pretty much fine now - I had McDonald's for breakfast and it's treated me fine. Sister Jenkins is still a little down so we've been taking it pretty easy today...but that's easy since it's our pday today.

Oh man...anytime I get sick she gets it 10 times worse...

We went to the temple today...that's why we have pday today...just incase you're wondering. :D

Mail Call!

I received an email from Michelle today. She's getting along great with her new companion, Sister Jenkins. Sister Jenkins is from West Point, Utah and she finishes her mission in 5 weeks. Michelle gets to send her home. They have a lot in common and so Michelle is excited to be working with her.

Michelle has been suffering from a cold this last week, but she's been taken good care of. The Zone Leaders brought her some blueberry muffins and some brownies. I know that would make me feel better!

Yesterday Michelle celebrated her 5 month "Click Day". Click day is just the date that she started her mission in the MTC, which was the 8th. It's hard to believe she's been out for 5 months!

Michelle has told me that she'll be sending pictures soon. That will be exciting! I'll post them when I get them.

That's all for now.

New Address!

Michelle's new address is posted under the "Current Address" link on the right.

Moving!

Michelle is moving! She is still staying in Anchorage though. She's moving to the "Turnagain" area of Anchorage. She's now in the North Anchorage Zone in her mission. She's not sure of the address yet. As soon as I get it, I'll post it in the "Current Address" link over on the right side of the page.

Michelle says the work is going well, and she's having a great time. She particularly enjoyed this past Sunday, as it was the Church's World Wide General Conference where we all got to see the prophet, apostles and other church leaders speak. It was great to hear their unshakable testimonies that Jesus Christ is the Savior of all mankind. Michelle and I add our testimonies to theirs. In the scriptures we read: "And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins." (2Ne. 25:26) We do rejoice in Christ.

As soon as I get Michelle's new address, I'll let everyone know.