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