New Mail!

Surprise! I got some email from Michelle on Thursday. I'm not sure what the delay was, but I'm just happy to hear from her. It was short and sweet... who knew that her email address would be so fitting...

My dearest Popcicle,:D

I missed being able to email last week. We could've on Tuesday during lunch but, Sister Preusz was WAY sick...so we didn't. Sister Goldberg printed our emails up for us though...so I got to read my emails.

That is so neat that Michelle Conlon is home. What are her plans now, do you know? She is such an awesome person - I really enjoyed the short time I was able to have her as on of my Visiting Teachers.

Dance Festival time again, huh? I guess it's been six years...time to do it again. That's so neat. When in May is it?

Guess what! Sister Pedersen, my MTC companion, is in my Zone! I got to see her today [we carpooled to IHOP and the temple]! It's so good to see her again [it's been a year] she's doing good! It was also way good to start off the day with a session at the temple - yay!

I love you Daddy! Have a fabulous week!


Love,
'chelle

Here's another one...

Daddy,

you should listen to the I want a Hippopatamus for Christmas song...it's funny...search for an mp3 of it online and listen...

Tours of the Stake Center? Are they by the missionaries? We're doing Chapel Tours up here...that way people know where the building is and what goes on inside. They're really helpful when you can get people to come out for one. Ours sound like they're pretty much the same type of set up as yours. Awesome!

Oh...you'll have to let me know if you get an Elder Pettijohn in your ward...or any of the surrounding wards. He's from Wasilla and I know him...he's in the MTC right now so he won't be up to WA for almost a month. He's an awesome kid though and I was way excited when he got his call to the Washington Seattle Mission!

Love you!
'chelle

President Gordon B. Hinckley

We mourn the passing of Gordon B. Hinckley. Prophet and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. His was a life of service and love. Click here for more.

Still Waiting...

I didn't hear anything from Michelle on Monday. I did hear from one of her friends who got a letter from her that she didn't move last week. So, apparently she's still in Eagle River with her same companion. I'll let you know more when I know more...

No News...

I didn't hear from Michelle today. Probably because it's a holiday. It was a transfer day also, so I don't even know if she's moved. I'll let you know as soon as I find out.

Mail Call!

Just a short one this week. Just a few personal things and this...

So, it was -16 in part of our area yesterday...brr! Today though it's been between -6 and +2....and the clouds have moved back in. That's good news! :D Well, I've got a few more emails to send off - I love you!

Love,
'chelle

Oops...

I think I'm in trouble. Here's this weeks email from Michelle:

Subject: Yo parentals...wud up?

Umm...anyways...
I love you both and it makes me sad that my inbox is void of emails from you both...:( Have a great week (and send me a letter!)! I love you!

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

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

"Gratitude is a mark of a noble soul and a refined character. We like to be around those who are grateful. They tend to brighten all around them. They make others feel better about themselves. They tend to be more humble, more joyful, more likable."

(Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Live in Thanksgiving Daily," Ensign, Sept. 2001, 8)

In this new year, let us think less about what we think is owed us, and more about what we have already been given. Let us be grateful.

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