6-28-10 "One Year Ago"

Can you believe it has been a whole year since we parted ways?!? It was official last Thursday. We were actually at Sonic on our way to do service, and I realized that it was 1 in Idaho/Utah, and that it had been exactly one year. Wow. I guess it feels like I haven't seen y'all in a year, but it really doesn't feel like I can have been on my mission for a year. I think, in hindsight, that spending all that time in Tomball made it feel like time hadn't moved as much as it had. Crazy. Actually, the thing I find it hardest to believe is that July is almost here. Once that comes, I think time will just keep flying at an ever-faster pace, even with the Texas heat. Seriously. You can't be outside for more than two minutes without sweating. Gross. Enough about that.

I loved all the stories about Eli. I just couldn't stop cracking up. And when I think they can't get any better, there are like three more. So funny. That's my brother. What a vocabulary! And such a scientific mind. Remember when we used to say he would be either a zoologist or a professional baseball player. Now I'm not sure that either of those professions will contain his incredible intellect, although if that's what he wanted to pursue, he would certainly be the best in either one. How is baseball? He probably doesn't have it this week if he'll be out in Mackay with the grandparents. That's what I gathered from your e-mails, but maybe I misunderstood. I

hope y'all have a great time at girls' camp. I know you will, but you won't get this until after it's over. I also realized that you are no longer in Young Womens, Mom, but they must have already commited you to girls' camp before they gave you a new calling. You are great to go. Remember to wear sunscreen.

The stories about Eli prompt me to tell you about my new favorite family in Katy. They have three little boys, and one of them just turned 8. His name is Jared, and he has the same precocious genius as Eli. Yesterday he asked us if we'd ever met someone we'd like to marry. Because he had. We asked him to describe her. "Well, she has white skin, and red hair in a pony tail." I'm not describing it very well, but it was so funny. Every time I am around him, he does something that makes me think of Eli. He loves Lego video games like Star Wars and Indiana Jones and Batman, and even has a bag full of drawings of Lego characters. I suggested to him that he should be pen pals with Eli. We'll see if that idea takes off.

I'm sad to hear the Nielsons are moving. Saylor is my little nursery baby, but I guess even little nursery babies grow up and move away. She looks very grown up. Best wishes to them. They will be missed. Also, Cassidy, you look great in the photos Mom sent. You are beautiful. I can't wait to see my beautiful sister again. Eli, you look more grown up as well, but still the goofy, funny brother that I love. The one who really looks grown up is Macy! She looks like a three-year-old! Jace is already four. Tell him I'm not coming home in a month, but I will be in a few months. Hello to Cade, also, and the whole Marlow clan.

This week we were trying to contact a few referrals, but they haven't been home yet. It'll happen sometime this week, I'm sure of it. In the meantime, we keep teaching the people we already have to teach. There is a gentleman about 65 who just got married to a recent convert. They have been teaching him for 6 months or so. He is reading the Book of Mormon for the first time, and is already in Mosiah. We are teaching the husband of a member. He has already given up alcohol, and is working on stopping chewing tobacco. He is the closest to baptism. Keep him in your prayers. And there is another man, Andy, who is a brilliant retired man. He recently finished the Book of Mormon, but still wonders about many little details. I wish the Spirit could convince him that he could learn so much faster if he would receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. But he needs to stop smoking before that can happen, so maybe it's not so much his testimony as his willingness that's holding him back. Another investigator that we have has an amazing testimony, but again, can't stop smoking. It's a struggle to know what to do when you want to keep teaching them and keep them connected to the gospel but they really aren't progressing. Lastly, we are working with many returning to activity less-active individuals and families that are working on going to the temple, so hopefully we will be instruments of the Spirit to help them make those covenants if it is the right time in their lives.

Much love,

Sister Whitney Mikell Sorensen

PS Please shine!

PPS Go Federer! (Or Murray. Or Roddick. Or Nadal. In that order.)