Dear Austin!
Oh my it is so good to read your letters. I especially liked getting 2 letters this week - that was a wonderful surprise. We are not not surprised that they moved you up to the more Advanced Group. It sounds like you will have your work cut out for you now with your Russian.
I was however very surprised and Very sad that you can't call on Christmas!!! I know there are reasons - probably because of all the Elders there - the phone bill would be out of control. Although we are very disappointed - we know you are doing the right thing. I will try to be strong - although I will miss talking with you and being with you on Christmas Day - but I am sure you are going to have the Best Christmas ever in the MTC. I can't wait to hear what they have in store you all you guys and gals at the MTC :)
I am sending your Christmas package tomorrow if all goes the way I am planning. It is so hard to buy for you while you are in the MTC knowing that you have hardly any room in your suitcases so we did the best we could. When you get the package you there are certain presents to open on certain days. It tell you on the packages but with each package is cool Christmas story. Someone sent them to me and I thought they were good stories. The present that is with them is or is not something that goes with the story but more something I thought you would enjoy. Anyway - there are some labeled for Christmas Morning - so you have to wait on those.
We had a late Choir rehearsal tonight (9pm-10:20pm) for the program on Sunday. We are singing and speaking a Fantastic song. It is a very difficult piece but really sends the message of the true meaning of Christmas. How wonderful that you can be in the MTC during this time of year and be protected from all the Worldliness of CHristmas out here. Everyone is running around grabbing this and that - treasure this time you have to really spend several hours a day reflecting on the reason we are here on Earth. I know that I often forget why we are truly here but I am trying to get better at staying focused on the purpose of life and not worry so much about the small stuff I can't control.
I know the Lord blesses us as we keep the faith and try to do the best we can. I am so grateful that he has made up the differences for my weaknesses and loves me enough and all of us enough to do that for us. That is truly Unconditional Love! I am so grateful for our Savior and his atoning sacrifice. Thank you for sharing your growing testimony with us all. It is so nice to hear and be reminded to take time out for the important things in life.
Yes - I will send you the list of relative birthdays sometime in the next week. Just so you know Travis wanted me to add Brayden and Mya to your email group so they get your letters each week also. It will be good for Brayden to read your spiritual message each week - not sure how much he gets at home.
Anyway - it is late and I need some sleep before I have to "Herd the Squirrels" again tomorrow. Sure do Love you and we are so proud of you and all that you are accomplishing so far on your mission. I am so glad that you like your new companion and district. Be sure you get their home contact information before you all separate so you can keep in contact after your missions.
Oh - When do you think you will be leaving for Russia???? Someone said you can call home from the airport before you fly out. Please!!! Let us know right away when that will be so we don't miss your phone call. Are they going to send you earlier to Russia? Will you still be in the MTC until Feb.? Anyway - let us know ASAP.
I love you and pray for you always!
Hugs & Kisses
MOM
Oh my it is so good to read your letters. I especially liked getting 2 letters this week - that was a wonderful surprise. We are not not surprised that they moved you up to the more Advanced Group. It sounds like you will have your work cut out for you now with your Russian.
I was however very surprised and Very sad that you can't call on Christmas!!! I know there are reasons - probably because of all the Elders there - the phone bill would be out of control. Although we are very disappointed - we know you are doing the right thing. I will try to be strong - although I will miss talking with you and being with you on Christmas Day - but I am sure you are going to have the Best Christmas ever in the MTC. I can't wait to hear what they have in store you all you guys and gals at the MTC :)
I am sending your Christmas package tomorrow if all goes the way I am planning. It is so hard to buy for you while you are in the MTC knowing that you have hardly any room in your suitcases so we did the best we could. When you get the package you there are certain presents to open on certain days. It tell you on the packages but with each package is cool Christmas story. Someone sent them to me and I thought they were good stories. The present that is with them is or is not something that goes with the story but more something I thought you would enjoy. Anyway - there are some labeled for Christmas Morning - so you have to wait on those.
We had a late Choir rehearsal tonight (9pm-10:20pm) for the program on Sunday. We are singing and speaking a Fantastic song. It is a very difficult piece but really sends the message of the true meaning of Christmas. How wonderful that you can be in the MTC during this time of year and be protected from all the Worldliness of CHristmas out here. Everyone is running around grabbing this and that - treasure this time you have to really spend several hours a day reflecting on the reason we are here on Earth. I know that I often forget why we are truly here but I am trying to get better at staying focused on the purpose of life and not worry so much about the small stuff I can't control.
I know the Lord blesses us as we keep the faith and try to do the best we can. I am so grateful that he has made up the differences for my weaknesses and loves me enough and all of us enough to do that for us. That is truly Unconditional Love! I am so grateful for our Savior and his atoning sacrifice. Thank you for sharing your growing testimony with us all. It is so nice to hear and be reminded to take time out for the important things in life.
Yes - I will send you the list of relative birthdays sometime in the next week. Just so you know Travis wanted me to add Brayden and Mya to your email group so they get your letters each week also. It will be good for Brayden to read your spiritual message each week - not sure how much he gets at home.
Anyway - it is late and I need some sleep before I have to "Herd the Squirrels" again tomorrow. Sure do Love you and we are so proud of you and all that you are accomplishing so far on your mission. I am so glad that you like your new companion and district. Be sure you get their home contact information before you all separate so you can keep in contact after your missions.
Oh - When do you think you will be leaving for Russia???? Someone said you can call home from the airport before you fly out. Please!!! Let us know right away when that will be so we don't miss your phone call. Are they going to send you earlier to Russia? Will you still be in the MTC until Feb.? Anyway - let us know ASAP.
I love you and pray for you always!
Hugs & Kisses
MOM
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