12-7-09

Dear Family,
I have had an interesting week. I was definitely worn out, and maybe a tad homesick. Actually, on Friday I was for real sick. I woke up with a sore throat and a bit of pressure in my head, but we went about our day normally. As the day wore on, It got worse and worse. I gained some relief from 800mg of Ibuprofen, but it didn't last. When we got in for the night, I took some Nyquil and went straight to sleep. I slept well until about 3:00am, and then my body couldn't seem to regulate it's temperature and so I tossed and turned. On saturday morning, I went into the shower and just layed there (with the shower running), feeling miserable(aches, chills, sore throat, headache, and a fever). I thought, "How am I going to make it through this day?" Well, after I pulled myself out of the shower I called Sister Macdonald and asked her what to do. She told me that she figured I had the flu and that I should treat the symptoms, and that I shouldn't leave the apartment for a couple days. She said I wasn't allowed to leave until 24 hours after my fever broke. When I got off the phone, Rupp drove me to Rite Aid and I stocked up on DayQuil and NyQuil. We ended up staying in the apartment all day Saturday and all day Sunday. Luckily my fever broke yesterday morning because I could not stand another day in there. I did make good use of my time though. I made it all the way through the Book of Mormon in those two days. I'm feeling much better today and my sore throat is mostly gone. I'm glad to be out and about though haha.

Jim Cates will finally be baptized on Saturday! I'm so excited. Reed Aurdahl should also be baptized, but he's not 100% committed yet. I also find out on Saturday whether I stay or go.

We do need to pick a time to call on Christmas. I'd prefer Christmas Day in the evening. Whatever time you think would be best. What we've been counseled to do is to call briefly and give you the number and have you call us back so that it charges our family, not the one that we're calling from. However, if the member has free long distance, they usually just have us call you and not worry about the whole call back thing. I took down Erin's number so I can call her too.

I have to confess something...I already opened the gift that you're talking about. Let me explain though. Okay, so firstly, It(the box) was at the mission office. The office elders decide to give it to the Assistants to bring down to me during their exchange with my Zone Leaders. That's pretty rare and unheard of. Second, the Zone Leaders deliver it to me that evening and won't leave until I open the big box. I open it. Then, inside, there is only one box that doesn't have wrapping paper and that catches my attention, but then the box is mangled and whatever is inside of it is poking out. I grab ahold of it to see what it is and there is an apostolic quote on the front. Way to peak my interest. So I open it up and begin to read the letter and BOOM! Instant spiritual witness that I need to read them all now. So I did. It was amazing. Replaying everything that led to that point, it was there to give me strength when I needed it most, especially after reading Pamela's testimony about there being no coincidences. I had to give a talk in our district meeting and didn't know where to start and Hank's addition was exactly what I needed. I needed something inspiring to share with a Part-Member family and Sister Kutch's was a perfect fit. I know that this is the best Christmas Present I have ever received. I've already begun asking people here prepare their own to add to my book. Thank you so much mom. I really love it. I can't tell you how many times I've reread them all. It's something I'll draw upon for the rest of my mission and probably the rest of my life.

I had better get going. I just want to say that I love you all. I miss you terribly, but I feel your love. You're always in my prayers.

Love, Elder Mullenax