28 Dec 2010

I'm staying in Yakima and I'm getting Sister Kendell back. That's it for transfers.

21 Dec 2010

Mom,

You're so lucky. I'm just going right down the line and your letter was 4th on my list, so you'll get to hear from me sooner! YAY! Well, let's see. I'm glad that you finally got snow. We get snow here and then it just melts the next day. Kind of frustrating, but you know what, that's okay. The less I have to deal with. But, we think the snow that we got a few days ago will be sticking around for Christmas. It's pretty scarce, but we'll have a White Christmas after all. I can't believe that it's Christmas this week. 4 days. I can't believe it! Where did all the time go? I remember last Christmas when I was in the MTC. Crazy how that works. But, such is life. President Greer told us yesterday that even when you stand on the runners of the tredmill, it still will pass and keep going. Analogy I'll tell you about later. It's great!

But, we had Christmas zone conference yesterday. It was awesome! We got to watch Toy Story 3! Oh man, SOOO funny. So sad. I cried. But, best movie I've watched in about a year. Haha. Nah, it was great though. We had all sorts of fun and I just loved being with the missionaries. It was a half zone conference and just so great. The Greers are great and I'm glad they're out here with us. The up and down side of it all was we had this snow storm come through yesterday and so the elder that was going to drive to the Tri-Cities is from South Carolina and I was just like yeah...you should let me drive. So I got us there safely and soundly. Relief! But, not that I was worried about his driving, but still. It felt better knowing that I was in control driving at a safe speed instead of crazy elders. Haha.

It sounds like you're having a blast at home...despite the fact that everyone is semi-sick. Eeks! Well, my companion is getting sick and I'm just considering it a miracle if I don't get sick. I've been so exposed, it's ridiculous! But, you know, I just might have that awesome of an immune system.

As for calling. The missionary department has allowed us to SKYPE for Christmas. So weather it's on gmail or the actual skype, I am looking forward to seeing everyone at home! And I'm thinking it'll be around noon-ish, my time. So 2 yours. But, I'll call in the day and let you know when for sure. Depending on Sister Salmon. Her family is 3 hours ahead of me, so I'm letting her go first and all that jazz. I'm excited beyond all belief! =)

And...let's see...what else. Oh, thanks for telling Adam who I am. I wouldn't like for him to now know his favorite aunt! =) But, I'm sure it'll all be fine when I get home. I'm super excited to see their little faces. That's probably been one of the biggest things that I miss...watching the kiddos grow and stuff. But, I sure do love hearing about them and their adventures.

Well, everything is going good here. Transfer calls are coming on Christmas, so hopefully I'll be able to let you know if I'm being transferred or not. We'll see. But, I love you all and I am super duper stoked to talk to you all in 4 days!!!!!

Love you!

Hna. Pleshek

14 Dec 2010

Well, I have had just a week. It's been nuts and I've been keeping busy. This letter will be short as I struggle to find things to talk about. I seriuosly don't know where the time goes. I write you and it seems the next day is just p-day and nothing happened. We have our usual district meetings and what not, but it just...it flies.

We got dumped on with snow the other day. It was lovely. It snowed all day long and the roads were terrible. But we survived. We also had cena de Navidad [Christmas dinner] where we all had to do a TON of cooking. It was a combined activity with the Terrace Heights ward and the people there from the Branch spent the whole night cooking pretty much. We had fajitas and it was AMAZING!!! I seriously want to be Mexican so I know how to cook all this amazing food. But, one day, maybe. Anyways, great party and awesome food and I had a blast!

I bought boots from Target, but I may take them back because they turn everything blue. My hands, my legs, the snow, everything. So I don't know what's up with that, but I'm thinking I'll take them back and just go look at Walmart or somewhere else. Who knows.

We're finding all sorts of success here in the area and the Lord is preparing people for us to teach. Some weeks are better than others, but it's all in the Lord's hands. He's great and I'm truly grateful to be His servant here in Washington.

We have our Christmas zone conference coming up on Monday. That will be really fun. I have to sing...? I don't know. Sister Salmon and I are singing a part in the song What Child is This? It'll be great because I love the song and even though I'm just average, I love to sing. I've realized a trend with my companions. They're either fantastic singers, or they can't carry a tune. Haha. Just a little side note.

I don't think my body still agrees with Yakima. My eating habits have been off lately and I hope they get back on because I miss eating breakfast. I seriously haven't been eating normally the last little while and it stinks. But whatever.

I love you and I'm grateful for all you do for me! Feliz Navidad muy pronto y ojala que todo este bien con ustedes. Les quiero mucho y estoy agradecida que tengo una familia maravillosa!

Con amor,

Hna. Pleshek

7 Dec 2010

Mom, you had a ton to say! That's awesome! This week seriously feels like it's gone and come so slow, yet so fast. I can't believe it. Each week it ticks down and woah. Anyways, this week has been crazy! We put someone on date. Her name is Maria Hernandez and she's sooo great! She's got a date for January and we've got some other people getting baptized in the English ward as well. We're going to have a white Christmas. And I was told the other day that one of my investigators in Vancouver is getting baptized on Christmas! How awesome is that? I love it!

So, I had no idea that you had put money in my account to buy boots. I'll look today and see what I can find. And if I can't find anything, I'll let you know, alright? Yes, the shirts are for my sisters...even though I don't know if Clare can fit in it. I'm planning on sending a picture with me in mine so then we can all be twinners. ! YAY! I'm super stoked!

I love hearing about all the miracles that are happening this week! And I love being a missionary and seeing all the progress that I can help people make to come closer to their Savior. I truly am grateful for the opportunity that I have. I'm so blessed and I've come to a huge realization of that this week. I'm so grateful for all the opportunities the Lord has blessed me with. And He really has. I'm learning more than I could ever do at home. I was looking at some notes that I took for the zone conference I went to when Elder Hafen was at home and something Sister Barrett said really stuck out to me this morning. She says that as we use the Atonement, our testimonies grow. And it's so true. I've learned more about the Atonement on my mission that I ever have before.

I really don't have a huge amount to say. My heart is just overflowing with gratitude and I am so thankful to you and Dad as my parents. You've taught me well and even though I've made mistakes, I always reflect on your words. I rehearse them, as the sons of Helaman would say. But, thank you. There are no words to express my thankfulness for all you've done for me! I love you more than words can say! And next week, hopefully I'll have more exciting things to talk about. Haha. I miss you all!

Con amor,

Hna. Pleshek