THOUGHTS

(Posted by Steph's Dad.)

Hi family,

This week has been kind of sporadic, so I thought a numbered list woudl be best. Here’s kind of the rundown of the week:

1. I was so sad to hear about Grandpa Almond, Jim’s dad, and our neighbor Carla. Death seems to be everywhere. A senior couple, the Deschamps serving in Kirtland, were in a terrible car accident last week in which Sister Deschamp was killed and Elder Deschamp will be recovering from for the next several months. It is difficult to have such experiences and I can’t find words adequate to express what it feels like. But I know we’re all having similar feelings and I’m so grateful we can find comfort in the words of the prophets and the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. They will live again.

2. Greg and Esther are both doing well…Greg has been alcohol-free for 10 days now and as a result, his insomnia has kicked in full force. He didn’t get sleep Friday or Saturday night and crashed early Sunday morning, thereby missing church. We stopped by his house Sunday afternoon and when he opened the door, he said, “I figured you’d be stopping by” and proceeded to tell us what’d been going on. I love that he's sticking to his decision to live the word of wisdom and that Heavenly Father is blessing him with the strength to do so. He’s counting down the days to his baptism and is still super excited about it. It’s just so neat to see the change that’s occurred in him over the past several months.

3. Apparently, words gotten around in the mission that I’m 27. I don’t know how that happened, but it did. I can’t decide if I’m going to set it straight or play along. Maybe I’ll have to take a vote for all of you.

4. We are going to get a ward mission plan!!! We were able to talk to Bishop Dewey this week and touch base with him about what a ward mission plan could do for his ward and he’s really excited about it. It’s on the agenda for ward council next week and I’m excited to get it going.

5. We got a phone call from someone we’re teaching to let us know that their house was INFESTED WITH LICE. Yep, that’s what I said: INFESTED WITH LICE. I wanted to buy a box of Nix right then and there. Luckily though, neither Sister Webb and I have it. The Lord truly blesses His missionaries! :)

6. Sorry, I have a lot of funny random things today. At our last district meeting, another Elder in my district (he’s from Rigby actually) handed me a pass along card after district meeting. It had an address on it. His home address. With his brother’s name on it. Apparently he wanted me to write his brother, who was home from BYU for the summer. Hahahahahahahaha, I know. I guess being 27 isn’t so bad :) That is a referral I don’t know if I’ll be able to contact!

7. This past week has had many ups, downs, and quirks, but it has been a great week nonetheless. The Lord continues to bless us and is helping our investigators develop testimonies of the restored gospel. Samantha started reading the Book of Mormon and it’s amazing to see how much she comprehends…I know it will be an invaluable tool in her conversion. She just started a few days ago and is nearly finished with 1 Nephi. The Book of Mormon is such an amazing gift and I wish everyone could understand just how much it can strengthen their faith in the Savior and bless their lives.Well, I better go, but thanks for your thoughts, prayers, emails, and just everything.

I love you!
Sister Cannariato