One by One‏

email dated 10/10/09
I am coming home. Don't be alarmed next Saturday when I don't write. Rather, call home and ask me how I am doing. I may just need it.

Lorena was baptized on Saturday. She had invited her mom and some friends and I thought it was kind of funny that she got up to bear her testimony and it reminded me of a "coming out of the closet" kind of thing. She said "Well, I just wanted to invite you all today and be able to tell you why I did what I just did. In the first place, I believe in God. One thing I love about church is the good values that it teaches. I know that it is something I need in my life." I thought what she said was cool. I hadn't realized that to her one of the most attractive things about the church to her were our values. But that was what made the difference for her. She saw the difference in the people her age that were active members and she liked it. She had gone to some institute activities and that really helped. Beyond that she had really changed and felt that God listens to her. I remember when I first met her I said I saw "lonely eyes" and those eyes are now filled with light. She is visibly better. That comes from having a healthy relationship with her Heavenly Father. Prayer is so important in our lives.

10 Trunky Plans:
1. Buy new garments
2. Buy new running shoes
3. Buy maybe new clothes if needed?
4. Buy the Wendy's that I never got to eat before I left
5. Smile and listen to music - Any music I want
6. Play the Piano a lot - ANY SONG!!!
7. Figure out what direction I am heading in life, work, and school
8. Play Nintendo with Christian, that one car game where we would always run from the cops.
9. Go Trick or Treating with Teddy
10. Be grateful for the blessing of the mission and remember it fondly while looking to the future with good plans and living happily in the present.

I don't know what really to write about this week. I will be landing in Salt Lake on Friday around noon. I love you all so much! I could try to be sentimental or really spiritual in this email home, but you will see all that when I give my homecoming talk and maybe I will cry then. For today, I am very excited that I will be seeing y'all soon. I have lots of things to do today to finish my goodbyes and purchases. Take care!!

Andy