2-22-10 "It's Basically Useless But Totally Amazing!"

I can't remember what brought it up, exactly, but this week I decided that the subject line would be a great slogan for some crazy product. Something like Billy Mays used to sell before he bit the dust. As long as you say it in a loud voice, people would want to buy it. Kind of a lame start to the e-mail, but we thought it was funny at the time. You probably had to be there. Anyway, I'll tell Elder Parker he loses points for originality but retains them for creativity. And no matter what, it's a great turn of phrase.

Speaking of useless but awesome things, yesterday we were eating lunch with a member and we met some creatures called "nutrias." They're in the dictionary and everything. As we drove up to her house, she has a pond, and Sister Hoskins looked out the window and yelled, "Beavers! Beavers! Beavers!" Sister Vidrine was saying, "They're not beavers; they're nutrias." But since we'd never heard of nutrias, we thought she was kidding. No. She wasn't. Nutrias are medium-sized water rats with webbed feet, red pointed front teeth, and long rat-like tails. At first I thought they are going to be gross, but they weren't that bad, and totally Southern. Sister Vidrine keeps them as pets, and she was so sweet with them. Sister Hoskins held one in her lap for half an hour while it ate a bagel. Also, they don't smell at all. Surprisingly sweet. Nutrias: basically useless, but totally awesome. Look up their picture on Google TODAY! (Are you sold yet?)

Housekeeping: Congratulations to the soon-to-be Mrs. Ronnie Stringfellow. I'm sure he's great. Watson is a nice name for Roger and Jen's baby boy, although I'm fairly certain if this kid ever has a sidekick it'll be Lewis. "Watson and Lewis." Nice ring to it, don't you think? As for where the yearbooks are, you've kind of stumped me. I thought they were still on my bookshelves somewhere, probably on the far left in the closet, although I might actually have put them behind the books on that side of the shelf. Or they might be behind the books or binders in the middle shelves. Or in my desk drawer, bottom right (the one with a couple of built-in dividers). Maybe they're even on that little thing with wheels right next to my bed somewhere. But if they're not in one of those places, your guess is as good as mine. Hope that helps. I'm really curious about who this Jordan is. The only name I can remember is Jordan Johnson, but Jordan is such a common name that it could be quite a few more people than that. Whoever this person is, I hope you discover somehow. And if you see him again, give him my congratulations on being called to the Houston area. He's going to love it.

This week we finally got in with a media referral named Eddie. Great name, eh? He is very open about the gospel, and doesn't feel like he's attached to any church necessarily, although he has a strong Christian faith, and does NOT believe in the Trinity. I love it when that happens. One of the most prevalent false doctrines out there, and they just outright don't believe it. It's happened to me a few times on my mission, and such people are always special. We invited him to church yesterday, but he didn't make it. In addition to trying to find new people to teach, one of our biggest struggles right now is keeping in contact with the investigators we do have. They either live far away, or hardly ever answer the phone, or are hard to get a hold of. Nevertheless, persistence is key and our efforts will be rewarded.

We are also helping the Spanish elders right now with one of their investigators. She is a young teenage girl, whose family speaks Spanish, although she knows English very well. She's had quite a few struggles in her life, but we're trying to help her discover her worth as a daughter of God and find the joy of the restored gospel. Sister Hoskins has a special connection with her, but I feel blessed to be able to go in a meet with her. Her family lives in such humble circumstances, but they are so generous and giving. Last time we were there, they gave each of us two oranges. If I were Grace Kelly herself, I could not have felt more like a princess, although to the naked eye we were not in a palace. Discerning the true charity in this family's heart, I knew I was in the presence of spiritual royalty, a family whose value comes not from the amount of their worldly goods but the love in their heart. Being around them expands my spirit inside of me, almost to the point where I feel the my body can hardly contain it and my ribcage is literally expanding to hold it. I hope that makes sense to you, because to me it is one of the deepest truths I know. I just have a hard time fitting it into words.

Eli, we had some tostadas this week. They were delicious. You should try them when you get the chance. Your cake looks great, however. Was it a "joint" effort to make it? Cassidy: you look so elegant with your longer hair. You just shine.

Thanks for the medical advice. I'll take it to heart. I know that everything will work out just fine. Don't worry. And I know you're not.

Must run, but I love you all and send a million hugs your way! Stay warm!

Sister Whitney Mikell Sorensen

P.S. I almost forgot to write about the Olympics. We heard about Evan Lysacek. I knew Cassidy would be on cloud nine. We heard there was a bit of a controversy surrounding it, but I usually just want to tell the Russians to "take that." I hope there is a MIRACLE repeat, although it could never be the same as the first time. Congratulations to Apollo: he deserves it. I guess congrats to Bode, too, although he probably doesn't deserve it as much. But what about Eric Heiden? I thought he had the most gold medals from a single winter olympics? How do Apollo's records compare to his? Finally, way to be, Mitt! You amaze me. If missionaries were allowed to comment on politics, I'd say I wish he were our president instead of our current one, but since we're not, I won't.

P.P.S. I have a joke for you. Mostly for Dad, but you'll probably all laugh at it. Moses was landing at Houston International Airport on the same day as George W. Bush. George Bush sent his secret service agents over to have Moses come and talk to him. Three times he refused. Finally, President Bush asked them to ask why he wouldn't come. Moses responded, "Last time I talked to a bush, I spent forty years in the desert and I got the only land in the Middle East without any oil on it." Hope you like it. I shortened it because time is majorly up. BYE

2-15-10 "To Eternity and Beyond"

Today's subject line is brought to you by Elder Parker. He coined the phrase a few weeks ago, obviously spinning it off of Buzz Lightyear's catch phrase, and I've forgotten to tell you about it for a few weeks running. I like it. He also said he might have that written on his car after he gets married, instead of the typical, "Just Married." Inspired, I think.

Sister Hoskins, Sister Smith and I are getting along swimmingly. Sister Hoskins and I were already great friends, but I think having a third person there helps us to get along even better, because we certainly have different personality types. Sister Smith loves music, just like Sister Hoskins, and movies, just like me. She knew what I was quoting when I said, "Presidential flashcards," so That Thing You Do! is one of her favorites, too. So far, having three people hasn't been too much of a challenge, except I hope that we are giving her sufficient opportunity to speak her mind and testify, too. With three of us, it's really easy for someone's voice to get lost, and I don't want that to happen. I guess since I'm aware of it I'll know to try and combat it. I'll send pictures when I can. Sister Smith is from Bellevue, Nebraska, a suburb of Omaha, and loves the Cornhuskers.

Our Valentine's Day was also filled with being served by members. I'm glad to hear the elders enjoyed the manicotti. It's fabulous, so they should have. I made some red velvet cupcakes for district meeting on Friday, and they were consumed in minutes, too. That was actually before I received your package with the mix and frosting. I ended up making my own homemade cream cheese frosting, but we'll put the other to good use, too, when we make the next batch. Anyway, yesterday we actually ended up with both a lunch and a dinner appointment. First we had a typical Texas supper: brisket, red potatoes, green beans, fruit salad, made for us by a nice couple in the ward, the Crandalls. Then we had dinner with the Merrills: breakfast for dinner, featuring more fruit, spinach quiche, and popeye pancakes. Delicious, and just what Sister Smith needed, since her family tradition is to have breakfast for dinner on Sunday night. So whlie you were feeding and giving rides to the missionaries, your missionary was being well-fed, too.

Thanks for the two great Valentine's boxes. We will be enjoying them for days. The CDs are great! All I really wanted was the picture of the Idaho Falls temple, but I got two, and Mt. Timpanogos and President Monson to boot. The one of the IF temple in the rain is actually my favorite, and it reminds me of the day I went through the temple for the first time. That was kind of a grey morning. I'll always have a special place in my heart for the Mt. Timpanogos temple, but lately I've been thinking just how much I really do love the Idaho Falls temple, and now I can ponder it in all its simple majesty. And I loved the cards. Actually, we recently started volunteering at an animal shelter, and I think last week I WAS kissed by a dog. But only very briefly. Special thanks to Eli, my sweet baboo, for the "infinity plus one" card. I love YOU the moster more, too. And I definitely love you more than Celeste, even though I'm sure she's a nice girl. Just remember, I got your heart first, so I get to decide when you have secret admirers. Although, if I remember correctly, second grade Valentine's day was when Kevin May proposed to me, so maybe it just runs in the family.

Cassidy, I'm not sure I know who you're talking about that knows me and may or may not be named Jordan. Any more details? Is he really young? What's his last name? But that's cool that he got called to the Houston South mission. I don't know if it's as great as the original Texas Houston mission, but I'm sure it's still amazing.

Thanks for the addresses. I'll be sure to get a letter off to Miss Amanda, and I'll probably send something to Elise soon. I got a letter back from Aarika this week. See if you can find out what her address is now, because I know she moved from where she was living last. And if you have any time to peek at blogs, check out damonjaclyn.blogspot.com because Sister Hoskins and I have been blogged about. She also has a craft blog with another sister in our ward, so maybe the link to it is on there. I'm not sure. You can never have too many blogging friends.

Thanks for the Olympic updates. Members have been keeping us kind of posted. Everyone fell asleep before the torch was lit, but we heard all about the icebergs and whales thing, and the tragic death of the luger. Not good. They said they even showed the footage on the news. Tacky. I'm glad to know Mr. Gretzsky got his moment to shine. He really is the king of ice. And if the 1980 team got to light it in Salt Lake, Wayne deserves to light it in Vancouver.

Mom, could you call Dr. Mathews office and ask for a phone consultation? Sister Hansen thinks we should just ask him for a second opinion about the nerve conduction study thing, and the fact that this doctor has now taken me completely off the sulfasalazin and wants me to have only one plaquanil a day. I haven't been feeling really bad, but I certainly haven't been feeling as good as I did when Dr. Mathews was treating me. See if you can do that.

I know there's something else I want to say, but I cannot at this moment think of it. It'll come to me later and hopefully I'll remember to say it next week. But until then, "to eternity and beyond." Sorry this week seems like a bunch of disjointed thoughts. Just think of it as a President's Day surprise, because we weren't sure if the library would be open.

Love from the always shining,
Sister Whitney Mikell Sorensen

P.S. Mom, the thing about flying with words was not cheesy. It made me feel really good, actually.

P.P.S. Go U.S.A!

2-8-10 "Three's Company"

I actually hate the show Three's Company, but the title does seem appropriate in light of the news we have about transfers. I have to tell you the whole story in context however, so don't get ahead.

On Saturday morning, the Spanish elders had a member who invited our whole district to breakfast. The Waller elders were unable to come because of miles and busy-ness, but we were privileged to go. This lady has a darling little yellow house, and she speaks very little English. Like practically none. Sister Hoskins was pretty good at communicating with her, but I was terrible. I would start thinking of things to say in my head, and they would be in German, not Spanish. I wish I had been able to say more, but the morning was great nonetheless. She made a TON of food, and the elders (who were interpreting for us half the time) said that if you don't want more, you shouldn't clear your plate. Leave just a little bit left, or she will make you eat a whole other plate. I was served first, but I was the last to finish. And after everyone had been served she puts another full plate in the center and directs us, in Spanish, to be sure all of it's gone. She made these round, flat, little tortilla-like things with a red sauce, chopped potatoes, and cheese on top. They were good, but very filling. I couldn't even finish all my five, when really, if I were doing my part, I would have eaten those plus one more from the table in the center. One of the elders had to eat like 8! In the middle of breakfast, we hear our phone beep, but we don't get to find out who called us until after we leave. Back to breakfast. So as we're reaching the end of our plates, she starts asking us if we want milk, because there's actually a dessert course with breakfast. Sweet breads and muffins and such. Saturday also happened to be Sister Hoskins's 23rd birthday and Elder Bell's two-years-on-a-mission birthday. So Elder Parker had brought candles to put in their breakfast dessert. The candles were lit, we sang a little ditty, and they made birthday wishes. Now that we are FULL, we go to the couch to share a little message. And by "we," I mean the Spanish elders, since my scriptures are in English. Even though I couldn't produce any Spanish, I was able to understand most of what Elder Parker was saying. It was a great message, and I certainly felt the Spirit even if I couldn't understand all his words precisely. When it came time for the closing prayer, the member decided to offer it. I was catching fewer of her words than Elder Parker's, but about halfway through the prayer I get the distinct understanding, even though I can't understand completely, that she's praying for Elder Bell to find a wife and have many beautiful children. I'm not describing it very well, but imagine hearing something in another language, and knowing it's in another language, but still being able to comprehend what is being said. I'm not saying I have the gift of interpretation of tongues or anything, but, sure enough, after we're outside the house, Elder Parker looks at us and says, "Do you know what she just prayed for?" I respond, "It sounded like a wife and children for Elder Bell." He just smiles and nods. We all had a good laugh about it. And now the phone calls. It was from the assistants to President Hansen. "Call us back. We have some news about transfers." We did. One of the assistants right now is my first ever mission field district leader, Elder Hiatt. He answers the phone and says, "Can you both hear?" "Yes. Sister Hoskins is driving. Should she stop?" He laughs. "No." The gist of it: we are going to both be staying in Tomball, but we will be training a brand-new missionary from the MTC. All we know about her is her name. Sister Smith. We will meet her on Thursday morning, and we get to go to a special temple session and training meeting that day. I'm excited, even though having three in a companionship will be something of a challenge. Wish us much luck. We'll need it, but I know it's going to be great.

That story was much longer than I intended it to be. I just wanted to give you all those details about the breakfast. It's one of my favorite mission memories so far, getting to glimpse into the Spanish-speaking work. It reminded me of over a year ago when our whole apartment arranged to go on a date, but then one of Marcie and Ana's friends was getting baptized that night, so we went to the baptism as part of the date. Fun and nice, and a bit similar of an "interpretation of tongues" experience, since the whole service was in Spanish then, too. I'm not saying I'm sad not to be a Spanish-speaking missionary, because I have always thought my work was meant to be in the English language, but I just have such a powerful testimony that the work going on in other languages changes lives, too, and brings people closer to the Savior. I'm really having a hard time finding my words today. What I just wrote doesn't even come close to truly expressing my emotions, but it'll have to do, because I have more to say.

Also this week we did a little tracting in a fairly affluent neighborhood. We were trying to make contact with a less-active man, but we decided just to tract around because we weren't sure when we'd be out there again. Towards the end of our tracting, we come to this house with a truck and a sports car in the driveway. On the back of the truck, there is a hitch with the bat signal on it. Interesting. I look at Sister Hoskins and say, "I wonder if Batman lives here. Are you prepared to teach the first lesson to Christian Bale?" She just laughs, like I'm crazy. Which I kind of am. But then, as we're knocking on the front door, I look at the doormat beneath our feet and it has a big, emblematic "W" on it. W. As in Wayne. BRUCE WAYNE. Not a coincidence, I'm thinking. Again, I turn to Sister Hoskins: "I think we're going to get to see the batcave today..." But alas, Bruce must have heard us talking, and didn't want to give away his secret identity. We told the elders about it that night, and Elder Parker had actually taken a picture of the batmobile that day. In any case, I'm pretty sure Mr. Wayne has a winter home in Houston.

So much more happens, but I only can tell you the best of the best. Congratulations to Eli for winning his chess match. Genius, genius, genius. I don't think I've ever even won a chess match, but I never really could get into it. He's following in the footsteps of my favorite Harry Potter character, however. Ron loves to play wizard's chess. Cassidy: CREEPY!!! about the Johnny Cash testimony. I've had weird dreams before, but I've never really called them visions. I'm not even sure how "Walk the Line" was an answer to his question. Is he supposed to go sing at Folsom Prison? Is he supposed to become a drug seller? Is he supposed to grow a long, ugly beard like Joaquin Phoenix and act crazy on David Letterman? And what exactly does a John Wayne tie look like? My advice: I'd "keep my eyes wide open all the time" for this guy, especially if he's all in black, because he may have "shot a man in Reno, just to watch him die." Not cool. Mom, yuck about getting sick on Tuesday, but kind of funny that you worried that you would die one a bad hair day. That's kind of like saying, "Don't let me die with my boots on." (Is it on or off? I can never remember.)

Happy Olympics on Friday. I'll be rooting in my heart, but focusing on missionary work. All three of us will be having dinner with one of our favorite families in the ward, Brother and Sister Brewer. Sister Brewer is almost my adopted mother. Love her. Thanks also for the music. We've been enjoying the tracks we can listen too, although I'm not sure what some of the last ones are. Any more hints on 12-14?

Last thing: People have been sending me mail without an apartment number on it. It gets to me, but you might want to be sure to include that from now on. Here's the full address: 29807 State Highway 249 #376 Tomball, TX 77375.

Much love and shining,
Sister Whitney Mikell Sorensen

2-1-10 "The Least Likely Chess Club Member"

Before I forget, let me tell you that this Saturday is when we find out about whether or not we'll be transferred. I'm about 50/50 certain that I'll stay in Tomball, but I'd suggest sending all mail to the mission office just in case. Also, I have a package waiting for me at the Tomball office of the USPS as we speak, so rest assured that I have (almost) received it. I will send a letter to Aunt Lenore, and I should be sending a card this week. Laura Robinson sent me a check and a card for Christmas, so I'll be sending the check home. You can just put it in my checking account.

Now for funny story of the week number one. Sister Hoskins and I were at the elders' apartment complex, waiting for them to come out so we could drive to district meeting. We're just sitting in our car, studying the scriptures, minding our own business, but kind of watching for the elders to come out, too. As we're doing this, a young guy, early 20s, drives by in a white car. He looks like he thinks he's a pretty cool guy, and I think I said something to Sister Hoskins about that. But as he turns the corner, emblazoned across the back of his back window is this banner: www.NWHoustonChessClub.com. Not exactly what we were expecting? You could definitely say that. And while we're on the subject of chess, I'll ask if Eli has seen the episode of Even Stevens when Tom is in a big chess competition and Louis and Twitty come to cheer him on. Shirtless, if I remember correctly. Hil. Ar. I. Ous. All I can say is, if he can learn to do a Rubik's cube, he's smarter than I am, because my roommate Ana spent a long time last winter semester trying to teach me how. I could do some of it, but I never learned the final secret move that conquers the cube. Maybe when I get back he can teach me. In the meantime, it sounds like he's still a genius, and getting smarter all the time.

Miss Cassidy: It sounds like you had a busy week, what with becoming a full-time mother for a few days and trying to keep up on our boys in the Australian Open. You have to know I'm grinning from ear to ear to hear that Mr. PeRFect has claimed yet another victory. Poor Andy Murray. It seems like he'll never win a major open title, but at least he doesn't have the temper of Roddick or the bad luck of Nadal. I really am sorry he had to withdraw. That happened last year to Novak D., who was the defending champion. Maybe that's what happens to every defending champion. But hopefully not next year. As for the other adventure, I'm trying to think of my favorite part of "Yours, Mine, and Ours" or "Cheaper by the Dozen," but the only thing that's coming to mind is Ashton Kutcher's facial expression when he says, "This is the moneymaker. I'm not that good of an actor." Hopefully that makes your day.

100 million congratulations to Tommy Hatcher for his mission call to Arizona Phoenix. At the risk of repeating the error we made when I got my mission call, I'm going to ask, didn't Russell Cheney serve in that mission? I know he lives in Dallas, not Houston, but I think he served in Phoenix, not Mesa. Speaking of cousins, Sister Hoskins and I are going out to dinner with Nichole and family on Wednesday night, as long as I can find the restaurant. Don't worry: I'm a very good navigator.

Now for funny story of the week number two. Sister Hoskins and I were at lunch with our ward mission leader and his wife on Saturday afternoon. As we were leaving the restaurant, we needed to get through this narrow little aisle by these people, so Sister Hoskins went first, and I followed her. I think my foot caught on the edge of the tile or something, but all of a sudden I'm on the floor. On my knees, actually. Sister Hoskins turns around and, fairly loudly, asks, "Did you just fall, Sister Sorensen?" I stand up as quickly as humanly possible and--lying through my teeth--say, "No, I'm fine." Outside of the restaurant we rush in gales of laughter that refuse to die until we get about two miles down the road. Later, I realize what I should have said was, "No, I just thought I should say a quick prayer." But missed opportunities come again. Later that night, we are at a member's home for dinner. Sister Hoskins and I are both sitting up to the bar while dinner is being prepared. She is petting the family's cat. She puts it down and gets up. About a minute later, I decide to stand up, too. The first step I take I hear a cat hissing sound. As I'm taking the next step, hopefully out of the cat's way, I look down to discover it going more and more underneath me. Step two produces a larger hissing sound, and finally I just decide to fall instead of risking taking another step. The cat scatters off into the closet, and I am left on the floor for the second time in one day. But don't worry. I didn't fall at all yesterday.

The missionary work has been picking up rapidly in the last week. We taught two great lessons from tracting. One was on the doorstep with a girl who nannies for an LDS family. She had a lot of questions about the Church, and we were able to teach and testify to her about a few things. The next day, a very similar thing happened. No joke, the third door we knock on, and the first where anyone was even home, a young married woman lets us in to answer her questions about the church. Neither of these people were interested in becoming investigators, but it was a sign that the Lord was guiding us to people who are prepared. And we were able to contact and teach three referrals from various sources this week, resulting in two new investigators, one of whom was planning to come to church (but did not). Nevertheless, attempting to pick her up resulted in my favorite story of the week.

So here it is: Ever since I arrived in Tomball, the Spanish elders have been teaching a family, and most of the family members were baptized at the end of November. The others either have been since or will be soon. Up until a week ago, I had never met a single member of this family, but by virtue of serving around the elders who were teaching them, I felt somewhat of a great desire for their spiritual growth. I've even had dreams about meeting and teaching this family. Anyway, one of our investigators, the one we were trying to pick up for church yesterday with a member, lives on the same street as this family. And we'd met one of the little girls in the family who just got baptized a while ago while trying to contact this investigator. Let's just say two girls in skirts or two men in ties would stand out in this neighborhood. Anyway, I keep digressing. I'll edit it later when it becomes the basis for a short story. Our member had brought the investigator a few cinnamon rolls, but when the investigator didn't answer, we saw the little girl and her friends and gave the cinnamon rolls to them. The little girl, the one who just got baptized, was so gracious and giving. I don't remember a word she said; I just remember feeling and knowing intuitively as she spoke that she was clean and pure and speaking by the power of the Holy Ghost. I could just feel it. I don't know how to explain it except to say I could feel it and know it was the Holy Ghost testifying to me that she was not only blessed to be baptized, but was living in compliance with her baptismal commitments and knew well how to live righteously.

That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.
Love y'all the moster more,
Sister Whitney Mikell Sorensen