12-14-09 "Wonder of Wonder, Miracle of Miracles"

Every time I start an e-mail home, I remember Meg Ryan sitting at her computer in "You've Got Mail," typing to Tom Hanks that, "I like to begin my letters to you as if we're already in the middle of a great conversation." That's what it feels like every time I write home. As to mail, I did get a small package from Sister Johnson, but not yet from Sister Griffiths. I'll do some checking. Please do not panic and call the mission office. On Monday night, one of the senior elders (who was manning the mission office while all the sisters were playing at sisters' preparation day) came up to me and said, "I've spoken with your mother TWICE today about packages." Isn't that just the way things always happen? Because if the regular office ladies had been there, they would have known that my packages had already come through and were on there way to me? Because it was waiting for me at home that night? Oh, well. Also good to know that the shirt was never, in fact, delivered. Now that all the mission leaders have been accused of confiscating an orange women's shirt. Yeah. Might have to do a little apologizing on that one. Just kidding, about the need to apologize, anyway.
I also find it ironic that you tell me this week is so totally uneventful, and then proceed to tell me about like 12 mission calls and 3 marriages (and even some sad news). Rachel's in the MTC. Sister Young! And Amanda's going to Prague! A sister in our ward right now served there, as did Sister Davis's brother, and another elder in the mission's sister. I will need her address if you can find it, (ditto with Rachel's) so I can send my congratulations! Karly Walker is going to San Jose. California, right? Embarrassingly enough, I just had to ask the missionaries around me if San Jose was a country. Yeah. Not really sure where my mind has gone. The encyclopedia brain has been shelved for a time, I'm discovering. You have to concentrate on other things as a missionary.
And MAEGAN'S HAVING A BABY!!! Yes, I'm aware that I just used the pornography of punctuation, and yes, I'm aware that using all caps is screaming in e-lingo, but: MAEGAN'S HAVING A BABY!!! Too exciting. Luckily, I already have her address, so I can send those congratulations myself without delay.
And just in case you were wondering, no, I've never tried hummus, nor have I ever wanted to. Actually, that's not true. I tried it last year at the Writing Center clip and dip. Don't recall having good feelings about it either. So I hope you're not really getting hummus for Christmas. But if you do, I recommend reacting this way: "a jar of hummus?!?", as if you were saying, "a lump of coal?!?" Priceless.
Not sure exactly how the whole calling home on Christmas things works, but I know we get about an hour. I will be sure that it doesn't occur during your soup kitchen service time. I can think of nothing better to be doing on Christmas than serving at the soup kitchen. You'll love it, and you'll be blessed. Our Christmas schedule is probably fairly open, so I think we can call whenever we can find time, and I'm pretty certain we use our mission cell phones, so no phone card required.
I loved all the pictures, and the evidence of Eli's burgeoning (sp?) vocabulary. "Embroidery" AND "we couldn't afford it." Double priceless. I was about to send my worries that maybe you couldn't afford it because my x-rays cost so much, which apparently they did, but through a Christmas/mission miracle akin to the USA Hockey team defeating the Soviet Union in the Olympics with Kurt Russell as head coach, Blue Cross actually paid some of our bills before we met our deductible. It's one of those laws of nature that I don't need to understand. I'll just accept that it works, like the Theory of Relativity.
Many thanks for the Christmas cds. The one from David Glen Hatch is okay, the one from Marshall Macdonald is quite good (he used to be a hand double on "Everwood"), and Sister Kemp has now fallen for the beautiful sounds of that dancing champion, Donny Osmond. She promises that she's never heard his voice before, but now she LOVES it. Holiday joy and cheer continues to be spread by everyone's favorite Osmond.
The other pictures from the package were nice. ANNIE looks amazing, and I wish I could have seen it, but, as Lenny says in "You've Got Mail": "I was unavoidably detained." Or, as Marcia, Marcia, Marcia would say: "Something suddenly (six months ago!) came up!" Your hair looks good dark, Mom. And while we're on the subject of hair color, you'll be surprised to know that mine is actually being lightened by the Texas sunshine. I have quite a few natural blonde streaks. Not really my favorite, but it doesn't look bad. Just kind of random. I can't wait, however, to go back to being full brunette with dark lowlights. Love them.
Cassidy, are you in the midst of finals? Are you surviving? I'm sure you're doing amazing, even in your hard math class. Just keep swimming, and who knows? Maybe you'll end up with eight gold medals. I've never been through finals as BYU-Idaho, but Sister Kemp says they're fine, and I have no worries that your great mind and your Grace Kelly charm and wit will carry you through the days. Also, good luck to Brother Cody.
The elders loved the Christmas funfetti brownies. We made them for district meeting on Saturday. A-maze-ing! They send their thanks. Sisters' preparation day was great. We tied quilts, made gingerbread houses, and wrapped the Christmas presents for all the missionaries from President and Sister Hansen. After that, we had a special sisters' conference, where the wives of all the mission presidency spoke on the subject of a virtuous woman, as described in Proverbs 31. So enlightening and uplifting. One of the speakers was even quoting President Kimball and said something about, "Keep shining." I instantly thought of "Please shine." I am. I assure you. :)
Navidad en el Barrio was great. We left bright and early, and by virtue of accidentally taking one exit too soon, we got to drive through other parts of downtown we wouldn't have seen. Some nice. Some not so nice. There were two elders with us. No worries. We saw the baseball stadium!!! And the service project was great. At one point, this semi truck filled with playground and soccer balls drove up, and all the missionaries had to corral them into a little barricade. Chaos, but quite fun chaos. We spent most of our time wrapping the literally thousands of gifts. I loved every minute of it. I hope I get to experience downtown Houston later in life, too.
We also had the ward Christmas party this week: a luau. Very well done. All the groups did different Polynesian dances, including the men and young men doing the Haka. Yikes! And one sister had amazing poi ball skills. You should have seen it, Cassidy and Grandmother. Just like the PCC.
Last but not least, yesterday I thought I'd lost my wallet, but then it turned out to be in the elders car from the day before. Phew!
I think that's all. Love, love, love!!! In fact, "love, love me do. You KNOW, I love you."

And you're sensational, Frank Sinatra in "High Society." You're sensational. That's all!

Sister Whitney Sorensen

P.S. Still trying to find investigators. They might have to combine our area with another after this transfer. Transfers aren't until after Christmas.

P.P.S. And we went to the temple this week. Always good. Love it, like always. Love you, like always, too.

12-7-09 "Snow, Snow, Snow"

Just imagine yourself on a train, headed for Vermont, with Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney (aunt of George), Danny Kaye, and that beautiful blonde dancer-sister. You are singing: "Snow! Snow! Snow!" Then, imagine your surprise and shock when you discover that Vermont is completely snowless--the winter wonderland, decimated by sunshine. The look on your face would be about akin to the look on mine when I discovered the opposite to be true in Houston, the "winter-less wonderland." Don't get me wrong, I love snow, but I was kind of looking forward to a snow-free winter. Even so, it was a nice surprise. We'd heard about the weather predictions from a member on Wednesday, and she assured us that if it snowed even a flake, they would close all the roads and shut down the city. We were worried very little, due to the mixture of my skepticism that it would actually snow and our confidence that Idaho and Utah girls could drive in snow with no problems. (Of course, maybe it's the other drivers you need to worry about...) Anyway, every Friday we drive about twenty minutes out into the country for our district meeting, and all the way out there all four of us were laughing about how the "snow" had already come and gone, what seemed like five or six TINY flakes that could hardly be called a flurry and melted the moment they touched anything. But on the way back we discovered that it actually can legitimately snow in Texas. Granted, none of it was sticking then either, but the wind was blowing fiercely, and there were a significant amount of little flakes coming down. So, I've seen it with my own eyes: snow in Houston. Al Roker wasn't the only one surprised. On the bright side, no road closures, and an Idaho girl, aka YOURS TRULY, does know how to drive in snow without a hitch.

We had zone conference this week, and it was the best one I have been to yet. It was all about how we need to use the Book of Mormon more in our mission because it is the most powerful tool of conversion we have. I already know and love the Book of Mormon, thanks to the great example of my parents, but it's always good to have a reminder, and, in this case, to receive a charge to use it as a missionary tool. The Spirit is always present at zone conference, but it's presence was especially strong and steady at this one. I know that's just what happens when you talk about the Book of Mormon.

And while I'm telling y'all about my life, this week is busy, busy, busy. Today we are having a special sisters only preparation day and zone conference. For the first half of the day, we are going to the mission home (President and Sister Hansen's house) to spend time with Sister Hansen--quilting, wrapping presents, girl talk, etc. Then in the afternoon we're having a special zone conference for the sisters only, with lunch and dinner provided. So no letters will be mailed off this week, but I'm sure I'll take plenty of pictures. Wednesday is our transfer temple trip, which I always look forward to with great anticipation. And, on Friday, we are driving to Houston--downtown Houston, the real Houston, outside of the Texas Houston mission and into the Texas Houston South mission--that Houston, for a special service project. "Navidad en el Barrio" is a yearly event where the city of Houston buys thousands of toys for children who otherwise would not have a Christmas, and apparently missionaries go every year to help them wrap them. This will be an all day event. We'll be commuting with the commuters both to and from, and spend all day giving service. I can't wait! Pictures of downtown to come, including perhaps the baseball stadium, aka Minute Maid Park, home of the Houston Astros (although from the sounds of it, I should be getting more excited about the Rockets, since my brother will one day be playing for them! Way to go, Eli. 6 points! And learning to pivot. A very important skill, I'm sure. Did the coach play for the Tarheels? If so, WOW! We're talking basketball legends of a school. I'm pretty sure their men's team took it all this year. And Michael Jordan played there. If not, the Tarheels, then certainly still a tough conference, and a great school nonetheless.)

Let's take a moment to remember Pearl Harbor, for today is Pearl Harbor day. "December 7, 1941: a day which will live in infamy." Cassidy and Grandmother, we can remember it especially vividly, with the sun shining over the blue-green water and the flags waving proudly.

I did get to watch the First Presidency Christmas devotional. It WAS amazing. I told Sister Kemp that the song I wanted to hear most was "For Unto Us a Child is Born," and there it was, the second song they sang! I just love that one, and maybe it's me, but the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sounds even more amazing than usual recently. I love that song in particular whenever they sing it, because it sounds like Christmas fireworks whenever they get to the names part: "WONDERFUL! COUNCILLOR!" etc. "O Holy Night" was also lovely, and I just couldn't stop looking at President Monson when he was using his spiritual gift for storytelling. That was a very touching story about the soldier in the airport, and told in such a typical, perfect, poetic-prose President Monson way. Loved it all.

Now to comment on recent events in Idaho, where I'm sure the snow sticks. First things first:

DAVID ARCHULETA! That boy keeps getting closer and closer to our family. Next time it'll be he and Cassidy crossing paths, no doubt. Maybe she can take the picture of Grandma Ricks and photoshop her face in...except that then she would be sitting in a wheelchair, and that might be awkward. But what a nice Christmas gesture, and it does not sound like just a publicity stunt. Not to me anyway. Who saw him at the temple? All I can say is, as older sister to Cassidy, and therefore someone who gets a big say in who's good enough for her or not, he's climbing the ladder.

Eli, Grandmother said you got to be all three wise men in the Christmas pageant. Did you have to wear all three beards? Did you look like a goat? Was it heavy to carry all three gifts? She also said Tyson came. Did both he and Cody come, since they ARE family? What did everyone choose as their name in the Christmas basket upset game? What were the weirdest gifts in the present game?

Grandmother, thanks for the e-mail, and don't worry about not getting snail mail off. I haven't written you very recently either, and I feel bad about it, but my preparation day time always melts very quickly. Know that I appreciate very much the Thanksgiving package and the nativity scene. It looks wonderful atop our fridge and will bless missionaries for many years to come. Also, congratulations to Grant and Jeanne on a mission call to London. They will LOVE it! Are they working in the office? The prettiest building is the Houses of Parliament; the best tour is the extra one at Westminster Abbey; and the best museum in the Imperial War museum. I was just thinking about them this morning, so I must have known somehow I would receive great news about them. Of course, you and grandpa are doing a fabulous job serving as Mackay's unofficial missionary support system and in all your callings there. Mackay really needs you. I'm sure the missionary sisters will love and appreciate their scarves on those cold Idaho winter days.

Business notes: I'm not worried about the doctor thing either. I'm going to tell them that I feel very strongly that it is unnecessary, and hopefully the records from Dr. Mathews will convince him that I do, in fact, just have RA. I'm going to my primary care doctor this week, and he'll give me advice on the whole situation. If worse comes to worse, I'll just find a new rheumatologist who doesn't think I need a nerve conduction study.

I have not yet received the Christmas package, but I'm sure it'll arrive very shortly, so do not worry.

Last but certainly not least: a nine-foot pre-lit Christmas tree! Charlie Brown went all out this year! Way to go! Are our ceilings even that high? I'm sure it's lovely. Sister Kemp and I put our creative minds together and made our own Christmas tree out of two pieces of green posterboard. It looks rather Charlie-Brown-y, but also like a Who-ville Dr. Seuss creations, especially with the funky paper snowflakes we used to decorate it. Come to think of it, maybe that's some kind of weird snow beckoning ritual in Houston...

In any case, merry Christmas! And keep shining like the Christmas star, becasue I know I am!

Love,

Sister Whitney Sorensen

P.S. Mom, could you send a copy of the picture of me and Eli sitting on the kitchen floor eating popcorn? If you can find it of course. I was just wishing I had a copy for no real reason. And for clarification purposes Shia is commonly known as Elder Inkley, and Cedward is commonly known as Elder Bell.

P.P.S. I'm trying to think of my favorite Lucy quote from a Charlie Brown Christmas...Which, come to think of it, we overheard someone say President Obama does NOT want shown on TV, although we didn't hear the reasons. YUCK! The whole idea just makes we want to shout, "I've been kissed by a dog!" Well, I think my favorite Lucy quote is when she's asking Charlie Brown if she can be the Christmas queen in the pageant. Or when she's talking to Schroeder and cannot figure out that he's playing "Jingle Bells." Or when she's giving Charlie Brown advice about being depressed at Christmastime. But my favorite part of course is the Charlie Brown dancing. Do it for me just once. I've already shown Sister Kemp my skills, and she was rightly impressed. As everyone should be. P.P.P.S. "You're my sweet baboo!" (That was just for you, Eli!)

11-30-09 "Better than toast and popcorn"

Happy Thanksgiving! We had a fantabulous one! First we went to lunch at Brother and Sister Brewer's. Every year they have a huge feast for their friends from the community and the church. We sat across from this couple that lives on a big acreage. They own goats. Apparently, Brother Brewer also used to own goat. What is it with me and goats? Mostly traditional fare, but all fabulous. The only thing really different was green bean casserole, but I at least think that's a Southern Thanksgiving tradition. Not too shabby, but not something we need to consider adding to the full meal. Plus, she sent us home with most of the leftovers, which we are still enjoying. Mmm. Mashed potatoes. Stuffing. Turkey. Mmm.
From there, we stopped by the church potluck. Not to eat, naturally, since we were full to bursting, but just to socialize. They did end up having it inside the church, although Sister Kemp and I both questioned the actual occurence of Thanksgiving since there was no snow to be seen anywhere and the temperatures were around 60 or 70. Eventually, that turned into a two-hour game of volleyball, which is a good way to work off the excessive Thanksgiving calories, and just plain fun.
The next day we also had quite the adventure. Every Friday we drive about 20 miles to a little town for our district meeting. It's on this one lane highway both ways, sort of like the old highway between Idaho Falls and Blackfoot. We got there just fine, but on the way back into town, we got stopped in traffic for AN HOUR because of an accident between a red sedan and an RV pulling another vehicle. It was kind of an adventure, but kind of boring, too. Luckily we had the company of each other and the Spanish elders, plus the small herd of cows out my window. Which reminds me. Have I told you about the game, "Hey, cow!" yet? Well, here it goes. This game was taught to us by Elder Bell. While driving down a one-lane, pasture-lined highway, you roll down your window whenever you approach a group of cows, yell "Hey, cow!" at the top of your lungs very quickly, and count the number of cows that look in your direction. I am NOT GOOD at this game, but Elder Bell always gets at least one cow to look. We're pretty sure Sister Kemp got one the other day. I'm determined. After all, I'm used to playing "Beaver," where you don't actually have to get a reaction from the tractor. Much simpler.
On Saturday we had a zone meeting. We played a difficult Book of Mormon trivia game as the activity. You'll be glad to know I held my own, but could not name the eldest son of the brother of Jared. Can you? Other than that our week has been somewhat slow. All of our investigators live in the old area that is no longer ours, so we're having trouble keeping ourselves busy, since this area has already been tracted to death. We'll find something to do, but what it is, I'm not sure at this very moment. We do have plenty of service opportunites (although none as great as the Idaho Falls soup kitchen), and zone conference is this week which takes care of some of the time. It's not about just spending time either, but keeping yourself busy doing what the Lord wants you to do, and that's the hard thing to determine.
Ditto on the mail. I've been writing letters, but somehow they haven't been sent in two weeks. I just bought a cheap mailer to send you a lot of pictures, so keep your eyes on the mailbox. I'd say send the Christmas package to the mission office, just to be safe. And sadly, I never received the orange shirt in the mail. I don't know why...
Glad to hear y'all had a great Thanksgiving, including clam dip, which I am jealous of, but I can wait for, "The Blind Side," which I am more jealous of, but can also wait for, and Sir Paul, which I am not as jealous of but still kind of jealous of. Also, no fear about me missing the sappy Christmas songs. While we were visiting some members at their quilt shop on Saturday, I overheard "The Christmas Shoes," to my great dismay. And to think I had the perfect excuse to escape without it this year. But to be honest, I am MOST JEALOUS of the Thornberrys seeing WEST SIDE STORY. On. Broadway. To. DIE. For. Ooh! Amazing. Amazing. Amazing.
Not so amazing: Max Hall making unsportmanlike comments about the win that saved his tail. I could hardly believe it yesterday when I overheard the bishop say the Y won their game. I knew it would have been the rival game. And now I'm happy for the team, but ashamed of the QB. Congrats to Erin Knutson! And that's all!

Turning the Christmas lights on with her smile,

Whitney, AKA Sister Sorensen

p.s. Just so you know, as I'm sitting here writing my e-mails at Tomball Community college, this guy next to me keeps asking me for advice on his paper. Something about me must say, "writing tutor." Or "cute, college-age girl." Or both. I'm thinking it's both. Plus, every week when I sit here, this British lady is working as a writing tutor. Talk about making a girl homesick for school. And Mother England. Just thought you ought to know.

p.p.s. Also, Mom, Grandmother sent me this really nice nativity scene, but I'm really hoping she's willing to donate it to the mission. I have absolutely no way of transporting it around with me. I only have two suitcases and a backpack, and they're already full. I'm right on this, correct?

11-23-09 "Cornucopia, meaning 'a lot of'..."

Today's message is brought to you by the Donny Stevens Vocabulary Building Program, in honor of Thanksgiving. Actually, I just wanted to say "cornucopia," and now I have, but I do have A LOT OF news. The top story of the day is the split yesterday of the Tomball ward. We'd heard rumor that the ward would be split in stake conference, but that was last week, and it came and went without even a whisper. So we figured we were safe, but that was carnal security. When we got to church, the program listed the speakers as "to be announced." And then we saw that the stake president and one of his counselors was there, and someone from another stake presidency, and the bishop of a different ward in a different stake. And they split our area, basically in half, taking away the area where most of the less-actives and all the investigators we've been working with live. Yikes. But I still see the Lord's hand in it, although not clearly yet. We still have a few less-active families that the Lord has definitely guided us to. One of them only yesterday did we get in for the first time after another appointment fell through. So while there's plenty of work ahead, it should be a great adventure. Brace yourself, Nancy Drew: here it comes!

Now for our Mouske-minute! Today is (not) Tuesday! You know what that means: we had some special guest stars. Cody, it's so good to hear from you. I love to have a surprise note from you, and I especially loved the quote about the crown. If I could use facebook, it would be my status. However, I must remind you that, in the words of my girl Beyonce, "don't you ever get to thinking that I'm replaceable." And you should then remind me that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. So Sarah Whoeveryouare, you, too, can be queen for the day. Just not the same day as me. Queens are possessive like that.

Eli (and Tyson). You are lucky to see Harry Potter, and now you know for certain that Dumbledore dies. I'm sure it is very sad, but not quite as sad as being guarded by a foul player and an even fouler father. But when nepotism is involved "Fair is foul and foul is fair," as the witches in Macbeth would say. I agree with you, Eli. NOT. FAIR. Thank you for the note about meeting Elder Bednar and President Clark, but you never said WHERE you met them. Were they just wandering through our church? Did they want to meet all the recently baptized children? Also, you have a very good memory about the lesson taught by the missionaries. I sense a future missionary in you already. Thanks for the picture, you look so handsome and you're growing up way too fast. Try to stay a little young for when I see you sooner than you think.

I did get your package and a plethora of other mail on Friday. I also got two from the Grandmother/grandparents. The nativity looks very nice in our house and adds just the right Christmas spirit. I will be feasting very well this Thanksgiving, thanks not only to your packages and treats but a family that's invited us over for Thanksgiving and the ward Thanksgiving potluck. I'm excited for Thanksgiving, although based on the weather it doesn't really feel like it should be here. I do not, however, want any nut cups. Not really my favorite ever!Congratulations to Conor! Lithuanian! He is a genius for a reason! I had some elders in my zone in the MTC who were going to that mission to speak Estonian. He will love it.

I'll definitely be thinking of you all a lot this week, but especially on Saturday at the temple. That is so great about doing Uncle John's temple work. I know it's the right time and the right thing. Congratulations also extended to Jason, my favorite cousin. Any news on whether he's serving a service mission soon? Is that why he'd going through? Just wondering. I know he'd said something about that to me one of the last times I saw him.

Okay, I've taken way too much time, so just one more quick story to put you in the holiday mood. We have this less-active lady who is very old and originally lived in Spain. She has a chihuaha, and last time we visited her the dog was sick. This dog is her life. If it dies, she'll probably die. So we went back to check on her, and the dog was feeling better. She was telling us to be careful about petting her too much, because she gets really excited and tries to kiss you. Like literally: put her tongue on your tongue while you're talking. It didn't actually happen, luckily, but I kept thinking about Lucy in Peanuts: "I've been kissed by a dog! I've been kissed by a dog!" Yuck. Is that from the Christmas special? or the Halloween special? or both? I can't honestly remember. Gotta go, but a cornucopia of good thoughts your way,

Love,

Sister Whitney Sorensen

P.S. Buzz, your girlfriend! Woof!

P.P.S. We saw a racoon rooting through the garbage bin by our apartment this week. Ah, Texas wildlife.

11-16--09 "If You Have to Say It, Say It in a Song"

Both Cassidy and Mom sent me e-mails this week that reference/are song titles/lyrics. Which is good, because I've been saving some fun music references for y'all. We've been traveling to and from our weekly district meeting with the Spanish elders in the area, and they have quite an abstract selection of music. One of the CDs features LDS artists that sound much like David Archuleta's cousin and James Blunt's brother. Weird. One of the songs had a lyric something like "disconcerted circus clown." I'd be disconcerted, too, if I were a circus clown. Not to mention a circus freak. But the best one of all is one of those highly sentimental numbers you just shake your head at while you're laughing uncontrollably. I like to call it "Stillborn Princess." (Not to be confused with a stillborn sloth.) It's a ballad about from the perspective of a mother who just knew her first child would be a daughter, "but the day came too soon/ and in a hospital room/ the word that I feared/ was the word that I heard/: Born still..." You get the tune. Try to look up the lyrics on google, because they will have you in stitches. I'm thinking this song straddles the line of appropriateness for missionary approved music, but hey, at least it's not the Even Stevens theme song. That would not be acceptable. At. All. Although just as hilarious. Sister Kemp said her family once sent her brother a contraband CD, disguised as MoTab. The first song was MoTab, but the rest of it was a band called, "They Might Be Giants." What a surprise. I can't imagine what that feels like...Wink. Wink. But thanks for the CD. And the pictures. Frank and I have been admiring them all week.
And speaking of the Spanish elders in our district, each one of them has a strange celebrity resemblance. One of them, Elder Inkley, has the personality of Louis Stevens. Very quick witted. Very talkative. Very energetic, almost all the time. And he likes to make movies. I haven't asked him if he made one called "Three Eyes Wide Shut" yet, Cass, but I'm sure his are just as good. Second, the other one, Elder Bell, has often been told that he looks like Edward "The Vampire" Cullen. It's hard to tell for certain, because he still has missionary hair, but there's definitely a small resemblance in the face. Nothing like "Oh, he looks just like Ed/Ced," but just one of those glancing resemblances. Judge for yourself. I'm sending some pictures of recent escapades home this week.
We had transfer calls on Saturday. Sister Kemp and I are staying together in Tomball for this one. I'm glad. I really like it here, and I still need to find out the detail about "Jesus is Coming." Will do, Mom. We moved last Monday for a very undramatic reason. The senior apartment coordinating missionaries wanted us to move because missionaries had been living in the old complex for 16 years or something. Plus they'd recently had a rat in the apartment. (Story forthcoming, Cassidy. Just you wait, Henry Higgins.) So now we are in a nice new apartment, complete with stacked washer/dryer unit, which makes laundry really nice on Mondays. At least it has so far. Our address here is: 29807 Tomball Parkway #376, Tomball, TX 77377.
I'm so glad to hear that ANNIE was a success. Particularly a $25,000 success! Does that include after theater commissions and everything? AND "Forever Plaid"!?! I'm jealous, but not green. Eli will love it. Maybe he'll be motivated to get those spinning plates back out. And I'm glad to hear he's swimming. I had a near run-in with swimming this week. After district meeting, we went out for lunch, of course, to the restaurant that was showing the World Cup of swimming. I knew we HAD TO LEAVE when Rowdy Gaines announced, "Michael Phelps will be swimming in about five minutes." Not good. I would lose all resolve to focus. It was hard as it was. But keep playing basketball, Eli. That's great that you scored! And just keep swimming.
It's also good to hear that you are being blessed, despite nearly burning your finger off at the soup kitchen (ouch! I feel your pain, after having gotten a blister burn on Valentine's day from baking red. velvet. cupcakes. to. die. for.) Cassidy, gross about your bladder infection. Get better soon. That's an order from your older sister. You're in my thoughts this week as Cameron and Mark head off to the MTC. Sounds like you're doing great at school, and I promise a letter soon just for you. Don't get too sad about being off track in the winter. Just think, that'll be perfect when I get back because you and I can spend tons of time together!
Time flies. I wish I could write more, but we have a few other things to take care of today, and the e-mail wasn't quite working this morning, so we are here for the second time now. Love you all! Oh, I also went to the other doctor this week. Very nice. Bills were $150 or so for his office visit, and about $50 for lab work. Please let me know if that's a hardship, although I don't know what I'll do about it except just pray. It sounds like our family is being richly blessed in many ways. And while we're on the subject of money, that's something I'd like for Christmas. Just a little in my checking account, (plus to know my current balance would be great). Foundation from Miss Peg would be DEEPLY APPRECIATED. I just bought some Cover Girl stuff, but it's really not the same. I wear the same color as Cassidy. Okay, best of luck and love!
The always shining,
Sister Whitney Mikell Sorensen
PS Look up "fainting goats" on youtube. Apparently, it's hilarious.

11-9-09 "Why Make a List Anyway?"

I have this habit of writing down all the little moments and sites I want to tell y'all about in my planner, but now I'm realizing that my planner is in the car. And I can't remember anything on my list, except that I read something about Kamas last night in an Ensign, and when I did, I thought, "Why do I know the city of Kamas? I feel like I've been there.... Who lives in Kamas?" And ten minutes later I remembered: the Andersens used to live in Kamas. And let's just say I wouldn't brag about having been there, but I read about it because someone years ago was called to be in the stake presidency of the Kamas Utah stake. So at least he would brag about it. Don't get me wrong: Kamas was always fun. I'm just glad I never lived there.
Now to finish off the medical business before I get to anything else. I actually got an appointment with a doctor Sister Hansen recommended after I e-mailed you last week. Yes, they accept our insurance, so I guess I'll just call the College Station doctor's office and see what I need to do to get my records sent to my new rheumatologist.
In the words of Sharpay, "Fabulous." That's how I would describe ANNIE. It sounds Fab. U. Lous. I'm glad you are already aware that you've made a profit, so everything else should work out. I absolutely believe that your Annie will be able to take the stage tonight. The show must go on. Plus, I'm so happy to hear you're going to become a Colonial regular. I love that place. Way better than the Civic Auditorum, although the Civic does have its purposes. Like it seems more suited for concerts (cough: David Cook) and beauty pageants (gag: Junior Miss). Anything exciting on the fall schedule. I always wanted to be there for something they had years ago: "A Night with Gary Sinise." You never know, maybe he'd bring his friend Stella to give hair tips, and his friend Eddie to give--I don't know, whatever's appropriate for a sister missionary to say. Winks or something with those handsome Irish eyes. (And while we're on the subject of plays, Cassidy, I'm so jealous that you got to see "Tartuffe." I read that play in one of my classes last winter, and it was hilarious. I bet it was even better onstage.) And lastly, the acursed title of another musical, featuring Shoeless Joe and Lola "Always Get Her Man" Lola, seems appropriate in light of the outcome of this year's fall classic. Some teams just don't know when enough is enough.
You'll be happy to know that my shoes are fine. Holding up just like they should, even with all this unexpected Texas rain. I have not yet received the sweet potato pie shirt, but I'm sure it's on its way. It might even be here today; we haven't yet visited the mailbox. I'll be sending no mail this week probably; we'll probably be unpacking most of the day. But I will be looking for the Frank Sinatra mailer. Old blue eyes is just what a girl needs to brighten her life. HMMM...Christmas gifts...Well, it hardly seems like Christmas could be coming, since the temperatures are still very warm here. People were talking about having Thanksgiving dinner outside in church yesterday, under the church pavillion. And I totally believe them. They had their trunk or treat from their actual trunks: who knew you didn't have to do it from the cultural hall? So Christmas. I'm going to go ahead and say that I won't need a winter coat. A cardigan under a rain coat seems to be doing a trick. The only thing I can think of that might be nice is a set of general conference cds, from either the most recent conference or the one before that, something we can listen to in the car or the apartment. Maybe a calendar? Surprises are always my favorite thing about Christmas, and while we're on the subject. Yes, Virginia/Eli, there IS a Santa Claus.
News from the Tomball ward. Alex was baptized on Saturday. It went off just about like any baptism would. He at first didn't tell his baptizer his full name, and he didn't make it under the water completely, but by the third time it was all right. I had to play the piano, also, and let me just say that "True to the Faith" is now on my list of Songs I Never Want to Play Again. (Which reminds me. Mom, do you remember that show they used to have on VH1, "The List," where celebrities would come on and give their picks for the best music in certain categories: Songs You Never Get Sick Of. Best One Hit Wonders. That kind of thing. Once Hanson came on, back in their single and still wearing long hair days. Good show.) Honestly, it probably wasn't that bad, but it's just weird because it has that big fermata after the verse and I've never been very confident about following really precise conductors. No sweat, though. A baptismal service is not measured by the accompaniment. My talk was just great, and guided very much by the Holy Ghost. Which is appropriate.
And I'm really wishing I could remember what's on my list right now, but I'm just entirely drawing a blank. I'm sure I'll be sorry I didn't tell you when I read the list, but I'm sure I'll find a way to get the information to you somehow.
Love, love, love,Your always shining daughter,
Sister Whitney Mikell Sorensen
PS I've been doing this project with reading the Book of Mormon, highlighting every reference to the Godhead--either God, Jesus Christ, or the Holy Ghost. It's really interesting to see how much of a focus they really are in the Book, and doing this allows me to read faster and get more of an overall perspective on the Book of Mormon. I started doing it because I really wanted to know that the Book of Mormon is Another Testament of Jesus Christ, maybe prompted a little too much by the anti-Book of Mormon sentiments in the area. But I really caught the vision after hearing Elder Holland's words in conference, and I've since stopped reading to look for evidence that could be used to convince others that the Book of Mormon does complement the Bible. I figure that once I have a testimony of that deeply within myself, the Lord will help me testify by the Spirit to those who need to hear that.
PPS Just keep sending mail to the mission office for a few weeks. We get transfer calls at the end of this one, and you never know. Plus, I don't know my new address yet.

11-2-09 "Water, Water, Everywhere...and other literary illusions...

First of all: Mom, I am so sorry I freaked you out. Please do not be crying ANYMORE. I completely figured that you were having a busy week with Annie and Eli's baptism and Halloween. I had no idea you had to take care of soup kitchen assignments and a 2nd grade class party. Good grief! I'm surprised you got all that done. NO BIGGIE! And I probably received your e-mail about twenty minutes after I sat down at the computer. It probably just took a while to come through with all the picture files. Which, sadly, continue to not open, maybe because they are too big or something. Oh well. I look forward to the hard copies you send, whenever you get the time. NO RUSH! Okay, rant over.
Thank you for informing about the story of the 3 Billy Goats Gruff. I figured Mark Wahlberg would want me to know. And I guess I could have just asked any goats I encountered. After all, talking to goats is one of my favorite pastimes. Sorry you had to tell me that Donny Osmond is (cough) getting old. Yuck. Well, the man is a grandfather. As long as he doesn't do any puppet impersonations, we should be okay. Has he done the cha-cha to "Soldier of Love" yet? Or the foxtrot to "Puppy Love"? Those dance tempos probably don't match those songs, but I was giving it my best shot. Maybe the Pasa Doble, my personal favorite, to "Crazy Horses," another personal favorite. Just an idea... While we're on the tangent of fetching me information, would you do me another literary favor and look up the poem by Robert Burns, "To a Mouse." There is a really famous line in it, but I cannot for the life of me remember what it is. Something and home or God, or God providing all creatures with homes. It could be tricky, because the poem is written in English with a Scottish accent. All I can remember of it is "something, something tiny beastie/Such a panic's in thy breastie." Dad, maybe you know? I feel like all my English major knowledge is vanishing away slowly. I hate to think what I've already forgotten, but like Neville Longbottom with a Remembrall, "trouble is, I can't remember what I've forgotten." Tricky, but universally true (and remarkably sucinct) statement.
But, just to prove that I still have some literary knowlege stored upstairs, I will tell you that this week we had occasion to think of the famous lines from Samuel Taylor Coleridge's "Rime of the Ancient Mariner." Thursday was a very rainy day, but somehow southeast Texas, with all it's rain, hasn't quite figured out how to efficiently siphon the rain into the gutters. Maybe there are reasons why evenly distributed rain grates are a rarity, but I don't know what they are. In any case, we took Alex to a convert baptism in another ward that night, and it poured the whole time we were there. Thunder was even commenting on the speakers' talks and such. As we drove towards home, the highway had very large puddles on it, but that was nothing compared to the three lanes that were underwater in front of the Walmart by our apartment. As we drove to our parking lot, we noticed a police car with it's lights flashing right before the entrace. Our parking lot was flooded! Well, kind of. If by flooded, I can mean 5 inches of water at the deepest points, making it impossible to park. We had to park at the hospital across the street and walk home in the rain. Not too bad: we had our umbrellas, but Sister Kemp was a lot more into it than I was. She took of her nylons and just waded through the puddles. I was more of a "look for higher ground" kind of missionary. And in the morning, all traces of flooding were gone. But no rainbows either, with signs leading to leprechauns, which are less creepy than trolls overall, although case by case comparison is sometimes required. As in the case of "LEPRECHAUN: A HORROR FILM (featuring Jennifer Aniston)."
While I'm on the subject of the hospital, I may as well report my medical happenings. I saw Dr. Khalaf this week. Very nice. I paid $150 for a new patient fee. He also wanted me to get a primary care physician. I've made a few calls on that but no luck. Maybe you could look on-line and see what leads/possibilities you find nearby in Tomball. He suggested someone who is fairly far away, and I just found out this morning that that doctor is not accepting new patients. Too bad: his name is David Nelson, and you know what that makes me think of. Ozzie and Harriet, the greatest pre-reality TV family ever. Dr. Khalaf also wanted me to get some x-rays of my hands and feet. We went ahead and did it that day. I gave them our home address, so they should be sending the bill. I hope this does not create too big of an expense. I also still need to get my blood work done somewhere, since Dr. Khalaf's office does not do that in house. Sorry. I hate having all these expenses. Finally, he requested the records from Dr. Mathews's office. His address is: 8320 Louetta Rd. #198, Spring, TX 77379.
Phew. Well, I'm almost out of time this week, but I will inform you that we made it to the baptism of Charles Marshall. Wonderful! I was so pleased to see him again. His brother who converted a few years ago is now getting back active, and their other brother is learning with the elders in Bryan. Big deal. This whole Baptist family might just be baptized into the true church before the whole thing is through. Glad to hear Eli's baptism went well. Congratulations, Buddy. You are still my favorite brother. It almost made me cry with joy to hear that Mark and Cody were the witnesses. Too perfect. As for Halloween, we had a very good one. We went to the ward trunk-or-treat, which can be held outside because it's still very warm here. The best costumes were one of Cody's cousins as Nancy Drew, and another little boy as Houdini, complete with handcuffs and chains. Sadly, I only got a picture of the Houdini costume, but Nancy Drew is universally amazing. Duh.
Alex will be baptized on Saturday, and I have to give a talk about the Holy Ghost. Pray that everything goes well.
Love you all, and hoping I'm not forgetting anything,
Sister Whitney Sorensen
PS Good luck with your busyness, Mom. Please shine, too.
PPS Cassidy, Sister Kemp's sister has swine flu, too. But she's in Ogden, no Rexburg.
PPPS "My, oh my. I love sweet potato pie!" (Alan Twitty on Bakin' with Twitty and Beans )