I'm sorry to hear that you had to spend an entire day cleaning black paint off the garage floor. Yuck. But the moment I read it, it reminded me of a scene from Even Stevens. When Louis and Twitty are competing to see who can sell more chocolate bars, and Louis cannot seem to sell any so all his chocolate melts in the garage because Donny turns the water heater up super high so he can create a steam room in the bathroom, and all the chocolate comes seeping out like a chocolate river, (minus Willy Wonka, thank goodness). I hope it wasn't like that. Also, for future reference, chocolate chips do not stay chocolate chips when they are mailed to Texas in 100 degree summer weather. But at least Hershey's chocolate soup knows how to stay in the bag. Thanks for thinking of me. The cookies will be fabulous when we get around to making them--with some new chocolate chips.
Olympic news: No surprise that Bode Miller is tooting his own kazoo once again. Don't make me regurgitate the fact that, although you may be the "most decorated skiier in U.S. history," you were also a big flop at the Torino 2006 games. Medal-less, fan-less, dignity-less, Bode Miller (if I remember correctly) gave a sad interview from his decked out trailer (since he was too special to stay in the athlete's village, which is crazy since its one of the most top secret amazing place in the whole world: only athletes and occasionally Katie Couric get to go there!) all about how sorry he was for being arrogant. I also remember that he'd watched "Miracle" since his tragic demise and wished he'd had more of that attitude. Maybe this year he should watch it before the games. A. LOT. I don't begrudge the U.S. team for taking him back, but I just hope his head fits into his helmet at the top of the slopes. Also, how is the flying tomato gearing himself up? Has he had a haircut yet? Not likely, although I don't know how his helmet fits on, or even how he can see through that maze of red hair. I always thought Shawn White was some kind of American Weasely (sp? AHH! I've only been gone three months, and already my Harry Potter knowledge is kaput, Cassidy!) cousin, and his magic was what made it possible for him to do all those cool tricks. AND CHICAGO! Yes! I knew they were making a bid for the 2016 games, which I fully support, but I'm kind of nervous that they won't get it. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is also in the running, at least as far as I know, and I'm sort of guessing that if their proposal is even half good, they'll get them because the Olympics have never been held in South America. (Of course, they've never been held in Chicago, either...) Anyway, with America's kaput economy and almost total lack of government funding for Olympics, it would take Mitt Romney to pull it off. I think it could work.
To conclude the sports section, I begrudgingly acknowledge the loss of the U.S. Open by Roger Federer to Fernando del Potro. Isn't that the same guy that he wallopped in the French Open? Oh well. What's done is done. Now Andy Murray must feel really bad because he still hasn't won a Grand Slam title, and most of the other big name players I can think of have. Of course, only one of them has 15, but who's counting?
As far as your e-mail questions, first I want to say that you never have to feel guilty about taking too much time with your e-mails. Second, as far as I know, we are not supposed to send or receive e-mails from anyone other than family. Who's asking? And as far as printing them off goes, we go to several different places to e-mail. Some of them have printers, some of them do not, so that would be an off chance that I would get to read them all or even print them off. Thanks for the appreciation of the James Marshall story, but I must offer one small correction. His name is Charles. Did I write James? The saga continues this week. While I was on campus one day this week with Sister Lieber, Sister Davis and Sister Boren went to see him again, and he really had a lot of problems about preachers just preaching for money and everyone at his church arguing with each other and just plain not being Christian. So they invited him to church, and he was very excited to accept. Yesterday morning, there he was, thirty minutes early, all dressed up in a grey pinstripe suit, complete with waistcoat Cassidy, looking his best for the Lord. It was a miracle, and my heart just soared to see him. It reminded me of Remember the Titans actually, so it's funny that you bring up Gary Bertier. Remember when Denzel says, "If you don't have a suit, then borrow one from your old man... (etc. I can't remember it exactly, but it's when he first meets the team)" Never before have I seen someone understand so inherently the need to present ourselves well when worshipping the Lord. As I was sitting next to him in sacrament meeting, I was overwhelmed by his humility, especially for one reason. He can't read. Sister Davis and Sister Boren discovered that while they were teaching him, but sitting next to him while he tried to sing words to unfamiliar hymns... Oh, it just tore my heart out. Maybe because I've been reading since just after I started breathing I take it for granted--and now I know I do--but oh, my heart just ached. I wanted to stop the singing right then and do what they do in To Kill a Mockingbird when Jem and Scout go to church with Calpurnia. "Linin'," she calls it. Someone sings one line, and they everyone repeats it. But in any case, my heart soared to see him there under any circumstances. And the best coincidence? His brother, Joe, is a recent convert of about a year and a half ago. He now lives in Bryan, and is less-active, but it's amazing how family connections arise. This weekend we got the blessing of going with Pai-Shan to the temple to do baptisms for the dead. President Hansen gave us permission, and an engaged couple in the ward drove us, Jessica Beus and Spencer Behling. Jessica served her mission in Taiwan, so she often helps us with our Chinese-speaking investigators, and was instrumental in helping Pai-Shan. We had to leave at 5:30 in the morning because there were so few of us, but it was all worth it. Pai-Shan just radiates light. She loved every moment of it. Afterwards we stopped by the distribution center, and she was looking at everything eagerly as if she were buying the fruit of eternal life (which I know has no price, but certainly your first set of scriptures and hymnbook and Tabernacle choir cds are contributing to your enduring conversion). Oh, just so much light in her eyes! I'm super excited about general conference this weekend. The other sisters have a baptism on Friday night, and the university elders have one between sessions of conference, so between that and general conference it should be the most spiritually uplifting weekend ever! The Relief Society broadcast was great. We actually had another investigator come with us to that: Ira. She's learning slowly but surely, too, and I think she enjoyed the fellowship of the ladies at the pre-broadcast social. You were exactly right in saying I lit right up as Sister Thompson started talking about the Tube and "Mind the Gap." And I suspected that you would be delighted by President Eyring's words. Were you jealous of Sister Beck's still amazing hair? What do you think about the discontinuation of the title "Home, Family, and Personal Enrichment" in favor of the simple, straightforward, "Relief Society meeting"? And I was about to ask you what they called it before Enrichment, but then I remembered: homemaking. Thank you for both of the talks by Elder Holland. Amazing. His words are just so filled with wisdom. Yes, I did have the special privilege of being present for both of those talks. The Liberty Jail one was edited and put in a recent Ensign, but I think it loses a lot without the whole thing. And I just remember the "Remember Lot's Wife" one being exactly what I needed to hear at that moment--and it still contains wisdom for now. Lastly, in case you're wondering, I forgot to tell you last week about why our preparation day was moved. We had a special zone conference with Elder Paul V. Johnson of the Seventy that day, so everything got moved around. There are more details in a letter, but that actually hasn't even made it to the mailbox yet. I'll send it today.
Love, love me do, and do mind the gap!
Sister Whitney Mikell Sorensen
P.S. In case you're wondering, you, too, can see the movie about the three witnesses. There's a whole set of Church History DVDs, which includes not only that fabulous creation but "The First Vision"--featuring Stuart Peterson--and "Zion's Camp"--featuring, I can only assume, the same wonderful movie I remember vividly from seminary years ago.
P.P.S. Last quick story. We are actually teaching someone now who lived in our same burned down apartment building. Through some service connections, we found her and she feels that God has guided us to her. We agreed.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
9-23-09 "Teach Her to say Jackrabbit"
Greetings from the South! Not exactly the Deep South, but the South, nonetheless. I'm more aware of it everyday, particularly from the new phrasology (sp?) I'm trying to acquire. One new phrase that everyone uses here: "fixin' to." It's approximately the equivalent of "about to begin," but so much more colorful. "I was just fixin' to leave." "I'm fixin' to make dinner." "You're fixin' to get yourself in trouble." You get the idea. Think of your own best uses for it and send them my way. A lady in my ward also taught me a good one. I think I was slighly aware of it, but now I've heard it from a true Southern lady. She says that when she asks her grandkids for a peck on the cheek, she always says, "Give me some sugar!" Put that in a Charlie Brown dancing song and give it a whirl. Ah, euphemisms! This one I like, though. My grandkids better prepare themselves now to "give me some sugar."
But the best Southern vocabulary experience this week came when we met with Charles Marshall, Sr., esquire. We got his name from Church headquarters a few weeks ago because he requested a bible. Actually, his son, Charles Marshall, Jr., requested it, but we only knew it was going to Charles Marshall. In any case, both Jr. and Sr. live on Marshall Lane, a street that leads right up to their house and nothing else, and shouldn't technically be called a street, since it has no pavement. This place looked like something out of a William Faulkner story. Not "A Rose for Emily," but "Barn Burning," which is basically all about these white share croppers who live in very poor circumstances. This week as we drove up, crickets started flying everywhere, jumping away from the vibrations caused by our tires on the pure, grassy earth. And there was Charles--SR.--just sitting on his broken down porch like he was expecting us. Which he wasn't, but he nonetheless let us talk to him some more about the Restoration of the gospel and even leave a Book of Mormon this time. Although he did mention that his pastor (he attends a Baptist church in Bryan, where he is actually a deacon) sometimes talks about it... And we're not sure if he thinks the Second Coming will be of Christ or the Father, because he kept saying the Father would come to earth and clean it up before He gives it back to the Son. As we left the Book of Mormon with him, these were his exact words: "I can read. I left school at about four or six and never looked back. Just quit at four or six, like a jackrabbit." Yeah. You decipher it, Nancy and Frank. Your guess is as good as mine. But jackrabbit really is a pretty great word. So I'm going to start using it when I can. And that whole story is true, expect the part about him being an esquire. I just like the way his name rolls of my tongue when I say it in a nice, slow, Southern drawl. You try it. You'll like it, too.
In other news, Pai-Shan is growing in her testimony all the time. This week we took her with us to one of our dinner appointments because the family wanted to get to know her, and on the way home she was asking us about everyone having a job in the church, and said,"what's my job?" She's asking for a calling! She doesn't think it's a bother: she thinks it's a blessing. I just love her. We took her to institute that night, too, so she would be comfortable going to a few classes on her own. It was great--all about revelation, and she just soaked it up. She's already in the book of Alma in her reading. She's amazing!
Sister Davis is feeling a little better but mostly the same. No real answers yet. She went to a doctor yesterday who had a very poor bedside manner and belittled her description of her symptoms. Keep her in your prayers that an answer will be found and all will be well.
While she was at her appointment, I went with the Bryan University Sisters. At first we were watching this old church movie about the Three Witnesses. We're talking produced somewhere in the mid 60s or 70s. Oliver Cowdery wasn't bad looking, I may have spied Johnny Whitaker, but overall it was so bad it was good. If you get a chance to watch it, don't deprive yourself of the laughter. I was holding it in, since they were teaching a recent convert, but it was certainly an effort of will. Then I went on campus and tried to contact people. We had the same conversation twice with two girls. They were very skeptical about a living prophet on the earth today, and really weren't very open to learning. I managed to control my tongue and not become a Bible-basher, but it's so hard to look into their faces and see how they are closing their hearts to truth. Blinded by the craftiness of men.
Now to comment on recent events, both tragic and triumphant. First, I'm saddened to hear your news about the Mortensens. It really does take the intrigue out of fiction. When we were at the temple on Thursday, I put Sister Mortensen (sp?) and Aunt Polly on the prayer roll. I only wish I could do more. I would like Sister Mortensen's address, although I don't know how much comfort I can be. Share my condolonces with her if you have the oppportunity. I did see, too, that Patrick Swayze died. I wonder whose more in mourning, Jennifer Grey or Demi Moore? I'm going to guess Jennifer Grey because while her career will enjoy a small blip as the TV stations no doubt have 24-hour "Dirty Dancing" marathons, it will eventually just fade into oblivion. Ouch.
Bigger ouch that the Cougars can't hold on even for a week to their victory, but somehow not surprising. I'm sounding more like Dad every day, but I could just sense that this would not be a big year for the Cougars. And I'm glad to hear the Seminoles next door have a reason to rejoice. That picture of Saylor is the cutest, but I guess that's just because she is. Along with Max, Cameron, Jace, Cade, and most especially Eli "Razor" Sorensen. What a savant! I'm trying to think of a difficult math problem, but you know me, I'm better with words. Have him watch "Matilda." He can at least learn to spell "difficulty" with a neat little ditty (but only if he's not afraid of school in any way). And the answer to the Jonas Brother problem is "naturally." Lastly, congratulations to Mark Tobias for his call to Chile! El va a ser excellente!
Enjoy SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS. Is it at the Playmill? The girl never called me back about the flat tire, so I guess the money was unnecessary. A brown or gray skirt would be great. Shirts that are light fabric, short-sleeved, but would still look good with a cardigan. I'll say Large on shirts to be safe, but I'm not sure about skirts, so use your best judgment. Any scripture case will be fine. You can keep sending things to the College Station address at least for this week, but next week you might send them to the mission office just to be safe. Transfers are coming up, and just in case I go to a different area, it's better to send things there.
Medical stuff quickly: I'm working on getting the prescriptions filled here at Sam's, but it's like playing phone tag with three people, and everyone seems to want to use a fax machine. I'll work it out, no worries. I also might be able to lower the lab work fee, so let me call the office and sort it out. They said if our insurance doesn't cover it or something, they can charge it through their office instead of through the lab and the price is lower. I'll let you know.
Love,
Sister Whitney Mikell Sorensen
P.S. Hello to the Marlows. Keep talking to those goats!
P.P.S. I'll be watching the broadcast this weekend, too. I'll think of you. All of you.
But the best Southern vocabulary experience this week came when we met with Charles Marshall, Sr., esquire. We got his name from Church headquarters a few weeks ago because he requested a bible. Actually, his son, Charles Marshall, Jr., requested it, but we only knew it was going to Charles Marshall. In any case, both Jr. and Sr. live on Marshall Lane, a street that leads right up to their house and nothing else, and shouldn't technically be called a street, since it has no pavement. This place looked like something out of a William Faulkner story. Not "A Rose for Emily," but "Barn Burning," which is basically all about these white share croppers who live in very poor circumstances. This week as we drove up, crickets started flying everywhere, jumping away from the vibrations caused by our tires on the pure, grassy earth. And there was Charles--SR.--just sitting on his broken down porch like he was expecting us. Which he wasn't, but he nonetheless let us talk to him some more about the Restoration of the gospel and even leave a Book of Mormon this time. Although he did mention that his pastor (he attends a Baptist church in Bryan, where he is actually a deacon) sometimes talks about it... And we're not sure if he thinks the Second Coming will be of Christ or the Father, because he kept saying the Father would come to earth and clean it up before He gives it back to the Son. As we left the Book of Mormon with him, these were his exact words: "I can read. I left school at about four or six and never looked back. Just quit at four or six, like a jackrabbit." Yeah. You decipher it, Nancy and Frank. Your guess is as good as mine. But jackrabbit really is a pretty great word. So I'm going to start using it when I can. And that whole story is true, expect the part about him being an esquire. I just like the way his name rolls of my tongue when I say it in a nice, slow, Southern drawl. You try it. You'll like it, too.
In other news, Pai-Shan is growing in her testimony all the time. This week we took her with us to one of our dinner appointments because the family wanted to get to know her, and on the way home she was asking us about everyone having a job in the church, and said,"what's my job?" She's asking for a calling! She doesn't think it's a bother: she thinks it's a blessing. I just love her. We took her to institute that night, too, so she would be comfortable going to a few classes on her own. It was great--all about revelation, and she just soaked it up. She's already in the book of Alma in her reading. She's amazing!
Sister Davis is feeling a little better but mostly the same. No real answers yet. She went to a doctor yesterday who had a very poor bedside manner and belittled her description of her symptoms. Keep her in your prayers that an answer will be found and all will be well.
While she was at her appointment, I went with the Bryan University Sisters. At first we were watching this old church movie about the Three Witnesses. We're talking produced somewhere in the mid 60s or 70s. Oliver Cowdery wasn't bad looking, I may have spied Johnny Whitaker, but overall it was so bad it was good. If you get a chance to watch it, don't deprive yourself of the laughter. I was holding it in, since they were teaching a recent convert, but it was certainly an effort of will. Then I went on campus and tried to contact people. We had the same conversation twice with two girls. They were very skeptical about a living prophet on the earth today, and really weren't very open to learning. I managed to control my tongue and not become a Bible-basher, but it's so hard to look into their faces and see how they are closing their hearts to truth. Blinded by the craftiness of men.
Now to comment on recent events, both tragic and triumphant. First, I'm saddened to hear your news about the Mortensens. It really does take the intrigue out of fiction. When we were at the temple on Thursday, I put Sister Mortensen (sp?) and Aunt Polly on the prayer roll. I only wish I could do more. I would like Sister Mortensen's address, although I don't know how much comfort I can be. Share my condolonces with her if you have the oppportunity. I did see, too, that Patrick Swayze died. I wonder whose more in mourning, Jennifer Grey or Demi Moore? I'm going to guess Jennifer Grey because while her career will enjoy a small blip as the TV stations no doubt have 24-hour "Dirty Dancing" marathons, it will eventually just fade into oblivion. Ouch.
Bigger ouch that the Cougars can't hold on even for a week to their victory, but somehow not surprising. I'm sounding more like Dad every day, but I could just sense that this would not be a big year for the Cougars. And I'm glad to hear the Seminoles next door have a reason to rejoice. That picture of Saylor is the cutest, but I guess that's just because she is. Along with Max, Cameron, Jace, Cade, and most especially Eli "Razor" Sorensen. What a savant! I'm trying to think of a difficult math problem, but you know me, I'm better with words. Have him watch "Matilda." He can at least learn to spell "difficulty" with a neat little ditty (but only if he's not afraid of school in any way). And the answer to the Jonas Brother problem is "naturally." Lastly, congratulations to Mark Tobias for his call to Chile! El va a ser excellente!
Enjoy SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS. Is it at the Playmill? The girl never called me back about the flat tire, so I guess the money was unnecessary. A brown or gray skirt would be great. Shirts that are light fabric, short-sleeved, but would still look good with a cardigan. I'll say Large on shirts to be safe, but I'm not sure about skirts, so use your best judgment. Any scripture case will be fine. You can keep sending things to the College Station address at least for this week, but next week you might send them to the mission office just to be safe. Transfers are coming up, and just in case I go to a different area, it's better to send things there.
Medical stuff quickly: I'm working on getting the prescriptions filled here at Sam's, but it's like playing phone tag with three people, and everyone seems to want to use a fax machine. I'll work it out, no worries. I also might be able to lower the lab work fee, so let me call the office and sort it out. They said if our insurance doesn't cover it or something, they can charge it through their office instead of through the lab and the price is lower. I'll let you know.
Love,
Sister Whitney Mikell Sorensen
P.S. Hello to the Marlows. Keep talking to those goats!
P.P.S. I'll be watching the broadcast this weekend, too. I'll think of you. All of you.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
9-14-09 "Trials and Triumphs"
Howdy, and welcome to college football season. Thanks for the update on the Cougar squad, Dad. It's good to know the Cougars are on top of their game, at least for now. I heard they are ranked #9? (At least for now...) Only one or two games into the season, numbers mean very little. In fact, at the end of the season they don't mean much more, particularly if you're in the MWC, and therefore excluded from the BCS. Also, it's good to know the tennis world carries on in all its splendor and glory. BACKWARDS, BETWEEN HIS LEGS, and FACING THE CROWD?!? He might as well be walking to school uphill both ways in the snow with no shoes on all year. Of course, I also have no doubt he did it wil elegance and grace. He can't help it. Best of luck to him and the Spaniard. Cassidy, where is Novak Djokovic? He was having an unlucky streak, well, basically all year? Has he fallen to number six?
I'm not sure if I told you this, but I haven't been able to drive since I got here, not having watched the safety video featuring Elder Holland which teaches all about mission driving rules. But I finally got to watch it this week at zone conference. The next day, I kid you not, we had a little skirmish on the highway while I was driving, but no one was hurt. In fact, our car wasn't even hit. Basically, I changed lanes when I shouldn't have because I didn't look, and the car that I drove in front of swerved off the road and needs a new tire. I told her I'd pay for everything, and even called that night to reiterate the promise, but so far she hasn't called back. In any case, could you put about $100 or so (I don't know what the price of a tire is) in my checking account in case I need to make a withdrawal? I'll update you next week on whether I needed it or not. Thank you, and remember I'm fine. My driving privileges continue, and all is well.
Except of course for the sad news about Kevin. Shocking. Tragic. I don't really have any more words for it. My heart goes out to Amber and Aunt Polly. What a tough year for them.
Hooray for the new bishopric. Why can I not remember who Brother, er, Bishop Luke is? Is his wife, Laurie, who plays the organ and they have the beautiful, return missionary daughter with red hair? Is that them? I'm really drawing a blank on his face. Weird not knowing who your home ward bishop is. Oh well. He and Brother West and Brother Cunningham will be great. A big change like that is good for the whole ward. And Heidi will be FABULOUS as the Enrichment counselor.
What's the big deal about Obama speaking to the school children? What did he talk about anyway? And how does he think he's going to make schools--and America even--more efficient by stopping all learning to give the kids some speach? Did it go to all ages? Actually, the Charlie Brown comparison really is perfect. What do you think President Obama's voice sounds like to a group of second graders? What do all the adults on Charlie Brown sound like? I'm thinking the similarities are striking. Good grief.
Sorry ANNIE is full of divas-in-training and their mothers. The fire-extinguisher...that's not a bad name for a super-hero. Mild-mannered business executive by day, human flame-retardant by night. Eli, maybe you could start drawing the pictures. Also, congratulations for the court of honor. I imagine organizing that is a lot of work, but the recognition really helps the young men, I'm sure.
Some quick items to report. We've had lots of rain the last three days. I love it. The lighting here is so cool. It's like someone is flicking the light switch in heaven three or four times, because the whole sky lights up. Plus, the rain cools everything off, although it does increase the humidity. Last night we saw a turtle on the side of the highway on our way to an appointment, so the member who was driving us stopped and picked it up. I'll send a picture of Sister Davis holding it sometime. She was brave enough to do so even when we found out it was a snapping turtle. That reminds me of a title of silly Osmond song; isn't there one called "THE BRAVE ONE"? That's Sister Davis. I sent some pictures last week, so I hope y'all got them. I'm not sure if two stamps was enough. Time will tell.
Last, one of the less-actives we've been working with has made so much progress. She came back to church about four weeks ago, accepted a calling the next week to be on the compassionate service committee, and is now working towards going back to the temple soon. She's always eager to tell us that she's reading from the Book of Mormon every night (!) and just feels so good about coming back. Hooray!
That's about it. Make sure you cheer for the Cougars this week. I heard they're playing Florida State; don't let the neighbors convince you to cheer for their team. Keep up the streak, Roger Federer!
Love,
Sister Whitney Sorensen
PS Could you send me a talk by Elder Holland? It was in BYU devotional at the start of this year or the end of last. I think it's called "Remember Lot's Wife." I've been thinking about it lately, but I don't have a copy of it, so I'd like to review it. Thanks and love!
I'm not sure if I told you this, but I haven't been able to drive since I got here, not having watched the safety video featuring Elder Holland which teaches all about mission driving rules. But I finally got to watch it this week at zone conference. The next day, I kid you not, we had a little skirmish on the highway while I was driving, but no one was hurt. In fact, our car wasn't even hit. Basically, I changed lanes when I shouldn't have because I didn't look, and the car that I drove in front of swerved off the road and needs a new tire. I told her I'd pay for everything, and even called that night to reiterate the promise, but so far she hasn't called back. In any case, could you put about $100 or so (I don't know what the price of a tire is) in my checking account in case I need to make a withdrawal? I'll update you next week on whether I needed it or not. Thank you, and remember I'm fine. My driving privileges continue, and all is well.
Except of course for the sad news about Kevin. Shocking. Tragic. I don't really have any more words for it. My heart goes out to Amber and Aunt Polly. What a tough year for them.
Hooray for the new bishopric. Why can I not remember who Brother, er, Bishop Luke is? Is his wife, Laurie, who plays the organ and they have the beautiful, return missionary daughter with red hair? Is that them? I'm really drawing a blank on his face. Weird not knowing who your home ward bishop is. Oh well. He and Brother West and Brother Cunningham will be great. A big change like that is good for the whole ward. And Heidi will be FABULOUS as the Enrichment counselor.
What's the big deal about Obama speaking to the school children? What did he talk about anyway? And how does he think he's going to make schools--and America even--more efficient by stopping all learning to give the kids some speach? Did it go to all ages? Actually, the Charlie Brown comparison really is perfect. What do you think President Obama's voice sounds like to a group of second graders? What do all the adults on Charlie Brown sound like? I'm thinking the similarities are striking. Good grief.
Sorry ANNIE is full of divas-in-training and their mothers. The fire-extinguisher...that's not a bad name for a super-hero. Mild-mannered business executive by day, human flame-retardant by night. Eli, maybe you could start drawing the pictures. Also, congratulations for the court of honor. I imagine organizing that is a lot of work, but the recognition really helps the young men, I'm sure.
Some quick items to report. We've had lots of rain the last three days. I love it. The lighting here is so cool. It's like someone is flicking the light switch in heaven three or four times, because the whole sky lights up. Plus, the rain cools everything off, although it does increase the humidity. Last night we saw a turtle on the side of the highway on our way to an appointment, so the member who was driving us stopped and picked it up. I'll send a picture of Sister Davis holding it sometime. She was brave enough to do so even when we found out it was a snapping turtle. That reminds me of a title of silly Osmond song; isn't there one called "THE BRAVE ONE"? That's Sister Davis. I sent some pictures last week, so I hope y'all got them. I'm not sure if two stamps was enough. Time will tell.
Last, one of the less-actives we've been working with has made so much progress. She came back to church about four weeks ago, accepted a calling the next week to be on the compassionate service committee, and is now working towards going back to the temple soon. She's always eager to tell us that she's reading from the Book of Mormon every night (!) and just feels so good about coming back. Hooray!
That's about it. Make sure you cheer for the Cougars this week. I heard they're playing Florida State; don't let the neighbors convince you to cheer for their team. Keep up the streak, Roger Federer!
Love,
Sister Whitney Sorensen
PS Could you send me a talk by Elder Holland? It was in BYU devotional at the start of this year or the end of last. I think it's called "Remember Lot's Wife." I've been thinking about it lately, but I don't have a copy of it, so I'd like to review it. Thanks and love!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
9-7-09 "When Labor Day and Preparation Day Meet"
Howdy! Thanks for the plethora of mail this week. As far as I can recall, I received a letter from Dad, one from Cassidy, one from the grandparents, one from Eli, two from Mom, plus cards from Aleisha, Sister Griffiths, and Hermana Good. Maybe some of that came before last Monday, but it certainly feels like I've been blessed with correspondence. Responding to it all is another question, but I'll do my darndest.
Looks like y'all (or should I say, we all) had a great time at the David Cook concert. You didn't pass him my picture when he passed y'all in the aisle, did you? Good--either way. (I can't believe you haven't mentioned my Jonas brothers/Three Nephites coincidence yet. Maybe it's in a forthcoming letter). ***We took Whitney's photo with us since we knew she would want to be there!
Looks like y'all (or should I say, we all) had a great time at the David Cook concert. You didn't pass him my picture when he passed y'all in the aisle, did you? Good--either way. (I can't believe you haven't mentioned my Jonas brothers/Three Nephites coincidence yet. Maybe it's in a forthcoming letter). ***We took Whitney's photo with us since we knew she would want to be there!
And I think it's perfectly appropriate that Cassidy took a picture with a goat while she was at the zoo with a boy named Mark. C'est magnifique, as Audrey and Grace would likely say.
As for the big steps taking place, I say one minute is probably not enough to say a curbside good-bye for Elder Ellsworth and his family, but it will have to suffice. Exciting that Mark's papers are basically on their way. The Lord really does know where to put everyone, and when.
***Lest anyone think that Whitney's mission is just one big party, I will elaborate that we had to remove the next few paragraphs due to the spiritual nature that they dealt with. Just know that she is sharing the gospel, and that all is going well.*** BACK TO THE FUN!
We played Bingo again this week. On Saturday it was quite an adventure-fiasco. We went with some elders from Bryan, and Elder Hinckley (no relation, as far as I know) was calling the numbers. I was helping Mrs. Roberson, who is basically blind, but then Ms. Kramer came, who is absolutely deaf. So for Mrs. Roberson I have to cover all the numbers, but independent-minded Ms. Kramer WILL NOT let you do it for her, so I have to point to the numbers on her card if they get called out, and she'll cover them all up. It's okay if we get behind one or two, but after about three, I'm lost. And Elder Hinckley just kept speeding up. BINGO! Poor Ms. Kramer, she probably lost a few numbers in there, so I hope she didn't get a Bingo without either of us knowing it and lose out on the 50 cents prize money. Oh, and the other Elder is brand new. Elder Galbraith is from Sugar City--where else--Idaho. I asked him if he knew any Ricks', and he knows "a lot of Ricks'." He does know a Rachel Ricks. In fact, his exact words were, "OH yeah, I know Rachel Ricks." But he didn't elaborate. What does "oh yeah" in a very-pronounced-but-still-hard-to-read tone mean? Well, Nancy: do some detective work. That's what it means. All in all, this week has been great, but one of the slower moving weeks of my mission so far.
Enjoy the remaining warm days you've got. I'm sure there are plenty more here.
Love, love, love,
Sister Whitney Mikell Sorensen
PS Exciting and curious about the new bishop. Keep me posted!
Monday, August 31, 2009
8-31-09 "Mummy, Have You Seen My Jumper; Kindred Spirits"
Howdy from College Station! Today school officially starts for fall semester at Texas A&M, nearby Blinn College, and I believe even BYU (Provo). Best of luck to Eli Sorensen, Second Grader extraordinaire! Be sure to take a lot of pictures.The craziest story of the week comes from our dinner appointment last evening. When Sister Painter picked us up, I noticed that the pen I carry in my scripture case was broken, bleeding ink everywhere, including all the way up my right elbow. I set it aside, thinking everything would be good until I could get to their house and wash up, but once I entered the bathroom I saw the real problem. My jumper was dotted with several large ink stains all up and down the bodice. We tried to get it out with the Tide To-Go stick, but the size of the stains was impractical for that. So I put some Shout stain stick on it, happy that the next day was laundry day. After dinner, Sister Davis was talking to Sister Painter about some things, so I helped their daughter Lindsay clean up and do the dishes. She and I are kindred spirits! I've never felt like I had a truer opportunity to apply that term. She's a junior in high school who wants to study English literature and be a writer. She loves "The Princess Bride," "Ella Enchanted," and "Pride and Prejudice." She recently discovered tennis by becoming obsessed with Wimbledon last year (although she slightly prefers Nadal to Federer; maybe I should say she is a kindred sister). She's even taking anatomy right now in high school. Needless to say, we just became instant friends. And to finish the story off, the ink stains all came out! We ended up sleeping at the Bryan sisters' apartment again because our AC still isn't working steadily. They have a washer and dryer. I sprayed on plenty more Shout! and rubbed it in super well, and through the magic of modern chemistry, my jumper looks good as new. Fabulous!
And just to add to the newsworthiness of yesterday, I also got my first bites from fireants. We were also at a member's house for lunch. This house wasn't so much "High Society" as a cross between the house on "Sabrina" and the Triple R Ranch. It was elegant yet country. They have their own pond, and we were out looking for turtles and frogs, not wearing shoes. As we walked away without spotting any creatures, I felt something on my foot. Looking down I saw three dozen red ants scurrying around my left foot. I swatted them away so fast! But the damage was already done. My foot started itching like crazy, and, sure enough, you can see two little spots where they got me, even through my nylons.
In other news, I discovered new evidence that the Jonas Brothers actually could be the Three Nephites. At least two of them anyway. Somewhere in 3 Nephi (I didn't write down the verse) where it lists all the apostles Jesus called while in America, two of them are actually named Jonas. Believe me, I'm too shocked to make this up. And since the three Nephites are three of those twelve, they could be named Jonas. Of course, Mormon was forbidden to write their names, but the possibility remains. I suppose the only question is, which Jonas bro is not a Nephite?
Cassidy, a few quick notes. The U.S. (Tennis) Open should be in September. I remember watching the final last year during my first few weeks of school. Roger defeated Andy Murray in straight sets. Consequently, the U.S. Open is the only Grand Slam Andy Roddick has ever won. There could be some tough competition this year, as always. And are you taking Biology this year? Sister Painter brother or brother-in-law is a professor at BYU-Idaho. Do you have a Brother Christensen? Just wondering; after all, it's a small world, and a smaller Mormon one. And congrats on receiving your Young Women medallion.
Last but obviously not least, Pai-Shan's baptism. It had all the craziness and excitement you would expect. Her toe nearly popped up, but they didn't have to do it again. She forgot to bring a towel, so we ended up borrowing a shirt from one of the sisters to dry her off. And then yesterday when she got the Holy Ghost, she practically skipped back to her seat. It was the best! The best. I'm pretty sure I can't stop smiling.Love from a "spiritual" yet Nancy Drew reading, card-playing missionary,
Sister Whitney Sorensen
*NOTE FROM MOM: She doesn't read Nancy Drew or play cards on her mission...it's just a reference from something I wrote to her earlier this week.
Monday, August 24, 2009
8-24-09 "Lucky 13 and Spiders All Around"
13 must be a lucky number. Honestly, I'm jealous of your thirteen hours of rain. We have had very little, and all the Texas natives are complaining that this is the dryest summer in ten years. You can certainly tell the economic status of a house by it's front lawn. Send the rain our way if it continues, particularly if it keeps cooling things down. While we were teaching a less-active family this week, the dad told us that when he went on a walk with his sons, one of them said to him, "Dad, my hair is making water." There's a new euphemism for "sweating like a pig." Which it sometimes feels like I am.
But thirteen was lucky for me this week. We had about thirty minutes to tract before an appointment, so we said a prayer that the Spirit would guide us in the right direction. I felt that we should go to a building on our right. Sister Davis said that one of the doors had already been tried, but we would try the other three. The first one we knocked on: 13. And the lady let us in to teach her a short lesson. We got out in just the right time, too. We weren't sure if she was super interested, but it's at least a testimony that Heavenly Father knows His children. He knew she would let us in and that it would take the perfect amount of time.
But as for spiders: not so lucky! Just yesterday, I had to kill the first spider. The air conditioner in our apartment keeps turning on and off, so it's getting pretty warm in there consistently, making it a nice place for bugs. Anyway, we saw a spider on our entryway linoleum. Sister Davis ran and hid in the bathroom while I tried to kill it. It could JUMP! So weird. Wicked actually. But, you'll be proud to know I eventually conquered, demonstrating my superiority, at least according to Darwin's theory. And no, I did not jam my finger in the process. That lesson (so far) has only been learned once. (And I'm sorry Mark thought the special effects on "Something Wicked This Way Comes" were lame. The spider scene still freaks me out if I think about it at night. That movie is more about tone than special effects. All I can say is, at least it's not a glorified muppet movie like "Return of the Jedi." What a waste of Lucasfilm.)
While I'm thinking about it, I did send some letters last week, but they didn't get in the mailbox until Thursday afternoon, so it obviously took longer for them to arrive. I also got letters from friends this week: one from Erin (my writer center/study abroad compadre) and one from Brett, who did end up moving to Arizona.
Now I have a real question for you. WHAT does this sentence mean: "Sadly, we did know so we did not solicity."??? You wrote it in the middle of your paragraph about Mark subscribing to Sports Illustrated. I could be wrong, but I'm not sure "solicity" is even a word, although it should be. Perhaps a mixture of "solicit" and "felicity" (because if you had solicited the copy from him, you would be experiencing felicity), or "society" and "foolish" (because you were foolish not to ask him, just because you thought he might not want your society if he thought you only liked him for his magazines). Think on it and let me know. In any case, I'm pretty sure you were TRYING to say, "Sadly, we did not know, so we did not solicit." But speaking of Roger Federer on the cover of Sports Illustrated, I saw one this week. Not from Wimbledon (aka the Graveyard of Champions, aka what a morbid name, aka maybe they wanted to build a new stadium for the Olympics and this was a good excuse, aka that's still not a good enough reason to tear down Wimbledon's hallowed halls), but from the French Open. We were at the doctor's office, and there it was sitting on the table. A direct temptation to which, I might and will add, I did not yield. There it sat, and there it remains, despite the itching in my fingertips to examine the words penned about tennis greatness. The doctor was great. I went ahead and payed the fees. They were $185. I figured that was okay, since we had been throwing around huge numbers like $400-$500. She also said that I should just have my Sam's Club pharmacy address changed to here and then they can call in anything and get me some prescriptions. I'm pretty sure that should work; I'll let you know if I'm having any trouble. They said they monitor blood work every three months, especially since I've been on the same meds for so long.
Hooray for school. Here it started today, so tell everyone to enjoy their last week(s) of freedom knowing that others have already started once again. Also, today is Pai-Shan's baptism. We ended up moving it to tonight because one of the elders who originally taught her is leaving for home on Wednesday and wanted to be here. Monday was the only day that would work, so after much negotiation with the bishop, she will be baptized tonight at 5:30 CST (Central Standard Time, not College Station Time). She's made a big change from being nervous to tell anyone about her baptism to getting really excited. Last week, she didn't want us to "let the word out" that she was getting baptized, but yesterday at church she was talking to the Relief Society president about it and asking us for maps to the church so she could invite a friend or two. You know, I really feel that I needed to be here at this time to teach her. Not from any merits of my own, but from life experiences I have. For one thing, she's still taking English exams, so she needs help with grammar, and from working in the Writing Center I have a little experience in teaching that to Asian students. Also, she's been having a few health challenges, and something just tells me that no matter how small or large it is, I'll be able to testify to her of the healing power of the Atonement, something I know very well in my life.
We've had a few investigators drop us this week, but the work will continue no matter what. If I can remember faith always, and put aside all doubts in myself by trusting in the Lord, I know all will be well. Because right now, today, all is well. Tonight, Pai-Shan is getting baptized, and I cannot express my excitement. I can't quite find the word. And I feel so blessed. I've only been here for six weeks (on Wednesday). In fact, today is my two month mission birthday. It's hard to believe. If I didn't know it was true, I'm not sure I would.
Last but not least, we started doing service at a soup kitchen this week. We'll at least be doing it for the next three weeks. It's so amazing to see the joy even in the faces of those with almost nothing. I'm so glad I've already done a little service like that before, and I'm looking forward to going every week for as long as possible.
Keep me posted on the ANNIE situation. Did you end up becoming the producer? Auditions...always where the talented are separated from those-who-think-they-are-talented-because-they-know/are related to-the-big-wigs. Kind of like IFYAC Idol. Hey, now there's an idea...Just kidding. You would never get away with something that promoted such a loss of self-esteem. Not to get cheesy, but remember--both literally and figuratively--"The sun'll come out tomorrow."
Love and joy come to you,
Sister Whitney Mikell Sorensen
PS Nice bow tie, Conor.
PPS Sister Davis and I would like you to know that College Station is the Sonic capital of the world, and we often find ourselves craving a slush or such in the mid-afternoon. Does the offer for Sonic gift cards still stand? Many thanks in advance.
But thirteen was lucky for me this week. We had about thirty minutes to tract before an appointment, so we said a prayer that the Spirit would guide us in the right direction. I felt that we should go to a building on our right. Sister Davis said that one of the doors had already been tried, but we would try the other three. The first one we knocked on: 13. And the lady let us in to teach her a short lesson. We got out in just the right time, too. We weren't sure if she was super interested, but it's at least a testimony that Heavenly Father knows His children. He knew she would let us in and that it would take the perfect amount of time.
But as for spiders: not so lucky! Just yesterday, I had to kill the first spider. The air conditioner in our apartment keeps turning on and off, so it's getting pretty warm in there consistently, making it a nice place for bugs. Anyway, we saw a spider on our entryway linoleum. Sister Davis ran and hid in the bathroom while I tried to kill it. It could JUMP! So weird. Wicked actually. But, you'll be proud to know I eventually conquered, demonstrating my superiority, at least according to Darwin's theory. And no, I did not jam my finger in the process. That lesson (so far) has only been learned once. (And I'm sorry Mark thought the special effects on "Something Wicked This Way Comes" were lame. The spider scene still freaks me out if I think about it at night. That movie is more about tone than special effects. All I can say is, at least it's not a glorified muppet movie like "Return of the Jedi." What a waste of Lucasfilm.)
While I'm thinking about it, I did send some letters last week, but they didn't get in the mailbox until Thursday afternoon, so it obviously took longer for them to arrive. I also got letters from friends this week: one from Erin (my writer center/study abroad compadre) and one from Brett, who did end up moving to Arizona.
Now I have a real question for you. WHAT does this sentence mean: "Sadly, we did know so we did not solicity."??? You wrote it in the middle of your paragraph about Mark subscribing to Sports Illustrated. I could be wrong, but I'm not sure "solicity" is even a word, although it should be. Perhaps a mixture of "solicit" and "felicity" (because if you had solicited the copy from him, you would be experiencing felicity), or "society" and "foolish" (because you were foolish not to ask him, just because you thought he might not want your society if he thought you only liked him for his magazines). Think on it and let me know. In any case, I'm pretty sure you were TRYING to say, "Sadly, we did not know, so we did not solicit." But speaking of Roger Federer on the cover of Sports Illustrated, I saw one this week. Not from Wimbledon (aka the Graveyard of Champions, aka what a morbid name, aka maybe they wanted to build a new stadium for the Olympics and this was a good excuse, aka that's still not a good enough reason to tear down Wimbledon's hallowed halls), but from the French Open. We were at the doctor's office, and there it was sitting on the table. A direct temptation to which, I might and will add, I did not yield. There it sat, and there it remains, despite the itching in my fingertips to examine the words penned about tennis greatness. The doctor was great. I went ahead and payed the fees. They were $185. I figured that was okay, since we had been throwing around huge numbers like $400-$500. She also said that I should just have my Sam's Club pharmacy address changed to here and then they can call in anything and get me some prescriptions. I'm pretty sure that should work; I'll let you know if I'm having any trouble. They said they monitor blood work every three months, especially since I've been on the same meds for so long.
Hooray for school. Here it started today, so tell everyone to enjoy their last week(s) of freedom knowing that others have already started once again. Also, today is Pai-Shan's baptism. We ended up moving it to tonight because one of the elders who originally taught her is leaving for home on Wednesday and wanted to be here. Monday was the only day that would work, so after much negotiation with the bishop, she will be baptized tonight at 5:30 CST (Central Standard Time, not College Station Time). She's made a big change from being nervous to tell anyone about her baptism to getting really excited. Last week, she didn't want us to "let the word out" that she was getting baptized, but yesterday at church she was talking to the Relief Society president about it and asking us for maps to the church so she could invite a friend or two. You know, I really feel that I needed to be here at this time to teach her. Not from any merits of my own, but from life experiences I have. For one thing, she's still taking English exams, so she needs help with grammar, and from working in the Writing Center I have a little experience in teaching that to Asian students. Also, she's been having a few health challenges, and something just tells me that no matter how small or large it is, I'll be able to testify to her of the healing power of the Atonement, something I know very well in my life.
We've had a few investigators drop us this week, but the work will continue no matter what. If I can remember faith always, and put aside all doubts in myself by trusting in the Lord, I know all will be well. Because right now, today, all is well. Tonight, Pai-Shan is getting baptized, and I cannot express my excitement. I can't quite find the word. And I feel so blessed. I've only been here for six weeks (on Wednesday). In fact, today is my two month mission birthday. It's hard to believe. If I didn't know it was true, I'm not sure I would.
Last but not least, we started doing service at a soup kitchen this week. We'll at least be doing it for the next three weeks. It's so amazing to see the joy even in the faces of those with almost nothing. I'm so glad I've already done a little service like that before, and I'm looking forward to going every week for as long as possible.
Keep me posted on the ANNIE situation. Did you end up becoming the producer? Auditions...always where the talented are separated from those-who-think-they-are-talented-because-they-know/are related to-the-big-wigs. Kind of like IFYAC Idol. Hey, now there's an idea...Just kidding. You would never get away with something that promoted such a loss of self-esteem. Not to get cheesy, but remember--both literally and figuratively--"The sun'll come out tomorrow."
Love and joy come to you,
Sister Whitney Mikell Sorensen
PS Nice bow tie, Conor.
PPS Sister Davis and I would like you to know that College Station is the Sonic capital of the world, and we often find ourselves craving a slush or such in the mid-afternoon. Does the offer for Sonic gift cards still stand? Many thanks in advance.
Monday, August 17, 2009
8-17-09 "You Forgot to say AKIMBO"
First thing's first: we've moved into a new apartment in the same complex, so my new address is the same as my old one except for the apartment number. All forthcoming mail can now be sent to :
Sister Whitney Mikell Sorensen
Peppertree Apartments #311
2701 Longmire Drive
College Station, TX 77845
In fact, our new apartment is bigger than our old one. Since people were displaced by the fire, the apartment manager offered people any available apartments at the same rate for the rest of their contract. Two senior elders came up last Monday to help us make the necessary changes, and then we moved in on Wednesday. I felt bad for the elders that had to help us move in. Our old apartment was on the ground floor, but our new one was on the second floor. Imagine moving couches, desks, mattresses, etc, up narrow stairs in 100 degree heat with 40% humidity and you will be living their dream life. Nonetheless, now Sister Davis and I each have our own vanity to use in the morning.
Speaking of the temple, I've heard through the grapevine that apparently one of the murals in the Idaho Falls Temple has a hidden face of Brigham Young in it. Any idea? The source said it's probably in the celestial room, somewhere where pioneers are painted. Not the most important question, but certainly an intriguing one. Do some detective work if you remember.
Love the pictures. Jared is holding a snake. What is Roger and Meggie's little girl's name? Maura. It just came to me when I finished writing the question. And the high school musical one has just the right ratio of boys to girls. So...who's who? Also, if the boys' shirts mean anything, Dylan went to The Fray and Conor found a time machine and went to The Beatles. Or maybe he just pre-ordered Beatles Rock Band. Either way, nice shirt. (In other music news, I judge from the poster in Wal-Mart that Hannah Montana, eh, Miley Cyrus has made the full transformation now to her own album, even though the moral of her movie was that it's better to be fake than real. Also, is 17 Again on video yet?)
And last but not least before I get to the missionary newsreel, the card you sent me is perfect. Really. Not just because it's hilarious and mostly true--sure, I still use a clock, but calendar's are beginning to go out of fashion, and you can forget about Mapquest (although it's obvious punctuation and I will always be friends. Just ask Lynne Truss.)--but becuase the "Coyote" or whatever he is has his arms AKIMBO on the front. You didn't even mention it. Just because no one else in the world knows what that word means doesn't mean you should stop using it. Also, the first line on the inside of the card "I'll see you when I see you" comes straight from the end of OCEAN'S 13. Love it. I'm glad you enjoyed FOREVER STRONG, even if it did make no sense that Zig-Zag was a white Jamaican living in Utah!?! Your brush with fame is way better than Shareece's anyday.
Finally, we get to my life. I don't have any strange events to report this week, just good. First, one of our Chinese-speaking investigators, Pai-shan, decided to get baptized. Wow. It's not that it was unexpected necessarily, just that we didn't realize she was that close. Two weeks ago, we were saying we should commit her to be baptized or stop teaching her, because it seemed like she was just using us as a bible study. Actually, she had a huge Ph.D. qualifying exam she needed to take, so we didn't meet with her that week, and then the week after that Sister Davis and I went on splits. I taught Pai-shan about prayer with a sister from our ward, and I wasn't about to give her the "drop talk" as it is called. Then this week we both met with her, along with a return sister missionary from our ward (the one who got engaged on the cornern of George Bush and Texas) who speaks Chinese. We reviewed the idea that there is only one true church, the story of the First Vision, and then Sister Davis asked her if she'd prayed about Joseph Smith. Pai-shan paused for ten or twelve seconds before quietly saying, "Yes." Sister Davis continued: "Did you get an answer?" Longer pause. Quieter yes. No elaboration. "Was it a good answer?" Even longer pause. Pai-shan grabbed her water bottle and clutched it. "I think so." "Now that you've received your answer, what are your feelings about baptism?" At this point, we're not expecting her to commit to baptism. We're just feeling out how close or far away she is from that. After the longest pause, she says, "So I can choose anyone to baptize me?" "OF COURSE (as long as it's a man and he has the proper authority)." Pai-shan: "Okay." A small grin comes across her face. She chose our district leader, Elder Hiatt, to baptize her. He was one of the elders who originally started teaching her before she was transfered to the CS1 sisters since our ward has capabilities for Chinese translation. She'll have her baptismal interview on Tuesday, and then get baptized next Tuesday at 7. I wanted to tell you about Carl Young last week, but didn't get the chance. Hopefully I have enough time to get the story out now. We met Carl while on our way home from an appointment that we thought had fallen through. He called us over, saying he knew we were spiritual. We brought him back a Book of Mormon later that day, and he told us he'd been praying all week to find the truth. He know the Bible well. We've met with him several times since then, teaching him about the restoration and the plan of salvation. We even took our ward mission leader over yesterday to watch "The Testaments." He hasn't read much from the Book of Mormon yet, but I know he's good at sincere prayer. When we meet with him again this week, he's supposed to have read some. There will certainly be challenges with him, but I think they can be overcome one at a time.
Love y'all with letters to come this week,
Sister Whitney Sorensen
PS I heard there was some controversy about Lance Armstrong not winning the Tour de France. Do tell...
Sister Whitney Mikell Sorensen
Peppertree Apartments #311
2701 Longmire Drive
College Station, TX 77845
In fact, our new apartment is bigger than our old one. Since people were displaced by the fire, the apartment manager offered people any available apartments at the same rate for the rest of their contract. Two senior elders came up last Monday to help us make the necessary changes, and then we moved in on Wednesday. I felt bad for the elders that had to help us move in. Our old apartment was on the ground floor, but our new one was on the second floor. Imagine moving couches, desks, mattresses, etc, up narrow stairs in 100 degree heat with 40% humidity and you will be living their dream life. Nonetheless, now Sister Davis and I each have our own vanity to use in the morning.
Speaking of the temple, I've heard through the grapevine that apparently one of the murals in the Idaho Falls Temple has a hidden face of Brigham Young in it. Any idea? The source said it's probably in the celestial room, somewhere where pioneers are painted. Not the most important question, but certainly an intriguing one. Do some detective work if you remember.
Love the pictures. Jared is holding a snake. What is Roger and Meggie's little girl's name? Maura. It just came to me when I finished writing the question. And the high school musical one has just the right ratio of boys to girls. So...who's who? Also, if the boys' shirts mean anything, Dylan went to The Fray and Conor found a time machine and went to The Beatles. Or maybe he just pre-ordered Beatles Rock Band. Either way, nice shirt. (In other music news, I judge from the poster in Wal-Mart that Hannah Montana, eh, Miley Cyrus has made the full transformation now to her own album, even though the moral of her movie was that it's better to be fake than real. Also, is 17 Again on video yet?)
And last but not least before I get to the missionary newsreel, the card you sent me is perfect. Really. Not just because it's hilarious and mostly true--sure, I still use a clock, but calendar's are beginning to go out of fashion, and you can forget about Mapquest (although it's obvious punctuation and I will always be friends. Just ask Lynne Truss.)--but becuase the "Coyote" or whatever he is has his arms AKIMBO on the front. You didn't even mention it. Just because no one else in the world knows what that word means doesn't mean you should stop using it. Also, the first line on the inside of the card "I'll see you when I see you" comes straight from the end of OCEAN'S 13. Love it. I'm glad you enjoyed FOREVER STRONG, even if it did make no sense that Zig-Zag was a white Jamaican living in Utah!?! Your brush with fame is way better than Shareece's anyday.
Finally, we get to my life. I don't have any strange events to report this week, just good. First, one of our Chinese-speaking investigators, Pai-shan, decided to get baptized. Wow. It's not that it was unexpected necessarily, just that we didn't realize she was that close. Two weeks ago, we were saying we should commit her to be baptized or stop teaching her, because it seemed like she was just using us as a bible study. Actually, she had a huge Ph.D. qualifying exam she needed to take, so we didn't meet with her that week, and then the week after that Sister Davis and I went on splits. I taught Pai-shan about prayer with a sister from our ward, and I wasn't about to give her the "drop talk" as it is called. Then this week we both met with her, along with a return sister missionary from our ward (the one who got engaged on the cornern of George Bush and Texas) who speaks Chinese. We reviewed the idea that there is only one true church, the story of the First Vision, and then Sister Davis asked her if she'd prayed about Joseph Smith. Pai-shan paused for ten or twelve seconds before quietly saying, "Yes." Sister Davis continued: "Did you get an answer?" Longer pause. Quieter yes. No elaboration. "Was it a good answer?" Even longer pause. Pai-shan grabbed her water bottle and clutched it. "I think so." "Now that you've received your answer, what are your feelings about baptism?" At this point, we're not expecting her to commit to baptism. We're just feeling out how close or far away she is from that. After the longest pause, she says, "So I can choose anyone to baptize me?" "OF COURSE (as long as it's a man and he has the proper authority)." Pai-shan: "Okay." A small grin comes across her face. She chose our district leader, Elder Hiatt, to baptize her. He was one of the elders who originally started teaching her before she was transfered to the CS1 sisters since our ward has capabilities for Chinese translation. She'll have her baptismal interview on Tuesday, and then get baptized next Tuesday at 7. I wanted to tell you about Carl Young last week, but didn't get the chance. Hopefully I have enough time to get the story out now. We met Carl while on our way home from an appointment that we thought had fallen through. He called us over, saying he knew we were spiritual. We brought him back a Book of Mormon later that day, and he told us he'd been praying all week to find the truth. He know the Bible well. We've met with him several times since then, teaching him about the restoration and the plan of salvation. We even took our ward mission leader over yesterday to watch "The Testaments." He hasn't read much from the Book of Mormon yet, but I know he's good at sincere prayer. When we meet with him again this week, he's supposed to have read some. There will certainly be challenges with him, but I think they can be overcome one at a time.
Love y'all with letters to come this week,
Sister Whitney Sorensen
PS I heard there was some controversy about Lance Armstrong not winning the Tour de France. Do tell...
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