Weekly update

Dear loved ones,

Sister Ronquillo emailed S Stromberg and...... our dear Lea Mateo was BAPTIZED!!!!!!!!!!! I'm sooooooo excited and happy for her!!! I love her so much and i'm so glad she has come into the fold of God. It's an incredible feeling. She was the one i told you quite a while ago that was insanely prepared and eager to learn and diligent in seeking a testimony. WOW! :D i'm so happy for her!!! and i want to name a daughter after her :)

i'm learning a lot as i slowly allow the Lord to stretch me in new ways. we go on splits weekly to be able to teach all the people who are available on sundays and we did that again yesterday. it helps me build confidence in teaching and also to trust more in the Lord. it is so important for me to remember that my successes are not mine--they are His. and he's helped me so much in situations where he was the only one in whom i could trust! he has given me much-needed inspiration and guided me to know what to do and say to further the progress of these, his blessed children. it's very simple, but it's a miracle to me. i am nothing of myself, but i know that he can do all things and will help me do all he requires of me.

i love my area and i'm so glad that s. stromberg and i are together for another transfer! and guess what??? Sis. Bloxham is IN MY ZONE! she's being trained by one of the super coolest sisters in our mission, s. Pacinio! (best friend of S. Ronquillo!) crazy, no? i'm so excited, i get to see her at zone meeting tomorrow!

we have some close upcoming baptisms on november 24! Jennalyn is one :) and Khaycie is another. Jennalyn needs a lot of support from the ward, as she'll be the first member in her family. we're praying she'll get close with our ysa because they're awesome. she's just a little shy. and khaycie is, too, but she has tons of friends and support. we also have John Mark, who is incredibly cool. he is so persistent, even with his exhausting job. he just needs to be consistent in coming to church. he's so cool! he is really good at understanding the scriptures and understanding the principles we teach.

our focus as a companionship for this transfer is to help those who have wandered off to return. we are excited to find those who have been prepared to come back and be really strong, adding their spirit and talents to the Noveleta ward.

Mom! don't worry! :) i was able to withdraw. i was making an incorrect selection in the process and when i changed it, it worked! :) now i can get a few of the things i've been hoping to for a while. sweet! is everyone okay? rae emailed. that was some rough stuff, mom. she thinks waaaay too much... she's so hard on herself. why is that? they are in my prayers as well, mom. don't worry. i know it will be okay. S. stromberg's parents are douglas and maren. :) sure they'd love to hear from you!

Dad, i love your notes! thank you thank you! and a big hug and kiss from me! i love the things you're learning and that you share them with me. i'm excited to apply those true principles to my own teaching. i've been so grateful as i've thought of the miracles that have been brought to pass in the last few months--and all because the Lord prepared the way for them with trials. it's neat, huh? you would not be receiving this education and have the kind of job you do and be able to spend these hours at home if you hadn't lost your job at la-z-boy that summer. and i'm just so very grateful you did. i'm so grateful we had that struggle so we could have these blessings. he knows. he just does.

Aaronicus, thanks for the gorgeous pic and for the cute... and creepy buddies :) hehee the clowny one, we feel, is a little on the creepy end. i mean, i'm not sure he's MY buddy... but the others are cute and they can stay a while :) salamat! please know i haven't forgotten you and i'm really trying to get you another letter! and it takes longer when you're in the province. and remember that you're super cool!

Craig, DUH! of course i remember that hike! it's only a really great place to hike! :) salamat sa email! i'll be responding, shemps, asap. no worries! and CONGRATS on the major! way to go! knew you could do it! that sounds like a fun adventure ahead. that's close to what my dad's doing. did you know that?

Ashlynn and Maree, i have a million things i want to say, but it's a heart full of feelings without words to express them. you are constantly in my prayers. i love you. i love you. i love you. thank you for sharing what you're learning. you are sooo right. Heavenly Father has a perfect plan for you. and better things are coming. and he's there for you more than any normal human being ever can be. Because He is your Father and you are his daughter. i love you.

i need to go :( how time flies! i loved hearing from you again! i always do! mom, don't stress about the package. it will get here :) promise. i'll love anything you can send. is there some way that the ortho could make a new invisilign from my last mold, the one with the fake tooth that i just stick in there. the one i used for whitening? i'm being super careful with it! anywho, you're THE BEST! i hope you know that!

thank you for your love and encouragement! big hugs!

love, sister richardson