Good news

January 12, 2011

Happy to hear all the good news!  Glad that Markie's tests all went well and that she is healthy.  I am so excited to hear about Dad's calling.  That is going to be so much fun, and a lot of work!  We do have  good young men's program here in Puerto. The problem here is that there aren't many young men.  We have 10 young women and 3 young men.  But Dad should be great.  How big in the ward in Peru?  How many missions are in Peru

Last week was interviews.  It is pretty funny how excited I get for interviews.  You have to remember that we only have these interviews every 3 months now.  And our 10 minute interviews is the only time we get to have a one on one conversation with someone other than our companion. It is nice to spice things up and talk to someone new. : )  Interviews went well.  We were informed that now we will be covering the whole ward of Juncos which means covering 4 cities and all of their members, less-actives and investigators instead of the regular 2.  I am pretty excited and clam about it.  It really helps that I have already served in San Lorenzo and Gurabo, so I know the terrain.  I am nervous about going back to San Lorenzo though.  I am worried that when I go back I will remember all the painful experiences I had there.  I suppose the first time I go there I will re-experience some memories and feelings but I am sure I will get used to it.

Also, now the elders are no longer permitted to teach single women since as a mission we are focusing on teaching complete families.  Sister Curl and I are also responsible for teaching all single women investigators in the entire stake.  Our responsibilities just increased significantly.  I know the coming weeks will be pretty crazy as we learn to schedule and juggle everything, but I think it is a much needed change for me.  I am beginning to feel that I have talked to everyone in Juncos.  (But that does not mean that I want to leave.  It is still my favorite area and I still want to finish here!)

We are planning an amazing ward activity.  We have been filming the testimonies of all of the members, with the help of Hermana Aldana, editing it to make a video to show for an activity.  I have only seen the testimony part, but Hermana Aldana tells me that they are putting it all to music and including clips from church movies and audio recordings.  I think it is going to turn out to be amazing.  The activity is going to a "Premiere'" so we are going to be counting down to the official release of the movie, playing games, and even some special guest stars are going to make an appearance.  We are making costumes and scripts for Nephi, Ammon, Abinadi, Samuel the Lamanite, and Moroni.  I think this going to turn out really well.  I love planning and planning with Sister Curl is great!  I really hope that there is a good turn out for the activity, because we have put sooo much work into filming the videos and editing the movie. 

I came to the conclusion yesterday that nearly all of my skirts have either a small hole or a stain.  All of them except for the 2 which mom sent me for Christmas.  My favorite white skirt with stripes finally met its end last week.  It was a sad, sad moment as I folded it up and laid it in the trash.  It was one of the original skirts and has served me well throughout my entire mission. 

I hope that all is well at home.  I will talk to you next week!

Hermana Palmer