MTC #6

Hola! How is everybody? I recieved a million dearElders this week! And an awesome Halloween package from Tutu! Thank you so much! And yes, Mom, I thought the pull-ups box was way funny. Elder Hoth said, "Is that because it hurts for you to sit on the toilet now?" Haha. This week has been incredible. On Friday, I was in a ton of pain and I was just really upset about my back and how I couldn't do anything by myself. I was teaching a member in TRC, and I was telling her about my back and how I hated that I couldn't even get dressed myself, and she said "Maybe you need to learn how to be served instead of serving others. And maybe the people around you need the blessings of serving others." Except, it was in Spanish, of course. I quit complaining after that. And now that I think about it, it has been awesome seeing how kind everyone has been to me, and how they worry about me and are willing to do anything for me. The zone leaders put my name on the prayer role and rolled me around in a rolly-chair. My roomates helped me get dressed. My companion has had to pick up everything I drop (and that is a lot of stuff since I'm so clumsy). The Elders in my district carry my bag for me and take my meal tray to the garbage for me. I have received so many kind letters. I'm overwhelmed by the love people have shown me.

But, guess what?! I'm healed! I was in severe pain until Sunday. When I woke up Monday, I did everything myself. I felt no pain at all. I went to to the Athletic Trainer's office (I've had to go there at least once a day), and told them how I felt. They said that it was a miracle. I still have to apply heat to my back 10 minutes a day, and I can't use the bikes or elypticals or any weight lifting machines, but other than that, I'm back to normal! Now at gym time, I have to run on the track instead of the elyptical, but that is probably a really good thing even thought I hate it. I have been so blessed in this experience.

On Sunday, I sang in a quartet for Sacrament Meeting. We sand "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief" Acapella. I sang with Hna. Collett, Elder Eldredge and Elder Packer. Elder Packer reminds me a lot of Grant Gibbons. He's a bit on the small side but he is so kind to everyone, and his music talent astounds everybody. It was really fun to sing again. I miss it. Also, on Sunday I was assigned to be the Branch's new Music coordinator. I am in charge of assigning hymns, pianists, and conductors for sacrament meeting and Priesthood meeting. And, now Elder King and Elder Snelson are our Zone Leaders. On Monday, we will be the oldest district in our Zone. WHAT?! It weirded me out when I realized this.

On Monday our investigator, "Carolina" decided to be baptized! Yay! And we started teaching "Valentino". He drinks like crazy. We found him on the side of the road, crying. It's weird to think that these investigators are being played by our teachers, but they were actually people our teacher taught on their missions.

So, on Halloween, Hna Nelson dressed up as Snow White while still in mission appropriate clothes. It was adorable. Elder Kimball and Elder Hudgins dressed up as each other. I was just myself. No fun haha. Someone mailed Elder Snelson a 42 pound pumpkin and he put it in our classroom and we drew our teacher, Hno. Grua, on the pumpkin. And we had Lofthouse cookies that were orange with black sprinkles. That is about it.

Yesterday I was reading "Jesus the Christ", and my teacher, Hno. Ridge, came up and asked me what I was reading. I showed him, and he said, "Oh that's a good one! Just so you know, he dies. But don't worry, it has a great ending!" He acted like he was totally serious. It was sooooo funny.

I have way more to say, but I have run out of time. I love you all so much! I hope you are doing well. I pray for all of you!

Love,

Bretleigh