Email from 9/25/07

This week has been a long one. I feel like it has been a month since I wrote you last. I'm glad you all enjoyed the ice cream extravaganza! We got a kick out of it. I feel like I am blanking on what I need to tell you. Kelsey's baptism is still a go! She is so wonderful! I was reading D&C 25 about what it takes to be an elect woman and I thought of her. She is truly one of the Lord's elect daughters. I can't believe how much he loves me to let me be a part of her life. I used to laugh at the cheesy mormon folk stories about "I'll find you my friend..." I never realized how true it is. I knew Kelsey before we came to earth. I don't know if we promised each other anything or what, but I know that this friendship was started a long long time ago. She is so precious to the Lord. I am so excited to see her baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints! WOO HOO!!! And then after her baptism, there is women's conference!! What a great weekend! I am so excited. My companions and I are totally stoked for conference. I realized that Conference is like the Oscars/tonys for missionaries! I am so excited!

OH and on the 30th, we get to go back to WV to teach Gallan again. Hopefully the trees will start to turn by then. There are some red leaves here and there but nothing picture worthy yet. I will hopefully be able to send baptism pics with scenic pics in the next week or so. As for this last week. We had some great meetings. I think we are all still trying to get a little acclamated without Sis. Thomas. She knew everything, and we just had to follow. Now we are all trudging through new waters. Plus they cut our miles, so we are stretching to try to get everywhere we need to be without going over.

I am so excited to hear about the miracle with Meg's shoulder. It's funny...I was a little stressed about it. I was praying so hard for so long for so many days. Then the morning of the surgery, I woke up and didn't even remember about it. It wasn't until about 9am that I realized what day it was. The Lord truly shows us that this is all in His hands. My prayers continue to be with the all of you as you work through this. Meg--be patient!!! The Lord already provided a miracle, so let you body do the healing it needs to before you jump back to work. I love you and pray for you daily. I never realized how much you truly have been through until I listen to women and men poor out the anguish in their souls. I look at them and can promise them blessings of comfort, peace, and joy in their lives. I then have the privilege of telling parts of your story. They look at me with awe and disbelief. I am then able to share with them that I know that my sister has been blessed because she is one of the most faithful, obedient women I know. You are touching lives in Virginia...and you are soooo much a part of my mission. Thank you! Thank you for always setting an example of obedience and strength. I know that you will be blessed throughout all of the eternities for your faithfulness through trials!

I'm glad to hear that the wedding went well. I loved the pictures, especially the one with Josh and the girls. Dyan truly was beautiful!! Josh, you truly are a lucky one. Also, I know what you mean about missing the desert. I'm not homesick, but thank you for sharing your experience. I feel at home here in the mountains. It is amazing!

Sara, I'm glad that you are doing well! New York will be amazing! Just follow the rules ok?! New York is fun, but it can also be scary. As I reflect back I realize how stupid I was and how much the Lord protected me. Dad will be scared for you to go, but just stay with the group and don't do anything stupid! I love you! Have fun at the dances. I think we should make guesses as to whether or not there will be a dance that you don't get asked to multiple ones! Is Cam going to Homecoming?! He is a Pirate you know?! We pirates stick together!!!

Oh, mom, thanks for the update on the Mercury!! WOOO HOOOOO!!!!!Just one more thing that I can add to the list of things that I missed while on my mission! How great that I can always remember when the Mercury won their first title!!!!!

I know that this is really not that long, but I am still in a buzz... we had a long week. I usually make a list of things to tell you and I didn't have time this morning. I am sure I will tell you all about the Baptism next week. Oh, and I get to give a talk on the Holy Ghost. I am a little nervous but oh so excited! I get to speak at Kelsey's baptism!!! Woo hoo!!!!

I can't believe that Jackie is getting deployed! That is so exciting. I realized this morning that it is as if she has been in the MTC for 3 years and is finally getting to put her training to good use!!!! Rock on!!! I don't know if Jabuti knows what's coming it's way! Jacks, you are always in my prayers. I know that they Lord will protect you as long as you are doing what he has asked of you! You are going to do great!! I also lost your address...the e-mail purged itself.

Ok, well I better run! The gospel is amazing!!!!! Keep pass along cards in your purses and pockets!! Never feel bad about giving them to waiters/cashiers/friends!!! This is eternal life!!! If they don't understand how important it is, you do! So share it with them!!! I love you all and am so glad to hear that you are doing well.

Oh, before I go I have to tell you about a little package that I got last night. It was from Larry Bowman! I was rather excited especially when I opened it and saw that it was the most amazing letter ever!!!!! I don't know if I can describe it fully but he sent me a verification letter allowing me to spread the gospel in the state of VA. I wish I could remember what it was called, but everything was to the nines. I also received a letter that looked like it was from the 1800s. It had a wax seal and everything!!!! Plus some copies of stamps from that era! How cool is that!!!! Oh, and he enclosed a pic of him in his uniform. What an amazing man!!! I will have to give him a call when I come back to visit to see if he will come. I keep him in my prayers. His spirits are high and I know that the Lord will bless him. I am still in awe! He is so great! Plus both of my comps got packages from their families last night too. It was like Christmas!!!

I love you!!
Sister Abbott