3/27/18 - Mom/Dad to Emma

Dear Emma,

I'm so glad to hear from you!  Elder Valentine's mom texted me this morning and told me you were having trouble signing in to email.  I'm glad it's working for you now.  Elder Valentine also told his mom how beautiful it was to fly into Sao Paulo while the sun was rising and shining on all the sky scrapers. That sounds like something you would love (could you see that from where you were sitting?)  Dad was really impressed with Elder Valentine.  He said he expects Elder Valentine to be in leadership in the mission.  Was he a good traveling companion?  

I'm so happy that you made it safely!  Did all your luggage make it too?  I'm glad you like your companion.  That is a tender mercy that you got to know Sister Bybee a bit before entering the CTM.  Also, I can't believe you already placed 2 Book of Mormons!  You were really inspired to take those with you!  You are fearless!  I'm proud of you for sticking with your goal to follow every prompting.

This is such a wonderful time for you.  I know some days will be hard (and that's okay!) but I know you will be able to handle whatever comes your way as you rely on the Lord for help.  I'm so glad you are happy as you are adjusting to your new surroundings.  You have a talent for finding joy in every circumstance.  You are sunshine wherever you go.  I love you!!!! (I know that multiple exclamation marks bug you, but sometimes I don't have the words to express my feelings so you'll just have to know that multiple exclamation marks come with hugs!)

I can't wait to hear all about .....well...everything!  

We celebrated Mari's b-day this morning.  She loves her Jandles.  Thanks for ordering those for her.  She has decided to have a  "Girl's Camp Jr." themed birthday party with her friends.  That girl makes me laugh!  Eve ordered a "color by sticker" book for all the kids to do during Conference on Sunday.  We will still do our usual traditions (coloring shoes, fruit loop necklaces etc.)  I can't wait to hear how Conference is in the CTM. 

Anyway, I'm glad you're safe.  Please know you are loved.  We think about you and pray for you constantly.  Just thinking about you out there doing the Lord's work makes me so happy I can't stop smiling...even when I'm missing you...I'm smiling through my tears.  

You are so loved!!!! (see all those hugs?)

💜Mom

M,

It is a relief to hear that you made it safe into Sao Paulo.  You will always remember your first day.  You refer to the MTC as the CTM.  I assume that is the Portuguese abbreviation.  I can't wait to hear what your thoughts are about your MTC experience.  How was it traveling with Elder Valentine?  I was wondering how he would fit in the seat.  I was going to suggest you give him the isle but forgot.  His family was neat and both of your mothers quickly bonded.  He seemed that a pretty cool cat.  i would not be surprised to see him in upper leadership before you return home.  I think it is great that you get to know many of your fellow missionaries before you get to the CTM.  I got to the MTC and knew nobody.  It created an very interesting first week.  I want to hear about the classroom setting, the food, the language lessons, the dorms, your daily routine . . . as much as you can give us.  I'm very curious about how your experience differs from mine.  I'm also curious how Missionary Month prepared you. 

Your Mom is getting a lot of love from other missionary moms in the neighborhood.  She keeps getting goodies brought over and they are pilling up.  She recently took the goodies around to other families. 

Don't worry about responding individually to Mom and I.  One combined email will work.  I'm crazy excited for you and look forward to every P-day.  Focus, work hard, and don't forget to have fun.  The language will come and don't be discouraged if it is a struggle. 

Proud of you kid

Dad