"The Frozen North"

Hello family!

It was a great week. Watching conference was really incredible and uplifting. We got to watch the first 3 sessions and then will watch the fourth next week. It was so inspirational to hear the testimonies of such strong leaders testifying of the truths we share and defend daily. Their examples are so great!

I had an interview with the Mission President that was really great. We talked about feeling inadequate for the tasks Heavenly Father gives us. He talked about feeling like a normal person being asked to do such big things (like being a mission president) and how he knows that as long as we stay humble, but have confidence that we really can do it with the Lord, that we will be just fine. It was a great conversation. I love the mission president and his wife. They are just so REAL. They are so loving and humble. Awesome examples. When Zr. Ekstrom (who I love sooo much) and I walked into interviews, President said "ahh, the sisters from the frozen north". I think that is a pretty accurate description of the area. It is starting to get COLD! I have a really nice jacket that I bought here, so I am staying warm, but winter is coming fast. By the way, the scarves you sent me are fabulous! They keep me so warm.

I hope you haven’t sent the pictures yet. I accidentally gave you the wrong address. Well, actually, it was right, just the street name needs to be "D.D. Eisenhower" instead of just Eisenhower. I think it still might get to me if you have already sent them, but I’m not sure. The rest is correct.

We are really enjoying the area here. The work is going slow. We have a total of... 0 investigators now, but lots of potentials! Actually, the members are so excited to have us here that some are introducing us to their friends. We love referrals! We have dinner appointments almost every day because the members are so excited to have us here. It is really a great ward. We can all feel that the Lord has so much in store for the area. It is humbling and inspiring!

Other than interviews, it was a really normal week. It is great working with Zuster Ekstrom. She is really enthusiastic and determined in the work, which helps me stay enthusiastic. I have come to realize on my mission that I have a pretty good work ethic. I credit Mom and Dad for teaching us how to work. I look back at a week, and realize that we have accomplished a lot and worked REALLY hard. The result is usually that I am dead tired every Sunday night, but the next morning, I somehow have energy to begin again. That’s the Spirit for you!

I am so excited to get your pictures. I’ve been dying to see you all! I haven’t seen Cozy since her birthday, so I bet she looks really different.Today marks my 11th month mark, which means that you all should probably hear about my release date within 2 months or so from the office. It makes me sad to dwell on it, so I won’t say anything more.

Well, I love you all family! I’m glad you all enjoyed conference. I hope the Birthday cards I am sending get to Dad and Heather in time. If not, know that they’re in the mail.

Ik hou van jullie!
Love,
Zuster Cherie Gulliver