Exciting News!

Dearest Jamie and Family-

AAHHH!!!!! I am so excited for you Jamie! What a wonderful proposal, and centered on the temple- couldn't have been more perfect. So, was it expected? Did you already pick out the ring ahead of time? I wish I could have been there to see the excitement and emotions and all- I probably would have been crying right along with Jamie :)

So, putting aside the weird realization that my little sis is getting married before me ( ;) ) I am very excited that I will be home for the wedding! I just love wedding planning!! We're going to have to arrange that I meet Spence as soon as possible so I can get to know him a little before the wedding. Oh hey... that means that you get to go through the temple soon!! Yay! I'm so excited!!

So Mom and Dad- how’s the coping? Don't worry; I'll soon be coming home to fill that vacant spot in the home with a whole lot of ME. Actually, if I keep eating Belgian waffles, there will be too much of me coming home, but I think we’ll be ok on that one.

Anyways, it has been a great week. My companion's name is Zuster Holbein, and she is from Kentucky (mom, I thought of you). You can see pictures of her on the mission blog, and some of me I think. She is a wonderful missionary and her faith is AMAZING! We have seen soo many miracles since she has come- we have found new investigators almost every day. Her Dutch is quite good as well, and as soon as she recovers from the jet-lag, she's going to run circles around me with her energy level, I'm sure.

I have learned in the past few days what people mean when they talk about how the last transfer is a fight to endure to the end. I have been working the hardest I have on my mission this last week, and my tired body is just not cooperating very well. I have been tired, but sooooo happy!! The joy that comes from missionary work is really incredible, and, in my opinion, best enjoyed while resting VERY weary feet at the end of the day with a box of Belgian chocolates. Being tired, although a trial, has taught me to rely on the Lord for physical as well as spiritual strength to do the work He has called me to do. When we rely on Him for EVERYTHING, that is when we see the miracles. It is a total realization of our dependence on God, and produces an amazing humility when we give everything to the Lord and realize how much we need Him to make our offering enough.

Love you all so much!

Liefs;
Zuster Cherie Gulliver