Sister Neff/Elder Neff

We were thrilled to get this week's - and last week's email, as Maclaine's email didn't go thru last week. She's been keeping us updated though, with written letters which is nice.

Her update is that she was supposed to leave last Monday, but her date has been pushed back a couple of weeks to keep an eye on her wisdom- tooth- gum situation. She developed a "dry socket" a couple of weeks ago and the doctor's want to keep an eye on her for a bit longer. We are praying for a quick recovery so she can get out in the field asap.

She is "SO THANKFUL" for all the love, support, prayers, letters, packages that have been sent to her, as are her parents. She said her district teases her for getting the most mail out of everyone. She is really missing her district that she became so close to the last couple of weeks, as they all left for their different missions on Monday.

Here are a few quotes from her last two letters, you might enjoy!

"Well, this week has flown by! I know, its so cleche... but it is true about how fast the weeks go. This week has been really really good though.

First, I saw Elder Neff on Wednesday! My classroom building is right next to the entrance so when I went out for lunch and then came back I lingered for a few extra minutes to try and see their whole family but I didn't . Even when we were in lunch I was trying to look out the windows as I walked by to try and see them in the line for the capillas (chapels). Hna Venegas finally said, "Hermana, I don't think that we are going to see them." I was bumbed but so happy when I saw Andy at dinner! He seemed to be doing alright. He was sitting down and he went to shake my hand but I gave him a little side hug. We talked for a few minutes, it was great. I saw him the next morning and he definitely looked pretty sleepy! He said that he asked and they told him that he couldn't give me a hug but he gave me a little side hug anyway. I've seen him here and there just passing by and saying hi. I saw him on Sunday and asked him how everything was going and he said it was great and that he really liked the Sundays. Which is totally true. Sundays feel so relaxing. Its funny a teacher read in his journal from the MTC and it said something like " yesterday was sunday and was so great and was a relaxing day. I woke up had breakfast, went to Sacrament mtg, went to preisthood, studied, had lunch, went to a district meeting, studied, walked to the temple, had dinner, went to the devotional, watched a church movie then planned with my companion" To a normal person it doesn't sound that great maybe, but for a missionary that is a pretty great day! That is exactly how my schedule is on Sundays, it is really great."

"This week though has been great. A little challenging at times, but great at the same time. I feel so blessed to have been raised in the gospel and also for my heritage. I am the only one in my district that has pioneer ancestors. I've never really thought about that before but we watched Joseph Smith:Prophet of the Restoration and wow, it was awesome, but It made me so grateful for my ancestors that accepted the gospel.

I am getting really excited to go and share the gospel. We learned yesterday about finding the people who are ready to hear the gospel. Heavenly Father is preparing them to hear it and its our job to go and find them. THere is a scripture in the old testament and in other parts of the scripture that says people are searching for the truth, they just don't know where to find it. I'm so grateful for this opportunity to serve my Heavenly Father and be an instrament in HIs hands."

We'll keep you posted on when she leaves- have a great week!