short, sweet, and to the point....

week: good
spirit: felt
zion: rejoices!
send: my love
thanks for: the prayers
God: is good

I love you!
mad xoxoxoxoxo

Adventures abound!

After two months of reading the Book of Mormon and eating fondue and s'mores with the most adorable 17 year old recently gone less active girl, she came to church yesterday, and read 8 chapters of first Nephi on her own. It's the first time that I've seen her look really happy since I met her. Her countenance was glowing; there was a light and liveliness in her eyes. What a change. What wonderful evidence of what the Book of Mormon and the light of the gospel can do for an individual.

We taught an adorable 72-year-old man who is awfully forgetful. We accidentally lost our mobile phone (English for cell phone) so we called him up from a member's house to see if it was there. "I'll look for it," he told us, we called him back a few minutes later, "did you find it?" "Sorry, what was a looking for again?" Turns out we left it in another 70-year-old ward members bathroom. The fire alarm had been going off for 2 hours, and she couldn't hear our phone going off. Adventures abound!

Unfortunately, the recent converts seem to be dropping off like flies, and the strong are weary, but fear not! My companion and the PEC, as well as I are still active! Zion rejoices!

I had to take my driving practical test, but I failed on the parallel park, (oops, remember when we did it 15 times together?) It's a little tricky to do it when you're driving from the opposite side of the car than you are used to. I also didn't give the guy behind me enough warning when I pulled over - whatevers - pretty good for not taking any driving lessons. :) Next time, next time.

My new district leader is from Tremonton Utah, a fellow Utah stater, his name is Elder Bues, and he knows my dear friend and hero Suzanne "the ooze" Henry. What are the chances? Also, Elder Elgan of Providence, Utah, is still in my district, and the other district leader in our zone, Elder Christiansen, is from Richmond. Good stalk come from that northern Utah, eh? 75% of the mission had moves this transfer, but Sister Clark and I prevail! bwa hahaa.

LOts Of LOvE!
God spppeeeeed!

Sister Benedict Pope

We survived!

Helllo! The plague has passed from us! Hooray. We still have lingering coughs. It was rough to be cooped up for so long, but we got back to work on Thursday. We mainly used the car and drove and took breaks. It completely exhausted us! Pathetic. We are finally picking up more and more speed every day - still not 100 percent, but really close. About 40 missionaries were sick and afflicted, but I think everyone is ok now. Sister Clark still sounds slightly like a man, which is fantastic. Got some new boots today - hope they will last the weathering storms. Fortunately, all the snow melted! What a fantastic surprise, and it's now half as freezing as it was. I hope it lasts for a while longer; the weather is a lot milder right now.

Some fun quotes....

Gospel Principles Class
Brother Potts (teacher): Is there anyone we shouldn't share the gospel with?
Juliet (recent convert): Catholics

Mark (former investigator): Well I'm happy now because you gave me an owl.

Peter: you don't have to be mad (as in crazy) but it helps.

Maddison Barnes (5): I could do with a drink. Where is the heck apple juice?

Terry Drinkwater (new investigator): I have to go I have an AA meeting tonight.
Me: what's that?
Terry Drinkwater: Alcoholics Anonymous
Me: Oh! Sorry, it's just been a long time since I've gone.

Adam (8, about his baptism): It's just one dunk in the water and then you feel great.

Harrison (4, to his mum): Do you know what my last wish is?
Caroline: what?
Harrison: your freedom.
(Then he preceded to point to everyone at the table individually, "and your freedom, and your freedom!"

Sister Nadsady: what are you doing?
Sister Pope: writing in my journal. What are you doing?
Sister Nadsady: I'm doing realy really really tired.

Lots of love!
Cheers!
Madie