A LETTER HOME!!

Snippets from a letter we received on Friday, June 15, 2018

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Everything is going great!  My legs are all healed up (dermatitis), except the shin splints are still bothering me.  They have not been bad, thankfully, just a little painful.  My voice is slowly coming back.  I was discussing with some of the other sister missionaries as to why my voice was still gone after praying so hard.  Sister Bills made a comment how sometimes God just gives us small trials to strengthen us and have trials of faith.  Another sister missionary shared her thoughts as to the reason being for someone else.  One of the elders here has studied in England with choirs and all this vocal stuff.  He has really been helping me.  She made the comment that maybe it was so he could feel like he was contributing more here in Nauvoo.  His feet are a little trial he's been dealing with...multiple surgeries after wearing the wrong shoes on his two-year mission have made it hard for him to dance.  We ALL have been feeling a little down on ourselves lately.  All wondering if we really deserve to be here in Nauvoo.  I can only imagine the doubts and frustration he must be feeling.  So, if maybe having a raspy voice for a little while to lift his spirits is what Heavenly Father needs, I can deal with that.  I know everything is God's will and everything happens for a reason.

I have had other challenges, too, and my companion has given me some fantastic advice, as well as comfort.  I have been "writing it down" which has helped...and praying...A LOT, which has also helped, but the challenges are still there. Luckily, these things are not distracting me from serving with a full heart and purpose by any means, but it can still be hard.

It has been AMAZING here in Nauvoo.  I love it here so much.  My skin is so clear and soft...still getting used the bugs...EW!  A Junebug attacked me during Trail of Hope and it was terrifying.

I do love the unity here.  We keep getting told our 2018 group is unlike any group they have ever had.  Not only do we blend very well together, but we are all so humble, serving the Lord, and here in Nauvoo for the right reasons.  Not one of us is here to be a "performer".  Each of us is a missionary first.  One of the temple missionaries has been here in Nauvoo for a while.  She approached Sister Bullock and said, "I've seen many YPM groups come and go, but there is something so special about this one."  We are so grateful to all be serving here together (especially the ones who have auditioned 2-3 times).  I have such a deep love for them all and for everyone who comes to Nauvoo.  The people and families are all so kind, loving, and darling.  We had a family drive 2 weeks from Alaska to come to Nauvoo. (They, of course, made some stops in between.)

2018 Nauvoo YPMs and Leaders

My testimony of Joseph Smith has been strengthened so much.  It has been an honor to portray these Saints on stage.  They had so much courage and faith.  It amazes and strengthens me daily.

I am so beyond excited for you all to come to Nauvoo!

Our Sunday concert this last Sunday was so amazing.  I definitely bawled my eyes out.  Nauvoo has turned me into a baby.  Ha, ha, ha.

I am, also, a scary dance partner, I have realized.  At the beginning of our time in Nauvoo (when we were learning choreography), I smashed Elder Goodwin's face with the back of my head, stepped on many Elders' toes, and today I elbowed Elder Dickson in the nose.  I guess Karma is real, though, because, during my time here I have also been smacked in the face, twice, by Elders, had my toes crushed by Elders, and had the chained curtain flung into my stomach.  Whoever said performing isn't as injury involved as sports is a LIAR!

Love you so much!!

_______________________________________

Snippets from an email she sent a friend last week:  June 12, 2018

It's been quite entertaining since I have been here.  So far, I have had a trashed voice, shin splints, dermatitis and heatstroke during the outdoor "Sunset" show.  So, I had to go home for the night.  But, after all that, I am still alive and dancing, so all is well!  Our schedule is pretty intense.  We do up to 7 shows a day depending on our rotations.  And, when we are not performing, we are out singing in the town or at Carthage.  The pageants start in 2 weeks and rehearsals for that will be at 7 AM.  It is crazy when we are up at 5 AM and not getting to bed until 11:30 or midnight. But we have been blessed with buckets of energy!!