Week 40

Hello!

My week, as always, was great!  I don't know why I keep forgetting to add this (I've been wanting to talk about it for the past month or so), but our mission is getting split!  There are two new missions forming in July; the Washington Federal Way Mission and the Washington Vancouver Mission.  The Washington Everett Mission is going to lose 4 stakes to the Washington Seattle mission, and the Washington Seattle mission is going to lose a few of their stakes to the Federal Way mission.  A bit confusing, BUT there is a chance that I am going to be MISSION TRANSFERRED!  All missionaries who are in any of the areas of the four stakes are going to be mission transferred to the Seattle mission - CRAZY!  I've been hearing some rumors from other missionaries saying that I am going to be one of the Spanish missionaries that is going to get transferred - I don't know what to think of it!  I'm scared, excited, nervous, EVERYTHING!  I'll be sure to keep you updated on what is to happen.

Thank you for the packages!  I'm going to use the "Don't Break the Ice" game as an object lesson tonight at an investigator's home.  I'm super excited and can't wait to see how well it will work.  Well... I hope it works.  I got the CD's as well, and I LOVE the instrumental hymn one!  The Christian 2013 one has some pretty neat songs, but there are a few that are too "rocky" for a missionary, I believe.  Normally I don't listen to it because I don't like skipping songs and what not, too much effort  -__- !  Thanks for the Easter package!  I recorded myself opening it up, and I LOVED the card - so cheesy but funny.  Elder DeTavis likes the cookies a lot and has probably eaten more then I have...  There are quite a bit left - I eat one every two days or so, but I hope they don't get moldy soon.

I'm VERY happy that Dad liked the small note I gave him.  It makes me all happy inside, hehe.  That's crazy how busy you are going to be this upcoming week.  I hope the stress doesn't eat too much at you. Haha - just kidding, but that is awesome that Nanny's siblings are flying in to have a good time together.  I can imagine them now being super touristy in Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon!

That's so funny that Sisters Doll and Sanders send out a daily scripture text to you.  I do that as well!  Of course, mine is in Spanish, but it is almost in that same exact format.  I give them a scripture to read, and a question or two to ponder.  It works great, and all of my investigators seem to really enjoy it.  It helps them remember to read the scriptures and also to think about what they have read - eventually leading them to pray and receive answers!  AWESOME!!

Elder DeTavis and Elder Annand     March 25,2013

My new companion is Elder DeTavis.  He is from Corona, California and has been in the mission for under two months.  He loves to do anything aquatic and was a lifeguard saving up money for his mission.  He is super dedicated and really dives into the work - which I love.  I rarely have to tell him to do or help with anything because he already has "being a missionary" as his mindset.  I love the work so much more when both missionaries are focusing as much as they can on the work.  His Spanish is absolutely incredible for the time he has been out and learning!  I am so impressed with how the gift of tongues works with missionaries.  I can't really remember how my Spanish was when I first came out to Washington, but I know that it wasn't nearly as good as his.

Gifts from God are real and amazing!

No worries about the camera - glad to see if there will be any Easter sales.  I'm excited to get it though! 

I think I'll be moving the next time transfers comes around.  I've been here in Lynnwood since November, so for about 4 months.  It is possible that I could stay one more transfer in Lynnwood, but personally, I doubt it.  As much as I would love to stay, I have a feeling the Lord is wanting me somewhere else.  We will see near the end of next month if I am going to be staying or leaving.  Either/or, but I am excited for a new adventure in a new area.

To keep some "memories" of the mission there is a pocket in the back of my journal that I have been stuffing.  I put pictures, sentimental things, etc. in there.  Sorry that I didn't send you a Christmas Card - I have them in my journal, hehe.  I don't think I would use the "smash" book too much because I have a hard enough time writing in my journal...  Honestly, it has been quite some time, and I need to start back up because I am missing many memories!!!  I'll probably start writing in my journal soon...  I've been wanting too, but by the time I get home and finish planning, I am super tired.  I'll just have to develop that habit again of writing in the journal before bed.

That's a bummer that you have to work conference weekend, but recording it and watching it later is a good idea.  I'm super excited for General Conference and have been preparing by reading different talks given in this past conference in October.  I cannot wait to hear the words of the living prophets!  General Conference has become such an amazing opportunity for me to learn and continue to progress in the gospel.  I love it!!

SCOTTY WROTE ME!  GIVE HIM A HUGE HUG FROM ME!    I was super happy when I logged onto my e-mail and saw a letter from Scott!  At first, I was like, who is... MY BRUDDER! WOOHOO!  Tell him thank you!



I hope you all have a good week and remember the importance of this upcoming Sunday!  We have an incredible privilege to remember the Savior and His resurrection!  I was reading in the Bible Dictionary this morning under "miracles" and read something pretty fascinating.  It says that "Christianity is founded on the greatest of all miracles, the Resurrection of our Lord".  How true that is!  I love being a part of His work and helping His children, my brothers and sisters, come unto Him.  What a blessing and opportunity it is to serve!

Love,

Elder Alexander J Annand