Transfer 10 Week 5

Can I just say how amazing it was to see you all on Christmas? Lots of laughter, and I even got to see Steph for a moment. I was so grateful, even though mom made me cry right as I got off. Amanda is getting sassier by the day, Eduardo is probably 6 feet tall by now, Aaron lurked behind as usual, and I see daddy is growing out the winter beard. Grandma is a little prune- Sister Jeffrey was so excited to see grandma! She has heard many stories about both Grandma and Oliver so it was fun for her to see both. I wish she would've sat in with me more. It was especially funny to compare when she got on with her family. They were spread out through a big fancy looking room, whereas you crazies were smashed into a three foot radius, all sitting on each other, made us sing, and laughed lots. They chattered and told little jokes under their breath and talked about how excited they are to have her come home. She has very little time left and we are trying to make the most of it.

Last week half of our week was spent traveling to and from Page, Arizona. It was a lot of driving, especially since we couldn't cut through Flagstaff, cause it's not in our mission! We had fun though and laughed lots on the drive. We hit a mouse. And I had a great time with Sister Panoussi and Sister Steele. They are both timid sisters and I am excited for them to learn to speak up together.


This year, somehow, the forgotten missionaries were not sent any pajamas! Sister Jeffrey and I were devastated. "TWENTY YEARS," She cried out, "TWENTY YEARS, AND THE PAJAMA TRADITION IS BROKEN!"
We saved tradition by stopping at Walmart and getting the most suitable pajamas we could find: French Bulldogs with Santa Hats. It was the perfect pajamas to describe our companionship.
We put them on Christmas Eve after planning, and who arrived at our door? SANTA! He came with
chocolates. And caught us in our PJ's. The best part is that santa is a counselor to our mission president. How embarrassing!
On Christmas, I was still feeling that phone-call-home high. My mind was a little caught up, and I couldn't shake the sad lump in my throat from being away on Christmas in the cold, knocking doors and no one was answering. We decided to go visit a woman from the ward who lives alone. Just as we arrived at her house, snow started falling from the sky. We laughed and ran inside and shared the Christmas story with this older woman. It was amazing for me to walk inside this humble trailer and realize that, had we not come, this trailer would've been the stage for a sad lonely Christmas. Yet she smiled and she laughed and shared stories. Her dog was curled up next to the small heater. The snow fell quietly outside her window, and we sat and talked about the faithfulness of the shepards, the determination of the wise men, and the humble circumstances of Christ's birth. It was such a blessing to get outside of my own head. Sometimes I am my worst enemy. I can get myself so caught up in my own dramatic feelings. But it is such a joy to get outside yourself. We enjoyed our time with her, and ran out into the snow. I tried to nail Sister Jeffrey with a few snowballs. We knocked a few more doors in the cold, and then went home for apple cider and a good Christmas sleep.
I am exhausted this week, I can't lie. Traveling wore me out. I've been fighting sickness since we got home from Page and I am stressed out of my mind over a dumb musical number for MLC. But I cannot lie, this is the happiest time of my life. I can't express the joy I feel in losing myself. In doing something for someone other than me. I love this great work. I love you all so much, hope you're doing well. I miss you every day.
Pinches on your toes,
Sister Valdez