Wow, 10 day until Christmas already! And tomorrow marks my 6 month mark :O Unlike the summer-like weather you're currently experiencing, I on the other hand, feel like I live in a snow globe. Once you think the snow is about to settle and everything's all nice and pretty, the darn kiddos gotta shake the thing up again, hehehe (I wanted to save that phrase for a while, but it was totally appropriate this week ;). We had some big snow storms last week, but it hasn't snowed for the last few days. I think the temperature is supposed to dip down to about -20C (4ish in fahrenheit, methinks) on the weekend.
And yes, I did receive the packages last week! Did you send one to the mission home so you wouldn't get in trouble? Ha ha. I think they just do that to make sure that all of the missionaries at least get something for Christmas. The lights were way cute, but we haven't put the window clings up. It's cute that you wrapped all the gifts too, and no, I haven't opened them yet, although Sis. Aitken's been tempting me. I finally got my package off to home on Friday and I airmailed it so it may show up just before or just after Christmas. It's not much, 'cause I figured I could bring home some better things next time around ;)
Sounds like you had fun for Ryan's birthday! I've been thinking about him lately. What a great brother :D Love you lots!! The baptism on Saturday was beautiful and one of the Elders' investigators attended, The Dances (on their way through to Tallinn for conference) and surprisingly a lady from one of the English classes showed up. We sisters have actually eyeing to teach her a lesson, so we talk to her
about it tomorrow. Aili is so good and she was grateful for everyone who attended and who've welcomed her into their branch family. The RS President, Nelly, had me translate to President Dance that she she's praying and begging that the sisters won't be transfered on the 31st(kind of an odd day...). He tried to comfort her and tell her it's God's will, but she's so afraid, lol. She's afraid of everything,
hehehe, but it's good to feel so loved~ The branch is having a Christmas party on Friday and we're hoping the members will bring friends along. We have some ideas for spreading some Christmas cheer and to "go about doing good".
Zone Conference in Tallinn was super. We had to get on bus at 7am, so that left us rather tired for a full day of training, but it went well. We have some new focuses in the mission that I'm excited about. President Dance has asked that we start teaching active members and helping them to fulfil their missionary duties and rather than having English class every Tuesday and Thursday night, we're switching to
Saturday afternoons for 2 hourse so as to free up some prime proselyting time. I was a little worried at first when he started to talk about it, but I could see some good reasonings for it. That'll start after the new year. President also said how the mission will start a Book of Mormon reading challenge on Jan. 1st for 3 months and he asked in every prayer to pray for those "who know not God" (Alma 6:6), that the hearts of the people here will be softened. It was also good to not be the only sisters at conference too, because now there are 2 Russian sisters in Tallinn. There haven't been any for quite a while. Sister Hoggard came in the same time as me, and Sis. Gotchek (sp? dunno, her nametag was in Russian x) is from France and
got an extension so she can stay until February. We stayed at their apartment, but it was coooooold. It's a new missionary apartment, so it's not fully outfitted with enough blankets and things for extra guests, but I managed to be somewhat ok by sleeping with my coat on. The traveling and fatigue did a number on Sis. Aitken so she went with the missionary couple Tuesday morning to get tests done at the
hospital to see if they could find out what's going on. I don't know if they really found anything, but she didn't really want to talk a lot about it, so I didn't pry. Not cool since she had to miss the actual fun things we did on Tuesday. For example, we acted out a Nativity, which was absolutely hilarious, and so was the gift exchange. One of the assistants wrapped up an Elder's bible as a gift and what were the odds, I ended up with it AND I WAS SITTING RIGHT NEXT TO HIM, HAHAHAHAHAHA. That was a riot! Elder Jenkins said "I was lookin' all over for that!" After Tuesday's festivities, we taxied on back to the bus station and had the Elders watch our things so we could walk to the immigration office or whatever and pick up my visa ID card. Yay, now I'm official~
Yes, I'm staying pretty warm. I think my boots let in a little bit of moisture so I'll have to try and spray them with some waterproofing stuff to see if that helps any. Sometimes if we're walking a lot, my feet will warm up and it's no problem. I have some big wool mittens that were left by other missionaries and they seem pretty warm if I have some little cheapy gloves underneath. I'm excited to see what you
sent me for Christmas. I like clothes :) Thanks so much for all the love and prayers. You're the greatest!
Love,
Courtney
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