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December 10, 2017 from Mom

Hello my beautiful son!!!

How was your week?  We have been praying for Alexandre and Daniel and his family.  How did that go with them this week?  Tell me all about it!

We don't have a lot to report.  Unfortunately we walked away from the contract on our flip house.  I met with a foundation company and there were just too many unknowns.  So I'm now searching for another opportunity.  I hope we will find something soon.

Dad and I are still really sick!  We kinda got better during the week but this weekend hit us hard and we are out of it!  Just really bad colds but my body is so achey.  

Another sad thing... we found out today (Sunday) that Dani's mom passed away this morning.  She has been battling cancer for a few years now so I guess it was expected, but it feels really sudden too.  I feel so bad for her and her family.  I'm going to try to get out to the funeral in Utah next Saturday.  I'm trying to work out the details on that now.  Really heartbreaking.  Maybe you could send her a little note. Her email is danibates@gmail.com.

What do you know about Skyping?  Any news?  

What did you decide about your shoes?  Do you think you can buy some there or should I mail some to you?

How are your back and feet doing?  Are you stretching a lot?

What new food did you try this week?  Did your oven/stove ever get set up?

I've started reading Jesus the Christ.  I just finished chapter 2. It is incredibly dense but so filled with interesting info.  Here is one thing that stood out to me in the beginning of Chapter 1. Its talking about the war in heaven and who took which side.  He says, "The majority either fought with Michael (Adam) or at least refrained from active opposition, thus accomplishing the purpose of their "first estate."  I never thought about that.  That some people were more valiant in defending God's plan while others "just wanted a body" and sat on the sidelines to see what would happen.  I guess that helps me to understand why some people act so disinterested in defending good today.  They are the same spirits possibly that stood on the sidelines in heaven but were given the incredible blessing of coming to earth.  Your patriarchal blessing says "You will have the opportunity to envision yourself before you came to this earth; where you were a valiant spirit there, where you fought with your Savior, Jesus Christ, and with all those others who were valiant. But know that you were one of the very noble and bright ones that were there, and you carried forth with exactness, those things that you were asked to do."  That sounds so much like you!  I feel such a strong conviction of the spirit as I write this to you.  I know you were an extremely valiant son of God in our pre mortal life.  And because of your obedience and faithfulness, you have been blessed.  What a tremendous knowledge to know how much they love you!  This is from my patriarchal blessing from 1979:) … "You are special and choice to Him...You were a noble spirit in the pre-existence.  You were valiant and you desired to come to the earth and be faithful and you wanted to do your part so your spirit was withheld to come in this day and time, which is the most wonderful time to live upon the earth and many had sought to do so, but it was your privilege to come now."  We come from a long line of valiant people.  And because we have been given so much, much is expected.  You are living up to that, my son!  This mission will be hard and gut wrenching but so wonderful and amazing at the same time.  I have seen so much growth from you!  Keep yourself in check!  Keep looking for ways to fine tune your obedience so you don't get slack with the rules.  See what miracles will come from your obedience.  Stay focused on those who need you there right now.  You are selflessly giving yourself to them during this time.  Don't hold anything back.  When you come home don't have any regrets.  Leave it all on the field.  Whenever you feel discouraged, try to imagine what you will feel like when you come home and feel such a sense of accomplishment that your served valiantly for 2 years and what joy you will have!  "His Lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou has been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord."  Matt 25: 21

I love you so much Gray!  I miss you like crazy... we all do.  But we are also so incredibly proud of you!  I can't wait to talk to you!  

xoxoxox
infinity + infinity

mom

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