week 6

Hola familia!

It's been a great week. The highlight was making music with Elder Howell and Sis. Cottam (the trio!!!) We got together and worked on my favorite arrangement of O My Father--by Sally DeFord. We tried out for a musical number for one of the larger meetings, but with Sis. Cottam leaving today, they couldn't fit us in. But we did get to sing in my sacrament meeting. It was so wonderful. After we finished I was overcome for a moment with emotion: from the music, from the Spirit, and for the opportuntity to make music with my sister before she left for South Carolina

Well, we have been very blessed once again this week...we had another apostle come speak to us on Tuesday! It was Elder Russell M. Nelson. I loved it. His wife first spoke (and may I say that she reminded me a little of Mom in her simple, loving manner. Love you Mom :)) Then Elder Nelson spoke about the Book of Mormon. He had four missionaries come up and had each one tell him something they knew about the B of M. They did about 3 rounds of this. It was really cute because at the end of this he told us that one of the sisters was his grand daughter and gave her a big hug. I actually recognize her from BYU where she played flute. He also gave us some of the history about the printing and development of the book in accessability over the years and then discussed the October Ensign with us. About a week prior we all got a copy. It was an excited day for all of us in my district. It was like Christmas had come 3 and a half months early. I couldn't put it down for 30 minutes. Anyway, he went over some of the highlights with us. The best part about that devotional, though, was the overwhelming feeling I had. I realized that we have been sitting at the feet of prophets the last month. Oh, it's magnificent! I feel so blessed right now.

Well, days are still long here but the weeks short. Days are starting to blend a little, but that's okay. I'm learning much here and I love it. Oh, we recieved a new district in my branch this last wednesday. It was the first time I got to help train a district. The best part is that there are 4 hermanas in the district! We were so happy to hear that they would be coming since the other four hermanas left for the field last Monday. It's been great to get to know them. One is serving here in Provo, another in Arcadia, CA and the other two I can't remember at the moment. One of the elders is from Idaho Falls :).

Hey Mom, my companion and I were talking and I mentioned again how you are learning hebrew and an arabic language (which one?) and she said to tell you she likes you :). (If you didn't remember, she's studying those languages in school, so ya, she's a fan.)

A couple of items of business:

I don't think I ever had my recital dress dry-cleaned. Mom, could you make sure that happens. I don't think it would be good to have it sit there still stinky from my recital for another 17 months. It's the bronze one in my closet.

Also, I plan on sending my temple clothes home. I just don't think I'll have room with my extra books and the winter clothes I will buy once I get to Toronto (only 3 weeks left!!!).

There are two things I could use, though, if you wouldn't mind sending them. More of those Zinc tablets. I think I feel another cold coming on and they work better than the Halls defense drops. Also, I've been going through ink in my pens pretty quick so if you could send me some refill that'd be great. They're a Zebra F-301 pen fine point. I know they sell refills at Walmart--the F-Refill I think. Black ink, smooth writing, fine point.

Well, I love you all so much. Please keep in touch. I love letters! Though there's no saying how often I will be able to write back.

Yours,

Hermana Cottam <3