My fancy Nancy and other great stuff

Wow, I think I should write less often. I actually get comments. :) 

My goal for this month (the lovely bar studying month when my social interactions dwindle to almost nothing) was to post at least once a week so that I could feel connected to other people.  But I just took a nap (longer than my normal 10-20 minute routine) so I can't think now.  And this is basically my chance to write. 

I know the most important thing I wanted to say, so I'll start with that.  This week Nancy came home.  My Nancy!!  My baby sister.  I cannot believe it's been a year and a half.  In my own life it doesn't seem possible, in part because it's been such a strange, strange time for me.  But talking to Laura, I got some perspective.  Lietta was less than two months old when NC left, so it's been bascially the whole life time of that talking, running-around, mischievous munchkin.  Now that seems like a much longer time. 

Anyway, time aside.  Nancy is home and I've gotten to talk to her some.  The first couple of times were okay.  But it reminded me of calling my little brothers for their birthdays way back in the day:  How are you?  Good?  What are you doing?  Few minutes of small talk.  I love you.     And then off the phone feeling glad you've made contact with someone you love, but on the whole a rather empty conversation.  Well, happily, my brothers have all grown up to be fabulous conversationalists.  And on Friday night Nancy finally started talking. 

And it was fabulous.  Truly.  Probably the highlight of my whole week.  She told me all kinds of wonderful stories.  And I loved every minute.  It is so good to remember the miracles--true, literal miracles--that happen every day.  Being part of the Lord's work is wonderful.  Wonderful for all of us who are, but especially wonderful as a full-time missionary.  I got off the phone so uplifted and happy, full of joy and a renewed remembrance of the reality that the Lord's kingdom is truly rolling forward.  You should all call and talk to her. :) 

And you know what, I also got off the phone with something else.  No aching desire to go serve again right now.  I have often, often felt that.  Mostly because it's one of the only periods of my life where I feel like I really made a difference.  Where my being alive and being there made the world better for others.  To the present, taking to families I taught is when I most feel like--"my life has purpose, at least it did."  But, talking to her, I just felt happy that I had the opportunity, that she had the opportunity.  And peace about where I am. Which was also a wonderful part of that visit.  Yep, it was good.

And I refuse to think about the fact that I have no idea when I will see either Nancy or Asael.  They are mine eternally, so I can wait. 


So, other than that.

Spent a 4th of July in Boston.  Okay.  Will be better next time.  Did enjoy the Boston Pops concert. 

Another highlight from last month that I forgot to put on:  in the boxes of things M&F brought was my box of "skinny clothes"--the few (very few) things that I like so much they're worth dragging around for "just in case."  Well, broke them out and guess what, they fit!  All but one pair of jeans that I may never wear again--I'm just not 20 anymore. Not only is it exciting in general, but it also means I have several articles of clothing that I really, really like (remember, they were worth dragging around just in case).  And that folks, is so my life--fitting into clothes and phone calls are just way better than the 4th of July in Boston.  :)  The 4th just needed some love to make it better.  Come visit me next year, will you?

My garden is a super highlight, but I want to take pictures and write a post just about that. 

I think just one last story.  After all, a bar study month wouldn't be complete without a bar study story.  I think I mentioned in my last post that I was struggling to be motivated to study.  It was really bad.  In my family email (I've about given up on family letters in favor of emails--sad!), I mentioned this and asked for their prayers to help me.  On Friday of last week I finally got into the study groove.  And every day since then it's been better and better.  I'm excited about what I'm learning, I'm remembering things, and I'm making connections/"seeing" things in a way that I can't explain in words but I absolutely recognize from experience as the Spirit helping me learn. And I was thinking how nice all this was, when I started talking to family members on Monday, Tuesday, throughout this week.  And various ones asked if I'd felt more motivated and all told me they'd fasted and were praying for me.  Somehow, for a couple of days at least, I had missed the connection.  It's amazing how powerful prayer can be.  Not in some mystical, ideological way but in a real, literal way.  It changed my reality.  Because prayer does that.

And finally, without a story, I just want to say that I love my Savior.  Love him.  And I'm so grateful for him.  I have read Elder Scott's conference talk more times than I can possibly count in the past monthish.  So full of rich truths that I just cry for inexpressible feelings.  I'm so grateful for the Atonement.