Megan Joy looks like a Mitchell! :)

Sis. Meddow and I have had a beautiful preparation day—much more relaxing than our normal prep. days and it has been glorious. We've been able to renew our bond and increase in our love for each other, via extended schnarning. She is incredible. You would not believe all of the Christlike service which she has rendered to me. I in no way deserve her as a companion but I will be forever grateful for this beautiful gift from God.

We made homemade soup and shared it in a giant bread bowl in memory of Dad. We got to read that essay "Life" that Kristen Allred wrote and it was another meaningful experience to get to reflect on the richness in each of our own lives. I have been blessed beyond measure in terms of knowing/living with/being related to/developing friendships with outstanding individuals. Thank you. Thank you to every one of you who reads this. Thank you for enriching my life and filling it with beauty. My life is beautiful because of you. Thank you. Thank you.

We had a motivating zone conference this week which has pushed me to be and do better. It was filled with role plays and thus much more refreshing than past zone conferences (rather than overwhelming) since we left with practical steps we could take in order to improve. The theme was D&C 33:17 and he talked about becoming lamp lighters. He even brought a gas powered lamp and talked about how we must trim our lamps so that they burn at the most efficient rate (if the wick is too high the flame flickers but if it is trimmed it glows at a steady rate). He talked about helping individuals to glow and then they will be able to share that with everyone around them. He even specifically talked about how Nancy and Billy are doing that.

Pres. King also talked about his goal of receiving the "Truth Restored" campaign, the Church's new media campaign, and showed us some of the television ads, pass along cards, and even gave us permission to spend an hour this week exploring "mormon.org." I am so anxious for our mission to get this classy campaign. Due to limited funding and the costs of the campaign, the church is only giving it to places where both the stakes and the missionaries are ready for it, so we must first become 100% compliant with Preach My Gospel. We are really trying our best.

Brandy Shelton is progressing, but she did not come to church this week. She is still somewhat hesitant in her actions but…we know she will come along. John and Andei had to move in with John's dad because their power was cut off (and they just had their baby) so we're not sure exactly what to do/what will happen because they no longer live in Pickens County. They did come to church, however, and the membs. of the branch have showed incredible love and support to them. JACKIE is going to be baptized on Saturday and she and Nancy were at church even though Jackie has a black eye (she tripped and her face landed on her hand).

Nancy took us to meet one of her friend's, Mary, and boy is prepared for the gospel! She was so eager to know about the book that we were carrying and then thrilled to get her own. As we shared the First Vision she was saying it along with us and said that she has read about it before and that she knows that Joseph Smith really saw God and Jesus Christ. Wow.

We are doing really, really well.

Love,
Sister Mitchell