Even though we were only in our city for two whole days, we had a great week. The visa trip was good, and we got to serve with Sister Isaac and Sister Stevenson in Irkutsk. In fact Sister WIlson had so much fun that she got sick! She threw up at around 3:00 on Tuesdsay morning and then was stuck inside all day. Strangely enough, Elder Bodily also threw up around 3:00 on Tuesday morning. Coincidence? I think NOT! Thankfully, I've stayed flu-bug free.
We had lots of people at sacrament yesterday, and it's probably because school starts tomorrow! September 1st, Day of Knowledge, is when everybody starts school. It's going to be nice to have everyone settle back down into a schedule instead of spending every other day at Baikal or on the dacha. (I think I explained what a dacha is in a past letter, and I don't feel like explaining it again.) Two of our investigators came to church: the woman who lived in China and is opening a hairdresser's, and Flip. By the way, FLIP HAS A BURNING DESIRE TO BE BAPTIZED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! She said that while we were gone, the elders talked with her after English practice, and everything is clearer and she wants to be baptized this month. She already sort of brought it up with her mom, and she's going to have a real talk about it today so she can get permission. She called us after church and asked us if we could meet to start planning her baptism. She's already picked out her hymns and started thinking about who she wants to invite. Miracle! We're so excited for her.
Unfortunately, the Name Tag Family were not there. We might start meeting with them more often because they're missed for several weeks now. They missed a great musical number. Elder Barr, one of the new elders, played the violin during sacrament meeting, and everybody loved it.
Unfortunately pt. 2: I think I left my little doo-dad that allows me to upload pictures at the internet cafe in Irkutsk... Sorry! I even took some good pictures this week. Hope everything goes well for you this week.
Сестра Спрингер
This month is such a special one
It's birthday time for you
We really want to celebrate this happy day with you!
Oh, zippidee-ay and hidey-ho
There's something we can do
We'll sing a song that we all know...
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday dear Karen
Happy birthday to...
You've had a birthday shout hooray (hey!)
We want to sing to you today
One year older and wiser too
Happy birthday *clap* to you!
I learned this at college, and it's called the trifecta. They flow into one another, so I hope it makes sense. I hope you had the best day ever! Thanks for being supportive, loving, and patient with me all these many years. You're the greatest mom ever, and I hope this email expresses a tiny portion of my gratitude. Happy Birthday Mom! I love you! <3
And ditto to Brady-boy and Sophie-dog. ;)
But really. Braden, you're the coolest 9-year-old-with-a-new-grappling-hook on the town. I hope you had a wonderful day. Thanks for being a great brother!!! Love ya! Try not to break all the girls' hearts.