It's always so great to hear from you. It always seems like so much longer than a week since hearing from you! Emma, I hear you had the house to yourself this week? :) How was that? I miss you lots and lots and I can already see how much taller and older you're getting! I wonder how tall you'll be when I get back. You look so pretty in the pictures dad sent! How's your sunflower doing? When do you start school? I love you sooooo much! So did you get to go swimming this week? Maybe you got to go swimming in the water in our house :/ that's really too bad about the mini flood! But we are so blessed and it could have been a lot worse I'm sure.

Rachel, I've been thinking about you lots this week as I knew you were at EFY, I remember feeling the Spirit a lot at efy and I wondered how I could feel it more often. Don't forget to apply the things you learned and continue to study the Book of Mormon daily - it brings such strength and joy :)

I just read what you wrote to me Rachel and I burst out laughing in the Library with like 25 people around. You're hilarous and I love you!

I have some homework for you two girls! I want you to read a talk by President Uchtdorf, called "Your Wonderful Journey Home". Rachel, remember when we went to the General Young Women's Broadcast after I went through the temple? I wish we would have listened more and not been so silly because the talk that President Uchtdorf gave is AMAZING! I love every part of it because he talks about the Plan of Salvation and it is so beautiful. So my homework for you two this week (Rachel and Emma, and anyone else who wants to join) is to read this talk and think of someone's life you can bless. Then, write me back and tell me what you liked and what experiences you had.  Here's the link: http://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/general-young-women-meeting/2013/03/your-wonderful-journey-home?lang=eng

 

This week was full of miracles!! Whoever prayed for us on Tuesday, your prayers were answered!! Thank you sooo much. I Also on Friday, and last night! I truly believe that a much of the success and progression of this work is from the prayers, faith, and courageous actions of the members. This is truly the Lord's work - we are finding people whose hearts have been prepared to hear and accept the gospel.all the time. It's amazing!

 

Mom, (and everyone else) thank you for praying for Miguel. We hadn't been able to contact him in awhile and it seemed as if he was avoiding us, but this Friday, Hermana Lawrence felt like we should stop by his house. After 3 times trying the door and waiting, he finally answered and we were able to talk to him and teach him. He is so lonely and sad and so burdened down by sin. We were able to teach him about Jesus Christ and the hope that He brings to each of us. I know that no matter how much we've sinned or how far we've gone, our Savior can bring us back. He can lift us and strengthen us. He loves us so much and wants us to come back. Please continue to pray for him because he needs this hope in his life so much! There are so many people that we meet who have addictions or have lots of problems in their families and need the enabling, strengthening power of the atonement. We all need it.

 

And, your prayers were answered for Victor as well!! This Sunday, he was confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints, and recieved the gift of the Holy Ghost. We were SO happy for him. He was super happy too. Afterwards everyone raised their hands to sustain him and he waved to everyone haha :) In the evening we went over to read the Book of Mormon with him and gave him a picture from his baptism. He loved it, loved the Book of Mormon, and was so happy. His aunt, Rosalinda, came home and she listened to our lesson. She got super excited because we were talking about Lehi and Nephi and then she piped in and started talking about what she has been reading - we were so happy because she hadn't been reading much before! We had a great discussion about applying scriptures to our lives, and when we were about to close in prayer, Rosalinda's son and family of a wife and 6 kids walked in, and we asked them if we could all kneel in prayer. Victor said the prayer and the spirit was there. We're hoping that we can teach their family one of these days as well :)

 

We also found another amazing family who has been so prepared by the Lord. Two parents and a seven year old daughter who is so sweet. Their hearts are sooo prepared. The Lord truly is hastening His work - I keep saying it, but it's amazing! I feel so blessed to be a part of this historic time. If you are feeling nervous about sharing the gospel, I invite you to have faith in miracles and act, because there are miracles every day, especially in missionary work. Have faith in your friends and love them enough to share this joy with them :) I know that your small part can benefit someone, and the Lord will bless you and them much more than the effort you put in. I love what D&C 123:11-17 says :) http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/123?lang=eng

 

So, mom, don't worry about praying exactly for everyone every day, but you can add Jose, Salvador, and Irene :) Thank you so much for your prayers!

 

Tell Uncle Rob good luck!! I think about my extended family often - I'm pretty sure I have the best family in the world.

Mom, don't worry too much about what you write to me - I love any letters, so you can send both of the ones your wrote! I love hearing from you! I'm amazed by your strength and dedication to missionary work. I'm praying for you too and love you lots. How's your health doing?

 

Tyler and Madeline, how was your honeymoon? Did you get to go to the San Diego Temple? I hear you're having fun decorating your new place. You should send me a photo of you two in your new apartment as little newlyweds :) Hope everything's going well. I love you both!

 

Dad, it was great to hear from you too. I often feel for you in your responsibility as a bishop. You're amazing - keep relying on the Lord, and as for the missionaries, have high expectations for them! The Lord has called them to Calgary to find the people who are prepared, and so if they work hard, they'll find the people who are prepared! If they have low expectations, there won't be as many miracles. The temple is an amazing reminder of how much faith the Lord has for the people in Calgary as well.

 

Also, do you have a friend or something that owns Redwing Shoes? There's one near our house and Hermana Lawrence needs some shoe help before she goes to Argentina and has to walk everywhere...is there any way we could get her a discount? Let me know :) Work your magic!

 

Well family, I love you sooo much! Thank you thank you for your prayers and love. I miss you lots but I'm so glad and grateful to be here.

 

Love,

 

Hermana Vance

 

Ps. The Mysyk's sent me a package from Hawaii!! I didn't know they were there but I hope you're having a wonderful time there! Thank you so much for the awesome package!! You're the best :)