Elder Udall Goes To Washington: Mid-week Post: A Message PLUS photos & videos! (November 22, 2013)

On November 14, Chris mailed an SD card home via priority USPS mail. It was scheduled to arrive on Sat the 16th or Mon the 18th. When it didn't arrive on Monday, I asked Chris to share the tracking number with a mom from his ward (local congregation) because she can communicate with me mid-week and I could try and track it. Monday night, I noticed that the package appeared to be stuck in Kent, WA. On Tuesday, when it still didn't arrive, I went down to our local post office and asked for their help. The clerk got the manager, who then got a higher manager(?) and they took my name, address and phone and promised to help. On November 21, I received a call from the head guy who shared that they located it and it arrived in Gilbert that morning! Anyone who knows me knows that I live for the photos, videos and other communication with Chris. This was a huge gift from the employees at the post office, and I'm SO grateful for their service. (Brought them donuts and a note of thanks!)

Here is the letter I received in the package with the SD Card, followed by the photos and videos from the card! Enjoy!!

Mom,
Thanks for the update! I hope things continue to go smooth. Or smoother!

Ya know, lately I have notice how easy life is. Now most people would either disagree with this statement OR would say it's only easy now because I am on a mission. The thing is, everyone's life could (and can) be VERY simple. The reason people say life is hard is because the imperfection in us falls to the sly and small temptations of Satan. People may have hard trials and situations to pass through but that is because we live in an imperfect world. The way we overcome and go through that hard trial is the part we will be judged on and what really matters. How we go through it is the simple part. Three words quoting our Savior: "Keep my commandments". Heavenly Father has given us commandments. The first to Adam and Eve. Then he gave commandments to the prophets Abraham, Moses, Noah and other Old Testament prophets and with his word (scriptures). The simplicity in life and with Heavenly Father's commandments can give us peace, happiness, love, faith, blessings, blessings and more blessings! And, all we have to do is ONE thing...keep the commandments! God speaks to us (his children/the world) today. He doesn't just talk to us. He leads and guides us through a prophet today just as he did way back when. You can find this out for yourself. You just have to take a little time and list to what a prophet says. They pray to God in the the name of Jesus Christ and he WILL give you an answer.

Please add the link to President Monson's past two talks. :-) Love you! Keep the positive!!

So here are the links:
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/i-will-not-fail-thee-nor-forsake-thee?lang=eng

http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/04/obedience-brings-blessings?lang=eng

I bought Chris and his companion masks for a service project!

Just before teaching a lesson to a family. Why the batman mask? I have no idea!

Cooking bacon and eggs with a family just before General Conference

Chris's new area as of October 8, 2013
He will be through the end of December

A tiny town within Chris's area

Map of the whole area
There are two sets of missionaries in the ward (local congregation)
One set covers the little town of Sedro Woolley
Chris and his companion cover everything north, south and east

Chris's feet. Yes, I'm sure.
A family that they have become close to have a 12 year old daughter
who thought it would be fun to paint the missionaries' toes.
Good thing they are good sports!