Mukilteo, WA - March 10 & 17, 2014 (through weeks 53 & 54)

Elder Udall hit his "hump day" (one year mark) on February 27, 2014.  He's had some challenges recently with the passing of his grandfather (Tom's dad passed away on March 5), but has shared that his testimony of the gospel has grown, and he has been comforted and not concerned about "things at home".  He shared in one note that he knows that "Heavenly Father and Grandpa want him to get to work".  

Week ending March 10, 2014

OK...where to start...Last week I found out that a family in Sedro, their dad died so I needed to write to them. He died at 40 something (maybe close to 50) from swine flu. Monday I did a hour and a half work out with a lifter in our ward. His name is Brother Quist..I was SOOO sore the next few days! But it was a good work out.

 

Tuesday. Had our weekly Youth Sports Day where high school kids come and play (a sport sorta depends) for an hour and a half. IT is TONS of fun. I started the same thing a year ago back in Alderwood 1st. Anyway, we had dinner with the Fitchs that night. LOVE THEM! Lessons with a couple people after that.

 

Wednesday, Meetings in the morning and meetings at night. Not a whole lot that was going on Wednesday. By the way I got the call from Pres. Bonham while we were in Ward Correlation.  (The call he is referring to is the one in which he learned that Grandpa Udall passed away.)

 

Thursday is one of our busiest days for teaching. One lesson to the next to the next! Got a call from Sis. Sudholt and talked to her a lot on Wednesday and Thursday. (I talked a lot to Sister Sudholt in the office a lot those days too!  We had some prescription stuff to work out, and then the passing of G'pa Udall)  Had dinner with Seattle and Ryan. VERY good! Thursday was spent in our area but we did an exchange and Elder Wells came over here.

 

Friday....that was a little rough of a day. Not because I was sad (I was, but not the reason it was rough) but because we 3 packed. E. Wells my self and E. Witmaak. We all got our companions back at 630. Saw some people that night and had a VERY large pizza at Papa Murphys. HAHA!

 

Saturday was spent mostly weekly planning but we had a lesson as well. Friday night was dinner with the Jacobson's (Bishop and his family)!! I love that family and the dinner! We always laugh and joke around there! Went to a court of honor that night for the scout troop and then DRENCHED in the WONDERFUL (as people say it is) WA weather. Tried to see a few people but got so wet we had to come home and dry off.

 

Sunday...usual day of meetings. Nothing to wonderful except for CHURCH! There was a young woman that spoke. She is a VERY outgoing person (cheerleader like) and had a little sass to her! Anyway, in her talk with a loud proclaiming (cheerleader) voice she said, "DONT DELAY! REPENT TODAY!" It is definitely remembered now! Anyways, hoping to go bowling today!  I will try and remember to bring my camera! Love you ALL!

 

The gospel is true. "Nothing will stop the work of God from progressing, Persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame. But the truth of God will go forth boldly proudly and independent till it has penetrated every continent visited every climb and sounded in every ear till the purposes of God shall be accomplished and the Great Jehovah shall say, The work is Done." (paraphrased).

 

Love,

 

Elder Udall

       Grandma Udall requested that each of the 12 grandchildren share memories of Grandpa at the funeral.  I was able to contact President Bonham who allowed Chris to write his thoughts to be read at the funeral.  Tom read the following for Chris:

       A few weeks ago, Elder Chris Udall had the opportunity to speak with Grandpa.  The next day was his preparation day, which is when he writes home.  He wrote: I am not sad. I think that Heavenly Father and Grandpa want me busy with the work up here in Washington, rather than what is happening back home. I know I will see grandpa again. And that reunion will be great! I got my "mourning" out and now it is time to go to work.

       On March 7, he wrote this in response to being asked to write something for the service:

How do I sum up 18 years with Grandpa in 1 or 2 minutes?  Good luck to everyone else that has had more years with him. Memories of time with Grandpa Udall included many Sundays that we went over to their house for dinner in AZ.  I remember that EVERY TIME we left Grandpa and Grandma would stand at the door and wave and say goodbye as we would drive away and we would always honk. Grandpa Udall was an influence to me in more ways then I can think of. He was always kind and gentle-hearted. He was always willing to lend a hand and help wherever needed. I know that he is doing missionary work now. He is most DEFINITELY helping spirits in the Spirit World understand and learn the gospel. And he is in better hands because he is in the hands of our Redeemer Jesus Christ.  My family had a difficult fall and winter with my mom having surgeries, my dad having surgery and a difficult diagnosis, Grandpa has had trials and my dog of 16 years died. Through it all, I have had comfort and peace. I have ALWAYS known that there is nothing for me to worry about back home. The only focus I need to have is that of the souls God wants me to be helping out here. I know that the Plan of Salvation is a plan of happiness! Grandpa, I will miss you. I love you and am VERY grateful to have had you in my life for this time. I will see you again and when that day may come for all of us we will be grateful and excited just as the Sons of Mosiah and Alma were in Alma 17:1-3. I know one day we WILL"rejoice exceedingly"!   

Week ending March 17, 2014

We went and saw LOTS of people. Roberta is moving along well! We went to see many people. A couple people we visited were Brother Christian, Robinson Family, and Hesby family! We saw a TON of WONDERFUL people at church! Roberta even got up to sing with the Ward Relief Society for the intermediate hymn on sunday!!!

I asked him for positives for the week.  He included that Roberta sang with the Relief Society (women's organization) and that he went to a family history fireside on Sunday night.  He also mentioned that they taught 15 lessons this week!

This evening, I received some photos and a video from his evening with the Ward Mission Leader and family.  Elder Rencher (his comp) and Elder Udall got to go ice skating!  The smile on his face says it all!  :-)

STEAMED MILK to cap off the night!