Семья,

Семья,
I got the package today. I was so excited. It was like Christmas, especially finding the smarties, but first I’ll start with the letters.
Elizabeth, thanks for writing me twice this week. That means a lot to me. So, to answer your letter, that’s really great that you’ve been reading every day. The scriptures are important and so good to have. (Left - the sisters from our floor, Spanish speaking) That’s great that Sis. Free said you can come back to seminary. I guess she really liked having you in class. Thanks for 3-hole punching my copy. I don’t need them in sheet protectors. That will be really great to have when I get back, though I’m glad I don’t have it now because I probably won’t have space.
Mom, I also asked about my mission plaque. Do I get one and if so what is the scripture on it. That’s the only thing I can remember. Oh, do you know who delivered Becky and Clarence? I think I mentioned that one of the Elders in my district has a grandfather who worked there as an OB-GYN, but I don’t know when he retired. Oh, I just asked. He said it was after he was born, so that means he was working there when Becky and Clarence were born. I think his last name was Theurer, but I could be wrong, so could you let me know about that if you can? Maybe I’ll ask when I call. Anyway, sorry about the postage due, I didn’t realize how heavy it was. I have a few more pictures you can have if you want, but I’m just going to give them to Becky and you can see them when you come and decide if you want them. That will be the last because it will be hard to send them home from Russia.
Thank you for sharing that conversion story with me. It was really great to hear and came at a time when I felt a little down. It really helped me to feel better. I really hope Anna writes me, but soon I will no be here to receive her letter. (Above - All the Russian speaking sisters in the MTC. After we left, only two of these sisters remained). That’s too bad about the accident. It is good that her insurance will cover the damage. That’s great about Brother Bundy, though it is too bad he will not be able to be the Sunday school teacher. He always did such a good job, but I’m sure he will be great in the bishopric. Thanks for the calling card. It should work great. I will try calling from CA if I can because I will be able to use more time, but if I call from Germany, I won’t be able to talk as long. It should be all great, though. I wrote down the times so I can know when to call. That should be great. I’m excited to be able to talk to you on the phone. Thanks so much for all the stuff you sent. You should have seen me, I was so excited especially for everything in the box. It was better than Christmas. I especially, especially liked getting the smarties. Thanks, you are the greatest.
Dad, thanks for your letter. It sounds like you’ve been busy, but that must be exciting to be getting your library put up. It will be nice to come home and see it all done. (Left - Брат Снег in his traditional Russian dress). I think things are really going to be different when I get back, and not just with the house, but with everyone. I’m kind of hoping that my being on a mission will affect everyone for the better. That would be a great thing. I’m really getting anxious to get out in the field and start really teaching people. I still have a long way to go in being able to speak the language, but I think all I can really do is do it, speak the language and I’ll be better able to do that when I am in Russia. Plus, it will be nice to be able to feed myself, w/ what I want to eat and it will be nice to get to know some new people, even though I love the ones I have come to know. 11 full weeks is a LONG time to be in the MTC and not be able to leave. I haven’t left for any reason. But soon I will enter a new world.
Well, I guess I should go now. I don’t know what else to say. I still haven’t received a letter from Becky. What’s the deal w/ that? Sheesh. You’d think she didn’t have time for anything at all since she can’t take time to drop me a note or to use DearElder.com which is free, at least in the MTC. Anyway, if she comes on Wed., I will chew her out for it.
Well, I look forward to talking to you in a few days.

Love,
Сестра Атвуд
P.S. I found out that one of the other sisters has a dad that wouldn’t even go with her through the temple her first time, or to get her patriarchal blessing. I am truly blessed to have a family that supports me in all I do.