Hey everyone! I hope you've all had a good week. I cannot thank you all enough for all the mail and goodies you've sent me. Thank you for my extra suit and the new shoes, Mom and Dad! The shoes shine up reeally nice. And also, for the molasses cookies, Mom. I've gone so long without your home-made molasses cookies, the smell of them was so strong and recognizable, that I could SMELL them, as the mailperson was handing me the box, before the cardboard even touched my hand. Thank you so much, the were wonderful--and then Juliana's pumpkin-sugar cookies came the next day, so I have, without a doubt, gained some weight this week. The cookies were awesome, Julie. It is incredible that you were able to create a REAL pumpkin-colored tint to the frosting. And thank you sooo much for compiling my own personal book of scripture. It was so inspirational for me to re-read all of those entries of support, advice, and encouragement--complete with footnotes and cross-references. Ammon, thank you for your addition. I am striving with everything I've got to make sure that I truly share only testimonies that come straight from the heart, and that aren't anyone else's words.
Jess and Adam, thank you for your notes. Jess, I am super excited about your new calling. I know that your experience will help you help these young girls find direction and meaning. No one is better equipped than you to inspire this in them. Adam, I read some of your suggestions to my roomates, and for some reason they didn't think that laundry-room hot tubbing was a good idea... I'm willing to try it.
Jake, thank you for your dearelder notes. I love you very much and hope that you're doing well at the academy. Make sure you're keeping busy and remembering all the goals that you set on for your post mission-life while on your mission.
Love Jared
