I can't believe this is the last email I will be sending to you in Africa. I feel kind of emotional about it to tell you the truth. Like you, I have mixed emotions. While I would NEVER want you to stay there it has been such a wonderful ride and one that will be hard to get off of. The memories and experiences that you have given to us mean the world to me. It's a ride I've never been on and it's been wonderful. Thank you. Thank you for your willingness to serve the Lord and take the 2 years out of your life so that you may serve others. Funny how, while serving, the person that walks away with so much is you! I can't say "the most" because helping to bring a soul the gospel and everlasting life is pretty huge! A messenger of the Lord.
We have had a wonderful week. We actually haven't had a bad one yet and I chalk it up to missionary blessings! I wonder how we can keep those forever? They are special that is for sure. Heavenly Father sure must love his children to bless them so abundantly. I feel of his love and thank him daily, sometimes hourly, for them. We are so blessed. Thank you Heavenly Father. We have been pretty giddy at the thoughts of you coming down those escalator stairs at the airport and laying eyes on your face and throwing our arms around you! Okay I must stop now, the butterflies are getting out of control! ;)
I guess we better bring you a coat to the airport to wear home as we wouldn't want you to freeze! It's about 13 degrees right now and the forecast for Sunday says a high of 40 with a low of 23. Burrr. I know that you are sweating right now as you read this and are looking forward to the cold. We'll see. We received a lot of snow this weekend so you should see some of the white stuff! Lots of snow = New snow blower. (Lucky you!) Dad did say, "I'll have a new snow shoveler home next week". Don't think we are getting any more before Sunday but as cold as it is it should stick around. The house is all decorated for Christmas and is anxiously awaiting your arrival, it will be a party!
We are all dying to hear all about your week! The making of the FIRST stake in Togo and the Anfame branch, now a ward! I'm sure your day Sunday was amazing and emotional. Like you said, "I am going to get to see all of the missionaries in Togo before I leave, and all of my recent converts here in Togo! I am so blessed!" I bet it kind of felt like a big going away celebration to you (in a way). Tell us all about it so that everyone can share in the joy of it all. Also I want to have it for your blog. Last week you teased me and said you might not write us... You were kidding right?!
How are your teeth feeling this week? I'm sorry that they were hurting from the whitening strips so bad. I know how they can be painful. I hope it was worth it and you're happy with the results :) "...beauty comes at a price Elder." Classic.
We celebrated Ben's 2nd birthday last Thursday with a party at the Waterfields. Dinner, cake, and ice cream. It was a lot of fun watching him open his gifts. Buzz Lightyear was among the favorites. He discovered yours and so he got his own. He LOVES the movie. Later that night dad spent 3 hours at the ward running the buzzer for 3 ward basketball games. He's graduated to buzzer man. I remember watching him and Uncle Kirk play. Now they're just old men. ;) Just kidding, I'm sure they could get their game on (if they had to). We are happy that Shelby has moved back home with us. I think she will be happier here with family around her. I'm glad she is here as I've missed her.
I will let you go here so you'll have plenty of time to respond to us. You have been blessed Elder Layton with wonderful family members and friends praying for you and supporting your every move. Blessed much! I'm finding it hard to end this email, I'm just so proud of you. But I must.
As said in Matthew chapter 25...
"His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord."
Lots of love and prayers your way this week.
Safe travels,
Mama Michelle (((hugs))) xoxoxo
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