Cassidy's Letter Dec. 23, 2014

Merry Christmas!

The day after tomorrow is Christmas... it is practically here! (just had to throw one grinch quote in here.)  I can't believe how fast it came though. Time is going so fast! And things are going SO good here. I had such an awesome week. I feel like I have so much to say and no time to say it so here I go

First of all TINA. We made some huge progress with her. So basically the other day we couldn't figure out what to teach her.. because she has met with missionaries for so long and seems to have learned like everything.. but it feels like she doesn't understand the basics. Like she doesn't understand that God is her father who loves her. But we were scared to take it back to like the beginning lessons because we didn't want to offend her or anything. Just a hard situation. Anyways so we went to see her and the whole time I was praying to have the Spirit to know what the heck she needed... and we had a good conversation that led to her saying "This is probably stupid. But I want to, and think, that maybe I should go back to the basics and start at the very beginning. (ps right then a cooking tv show called "back to the basics" came on. Talk about a sign.) I want to start as if I don't know anything. I want to start with who is God." And the spirit was so strong and it was a huge miracle because that is exactly what she needs.. and it is her idea! So it is going to work so well. I am really excited about it. ONLY downer... she got kidney stones the other day and is in a ton of pain. Another miracle happened with that. She called us crying in pain and asked if we knew of anyone who could babysit her kids so she could go to the emergency room... and so we were all over it calling everyone in the world... and no one could. And I was about to lose it.. and I just prayed that someone could do it.. and right then this lady came into my mind. But she ALWAYS works. Like always. So I almost didn't call her. But I did... and huge miracle somehow she wasn't at work and was able to! Crazy answer to my prayer! And the lady said "It is really amazing I took today off of work. I think it is because Heavenly Father knew that I needed to be here to help her." SO COOL.

Also get ready for another crazy story. So I have been going to physical therapy the past few weeks because ya know my leg is all messed up. Anyways so while I was doing my stuff my companion was obviously in the waiting room talking to people. And the other day we found out that a lady she talked to contacted Karl Anderson (the coolest guy ever who writes all the books about Kirtland) and she apparently used to be good friends with him, and she told him about meeting the missionaries and how she could feel a strong spirit! And we got to call her and we are hopefully going to get to meet with her. But it was just the craziest thing that God needed me to be at physical therapy so that we could meet her. Like He works in the craziest ways sometimes and it is so cool to see how everything is for a reason. Let's just hope that was the reason my leg was messed up and now it can heal. haha

And then yesterday when I was at the doctor's I gave my doctor a He is the Gift card.. and she said "Can I have some more. I need to give these to people I see. I can give them all the pills they want.. but Jesus Christ is really the only one that can make things better." All I can say is amen to that.

I also narrowly escaped death once again. It is a CHRISTMAS MIRACLE I survived washing this lady's dirty dishes. So we go to her house to take her cookies like nice people do.. and she was telling us how she had pneumonia for the past few weeks and hadn't done her dishes in 3 weeks.. and I offered to help... and yeah basically sacrificed my life. I don't even know what was growing on those dishes. First of all there were like two thousand of them..  and she tried to light a candle to mask the smell... yeah here to tell you that didn't work. There was so much mold that was white and black and some weird orange stuff... and it was bad. I mean bad. My companion couldn't even touch them so I did it all.. she was standing against the wall on the other side literally gagging... haha it was actually funny. I was just laughing at it. Someone God literally made it so I wasn't grossed out and I was able to do it all... even though it took over an hour..... but I can honestly say I felt so good after! Even though I still might die from the mold I inhaled.. it felt really good to do something for someone that they couldn't do for themselves! Doing service really is the best way to be happy. Next time I will just be sure to bring a mask.  haha


Friday was actually one of the funnest days ever. I got to go on exchanges with Sister Smith who used to be my companion back in Hiram. It was like old times! And we got to meet with the super cool guy who came to church a few weeks ago just because he is interested. We had lunch with him and taught him basically all about the Restoration and Plan of Salvation and it seemed like he really enjoyed it! He has super awesome questions and was really just so cool. And we gave him a Book of Mormon.. and like 30 minutes later he texted us and told us one of his ancestors painted the painting of Joseph Smith that is in the book. Haha it was crazy.

We got to see Sister Leyde who had put her not so skinny dog in a sweater that was way too small and it was the funniest thing I have ever seen. And then we went to the Grimms.. and they were trying to show us this German candle fan thing that had angels on it.. yeah they caught one of the angels on fire and were freaking out and it was hysterical. Then they were singing to us in German and it was just funny. I was just sitting there wondering what the heck my life even is. Missions are so weird sometimes. I am sure going to miss all the weird things that happen all the time

Then we went caroling and it was so fun to see how happy people got when we started singing to them. This one lady literally almost started crying (yeah a bit dramatic I know but just go with it..) but she said "This is a dream come true. I have waited 36 years to have carolers... and it actually happened. Dreams really do come true." and she brought us all cupcakes.. it was pretty cool to do something so easy and simple and have it make someone so happy!

And Jerry said the nicest thing this week! He was telling us again how amazing it is how much easier reading the scriptures is and how much it is helping him.. and he said "Ya know I have been meeting with missionaries a long time and haven't gotten any better... but you really pushed me to read and now I can. This is all because you pushed me and helped me. And I am really proud of you for that." It was so nice and it makes me so happy to see him making so much progress.

Good news. The choir performance wasn't a complete train wreck. And I am DONE SINGING for the rest of my mission. haha We did have to sing again on Sunday night at a Christmas Hymn Sing in the Kirtland temple... but that was fun because it was the temple and Christmas and the spirit is always really strong there. But seriously I am going to die if I have to sing in one more thing. I turned into a Jr Nun and now no one will leave me alone. haha

And I have just been having so much fun giving He is the Gift cards to every human I see. I beat my record and gave out 30 the other day! It is like the funnest (and sometimes really funny to see what people do when I just randomly start talking to them) to just go up to people and talk to them about Christ. Some people are not so nice.. but I have only been rejected like 10 times. Most people are super nice and it is just so fun. I am going to be super depressed when I don't get to give them out anymore!

BUT I AM JUST SO EXCITED FOR CHRISTMAS! It really is the best time of year. I love that so many people are open to talking about Jesus Christ. I wish that people would stay like this the whole year. I have just really loved being a missionary and getting to help people feel Christ's love full time. It is the best way to spend Christmas. I am so grateful that I know He lives and that He loves me. I am grateful for everything He did and for the things He has made possible for me. Especially that I can be with my family forever!

I love you all and hope you have a great Christmas! :)

Love Cassidy

Cassidy's Letter December 16, 2014

Well.... here I am again... this is my like 65th letter I believe.... that is a lot. I can't believe you aren't totally sick of hearing me ramble yet. Maybe you are... I definitely don't blame you! But I am going to contiune on anyways!

So this week was good as usual. Not too many crazy cool things happened. People were pretty normal this week. Which was very.. abnormal. But there was some pretty good stuff.

First of all.. we were having dinner at these member's house.. and they have like 10 children and none of them wear deodorant.. and that is all I will say about that. But we were eating dinner, and these two little kids start talking about how they like the candies called "Sour Warheads".. and then their dad... being completely intense and serious said... "Children. Do NOT talk about war in this household." ...... hahahahah it was literally the weirdest funniest thing ever. I almost started laughing but I was too scared he would hurt me. But man it was funny.

Okay. COOL NEWS WITH TINA. She is quitting smoking! We went over.. and she had gone to the doctor and got medicine to help her quit! So she should be done now actually. It is so cool that she is making so much progress! I can already tell that she is happier and doing better since we met her a few weeks ago. She even said  "I have noticed a big difference in my life since I have started praying every day and reading the scriptures." and she said "And now that I am getting clean inside.. I can start doing more of the things that God wants me to." As always it is the best thing ever to see people make positive changes. Makes the mission so worth it.

And apparently ever since we became Jr. Nuns and sang in The Messiah... we are officially nominated to sing in everything now. So we are singing in the church choir.. but it is actually okay because it is FUNNY. So there are mostly all old fogies in our branch, so already it is comical, but then the funniest lady is the choir director and she has no clue what is going on. But she was insisting that the sopranos sit on the left side.. and this other lady started freaking out and said "They always sit on the right. I am not moving" and the director said "No they are on the left. That is how it is." and the other lady got all mad.. and stood up and was like "I QUIT." and left. (I assume she wanted a dramatic exit... but since she has to use a walker and it takes like 4 minutes for her to get out.. it was just hilarious." Man gotta love old people drama.

Another cool miracle is with Jerry! He is just making a world of progress. I think I told you that he finished the Book of Mormon.. and now he started the New Testament.. and has already read the first 2 books in like 2 weeks. It is just insane because when I met him he wouldn't even read a verse a day. And I was talking to him about how cool it is to see the change in him and he said "I have to read now. I have to do it every day. I just had no clue that it would actually help me so much. But it does." Proof is in the pudding. It works.

Oh and I got to see some of my favorite people from Hiram the other night at the visitor center. They all want me to come back and visit when I am done with my mission. It is always fun when people actually remember you. And I saw Brother Jeffery... you probably don't remember him but he was an older guy who would say the funniest things ever. He would tell us to "stop wearyin'" every sunday.. and it was so funny we had a banner in our house that said that.  And he was crackin me up on Saturday. He kept saying "Don't weary. Wearyin' will put you in your grave." and he means "worrying" but he says "wearyin'". And he said "Wearyin' will give you gray hairs. You don't want that. So STOP WEARYIN'". hahaha everyone stop wearyin'! It will all be okay!

We also got to see the Grimms. They are cool as always. Dieter missed church because he slept in.. and Sister Grimm was like "I hate when you sleep in until 11" and he said "Well..be grateful I sleep less than the other people my age. They never wake up. Because they are dead." Good one Dieter.

The sad news of the week is that some of the Graves got in a bad car wreck. They are all going to be okay, but I know their car was totaled and they are really having a rough time. SO please please please keep them in your prayers. They need it! But I am really grateful they are all alive. I would have had a heart attack. But the one cool thing.. well okay it wasn't cool because they couldn't come to church which was really sad... but JoDee did come all by herself! Which is like the most amazing thing of my life. She used to not even come all the time with them.. but never would she alone.. but now she is! She is totaly turning her life around and quitting smoking and working towards the temple and man just so cool. I say that about everything like every week.. so sorry this is super redundant and boring. But really it never gets old to see the Gospel completely change someone's life. And it always starts by really small little things.. and then you look back and huge miracles have happened! I have absolutely loved that about my mission.

I love getting to put on a nametag that has Jesus Christ's name on it. I am really going to miss that. I love representing Him. And I just love talking to people about Christ and the hope He can bring us. That is what I am really grateful for this Christmas time. I am thankful that I have a sure knowledge that I can and am forgiven of my mistakes, that God and Jesus Christ know me and love me and are leading my life, and that I can be with my family forever.  That knowledge gives me so much peace and it really is the best gift in the whole world!

I hope you are all having a great Christmas season! I love you lots and miss you!

Love Cassidy

Christmas Pictures from Cassidy 12-9-14

Cassidy's Letter 12-9-14

Hello everyone... I would like to announce that I am officially a JUNIOR NUN.

Yep that is right. In the Messiah performance this weekend at the Notre Dame Catholic church they put me in the program as a NUN.

So that is I guess a good thing to know. All those times on my mission when people asked if I was a Nun and I said no... I was lying. Oh well. hahah really though how funny is that. Also I LIVED! The Messiah was actually pretty fun. Well besides that both the shows were like 3 hours long and I might have fallen asleep a few times (Sleepyrandy over here).. it was a lot of fun. We raised over 12,000 dollars for a hunger shelter. And it was just a really neat experience to be with people from all different faiths celebrating the birth of Christ. And now I a professional at the Hallelujah chorus!

I just can't believe that is is Christmas time already. Christmas is in 2 weeks.... WHAT. We have been full force encouraging everyone to watch He is The Gift. If you are reading this and you haven't watched it yet... go to christmas.mormon.org RIGHT NOW and watch it. It is so good! I love it because it is just simple and powerful and reminds us that what really matter is Christ was born and died for us because He loves us so much. And that is all that matters. We were challenged to give out 10 cards a day to people encouraging them to watch it. I have been going to all extremes. I GAVE ONE TO SANTA this week. Yep. I waited in line like 5 year old and when he asked what I wanted I gave him the gift instead. haha. It was really funny. There was this Christmas lighting festival at the main square in Chardon and it was super fun. Ya gotta love Christmas time.

Let's see... I feel like all of this week I was singing my head off. But oh okay so want to hear the coolest story ever? So last Sunday ... this young college aged guy just showed up at church.. and I assumed it was someone's son home for Thanksgiving or something... well no turns out he just was really curious about our church so he decided to come. And we talked to him for like a minute and then he had to go. But we called him on Wednesday and he said that he loved church and loved how welcome everyone made him feel.. and how we have people from the congregation speak and no one is paid. He said that when he gets home from school this week he wants to meet with us and learn more! AHH. How cool is that. He literally just CAME to church and WANTS to learn more.... and he was normal. So basically a dream come true. Hahah an early christmas miracle that is for sure.

Also things are going good with Stephen! We had a really good lesson with him this week and he is still planning on getting baptized January 23rd! That is going to be the best last night of a mission ever. But we taught him about the Gospel and about repentance and baptism.. and it was cool.. we asked him why he wants to get baptized and he said "Well I feel good when I am at church. I never felt that at other churches. It feels good and I know it is true. And I want to get baptized so I can get back to Heavenly Father. And I am finding more reasons to get baptized everyday." It was so cool! And reminded me of how simple it is. It feels good and makes people happy... and that is why I love being a missionary. Because happiness isn't a hard thing to have once  you realize that it doesn't matter who you are or what you have, if you are doing what God wants He will bless you to be happy.

We got to see Tina again this week. We had a really good lesson about the Atonement. I think things will be slower moving with her... but it was definitely a miracle that we were led to her so we aren't giving up!

Things have been getting slower at the visitor center. But our Nativity exhibit is in full swing so people are coming for that! And we spend a lot of time on the computers chatting with people. I seriously talk to the weirdest people. Yesterday I got about 59 people who came on wanting to fight we me about how we "aren't Christian". I just wish I could throw a dictionary at people and tell them to read what a Christian is... haha clearly we are. And then people want to argue about the Book of Mormon. First of all I try not to argue back at all. But man I have such a hard time when people are jerks about the Book of Mormon. I love it so much. And I literally LOOSE my mind when people don't even try to read it and then bash it. Give it a shot at least people!  I am reading it for the last time of my mission right now... my 12th time through! I can't even believe that. I would have never thought that was possible before my mission.  But it has completely changed my life. And I am just simply studying Jesus Christ my last time though.. and all I can say is it truly is the best way to learn about Him and feel close to Him. I am so grateful that I can have a personal relationship with Him.. and that I get to spend this best time of the year as His missionary helping others feel His love too.

I hope you all know I love you and miss you and that I am excited to see you next month!

I hope you are all having a good Christmas time! Share He is the Gift. Because it is cool and I said so okay great bye.

LOVE YOU

love Cassidy

Picture of Cassidy 12-3-14

Baptism day!

Cassidy's Letter 12-3-14

Happy December!

I can't believe it is Christmas time already. That came so fast. This past week was such a good week. Some of the most uplifting and spiritual experiences of my mission!

Thanksgiving was so much fun. I had my very first deep fried turkey... and I must say it was really pretty darn good. One of the best turkeys I have ever had. But the best part of Thanksgiving was while we were at the Graves, we all went around and said what we are thankful for. And Brother and Sister Graves both started crying and said how grateful they are for the gospel, and for us missionaries and for how we have blessed their lives and their family. It was one of the sweetest experiences. Even the younger kids said how thankful they are for us and it just made me so happy. I am so thankful for them and for them letting me be a part of their lives. I am grateful that God put me here to meet them and to be with them. I honestly know that they will be a part of my life forever. Nothing makes you love someone more than helping them change and improve their lives. It makes me want to do it for the rest of my life. We also spent some time playing Monopoly... yeah I decided I am never allowed to play that game with humans again. I am way too competitive. JoDee said "I didn't know missionaries could ever be so mean." I guess I found what makes me evil. And I didn't even win. Scam. hahah

And Sunday was Sam's baptism!! IT HAPPENED! And it went a billion times better than I ever even thought that it could. It started just so good.. and we went to the room for the actual baptism.. and I wish there were words to describe how powerful the spirit was. It was incredible. One of the happiest moments of my mission. And after, while they changed, I got to bare my testimony, and Sister Heckert (my old companion) bore her testimony.. which was also such a neat moment. It was really amazing to see how much she has grown while I was companions with her. She is amazing. It is just cool. But then JoDee bore her testimony.. and oh man I wish you could have just been there. She was crying (and if you saw her 2 months ago when we met her... she was hard and just totally different), and she said "I have never felt the spirit as strong as I have today seeing Sam get baptized. I am so grateful. And I know that this is true." and it was the most sincere and powerful testimony I have ever heard. I will never  forget it. And then it got even better. Sam bore his testimony... and he went up there with tears in his eyes.. and said he was so grateful to be baptized.. and so grateful he can having the Holy Ghost and be with his family for forever.. and then he started crying and said "When I came up out of the water... .. I couldn't tell you a single thing I have done wrong in my whole life."  It was the sweetest, most powerful thing. I can't even do anything justice because there really aren't words. But all I can say the gospel is so true. Seeing how happy their entire family was.. just changed my life. That is what this is all about. Helping other families come together and be together for eternity. And I got to see a glimpse of that. And I just feel so blessed!

So that was the highlight of the week. It was too good.

But some other cool things happened too! So basically we had like 1 day to be regular missionaries because of Thanksgiving.. and then we had a meeting in Cleveland.. adn then we were at the visitor's center. Anyways so Saturday we were out in our area.. and we were trying to see this lady named Sister Leyde that we go visit. Well she was in the hospital.. but she got moved. And NO ONE knew where she was. We literally called like 20 people and no one would answer and we could not find her. I was losing my mind. And we were just praying like crazy that we would find her... and we would get so close and then no. So we decided to go see a member who lives in these apartment... and we pull up and I had this really strong impression that we needed to go see this former investigator named Tina. (Well I thought her name was Cindy... and yeah it wasn't so lets just that led to a very awkward moment that I don't even want to type haha) any who.. so we stop by Tina. She lets us in.. but is very like visibly annoyed at the world. And we start talking to her for a bit and she starts doing a bit better.. and then she said "I don't mind that you are here. But can I ask... what made you even come here today?" and I told her that our other plans fell though and for some reason I felt like we needed to stop by. And then we asked her why she thought we came.. and she said "Well to be honest.. I have been really depressed lately. More depressed than I have been in a really long time. And last night it was so bad, and I prayed to God and asked Him to send someone for me to just talk to. And now you guys are here."

What.

WE WERE STRAIGHT UP LED TO HER. How insane is that. And the craziest thing is right after we left her... we were able to get a hold of Sister Leyde and find out where she was. So God literally needed us to go see Tina. And we couldn't find Sister Leyde until we had. And we were able to just talk to Tina and help her and now we are going to start teaching her. But man God answers prayers. And He really cares about His children. Honestly that was just too crazy. And the best thing ever. I LOVE feeling like God is just using me to help other people. Nothing is as satisfying. It was so cool.

And it was a miracle to find Sister Leyde. That has actually become the like constant quest. Because yesterday we went to visit her at the nursing home... and she was gone from there again. Luckily we found her at the ICU at the hospital. She was so grateful to see us. She got a blessing the other day and she said "I have been in so much pain.. and once they laid their hands  on me I felt better". Miracle number two thousand.


ALSO yesterday we had mission conference INSIDE the Kirtland Temple. Coolest thing ever. No other mission in the world gets to do that. And there is nothing better than being with 200 missionaries inside. I feel like it is a little taste of what it would have been like to be there back when the saints sacrificed their lives to build it. And even though we don't own the temple anymore.. the spirit is still so strong there. I love when we get to sing "The Spirit of God". It always makes me think back to when I was a little girl and I loved that song.. and now I am here on a mission inside the temple singing it. I never in a million years would have thought I would be here doing this.  I am just really grateful that God had a mission planned for me. It has definitely not been easy at all, but it has been so worth it. I have learned more about what is important and how to be happy and just what really matters than I ever thought I would. I thought that I was coming on my mission to help other people... and I am.. but I never really realized how much it would help me. I can't imagine the rest of my life without the knowledge that i have gained while I have been here. I can honestly say that I know Jesus Christ lives and that He loves me and that I know doing what He has taught is the only way to be truly happy.

Also, we had dress rehearsal with the singing Nuns on Sunday! The performances are this weekend. I bet you all wish you could see.  It is just funny because we literally are the only ones under the age of 70. But it is a pretty fun experience. I tried to get some footage on my  camera without being caught not singing... I am excited to see how it goes. Stay tuned for that one.

Okay and funny story. So this senior couple the Robbins are basically our best friends and the other night they took 4 of us sisters to get ice cream.. and we are there eating and they had a calander of their flavors for the month. And Elder Robbins (who is this oldie) was like " I need to circle the ones I like so that I can know when to come back" and so he starts reading them to himself.. and he is circling every single day. I was laughing my head off. I love them and I love that they love ice cream so much. They have us over every Sunday night for ice cream too. They always say that ice cream can fix all our problems.... it has worked so far.

So I probably should go eat some more right now.

Well I have to go! I hope you have a great week! I am grateful for all the love and support.

Love Cassidy

Thanksgiving Letter 11-25-14

Hello!

Well I officially survived what I think was the longest week of my entire mission haha. I am with my new companion, Sister Hancock! She is from Arizona. Funny story actually.. I took some people on a tour at Kirtland like 2 months ago and they said their friend would be coming to our mission... so they took a picture of me and my last companion and I guess they posted it on Sister Hancock's facebook and said "One of these sisters could be your trainer" and then... bam I am! Pretty funny stuff. She is really nice. And she is the one who went to culinary school.... but she has yet to cook anything. It appears she is hiding her skills or something. haha hopefully I will get to try something soon!

This was a really really good week though. And this coming week is going to be so awesome. Sam gets baptized on SUNDAY! It is actually here! I feel like we have been talking about it for like 10 thousand years and now it is happening. We had a good lesson with Sam and with their family. They really are like family to me now too because I have spent so much time with them and I really love them a lot. We had a big branch dinner the other night and I was sitting with Sam and it was just him and he said "I have to miss my big wrestling tournament on Sunday so I can get baptized. But it's okay because getting baptized is way more important." It was the cutest thing! And it wasn't like his parents made him say that, he was just talking to me. It is so cool. And JoDee (she is part of the big Graves family) was talking to us about the temple and how badly she wants to go.. and the other day she said "I set up an interview to work towards getting my recommend. I am going to the temple with my family in the spring. I will be there" and it is SO COOL because she has never gone before and she is just so determined. She has completely changed since the first time I met her. It is honestly the coolest thing in the world to see how much the gospel can change people and how much happier it can make them. I am so glad I get to see it. OH and DezaRae (she is one of the Graves, she is like 22) just got her very first calling ever! Their whole family is just making amazing changes. And I can honestly say it makes me happier than anything else ever has. It is just the most satisfying and real happiness knowing I have been able to help people truly improve their lives. And we get to go to the Graves for thanksgiving and it will be a full blown party I am sure. I am really excited. If I can't be with my family, I am sure glad I can be with theirs!

Let's see... we also saw the Grimms! Man I love Dieter. He is just too cool. He made about 12 billion jokes about how much salt I use. People will never get over that haha. Everywhere I go it like I am an alien or something because I put salt on food. But anyways we had a very intense lesson with him. It scared Sister Hancock to death haha. I am used to it by now. But I was talking about how we have to pray and specifically ask for answers if we want God to speak to us.. and Dieter just gets all intense and looks at me and says "WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME" and I was like... I want you to pray and ask if this church is true. And then he started going off on this long tangent about how we don't know what is really in his heart and he said "You don't even know. I say one thing but I actually mean something else.  Inside I am right on the fence about to do it.. but because of what I say you don't understand" and I was about to jump out of my chair in excitement hearing that he is on the fence. HE IS SO CLOSE. And I finally know what his hold up is. We are making some serious progress. I am just PRAYING sooo hard that it will happen. It would be such a miracle for him and his family. Oh and at the end.. he said "come here and give me hug. I am sorry for all the things I said to you." hahah he always gets so worked up and intense and then feels so bad. Man Dieter is the best. I hope you can meet him someday.

We got to see this crazy lady named Sally who lives in like a controlled apartment place. And you have to get buzzed in.. but she NEVER lets us in... so this random other lady let us in and I was pumped.. so we went to sally's room and she was having  a meltdown. She said "Who let you in here. They can get reported. Was he bald? Was he short? I WILL FIND OUT WHO IT WAS" and I was trying not to laugh the whole time. Also she said she couldn't come to the branch dinner because she hit her rib on a counter. That is a good excuse. Also someone canceled on us last week because her son got a sunburn. HER SON. That was pretty low too haha

Our branch dinner really was the highlight of the week. We had so many people come. We beat the record of attendance for any activity by like 25 people so that was cool. The leaders are happy which makes our lives easier! And is was just super fun. Our Branch President was wearing  a fanny pack though so that was concerning. And also I heard the funniest thing.. we met a former investigator and she was like "Yeah we used to go to the.. what is it called... the twig?" and I lost it. Totally calling it the Chardon Twig instead of the Chardon Branch from now on. Too good.

Fiona is still doing awesome. She is so happy lately! She never talks about all the bad things that happened in her past anymore. It is the coolest change. We got to clean her room again.. yeah still terrifying. But we found her missing twilight movie and she acted like we had just given her a million dollars.

Oh and cool news... We FINALLY got to see Stephen again. He is doing good. This was funny though.. he was like "Yeah I haven't read a ton but I am at the end of 1st Nephi" and I was like "that's awesome what chapter are you in?" and he was like "I am at chapter 4" ........ hahaha yeah not the end but nice try. It was funny.

Sunday was spent with the Nuns once again. Gotta love my nun homies. TWO MORE WEEKS and I will no longer have to spend my days singing hard songs. I did realize though that the performances fall on FAST SUNDAY so not only do I have to stand and sing for 3 hours straight with a ton of old people... I also will be practically dead! This is definitely going to be a interesting experience. But it I must say it is a cool experience to work with people from different churches in doing something that just promotes Christ.

ALSO I can't believe it is already Thanksgiving and that Christmas is in a month. Probably the most exciting thing ever. November went by so fast it is almost uncomfortable. But Christmas time on the mission is the best. We get to have our mission conference inside the Kirtland Temple next Tuesday! And we are going to a Thanksgiving service inside the Temple tonight. My mission is SO COOL.

Well I am right outta time. I hope that everyone has a fun Thanksgiving! I will email on Wednesday next week instead of Tuesday. I love you!

Love Cassidy