Thai Food Madness

Ashley's letter from March 6, 2012

Dear Family,

I miss you all soooooo much. This week has been fabulous. We had  the opportunity of going to President and Sister Weston’s home for a

"Sisters Training."  It was such an excellent opportunity to meet all of the Sisters in the mission and to feel the spirit. One of the things that Sister Weston taught about was selfless service. We read about Mary and Martha and how different their roles were. One got to go and listen at Jesus' feet and the other was busy serving. It’s easy to serve when we are recognized and praised for our service. But it begins to get difficult when we feel we are unappreciated. We turn inwards and think more of ourselves wondering, "Why me?" That is something that I have been guilty of lately when times get hard. We all have different talents. Some are to lead, teach, testify, love, to be teachable. We all are here to give the "better part." That is something I have had to re-focus in on this week. I have wasted too much of my time feeling sorry for myself or wondering "why." There is a strength that can come from recognizing the talents that Heavenly Father has given us and then rising up and boldly sharing and

cultivating those talents. Be grateful for your talents!

          Well I had a major cooking fail this week. We have been working with this less-active woman in our ward. She has four kids and a

husband who is not a member of the church. In our conversation the

other day I somehow ended up offering to cook Thai food for them.

Yeah....that didn't go so well. Let’s just say we will leave the Thai

food cooking to Mom... Haha. But the conversation was good and we got

a few laughs out of my soggy pad-thai. It is amazing to see the change

in her husband. Each time we come over to the house he moves closer

and closer to the front room. He tries to listen without us knowing that he is listening. He is a little rough around the edges but it comes from having such a hard life. He has a lot of pain and a lot of anger. It almost hurts to see how much of it he holds onto when the steps to let go of it are right at his fingertips. I am so thankful for the Atonement. It truly is the center of what we believe and the only way we can grow and progress. There is so much comfort that comes in the knowledge that, although we are not perfect, we are loved anyways.

I heard Sister Taylor keeps sending pictures home of me! Haha. Oh my goodness I love that lady! She is one cool chica and I have learned a

lot from her. She always gives me updates on Sundays on how my family

is doing. She knows more about you than I do! Well I love you all soooooo much! It’s so awesome to hear about all of your missionary experiences! You gave out a Book of Mormon!?!?!? Dang Dad! You’re a champ! You go boy! I am so proud of all of you for sharing that happiness you have found with others. I love you and hope all is well! Oh! And L. Tom Perry is coming to speak to us on Thursday and Sister Totau is giving the opening prayer! NO BIG DEAL! I am so excited. President Weston has asked us as Sisters to come spiritually prepared to receive the answers to our prayers we have been seeking. I love you all! Have a great week!

Love,

Sister Mitchell