They Just Can't Get Rid of Me

Dear Family,

         Woohoo! Nothing could be better than our transfer calls this week!!!

I'm staying in Dry Creek! Everyone thought I was leaving for sure but.... I wasn't worried. Dry Creek and I were MADE FOR EACH OTHER! I know my work is not done here yet and I am so blessed to have the chance to stay! Sister Simons is transferred to Lincoln and will be living in the same house where I served as a greenie. My new companion’s name is Sister Rupp from Idaho! I went on exchanges with her this past transfer and I'm super pumped to have her as a

companion. She is one of the Sisters that I took out on her very first day here in the mission. She is a tomboy and loves to play basketball. She is the Sister that threw a huge surprise Birthday party for me and even re-wrote the words to the California Roseville Mission song with lyrics about my "China pants" and a "funny dance" or something like that. This transfer is going to be fun! Haha. I love Sister Rupp with

all my heart. President Weston calls the exchange sister before every transfer to get her "transfer input" about the sisters. Looking back now, knowing she is my next companion, and remembering the advice I gave is hilarious. It went something like this. President: "Sister Mitchell, what kind of companion does Sister Rupp need?" Me: "She is an INCREDIBLE missionary. She knows how to teach, she is fearless at tracting and is a blast to be around. But she needs a companion that is going to help her figure out her "why."

          Mom and Dad. You are my why. I have your mission pictures on my wall

and every day I wish to serve the Lord the way that you did, and continue to do. To think that President Weston thinks I am the type of missionary that knows the "why," makes me wonder what he would think if he met the two of you. Your love of the gospel and passion for missionary work has instilled in me something that I think is rare. No matter how hard things get out here or how alone or incapable I may sometimes feel out here... I will NEVER give up! These people. This work. My relationship with my Father in Heaven is far too important to just "throw in the towel." I love you two with all of my heart. I pray for these other Sisters out here that seem to just be floundering. I wish that they knew what I knew. I wish that they had parents like I have. I wish they were able to feel of the great importance of giving EVERYTHING to Him and never looking back. I know that the Savior

lives. I know that our trials are to make us stronger. The harder things get, the more important it is to stand up and fight. To spend as much time as we need to on our knees to know, with an unshaken faith, that He is there for us. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of Him, to declare His word, among His people, that they might have everlasting life. I love being a missionary and I am so thankful for all that you do for me. I love you guys half to death and am so excited to go tear up Dry Creek with Sister Rupp!

Keep me in your prayers.

Love,

Sister Mitchell