Week 75

Family,

Here's a short letter because I'm just not feeling it today. To start, I am still in Land O Lakes with Sister Sutton, but we also have a new sister with us!

Hello to Sister Blanchard: 19, Elizabeth, Colorado and she's ready to work. Brand new missionary, but the whole ward thinks she's been out for just under a year. She's been charged with the responsibility to take over the area at the end of this transfer. She is a sponge and is seriously soaking in everything we have to tell her. God knew she could handle it, and she's going to do great. 

Goodbye to the Cusicks! I have felt very blessed to have served close to them for the past 14 months. It's an opportunity that most missionaries don't get, and I can't even tell you how many things they have taught me. I will forever be grateful for them and the impact they have had on my life. From learning what meaningful prayer is, to the power in exact obedience, to the importance of using handbooks to how to properly set a table, (editor's note - she must not have been listening when her mother taught her :-) and so much more. I feel prepared for life. I will miss them greatly. 

Missions are full of hellos and goodbyes, but the longer I am here the harder the goodbyes get. One of the assistants said this week, "Thank the Lord for the relationships that you have made and look forward to the relationships that are to come". That's the motto for the week. We will meet President and Sister Cooper on Friday. Here's to changes!

Love,

Sister Mal

So many goodbyes this week ...

 President Cusick, me and Sister Cusick

President Cusick and me

The Wilsons (he's in the mission presidency) 

Sister Tollerton (she's the mission secretary

The classic metro picture. It never gets old.

Sister Blanchard on her first and second nights - BLISTERS! 

 Sister Sutton was off with another sister missionary so Sister Blanchard and I went to USF

 Florida bugs

 Another gator. He was little this time.

 The skies here never get old.

 The metro group

 All these birds have found a home right outside our apartment.

Herbie this morning! We haven't seen him in months so this was a happy day!

The Andersons. Serving us chocolate chip cookies.

 Mission conference on the beach!