Sorry!

I took a while today to organize all my pictures, so I don't have a whole lot of time to write, but just know that I'm ok, and I love you all!!!  

The capitol building.  We get to see it every week when we go to the library.

The temple!!!  I love every minute of it!

Jackson and I take power naps together.

So many books!  It was killing me!

Brother Miranda

The temple again!!  WOOOOO!

Get Ready for a Confusing Explanation!

  So.... Normally I email on Mondays because they are my P-day. However, this week, my district gets to go to the temple!  They want us to attend the temple on our Preparation days, but the temple is closed on Monday, so we had to change our p-day to Friday.  I wasn't going to be able to write anyone until Friday. However, today we are doing Leadership Exchanges, so basically I am in someone else's area.  They were supposed to email yesterday, too, but the libraries were closed for MLK, so we're emailing now. I didn't know we would be emailing, so I didn't bring pictures or anything to write about... I'll probably do that on Friday if we email again. Anyway, I warned that it would be confusing.  I don't even know if that explanation was necessary, but oh well.

   Now: My new area! It's called Boise East, and it is absolutely gorgeous.  It's the only place in the mission that actually has a view (I'll send pics eventually) because we're right up against some of the mountains.  One of our wards is called Oregon Trail, and it actually has remnants of the original trail in it.  Sister H and I are going to go hike them sometime within the next 5 weeks.  I love the area, and the people are so wonderful.

   Sister H is great, too! She is such a hard worker, and we have so much in common! Just to give you a small glimpse of our friendship, she has actually seen the film "Thief and the Cobbler". I know. It's crazy.  We sing all the same songs and love all the same things. One really interesting thing about Sister H is that she has a stutter. I admire her faith so much for coming out here to share her beliefs despite her challenges talking to people.  I've also been able to learn a lot about patience and love.  I know that this companionship will help both of us grow and learn.

   Another thing exciting this week, is we were able to set a baptismal date for Jeffery, a 10 year old boy who LOVES the Gospel.  His parents were hesitant to let him be baptized because they wanted him to know what a big commitment it was and understand fully the covenants he was going to make.  However, they've finally realized that he is ready.  He is such a smart boy! He seems to understand everything we talk about, and I'm so excited for him.

   Last but not least: Birthday Memories!!! Sorry I've been slacking on them, but better late than never, right?

  Foster: I remember one night I decided to share the bed with you on the bottom bunk.  Halfway through the night, though, you kicked me (literally kicked me) off the bed! I was so confused--probably because it was like 2 am--but I just went back to sleep. In the morning I asked you about your dream, and you said that you were running away from the cops! 

  Kaitlin: There's one memory that I really want to share, but I swore not to ;)... so I'll have to think of a different one.  I remember your hospitality when we came to stay with you for Spring Break. You were so accommodating, and you even offered to sleep on the floor, so Robin and I could both have beds.

  Jeanette: I remember when Jeanette broke her collar bone. You had to have your arm in a sling for a while, and I remember you sitting on the couch and Grandma & Grandpa's house.  I went over and sat next to you, and we talked for a long time. I asked you about Matt, and you told me how much you loved him.  I remember being so happy that you would talk to me about something so personal. You didn't treat me like a little sister, but you talked to me like a friend, and it made a big impact on me and really made me feel loved.
That's all for this week! Sorry there aren't any pictures

Sister Pratt

Fun times in the car!

First day with my new companion.

I know this looks bad...but it's hot chocolate-  I promise!

I forgot my name tag one day so I wore this piece of paper to District Meeting.  Classy.

We went to Mongolian BBQ and yes, I quoted Mulan 20 times.  Anyway, this was the fortune I got.  Interpret it as you will.

 View of Boise Valley-so GORGEOUS!  Pictures do not do it justice.

We're right up against the hills.  Want to go hiking all the time!

I've been so camera happy this week, it isn't even funny!

Night time!

At one house there was a box of vintage hats and jewelry.  Of course we had to try some on!

This is my companion, Sister Hatch.

Funny doormat that we saw!

This is the dad of the family we live with dressed in Sunday casual.

I went on exchanges with these lovely ladies, Sister Austin and Sister Tauiliili.  So much fun!

Old fashioned telephone sets.  cool stuff.

We should make this for our family!

I GOT TRANSFERRED!

   Really, it just happened, and for some reason, it's all I can think about! I seriously can't remember anything we did this week. I can only think about how I'm in a new area with a new companion, etc. It's gonna be weird!  I assume the first time is the hardest, though.  I've been 12 weeks in one area with the same companion, and I loved it! I guess that's why they pulled me out. I need to grow and experience other wards and people. I'm excited; it will just take some getting used to.

   My new companion is named Sister Hatch, and so far (2 hours) she is AWESOME! I know we are going to get along.  Right now, actually we're at the library, and she is talking to someone about Christ. She is such a good example to me. I'll tell you more about her once I get to know her better.  As for the area, I don't really know anything at all. Apparently, our stake takes up 60% of the geographical area of the mission, though, which is kinda cool. I'm excited to get to work.  There's always lots of it.  

   Anyway, I seriously can't remember what happened this week..... my mind is blank. Maybe it's a defense mechanism so I won't miss my old area. There are pictures, though, which will give a little glimpse.

   Love you all!

Sister Pratt

My beloved zone

Went to an Asian market

Tried my hand at drawing...this is what came out.

Creepy black cat

Tried to take pictures

Saying goodbye to Sister Chen

More goodbyes

Ann-dog Averett-- We decided to match on the last Sunday.

The Relief Society President said she cried when she found out.

This Week!

   This past week was pretty good! We worked really hard, and filled up 1 1/2 progress records for each ward.  If you don't know what a progress record is, we just fill out a form with everyone that we talked to about the church.  Usually we barely get one the back side of the page, so this week was pretty busy! I love talking to people, and although most don't want to talk to us, they're pretty nice! It is kind of weird, though, having someone dislike you before they even meet you. I don't think I've ever had an experience like that before, but it probably won't be the last.  

   One day, we met a particularly rude person, and I started to let it get to me for a while.  Then, I realized, this isn't even CLOSE to what the Savior must have felt.  So many people hated and despised him before he even said 2 words.  He was betrayed by one of his closest followers and denied by one of his dearest friends.  He did this so that he can help and support us when we feel that no one else cares.  

   Sister Chen and I have been serving this disabled lady in one of our wards.  Last night, she expressed to us that she didn't understand why Christ had to be alone and abandoned.  We were able to testify that because He suffered the most exquisite pain--emotional and physical--for us, He can empathize with us in our every hour of need.  He knows exactly how we feel, and he has the ability to help us overcome each trial and hardship that we face.  I know that this is true because I have felt His comfort and peace.

   This week we actually got to go on exchanges! It was basically my first real one because the other 2 were either when I was sick, or I was with my MTC companion.  For this exchange, Sister Chen went to Star, and Sister Maness came to Meridian with me. This is her first transfer, so we're both rather new. We had so much fun, and the funniest/craziest things kept happening to us. We couldn't stop laughing at some of them.

   Well, I think that's basically it for this week! Keep the pictures coming!

Love, 

Sister Pratt

 P-day trying on ridiculous things at the Mall

 Pet peeve--Lone stars in Idaho?

Rats

I never thought a rat was cute before

I guess someone flattened the sign at the mission office.

Sister Chen and I have our suspicions about who it was.

found a dead bird

met a cool lizard

I ate this at a Chinese restaurant...took 5 min. to chew...gross

Jack in the Box coupons...what what

Sometimes Sister Chen can't find a bobby pin

"Jo, how could you?" "Your one beauty!"

  The above quote is from Little Women, when Jo chops all her hair off. Merry Christmas to me! My hair is gone.  Sister Chen and I got in a fight, and when I fell asleep, she decided to hack my hair off! Just kidding, I asked her to do it. She did a really good job, too! I was telling her she should start charging money.

  We got another new investigator this week, thanks to the Elders.  They found him, but because he's in our ward, we get to teach him! He is a 9 year old boy, and he already wants to be baptized. Sister Chen and I are really excited to get to know him better.

   Christmas was so fun. The members in the ward take care of us so much. We each had like 3 stockings and 3 bags of candy and body wash! It was so nice to know that people were thinking of us and supporting us. One of the families we spent a lot of time with was the Prien's. They have 11 kids, but the oldest is my age instead of the youngest. It was so interesting to see our family dynamic from a completely different perspective. It was so much fun :) We also went Christmas caroling with them to some of their neighbors! I felt so at home.  After that, I made Sister Chen go Christmas Caroling with me for the next 2 days. It was a great way to let people know that we were thinking of them.  I think in total we caroled to about 20 houses! I'm so proud of my companion for sticking it out with me.

   We also gave talks yesterday in church. Sister Chen gave an AMAZING talk with a few classic jokes that had the whole congregation rolling!  Her English is getting so much better, but she doesn't believe me when I tell her.

  Anyway, I love you all!!  Happy New Year! 

Sister Pratt

All of my Christmas presents

Using as many of my presents simultaneously as possible

My new PJs .  Thanks Mom and Dad

The initial shock of no hair was setting in.

It's gone!

Christmas Gangstas!

A Missionary Toga to keep warm

New socks

Candy Cane earings

Did Sister Chen knock this over?