Toti (12/09/96)

Dear Family -

I don't think that there is too much to write about this week.  We've been inside all week.  It has been interesting.  Last weekend I really started getting stressed out.  My companion is really cool, but she is really unsure of herself, so she won't do much of anything when it comes to the missionary work.  So, it's been me running the area with my "shadow".  We were asked to organize a wedding for Veronica, one of the girls that got baptized a couple of weeks ago, and again it was me organizing everything, anyhow, to make a long story short, I was really stressing out.  I just broke down on Sunday and couldn't do anymore.  I just cried and cried.  I went and had an interview with Pres. Stevenson.  He gave me a blessing and told me to take a few days off.  I told him that I wouldn't do that 'cause there is too much work to be done in the area.  Well, on Tuesday all heck broke out with the wedding and I just couldn't handle it.  I don't know what a nervous breakdown is, but I think I had something like one.  So, we stayed in Tuesday afternoon.  By that evening I was perfectly fine.  But we woke up on Wednesday and Sister Bennion was sick.  We took her to the doctor and she had a bad case of strep throat.  So, we've been in all week.  She still isn't over it.  Plus now, it seems that I have it.  I don't know, I've never had it before, but the symptoms match.  We're going to the doctor today.  We'll see what's up.

I'm quite frustrated because I didn't mind staying in this past week too much because we both needed a breather, but it we have to stay in any longer, I think I'll go crazy!  There's just simply too much work to be done!

The wedding was on Saturday, it went quite well.  I was pleased with it.  I think that they enjoyed it as well.

I spoke in church yesterday.  I was asked to speak on values and principles that I was raised on.  It went well, I  couldn't believe the response.  Everyone seemed to love it. Parents were telling me that they got some new ideas.  I think many of the youth dislike me a little now because of the "ideas" I put into the heads of the parents, like the no T.V. on Sunday thing and stuff like that.  One family who wasn't able to be there phoned right after church and asked us to come and do F.H.E. and for me to give my talk.  It was funny.

Well, I know this was kind of a dreary letter.  I dread going back to "normal" life, not teaching the Gospel constantly, it really is depressing.  I've missed it so much this week.

I am still grateful to be here, sick or not, I am grateful to be able to be a representative of Jesus Christ.  I am especially grateful to you for teaching me the values and morals that I have today.  I love you all very much.  Take care!

Love,
Michelle :)