Don't be stupid

From the editor: Below was an email Nat sent to me that wasn't intended for the blog, but I loved it so I told her I was going to add it… :)

I'm not going to be able to write up a good email, which is still okay because you still haven't updated my blog. :)

But, I want to tell you about President Mullen...

So he met us by zone. Everyone was there early looking their best and it's custom that we stand when the mission President walks into the room. First the AP's come zooming in and they were being all sorts of funny while we waited for President Mullen and as soon as he walked in, we stood and he says "Oh don't do that! Don't stand for me!"

And then Sister Mullen says "Seriously, we aren't general authorities, we just want to serve right along with you". 

Of course, we remained standing, but it was so precious. They are SO sweet and so emotional. At least 10 times they said they don't want us to stand for them ever again. Which in all honesty I have mixed feelings about because the spirit is so strong when we do. Every time we stand when a mission president or general authority or the prophet walk in it's undeniable that they are men called of God.

They then talked to us and told us about them and their vision for the mission. President Mullen's theme was "Don't be stupid". He said it like a hundred times and would always follow saying "Now you won't ever hear me say that again. I'm going to be very positive with you and say things like 'Be wise' but know that I'm really saying 'Don't be stupid".  

I love him, but the coolest part of the whole thing was when Sister Mullen was talking to us about the training they received from the First Presidency and the Quorum of the 12 Apostles (which would have been the coolest meeting EVER ) and she said that Elder Christopherson (I think) stood and said with great emotion "We love the missionaries. They are our companions is this great work. I wish that you could understand how precious each one of them is in the sight of the Lord" 

She of course was crying as she said it, and it was hard for the rest of us not to cry. 

We need that. We take great comfort in that. Knowing that every day the brethren are praying for us specifically and that every week in the temple in a special room none of us are allowed in, there is a prayer lead by the Prophet, circled by Christ's disciples, praying specifically for us.

Mom one day I hope you get to serve a mission. It seriously is the greatest. It's the holiest and most sacred calling there is. Elder Holland said so. I love being a missionary. I love serving the Lord. I love you.

(email sent July 7, 2014)

Sister Olsen thinks she's really funny and will take photos of me with our phone when I'm not looking and set them as our background.
Then last night she started taking photos of me on her camera... 

So I decided to help her out :)

"We are now in a trio!'