Sunny Apostrophe: Big Changes!

Dear Family,

What a week!!

Sometimes it is hard to capture a week in an email, but I will attempt. (and send a lot of pictures).

So last Thursday after I emailed you we had the most awesome P-Day ever. We decided to hang out with the Godfreys, one of the senior couples. They aren't limited in miles, so we could go cool places. They have the same Preparation Day as we do. We decided to go to the Money Museum in the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank. We were excited. It was a sunny beautiful day.

When we arrived, I immediately realized that I had forgotten my wallet at home. I was crushed. See, we knew that we couldn't get into that bank without a picture ID. We took a few pictures by the National WWI museum next door ($10 to get in=not this time).

We decided to give it a shot and try to get in anyway without my ID. Everyone else had theirs. First we had to go through intense security like at an airport. We had to put everything metal in dishes and sent it through a scanner. Then we walked through the metal detector. Everyone got through fine, and then it was my turn. I set everything off.

Te security guy had to do the wand detector on me. My boots have metal buckles and I had lipstick in one pocket and pennies in the other. I felt so blond.

Then he gave everyone a visitor's pass and let them through heavy glass doors--except me. No one seemed to notice me getting left behind. I watched the doors thud closed with my companion on the other side. Panic.

The security guy said, "Did you not get a pass? Oh, yeah. We can't let you in without an ID."

I blanked. I didn't know what to say.

"See here's the thing," I said calmly, "We're missionaries. I don't know if you know much about it, but we're companions," I said pointed at Sister Harding. "As missionaries we have this thing where we always stick together. If I can't go, she can't go. We have to be together."

He didn't really respond and walked off into the security booth. I stood there helpless. I was on the wrong side of security and and the wrong side of the door from my companion.

He came back, quietly handed me a pass and let me in. I thank ed him and promised to not cause any trouble. I was so relieved to be reunited with my companion! I broke into a Federal Reserve Bank! Wow. Not really because they have a million shots of my face probably. But still.

The museum was small but awesome. We saw a case will $40 million in it, and then we got to peak into the vault, which is basically a huge warehouse full of money. It was behind glass, and we could see the heavy doors that could seal that place tight. We watched robots lift hundreds of pounds of money. The vault was several stories high and we couldn't see the back. Just rows and shelves of money. wow. Then we made our own money, took our picture in money, and spotted the forgery. Super fun!

We went out to lunch to Gate's BBQ which just topped it all off. It had a real ol' KC feel to the place and the food was good. (Oklahoma Joe's is better. You'll have to try it someday).

That night we had a reception for the Adams at the Visitors' Center. Elder Adams was the Visitors' Center Director, and he went home last weekend. We held a reception for them, and it had a great turn out. I got to conduct, as usual. I just love the Adams. You will meet them later.

Then, we have had an amazing week in our area. We have found new investigators that are actually excited about learning more! The elders have given us so golden referrals, and we are just so pumped to be teaching. I feel like after all of our efforts, the work is finally starting to roll forward. I just get excited!

We found an awesome young mom, the elders referred us to another awesome young mom, and there is a part member family that is basically begging to take the lessons that we are going to start working with. There is also some investigators that we have been trying to teach that we finally are getting to teach. Miracles. You will hear more about all of them next time.

We also got our new director this week. Elder Brenchley and his wife. He has a lot of energy. He was an institute teacher and the MTC choir director. He is really nice, and learning fast. I have to swallow my pride a bit, but it is all good. He is making changes, and they are needed and good. He is just going to make my role a smaller one, but that is okay. I can take it. I just really love giving trainings, and I don't know if he will let me do that much anymore. We'll see. He is inspired and bringing new life to the center.

Yesterday was Zone Conference with Elder Gavarret of the Seventy. It was short, but good.

Okay. The biggest change though, is that transfer calls are coming next week. And last night I got a phone call. I'm training again. Yes, I will have five weeks left on my mission and I get to train again. I am so EXCITED! Whenever I thought about doing anything else with those weeks, it felt wrong. I don't even know how to do anything else but train. And man, I'm going to pour everything I have into this area and that sister for every minute I have left. I am so excited! I will just love her. So much. I am just thrilled. I was worried that I wouldn't get chosen again, but they picked me! Sister Harding is ready to go learn from another experience, too. She will do well full-pros.

I just feel so blessed. I don't know why the Lord and my mission president trust me so much, but it lifts me to try even harder. I am just so happy. Training four times? Unheard of. Could anyone love it more than I do? I doubt it.

I love you All!

Love,

Sister Atkin