Okay, we're ready to go fishin'.

Yesterday was the big run to town trying to get too much done in one day. Our arms are sore from the DT and H1N1 shots, we have two billion pill bottles we need to take with us (which they'll probably take away because they'll think we are drug smugglers), and we have our legal paperwork completed in case we croak off while we are gone. Almost-Elder Ercell O got another white shirt (only one to go to meet the requirement) and his missionary trench coat with a warm lining (also required). He looked very missionaryish with it on. I told him he has to wear that on the plane because there is no way it's going to fit in the luggage. If it did fit, it'd push us over the weight limit. I'm a bit fearful for how much all this stuff we think we are taking is going to weigh. It costs something like $200.00 or more if you go over on weight!

Our pantry and fridge are becoming emptier as we try to eat everything so we won't put ourselves on a guilt trip about being wasteful (you know, the starving people in the world). We'll find people who can use the extra food--especially the fish we still have from our trip to Alaska. That is like $250.00 a pound fish when you look at what we caught and what it cost to do that fishing trip. It isn't all about the fish, of course. It was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for me and something I'd dreamed of doing since I was little. I've always loved to fish. It never mattered if I caught anything because it is about the anticipation of catching THE BIG ONE (or actually anything) and being in a lovely place with water and scenery. Now, we go on another once-in-a-lifetime fishing trip. We'll be in a lovely place being fishers of men (women, etc.) and finding even just one will bring the greatest joy--can't get any better than that!!

Are We Ready Yet?

Everyone keeps asking if we are ready to leave. If they mean having everything organized, then I have to say we are never ready until we just go out the door and head for the MTC. What gets done gets done and what doesn't, oh well . . .

We do have a checklist of most important things that need to be done. The Church provides very detailed information on what to take and what to expect. Delta Airlines is clear about what we can take and how much. Family members have promised to mail anything we cannot live without. Our first mission helped us realize how little we actually need to be perfectly happy. So, I guess we're almost good to go.

Are we ever really ready to leave our loved ones? No. That is hard to do, but it is for the greater good and the time gone will be shorter than it seems. We are most grateful for a very supportive family.

The hardest thing is to anticipate the things one might forget that we won't know we needed until we forget them and can't find them in England.

Speak Your Piece Easier Said Than Done

We have been asked to speak in Church this next Sunday on faith, hope and charity. An Elder talked on the same topic last Sunday. We'll see what we can do with this challenge. I freak out having to be in front of people no matter how well I prepare. Elder Blain is calm as a summer's breeze. Someone advised me on our last mission to "forget yourself." I don't think people who say that have social anxiety. It is good advice. Not only do I need to forget myself, but I need to forget (and not see) all those people looking at me and expecting to hear something worthwhile. We are also told to be bold and "open our mouth." I can open my mouth and just stand there and have nothing come out but a croaking sound!