Letter Received Sept 14, 2009

District 53E!

E Jensen, E Perisich, S Sheffield, S Young,
S Cloward, S Rummler, E Lotz, & E Hardy

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The Sisters of Branch 53
S Logo, S Sheffield, S Heslop, S Young, S Cloward
S Rummler, & S Fangupo - I promise you the
matchy-matchy tealness was purely & perfectly
coincidental - see, S Rummler didn't get the memo.

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MTC Branch 53 Districts C & E (plus Elder Tonga)

E Henderson (CA), E Lotz (UT), E Perisich (UT), E Francis (NV),
E Sorenson (NV), E Jensen (Scot), S Sheffield (Ire), S Heslop (CA),
S Young (UT), S Cloward (NV), S Rummler (NV), S Fangupo (CA),
E Ostler (NV), E Mouritsen (CA), E Campbell (CA), E Hardy (UT),
E Tonga/E Zimmerman (CA), E Marler (NV)

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There are 4 or 5 of these signs
on the walk from the MTC to the
Temple. Ask David for the backstory :-)

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One of our roommates had a birthday just before
we arrived. After 2 weeks some casualties had been
suffered but most of the hearts were holding strong.

. Bro. Vallett & Elder Hardy in his wheelchair

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Bro. Phipps & Elders Jensen & Lotz in the corner

. We tried to use the commitment pattern to get our teachers to bring us a pack of Oreos. Though we didn't get a firm commitment from either, we developed a theory involving Bro. Phipps which turned out to be 100% accurate: He said he couldn't do it or he'd get in trouble for bringing us food & not bringing any for his boss, but we surmised that after his last class a package of Oreos would somehow 'appear' in the classroom - sure enough, at the end of his last day he came up with some crock story about us closing our eyes while he left so there would be no hard goodbyes. We all saw through it instantly but did as we were told, though I set up my camera to capture the truth... Sure enough the Oreos appeared while Bro. Phipps was still in the classroom. This picture is worthy of blackmail, don't let it fall int the wrong hands - we wouldn't want Bro. Phipps losing his job over such excellent service to his class.

P.S. When I get home, I'll show you the proper way to eat Oreos.

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S Rummler, S Sheffield, & E Jensen enjoy
the spoils of the Commitment Pattern.

The Seat in the corner under the bookshelf
is where I spent many happy hours.

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Hello fambly!

To Celebrate this wonderful Labor Day holiday we must defer to old-fashioned methods of communication - just for future reference let me know when you get this, I didn’t get your letters till Wed 9/2 which by my calculations means 7 days coming, I imagine the going will be somewhat faster without a stop at the mission home. I’ve included the receipt for Aug’s meds and the beginning of the story I promised; now, don’t cheat and try to look up the rest, the anticipation will only make it better (and give me more time to find other things to send.)

(Editor’s note: The following are snippets from the sections addressed to individual persons.)
~I do miss the MTC – the spirit, the camaraderie, and, of course, being fed at regular intervals, though it’s nice to have more say in meal choices now. ~
~We had another thunderstorm on Fri afternoon – we had just started our afternoon visits when it started – fat raindrops & lots of wind; we decided to visit one of our R.S. Presidents for a long discussion of the ward list but first we had to back out of our current parking space; now, mission rules dictate that when backing a mission vehicle, the non-driver must stand behind the vehicle to offer direction & guidance; needless to say, I eagerly filled my duty this day – let others say I’m hard-core, it was simply refreshing!~

Tumble Mittens & the kitties (Editor’s note: Yes, she addressed a section to our cats.) – One of our investigators (she and her 2 kids are getting baptized Sat. yay!) has a cat that was very pregnant and finally give birth last week. We had an appointment the next day and got to see the brand new kittens – 3 orange & 1 dark tabbies. I haven’t seen any that small since you were born, Tumbles. (Editor’s note: Tumbles turned 12 in July.)

I hope D&C’s visit and move were enjoyable & went smoothly. (Editor’s note: D&C is David and Celestia.) I know you took pictures of the baby, so don’t be stingy. ☺ The previously mentioned R.S. President had her baby on 7/8, he was only 8lbs something ozs but he’s already huge – in her words “all my kids just chunk up!” Other news to make you (and me) jealous – the lady we’re staying with just got back from a 2 week trip to Scotland; apparently she has a “friend” there that she would like to know better. ☺

I’ve been writing for hours & I was hoping to get some x-stitching done so I’ll try to wrap it up – but I don’t want to waste paper either. (Editor’s note: This was at the top of a brand new page.) My companion bought a cross-word puzzle book & we’re trying not to let it distract us from the work, but it’s certainly building companionship unity. While I write, she’ll occasionally ask about a clue & I’ll answer – it’s kinda making me feel smart. I’m sending a few of my MTC pics, but I only got singles so don’t lose them! Okay, I know there’s probably more but I’m really wanting to move on so this will have to suffice.

Love & Kisses,
Sister Katie Cloward

Inspirational quote:
TRIUMPH usually comes from putting a little more “umph” into your “try.”
Quoted by Thomas S. Monson

Be sure to check out "The First Epistle of the Elders
to the Dead Letter Writers" below!!!