I keep getting an error message when I try to post the pictures Leah sent with this email...I'm probably just suffering from computer-stupid-itis.  Anyway, I'm sorry, but they aren't included with this post.  When I figure it out I will post them.  FYI, though, the picture she mentioned about the alligator?  Wasn't in her email!  So, at least that one wasn't my fault. :) -- Leah's Mom

2-23 

OK, I'm sorry you guys, but I don't have a ton of time to write back because I had to take time to write my mission president.  Therefore, I probably won't respond to everyone's emails in this email, but I will write my responses later today.  Is that OK with you guys?

 

OK first off, I'm in a tri-panionship!  I am getting trained with another girl I knew in the MTC by one of the best trainers EVER!!!  Not only that, but we're in one of the hardest areas of the mission.  It's actually an area where the mission president swore he would never send trainees again.  But now there are two of us!  Our area is basically the UCF campus (University of Central Florida).  We bike there every day and proselyte to all of the students!  It's super hard, but it's so much fun at the same time!  We're outside basically all day, every day because of the area that we're in so I'm going to have a SPLENDID tan after I'm done in this area.  It's funny because all of the missionaries know who is in the UCF campus area because they are the darkest missionaries of them all. 

 

I'm adding some pictures also in this email.  I hope you like the alligator one!  The one with me and another girl is a picture of me and my companion Sister Sheffielt at the MTC.  I'll also send one of my MTC district because they're all awesome, and a picture of my new companionship. 

 

Oh my gosh I am LOVING it here!  It can be really hard and stressful but the people here are wonderful.  The ward that I am serving in is a YSA (young single adult) ward and they are CRAZY but awesome at the same time.  I'm definitely not in Utah anymore!  The humidity might kill me off, but I also love the sun and the warmth at the moment.

 

I am so grateful for my companions!  Sister Conant is the sister training with me and she is such a wonderful, funny woman.  Sister Staley is our trainer and she is just so great!  She pushes me, but I don't feel overly stressed because that's just how she is.  She is funny and loves her life.  She's been out for a while now and only has three transfers left counting this one.  Also, she may end up leaving us after this transfer because there are so many sister missionaries that are coming out that there aren't enough trainers!  It is very likely that I will be a trainer immediately following my own training and I am so nervous about that!  If Sister Staley has to leave after this transfer, then Sister Conant and I will finish our training by training each other.  Also, my trainer is going to the temple on Tuesday so she's actually leaving Sister Conant and me to teach so many people by ourselves!  We have several appointments set up already and we also have on the spot contacting.  It's intense but I am so grateful for these experiences!

 

I'm sorry, I'm out of time, but I love you all and thank you for your letters and emails!  There are definitely appreciated!  Family, I'll send you hand-written responses today.  I love and miss all of you!

 

With love,

Sister Leah R. Ward