wowzers!!!

ok i haven't cried during our hour of internet for a while, but ya got me today! reading everyone's emails was such a sweet moment for me. i could see your faces and hear your voices in my head as i read all the little messages from everyone. the spanish from tio threw me off though, haven't really heard him speak in castillano yet, but i will be excited to when i get home! digalo que voy a recordar siempre la roca de abrazos! har har har. the hugging rock!
time is short today, so let me just say, i am so grateful for a family like the one we share. it truly is amazing to be out in the world, to see how families are falling apart from the "fiery darts" of the adversary, and to see how extended families never stay close, but to know that back home in happy little utah, i have a family waiting and praying and staying close together through the hard times and to celebrate together the good times. wow. that is worth more than anything in this world. and it is all thanks to the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. I KNOW that He has opened the heavens for us and has restored the truths that were lost for so many years of apostacy. He returned to the Earth, and spoke to a boy of only 14 years old to start what is known as the Restoration of the Fullness of Times. I know Christ lives and that He did that for us so we can have the gospel on the earth again, so that we can be happy and united and safe from the so many obstacles that befront us. Tio Brad said it beautifully--there are missionaries all over the world so that families like ours can have sacred, blessed, beautiful moments like what my family had together this past weekend when a little baby who was brought recently into this world was blessed by a father who has the priesthood power. Family gathered, angels stood in reverence, and the heavens sang.
GOD HAS OPENED THE HEAVENS FOR HIS CHILDREN ONCE MORE. HE LIVES AND HE LOVES US. WE ARE HIS CHILDREN. HE HAS SPOKEN TO US THROUGH HIS PROPHETS OF OLD, AND SPEAKS TO US KNOW. IF ONLY YOU KNOW HOW TO LISTEN, HE IS THERE. HIS POWER RESIDES ON THE FACE OF THIS EARTH, AND IT IS THE ONLY THING THAT CAN SEAL OUR FAMILIES TOGETHER FOREVER.
and THAT is why i am here in Chile, fighting the good fight. and THAT is why my brother is in Russia, doing the same. and IT IS WONDERFUL! :D
I LOVE YOU ALL SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH! thank you for your messages! that was so fun to read, and really lifted me up!
samsam