November 16, 2017

Dearest Spencer:

Wow, another week has gone by.  You've almost been gone a month--wow!!!  So how do you like the MTC experience?  I'm really curious to know how your day to day is going, how is your relationship with your companion?  How is Spanish coming along?  What is your typical day like?  What do you do for exercise?

Your experience contacting out in Buenos Aires made me laugh.  Have you been out again this week?

So as far as things here.. . . I feel like I am a hamster running on a wheel--always moving but not getting anywhere.  My life right now is somewhat consumed with the house and trying to get rid of stuff, shuttling boxes, and moving stuff (crap) from one point to another--I think I need to change my attitude.  :).  The basement is coming together nicely.  All the light fixtures are going in today.  Yesterday the geek squad was here installing the sound system -- a month late for you, sorry.  Everything is tied to one simple remote but I must say it is a bit overwhelming to me.  It's over the top!  Also, the Sonos system is now all set up and must say, that is my favorite part of this whole thing.  After we got rid of our CD player/stereo in NYC, YEARS ago, I never really learned how to use ipods or mp3 players and had no way of listening to music in the home, and I used to always listen to music or the radio.  Now with the Sonos system there is music again and it makes me soooooo happy!  You know, when I was younger I always thought I would stay current technologically, but then as I was finishing college technology sky rocketed and I am left in the dust.  I feel like my brain is horse and buggy and the 1st world culture is star trek.  Truly boggles my mind!

Tuesday night the family went to an Amy Grant & Michael Smith Christmas Concert down in Provo at UVU.  Logistics at the venue were BAD, but the concert was very enjoyable--especially since we listen to Amy Grant non stop at Christmas time.  In some respects I felt like we were at a Christian revival and it was quite fun.  Jordan Smith, a singer who was on the Voice, was also part of the concert and he totally stole the show.  His voice is so clear, smooth and powerful--absolutely incredible.  He sang Oh Holy Night, among others and brought down the house--each time he sang he got a standing ovation.  David Ais Christopher and a friend, McKenzie joined the rest of us at the concert.  Christopher was such a crack up.  He sang along with everything and danced in his seat, Rebecca, McKenzie and I joined him.  

Rebecca is keeping busy with school, swimming, and piano.  She has slimmed down a lot since the beginning of the school year and is exhausted when she comes home from swimming.  It's been fun to see her enjoy her activities and friends so much this year.  It seems like she has really come into her own.

Nathan is spending a lot of time outside now.  The weather is still relatively warm for this time of year--in the high 40s and mid 50s.  He hangs out with Jack Ferrell, Blake and Hunter playing basketball, exploring down and the pond on in the hills behind grandpas house.  Makes me happy that he ventures out more.  He is continuing to swim.

On Sunday we visited Grandpa Belnap and Sharon for a couple of hours.  They are doing well and are finishing up their mission on December 31.  They have served for 2.5 years.  Their health seems to be pretty good.  Grandpa uses a cane most of the time.  His birthday is this Friday so if you have a chance to send him a quick email wishing him a happy birthday, that might be a good thing-- gordonbelnap@gmail.com.

Grandpa Goff is hanging in there.  He misses you and your helpfulness, as do I. :)  He had an eye exam on Tuesday, Aunt Carolee and I took him down to the opthomologist and his eyes seem to be doing quite well.  I love spending time with him.  He is such a good soul.  Wish I could get him out more though.  I've encouraged him to take a class over at WSU--only costs him $10 and he can take any class he wants.  He's thinking about it.  I asked him what class he would like to take and he said psychology.  Sweet man!!

Your Dad is doing well.  He is in demand as a speaker.  He's gearing up for the holidays and knows exactly where he wants to display everything.  It will be quite spectacular, I'm certain.

Well, dear, not that much has happened this week, so I think that is about all.

I'll close with a spiritual thought.  I was reading in Isaiah 58:6-11 the other day in preparation for a lesson.  I don't think I have ever read that passage before.  The blessings of the fast blew me away, and I am truly excited for next fast Sunday!  here is the scripture: 

 6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bandsof wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
 7 Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? 8 ¶ Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lordshall be thy rearward. 9 Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; 10 And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: 11 And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.

We are so blessed to have the gospel in our lives!!!  I love going to church--I feel the spirit most powerfully there and am always inspired to do better and be better.  We are surrounded by goodness.

We sure love you Spence, and again prayer multiple times a day for your happiness, safety, success and for those with whom you work and teach.

LTIABABA

Mom