Re: Momma

Dear Momma,
No, I wouldn't be counted as leaving the mission early. The mission president gets about a month's leeway in either direction when it comes to release dates. He just needs to know if there's a special reason for us to go sooner or later. So again, when do you and Chynna have Christmas break? I'm not even suggesting it to Nate until I know if it would work, and he's waiting for me to send him my input on dates, so PLEASE answer the question.
I would guess that you haven't heard much from Nate lately because getting input from everyone else has just been more trouble than it's worth. It's caused him so much stress. I don't think he wants to talk with anyone else about plans but me right now. I do need more of an idea from you now about the reception in Franklin. Locations? Resources? Budget? Who will be able to come?
Chynna won't be upstaging me. Her marriage really just doesn't compare to mine and Nate's. Even if she got married the same week, it wouldn't steal any sun out of my sky. We know for sure that being rude to John has not and will not put her off from him. I'd say it's a good thing to practice a little niceness toward him, just in case. She may very well marry John, and if she does, we're just going to have to accept it or else we'll lose contact with her all together. I'd rather have John with her at the holidays, birthdays, and dinners than not have her there at all.
And on another note all together: I'm wondering what kinds of check-ups and appointments I'm going to be needing as soon as I get back. I'm getting a toothache. I've developed and abnormal mole on my back. And either something's wrong with my throat or my voice is changing. It hurts to talk in my normal tone of voice; it feels like I'm straining to hit a note that's too low for me, so I have to try to speak higher.
I did get the song and the box of candies. I also saw the money you put in my account. I really appreciate that. Thank you so much, Momma.
Poor Heather. Let her know that my prayers are with her too, please.
I've got a little good news. Our investigator Anette decided on a baptismal date yesterday! She and the bishop spoke for a while after church, and then they told us she was ready, so we started working out a program for her. She's getting baptized on October 8th - the Saturday after General Conference. We're so stoked! Make sure to pray for her for the next three weeks, kay?
I hope you have a good week, Momma. Pray and read lots, and be nice to your husband. Remember - part of having an eternal marriage means treating each other in such a way that you WANT to be married forever. He needs some love, and he doesn't deserve to be growled at for things that have nothing to do with him. Let him know I love him too.

With so much love,
Syster Hillary Kiser