How do you enjoy being home?

Ever since I came home, everyone asks how it is to be home after being on my mission for 18 months. It is such a great question, however, I don't know how to answer it. Here is my dilemma: I haven't really been home enough to know.

When I walked off the plane Thursday night, my mom asked, "How would you like to go to Memphis this weekend?" So, Saturday morning my mom and I got on the car and drove to Ben and Shannon's.

After leaving Ben and Shannon's on my 1 week home anniversary, Mom and I drove forever (at least it felt like it!) to come home and then leave the next day to drive to Aberdeen, SD. We spent Easter weekend at Grandma Allred's house, which was a joy in and of itself.

Now, I've been home home for 5 days, and what a great time it's been. It's pretty much how it always has been: sleep in, eat good food, play Wii (that's something new), go to JoAnn's every single day this week, have Mom buy me stuff :)

Has it been worth it?

I think so. Here is why I think so:

1. I get to see Ben, Shannon, Tiger-kitty, and the newest edition, MACEY! I'd say this is a good reason why.



2. The Memphis temple is right down the street. Literally. I think I saw the temple every day I was there which was great since I hadn't seen one for 18 months.

3. Going to Grandma's is always a treat. She always spoils us.

4. Since being home, I've gotten a start on all my crafty things I've waited 18 months to do, I think I've gained the weight I lost right before I came home, and I am making my way up to pro status on Wii.

In my mind, it's been a productive two weeks. And, if you thought that sounded busy, it is only going to get busier with a trip to Provo and then another one back to Memphis. Isn't it great to be "home"?

Now that I have all this time on my hands I plan on devoting more time to the blog. Sorry for the state of my blog, but until I remember how to fully use a computer and the internet my blog will be under construction until that time.

Home Again, Home Again

I'm home after the 18 months I've spent in The Florida Tallahassee Mission. It is hard to believe that 18 months have already come and gone. While it is great to be at home with the family and living in my own home instead of tiny apartments with not much furniture, I will miss my mission.

Dear Family,

How strange to be writing my last email to you! It still doesn't seem real that I am coming home. I'm not nervous at all which is quite unusual for me. It must be Heavenly Father blessing me to remain calm with everything.

We had a good week this week. It did rain like crazy Thursday, Friday, and Saturday morning. But, luckily the Lord gave us a miracle and let the rain stop. We were able to go out and tract and we found some really great new investigators.

We also had a very good Sabbath here in Destin. We had Fast and Testimony Meeting due to General Conference this next week. There was a family that blessed their baby, and then we had really great testimonies. It was perfect for our investigators that were there. The Stake President was here so he asked me specifically to bear my testimony. I didn't even cry, which made me really happy :) I'm going to miss being here in Destin. I really like the members here.

I got to talk to Donnie and Melissa last night. They are so great! They told me that I can move back to Andalusia so that we can hang out and go to church together. They are going to do baptisms in the middle of April and are preparing to go to the temple together next year. It was so great to hear that! I love them!

Well, I guess that is about it. I'm glad that you are bringing a coat because my jacket will not be warm enough up there. It sounds like Thursday is going to be a long day, but I'm glad that President Pleshek is willing to release me when I get home that night. I'm excited to talk to and see everyone!

I love you!
Joanna

Dear Family,

I had a great email all written out and then the computer erased it. Sorry this one won't be as good.

Things were alright this week, but not the most exciting. Spring break for the colleges has been in full swing, which really isn't that fun. Traffic is crazy, and so are the people, but we did some good missionary work with the locals. The weather is absolutely amazing (the beach and ocean are breathtaking right now) and I'm somewhat scared that I'll have to live through a real winter for a little bit when I get home. But, I do want to see some snow. it's been two long years without it.

John's lesson this week was so good!! We taught him lesson three. When we asked him if he would be baptized when he knew that this was true, he said "Well, there isn't anything telling me no. It seems like the thing to do." It was great! He also said that the Holy Ghost really rang true to him and what we shared with him seemed to be the best explanation of it he has ever heard. He reread all the reading assignments we had ever left him, and he already has a favorite Book of Mormon scripture-Alma 32:26-27. He says it describes him perfectly. I really like John. He might be one of my most favorite people that I've gotten to teach. I love them all dearly, but John is so genuine and sincere and honest with us. Plus, he is really committed.

Well, I don't have too much else to write. We didn't have our best week last week, but this week is going to be a lot better. I'm so excited for it!

I love you all! Thanks for everything you do for me!
Love, Joanna