THE GREAT & DREADFUL WEEK...

Hey guys!

So you know how they talk about the Great and Dreadful day. Well I just experienced the Great and Dreadful week!

First, lets start off with the good. B's baptism was this week and everything went great! I was so grateful that he asked me to perform the baptism. B was confirmed this Sunday and the Bishop confirmed him and we were able to stand in. Later on Sunday B. and A. both rceived the Aaronic Priesthood and ordained to the office of Deacon! They are such good kids!!!

We were also able to speak in First Wards Sacrament meeting this Sunday along with a recently returned missionary. I spoke on how we cannot be afraid to do missionary work and how fear is a selfish emotion. I thought it went really well.

So now for the bad. Hearing that Zoey had to be put down is by far the hardest thing I have had to deal with out here. I think I knew it would happen which helps, but I didn't think it would happen this early. It has been a lot harder to focus these last couple of days because all I can think about is her and how I haven't seen her in 6 months and now I won't be able to go home to her. But she was an old dog and it had to happen sometime. I understand that it is nobodys fault and it is just part of Heavenly Fathers plan as hard as it can be to accept sometimes. Thank you so much for telling me and doing everything you could! Dad - don't wait for me to come home and scatter her ashes. Choose a place you know Zoey and I loved, that way it will help mom. She was a great dog and an amazing friend - I will really miss her!!!

Okay to answer your questions:

Did you get Jessica's Graduation announcement and picture? Yes, I did - it looks great.

Can you write a letter/send a card congratulating Jessica and send it here so we can give it to her that day? Yes I was waiting for her to write me back but if she doesn't soon I will write her a new letter.

How is the bike think working out? Good! It is great exercise - but man does my bottom hurts!

How was Zone Conference? It went really well! I was really surprised when it was announced at the beginning of the program that Elder Richardson was going to give his thoughts on "My Purpose" for 5 minutes. (No one even asked me before hand - but it went well I guess -haha)

When are your next transfers? They are on the 13th

How are you feeling about whether you will stay or go? It it 50/50. Elder Shaw is going to ask if I can stay! :) The bishop of second ward even asked my district Leader at the baptism on Friday if he could tell the Mission President to leave me here - haha.

So did you get a bike helmet and lock? Ya -we were also told to get a pump and a light. So I did and then we found out that the bikes come with lights so I am going to try and take them back today because they were expensive I think I spent a total of like $85 on everything and the lights were almost $30 so it would help if I could take them back!

How has the working out/getting in shape been going? I try to work out every day but it doesnt seem to help. I weigh like 190 lbs!!! :o

Still drinking muscle milk? yup everyday for B-fast

So can you please tell me the story behind the quilt you sent home? So there is a place up here called the "Klothes Kloset" that we do service for. The ladies there teach every missionary how to sew and you are able to make what they call a lap robe. I figured I would make mine for Zoey to lay on :(

Have you heard anything about whether you'd be able to skype on Mother's Day? We should be able to! I think we are going to do it at the Shaws again.

What did you do last p-day and what do have planned for today's p-day? We went golfing with Elder Shaw. I suck! haha. We are helping someone move today - not to exciting.

You might think about taking your suit (the one you wear the most) to the cleaners in enough time before next transfers to get it cleaned. Are you maintaining all your clothes, garments, and shoes? Yes Mom!!!

So fill us in on who your teaching now? No one! This whole week we are focusing on finding new people!

Any interesting stories or anything interesting happen this week to you? Not really this week was kind of boring!

What kind of service did you do this week? We helped Elder Shaw lay sod and then we helped someone move on Saturday morning!

Hey - so one of the guys in 2nd Ward up here is a dentist and owns his own dental place. I asked him to look at my jaw since it has been getting a lot worse. About half of the time when I wake up in the mornings my jaw is "locked" and I can hardly open it until it loosens up and starts popping again. He said he knew what was wrong and explained it to me but I don't remember - haha. He said I need some mouth gaurd thing. He told me he could do it for cheap like $20 bucks so I am going in tomorrow sometime to get my impressions done. Just thought I would let you know. But this has to be done. It bothers me so much and he said if I don't take care of it I could end up having surgery on it like his wife did and I don't want to have surgery!

Well I love and miss you guys so much! I can't wait to see you on Mothers day!

-Elder Richardson