December 1st

Dear Family,

I have been transferred to heaven. It was -30 Celsius yesterday. And I love it so so so much. We live in a log cabin on our RS president's property and are the only sisters who get to drive a truck. We have milk from a cow. Which I can't drink, but it's still pretty legit. :) I'm in VANDERHOOF. I feel like I already know the members. And one couple here is from Pocatello and knows Emily and Matt because they were in the SAME ward. This is a town of 5,000 people. Coincidence? I think not. I've never come to an area that I've felt so much immediate love for. Even Duncan. It's kind of confusing as to why I love this place so much but I know that it is inspired.

My companions are so great. Yes, I'm in a tri!!!! :) And it is the best. I seriously love it. I felt bad for sisters in tris but no way. Sister Manaso is from Thailand and joined the church 4 years ago this week when she went on a student exchange in Utah. She lived in Utah with the same family from 16 to 18 and went back to Thailand in the summers. She went to BYUI but transferred to BYU-Provo and will be going home with me. :) (April 1st. I don't know if I've told anyone that yet.....) Sister Arnesen graduated from BYU in Execise Science and is going home on Dec 17 (half-way through the transfer). She reminds me a lot of Mandy from work. We are really similar. But suprisingly, so are Sister Manaso and I. Pretty much I am in the promised land with awesome companions. I prayed recently and told Heavenly Father that I was willing to have a hard, struggling companion but He's just blessed me with awesome companions my whole mission. I hope it means my permanent companion will be awesome. :)

My favorite scripture right now is Alma 32:6. It says "he (Alma) beheld with great joy." He say how incredible of an experience and oppurtunity God was allowing to give him and he not only looked on the bright side, but he beheld with great joy! He was so incredibly happy. Heavenly Father wants us to be happy and look on the bright side. "Be of good cheer." He has given us so much. So even though I could get frostbite simply from standing outside for too long and am writing you this in a room with a broken heater, I am so happy! I love this place! I don't want to be anywhere else. I will not put myself down anymore. I refuse. And I am filled with so much joy because of it.

I love you all so much. I left my camera, but next week I will send you a picture ice on the INSIDE of our windows. :)

Love you!!!!!!!!!!
SIster THomson

PS. Best quote "It's colder than a mother-in-law's kiss out there."