January 5th

Dear Family,

Where to even begin?

Probably with the weather. There was an entire day of freezing rain on New Years so the road were horrible. Everything was covered in about an inch of smooth ice at least. I can testify that I am protected as a missionary because it was like walking and driving on an ice rink all day long and I did not fall once, nor did my companions. I really know that there are angels watching over us. I've never felt it so much in my life. There are so many times on my mission that I just wish you could see where I am or what I'm doing. We are so protected.

Another thing I've learned this week is that the Restoration is so true! I can never ever deny it because there has not been a single time on my mission where I or my companion have shared the First Vision and the Spirit has not come down in abundance. I can't describe it really or express to you enough that I know Joseph Smith did see God the Father and Jesus Christ and they did restore the church through him.

There are so many miracles I don't know which to share or how to include all of them, but know that opposition brings sacrifice and sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven.

Brother Arnold and Brother Stanley took Jimmy moose hunting. We were teaching Neca when they got home from being in the bush all day. They got a moose! And that time with Jimmy and our ward mission leader and member of the bishopric was so good for them. I have never taught/met a more prepared couple than Neca and Jimmy. I feel so incredidbly grateful that I can teach them and incredibly humbled. I don't know why I've been so blessed to be here or be a part of this, but when I think about it, it brings me to tears. Their baptism will be the most special day.

Yesterday when asked in Relief Society to define a testimony, Neca said "A knowledge that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints is true, that the plan of salvation is real, and that Jesus Christ is real..." It was longer, but we were all floored. (Hahaha I wrote "a firm conviction of spiritual truth." Neca just blows me out of the water. :))

I just want to tell you everything!!!! The church is so true. Miracles have not ceased and angels continue to minister to men and women. I love you all and I love this work of the Lord. I know the Atonement is real. All I could do this week was pray for you and so that's what I did. I prayed and I fasted and I felt the Atonement carry me as I lost myself in the service of God. I love you all so much and pray for you by name. Know that God is so aware of you and He loves you more deeply than we can possibly understand.

Sister Thomson

PS. My favorite phrases this week: "I seen a bear" "She don't know..." "I seen a moose" I love it so much. I would love it even more if I wasn't catching on. :)