This email was sent by Sister Welker on August 7th.  We received it on August 6th.

Week 52: 4 hours to Hamilton, and Sister Meas Birthday Surprise

Most of our week was spent traveling.  My companion is the STL, and so we needed to drive up to Hamilton for MLC.  We had to drive up the night before, then we stayed the night.  She went to the meeting while I went proselyting with other sister missionaries.  I thought we would be staying the night with some other sisters in Hamilton, but instead we stayed the night in a flash home.  I think it's meant for senior couple missionaries, but it honestly looked like a hotel.  I'll attach pictures one day when I get a new SD Card Reader, but I won't be able to attach anything this week. :(  But the flat had a great view of the temple!!

On the drive up, we had some pretty heavy fog in some parts, and we would just roll down the windows and feel the cold air as we tried to touch the fog.  It was so much fun!!  As we got closer and closer to Hamilton, you could see the temple in the distance.  It was the only thing that was lit up and was easy to see.  Because of the fog, the temple had a light that pointed toward heaven and you could easily see the beam of light because of the weather.  It was absolutely beautiful!!

Lastly, it was my companion's birthday this week!!  I think she is my only companion that I've been with for their birthday.  The only other birthday I've celebrated on the mission is my own, haha.  So it was cool to be able to celebrate her birthday.  Sister Meas is only able to eat certain foods because she has a health condition.  So I tried being creative, and carved out "Happy Birthday" in carrots so she could boil and eat them, haha.

We also had a plan to surprise Sister Meas with the other sisters.  They called pretending they were arguing and needed Sister Meas help.  They were actually just using it as an excuse to have Sister Meas come to their flat, so that we could surprise her with a party.  As we drove over to the sisters, my companion was worried that she would need help to resolve their conflict, but as she opened the door, they shouted "Happy Birthday!"  They had decorated their flat, made her a brownie and lunch, and then bought her a present!!  It was so much fun, and Sister Meas was completely surprised!! :D

Hope you all have a great week.

Sister Mandy Welker