I'm going to Cali!

This photo credit goes to a Facebook post by Kristine Perry. Love it!

Sister Vaisa and Sister Butler are serving in the Liverpool area.

President and Sister Glen D. Mella with Sister Butler

Dear Family,

I'll be leaving for San Jose, California this Wednesday. I'm trying to get all of my things together. It's really difficult since I only have about 30 minutes every night to pack, but thankfully I have most of today to work!

It was SO FUN to see Kristine, Kirk, Caleb, Madelyn, Julie, and Brooks! Two hours is not enough though. Right now I feel like it was all a dream! Something that made a big impression on me was how much the gospel has blessed their lives and how it is so visible just in their countenances. With the hundreds of people I come in contact with on a daily basis, sometimes, I see what is missing in their lives. It's sad because I want them to accept the gospel and experience the great blessings God has for them. It makes me think of something Sister Risenmay, our mission president's wife, said in a talk: "You may not think you need this, but you really do!" 

I'm so thankful that Caleb and Madelyn have two loving parents--who support each other and work together as a team--who are raising them in the Lord's way. It makes me think of all the sweet children in the world who don't have that blessing and privilege. I'm thankful for Julie who develops her talents and strives to be what God wants her to be. She has the kind of beauty that shines deep from within. It's not something you can apply with makeup or exude with your style of clothing. It's virtue, that so few seem to posses today. I'm thankful for Brooks and for the beauty that shines from within his soul, haha, just kidding! He is working so hard to improve his mind with his intense college courses! All these things go the same for the rest of you, family!

Yesterday I had a meeting with the other sisters going outbound and the mission president. The Spirit was so powerful. A couple things that stuck out was that there is a work that the Lord is preparing for me to accomplish in my three months in the San Jose mission. I may not find out what it is, but I can have faith that I will meet people that have been prepared long before this earth was formed to bring them gospel. I'm so excited to meet these people. I'm also excited to get to work with members and wards! I know that this will be an awesome experience! I'll tell you all about it next Monday!

I hope everything is going well! Love you all!

xoxoxoxoxo, 

Sister Butler