December 30, 2013

Okay beloveds, this is so not my style, but I don't have a car or phone, so I have no way of telling you personally. I was privileged enough to have the opportunity to serve a mission for the Lord for almost 9 months. It was an honor and a privilege, and I will be forever grateful for the time I was allotted to do that. I came home for medical reasons, but I will be just fine. In my last three days there, my testimony of the Savior, Jesus Christ, was completely solidified. And I can say now more than ever, that I know my Savior lives, He loves His lost sheep, and wants nothing more than for us to feel His love, strength, and the healing of His Atonement. It is between us, and Him. Thank you for your love and friendship, Zoe.

December 23,2013 - To those whom I love so dearly,

Heavenly Father is with each one of us. He provides specific people here on earth, but He also comes personally. He is a God of delegation, but He does His own work. We are His work and His glory, and He will always love us.

 

The Savior has given us the Atonement. And He is willing to freely bless each of us with forgiveness, joy, and eternal life with our Father. Whether we come later or not than others, is of no matter to Him. He knows our hearts, and will bless us fully for each step we take with Him. (Matthew 20:1-16)

 

When you are the "ninety and nine", offer your assistance and attention to those the Savior would care for. And when you are the "one", He will take you in His care. (Luke 15:2-7)

 

I believe in Christ. I know that He lives. He came to those on the American continent, and there was a record kept. That record is the Book of Mormon. I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of the Lord, and translated, by the power of the Lord, the ancient record of the Book of Mormon.

 

He walks with us. He IS peace. He brings mercy. He brings eternal life. He is my Savior and Redeemer. I know that He lives, and loves us.

 

This is my testimony of Him, and I write these words in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

 

Hermana Zoe Aundrea Patton

December 9, 2013 - Ello!

Baah, I don't have that much time again because I was just tracking down a Puerto Rican. Haha yeah nothing came of it. But I tried! Jaime. He has lived here since the 1940's, and he stopped us to ask for directions, but we obviously couldn't help/were 1 minute away from losing the computer time, so we referred him to the librarian, but I felt like a jerk/Hispanics are few and far in between/he came to US, so as he made his way to leave, I ran up from the computer and ran after this little old man, yell-whispering, "Jaime...JAIME!" Haha, he didn't respond, so I tried, "Amigo!" haha. Anyways, this all taking place in a quiet library made everything a little bit more awkward. But, I have come to know that, that is all missionary work really is: a lot of really uncomfortable things. It's good though.

Most interesting experience of the week: Jack. Jack is a dog. A Jack Russell. And he is so cute. So we knocked on this lady's door, tell her who we are...yeah she shuts it. So we move on, but she opens the door again and apologizes, telling us that it's been a really hard day; that her manager is going to evict her if she doesn't get rid of her dog. He was such a sweet little thing, and this woman was older, with diabetes and other health problems. She obviously was not social and would have a very hard time finding a place for the pup, and this woman's well-being was at stake. So like vomit, I said, "We'll take care of it." Oops. Haha. So we went to the Nativity Festival where Hermana Villalobos was to play Mary, and then picked up Jack before we went home for the night. Washed him, made a little bed. We live with a member, and we called her of course to make sure it was okay if we temporarily housed him until we found a home. So right now, he's just chillin.

Life is pretty good. No piece of cake, but I'm alive, healthy, got a puppy for Christmas; my life's dream. So I can't really ask for a lot more.

Love and more love,

December 2, 2013

Hey hey hey!!

 

I have like two minutes. So sorry. We played tennis for way to long! caps lock WE PLAYED TENNIS. I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE. NO ONE EVER LETS ME PLAY TENNIS. We have played soccer and scatter ball for the past 8 months. And everyone thinks I am a party pooper because I sit in the corner and play the guitar or write letters. Which is fine, yeah I'm a loser whatever. But it's realty only because we never play the sports I love. And yes, I convinced everyone to play tennis this week. A member owns it so they let us play free. I was in HEAVVENNN. YAYYYY. Haha. I reigned triumphant! Nobody knew how to play though, so it was interesting. Anyways, and we got to golf. Real golf. Golf is expensive. FREE. Played for free. And the senior missionary, Elder Warren was a pro-golfer. And he is teaching me. No big deal. L:ife is GOOD. Which is nice because last week was the pits. Really it was the WORST. But we are out of it now, and we are happy, and life is good. It's super cold here. Like it will get below 20 this week. NOOOooonoOOOO. Oh well. It just makes people feel bad for us and let us in. Who wouldn't want that??

 

Sorry I won't write e-mails directly after playing tennis for 3 hours anymore. I have way too much adrenaline and endorphins I can't focus my thoughts or say anything significant. I just love tennnnissss!!!!

 

Thanksgiving was great! We spent it with a few different families. 

 

Love you!

 

Hermana Patton

November 25, 2013 - Hey hey heyyy

Family. Friends. How ya doin'? I'm good. Haha. I'm in a really weird mood. Haha. This is CRazY. Missions are carrrazzzyyy. So many things!!!

Facebook. We are doing facebook now. Whatthe. And we are using our own. I-Pads. We are also using I-pads. Those should come in a couple of weeks. Mas informacion on that later. We finally get to go to the temple on the 4th. Our new rule is temple trip once a year. AHH. I went once like my first week. And this will most likely be my last time going until I am home. I am so sad about that! The temple is my favorite place on earth...

Oh well...

Life is good. It's hard. I'm happy, and really, very, very blessed. But I don't think anyone understands how hard this is. Hermana Villalobos were venting about this the other day. This is the hardest thing we have ever done. Yes we have the Lord with us, and angels, and the prayers of all of you. But this is the work of eternity. If the whole glory and purpose of the Father is to bring to pass the eternal life and salvation of man, than that is also Satan's focus. I am learning that the adversary works in near the exact same way as the Father, he just has the opposite intentions. And so, my point is this; it's a battle we're in. All of us. This is not just a hoodee hoo "mish" experience. The greatest triumphs and blessings come from the most difficult of circumstances and challenges. Well, a mission brings those beautiful blessings. But not without us passing through that second half.

We met a man Saturday night. I will call him Joe. It was freezing and nobody would listen that night. It was almost time to go home. But good thing we didn't. Because Joe was behind that door! He is a single father and doing such a good job. He is obviously worn out, just lost his job, and one of the nicest people you will ever meet. His children were the dearest things I had ever seen in my life. They are 7 and 3 :) Anyways, we really connected with this guy, and he accepted the invitation to come to church the next morning. That doesn't happen. Ok so next morning we are about late because our investigators weren't home, and we were calling, and yada yada. We got to church, went to sit on the stand because we were speaking, and during the opening hymn we were feeling pretty discouraged. A lot of people agreed to come to church that week, and we made arrangements for them. Looking around the congregation we didn't see any of them. But we did see Eric. In the third row with his kids in their Sunday best. That feeling. It makes everything we do all week more than worth it. Because it really is always about the one. You will do a million things in a week for dozens of people. And it all usually falls through for everyone but the one. And that is everything in the end. He was really interested and though we had to go to the Spanish class, the Elders said he was super attentive and interested, and was fascinated by the 3 Kingdoms of Glory. He read the scriptures, and even asked, "Where can I get one of these books?" Yeah. Joe is awesome.

Anyways, I know that this is the work of the Lord, and this is what He cares about. He cares about us. And I know that it is personal. Not about us as a whole. He does this work for every single child individually. I love Him.

Hermana Patton

November 18, 2013 - A HODEE HO!

Where do I even start? And what do I even say!?? This place is incredible. The woman we are living with.. a dream. The ward is OUT OF CONTROL GOOD. It's as if the ward is being run by the First Presidency themselves. The lake is the center of town, and we live right next to it, so we just go on a little run by the lake every morning. No big deal. GASP, are you joking me?? Everyone is SO nice here. We're about an hour from the coast. My district includes..the best people. All of my favorite missionaries, including a senior couple, The Warrens, who are just off the wall. I am in an English district and an English zone now. We have a dog! Haha. Well, we have the basement all to ourselves, and Tammy's husband Mike lives in Newport,OR to take care of his mother. But he comes every weekend, and brings the dog, Obie. Obie is his best pal, it's just him and the dog up there. But he saw how much we loved him, so he left him for us for the week! I am back with Hermana Villalobos which means I have ceased wearing any of my own clothes. I don't want to go! I have a queen size bed. Come on. This place is ridiculous. If its not with family, I can't think of a better place to spend the holidays! Oh man, I'm going to die when I have to leave. I would be so, more than content staying here for the duration of my mission. That will not happen. Starting a group is the best!!!!! We are starting the group out of 3rd ward, but we cover the whole stake. It rains..pours, every day here. And I love it. Everyone is going to get baptized. Elder Cuas from the Dominican Republic serving English speaking found a few potentials for us to teach, but mostly we're on our own! Just building a teaching pool. It's awesome. This is the most fun I have had on my mission for sure. Building a group is just so exciting!! There is so much work to do, but at the same time, it feels like nothing because the ward is SO supportive, and I am doing this with one of my best friends! It doesn't get better than this, don't even try to talk me down from the tree. President Taylor knows I am in heaven. AHH. We have a brand new car...it's so nice. I'm like, so spoiled!! Oh my goodness, think of the missionaries in the Phillipines! Anyways, I'm happy. I know that this is just a Christmas miracle, and the most gigantic tender mercy from the Lord, so I am just going to soak it all in. Waah I want to cry, I'm so happy!!

 

Even though the members don't speak Spanish, it really makes no difference. We are still bringing them to every lesson so that they can testify, and the Spirit can be felt. Love and the Spirit are felt much stronger than Spanish is heard. Each of these members wants to do everything they can to help this get going and to find people that we can teach. As far as the mission goes, this is kind of like my Paradise.

 

I love you a lot!

 

Hermana Patton

November 12, 2013 - So sad. Saying bye to Sis.Harbertson.

November 12, 2013 - AHhhh!!!

We got transfer letters, and Transfers are tomorrow morning!! Because we have two new hermanas coming, we all knew President would have to open up a new area. There has been lots of talk about where he would decide, and let me tell you, it is Longview. Who knows what that means?? But I don't care I am so excited!!!!!!!!!!! I get to open up Longview!!!!!!!!!! With HERMANA VILLALOBOS. MY MTC COMPANION/BEST FRIEND. AAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!! We have been waiting for this day, never thinking that it would actually come. We would joke, "President will never put us together. We would be too happy, and too successful." Well we ARE together, and we are SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!! I love CAPS LOCK!!!! But even caps lock doesn't do these feeling justice. They told us to use exclamation points in General Conference, well I'm using exclamation points!!!!!!!

Do you know what this means?? We don't have a branch, so we will be starting a "group". They will go to an English ward until we are big enough to be a branch. Who knows if there are many/any Hispanic members in that ward to help and come to lessons, and we won't have an area book!!!!!! HAHAHAHAHA. That is a missionary's whole life! This is the biggest adventure I have thus far ventured! I have already talked with some members about friends they have there that are fluent in Spanish and could help us out. It's gonna be wild!!!!!!! Hermana Scow will be going to Portland and training a new missionary. Woot woot!!! This is gonna be awesome.

Not like I haven't loved and appreciated everything I have learned here, but this is definitely an "await the blessings" experience. Truly, to be with Hermana Villalobos is the greatest tender mercy in my mission thus far. I just, ah, no words.

Mission News: We will be doing online proselyting (missionary work through facebook, etc.) before Christmas, and getting I-Pads in January. Our mission was chosen out of 30 missions to be the trial-run with the I-Pads. January should hold a lot of exciting news.

We had the last of Sister Conferences. It was great. Sister Taylor made a comment that I loved. She said she was talking to a local about the rain and gloom, and the lady said, "In the Northwest, we don't talk about the gloomy days. We ask, did you catch the sunshine today?" As goes with life :)

President Taylor talked about the strait and narrow way. And asked us why it is that strait is not the presumed straight, with the ght. He explained, and then I looked it up in the dictionary. Strait: a narrow waterway connecting two large bodies of water. And President Taylor added, "usually very rocky, very turbulent, and difficult to navigate." The two large bodies of water I imagine are this life and eternal life. And the way to eternal life is the strait.

I love each of you dearly. This is His work.

Hermana Patton

November 4, 2013 - I should just send you my journal.

Everything is funnier now that I saw the blog Alice is keeping. Haha. Now that I can see how everything I am saying is being recorded! I will probably put more thought into my words now. I wish I had my journal con migo,

 

Dear all of the best people I know,

 

This week was prettyyy great. Halloween was the funniest day ever. The Mendoza family had the four hermanas over for dinner, and our mission President said, as far as Halloween night goes, "Just be smart about it." Haha, that is his answer for everything. So, because we couldn't tract obviously, or teach lessons that night since people were out, we spent all hallows eve with this family! Also, they live like over an hour away, up into the mountains. It's not even in our misson! So they picked us up, drove up there, he had been talking about a "service project for us", well, he took us into the room to show us what we would be doing....MAKING MASKS!!! Yay! And then the dinner. Oh my goodness. It was outrageous. We ate by candlelight, and were handed a menu with crazy food items: dead man's bones, guts, stuff like that. Anyways, you were only allotted so many utensils, so you had to figure out how to eat everything. For example, Hermana McKinley ate her spaghetti and meatballs with a pie cutter. It was pretty great. Luckily, we still got to do missionary work because their daughter brought her boyfriend who is investigating the church right now. 

Thank you for all of the love! I didn't bring my camera. but I took a pic with me and the 5 letters I got the other night. I love you!

Hermana Patton

October 28, 2013 - Holaaa

Sorry but this week is going to be verrrry short.

We met with Elizabeth again, among many others. Oh my gosh I don't even have time to talk about Cynthia! Ok Elizabeth has not been coming to church because she doesn't feel worthy. She has church pamphlets that her sister gave her, talking about the law of Chastity, and tithing, and so forth. She is so humble and sweet, she hasn't wanted to come because she is not yet perfect in those things. We talked to her about this life being a process, and nonnneee of us will ever be perfect in anything. And that Heavenly Father wants us to come to him with our sin, heartache, thoughts and feelings, good or bad, He wants us to come to Him. No importa que hacemos, El es siempre nuestro Padre. Yo se que El quiere que venimos. Con todo. "No matter what we do, he is our Father. I know he wants to come. with everything."

Love you,

Hermana Patton

October 21, 2013 - Abundancia

Oh my goodness.

What a week :)

The Cruz family:

Hermana Scow and I needed to use the restroom. We at random chose McDonalds. Haha. But as we approach the door, we see the "restroom for patrons only" sign, so we start to turn around, but two people in line wave us in. Hermana Scow runs to the restroom, and this family introduces themselves as the Cruz family, from Texas. They were happy to see us because they had a referral, someone interested that they had found for us to teach. They gave us his name and contact info. We asked how they knew him. Ready? They are here on VACATION for a week, had been praying for missionary opportunities, had met him in the mall, and read Moroni 10:3-5 with him. What?! What?! These people are awesome! Turns out this guy they met has a Book of Mormon in his house already. We are still trying to contact him. We gave them two more Book of Mormons with our phone # in case they find anyone else. That was a crazy inspiration to me, of what I need to be doing on vacations!

One thing about the branch. It is so special to watch these people progress. Basically everyone is a recent convert, so every week there are men being ordained to the Priesthood, and one by one, these humble men with little to their name are showing up in misfitted suits to respect and honor the priesthood they now hold. It's a beautiful thing.

Last night we had dinner with Pres.Harbertson and his family, and we were talking about his son's cool mission experiences. They were ones of miracles and healing. And President Harbertson looked at me, and said that experiences like those are just as sweet as seeing Hermana Sanchez come back to church after several months. The first time I met Hermana Sanchez, the Spirit whispered to my heart during the lesson, that she among others, but her specifically, was why I am here. That was a couple of months ago. And after a visit last week, we saw her at church this Sunday. It was beautiful. Most of my experiences with helping others come unto Christ has been with less active members. And that means a lot to me.

Hermana Patton

October 14, 2013 - Am I Laman or am I Lemuel, because I sure ain't Nephi.

Well family and dearly beloved,

Thanks to an UNCLE KURT and my companion Hermana Scow, I have realized once again something that I love to do: not share anything personal or close to me with anyone except the chosen few haha. Hermana Scow doesn't care, because she isn't a conversationalist in any regard, and I've been forcing myself to share personal things with her. She does't respond haha. Hahaha I really love her. But yeah, this is definitely a quality that puts a strain on all of my relationships, including my e-mailing realtionship with you! Can we all agree that it is time for me to share personal experiences, and stop being so vague and mysterious?? Okay cool.

Personal experience #1:

Oh gosh I hate this already.

Okay I don't know how to do this, can we start gradually maybe? Read some how-to books or something? Alright.

Mostly I just feel like my daily life would not be interesting for other people to read about. And I was raised to not speak unless you have something of worth to say. I don't really know how to determine what is of worth.

OK THIS IS REALLY HARD FOR ME....READY???

Elizabeth. Elizabeth's sister is being taught by a set of Spanish Elders, and her other sister's family is being taught by, us. There are 7 sisters. Elizabeth has a truly beautiful soul. She does it alone. Works all day to give her children a home and food, and receives no gratitude or help in return. She told us that she just cries and cries, and then wipes herself off, goes on with life, and then wakes up the next morning and does it all over again. All I could stand to talk to her about was the Atonement. But that is all I ever really want to talk about. Because if everyone just understood that, there would be no need for anything else.

Anyways, so the story is this: I was on exchanges with another hermana, and Hermana Scow and I had been trying to contact Elizabeth for days, (she is a referral from her sister). So Hermana Clanton and I tried it out. Basically, every road block you come across with your investigator is removed on exchanges. Exchanges. I love exchanges! So we go over, of course she is home, and she was going to shoo us off, but we sweet talked our way into the door. Like usual. Wendy, I know you hate that I am so awfully persistent, but it has been of more value to me on my mission than almost any other quality. So, she invites us to be seated. The three of us gather at the table. I ask her if her husband bought those flowers for her. She shakes her head and quietly says no and looks down. I start telling her about her sister, Griselda, and if she knew about her upcoming baptism. She says no. And then I ask about her sister Alma. She doesn't want to talk about Alma. So I ask her, "What has passed between you and Alma?" And then the tears flow. She tells me that their mother was dying, and was staying here in her home as she took care of her, with the help of Griselda. Griselda is the only one who would help take care of their dying mother. And when her mom said, "Elizabeth, call your sisters. I want to say goodbye.", Alma never came. Alma lives 5 minutes away. And so, Elizabeth repeated the phrase, "-my heart is hard towards her...my heart is hard towards her." Well I don't blame her. Elizabeth is the oldest, and her father is a broke drunk, and so since she was 8, her mother worked, and Elizabeth took care of all her little sisters. She told me she doesn't even like to leave the house anymore. She said, "I dont' know what has happened to me." She desperately needs the Atonement, as do each and every one of us.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland taught us that, that is all missionary work is; it is providing for the Atonement.

Was that a better e-mail? Worse? Who knows, but thanks for your love and prayers. They are felt every day.

Hermana Patton

October 7, 2013 - Well I love ya dangit.

Hellooo!

 

It's confusing to feel this happy when some of the darkest days of life just passed yesterday. But they're over. And what I realized is this: (just now while writing this)...

 

The darkness was encompassing and completely engulfing me. Dimmer and dimmer the light got, as I slipped out of reality. I was gone. For three days, I sat in the dark, having escaped warmth and comfort of soul. I was here, in body, but it was as if there was nothing inside of me. Like I was watching my own life, but not taking part in it. The prophet's voice, on the morning of the third day, is what softened my heart enough to hear the voice of the Spirit, resucitating me back to life. As he spoke of his angel wife Frances, I saw a much broader perspective and path. And now the curtains have been place back, the light has filtered into every crevice of my spirit. The prophet's voice, and your voices, brought me out of a very dark state.

 

"People like you, save people like me. And I love you for that."

 Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

 

 But I claim those words as my own to each of you.

 

Sometimes, the light is not as bright as the sun. That is when we must walk in the light of the sparks we have kindled. You, and the fire of a testimony, are many of my sparks. I think of you as the sparks that I have kindled, that carry me through the dark until the morning comes.

 

I love you very much,

Hermana Patton

September 30, 2013 - Let it burn.

The Lord let the Provo Tabernacle burn so that it could one day become a holy temple. The same is true in each of our lives. He will let us burn to the ground. To be cleansed, to be purified, and so He can build us back up to something much, much better than what we left in the ashes. I guarantee it hurts Him more as our Father to watch us burn, than for us to suffer through it for a time and season. But He needs to build us into temples, and there is only one way. To let the wordly edifice burn down to the ground.

 

This is the most incredible and most painful experience in my life thus far. He is preparing us to be eternal. That is a painful transformation. To become a new creature; nothing about that sounds easy. But it is what we have been asked to do. To me, it's a beautiful concept. Learn to become.

 

This is the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, once again on the earth. The very same church Christ set up and established as His way. The priesthood is real and healing. This is the work of the Lord. There is no other way. 2 Nephi 31:21

 

"The only way out is through."

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

 

We must each go through. But there has already been a plan set, a path marked, and the way made known. He is the way. And there is no other way. And when we come to the end of the road of mortality, there will only be One to greet us. Because He employs no servant there at the gate. 2 Nephi 9:41

 

This is His work.

 

Hermana Patton

September 23,2013 - I have to go to the bathroom!

Oh my gosh I have to go so bad, but I have exactly 16 minutes left and I am not getting up.

Okay. SO. This week was pretty great. I learned some lessons. Favorite scripture of the week: Matthew 24:46.

Also, this hurst. Haha. Dad, it's just parked here. Nobody drives it. It has tons of skulls and stuff in the back. And a casket. I'm pretty sure it sits here year round in this random, ghetto apartment complex. So great.

Also: TORRENTIAL DOWNPOUR. Every day. It was like this my first couple of months. They say it is this way for 10 months out of the year. I definitely did not pack for this...I packed for Kennewick, which is hot, deserty farm-land. Whoops.

Well, yeah. I seriously have to go to the bathroom so bad.

September 16, 2013 - Haha yikes

So we were walking with Rafaela, and she took us to this ice cream shop. Awesome little hidden garage. Authentic Mexican ice cream made and packaged right there. Anyways, glad to find out that the owner (woman) is obsessed with me. She gave us plantains haha, and I cooked them up; that's what this picture is of. I'm doing pretty well for myself. Rafaela told me after that the owner thinks I look like a princess, and later she even called me "nuera"......daughter-in-law. YIKES. I ONLY MET HER ONE TIME. HAHA, it's so much weirder because we are trying to get her son (our age) and her nephew to meet with missionaries. Anyways.

Dear family and friends that are family,

Thank you so much for making my birthday last forever, and informing me of things yet to come. My goodness! I haven't had a birthday like this since I was 5. Lindsey, I have a picture of you and Jake on my board that Barbara sent to me haha, love you Barbara :) Well, I got to go to Portland this week on exchanges, thank goodness. I love it there. It's so...full of opportunity haha if you know what I mean. Probably not. There are a lot of hispanics is what I mean. Okay I mean that it's ghetto. I have a feeling that I will be there SOON. If not in two weeks, than the transfer after that for sure. We don't get any new hermanas until November, so I won't be training anybody new. We'll see! General Conference: 6 month mark. WEIRD. 1/3 over! Yikes!

Dad, can you find and send me the quote by Elder Neal A. Maxwell, about the star in Bethlehem being placed in orbit long before it shone that night? And if possible, the story of President Monson walking past the casket of President Hinckley, and hearing, "Retention, retention, retention." Thank you :) Oh! And if it's not too long, the prophet Joseph's dream about the Savior standing directly above His Apostle's heads and they didn't know it, because they wouldn't look up.

My favorite scripture right now: Proverbs 14:25 A true witness, a true testimony, can save people. Read it!

All of my love, Hermana Patton

September 9, 2013

I can't really write because the system keeps shutting down, and now I'm out of time! But my birthday keeps getting better! Still reapin' in the goods! I love you!

September 3, 2013 - Pictures

September 3, 2013 - Birth

Thank you for the birthday salutations! What a sweet surprise! I had the best birthday of all time. A new investigator was hospitable and kind enough to make a huge bday feast. Her friend and brother, (strangers to me) bought the cake, complete with Feliz Cumpleanos Hermana Patton. It was a humbling day that strangers would do something so kind. And the branch president's wife brought me a cake, and the big breakfast we have with all of the missionaries in the stake landed on Sep 2, and afterwards, we hiked the Ape Caves next to Mt.St.Helens! Woot woot! What a great birthday!

 

I have 2 minutes to send pics.

 

Love you!

Hermana Patton

August 26, 2013 - Pictures (I'm so HAPPY!)

 

Hermana Peterson and I

Hermana Peterson Hermana Scow Hermana Patton+20lbs.

Hermana Scow & Hermana Patton with our beautiful home behind us

The trek. Not in it, don't look for me.

This is how my new companion hangs up her clothes to dry. Really though.