A Personal Letter to You All

You might think this weird, but I had the idea last night to write
each of you a personalized sentence or two. I've only sent this email
to the select individuals who I think it likely would read the email.
It's a sort of gratitude letter, and then at the end I'll update you
on my week. (Don't feel obligated to respond) Let's begin!

Dear Father, I've already written you a response to an email you sent
me. But really, thanks for writing often, humorously, and spiritually.
Love you!
Dear Mother, Don't worry about me. I'm fine. I love receiving your
emails and testimony, but I don't always respond because I'm lazy or
can't think in English. I love you as well!
Dear Hannah, keep working hard and praying! God has given you amazing
talents, he's also given you trials that you may learn. I love you and
miss jammin' on the guitars!
Dear Elder Benge, It seems Washington state is treating you well. I
miss singing with you also! Remember charity never faileth! Love you!
Dear Miriam, When dark clouds hang o'er you, turn first to your
family, leaders, and then friends. Stay in practice with all you
musical skills! Love you, and good luck with high school. It's a
rollercoaster.
Dear Andrew, are you alive? Just kidding, your parents have
thankfully written that you are in fact alive and well. Stay creative,
and play piano and guitar, or you'll regret it later! Love you and
miss you!
Dear Lucy, I'm also convinced you're alive, I think. I love you, but
make sure to keep sending me your poetry and books!
Dear Rachel, you're at that age when I come home you're going to be
a completely different person. Take care of your cough, play violin,
love life. I love you!
Dear Joshua, it is your job to say hello to Enoch and Ester because
they don't have emails. (I hope.) give them each a hug for me. I hope
you're having fun in sports and life! I love you buddy!

Dear Grandma and Grandpa Nielson, you've always been busy people!
Always serving first the Lord and second your massive Family. I love
you, and wish love with all of your endeavors. You are wonderful
people!
Dear Grandma and Grandpa Benge, I really miss you as well! I don't
know what you're currently doing in life, but it's probably awesome.
I've always been proud of my grandparents. I love you both!

Dear Sorella Sharp, methinks you're still in Liguria? Hope to hear
your crazy adventures soon! Baptize nations, smile often, and see you
later!
Dear Sister Bucco, I'm sorry that I didn't talk to you when I
passed through Firenze! I almost missed the train though, so it's a
good excuse. I wish we could have caught up! Thank you for your
Italian teaching and preparation, I really have used it much and
cannot express fully my gratitude to you.
Cara Ester, amica, sei privilegiata d'aver un messaggio di
Italiano. Tuo lavoro missionario è la benedizione più grande di tutta
Novara. Senza esagerazione, la tua gentilezza, amicizia e carità sono
le cose che questo mondo esige.
Dear Anziano Harris, you have no idea how awesome you are. At transfer
calls I'm definitely calling to know what is going on. Keep
practicing, for practice makes perfect.
Dear Heather, I hope that you're killing it over there in the USA.
I included you on this list much because you wrote me a very kind
dedica, and I hope to hear from you and your adventures of school.
Keep smiling!

That's all! Thank you all very much. If you're reading this on the
blog and wondering why you didn't make this list it's because
A) you might be a figment of my imagination or B) I'm lazy or C) I
also make mistakes, maybe I just forgot, D) I don't have your email.

This week was slow and hot. Maryke came to church again, many of
the members love her. She was touched in sacrament meeting,
participated in Sunday School, and then spent Relief Society with her
new friend, Ester. She is sure that this is the right church from her,
and she says she'll want to have a baptism date planned before she
goes on her family vacation to South Africa. That's only two weeks
away, which means she's praying hard and preparing. She's already a
few books into the Book of Mormon.
All is well, gotta go!!
This is the Mission of our Saviour
This is love
This is service

--Anziano Benge