Hey everyone!!!

I hope that you’re doing amazing! I know I am! Wow. Time flies. It doesn’t seem real that in a week and a half, I’ll be stepping off a plane and closing this beautiful chapter in my life. What a rush! Lol

Honestly, I’ve been thinking about that analogy a lot recently. About finishing a chapter. Because throughout my life, I’ve always noticed a pattern that once something comes to a close, I’m usually okay with that. Now, that doesn’t mean that I didn’t love that time, but I’m also always ready to move forward and continue to progress. Because if I never turned the page, then it wouldn’t give God much to work with, now would it? It’s the same way as when I actually read a novel. I always love the chapter I’m in, but I’m also always looking forward to the next one, and seeing what it brings.

I’ve felt that way throughout my life. I guess just kinda always ready for the change. Now, that’s not to say that I didn’t love any particular thing as it happened, but when it’s time to change, then it’s time to allow God to change you. I’ve absolutely loved every second of my mission. Even the ones that really were lame as they happened, I wouldn’t trade. Because they helped shape me to who I am, and who God needs me to be (well, to start that journey). If Heavenly Father asked me to extend, or to give two years instead of 1.5, I would have in a half a heartbeat. But that’s not what He asked. He’s asked me to go home. To go back to school, and yes, to eventually date and marry (  lol). So, as I draw to the close of my mission, I do so with a full heart, and with wet eyes, but with footsteps of faith, knowing that I “left it all on the court”. I have no regrets about my service, and so I am pleased to offer this time to my Lord, and then to continue forward in my life, doing my best to give Him every day.

So, now that I’ve waxed sentimental, I don’t really have much to say! Teehee. We had an exchange this week where both Sis Walker and I went with Sister Gorley (as in, my old companion) in a trio, and it was so fun! We did that because her companion went home about a month ago. It was so fun to be with her and that day was great! Good memories.

I am so excited to get home and to rock it with y’all. I am absolutely sick of how I’m eating and stuff here. I feel so gross, and I’m excited to shape up and eat right! It’ll be such a nice change.

Mom, I am looking forward to helping with the reception that day. It sounds like you have good plans set in place!

As for a bed bug update: we are in the clear! Euless Tongan wards are officially back up and running! We got back into our apartment on Thursday, and we got our car back on Wednesday. And boy, let me tell you, I’ve never been so grateful for a house, a car, and a lack of bugs! I unpacked everything back into the apartment just in time to pack it all back up and send it home.

I did take the liberty of buying my boots today! I also couldn’t resist and went to Ross and bought a few really cute outfits to go with it    

Other than that, I’m good to go! I am so excited to finish strong and to see y’all next week! I love you each so much!

All my love,
Sister Erika Marks     

Hey y’all!

Well, the saga continues, and this has been a crazy week! So, we’ve been living with the Davis’ all week, and we thought we could move back in today, but found out we can’t until tomorrow. So, we’re still homeless! Then, this week we’ve also been car-less! The car has been making funny noises, so we decided to be responsible and tell the office elder over cars. Well, no good deed goes unpunished, so on Thursday we had to turn the car into the shop, and we don’t know when we’ll be getting it back. We’re hoping tonight!  

The main cool thing that happened this week is that we moved Ulu’s baptismal date up! She’ll be baptized May 12th. A week and a half after I leave. I wish I could be there, but I’m just grateful she has decided to enter into this covenant and progress in life.

I’m feeling back to myself, it’s a good feeling! I had a really special moment this week when I could feel God’s answer to my prayers very powerfully, and it was quite a tender mercy to help me get back to where I should be. I’m better than I was before though, and am grateful for God’s trust to allow me to grow in this way. I think the whole thing was really an answer to my prayers. For I want to be better, and more like Him, so I loved the privilege to grow. I love My Father.

Okay, I’m just gonna send this off. Sorry. I just didn’t have much to tell this week again. I’ll tell ya in person soon!

All my love,
Sister Erika Marks    

Okay, I’ve officially put off emailing for as long as possible... sorry about that! I just have no idea what to say this week, not much really happened, so sorry it’s short.
 
Really, nothing happened this week. All of our lessons that I would tell you about fell through, and so we did a lot of “finding” and trying to work with members.
 
Though, of course the main thing that’s been on my mind recently is Deadliest Catch starting tomorrow! I’m so sad that I’m missing the new season NOT! I cannot believe that show is still on. Wow. Dad, I laughed so hard when I saw your post in my wall, but I’m not allowed to respond to it!
 
We had Stake Conference this weekend! It was a good conference, but it was kinda lame to not have the sacrament for 2 weeks in a row... not the best timing. We did have Elder Douglas come! He was one of the new 70s that was called last weekend. So, that was pretty cool to get to hear him speak at his first Stake Conference assignment. He did super good. Honestly, I thought he did better than the other 70 that came, that was supposed to be “training” him... lol. The other one just had an awful speaking style that made it almost impossible to focus on his message because he was almost yelling as he presented it... I bet if I could get a transcript, I’d like his talks... lol. 
 
Friday was my last MLC (mission leadership council), which is a Council of all the zone leaders and sister training leaders, along with the assistants and president of course. It was a super fun day. I got some cool pictures with a few different people, so I’ll send those separate. 
 
The bed bug thing is under control, but still not done. They sprayed once, and will a second time next Monday. Just in time for me to unpack all the black trash bags and pack all my luggage! Lol. The Davis’ said we could just stay with them until everything is officially done, so I’m grateful for that. We’re still chillin’ with them for another week! I love them. I forgot what it was like to live with a “dad”. Elder Davis sometimes does things that remind me so much of stuff you do Dad! Like the other day, Sis Walker was taking a bath, so he pounds on the wall. Then, when she gets out, tries to blame Sis Davis! lolol. Sound like anyone?
 
And Mom (talking about bed bugs…), you’re right. I was calm in the outside, but DEFINITELY NOT on the inside! I have made a conscience effort this whole time to remain calm and level headed about everything...

It sounds like you have some good changes happening in Westmond. I bet Rosi will be a great RS President! How did the change go with the EQ? I bet that is a good change. I’m excited to see the difference the combined force of the priesthood will make in the world. How exciting!
 
... I will definitely be happy to join you in your healthy eating, because I am soooo sick of eating out! Which is pretty much all we do with the Tongans... it’s a struggle.
 
Dad, yeah, I still remember how to make a mean brisket. The trick is, I need a smoker to do it... so, I’m not quite sure how to do it without, but I’m willing to try!
 
3 more Monday’s! Isn’t that crazy? I love y’all so much, see ya in a bit!

All my love,
Sister Erika Marks
 

Hi everyone!

Well, this week had a lot of shoe picking, and coo-coo knocking, unfortunately! Guess what I found on Wednesday? ..... A BEDBUG!!! We had just started comp study, and I pull up my blanket, look down, and see one! I very calmly (actually, I was pretty calm. Very proud of myself ) set the blanket down, take a picture, and spray it with the poison we have for bugs. We then take a trip down to the apartment office to show them the picture, and the week just kinda went off the rails from that point on! All of Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, we were “prepping” our apartment for the people to come spray today. This prepping entailed (but is not limited to) removing everything from our walls, shaking it out, and putting it in sealed plastic bags, washing ALL of our fabrics (including clothes left by old sisters, extra bedding, and our entire wardrobes), shaking out each Book of Mormon and pamphlet before bagging it, and moving everything a foot or two from the walls.... it was a crazy ordeal.

The silver lining in this is the Davis’ (a senior couple). They offered to let us stay with them for a few days while we get this all figured out, so luckily, we haven’t had to sleep at home. Thank goodness! I kinda feel bad for imposing on them, but am so grateful for their willingness. I think I mighta had a mental breakdown if I had to live in that apartment the last few days. We’re planning on moving back in on Wednesday. By that time, they will have sprayed once, but they have to spray again in two weeks. Then a few days later, there’s another inspection, then we get the all clear. It’s a crazy process, and one I’m fine never to repeat in my life.

Dad, that saying you always told us at night is taking on a whole new meaning, in way too real of a way recently! I wish bedbugs were still fake, the way I thought when I was young...

I have also decided that bed bugs must be one of Satan’s greatest tools. Because they pretty effectively shut down our area down about 3 days as we have been dealing with them. It’s frustrating. Especially as I get so close to the end of my mission, I wish I could just DO THE WORK. I feel like there are so many things pulling for my attention, that it’s hard to be staying focused like I want. E.g. bedbugs, exchanges with our sisters, RA application, apparently class registration is tomorrow, and still recovering from the last few transfers. It’s been a lot to take in. But, I just take it in stride, and trust it’ll all work out. It always does. Luckily, God is in my side, so everything else can just deal with it (bed bugs included)!

Can we just take a moment to talk about conference for a second? Um, wow! I was so amazed by everything! Yes, the changes, but the messages were so powerful and pertinent! I am sooo excited to read these talks and start to understand more of what the prophet is asking us to do, so that I can follow it more closely. President Nelson gave many promised blessings if we follow specific commandments. What a powerful force for good in the world - prophets. I am so grateful for the blessing of having a living prophet today!

We did have a cool miracle on Saturday! We went to the stake center for conference, and when we pull in, we see some random dude in the parking lot. We figure he’s probably waiting for his elders or something, so we decide to go talk to him. As we walk closer, we tried to bike away, but Sis Walker flags him down! As we talk for a few moments, we find out he just lives nearby, and wasn’t there for any specific reason. So, we invited him to conference, and told him the two times it started both days. His name is Dominic. Then, guess who shows up that afternoon! Dominic. He enjoyed the Saturday afternoon session, and afterword, we hooked him up with the correct elders (he wasn’t Tongan) and did a mini lesson with him. But then, it gets better. He shows up again on Sunday for the afternoon session! This time with his little girl. Isn’t that cool? I feel so blessed to have had that opportunity. Especially because we were both feeling pretty bad, due to what I mentioned about not being able to do much missionary work with the bed bugs the last few days. What a magnificent showing of God’s hand!

Well, that was pretty much my week. It’s been a crazy one. But I am so grateful for the guided instruction by living prophets today, what a miracle!

I love you each sooo much! I hope you have an amazing week! Sorry for another novel!  

All my love,
Sister Erika Marks     

... if they do, pick up a shoe and knock them kookoo!

So, this was an exciting week! First: the headline story. So, on Wednesday we get a note on our door, marked “urgent” and were told that someone in our building has bedbugs, so Friday they’re coming around to do an inspection, and everything needs to be one foot from the walls. We’re not too worried about it, and Friday morning we move everything away from our baseboards (a real pain, for the record), and head to the church for studies so we weren’t there when they came in. Then, around 10:30 we get the call. Our apartment has bedbugs!!!!!!!!!! I wasn’t freaking out at all.... you know me, just totally calm at the prospect of bugs infesting my apartment.... that like to eat human blood.... NOT. I was probably not the calmest I have ever been, and was mini panicking...  lol. I was about to ask the Davis’ if we could move in with them till this was over.  So, we gather up the courage to go home (I almost didn’t, honestly, I probably wouldn’t have if it weren’t for Sis Walker) and we check out the walls, and we didn’t see anything.... Sis Walker was like “they’re lying! We don’t have them” and I’m over here like, “I trust the professionals more than myself, and if they say we do, we probably do.” Turns out, Sis Walker was right. About an hour later, we get another call, saying they had the wrong apartment number, and we’re actually clear! Phew! #TenderMercies. I’ve never been so grateful in my life to not have bedbugs... so, that was an exciting day!

Friday’s #2 excited event: President Whitney called us and asked if we could go into an emergency trio for the weekend, as one of the sisters in our zone was going home, and it would be Sunday before they could get a new sister up here. So, Saturday and Sunday, we were in a trio! It was super fun, but I’m also glad that it was only two Days, I wouldn’t want to be in a trio for a long time. That’d be so weird! But, it was a fun two days.

Man, this week had a ton of funny small moments, like when one of our members we were bringing to a lesson gives away a Book of Mormon at a stoplight, getting out of the car to give it to the guy! Or when we met a random dude at a YSA FHE and he is totally interested and comes to institute the next day. (We had to refer him to the YSA elders ) or when Sis Walker locked the keys in the car (something that should be impossible with the new Malibu). Or any other small moments that were just funny or rewarding. It was a fun week.

We ended up not getting the matching dresses this week, but also didn’t remind or ask the sister who said she’d make them for us, because of the emergency trio. We thought that might be awkward... so, hopefully that’ll happen soon.

As far as all your projects go, it should be super fun to tackle when I get home! But Kylie said she’d make sure there wouldn’t be buddy bombs for me, so I’m not tackling that project! Lol. Are y’all going to get hogs this year? I hope so! I would love to help with those.

Mom, please can we go see Sherlock Gnomes? That makes me so happy that they are making that!   We also need to re-watch Gnomeo and Juliet because I’ve been laughing to myself for the last 18 months about “I am not illiterate! My parents were married!”  

I’m excited for my package! And for the gnome. I can’t believe I’ll have 17 of them... that seems a bit overkill. Lol! But it also just makes me so happy every time I look at them

Well, I just realized (shocker for me too, Dad) that the world doesn’t revolve around me, so I guess I’ll let y’all go! Please keep getting outside with the blow dryer for me.   I love you oodles!  
All my love,
Sister Erika Marks