They just can't get my name right.... Sister Hackets is the current
name running around the ward. I just don't know if I should correct
them or just let it be.

Hello Familia!

You can't be a true New Yorker without going to a Yankees baseball
game. Yep Umi, today was the day. 200 missionaries, all in our
proselyting clothes. It was glorious. It was so hot but I lathered on
some sunscreen. Althought the Yankees lost, the city was a nice change
in scenery and I love seeing my old MTC buddies.

This week has been a good one. I hit a bit of a sleepy eye wall. I am
SO tired. I just can't seem to get on top of it. I guess it comes with
the mish. Out of all the things that could be distracting the thought
of a nap is the thing that really takes my mind from the work. ;)

So I want to take a minute and tell you about just a few of the tender
mercies of The Lord I saw this week. First, Sister Astle and I were
walking out of a dinner appointment, a cute old couple from the ward
had taken us to Olive Garden, we where in the parking Lott just about
to get into our car when we saw a lady watching us. Being the bubbly
missionaries we are we said "Hello! How are you?" This lady proceeded
to answer and before you know it we were talking to her about where
her recently deceased 20 year old brother is and inviting her to
church. Her name is Sandy and now she is an investigator. Bahhhh! If
we were not being exactly obedient we would not have been in the right
spot at the right time to see her.

Tender mercy two... Mildred Emma Gidings. A 80 year old women who we
starting teaching yesterday. How bout a little preface? We walk up to
a home that looks like it's been neglected for centuries and just
before we take one step on to the property out waddles an old woman in
a sports bra and hot pink daisy dukes. She has probably 4 pieces of
hair that she so neatly pulls back with 3 barrettes. Yup. This is
Mildred. We call her Milly. She needed us so bad. We sat in her hot
humid home sweating sticky drops as we had to fight for a spot on the
only couch between her collection of teddy bears and raccoons, just
listening to her crazy stories. I couldn't believe how much love I
felt for her and how strongly i felt the lords love for her. We needed
to be there and I can't wait to go back.

Tender mercy three.... My first splits was this past week. We went on
splits with the sister training leaders. I was with Sister Miller, who
is so much like me. I was running our area for those 24 hours in
Middletown so I was a bit nervous but it turned out to be WONDERFUL.
Sister Miller gave me the boost I needed to carry on. She was very
validating and insightful and we laughed so hard. It also helped me
realize just a little bit more why I needed to be companions with my
dear Sister Astle. Also that night we where on splits we had a dinner
appointment at Sister Davis house [picture below]. She lived next to
Aunt Ann and Grandma and Grandpa about a year ago for a bit in
Utah.That was nice and it felt just a bit like good ole home.

Not a tender mercy but it is tender. ;) Sometimes I feel like I'm in
Italy or somethin because everyone kisses you.... Especially the
little old ladies and sometimes you wonder if it is a kiss or them
chewing on your cheeks! There have been a few times where I get a
little nervous that they won't stop and I prepare myself to karate
chop my way out of it. It's instinct I guess, but luckily for them the
nonsense subsides before the reflexes kick in.

I GOT MAIL! :) thank you to the people who wrote me letters. I even
got a package from my bestie. Thanks Miranda. I love letters. [hint
hint]. Hey family? Could you email me a picture of our family? I want
to have one on my iPad to show people when they ask about you. :)
Gracias.

Funny story for the week.
Sister Astle: "Sister Checketts? Did you have a rough night last night?"
Me:" hmmmm nope..."
Awkward pause...
Me:"wait...why?"
Sister Astle:"well I thought maybe you were having a hard time because
you woke me up when you started praying last night."
Me:"what!?!"
Turns out I get out of bed to kneel and pray aloud every so often. :)
I have no recollection.

My dear Winnie. Happy [late] Birthday! Did you get my letter? Email me
or write me and tell me about your special day. :)

Well that's all I have time for today. Sorry I didn't get to send you
email mom and dad, and everyone else who emailed me. Because of the
game I didn't have much time, next week. I love you all. Thank you for
your support and prayers. Talk to you next week. XOxo

Alma 17:5 & Alma 26:27 [In the Life of a Missionary]
Love, Sister Checketts