Think, Suzanne

Ok, so sometimes I have realizations that really get me. I ask myself questions like: Why didn't you think about that before you said something? Why didn't you think about how that might affect you and those around you? Why are you doing this to yourself?

The reality is...I just need to think. Think before I act...think before I say things. It would really save me a lot of trouble in the end. My new goal...is to think.

On another note...everything else except for the thinking thing is going pretty well. I've started having very mixed feelings about what to do next year and where to go. By that I mean that the past week or so I've felt that it is a very strong possibility that I stay here and apply for teaching jobs in Cedar. If it's where I need to be...then in Cedar I shall stay.

I have to say that I am grateful for the blessings in my life. I know that I am loved and well taken care of. I don't deserve all the things that are provided for me at very little effort on my part. I will continually be humbled by my weaknesses...and reminded that "I know in whom I have trusted." Definitely a little rambling tonight...but the truth none the less.

Life is Hard...

So...I had great plans to post all about my exciting and option filled future...all the Grad School Applications I'm filling out...the teaching positions that I'm looking into, all the excitement in my social life...and all the other wonderful things happening in my life...

WELL...it turns out that even for someone so seemlingly eternally optimistic as myself...that life is hard. I don't know what the future holds. I actually have no idea. I am looking into all my options...but don't feel particularly drawn to any one thing. It's really frustrating. So for today...just for this little while I am going to be a pessimist. I am going to say that everything is not ok. I'm living in limbo right now...and it's ok. I will say that I am looking forward to having some direction...sometime in the future. And...I will say that I do know that something will work out. I know there is a plan for me.

But for today...I feel like this:

New Beginnings

So I am pretty sure most of you think I have fallen off the face of the earth. In all reality...I have been pretty much MIA for the last couple months from the blogging world. I am going to try and stay a little more on top of things. I had a great holiday season and am looking forward to a new year. I have lots of plans and resolutions for 2011.

Stay tuned for some updates. :)

Welcome Home Nanny!

It's about time I get on here and do some bloggin'! I have to first of all thank my sisters Stephanie and Melissa for taking care of posting on my blog during my mission. They did an AWESOME job! I love you both SO much! Thanks for all you did!

Next, I have to say that I am having a great time being back at home. Don't get me wrong...I miss the mission an incredible amount...but spending time with the fam. has been amazing and I am glad to be home and have the opportunity to experience some other wonderful things as well.

Since I've been home, I've been substitute teaching quite a bit, and I'm deciding right now where to apply to Graduate School. We'll see if I get in a Grad School Program...or if I teach school next year...or teach school while doing a Masters Degree. I have lots of options and I am looking forward to seeing what the Lord has in store for me next in my life. I know that there is a lot to figure out...but I look forward to all of my upcoming decisions with faith and confidence. :) Not to mention...that someday...I don't mean tomorrow...but someday I'd like to get married and have a family. (I'll play that hand when it's dealt to me! ;))

Otherwise, everything is going well for me. I am happy! I'm including some pics. of the airport scene when I got into the Las Vegas Airport. Bry, Meliss and the kiddos stayed up extra late to see me when I arrived. It was SO good to see them. Taylor and Jenny also come...which was amazing!

Last Email! (Wed., Sept. 29)

Dear Family and Friends,

I can't believe this is my last email to all of you. I have had a crazy, wonderful...full of up and downs kind of week. It is bitter sweet to be completing the mission and going to be heading home next weekend. I know that I have served the Lord to the best of my ability and that I would not trade this 18 months for anything in the world. I have learned so much, and my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ has truly become stronger. I know that I could not have done the work without the support from all of you...nor without constant help from Heavenly Father.

I can update you on details from the last few days...when I see you...or talk to you on the phone...but I will leave you with one story.

Last Saturday, we were doing finding work in Lund with the Zone Leaders and all of our bags got stolen out of the car. It was totally devastating! we talked to the Police, and then had a very long night...no longer having our cell phone, or keys to our apt. We were able to get home at about 11:30pm and get to bed. On Sunday, I gave a talk in Sacrament Meeting. I had planned to talk about all the things I have learned on my mission. I had prepared what I felt like would be uplifting to the ward. Well, as I got ready on Sunday morning, some other thoughts came into my mind that I felt I needed to share.

Basically, the talk I gave was an opportunity for me to bear my testimony of the things that we can't lose if we take care of ourselves spiritually. I lost everything "valuable" to me in a material way on Saturday...but those things that nobody can take from me, are my faith in the Savior Jesus Christ, or my testimony of His gospel and how it can bless our lives. It was an incredible blessing for me to talk in church and to have the opportunity to bear my testimony of these things.

I hope all of you have a wonderful week. Mom, Dad, Grandma and Grandpa Morris...I'll see you on Saturday!!!! To the rest of you, I will see...or talk to you very soon. I know this is the Lord's work and I am so grateful for the chance I have had to serve!

Much Love,

Sister Suzanne Wood

Photos and a note from Sister Pettersson in Sweden

Hi!

I am enclosing a few photos I took last Wednesday (September 8th) when you daughter and her companion came to our house for lunch.

In some of the photos my two sons are also present. Robert the youngest came home from his mission last Friday (London south mission) and his older brother Fredrik came home a year ago from the Manchester mission.

We came to the conclusion that soon the five of us will have served our Lord for a total of 8years. How wonderful!

Thank for letting us have your wonderful daughter here in Sweden.

All the best to your family.
Sister Pettersson

Lots of New Pics!

Sister Sumner and Me at Zone Conference...in August.

The Zone at Conference....last week.

Sister Sumner and Me...at a bus stop.

Elder Carlisle, Elder Bloomfield and Me at our bowling Zone Activity

The entire Malmö Zone...we have a great time together!!!

Sister Sumner and Me in Södra Sandby.

The Copenhagen Temple

All of us in front of the temple

Us and the Zone Leaders in front of the temple sign

The Christus Statue in Copenhagen that all of the statues in the church are a replica of.

Sis. Sumner and Me in front of the Christus Statue.

Denzil's baptism with Sister Sumner and Fredrik Pettersson.