Week 17: Ashley's Last Letter to Grandpa and a Brief Update

(As I mentioned on Facebook the other day, Ashley's grandpa passed away last Sunday, and so she didn't write a family email on Monday. However, she sent us a snippet of her companion's letter to home, which I just haven't posted until now because I've been busy with family and the funeral. Here it finally is, along with the last email that Ashley got to send to our grandpa right before he died.)

Here is Hermana Pattillo's email that she said I could just take a picture and send for everyone so you can type it out and everything! I did not have the energy to write I am so sorry :(. I'm having a tough time.  I sent a picture that you can post though of our baptism! I hope you like it. Love you so much.

Hermana Pattillo's Letter

Well, I'm not really sure what to say about this week to be honest. On Monday my companion left me to go do her papers in Lima (she's legal now!). I was left in a trio with Hermana M. and Hna. B. It was fun, but I was glad to have Hna. Springer back. Especially cuz she brought dunkin' donuts back from Lima with her! :D Monday night Hermana B. left. That was really sad. I may have shed a tear or two. Now Hna. G. has joined Barrio Buenos Aires. She is super great! It's been fun having her. She is literally ALWAYS smiling and happy. It's so great.

On Saturday the familia B. got baptized! (They are the couple that got married a while ago). It was so special! We sang a musical number and Hermana Springer played the violin. It was awesome. Then we went to the familia Q. She played the violin there too and it really helped them out. They are currently in the fight to get sealed as a family in the temple. It's been a hard fight for them.

This week I have learned a TON about loving the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon really is everything. All of our questions, concerns, doubts, can all be resolved in the Book of Mormon. I've been so blessed to have a companion who really treasures the Book of Mormon. She has really taught me that before anyone can actually be converted, they have to read the Book and when they know that's true nothing else will be an obstacle for them. They will always remain faithful followers of Christ if they read the Book of Mormon. So I really want to encourage all of you, whether you have done so or not, to once again take the time to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in your hearts, and the pray and ask God if it's true. I promise you that like I have and like Hna. Springer has, you will receive an answer. God will respond to YOU. Because He loves YOU. I promise your testimony will grow, your faith will increase and you will draw closer to your Savior Jesus Christ and your Heavenly Father.

On a slightly different note, the other day we received a call from President Marble saying that Hermana Springer's grandpa has passed away. I took her to go sit under the stars and we both just cried.  I don't know if it's just cuz I'm on a mission or if it's because Hermana Springer just has a soft spot in my heart or what. But my heart truly goes out to this family. I haven't met any of them but I truly feel like I too have lost a member of the family. I seriously just get teared up thinking about it. I'm so glad to know that through temple promises and covenants, families can be together forever. Going through all this with her has really brought back a lot of memories for me. But I know without a doubt that Grandpa Pattillo and Grandpa Springer are best buds now. I told Hermana Springer that they are probably companions now. They are BOTH our guardian angels. I know it. I have felt the presence of my grandpa so many times. Too many to deny it. I know that God calls everyone home in the exact moment He needs us. It's hard for all of us left behind, but the Lord really carries us in our times of trials.  Siempre, Hna. Pattillo

And here's Ashley's last letter to Grandpa Springer:

Dear Dad.. I just got the news from the President. I dont know if this will even make sense because it is hard to see the keyboard with tears. 

Can you give him this note for me?

Dear Opa

I love you so much. You have been such an impact in my life and I can honestly say I wouldnt be the person I am today without your influence as a father to my father and as a grandfather to me. A few days before I left for my mission I went to the Salt Lake Temple to meet my Mom and Carly..I got lost because it was my first time there and went through the baptism entrance instead to ask the temple worker " Which way should I go?" I looked up to see YOU dressed in white and ready to help me. I remember how excited and surprised we both were to see each other. I loved seeing you there.. And now I will always remember you in the Temple wearing white ready to help me when I needed guidance. I know that you will be there right beside me, helping me decide which direction I should go on the other side of the veil as well. I know that Heavenly Father needs you back home.. I know that you will be with me in Peru and also helping all of our future family in Heaven and those who have past. You are one of the greatest missionaries I know. I am grateful to be on a mission and have gained a testimony about the Plan of Salvation.. God really is planning a GRAND family reunion! I am so grateful for the knowledge that our family is an ETERNAL FAMILY. We will see each other again. I KNOW IT. I will always remember you now standing tall and strong in the temple wearing white, as a missionary, in the Lords home, guiding people into the Lords house. I love you. I cant wait to hug you again! 

Forever and Always,

Your Grandaughter / Llama in Peru