F{Laura}da: A big Dill 4.6.15

Let's cut to the chase.

They day I've waited 18 months for has finally happened. Today. I. Met. Katy Dill. Let's be honest. This was the best day of my mission hands down. It was glorious and everything I could have ever hoped for
and more. Sister Caruso took us to lunch and then drove us to Jax Beach to meet her. Apparently they are bff Jill's or something. So we pull up to her lovely house, which is set back from the street with
all of these trees and bushes around the driveway. It was majestic. Her house is entirely black and white with colored things rainbow sorted. It's stately, to say the least (I would highly suggest perusing her blog. It's worth it, I'm sure. It's called 'No Big Dill'. All of her 6 fabulous kids were around and they let us in and they have this poodle puppy who will one day turn into a big one,named scout. As if any other kind of dog would do. I got to take my pretty picture with her and with her whole family. Now I shall proceed to name them all in order: Devine, Pearl, Olive, Azure, Clover, and Drummer. They are each so wonderful in their own way and so friendly.
And then as if I thought the visit couldn't get any better, they roll out the bunnies. Yes, Katy Dill and her precious offspring breed rabbits. I. DIED. They let me hold one baby bunny and then the baby chicks came out. I swear I held about half a farm. We chatted for a while and learned about her and her awesome harp skills and the kids showed us their art and we talked about how she loves all the fashion from Downton Abbey and we sang/signed them a song. All in all it was a good visit. Then the stupid chicken pooped on my skirt. There was
great wailing and gnashing of teeth. On the outfit I spent literally a whole day planning. One can simply not meet Katy Dill and not scrutinize over your outfit. But I went home on cloud nine, despite the poop incident.

On Sunday between sessions we went to Hendricks building for the baptism of Martin Zielinski. A day I've been on the edge of my seat for. I had the opportunity to teach him while I was serving there.
He's wonderful! He's 85 and his wife has been a member for 30 years. It was a lovely service and they had a trio with Sister Zielinski and their son and wife, who are professional violinists. She was crying so much she couldn't play her flute. It was wonderful. Elder Winter baptized him and it just melted my heart. When they shut the door his grandson Ian said, "He really did it"! We were all just as proud and surprised as he was. The lady who gave the talk on baptism is a fire ball, and when she got done she said, "I only had three minutes of
notes and I was supposed to take five, so I'll just do a little solo now." So she sang this song about walking with God. Right then and there. It was too good.

We had a Family history night miracle! There were 15 people there! Huzzah! It was a good class. We learned out the layout of our family trees.

And don't worry, I had a delightful Easter. We went to some investigators that I taught in Mandarin's house and had dinner and watched conference. It was yummy and the night ended with a talent show. It was a wonderful Easter!

I really enjoyed General Conference this weekend. Every question I brought was answered. Every last one, to a tee! I know that Heavenly Father speaks to these people and let's them know what we need. Not
only what we need now, but what we need in the future. The whole conference really impressed to me how deeply our Heavenly Father loves us. Each talk had such great love that exuded from it, a love that was
much more heavenly than it was earthly. My favorite talk was Elder Bednar's. We really don't need to fear.

Hope you have a good week!

Love,
Sister Perkes