Happy birthday to me two months early

From: McKenzie Powell [mailto:mckenzie.powell@myldsmail.net] Sent: Monday, October 17, 2011 8:46 AM To: Kevin Powell; Mom; Sydney; Alex Subject: Happy birthday to me two months early Thanks for the birthday package. I was really surprised when President handed me a package at conference, and was even more surprised to see that it was a birthday package. haha. I thought about setting it aside and opening it up on December third, but when I saw all the things that I have been needing in it that thought quickly left my mind. But thank you so much for the birthday gifts! My roommates were so fascinated with all the things that I ended up giving about half of the hair supplies away. Yall made four Sisteres very happy. I had my interview with President this week. I love him. He is so funny and so relaxed. So different than any other president I have had. I tried to avoid all topics that would lead to talking about after the mission, but he was quicker than I was. He asked me to write all my goals down, and told me that in ten years he would be calling me to make sure that I reached all of them. THe sweet thing was, I know he is serious. It was a good interview. I was really able to see how much what I am learning here is going to help me in life after the mission. We talked about all sorts of things, and I think I have figured a lot of things out. God really has helped me sort out alot of things without really even noticing it. I know longer want the same things for myself. While on a mission, and focusing on things other than my self, God has helped me see what I should do with my life. He has placed people in my life that will forever be in it. And he has helped me forget about things I never thought I would. A mission was the best thing I could do with my life. I told President that I would stay here forever if they would let me, but I really am excited for the things that will come after. But the best thing he told me was that my Heavenly Father was extremely happy and content with the work that I had been doing here. That was answer to my prayer. BUT I also realized that there is still soooo much to learn here. AND I am so thankful that I have Four months and a couple weeks to do it. I love being a missionary. Oh, and get this. Want to know one of the reasons my visa took so long to get to me? Take a guess? MY NAME. Brazil was so worried about my middle name that the church had to pay the government extra money to let me in. Seems that "K" cannot be real name and has to stand for something. A man from the church headquaters was in the office when I went to be interviewed. Funny thing was that I didnt even notice that he was speaking to me in English until sister Michelotto told me later. She asked me why I responded to him in portuguese, and I told her because he was Brazilian and was speaking to me in portuguese. Rian was baptized this week, and Edilene will be baptized after her wedding thursday. I love weddings and I love baptisms. It will be a great week. LOVE YOU! THANKS FOR EVERYTHING YALL DO! lOVE SISTer powell