Global Priority

I sent my first package to Brazil on Saturday--just a small, "global priority" package. I learned that the US Postal Service no longer has "global priority". FYI--it is now simply "priority mail"-- used for both US and international mail. So, don't be concerned if you cannot find "global priority". I have changed the instructions in the post below.

Of great interest to me, hence I'll write it here: When I received the email from the Brazil MTC that my missionary had arrived safely, included in the address box were 11 other emails. So being the shy, introverted person that I am, I immediately sent an email to the other 11 strangers. I introduced myself and asked how each was doing with their newly departed missionary.

I have received responses, and subsequent emails, from 10 of the email addresses! Three of the ladies that responded have missionaries headed from Sao Paulo to Santa Maria where Zack will be serving, also. It has been totally cool to "chat" with these women. We cover Utah, Washington, Colorado, Texas and Arizona. Six of us are first-time missionary Moms. The others have had more practice at sending out a missionary. One sister (in the Church we refer to each other as brother and sister) has sent out her last child, becoming an empty-nester and missionary mom all in one day! My heart goes out to her. I should mention that this son was the "baby" who trailed along well after her other children. She has the honorary status of being a first-time missionary mom, also, since several years have elapsed since her last missionary was in the field.

In other news, in an attempt to plant a somewhat self-sustaining yard, Jeff and I shoveled away planting a hedge of blueberry bushes. We refer to them as "zackberries" and expect them to grow beautifully while he is away. In all honestly, Jeff shoveled while I stood by. In my defense, I did sweat while he dug! I did do the planting and sifting of soil; hence, I'm really not that lame.