Writing to San Diego!

My Dearest Battalion Family!

Sorry it took me so long to write but you have no idea how much I enjoyed getting each one of your letters and how much I loved reading them!!! Here is a quick update on my life... Here are some funny, sad, and tender mercies that happened on the airplane ride home. Because I had my boot on they let me go first class through security so I got to skip the really long line. Haha! Then I had plenty of free time before boarding the airplane and one of the Lord’s tender mercies came in the form of a single mom and her nine year old son. They kept me distracted for a good hour and I got to teach her a little bit about the gospel! I did not take any of my medication that day because I wanted to be as functioning as possible but that equaled a pounding headache. They really were a tender mercy because they kept me from thinking about leaving all of you. When we got on the airplane, I got a window seat and was sitting right next to a single Marine. Another tender mercy if you ask me. Something not as cool is that you can perfectly see the Mormon Battalion Historic Site as you take off! I may or may not have shed a few tears but had to seem tough for the Marine so I kept them hidden… I got to talk to him the whole way home about the gospel and his best friend was even a member! It was a really good experience. I even put a Book of Mormon in the airplane seat “just in case” as Elder Brenchley would say… The best part is that my cop brother Jake was waiting for me at the Salt Lake Airport when I landed!!! Naturally, I had a lot of questions asked since I was a missionary with a boot on, that was going home, standing with a cop, but I got good at short answers. I was really glad that my brother could make it but I had to hurry off to catch my next flight to Cedar City. Everyone on that flight was members so when the plane landed they ALL said that I could get off the plane first because they wanted to see a Sister return home. If only they knew it would not be that exciting! But it was easier to just get off the airplane then to explain so I hurried off. I am sure they were surprised when all they saw were my parents with no signs or balloons! The biggest shock of all was that President Clayton and my Stake President, President Whittier, decided that it would be best for all of us if I was released that night. The Lord once again took me in a blanket of comfort to let me know that this was the right thing to do and that night I was released. I am now known as Lisa. I would be lying if I did not say that the first week home was ridiculously hard for me. Each one of the letters that I received from you was a strength and comfort that I desperately needed. At first, the headaches did not get much better and I was pretty down on myself. But then something clicked after loving counsel from my parents and a lot of strength from the Lord. My headaches have started to go away. For the first time in a long time (and maybe before when I said this I was not completely honest but I truthfully am now), I feel like myself and have not had a level eight migraine in about five days. That is truly a miracle. It is slow going but the medication is finally working and the side effects are going away. My days are not as glamorous as I had hoped that they would be. Honestly, they are pretty boring. Mostly I spend time with my family, sleep, listen to Fire of the Covenant on book, and take it easy so I can feel better. And it is working! I tried to push it too hard when I got home so I am still taking it easy but I can do more and more every single day. The best part is that I am happy. That was not as easy for me at first. But now I can recognize the comforting hand of the Lord in my life and I am realizing how truly blessed my life is. Thank heavens for that. When my attitude changed, it made the situation a whole lot easier. It may not be as quick as I would like but things are going exactly as the Lord intended them to. Some bonuses: I have got so see my nephews and go swimming with them. I have spent TONS of time with my family! I am taking a Church History institute class with the former Elder McCormick named Brent to keep up on my church history. The teacher wants me to help with Mormon Battalion day! I have watched Tangled about 5 or 6 times but have not watched many other new movies. Not really worth it. Tangled on the other hand is worth watching a thousand times! I have also watch 17 Miracles a few times and Emma’s Story! Now to the question on everyone’s mind… When or will I be coming back to San Diego? Honestly, I think YES! My heart is still in San Diego and it feels like I have unfinished business. But I have no timeline. It is hard to have a timeline when you are sick. I tried to ask my migraine when it was going to go away and it would not tell me. Haha So when I will be back I have no clue but I am hoping soon! It feels pretty good right now but I have to write an Apostle a letter before I can come back! I am afraid that I will miss the Talent Show so please oh please take good pictures for me. Well I miss you all too much and love you like crazy!!! I hope you enjoy the package. Truthfully, it is also from my mom because she paid for it so you will have to thank her!

Much love,

Lisa aka Sister Haggerty