There are many things that I don't miss about those days, but I do miss feeling the spirit so strong 24 hours a day/7 days a week, having the time scheduled out to give my full attention to studying the gospel, and having a 100% focus on the gospel, etc.
Lindsay's talk was fabulous!! (I am always jealous of people that are such eloquent speakers/teachers). I have had LOTS of practice and even though they say it gets easier with practice, speaking in public/giving a lesson still makes me nervous and that makes me sooo mad! --not fair-- While I am on the topic of "not fair," . . . . . . . . I hate every picture I have of me on my mission. For starters....I don't think I am the most photogenic person, then add, hair does not cooperate with the humidity, shoes/clothes/everything grows mold in Brazil, my wardrobe was made up of the "frumpy missionary jumpers" with Doc Martins (the standard missionary uniform before the movement to change the "sister missionary" image). I bet all of her pictures will be fabulous! She also won't have to deal with any of the wonderful issues of a 3rd world country.
Don't get me wrong....I loved Brazil and know that I was called to that mission for a reason. I grew and learned so much from that experience and am really excited for Lindsay's adventure.
I also just went to dinner at TUCANOS with one of my companions. At least once a year we meet for dinner at a Brazilian Churrasco to speak a little portuguese, eat our weight in food (have you been to one of these places?), reminisce about mission memories and catch up on the "goings-on" in each others lives. 