True Companions

Dear Jennifer, It has been a long time since I have written as may be obvious. Well, finals are this week and I am finding that I have a little more free time on my hands to get things done that I have not been able to do for quite awhile. I was going to send the letter that I write last month but I decided not to because I read it and it is outdated. I can’t believe how long it has been since I have been home from my mission. I ran into an old companion the other day and was surprised to see how much he had changed. I am glad that you called. I find that the hardest thing to do is find things to talk with you about. So many things have changed. For the most part it probably has a lot to do with the letter writing situation. If there was more time for correspondence we would probably have more to write about. My weekends are pretty good. My friends and I try to go out every weekend and climb whether in the indoor climbing gym or on the real rock. About every Friday night we go...

Dear Jennifer, Things here are going okay. School is getting easier but will be difficult until my grades start showing it. I had an opportunity to go to General Conference this weekend and sit in the Tabernacle. The benches are hard and it is difficult to pay attention. We had a good time at Conference but next time I’ll know not to try and get in the Tabernacle. I was in a car accident a few weeks ago but no one was hurt. I did quite a bit of damage to the car I was driving though. My mother commented about you the other day. She said “I think Jennifer has reacted to this situation in a very positive way and I admire that, she should be commended.” I agree! So what made you decide to go to Texas? I am pretty sure your mother being away had quite a bit to do with it. I miss my mother when I am away for too long. Do you know what you plan to do when you get there? Where would you be going to school? I am glad you wrote because it helped me to feel that writing you was more ...

Dear Jennifer, I apologize tremendously for not writing to you sooner. I would call you but I am broke and do not have the money to call. It is really good to be home but the stress of it is quite overwhelming. I barely got into school and am not quite catching everything yet. I haven't been to the temple yet and everything seems to be keeping me from going. All of the personally important things in my life seem to be neglected and this has been a major source of stress to me. It is such a relief to be able to go to church on Sundays and to feel the spirit again. It takes a greater effort to be spiritual when you are not set-apart as a missionary. How are things with you and your family? Have you ran into Joe much? How's the weather? I never realized how much of a burden life puts on us. 09/09/93 This morning I was able to go to the temple and it was tremendously comforting. It does a good job clearing the mind from burdens of the world. It replaces perspective and brings joy t...

Dear Jennifer, How are you? We are not quite under the water but almost. We do not have any water (running water) in our apartment so it has been really stressful because most of the time I am not showered and feeling clean. We have filled a ton of sandbags and built a few walls which was fun but very tiring. I realize it has been a long time since I have written but I have had a lot of different stresses lately that I have had to deal with. Once was my companion and his attitude. I finally had to sit down and talk with him. He is very receptive and took it all in stride. I still think that he is still somewhat jealous that I am “senior” companion. He can have it! The flood came up in the middle of this whole thing and so it has been quite the pain. Most everything is worked out so most of the stress is gone. Our new mission president seems to think that I am the “sale of the earth” and is looking for me to be the example when I am having a tough time trying not to be anxious...

The card says: If loving you is wrong, I don't want to be right - But if loving you is right, I don't want to be wrong either. (I'm so confused...... It must be love.) Dear Jennifer, I do realize that you have not heard from me for quite awhile. They just recently had a transfer this month and although I was not transferred it really made me think. This is my last month of my mission and it is pretty frightening. I don't really have a clue as to what it is I'm going to do. My parents say that they will be in Salt Lake and are trying to get me released out there. My mother said something about having a General Authority release me but that sounds kind of scary. I kind of feel like they would give me the third degree but I know that isn't true. Well, it sounds that you are somewhat nervous in meeting me. Have you ever seen the old church movie, "Blind Date" or "Blind Love", or something like that. Anyway it's a show I know you would...

Dear Jennifer, Hey Beautiful! Well, today is my p-day so I guess it's the right day to be writing you. I was surprised to have received your many letters and the tape you sent. Mostly because I received them in one day. In regards to your problem with your friend Kari. I am never surprised by the ways things turn out. It's good to see that you did the right thing even before you got my response. I guess by just asking it gets the old mind a thinking. I am pleased to read that ties have been mended. I was also very pleased to hear that you followed through with giving someone a copy of The Book of Mormon . Many people never get this far and miss out on a lot of opportunities for important blessings. Be sure to follow-up and see what they have read and spur their interests. "Mesa spirit, proud and mighty. We're the class of 1990. S-E-N-I-O-R-S Seniors, Seniors, M-H-S!" -Class yell I will never understand why a person would go to bed so late, but oh well. I will have...

Outside the envelope read: PICTURES ARE ENCLOSED! THANK YOU FOR YOUR FLOWERS! The card read: Sometimes when things aren't going great for me, I'll get a call from you that turns my whole mood around. I think God put you in my life because He knew what a positive difference you'd make. My relationship with you doesn't require that I be anything but myself, Because you accept the real me. I want you to know just how much that means and that of the many blessings in my life, You're one of the greatest. Dear Jen, Hey Good Friend! I was most definitely surprised to hear from you. I was also very excited to hear your voice. I was quite serious when I talked of traveling to Minnesota but we will have to see what happens. My Dad said, "You can't get the cart before the horse, Son". My Dad did say that it is important to follow my dreams but to do it in the proper order. The big reason I would like to go up to Minnesota rather than have you come to Arizona...

Dear Jennifer, How are things in Roseville, MN? I have been thinking quite seriously about visiting after my mission. I hope I have not scared you off by the crazy tape I have sent you. It was difficult to tell you some of the things I wanted to because Elder Humphreys gives me a hard time. He teases me, I think, because he has never dated before in his life and feels uncomfortable when I talk about "those things". Even if you think I am completely bizarre please know that I will always consider you a best friend. Love, Elder Greg Woolf P.S. Elder Humphreys wanted me to ask you if your phone number is 481-8029. I don't know how he could have it. He lives all the way in California.

April 11, 1993 Hey buddy! I felt so stupid after I mailed your last letter - the pic that I was going to enclose was sitting on my desk. Sorry :) I'll definately try and remember to put it in this one. O.K. I'm not in a marker mood. :) Thanks for your letter. It's awesome to come home to mail! California was great!! Not as warm as I would've liked it - but... better than here. :) Here - Ill answer all your questions, and then I'll tell you all about my trip. :) I sing alto/soprano. Whenever my director neeeds me . :) My range is about low G to High G - so I have about a 2 octave range. Heck yeah! I'm always singing! A lot of times I'll pretend I'm in a musical and I'll break out in song about what I'm doing. :) Kind of corny - but hey... it's me!! :) Mom's operation went well and she's on her road to recovery. Can I ask you a favor? Can you keep her in your prayers - and pray that she won't be as cranky anymore! Thanks!...

Dear Jennifer, I am greatly relieved to receive a letter from you. I am also glad that you were busy because that means you did not refuse to write me for any other unknown person. In other words - Thanks for the letter, Jen! I'm glad that you enjoyed your time while at the solo/ensemble. I remember when I went to one and we did pretty good. Your score sounds wonderful and I hope to get the opportunity to hear you sing. Are you soprano or alto? What is your range? I like to sing tenor or bass, so you might say that I am a baritone but with a wider range. I forgot which instrument you play. I guess I need to get out some old letters. I really enjoy playing the harmonica. I have taken years of lessons but never practiced enough. So I can only play the piano a little. I really enjoy singing and find myself humming or singing a tune all of the sudden. I especially like to sing musicals. fun songs like those from The Music Man, Oklahoma, Singing in the Rain, and 7 Brides f...

Dear Jen, I have not heard from you for awhile. Either you are extremely busy or you are offended by my birthday request. I hope that it is because you are busy. I really enjoy receiving letters from you because they always seem to be enthusiastic letters. It is very hard for me to remain enthusiastic unless I am around people that are. So if my letters don't sound too enthusiastic you could probably guess why. There are many awesome things going on right now. We just met a family that is way golden and will be baptized soon. I thank God for His love in sending these people my direction; for letting me be a part of this. I do appreciate you also Jennifer! Love, Elder Gregory Woolf

Dear Jennifer, I am sorry that I did not get a chance to write back to you sooner also. Many things have come up within the missionary labors. I have a new companion now. His name is Elder Humphreys. He is fairly new and is looking forward to the work to be done in this area. I guess the reason it has been quite hectic in my letter writing situation is because I recently had a large flow of letters due to it being my 21st birthday on the 4th of March. It is crazy to think that I am 21 years old. I don’t feel that old. I don’t even think I look that old. I am grateful it is my birthday because I get to hear from more people I wouldn’t normally hear from. They all have said kind things to me and even some things that I don’t feel I have done well at, they admire my efforts graciously. I am indeed blessed by having such good friends. Well, I am pleased to hear that the move you made was successful and was accomplished without too much difficulty. Is the new apt. different in size or anywa...

March 6, 1993 Elder Woolf - Hey buddy! I haven't heard from you in a while. I hope you're still alive. :) Not too much is happening here. I'm excited cause it's getting warmer! :) SUMMER'S COMING! :) :) :) I'm excited! :) Let's see... What's new in Minnesota... I just got a job at Pizza Hut. That's great- because my funds were getting severely low. Guess what?!!! For Spring Break I'm probably going to California!! I'm soooo excited !! :) That's my really big news! :) I'm totally excited about that! I'd be there for a week and a half. I'm going to see a good friend of mine that I met at EFY. So what's been up with you? O.K. you can now officially call me a slacker!! The date today is March 29, 1993. Cool, huh? Trust me - I haven't forgotten about you. But you wouldn't believe how busy I've been!! I swear this has been the busiest month I've ever had. Let's see... We went on a choir trip to G...

February 19, 1993 My dearest missionary - :) Hey buddy! I'm soo sorry it's been so long since I've written. Things have been a zoo around here. The move went well. We are now all moved in and settled. The new place isn't too bad. Our new apt. # is 133. Remember that everything is the same except #133!! Nothing else is really new. I didn't get the scholarshp from Concordia. :( So I've been kind of bummed about that lately. Tell me more about your new area. How's your new companion? Do you know what I want? I want you to tell me some of your favorite missionary stories and your favorite scripture. I love hearing missionary stories. It is now February 20th. And I'm exhausted. I better cruiz - write soon! :)

Dear Jennifer, I just realized that I promised you a picture and forgot to enclose it. I do promise you I will send it in my next letter. Also, if you have any problems with getting a picture, I can send you some film to help out. If you also have difficulty getting film developed you could send me the film and I will get it developed. Just some suggestions that might help. (can you tell I don't get many pictures?) Love, Elder Woolf

February 9, 1993 Hey buddy! I'm sorry I haven't written sooner - and don't have time for a letter - but as soon as the move is through (sat. :) ) I'll have time to think again!! I just didn't want you to think I had forgotten you! The move is hectic, but other than that MN is normal. I hope you have a great Valentine's day - and I'll write soon! Love, Jen P.S. The new address is exactly the same - but #133 :) Keep your corners up!! :)

Jennifer, Hurray! You have guessed my middle name first off. I know that you would get it first thing. Boy I'll bet you are so relieved to find out my middle name after writing down all those names. Boy, you certainly did your research.I have also discovered a name that you like through it all. On with everything else. I admire you very much for your cherry attitude and your admonition to smile all the time. Everyone seems to always love a smiling face. Everyone wants to be loved so I see this as very helpful advice. CAMPING RULES! The mountains are definately my home and sometimes its hard not to get homesick. I love the beauty and majesty of the mountains. WOW! And the things that they have taught me. To me not to many things compare to climbing the face of a cliff. The cliff teaches you all about yourself! 1. You can climb anything and do anything within the limits of your own capacity. 2. Always trust yourself. 3. Overcome your fears or you never get any higher. ...

January 23, 1993 Gregory S. Woolf - Let me begin by guessing at this five letter S word... If I guess it you have to tell me!! Scott? Steve? O.K. Now I have the baby name book out... Salim? Salem? Sammy? Sandy? Sarge? Sully? Sauly? Saxon? Sayer? Shawn? Shane? Shaun? Selby? (I like that name) Selig? Serge? Shayn? Sheff? Shell? Sherm? Silas? Simon? Skell? Skipp? Slade? Sloan? Smith? Solly? Spark? Stacy? Stace? Stevy? Stern? Strep? Sully? Svend? That's all that are in the book with five letters. Now - I'll be very shocked if it's not listed above. So... which is it? :) Thanks for the letter! I love mail!!! :) Up until now I was beginning to believe that you didn't own any paper - just the missionary sheets. :) I'll refer to your letter first - than I'll go off on my own tangents. :) Dorian, (that was the music festival I attended in Decorah) went great! It was soo much fun! There were only seven of us - so it was a blast! (7 from my school, that is :) ) However, m...

January 12, 1993 E.W. I'm sorry it's taken me soo long to write - I've been sooo busy. Hey- let me ask you a question: How far away is Cedar Rapids from Decorah? 'Cause I just got back from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. I was there for Dorian ( a big music festival) Thanks for telling me about Joe moving. No - he hasn't written me for ages and I'm not expecting any letters soon, either. You wouldn't by any chance have any other pictures of you I can have? Possibly one with you smiling would be nice! :) Where do you want to go to college after your mission? I'm going to Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota (by Fargo, ND). Guess what! I' made the semi-finals for their music scholarship!! I had to share that with you because I'm really excited! :) Tell me why you don't like BYU? ('cause ndither do I, and my friends rag on me a lot because of it.) I think after your mission you should come to Minnesota and we can sit...