May 20, 2013

Well hello family!  This week has been full of ups and the downs.  To start out with I have four investigators with baptism dates and that’s pretty exciting!  Then we had a way loud, windy, and rainy storm yesterday.  It included some very large hail stones.  They thought there was going to be a tornado where we are at, but luckily the storm did not turn into a tornado in Independence. The clouds looked like it was going to happen, but thanks to the prayers of many, it didn’t happen. The humidity out here still is awful. I walk outside and am already instantly wet, but it is a good way to lose weight. I finally got my bike fixed enough to ride a little bit, but I prefer to walk because it is easier to breathe and there are some way bad hills out here.

There is some more news.  Elder Moody got a call this last Thursday morning by President Keyes and got called as a zone leader in the Platte City zone in St. Joseph, MO. It’s a little crazy because it is right before transfers. They aren’t for another two weeks, but I love him and I will miss seeing my best bud and “father”. I’m going to be done with training this month and I have passed off all of my lessons as of last Friday, so I can officially drive and train other new missionaries. I am SOOOO excited!

 In other news my new companion is coming from Olatha, Kansas.  His name is Elder Manalausua. He is Samoan.  I get to exchange and get to meet him tonight, so hopefully he is great and we can further the work here in the Blue Mills ward. I think we will have better success because he is Samoan, so he can relate better and he knows the culture a lot better than I do, so I’m excited!  I think I'm going to be safe at transfers.  I will probably stay here in Blue Mills at least till July maybe August, who knows, but I love it here. It looks like I will stay in the Independence Mission and not be moved to the Kansas City Mission when we split in July. I guess that could always change, but I don’t think so.

 Remember Sister Te’o?  My first investigator that got baptized?  Well, she recently got called as a activity leader for the young women.  It is a great calling for her.  She really has a very strong and powerful testimony!

 I loved talking to each of you on Mother’s Day.  It was good to hear all of your voices and not just have to read about what is going on.  I am glad everyone is well. Mom. thank you!  You and dad have been two of the most influential people in my life. You really made me who I am today. Thank you!   I know you have always said you were proud of me, but I took it for granted and did not really listen.  But, I know that what I’m doing out here is blessing our family and all those that I come in contact with. The gospel of Jesus Christ blesses all those who will listen to the message and take it into their lives!

 I love you all and I want more than anything to set an example.  I want those around me to hear and feel the gospel message and the blessing it can be in their lives.

  From the sounds of your letter it seems that you’re being productive, mother! Getting the weeds out of the garden is great.  But, tell BJ he needs to make you some garden boxes.  I don’t want you bending over and hurting yours or dads back.  You know you are both getting older an’ all , hahah, jk!  Sounds like Shannon is being herself getting the garden in.  It sounds like she is growing a salsa garden.  You will have to eat some fresh tomatoes for me after they grow. 

 The bathroom sounds like it’s really coming along with everything falling into place. The color it sounds like it will be a very nice bathroom! Keep me posted on how its progressing and need some pictures!

 Sounds like Alanna is going to have a bunch of fun in her mission in Philadelphia.  I know she will do great as long as she stays obedient to the rules of the mission and loves what she is able to teach to all those who don’t understand the gospel or have never heard about it.

 Cheybug, good job for sticking out another school year.  I always hated school other than my FFA buddies and seminary! I am glad you made it through another year and good luck on the 5k you will do great!  Put in your all and you will be rewarded!