Missions are wonderful! And this is why...

Date: Thu, Jan 29, 2009 at 3:49 PM

Familie!

I love you all so much! I cannot even describe how much that is true. The more I am here and the more I study the gospel the more I realize the importance of families and how much I LOVE mine!!! What a blessing it is to have a good family. This week I took notes on what I wanted to tell you, so you weren't always hearing the same thing. :) Well it might be the same but at least I took specific notes this time. :) So first of all I just want to thank you Mom and Dad for your examples in language, behavior, and testimony. I have such good parents that taught in the ways of truth in everything. Mom, you are so kind and loving, and caring, and non judgmental, and so charitable. Dad I am so grateful for your strict example with movies and music and behavior, and your strong righteous opinions and ways. I have been blessed with truly "good parents" just like Nephi. And little brothers, I love you so much! As I think of what it takes to be a missionary I think of each of you and how your personalities will bless so many different kinds of people. Keep it up. I was thinking this week about some mission tips. You probably get this all the time, but as a missionary I just want to tell you that what everyone says to prepare is probably true. :) So I'll just say that it will be a good thing for you to know your scriptures as well as you can. This is why, not only will you know the doctrines, but also if you have to learn a foreign language if you know the scriptures in English and you're looking for a scripture in a foreign language, you might not be able to read the scripture and understand it, but because of the reference you'll know what it's talking about and what it means and that helps a lot. And I know reading the scriptures will help you so much in your life. If you wonder what to do about friends, read the scriptures. Pray and say, "Heavenly Father I have a concern about this________ and if thou couldst show me a scripture to help me with it I would appreciate it." Obviously be sincere, but the Lord will help you. I know that is true, I have done that many times and He has ALWAYS shown me where my answer is in the scriptures.
Well this is the best time of my life. I can honestly say that. I could've never imagined how wonderful this experience could be before my mission. I can't wait for you younger brothers, missions are incredible, and I haven't even gotten to the really good part yet. However, the Referral Center where we call people and talk with them is amazing. Our District of 9 people were able to get 25 referrals in an hour! This is the Lords work and there are people prepared. So another funny thing. There is an elder in our branch going to Hamburg Germany and his Sister is coming in next week and she is going to Berlin Germany so they will get to be in the MTC together and the same branch. I was thinking how cool that would be if Ritchie got called to Germany. Wherever the Lord sends him of course will be awesome, but it would be fun to have someone to speak German with when I get home. Well mom, I didn't get your letter for this week. But I did get the letter you sent last week. Um, I'll try to respond accordingly, :) That is sad that Uncle PK died. But I am sure he is happy where he is. It's fun to hear about the family. Ritchie I'm sorry you're not in Men's chorus, but what classes are you taking? How are the mission papers coming? That's exciting that Chris was an escort for Jr. Miss. Go Chris! and I liked that Crozier gave the thing to Ritchie instead of Chris. ha ha. That's funny. And it sounds like Tara is dating a lot that is awesome! And that newsletter about Grandpa and his oboe student was really neat. I liked that a lot. Like I said My FAMILY IS AMAZING!! Immediate, Extended and all! That is so great Jason made the Basketball team. How is that going? And I'm glad Crozier has good friends. Um, I don't need the curling iron Kim has, but thanks for thinking of me. How are Kim and Sean doing? Is Kim feeling better? How is my new neice Analee?

Well I have 30 seconds left. So I love you once again. I love being a missionary.
Bye