Dear Mom and Dad,
Hello!
I am in Taiwan!
Just spent my first week in Zhanghua, and it was definitely an experience. To put it simply, I was a little disappointed. I've heard my zone baptizes 3 to 4 people a movecall, which is often how many people a companionship can baptize in Gaoxiong. And there is a whole lot more less actives here. We have about 70 active members in the ward, with a ward list over 400. So, I'm trying to change my perspective on what it means to be a successful missionary. Right now, baptism isn't as important, but actually building the church from the bottom up. I really don't feel like my area was taken good care of, so its going to be a tough few weeks. I know that if I am worthy, dilligent, and obedient, the Lord will accept my service, regardless of my numbers.
Serving with Elder Sapayan is great, and definitely a different experience. I'm realizing that I can usually understand about everything that's going on, as long as I know the context. He's a pretty cool guy, he has a blackbelt in Tae Kwan Do, so I definitely won't be picking any fights with him. Regretfully, he's pretty worn out, his knees aren't treating him very well. Sometimes it keeps him from being as motivated as he could, but I'm trying to work through it and focus on building up our area. But he's a really fun companion. I'm learning all about Taiwanese pop music. Hahaha!
Out of interest, its looking likely that I go senior next movecall. This is Elder Sapayan's 4th here, so his time is about up in Zhanghua. Next movecall, we have another 20 new missionaries. My mission isn't unlike yours Dad, we closed down a lot of areas in the Summer, and now we have a surge of new missionaries. So due to the situation, my time as a junior is almost up. Hopefully I'm wrong!
BTW, have you looked at the mail in ballot stuff? I really would like to vote this year.
WELL, I guess I'm an uncle. That's pretty cool I guess. He kinda looks like every other baby, but I bet he's really cute. He looks weird to me, probably because I'm used to seeing Asian babies all the time. Anyways, make sure to let him know who I am.
I'm trying to stay happy in the work, so yay! I'm trying to remember that I could be in Croatia or somewhere, and never see a baptism. I've been blessed with double digits, that's not too bad. So, now I just get to do my best! Love you both, and send me pictures of the new paint job!
Elder Travis Leatham
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