Dear Mom and Dad,
Let me answer your questions! The cockroach guts were all over the pocket of the pants, so they needed to clean it. Hahaha! The kids are not looking too good. I'll let you know if there is any changes.
I love miracle stories, its amazing how little miracles all come together and turn into a big blessing. Let me share what happened this week.
We meet with an investigator named Brother Ho, I love this man. He is probably the kindest, most sincere person I've ever met. He's also had some of the most tragic life situations I've ever heard. I can't share some of it, sorry. He has been meeting with missionaries for over a year and a half, he has been dropped by missionaries multiple times. He has a strong testimony, and has been able to pass a baptismal interview. But his biggest problem is that he is not able to completely quick smoking. When missionaries first found him, he was smoking about 3 packs a day, or sixty cigarettes. Now he is down to about ten cigarettes a day. We love this man, and really want to help him, but he has not been able to overcome his nicotene addiction.
Here's the miracle. When I was about 7 or 8 years old, I started taking piano lessons. I hated practicing, but eventually something stuck with me, so now I know my way around a piano. After a few years of doubt and inactivity, I decided to serve a full time mission, and was blessed with the opportunity to come to Taiwan. After a year, I asked a man named Brother Ho about his goals, and he answered he would like to play the piano. We offered to teach him piano lessons on Wednesday before English Class. After piano lessons, he attended English class. During the spiritual share, the class was watching "Finding Faith in Christ." Brother Ho had seen this video, so he decided to go and chat with my companion who was calling investigators in the hall. My companion asked him how stopping smoking was going, and we found out that Brother Ho had actually stopped smoking in the past. We found out that his uncle had given him nicotene medication that helped him stop smoking, but a former Zone Leader had taken the nicotene, because he thought it was against the Word of Wisdom. After clarifying with President Bishop, we discovered that he can be baptized while using a nicotene supplement. So today Brother Ho is going to the doctors to get a perscription, and on November 30th, he will be able to be baptized. So because of a bunch of things that happened over time, and happened, Ho Buo Bing will be able to make a sacred covenant with the Lord and recieve the blessings thereof. Pretty cool.
I'm doing pretty well over here in Taiwan. I feel like I've really changed a lot as an individual. Let me tell you about it.
I've become a much more patient person. When someone does something I dislike, I've been much slower to anger. I have not yelled at anyone my entire mission. I have become much quicker at recognizing my own flaws, and asking for forgiveness from others.
I frequently find myself praying, and when I am not, I often am pondering in my heart. I love reading the scriptures, and everytime I read the scriptures, I am able to apply it to my life and the lives of others.
I am better at using my time. I am focused on using my time wisely.
I've become healthier. I don't eat very much meat, and when I do, its usually fish or chicken. I rarely drink soda, and almost never eat candy. I'm always tired, but I usually get about 7 hours of sleep a night.
I have so much more faith in the Savior. I strive to repent of my sins, and find joy in obeying the commandments. When I don't have the Spirit with me, I feel awkward and alone.
I really feel I have become a better version of myself. I find joy in being myself, and in doing what is right. I love being a missionary.
That's about it for this week. I love you Mom! I love you Dad! Have a great week!
-Elder Travis Leatham
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