February 26, 2012 Email

Dear Mom and Dad,

Let me tell you about my new companion.

His name is Elder Powell! He is from Spanish Fork, UT. I'm really impressed by him, he is willing to learn, seeks correction, strives to teach to investigator's needs, and talks to everyone. He is really excited about the work, which makes training him a really great experience. He is able to figure a lot of it out by himself, and he ends up teaching me while he's at it. It will be a good adventure. My companion, Elder Baker, moved to Magong, the little island of the coast. Haha! I kept joking with our investigators and the members about him going to Magong, so when the Zone Leaders called me, I thought they were joking. The ward thought we were joking too. He's really excited, it will be a cool experience for him.

We have an awesome investigator named Huang Yi Kai. Elder Powell asked him to be baptized, he said he was willing. I asked when he wanted to be baptized, he said "tomorrow?" I responded that we could have a baptism in 3 weeks to help him prepare, he said "I've been prepared for 2 years!" Anyways, he's really prepared. I'll tell you how that goes.

I pray about our family a lot, I hope you know that. I'm so grateful for parents who are active in the church, who keep the commandments, and expect me to do the same. Man, I hear about friends and family who become less active and it hurts! We learned a really interesting analogy about Heavenly Father's Plan and Satan's Plan. It was all drawn out, but basically, at first, obeying the Lord's plan seems like a lot of restrictions. But as we are obedient, we recognize the freedoms that come with it. Satan's plan makes us feel free at first, but overtime, we are ensnared, and lose freedom. Its true! And I wish everyone could recognize it! Can you do me a favor? Whenever there is family over at Grandma's, can you just let them know how sad and worried we are? I feel bad, because even when I was an active member, I was too embarrassed to tell my own family that I hoped they could make better decisions. I want to do better when I get home, even if it seems weird or awkward.

They've already changed the Bishopric again? Haha! Did Brother Flack shave the goatee? He will do a great job, he was really intune with the needs of the Elder's Quorum. I'm really grateful for the faith that he put in me, it really had a big influence on me coming back into activity and going on a mission. Could you tell him that for me?

Remind me to tell you about the crazy guy from Wyoming.

Ohh...the sheep...I put sheep food between my lips, and the sheep went to town on it. It was pretty exciting. Haha! It was actually nicer than a dog kiss, because their breath smells a lot better. I've been thinking about this, I would like to raise a small flock when I get home. Don't fight me, I've made up my mind.

Last question: when are you turning in your mission papers?

Love you!

-Elder Travis Leatham