Dear Mom and Dad,
Yeah, I'm almost 21. Honestly, it doesn't feel any different from before. Its just weird. Haha! My guess is nothing special will happen. We'll see.
I did get Nick's letter, yippee! Its great to hear from him, I can't wait to write him back.
Politics de bufen, when we went to do gravesweeping in Nantou, one of the church's largest political supporters, the county President of Nantou, stopped by to say hello and get some media coverage. Why is he so tight with the church? Well, he frequently visits Salt Lake City and West Valley City, and he's friends with Mike Winder. So we had a nice 15 minute conversation about my hometown. Small world, huh? If you get a chance to mention it to the mayor, that would be interesting.
Hey, quick question: have they made any polls recently about an Obama vs. Romney election? Have they made any predictions on who would win? How is Obama's popularity rating compared to Romney? I'm just trying to get a footing.
Speaking of the Air Force Academy, I've discussed that before with a number of missionaries. Interestingly enough, quite a few AFA cadettes serve in this mission. While it would be cool, I don't think its for me. One problem is that they can't have any dependants, so you can't get married while at the academy. So I'll probably keep thinking about the ROTC. What do you think?
This is my potential plan for the future so far:
3-4 years finishing my education. I'm thinking a degree in Chinese Education with minors in History Ed. and Political Science. I would graduate as an officer. Hopefully I get married while in school.
4 years in military service. I think counter intelligence sounds cool, but I'm going to have to see what other options I could have.
Settle in a career in education, potentially joining the Air National Guard. By that time, I should have some solid qualifications that would help me for running for office.
So that's a 10 year plan, I don't really have a retirement plan. When I have a better idea of what kind of income and benefits I'll have, Dad can help me make a plan. Anyways, how does that sound?
Great news! Our investigator, Zhang Hong Wei, recieved permission to be baptized from his mom, so he'll be baptized on Saturday. He's super solid, and the ward likes him.
I've noticed something about my missionary work. While I'm not the highest baptizing missionary in the mission, I am very consistant. Some missionaries baptize 4 in a movecall, and then go a few without baptizing. I'm not sure why, but after going senior, I baptize about 1-2 a movecall, and have not blanked a movecall. Consistant. Also, of the 6 people I've baptized as a senior companion, only one is less active, and its a person that I actually taught once. So I feel that I do a good job of helping people endure to the end. I've just noticed this pattern, it makes me feel as if I am fulfilling my purpose. Kind of interesting.
One request! I wrote a letter to Ellice Tan, a returned missionary from my mission. But she has two addresses, so I'm not sure if I wrote to the right one. I'm pretty sure she's my facebook friend, would you mind asking her? Thanks.
I love you, and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to serve as a missionary. Everyday, I better understand the purpose of my calling, and its divine nature. I'm also beginning to have a change of heart. I feel that my desire to sin is decreasing, and my strength to obey the commandments is increasing. I want to be like Christ. I've realized how Christlike my parents are, and how hard you tried to keep the Spirit in our home, even as we faced a number of big challenges. I'm grateful for that.
-Elder Travis Leatham
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