Dear Mom and Dad,
Hello!
This week was a little slower, but a good week none the less. Its
kinda funny, after you baptize, whoda thunk, you have to find more
people to baptize! We've set goals and plans to do that.
Hey Dad, happy birthday! I've already set goals, I'm going to go
running with you when I get home. I think the important thing is to
keep doing what you can do, and doing your best at it. You're probably
not going to go win the New York Marathon anytime soon, but you can
still keep in good shape and hit your goals.
Dad's birthday was my 6 month mark, as in I have less than 6 months
before I get home. Can you believe I've been gone for a year and a
half? Its crazy. I try not to think about it too often, but I'm always
thinking, which is a problem. Haha! I had an interview with President
Bishop, we discussed my release date. He said the date originally
given to me by the church is November 6th, and unless I specifically
feel like I need to extend, I should go home on the 6th. For the time
being, I'm fine with the 6th. He said that a mission is a important and
pivotal point of my life, but it is only a small portion. There is
many important things waiting for me after the mission. I love serving
the Lord as a missionary, but I would be lying if I said I wasn't
excited to see what the future has in store for me.
So, I've been studying patience for a bit, which is much needed, I
was almost offended at church when a member brought up some politics.
She had just been to Utah, and had seen some paintings by some famous
LDS artist. I can't remember his name, but you've probably heard of
him. He has this painting of all 44 presidents, its called "The
Forgotten Man", with some of them trying to help "the Forgotten Man",
and others who celebrate their own successes. Of course, it has
President Obama standing on the U.S. Constitution, and Ronald Reagan
comforting the Forgotten Man. She showed everyone during her testimony,
and said how great it would be if Mitt Romney won, because a Mormon
president would do such great things, so everyone should support him.
After that, at least 2 other members commented on her testimony, saying
how great Mitt Romney would be as President. Obviously, this was a
great test of my patience. I realize that the Taiwanese members here
have no idea what the politics behind the names are, they are just
interested by a Mormon President. I didn't start any fights, don't
worry. But I'm still a Democrat. :) Sorry for my rant, I needed to
tell someone!
I really like Braidyn, he's really cute. Haha! Seeing his picture
made me giggle for a few minutes. He's so adorable in that little
white tuxedo. Its amazing how little children can heal broken hearts.
Don't tell Kyle, but Braidyn is much cuter than him. I can see Kyle in
him, but it looks like he has Jenn's eyes.
I'm so happy to hear about Ali. I
thought she had a tattoo and wasn't going to church? The fact she is
talking about getting married to a return missionary in the temple makes
me feel overjoyed. I'm also really happy about Matt, it would be
really hard to go back, especially if the whole family wasn't on board.
I'm so proud of both of them. Could you do me a favor? Could you tell
them that I pray for them, and that I'm really happy because of their
decisions. Even if you have to send an email or something. That really
made my week.
I've also been thinking about what you said about the Singles
ward. I always imagined coming home and being in the same ward for a
while, but I guess a singles ward is a good idea. Maybe you could ask
the Bishop what he thinks would be best for me, and then I can make a
decision. I told you, I want to be married by next summer vacation.
Mom, I appreciate all the times you took things over to Pam
Bullock, even when she pretended not to be home. I'm grateful for your
example of service, even when you do not recieve recognition. I know
Pam recognized it, and the Lord recognized it. I was just thinking
about that.
Dad, I realized that we did our home teaching every month. I also
realize that some of these families are less active, but we still took
the time to visit them and find ways to serve them. I'm so grateful for
your example of fulfilling your priesthood duties.
I'm grateful that my parents are striving to live Christlike
lives. Before being a missionary, I never realized how hard both of you
try to do the Lord's work. I feel silly, I'm sitting in the Taiwanese
equivalent of Game Star, and I want to cry. I'm so glad that you gave
me opportunities to go with you while you were doing these small acts of
service. When I have my own children, I want to give them the same
example.
I love you!
-Elder Travis Leatham
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