Friday, June 15, 2012

June 4, 2012 Email

Dear Mom and Dad,
Today was pretty fun.  My recent convert, Huang Yi Kai, came and visited me from Yuanlin.  He's the one with the cool baptism story.  We went to downtown Gaoxiong, we went up to the top of Gaoxiong 85, its a big skyscraper with 85 floors.  Its really awesome looking, and the view was cool.  We did some shopping and stuff, and after that, we went home.  It was nice to see him, I missed seeing him around. 
Yeah, this is a really fun area.  We've spent the past two weeks focusing on contacting, and this week we're going for a final push.  The mission has a standard of 30 lessons a week, so we're hoping to find a bunch of new investigators to help us hit the standard.  We should be able to do it, I've had such a faith boost since moving to Gangshan.  I'm not sure if we will baptize this movecall, but I've realized that the point isn't baptizing, but working as hard as you can to help others recieve baptism.  The end result will depend on how others use their agency, but how much effort I put into the work, that's how I use mine.  Its funny how I've been here over a year and a half and I'm finally starting to get that. 
Its weird being at this part of my mission.  I don't worry about my Chinese anymore, I can understand at least 90% of what's going on.  My Taiwanese has improved a lot, its funny the things that I can understand in Taiwanese.  I'm scared, I've heard that when you finally figure out how to be a good missionary, its time to go home.  I have 5 months left, its crazy.  The thing I'm looking forward to the most is meeting Braidyn.  I've caught myself thinking more about you both lately. 
Did I tell you?  Last time I had an interview with President Bishop, I asked when I should go home.  I asked if I should get the extention, or go home at 15 movecalls.  He said that if I don't have a special reason to stay, although he would love me to stay as long as possible, he thinks I should go home on November 6th.  He said the mission was a pivotal and important part of my life, but only a small portion.  He encouraged me to go home to get married and prepare to provide for a family.  Interesting huh? 
Hey, can you do me a favor?  Can you make sure to send me a mail in ballot as well?  I just want to be safe.  I did get the message from Adam, it was nice to hear from him.  Tell him I love him, and I would like for him to call the missionaries in Tainan.
Mom, I love you.  Dad, I love you.  I pray for you frequently.
Love,
-Elder Travis Leatham

No comments: