Wednesday, August 29, 2012

August 22, 2012 Email

Dear Mom and Dad,
Well hello!  I was suprised to see a letter from you, I didn't know you would be writing me today.  It was a nice suprise.
So guess what?  We just got back from the temple!  It was pretty fun, Zone Leaders are in charge of making sure everyone gets there and back, so that was a little different.  I was able to do initiatories as well as an endowment session this week, it was really cool.  I'm really glad that I took the time to read the Book of Exodus a few months ago, it really helped me understand the initiatories, the part about Aaron and his sons.  While I was doing initiatories, I thought a lot about the responsibilities that I have as a Zone Leader and a priesthood holder.  I loved looking at the Elders in the temple, some juniors, seniors, DL, ZL, senior couples, all different responsibilities, but in the eternal perspective, all of us have a glorious potential. 
We have two couple missionaries assigned to do geneology work here in Taizhong, Bro. and Sis. Walker.  They both served here as missionaries 35 years ago.  I was talking to Bro Walker, he said while he was here, Elder Hinckley split the Taiwan mission into two, and created the first stake in Taiwan.  35 years later, Taiwan has 12 stakes, 2 districts, and a temple.  The church in Taiwan still is growing and learning how to support itself, but can you imagine how many lives have been blessed in the past 35 years?  What will happen in the next 35 years?  By that time, Taiwan will have its second temple in Gaoxiong.  As a zone leader, I know a lot more about the growth that is happening in the mission and in the church here.  I just can't wait to see what happens.
Being a zone leader is definitely an interesting experience.  The best part is I'm so busy all the time, so I never have time to be distracted with unimportant things.  I definitely feel like this is the most obedient, worthy, and dilligent I've been my entire mission.  The worst part is I'm so very, very tired.  But its nice too.
Well, I don't have too much to say, but I do love you both, and I pray for our family every day.  Have a great trip.
-Elder Travis Leatham

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