9-20-09

I don't need a coat yet. I have a used one that I got for free. As far as sweaters go, yes I would like some. They have to be very conservative and not much change in color (preferably all one color) but stitch patterns are okay.

For Christmas, more slacks, ties, sweaters, and music: Mormon Tabernacle choir, general church music, EFY cds.

If you want to send packages, I would suggest music for that as well. Snacks are always fun. Just whatever you want to send mom.

I have a couple requests. The first is I would like to know my priesthood line of Authority. Dad should have it. I need it for something special. I was also curious as to whether or not I was born in the covenant. Were you married in the temple before I was born?

Business Concluded.

I'm so excited for general conference. We have plans to be with a different family (both investigators and ward members) for each separate session of conference. I can't wait to hear the apostles speak because there is so much we can learn from them. My appreciation for them grows weekly haha because I really only read an ensign article once a week. This last week it increased a whole HEAP! We had Zone Conference on Friday and so we went up to Eugene. It was a very special Zone Conference because Elder Evans of the First Quorum of the Seventy was there to speak to us. He gave us so much insight on how to better do missionary work. How to work smarter. He spent a good hour talking just about mine and Elder Parkin's specific weakness: asking for referrals. The entire conference went about two hours longer than it was supposed to because Elder Evans was loving teaching us and we were all just eating it up. We started at 9:00am and didn't get done until about 4:30pm. So awesome! Elder Evans was so impressed with our mission. He said that this is honestly one of the best missions he has ever been in. He tours missions all the time and he told us that he's never said that to any other mission before. Then he also expressed his deep admiration for President Macdonald. He was confident that he is one of the best mission presidents in the world. I would have to agree. He also said something very interesting that he said is true doctrine. He said that in the pre-existence, we made covenants with our mission presidents that we would serve together. Before this world was, I knew President Macdonald and I promised him I would be a faithful servant. It's a good thing I made it here. It is my firm belief that we made similar covenants with our mission companions.

Well, I have some rather depressing news. I'm staying in North Bend, but Elder Parkin is getting transferred to Eugene to work in the mission office. I'm getting choked up just writing it right now. I'm not ready for him to leave. I love this Elder and I still have so much I need to learn from him. I'm afraid that I won't be able to meet the needs of the people here. What if I forget someone? What if I teach something wrong and offend someone? Elder Parkin's impact on this ward and the people here is too great for me to fill. I've never seen so many people so upset by the transfer of a missionary. Elder Parkin has done more for North Bend than any missionary since the mission opened. I'm confident of that statement.

All hope is not lost though. My new companion that comes on Wednesday is the District Leader. He's almost certain to be another good missionary. There is a lot of pressure on me to make sure that I give him all the information necessary to make adequate plans for the area. I really don't know if I'm ready for this, but I don't really have a choice.

Well, we've still been teaching a lot this week. All of the people are progressing well.

I have to get going. Sorry it's so short today and not full stories. I'm kind of stressing today haha. I love you all. Take care.


Love,

Elder Mullenax