11-15-09

I got some pictures from zack this week, I will try to post them by next week!

I'm sorry to hear that you're sick mom. Give Hadyn lots of hugs and kisses for me. How is Slade doing, mom? I always worry about him. I want him to be able to take Alyse to the temple. Hadyn needs that bond.

I'm so happy to hear about the line of authority. I really hope that I'm able to get it in time to do what I would like to with it.

I'm glad that you liked the pictures. I'm hoping to have some really really good ones soon to send home. Maybe even church bulletin board worthy haha, just kidding. I am having a better week. I had my interview with President Macdonald this week and it helped out a lot. Also, I got your letter on the same day. I know exactly what you mean about changing how you view success. It's something that is in Preach My Gospel but I didn't really learn from the spirit how to do it until I got your letter. We will spend thanksgiving day with a lot of different members and investigators. It should be a lot of fun and a much needed break.

I'm super excited for this next week because we have 2 baptisms on Saturday. Elder Rupp didn't want to get wet so I'll be baptizing both of them. One is a 9-year-old girl, Kyirah Stover, and the other is a lady in her 30s whose husband is a member, Jeamilette Morales. It is so amazing to see people committed to the gospel enough to change everything about their lives to be able to live it. We also have another baptism on the 28th for Tiffany Ruddell. If I had to pinpoint a reason why I was sent to North Bend, it would be Tiffany. I have grown so much through working with her. Because of all the things that happened to her, it caused me to really rely on God. I've never prayed harder for anyone in my life, I've never worked harder for anything, I've never worried about someone this much, and I've never seen so many of my prayers answered as I saw with her. I don't think I was sent here for anyone else's benefit, but for my own. Other missionaries could have just as easily taught her the lessons. Any other missionary could have listened to the promptings of the spirit and been able to resolve her concerns. However, I could not have gotten to where I am now, spiritually, without Tiffany and her particular situation. I feel so blessed to be a part of it. She has an 18-month-old and last night all I could think about is how his life will be impacted by all of this. Think of how awesome it would be to go to his mission farewell and hand him the tie I wore when I baptized his mother. The things we do impact so much more than what's in our immediate field of vision. Now the key is remembering that when times get rough.

In my interview with president, it sounds like I'll be leaving North Bend after this transfer is up. He said that it's time for me to change areas and move on to bigger things. I'm not sure exactly what that means, but I have some guesses but they worry me haha.

Well, thanks for everything. I love you all. Have a great week and try to start feeling better.

Love,

Elder Mullenax