2-8-10

HI family!

My birthday was great. We had the baptism and everything went amazingly well. It was a very spiritual baptism. I got choked up when I was speaking, and that hasn't happened for a long time. His name is Mike Pelkey and his wife is a member and they have 4 little girls. He is a state trooper without any religious background. It's amazing to see him go from no belief to wanting to be sealed to his wife for eternity in the temple. I'm so excited because they've already set the goal to go. The cake was really good. You'd be pretty impressed, that cake fed 26 missionaries haha. Sister Idiart brought it to combined district meeting and we had a lot of fun. I really like being in Eugene because you get to make friends with a lot of different missionaries. When we got in for the night, on saturday, we had more birthday cake with the Morgans (the couple we live with) and some friends that were staying in the house from out of town. It was almost like being home with the family. I've gotten so many letters and cards! I'll just give one big thank-you to all of you!

I'm so excited that you found some stuff on Talmage. My interest has been growing in him since I started reading Jesus The Christ in November. I finished it this week and as I read it, I feel like I know him (Talmage that is). People probably think I'm crazy when I say that I feel like I know him, but I really do. I felt like he was personally mentoring me and teaching me about Jesus Christ. It was phenomenal. My testimony of this gospel, and my testimony of this church has become deeply rooted because of that book. I'm really happy that you sent me another copy because the one that I have now is pretty beat up. It came with my "Missionary Reference Library" but it was a cheap paper back that fell apart. The binding busted on it. If you haven't read it mom, I think you should. But, I suggest a dictionary for the first little while haha, Talmage did have a doctorate.

I really liked the pictures. Erin looks so happy. She sent me a letter telling me how much she loves the temple and all I could do was smile. I did send a letter to Grandma. I enjoyed the letters from your class, and I'll work on sending a reply today. We should have some extra time.

I love Sister Idiart! She is so funny. When we're in Eugene I find any excuse to go into the mission office so I can talk to her haha. She always makes me laugh. I don't know why she's fond of me, but I won't complain. Elder Giles is a pretty cool Old guy. I talked to him about New Mexico because on one of his trips to Texas he drove through Bloomfield. They are definitely right, we have a good group of missionaries here.

Everything here is going good. It's kind of funny, but I have to argue myself out of being upset. If I argue with myself long enough, I forget why I was upset to begin with haha. Elder Wright is still Elder Wright. We get along just fine. It's not like we argue or fight, It's just his attitude chips at your ability to stay happy. He tells other missionaries that he likes me so I won't complain. I hope everything goes well with the interview. I'll pray as soon as I'm done here.

I don't really have a lot of other news to report. Have a good week! I love you all!

Love,

Elder Mullenax