Hey family,

We had a pretty good week this week. I learned a lot this week about how to do missionary work. God offers us a chance to really turn our lives over to him for about two years, if we will do just one thing, be obedient. As we do this, changes are wrought in our lives, unlike anything I've ever seen. If we don't, if we fight the rules, or change them to fit us, we are not changed by the law, and we cannot be sanctified by it. My new favorite scripture is in DC 88:34-35. Laws are given, for us. They protect us, and govern us. But, even more, they sanctify us. I had never realized that before, that our growth in keeping the commandments is much greater than just gaining physical discipline, but actually purifying us. Whoa.

We found a pretty cool lady this week, who really wants to get closer to God, and has the faith to see miracles. We are pretty excited to see her again on Wednesday, and it is going to be a really great experience.

We had quite the thunderstorm the other day. There was actually one roll of thunder that lasted 57 seconds straight! It was pretty intense. Part of our area got flash-flooded, and we camped out on a porch for a second, until we could get back to tracting. It was pretty cool, but we got SOAKED! It was a good experience. Tracting in a flood-watch definitely builds character.

Things are going really great here, and I got a package from the 16th ward, saying that Cade Koyle, Brenden Hatfield, and a bunch of others had gotten their mission calls! A couple to England, North Carolina, Chile. I was pretty excited about that! Life is definitely good in Philadelphia, and I look forward to sending pictures.

I love you guys, and thank you so much for everything you've done for me! You are great!

Love,
Elder Wallentine