Thursday, February 12, 2009

Dear Family,

Wow! That's incredible you are already packing up to leave back for the states! It's hard to believe that you are really going back, huh!? I love you tons, and thank you so much for all of your help! I love you, and it will be fun to see you on Tuesday!

Love,
Elder Wallentine













Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Dear Family,

Sorry things are kind of messed up again this p-day. We have a new way to do interviews with president, so every six weeks we have to have interviews on Thursday up in Dover. As for the week, things are going really well. We are going to have another baptism this week, which we are really excited for. Her name is Patty, and she is a really sweet lady.

We are teaching some really great people here, and they are really willing to live the gospel, and change their lives. I went on exchanges into Salisbury, MD this week. It was pretty fun. I got to see  a new part of Maryland, and it reminded me a lot of Philadelphia. I got a little homesick for Philly. Anyway, we tracted into a couple that invited us in as soon as they saw 'Jesus Christ' on our badges. They sat us down, and asked, "what's on your mind?" We taught them a Restoration lesson, and they really accepted it! They were great people who had stopped going to church because of all the confusion they saw. We told them about Joseph Smith, and they were really excited!

There are a ton of people who are just looking for the gospel. There's just a catch. THEY ARE IN DISGUISE! They want the gospel, they just either don't know it yet, or they don't know what they are looking for! It's our job as members of the church, not just missionaries, (that's something we're trying to help the branch here understand) to find these people, hidden amidst the crowds. They're out there!

I love this gospel, and I've had some really funny experiences on my mission that have really made it tangible. It's so funny to look back at all the little 'moments', funny ones, sad ones, happy ones, even scary as heck ones, and see the purpose behind all of it. It's really neat how it all worked out. I know this church is true, and I'm thankful to have served here in Philadelphia for two years. It's been a life-changer! Thanks so much for all your help! I love you guys!

Love,
Elder Wallentine