November 7

Yep, we had five baptisms yesterday: They're all great people. The youngest ones will be in the strong in the church because they are all 11 years old and they're really good friends. Their family members and closest friends are also members, so that'll be good.

That's so cool with Stevon Thomas. I haven't seen him in years, and it's really nice to know that he made it on a mission too. I knew he would. Thank you letters are on their way. I'm glad to hear that a package is on the way, and I'll do my best to eat the peppers as fast as possible. Maybe Elder Henson and I will have some sort of contest in eating them. That's way cool that Steve buckholz is in Africa too. Zambia is a great place I'm sure.That's great with teaching primary. I sure miss having a ton of members in the ward that can step up and do something like that. Pretty much if there's something extra that needs to be done, the missionaries will do it. Out of the Melchizedek priesthood holders, there's the branch president and his counselors, the elder's quorom pres, the branch mission leader and the four missionaries. We have one of us speak in church almost every week, but it's not so bad. Being a missionary prepares one to teach anything as needed because it happens all the time with questions that investigators ask. Talking in church to a bunch of members is not difficult.

Happy Birthday Crystal! I hope it was all fine and dandy. Even though Jessica will deny it, she loves her homework and wishes she had more.

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!!! I hope it's grand! The Spirit that comes with being a missionary is truly unique. There's just nothing like it. Being called as a missionary brings the power and authority to teach and have the Spirit. When that calling is over, so is that power and authority. Of course, we can still have the Spirit with us and be able to teach with power and authority, but it is much more difficult because our schedule and work is different from that of a missionary. The older missionaries in my zone will sometimes give me rubbish about being a greenie, and they'll say stuff like "when you've been on mission as long as I have, you'll know that..." To be honest, I feel sorry for them because being out on mission longer means being closer to going home and ending that calling. In short, while they're back home wasting their time doing whatever, I'm still working hard as a missionary. Given that we both serve for the same amount of time, but they view the time they have left as a countdown to something good instead of time running out that a good thing will be with them. I'd rather be in my shoes than theirs.

I love you all so much! Take care and keep the faith!

Elder Steed