Dear Family and Friends,
Jessica and Isabel Delgado
This was Elder Hatch and my last week together here in Beaumont! It was a good last week, we ended our time together with two baptisms last Saturday! Jessica and Isabel Delgado got baptized, and the whole branch was really excited about it, especially the young women’s and primary organizations.
Elder Hatch is Gone
Elder Hatch has spend 5 transfers here in Beaumont, about 7 months! It’s crazy! He’s such a good missionary. I have learned a lot from him. With good reason, he is off to be a Zone Leader out in Pasadena now. He’s gonna do so well. I really love him. I can’t decide if I liked being with him or elder Erickson better, but Elder Hatch and I had a great time because we worked hard and still found time to have meaningful conversations about the gospel and life in general. Man, such a great guy.
Next Companion
Looks like my next companion is going to be coming out of Houston. My guess is it’s either going to be elder Ward or elder Cope. Elder Ward took over in Denver Harbor after I left. I’ve never really served around him, but I’ve heard he’s a good missionary. What I think is most likely, is that Elder Cope comes. I got to serve around him in the Galena Park ward when I was at Denver Harbor. He was our district leader. He’s an awesome guy and works really hard. He has fun too. Man, it’s crazy how important that quality is in a companion. So, either way, I’m going to keep on being junior companion to a district meeting like I have been my whole mission.
Free Agency
I can’t remember too much from this week that really stood out… we just worked hard. Something dissappointing that we have been battling with is people’s free agency! It’s funny, but true. Maybe I’ll jinx it, but we have so many investigators here that are so legit, all they need to do is put for the effort to know the truth and they would be baptized! We have a ton of investigators, and very few of them are just the normal, so-so ones. Almost all of them are super legit! Or at least we think.. when we have the opportunity to teach them! But a midst the missed appointments, and unkept commitments, and missing church appearances, it’s just hard! Because we are doing all we can, trying to get in contact with them, reading with them, inviting them to church, calling them, testifying, and then they just don’t do their part. I guess I should find comfort in the fact that we are doing all that we can to do our job, but it’s still hard when you see people that are really awesome that just don’t take advantage of this fully. Hopefully, that changes in the coming weeks. We could have a lot of success here. I guess it’s a good thing that we know we’ve done all we can do, but at the same time, that’s the part that stinks! Knowing that there isn’t more we can do!
Elections
Tuesday is elections. I don’t have the right to vote. And to anyone reading this who does have that right and isn’t going to use it, shame on you! I can’t tell you who to vote for as a missionary, but I will say this … as far as morals and values, the choice is clear. Probably the clearest choice in any election. So go vote!
It’s still hot and humid here. I can’t believe it. We get into the mid 80’s everyday. It’s driving me crazy. I am especially missing the snow and the mountains right now.
Love y’all!
Elder Viitanen
congrats for baptism, Carlos.You are good-looking in the photos.And you look happy.
I have send a letter to you. You probably get it next week.So- I don’t write more now.
I hope you to get good company.Be good example to him.
The Christmas is coming soon. Hopefully you have same address until Christmas.
There is many events in the church ,on Christmastime. I like it. I love the church an the chapel is my other home.
We have got snow many times here, but it stayed only 1-3 days.There is darkest time in Finland now. Temperature outside is between – 5 – + 3 C .
Do you have all you need? Take care! Be happy!
I LOVE YOU!
Love, Mummi