November 19, 2012

Everything is going awesome here. It's raining HARD CORE today. Since "sunrise" I guess you could call it, the big drops haven't stopped falling. So, no sunshine today as I look out the big bay windows of the Lynnwood Library. I busted out the rain fly today. Truth is that we usually just don't wear rain gear because it would get really annoying if we paid that much attention to the misty, everyday weather. But today was deserving of some weather protection.

 We had transfers last Tuesday. I stayed in the Lynnwood area here, but I got a new companion! His name is Elder Annand. He is actually from Gilbert. I didn't know him before or anything, and we haven't really stitched together any common people, but I imagine there are some. So he's finishing up my 2nd transfer of training, and I'm essentially training him on the area you could say. It's a bit hectic, but it's really fun. The new branch is making things a lot easier. Elder Kimber went up to Bellingham, up at the Canadian border. He's going to freeze to death.

 Yesterday was the first day in the Chennault Beach Branch! I spelled it wrong last time, I realize. They have intersting names for things up here, mostly Indian names. It's pretty cool. Our meetings start at 1:50 pm, and we have Sunday school and Priesthood first, and then sacrament last. It's kind of crazy, but it'll be SO nice for working with members in the area, and especially working with President Lopez!! He's crazy awesome. We'll be meeting with him this week to make plans and get this mountain rolling. The organist for the branch is WAYY good. I might have to cover for him sometime, but who knows.

 We are really faithful that we will reach our December goal of having a baptism in every area in the entire mission. All of the Elder and Sisters have prayed for this for months and we believe that it can happen. I know it's going to happen in Lynnwood, and I believe it could be more than just one baptism. There are several we have in mind that if we focus on them, and they keep commitments, they'll be READY!!!

We do go on splits with ward members. A recent convert, Gustavo Martinez, is usually able to go with us. He's such a beast. He's got testimony, and knowledge beyond belief for just having been baptized in like... June?

 The apartment does indeed stay clean! I've been real big about that actually.... surprizing right? The mold risk has kept me on my toes. Have to dry my towels after I shower, and sometimes the shower curtain. Dish cloths can't stay wet or you're done for. It's good stuff.

 I'm doing really well and growing a ton :) I am enjoying reading in The Book of Mormon and the other standard works. There's a lot of unexplainable things that are occurring that can only testify further that Heavenly Father REALLY watches over us and wants us to succeed. It is no longer a question of wondering if it was God's intervention, but just an entertaining perspective of seeing how He sets things up for us. There can be no coincidences in missionary work. Another thing that's very special to me is the ease of attaining knowledge and inspiration that comes with the entitlements of this calling. There are gateways opened for perception and revelation that are exclusive to our ordination as elders, and which will end, along with our time as missionaries. I am taking close care of what the Lord reveals, and working to perfect the channel for revelation and inspiration which He has so graciously permitted us to use.

 I've shown you the night sky and some of the most incredible of God's creations in that telescope in the backyard. I frequently imagine those; the order they represent, the power by which they were created, and the authority by which they are maintained. They are all known to God. And we are all known to Him. And we, being from dust to dust, and but the smallest of His creations have the personal privilege of communicating with He who commissioned the design of these? Think on it. THAT is humbling.

 I know the Gospel is restored for us and for our eternal well being. I know the church is true and that it is led by revelation through a living prophet! I know that Heavenly Father loves us and that He sent us here so we could return and become like Him. I know that if we use this time well, the reunion will be a merry one! I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and that He will stand as my Advocate if I continue to follow Him. I know these things are true. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

 Sincerely,

Elder Talbot