Here is Travis's latest letter.    Posted by Travis's mom on 11/18/2013

Elder Foster just told me that all of the missionaries have been found in the Philippines! Is that correct? I heard there were 40 missing as of a few days ago, but that they've all been located. I have TONS of people I know from my singles ward and from my MTC roommates that were there. MANY of them. But I heard they were all ok? I've been super worried about all of that. What a blessing that they were all accounted for. That's a mighty miracle that the Lord has wrought. His promise is upon the faithful.

I've got a new language study method that seems to be working pretty good for me. I'll get out my English scriptures, and then write out the translation into Spanish a few verses at a time. I'll then go back with my Spanish scriptures and change the mistakes and write down the new vocabulary I've learned. I interpret for meetings sometimes. Haha, sometimes the English Elders will call us on the phone and ask us to talk to someone they have street contacted! Elder Henrie and Elder Bean were outside of Value Village and met a guy named Santana (and dad, apparently he is actually Carlos Santana's nephew? Might get to baptize him). They called us and had us talk to him, and they put it on speaker phone so I could interpret for them.

My Spanish is doing good, and my vocabulary is pretty extensive. We surprise the heck out of people all the time when we talk to them in the street. Usually I'll give it a few seconds, and greet them in English or whatever, and then I'll pretend like it wasn't obvious that they spoke Spanish. We'll then speak to them in Spanish and they're super weirded out about it at first. Then they figure out we're pretty cool, and usually they'll invite us to visit again. There was a guy named Pedro who we contacted that way this week. He's super chill.

I did get the big envelope! Thank you so much for the General Conference issue of the Ensign. I have been studying it and figuring out how to apply it best. I have all the conference downloaded onto my USB and we listen to it in the car, so it's nice to have the print now. Thank you for your letter to me :) Thank you for being so faithful, mom. Your faith literally sustains my efforts, because I know that miracles are happening here, and there!

Oh goodness there's so much to tell. Here's some cool experiences from the week.

Last night we met a new family here in Kirkland. The father is from Mexico, but speaks super good English. He is married to a nice American lady from here in Washington. They have four boys, and their family is fantastic! We visited them last night and talked about The Plan of Salvation just a little bit. They had raised the questionable doubt about what will happen after we die, and what is to become of the family. We explained that we are all children of Heavenly Father, and that we lived in His presence before our birth. Our purpose is to have joy in this life and prepare to return to be with Him again. We testified that the greatest joy will be had in family relationships in this life and the next life.

We also explained a little bit about how to stay safe in a dangerous world who's first priority is the attack at the family. We talked about how many new ways the adversary has to enter a home, and told them that our message would teach them how to be safe together. Finally, we taught them that one of the best strengthening activities and biggest spiritual protections is singing. Elder Foster and I sang I am a Child of God for them, and it was so great. The four boys had been pretty energetic, but when we started singing, they all sat down super captivated. The youngest one of about 1-1/2 years was totally captivated. He stared right at my face the whole time, and could not be distracted AT ALL. He grabbed his mom, wondering if she was seeing and feeling the same thing he was, and then kept watching us, just totally locked on. The other kids really seemed intrigued, and the parents definitely noted the Spirit and the affect on their family. We then prayed with them all, together, and asked that heaven's blessings be poured out upon them. That there would always be sufficient for their needs of food and money, and that the blessings of the Gospel could be unlocked as they sought the goal of eternal happiness. It was a fantastic experience with them.

Now that the sun goes down at about 4:15, we have a unique challenge of finding in the dark. John 12:46 has been my guide. I have confidence that people are prepared at every hour of our proselyting day, even though it seems so difficult to do. The Lord has proven Himself again by filling our time after 7pm with very prepared families and individuals to receive the Restored Gospel. We teach by the power of the Spirit, doing all we can to discern the needs of these various families and people. People are not shallow creatures, and all have significant needs that we have the work of discovering. Aaron and Ammon are the masters, and I study their teaching methods all the time to figure out what's best. Preach My Gospel encapsulates those skills, so I study that too. It's so great what the Lord has provided.

We found a new family this week as well. The man suffered some type of disease in his left knee, and his condition required an amputation about a year ago. He is recovering from that, and having a very hard time. We spoke with him about that, about the church they attend, and some other things and as soon as we testified of what we knew, the Spirit changed his attitude and he invited us back. The Lord doesn't let us alone, but provides a way to accomplish the work.

I know that Jesus Christ lives and that His way makes so much sense, and feels so amazing to one's soul. I know that God has provided a plan so that we may all return to live with Him after a life of growth and trial. I also recognize that life can be full of joy and fulfillment as we do what is right. I know that God will always care for us, and even when we can't see it, he's working way harder than we are for our benefit. I know that He has manifested His love through opening the heavens again to prophetic witnesses. I know they are inspired by Him, personally.

I really love the work, even though it's extremely hard. I get to be rejected much like the Savior and consider it an honor. The power grows every time we're thrown out. That I know. I love you so much, and hope everything is going well. Thanks for mail and for all your love!

Love,

Elder Talbot