Here is a letter from Elder Talbot from Jan 20, 2014.  Sorry I have not posted for a while.  Love the optimism here!  Joyce (Travis's Mom)

January 20, 2014

This week was a tough one. But it's all about how you look at it. The Lord pays special attention to His missionaries and carries us through the trials. I suppose the best way of resolving our own trials is setting them aside to alleviate the pain that someone else is experiencing. President Choi commands, "When you get sick, DON'T get sick!" I've discovered that the best way to not be sick is to go knock doors until I feel better, or let the rain wash it out of me. When you're blatantly rejected by a bunch of people in one day, you might get frustrated and kick a bush (as I did), but then the best thing to do is just go to the next house on your planner. 

When someone tells you to come by and then either doesn't answer the door, or intentionally isn't home, it's a little frustrating, but you can just... go to the next house and find someone else who might want to hear from you! It's super hard because you feel as though you're making no difference, and that your mission is slipping by. But at the end of things we hope it's the difference inside that is the reward for diligence, and the changes within that come from the work.

There were some good experiences this week, though. We met with a lady named Pilar, and did some great teaching from The Book of Mormon. We downloaded the Gospel Library onto her cell phone, and she is committed to studying The Book of Mormon on a daily basis. We read through Alma 7:7-16 with her, and then shared the Introduction to The Book of Mormon. Things made a lot more sense after that, and she understands why we use it as the sacred scripture, which it is. I love The Book of Mormon because it teaches much better than I do!

I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is truly the way to peace and happiness in this life, and in the eternities. I know that Jesus Christ lives and extends his loving arm to all people. I have the privilege of serving Him as a missionary, and I thank God for the knowledge of His workings which He has seen fit to bestow upon someone as simple as I. My hope is that all men can receive their own revelation, and lay hold upon their own guidance from God, who directs men in truths' paths. How sweet it is to have the light of the Gospel shed forth from above. The scriptures really are for "light reading." The greatest feeling is when something you've heard time and time again occurs to you as true, but in a new way. That is the Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ. God will teach you what to do and be.

Thank you for your prayers and support! I love the work, and love you, family :) Have a fantastic week, and keep working miracles by your faith. 

Love,

Elder Talbot