Mom and Dad,
As I write this email my heart is very full. For the first time since I have been here we are using the unfiltered computers so I can listen to music. There are a bunch of things that I am listening to but Grieg's concerto in A minor was first in line. Next will be introduction and rondo capriccioso (Perlman of course). Once again I am so grateful to both of you for having worked so hard to raise me. I know I was more than a handful but the lessons you have taught me help me every day.
Mom, every time I go to do laundry someone asks me some question about how to do laundry and every time I think of you and all of the things you taught me to do at an early age despite my protests. You taught me to cook, to iron, to do laundry, and so many other things. You also instilled in me an appreciation for order, organization, and cleanliness which I can already see will benefit me for the rest of my life. You also helped me to develop a love for reading and a spirit of adventure at a young age which are two traits which have only grown in me since. I often think of my last night at home and the scattered mess that I was and all that you did for me. I am so grateful for your never ending willingness to help me even though you always tell me to plan better and I never do. Thank you for the example of quiet tireless service and hard work that you have been for me all my life. Your example continues to be an inspiration to me here. One of the things I most look forward to now is coming home and being able to speak Spanish with you. I love you so much
Dad, I know I always say this but thank you so much for all that you have done to instill in me an appreciation for classical music. Your love for sharing music has, I know, blessed the lives of many and I among them. This music is so rich and brings me so much joy. You have introduced me to so many of my favorite pieces and I love sharing a love of classical music with you. Two of my favorites are the Rachmaninoff vespers and introduction and rondo capriccioso and as I listen to them now it helps me feel close to you even though I am so far away. I have such fond memories of driving in the car with you, especially on the way home from performances, and listening to the radio trying to guess who the composer was and what work was playing. I was always amazed by how much you could recognize and I was always so delighted on the few occasions when I was able to guess correctly. I know these things seem small but they mean the world to me now.
Reading your stories from this last week I am so delighted to hear of all the blessings you have been receiving. I especially love the story of the car. That story is so Dad in every way but it points out that your attention to detail (Mom) is essential to the success of his bottomless enthusiasm and optimism. You two complement each other perfectly and I love to see it. Hearing of your ingenuity in getting the car running made me so happy and reminded me that it was you who got me started and taught me so much of what I now know about cars. I'll admit i'm itching for a problem like that to come my way but I also had a distinct feeling of contentment that that is no longer my job. For the next two years my job is to invite others to come unto Christ and to do so in the Spanish language. That's going to be plenty challenging and fulfilling for me. I am happy to be here because I know I am in the right place. I've got a lot to learn and change if im to be any good in the lord's hands but it's comforting to me to know that he is on my side here and that he is looking out for you all at home.
hearing your Craigslist story reminds me of a story I shared with my testimony this last fast Sunday. I was speaking about how my heart is changing already and shared an anecdote about Dad. I recounted my many memories of going to buy things of craigslist with Dad and that as a kid I knew an inevitable part of that would always be Dad sharing that we were members of the church at the end. I always looked forward to it with dread because I thought people would think that we were weird. I know I shared this in my last email but I now know what Dad was all about. I am now starting to feel that same desire to share the gospel with all I meet. Romans 1 16 puts it better than I ever could, for I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the power of god unto salvation to everyone that believeth. Dad, you have always embodied this scripture to its fullest extent and I now appreciate that virtue. As I try to embody this more I look to you as my example.
I know you want to hear more about how I am doing so I will recount a little from this week here. My companion, elder James, and I were made zone leaders for several districts here in the CCM so we have been trying our best to be equal to that assignment. While I was at first unsure of the elder who was called to replace me as district leader, the lord quickly showed me that he had been an inspired choice. I sometimes feel like I'm on the greatest Olympic team in history, everything works out for us, so many of the decisions that are made here are inspired, all we have to do is be willing to work. How awesome is that!
Sorry for the long email and lack of details about me but I have to go now. Just know that I love you so much and am doing well
Love
