April 18, 2016

That is so amazing that Tanner got his mission call this week! Cool thing is, I do not know when he got it, but in the middle of the week I had a thought come into my mind that your mission call came Tanner. It was right before I went to bed. I had a thought that it came. I think it came to me Tuesday night or Friday night, I don’t remember. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. You will love it out there! 

Josh Barfuss President Barfuss's son went to that mission! So get in touch with him and have him tell you all about his mission! 

I think that is going to be different to drop you off at the airport instead of the MTC. But at least you are still in the states so it will be a lot cheaper to send you things than it is to send things to Canada.  You'll have to get used to the city life and flat land. Just don’t become a Steelers fan!  

I'm still in awe. It comes up so fast, Tanner. Keep going to mission prep and studying  your scriptures.  You were a great example to me with that, even though I did not study my scriptures by myself as much as I should have. You'll be more prepared with that. You are a smart kid, so the language will come easy for you.  Your mission would be like mine as far as the Spanish missionaries. Lots of English missionaries but some Spanish, The Spanish missionaries here are awesome. I’m really good friends with them. 4 of them are in leadership positions. You might get some companions that are duds or don’t want to do anything. We call that "Piles" in this mission. Don’t let that happen! 

You don’t always email home, but when you do, email us long detailed letters in English! I have been out for 21 months and I can do better with this most weeks.  haha

August 2 comes up fast. We will only have about 10 days to do stuff and hang out before you head out!  

This week is transfer week! I know that I’m not training, so it’s a waiting game to see who goes. I’m hoping that we both stay. Our choir concert is the same day as transfers, John (choir director) will not be happy if my comp leaves. He made him lead tenor. As for me, he will probably be happy if I go because I cant sing anyway and he told me not to sing very loud. haha 

Last week we went on exchanges with the Zone Leaders. I went to Cardston with Elder Williams who was my 3rd companion. I enjoyed that because it was lot of fun. I served with him before and it was great to serve together again!

On Saturday all 200 missionaries in the Canada Calgary Mission came up to Calgary to the Foot Hills (one of my old areas) to see Elder Christofferson and Elder Martino. That was a huge event!. That usually never happens. It was nice to see lots of friends and hear an Apostle of the Lord speak.

Elder Christofferson is one of my favorites. When he speaks, he speaks with love and power. I got to shake his hand. I wanted a picture but that did not happen. 

He gave us a chance to ask questions. There were some really good questions that were asked. One of them, Tanner, will help you on your mission, because it will happen. It happened with me. A sister missionary asked the question. The question was: When we go into a lesson and the Spirit is not there, how do we know if its the environment, or our fault? Elder Christofferson said,  “Its always your fault!” (jokingly). He told alot of jokes. He’s really a funny guy! But his answer was: Normally  the environment is the cause of the lack of the Spirit. But when you feel that lack of Spirit in a lesson or at home, then pray. Just give a prayer of thanks to the Lord. Express gratitude for specific blessings.

It was so nice to hear from him.

Grant is doing very good. He has not smoked all week. He has been following step by step the smoking program. He came to church yesterday by himself, which he has done before. 

Reading the Atonement has been a blessing. It’s deepening my knowledge of the Savior’s love for us. Through the Atonement we are made alive. This scripture is referenced alot in the talks:

“For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” 

Thank you telling me where Tanner is going. 

Love you all