Brandon' email - October 10th

Dear Hamps,

I love you all! I am happy that you are doing well. Time is too short, my companion is axious to play basket ball today (and so am I =). Based on E. Hamps pics, I think I need to take more day-to day pics. They seem just as exciting as unusual ones.

This past week has been interesting. One person said we were having an "Indian Summer." The temperature has been nice and warm, sometimes hot, with a strong breeze often. Definitely not what wnybody expected! Elder A and I were also just getting over a cold, when I got sick again, but very mildly. I think it was the catfish I ate (see photo). All is well now though; I feel all better. =) A member caught the fish in the Des Moines River. We ate it in a soup along with tortillas and jalpenos. It was very tasty!

Here is some information from President J:

1. P-day is always on Wednesday during transfer week (coming up the week of Oct 30-Nov 4 and then the week of Dec 12-Dec 16). We have had worried parents call when they don’t hear from you on a Monday!

If i dont email you on monday, it is probably because we are emailing on wednesday, which happens every 6 weeks. I will be better about letting you know.

2. Another reminder this week is to be sure to let your parents know when you are emailing them next to send their Christmas items for you to the mission office address early so that they can get forwarded to you before the holiday. Remember transfers are on December 15th, and it would be best if your boxes arrived here before that date! Sister Talbert will keep track of every box that comes into the office, so rest assured that everything will be delivered to you.

For 150 missionaries all receiving extra mail at the same time, the senior missionaries in the office must have some extra work on their hands forwarding mail!

We have been able to meet with more people this week! They are usually very receptive to the message we share and are always friendly. All they have to do is actually read the Book of Mormon, pray sincerely about it, and go to church. When they do those things, we will come to feel by the power of the Holy Ghost that the Book of Mormon is true and that the Church of Jesus Christ has been brought back to the earth. This is a true promise; it works! It is available for everyone we teach and everyone in general. I know that the Book of Mormon is a true book. There are so many good stories and principles that can be applied to our lives to help us be happier and to return to live with God!

I love you and pray for you always!

Love,

Elder Schoenfeld