Hey mom,

This week went remarkably well. We ended the week (yesterday) with 8 Baptismal dates and we hope to be able to set, at least, 4 more this week. I feel like I have been blessed in being able to stay here with the entire ward. Because of that we are able to be as busy as we are. I somewhat feel bad because they closed the other area, but, at the same time not really. I know that may sound terrible to say, but most of the work is in the other areas. This upcoming week we have more lessons planned (as of right now) than I have ever seen before in my mission. It's absolutely amazing. I'm just still wondering where all of these people to teach came from. The biggest of our focus I guess is a family of 7 where the mom is a member and no one else is. She has five children ages from 19-11. So six potential baptisms. We were able to meet with three of the kids on saturday and set baptismal dates with them. We are hoping to get a few of her Children Baptized at the end of the month. This lady, Sister Grames, has been inactive for roundabouts of 13 years. Married and divorced maybe more than once and now married to the same guy for two years. I have no real idea what made her want to come back to church and get all of her family baptized, but something did and now I'm super stoked for her and we will have to see what happens right?

This week I have discovered more of my purpose. That, in itself, is a huge thing to discover. Luckily for us, being members of the Church already have more of an understanding than those outside of it. Though, we can still discover more for our individual lives on a daily basis. As we take a look in everything around us, Mostly centered on the Gospel, we can see purpose everywhere. I believe that as we grow in the gospel and in understanding, we will be enlightened with a great sense of purpose, knowing what we are truly here to do. Specifically as well. I always relate this as we are teaching to Alma 34:32 that says that we are here to prepare to meet God and to perform our labors. So, I always ask, What are our labors? Obviously to keep the commandments, but what else? I mean there is a lot of general ideas and answers to this, but I have found for myself There is so much more laying within, that when you discover it, it becomes difficult to articulate one to another.

You know, It's a good thing, and a bad thing that the cousins lost their mom. But I would have to favor the fact that it will be good for them. Because they wont have that influence in their lives and hopefully as they grow up they will be able to look at the life she led and see that everything she did led up to an early death by heart attack. All of those poisons that she put into her body put great stress on her heart and weakened it greatly. You can't expect to treat your body that way and live a long life. I always think too, that those who seek to glorify themselves here on the earth too, recieve their reward here on this earth. Although they are not here to see that "glory and honor" It did happen. right? Then to think of the Lord in his teachings where you are to do things in secret as with to "not let your right hand know what your left hand doeth". Things like that are always interesting to think about and to see happen.

I feel bad for the kids because it's never fun to see someone you love die. But you are right, things will return to normal fairly quickly. She didn't have that much of an infuence in their lives as a real mom should. That's why she is a mom, NOT a mother. I do have to disagree with you thinking that Bailey and Bella will have poor behavior and stuggles. Not more than they already would. It most likely will happen in the near future, but in the long run I can see it being just the same, possibly better. It is never good to have a bad example made seem right in front of you. Now, that this poor example is going to hopefully do all that is possible in the spirit world. They will be able to grow less hindered into what they truly need to become.

I'm glad to see the strength the gospel gives families and the example that I have been able to see within our family. I'm glad to know and see the blessings of being obedient and keeping covenants that you make with the Lord. Even in marriage, It's not just between two entities, but three. Such a good thing to always keep in mind. Actively attending the Temple allows you to remember these things.

I'm glad I get to miss all of the yard work that lays ahead too. Seems like it's going to be more of a job to do the back yard than the front. As long as I have a bedroom when I get home, I will be happy.

anyways. my fellas! it's been good. I can't believe I have been out for this long now either. I usually feel like one of the youngest, but now that half of our zone has only been out two months or less, with only three other missionaries besides myself being out a year or more. It's strange... hmm welp

I guess that's it.

Creative jucies gone.

Love ya!

--
Elder Michael Stone.