Week 74: Splitsville

AJ teaches the children of Roxas Primary. Apparently he is too tall for Philippine cameras, ha.

Hey Family,

Time sure flies!

So we had another really fast busy good week. This week we had our zone meeting, then on Wednesday the trunky Elders (haha) in the zone went to career workshop – It's a debriefing of sorts about 2 weeks before people go home. So Elder Rausa went with a couple Elders that are going home and Elder James, Elder Acu and I were left in Roxas.

For part of the day on Wednesday we delivered new mattresses to the whole zone and then we were able to go and teach a few really cool lessons before our companions got back Thursday.

Friday we had some baptismal interviews and Saturday we went to Tabuk for their

baptism. Tabuk was just re-opened by those elders a few months ago and they already have baptisms, so very cool!

This week I really have learned a lot about humility and how the Lord works and teaches us. The important part: I've decided that when things get tough we need to become teachable, not dwell on our misfortunes or sorrows. By the way my favorite Elder Holland quote pops into my head. Something like: " There is no downfall or misfortune

so bad that whining about it won't make it worse." Anyway, I love Elder Holland.

Probably not coincidentally, President Carlos's letter to us was about humility as well. This is one part I really liked from what I read earlier:

"Just like the Savior, no matter how obedient we are, we will face trials. When we hit a rough spot in life, we can embrace humility and turn to the Father or turn to the world's perspective of bitterness and despair. For those who embrace humility there is an incredible promise —deliverance!"

Humility is an attribute of the Savior and one we must seek after and desire if we are to survive this life's challenges and attain a place in the world to come. Its fruits do not come overnight. Being humble takes testing and consistency. When we feel pushed, forsaken, unloved or forgotten, it is difficult to turn to the Lord for instruction. In our trials while pleading for deliverance, maybe we should ask ourselves, "Am I coachable?" “Am I humble?”

Anyway I can't really explain what I am trying to say about humility, but humility is not just not bragging about yourself or stuff like that but is a lot deeper in that we are trying to give up our will to the Father … like the Savior did. He wasn't just humble in that sense, but everything he did was not for him, but what Father in Heaven wanted him to do. My final conclusion for now is being truly humble is very difficult.

So last week we got a really cool referral. The Grandpa is a really nice guy and most of his day is taken up by helping his sick wife. She had been having pains in her legs and she went to a Jehovah faith healer. To make a long story short, she got electrocuted by the faith healers healing and now is partially crippled. So we have taught them a few times and they are doing really well. The Grandpa doesn't believe any churches are true (at least until now :)) and is a really smart guy. When we first met him he was telling us about stuff in the Bible that contradicted some of the things in other churches and he is really interested in our message.

One sidewalk vendor delicacy in the Philippines. Yum!

He keeps asking us how he will know if our church is true or not, and we keep telling him to pray and read the Book of Mormon. Anyway, last time we went there we taught about the Restoration and praying to know. He is still confused about how he will get an answer, but we told our stories of praying to know and hopefully he did it. We have really gotten a lot of great referrals here in Roxas. We have been so incredibly blessed.

The Tan family is still doing awesome and Sister Feyma is really excited to be baptized on April 21. Her family is doing well, too. Her mother has been going to church and her sister has been listening, but hasn't yet gotten an answer to her prayers, but she has been doing great as well. They are a really cool family and Bryan should have his mission

call pretty soon.

We have had a few complications with the Gabaldon family as they have been super busy and we haven't been able to teach them as much as we hoped. But if things work out they will be baptized this Saturday and that will be really awesome.

By the way, the Shaners are very awesome and it's been very cool to learn from them and have them helping here in Roxas with the members. It's really great to have couples as sometimes us young Elders don't have the wisdom and experience necessary. The fantastic testimony's that the Shaners are able to share with the members and investigators hereis amazing. We love them so very much. Get ready, Mom and Dad, so you can go on a mission too! hehe :)

Well we better run!

Love ya all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A.J.

Week 73: March Missionary Madness

Email convo between AJ and his Dad Sunday night, 9:05 p.m. (Utah) & 11:05 a.m. Monday (Philippines)

AJ: It seems we came a little early today Hey, happy March Madness. I heard the Cougs have fallen ... but they got a good win in the first round?

DAD: Hey, you are early. I just sent you a sports report!
AJ: Yeah president, said the Cougs did the biggest comeback in March Madness history. I did my bracket on Monday and took a picture of it, but Rausa went to Banaue and borrowed my camera, so I'll email it to you next week. My champ was Mich. St. and UNC in the finals, I think. Oh and how is your bracket doing?

DAD: Read my letter -- I am not doing well this year. Even McGary is beating me! I had Missouri in the champ game and they lost right off the bat.
AJ: Haha cool. I had Duke in the Final Four. I heard they lost early. How are Mich St. and NC doing though? I love March Madness.

DAD: They are both still alive. I have No. Carolina winning it all, so I still have a chance. Yeah, Duke got beat in the first round by a little college in Pennsylvania called Lehigh. That school is about the size of Dixie and it was in my mission. Haha Duke, I say!

AJ: That's all right, even if it ruins my bracket, to see Duke lose in the first round. Oh man, why did the Merritts move? Who am I gonna speak Tagalog to? And where did they move to?

DAD: Well, they had four kids there and only three bedrooms, so they put their house up for sale and it actually sold. They are going to Bloomington, I think.
AJ: Ah man, I was excited to be able to speak Tagalog. When did they get 2 more kids, I only remember 2 kids when I left.

DAD: Well, there was Matt and Melissa, and then Grace had a kid already when they got married -- that makes three. And then they had a baby together a few months ago. So, that makes four! Wasn't there an RM or two in the ward who would speak it?

AJ: I am not sure, but it's still better to talk to someone actually from the Philippines that is a native speaker and lives next door so I could speak Tagalog whenever I wanted :(

DAD: Oh well, Not sure who our new neighbors are. There have been a lot of people in and out cleaning the place up and stuff.
AJ: Cool, you'll have to keep me updated. You got any pics?

DAD: Had to switch computers ... here ya go.

Dallas and Bryce hitting the road.

Curly-headed Holly.

Kate's soccer style.

AJ: Wow, the Cowboys dice are still there and Dallas's mustache is pretty cheesy. Holly looks pretty old. Katie looks pretty athletic and her picture looks like a professional took it.

DAD: Yeah, not too much has changed here except your siblings are growing up very fast. BTW, Dallas LOVES his 'stache and is very proud of it. Hey, today during the games they had an ad for the new Assassin's Creed (BTW, it looks really cool, set in the American Revolution), but they are advertising this game and it is due out in ... October. The same month you come home. That was kinda crazy to think about.
AJ: Yeah, I just realized last night I have 4 cycles left in two weeks. I am sad. I can't even remember non-missionary life.

DAD: Chicks and cereal and sports ... you can't remember that?! It'll all come back to you very quickly.
AJ: I am gonna feel so un-useful and unproductive.

DAD: You will find ways to focus that energy. School work, job, family, women. Trust me, you'll be plenty busy and useful.
AJ: Yeah president also said if I find myself in Cauayan some P-Day that he has something for me to watch that is blue and will totally destroy my focus. He said it will totally take me out of the mission. hahaha

DAD: You still haven't seen the Jimmer video we sent? It's not too bad, but that shot vs. Utah was, well, you have to see it ...
AJ: I was thinking about going today, but Elder James doesn't like basketball, so I might wait a few more weeks and see if I get a companion that appreciates basketball. haha. Puro! we are taking off – LOVE YOU!!!!

DAD: K, love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WEEKLY LETTER

Dearest Family,

So time is still unbelievably fast. I realized last night while lying in bed that in about two weeks I only have 4 cycles or 6 months left and that is way too little time left. I love my mission so much. Probably not as much as Elder Holland, but I really, really have enjoyed this experience with all my heart and don't even want to think about it ending. So many amazing things happen all the time!

The Tan Family is super cool and Sister Feyma has loved everything she has been learning at church and she loves what she has learned about the gospel. Her brother, Brian, is waiting to get a reply from his mission papers and has been working with us. The rest of their family has been listening and the mom has come to church twice now! Sister Feyma has tons of people she wants to refer and she asked for some Book of Mormons so she can give them as gifts to some of her friends. It's so cool!

So there is a couple we have been teaching that aren't married yet and the sister is already a member. Anyway, when we first started teaching them the dad would come to church but didn't really seem too terribly interested. We talked to them about how they need get married and they just said oh we'll probably get married before the end of the year. But this week we have seen a big change and now they are getting married on April 21, he has been reading (wasn't doing it in the past) and wants us to teach him often (in the past it was only once a week) They have been doing awesome and came early to church and stayed for all of it and enjoyed the whole thing – awesome!

So Elder James and I went on splits yesterday while our companions went to Cauayan in preparation of going to Banaue. (president said they could, since they have never been). Anyway, we had a cool experience yesterday (by the way, Elder James is the only Elder taller than me in the mission – He has me by about a hair). We were working in an area that I've only been to a few times. Last week we taught a lesson to a grandpa and his daughter (a young mother) and I hadn't really thought much about it. Anyway we went back and visited people we talked to in the past and taught and we got to their house. It didn't look like anyone was home and we were late for our next appointment, but we decided to at least tao po (Anyone home??). So we did and the young mother that we taught was there and she said, “Come in. We have been waiting for you!” She had read the pamphlet and knew all about Joseph Smith and great questions about the priesthood and stuff like that. It was cool. We gave her a Book of Mormon and she said that her dad and family are interested and stuff. It was cool.

We also got 2 really quality referrals this week that are super nice people and really interested. We have been truly blessed by the branch and they have been helping us as well as the Gabaldon and Tan families. Sister Tan also went to the RS activity in Roxas on Saturday and said she really enjoyed it!

Things have been going really well and we have a lot of investigators now that are doing really great things and building testimonies.

Also, we saw President Carlos at the baptism of some other Elders and he updated me all about the Madness of March – Awesome, eh?

Well, the church is true. I love you and even though I miss you and miss March Madness, I am a lot more grateful and happy to be here in the best mission in the world. I have really met some awesome people and seen a lot of miracles!

Love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A.J.

Week 72: Brackets and Testimonies

AJ: Hey Dad! How's it goingf? Can you send me an NCAA bracket??

DAD: Hey AJ, How's it going? (sent bracket)
AJ: Mabuti. Good! YUN! That's it. Got it. How was your week? Has my money run out yet by the way?

DAD: Yeah, your money is gone, but that's OK. Grandma is helping and we have paid off the cars so we can afford you ;-)
AJ: To be honest, I probably ate more than 400 dollars a month in food and milk when I was at home right? Is there any money in there right now if I used a bit this week? I am almost out of money and we don't have money till Thursday. I think I can make it, but just in case.

DAD: Yeah, there is some, but not sure how much. You will be OK, we wouldn't let it run dry. At home you were at least buying some milk and eating your own cereal. I remember your stash of sweet cereal in your room.
AJ: Now I don't drink milk or eat cereal, haha.

DAD: Yeah, you poor guy. Ah well, I do enough for the both of us. Tuesday night BYU plays and everyone will be gone. Dallas and Bryce on their trip, girls at Gma's and your mom at work.
AJ: One man BYU fan. I would rather watch the BYU NCAA tourney game then go to Disneyland – c'mon bros!

DAD: They never quite got the fan fever bad like you and I. They like BYU and the Jazz, but not hardcore.
AJ: Yeah, that's too bad. I'll do my bracket and take a picture of it and send it to ya next week so I can be in the family contest. I guess the selection just got announced earlier today, right?

DAD: Yeah, they just announced today. BYU was lucky to get in. But that's six years in a row. So what do you get if you win? We can't take you out to dinner. Want me to eat a big bowl of Reese Puffs for you?!
AJ: They probably got in because they still remember how awesome the Jimmer was. I don't know what can you give the man that has already has everything?

DAD: Yeah, u have it all, u dog! We need to get you a couple of wins for BYU!!!
AJ: Oops, I guess you could teach me how to speak English again. My English was totally terrible, haha.

DAD: By the way, we went back to daylight savings time, so now you are 14 hours ahead, instead of 15. It is 1 a.m.
AJ: Oh man, you got less than 5 hours till you go to work.

DAD: Yeah, well, sleep is overrated, right?
AJ: No way, sleep is awesome.

DAD: Do you sleep good there in the heat & humidity?
AJ: Always. Here on the mission I am always so tired I could sleep anywhere. No, but it usually cools off a little bit and we have electric fans. In Tuguegarao back in the day it was bad. I just remember you get out of the shower and immediately start sweating, you crawl in bed and turn on the fan full blast and it just blows hot air. It is supposed to be almost as bad here in Roxas when the hot months come. I'm gonna be here till at least May, so I'll probably experience it. So we'll see if it gets bad.

DAD: Haven't read your letter yet, but I see you sent it. Must mean you're leaving and I am going to bed. Love you tons, AJ, and am so proud of you. Be good and be SAFE!
AJ: Alrighty, LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WEEKLY LETTER



Dearest Family,
Wow what a week!!! So this week was awesome. Let me tell you about it.

On Tuesday, we went to brother Moredan. He is the brother that I told you we had a great lesson and then we went back a few times and he was never there. So we went back again and he was there and had another great lesson. But when we went back, he wasn't there again. Anyway, he is doing a lot better. He has been reading and praying, but he is just kind of flaky. He really seems to have potential, though. He also was first contacted a few months ago when he was in Nueva Ecjia by an elder in Angeles Mission (south of Cauayan mission) that was in my district in the MTC, Elder Witt. Anyway small world I guess.

Later that day we had appointments with the Tan family and the Gabaldon family and Elder and Sister Shaners worked with us. With the Tan family we had maybe the greatest lesson I've been in on my entire mission. The spirit was strong and we taught about baptism and the Shaners were awesome. We gave Sister Feyma (the one that had a rash) a baptismal date and she accepted, so she has a date on April 21. Anyway, she told us again about her answer to her prayers and she has really had a cool conversion. So the younger brother of Sister Feyma was the one who came back to church (he was already a member) and really started the whole thing, has decided he is going on a mission and has just turned in his papers and interviewed with Pres. Carlos. After the lesson at Tans we went to the Gabaldon Family w/the Shaners and had another amazing lesson! It was really terrific.
Then on Thursday night President Carlos texted us and asked if he could work with us on Friday afternoon. So President Carlos came up and worked with us while Sister Carlos worked with the sisters. With President Carlos we went and taught the Tan family and then he was able to answer sister Feyma's questions. Anyway it was super cool to have President Carlos work with us. After that we went and President Carlos got to meet the Gabaldon's dad and one of their sons.
So whenever I am in an area I try to figure out why I was sent there and with that particular companion. These past couple of weeks I have seen some of the reasons why I've been sent here to Roxas. It really kind of blows my mind when I think about how some of the people may have been those I promised to find in the pre-earth life and then I meet them and they have just been prepared by the Lord – it's awesome. Those kind of eternal friends. Its blows my mind to think about it.

Oh yeah, on Sunday Sister Feyma said some really cool stuff in our Gospel Principles class. It was the chapter in GP about the Restoration and we read some of the truths that were restored though the prophet Joseph Smith. After we read the list and we discussed it, she just said she had an addition and she talked about how at all the other churches she had been to, this is the only one where she learned those things and she now knows the truth. She said those were things that she has wondered about her whole life and that what she just read completely fits and has already given her peace of mind that she hasn't had her whole life. It was really cool.

I guess we as members of the church sometimes take it for granted that we know these great things because we have always had them. She has been really cool. We have a Family Home Evening at the Tan family later and they invited some of their other siblings so we might get some more cool investigator when we meet them.

So here in Roxas there is this 13-year old kid named E.J. He was baptized maybe 6 months ago. Anyway he is super awesome. Every time we see him he drops everything, changes into a shirt and tie and works with us. He always bears his testimony and stuff and goes to church early and is the only member in his family. He is really a big kid, too. The first time I saw him I thought he was Samoan or something. I love that kid. He is totally not shy, he shares his testimony and always has like really great personal experiences to share with investigators. He is such a stud. He truly has wisdom beyond his years. I love talking to him and stuff. He truly and completely enjoys living the gospel and is so happy he was able to be taught it. So, we have been teaching his parents and his Grandpa and Grandma. His parents have started reading and are doing all right, but we cant get them to church. His grandma and grandpa are kinda old and a don't really fully get it all, but the grandma is pretty interested. The grandpa hasn't seemed too interested yet, but he always listens. The Grandma has been reading and stuff, but she is kinda half crippled and says she reads and understands what she reads but then she always forgets. But anyway, she came to church on Sunday early and stayed for the whole block and loved it. It was really cool. EJ is such a cool kid, I really want his family to follow his example.

On Wednesday we went to Cauayan for Zone Leader Council and Leadership training meeting. The food was really awesome as always. For breakfast Sister Carlos made waffles and for lunch we had ziti and garlic bread. It was amazing, of course!
We also learned about how to teach more effective lessons and about object lessons and stuff for district/zone meetings.

Man, the mission is great. Every day just goes by so fast I can't even comprehend it. And most days I just hit the bed exhausted and just so happy and I really wouldn't choose anyplace in the world to be right now. It's great to just work hard and then at the end of day pray and hit the bed tired and do it all over again. It's amazing. The church is true!

Love you so much. Thanks for your prayers and your sacrifices, for your letters and your example to me. I love ya all so much! 
Love YA!!! A.J.



The "Chocolate Hills" near Manila, Philippines



Week 71: Recharging the Batteries

AJ: Hey Pops.

DAD: Hi AJ, how's your week been?
AJ: OK-lang. How was your birthday?

DAD: It was really good. Didn't really get presents, except a shirt and a football. Just a nice day with the people I love. That reminds me, we would all like Griffin shirts before you come home!
AJ: What kind of Griffin shirts? Griffin shirts or jerseys?

DAD: The jerseys like the one you have.

AJ: Blake Griffin jerseys?

DAD: Yeah, although I doubt they have a 3X for me, eh?
AJ: Probably not, but I could probably get it made if you gave me the measurements. Seriously, any kind of jersey you can think of I could get made. BYU, Jazz, Texas. Just email a picture of the jersey and then I'll just have 'em put Griffin on the back.

DAD: Cool, well, no rush on that, just wanted to get some before you came home. So have things been good there? Rausa getting all trunky on you?
AJ: That's a given of course. But Elder Neilson's training was pretty awesome. The revelatory process, about why we are here as members of the church (in the devotional) and of course loving and learning from your companion. It was edifying and motivating.

DAD: Wow, cool. The leadership meeting with Elder Doxie was pretty good. We had a Q and A at the end. Today's meeting with the whole stake wasn't as cool, but he had very little time.
AJ: Yeah our thingy had a Q and A as well. He answered some pretty deep stuff. And told the people that still don't believe buying on Sunday is breaking the commandments that it is .. haha

DAD: Nice. Good to have that cleared up by hearing it from a G.A.
AJ: It's too bad though, because he only said it to the missionaries, not in the member fireside.

DAD: At least you can quote him now, haha. Had roast and potatoes at grandma's, plus ice cream cake -- they love me. It was a late birthday treat.
AJ: Man, don't tell me that.

DAD: We'll have a big late birthday party for you in October – with lots of milk and cheese and ice cream!
AJ: I want to eat a huge bowl of Reese's Puffs cereal when I get home. And then fill it up again and eat it all over again! By the way, Kyle Bowles just emailed me in all Spanish. Where did he end up going?

DAD: Can't remember. Seems like it was Texas or California or something.
AJ: Oh and by the way, I don't know what is my release date. I've heard October 16, October 31, October 30 ... My ministerial certificate expires on the 27th though.

DAD: Best make these last 7-8 months good ones, eh?
AJ: Yep time flies. Trying to work harder than ever. Sister Martinez goes home in 5 weeks ... that means 18 months is almost in the books.

DAD: Yeah, we heard they are almost done. When I went on my mission, they were just changing back from 18 months (for Elders) to 24 months. The Elders just before me had a choice, but we did not. I dunno if I would have stayed the whole time. I guess I'll never know. Probably a good thing I didn't have a choice. It was my last month that your mom and I met again and set up our meeting in Utah.
AJ: Why did it get turned to 18 months in the first place for Elders?

DAD: I dunno, they just thought maybe two years was a hardship, I guess. All the "Good" missionaries were allowed to extend their missions. But even those guys only served like 19 or 20 months. We were the first group out that was back to a full 24 months and we brought a whole new set of discussions out that we had to teach to our new senior comps. It was a humbling experience.
AJ: That would've been lame to only be able to go on a mission for 18 months.

DAD: Got your letter. It was great! So glad you got the inspiration and motivation you needed. Sometimes we need our batteries recharged!
AJ: Alright we are headed out.Love you!!!!

DAD: Luv u too son!!!!

WEEKLY LETTER

Dear Family,

So it was another nice hot week here in the Philippines. We had a really awesome 3 hour training with Elder and Sister Neilson and also their fireside. We also had some really awesome teaching experiences and went on splits with Elder Caoayan (same pronunciation as Cauyan Mission) and I had some bacon (first time ever in the Philippines).

Tuesday was the day I went on splits with Elder Caoayan. He is one of the hardest working elders in the mission, so it was fun day. He is a fairly new convert to the church. (The converts are always the best missionaries). Anyway, he and Elder Reyes are in Tabuk, which is super far away and known for having like tribes and stuff. They opened it a few months ago and are total studs. Supposedly it might be dangerous for Americans in Tabuk, but that might just be gossip too, cause I've been there a few times now for interviews and stuff. :)

The Training was great. I had my prayers answered from Elder Neilson's training and feel re-energized and motivated. We had some cool experiences this week. Elder Neilson taught us the revelatory process from 1 Nephi 11-14. He taught us that when Nephi was given revelation, we can see some things that outline how to get personal revelation.

1. What desirest thou? Nephi is asked several times this question and Elder Neilson taught us that every time revelation is given, we need to have a question for it to be answered. He said that every revelation given toJoseph Smith came after he asked a question. Example: which church is the true church … first vision; how do we get baptized … John the Baptist giving them the Aaronic Priesthood … and many more. So if want to receive revelation, we need to have a question and we need to pray and ask Heavenly Father about that question.

2. Look! The Lord expects us to search for the answer. Search the scriptures, ponder, etc.

3. What beholdest thou? The Lord expects us to write down the revelation we have received and then ask if there is any more.

Elder Neilson also said that through studying the scrips, church attendance/temple and many other ways we can receive answers.

Finally, the last thing I wanted to share: He said that, like the sons of Mosiah in Alma 17 2-3, Prayer, studying the words of life and fasting bring about Revelation.

Anyway, the training was really awesome and I have a lot more things I learned – It was a spiritual feast!

We have a really cool new investigator that has been awesome so far. There is a young man that came to church recently (hadn't been to church in a long long time) and he said, “Hey Elders, come bless my sister. She is sick.” So we went to their house that afternoon and we were able to teach her (she isn't a member) and teach the young man and then give her a blessing. The sister is about 27 and she has a really bad rash that she said she has had for like a month. After that, we taught her a few different times and she really didn't want to accept our message and just had lots of questions that were kind of sly. She has or is still being taught by Iglesia, Jehovah's Witnesses, etc. But we taught her the Restoration and told her we can't answer all her questions, but if she prays and finds out this is true, it will make sense in the end. Then on Friday we saw her at the devotional of The Neilsons (we were surprised because we hadn't even told her about it). We went to her house on Saturday and she said she received a definite answer and that she knows what we have taught her is true! Her brother is working on getting ready to go on a mission and they both came to church again yesterday and since then, what were doubting questions trying to discount the message have turned into sincere questions with a real desire to know and her believing in our message! It was really cool to see happen. Her sickness is going away too, from the time we blessed her. We feel she will be baptized and they are super awesome. The young man has started working with us all day on Sundays and he is really enjoying and has shared some cool testimonies to our other investigators.

We also had a great lesson with one investigator who hasn't yet progressed, but during the lesson prayed for the first time in his life and the spirit was strong. It was sad as he wasn't there when we set the return appointment and we have gone back one more time but he wasn't there again. I think one of the hardest things is having great lessons, and feeling the spirit so strongly, but then the people not following through. It's so disappointing.

The Gabaldon family is doing really awesome. We have been teaching them the plan of salvation and we were teaching about the fall one day. We read in 2 Nephi 2 but they weren't really getting it about why Adam and Eve fell. But it was cool – we were able to get them to think about it in a different way and then they totally figured it all out on their own and figured out agency and everything! Their baptismal date is on the 31st and things are looking really good.

Well the mission is awesome and I love being here teaching and looking for the people that have been prepared. The mission is really a miracle that we young men and the young sisters with all our weaknesses and just being snot-nosed kids that don't know anything can see such amazing things happen. I know that I am nothing and nobody important and I am so humbled that the Lord lets us help him in his work, even though we are so weak.

I know this work is true, I know that the Savior lives and I know that this church was restored by the prophet Joseph Smith and the Lord does call prophets in these days. And we are very blessed to be a part of it!

I love you so much Mom and Dad and Dallas, Bryce, Katie and Holly! I am so thankful to be born of goodly parents!

Love you tons!!!!

A.J.