*Hello.....1/23/19

                    

                    Hey
                   Guys!

I am late again, but that is good because I can share with you what I found out yesterday. Yesterday was our last district council of this transfer. The topic was to focus on discovering our purpose on our mission. I had offered a commitment last District council for everyone to write down why they come on a mission, why they stayed and what they have learned and finally what God wants them to learn on their mission. So I followed up. It was cool hearing the district talk about experiences they had during the week of lesson God had wanted them to know.

We also had a miracle baptism on Saturday, the Girl's name is Rylee. She is 10 years old and very smart. She has a very special spirit. We had previously had not seen her in about a month+ but me and my comp had been praying for her, last week. I remember praying really hard Wednesday night that we would not lose her. Because she was someone that saw the light, and she really wanted to be baptized. The next day as me and my comp were planning we got a call from their fellowship's saying that they wanted her to get baptized that Saturday. So we made some preparations to get her baptized. It was a very       tender baptism the spirit was really strong the entire time. At one point the primary children sang,

 "families can be together forever" I looked over at her mom and step dad, the step dad who looked like a former gang member had tears in his eyes. We later learned the mother was so touched that she went home and cried. The mother was not a fan of the church at first but I pray we can teach her soon before they move to the big island. 

    

In other news: president Bekker told me I will be leaving and that I will have some sort of assignment! It makes me kind of nervous because he never tells missionaries beforehand! But I think the people I was sent here for are all settled now, I think it's time for me to move on as sad as it is. I am just really grateful for the time I had here in Hawaii's desert! I have learned so much here and I have come to love the people so much. Especially the children like the two I baptized (titian and Gerald) and Rylee. I think if I were to see a theme on my mission it would be that the lord had placed a lot of children in my path for a certain reason. There is something very special about all of them. It's funny we did not even find them they found us, as the lord prepared the way for them! I got to make sure that I keep in touch with them as they grow up. 

Sorry this is late, busy, busy week. If president is serious about me getting transferred I better start packing. It's sad, I would have happily stayed here half my mission, but I guess 5-6 months is how long i am needed here! 

KC I wanted to wish you a happy birthday! Congrats on passing you Board. Every now and again I think of how you have survived the chaos of becoming a dentist. It helps me realize I can do anything if I have enough motivation. I also remember a few of the mission stories you have told me, I hope I can get plenty of stories like that when I get home! Love you man and happy birthday!

-Elder E 

Ps my hair is receding more, so probably by the time I get home I wont have much left!!!