Email 10/07/13

Well Hello there!

As I told you all last week, I was transferred to Portland. All I can say is that it is the biggest place that I have yet served, but I have seen some interesting things! At first I was a little overwhelmed, but being with a missionary that I know well and also with another missionary that I trained (he is in my zone), PLUS conference this past weekend made the transitions easier. We are all still trying to learn our areas though.... I think that the biggest thing in Longview was the love that I need to look at strangers and see them as "fellow-citizens with the saints, of the household of God" (Eph. 2:19). I know that if I had not gone to Longview first, this transfer would have been much harder! As we drive the streets of the Alameda ward, I can feel the love that God has for each and every person that I see. Some are in different positions than others, but all have the right to accept eternal exaltation!

We had a training from Pres. Taylor on this subject this last week. I can tell you that I have received a testimony that God does not do random. Pres. Taylor has devoted almost his entire life to knowing the Pre-Excistence. This testimony that he bears now helps all of us to really know who we are and why we are here. I think with that preparation conference took on a whole new meaning. Not only was I able to really hearken unto the words of the prophets as a mortal here on this Earth, but as a child of God, candidate for the Celestial Kingdom! How great were the insights I was able to receive!

Well, I think that is it for know. My brain is not fully functioning... if you know what I mean! Love you all!

Love,