June 16th 2010

Hello Family,

Well things are going well in Hampton. We had a really good mission conference. It started at 10 oclock and went until 4. The Spirit was very strong there. We had the opportunity to hear the testimony of a recent convert, and also President Millburn read us notes and impressions from his study journal that he gathered throughout his time as a mission president and that he had selected to share. So those were fun to write down. And then at the end there was a testimony meeting which lasted longer than it was planned to go. But it was really good, and of course everyone was crying. Well, I wasnt, but lots of people were. President Millburn bore his testimony at the end, and then we sang God be with you til we meet again, and then when that song ended all you could hear were sniffs from people crying. Lol. i guess it was a good bittersweet moment. I think one of the biggest lessons a mission teaches is how to get used to change. I was also very joyed to see Elder Shelley and Elder White again. They are doing good, and it was fun to talk to them. Also, we did have transfer calls last night and Elder Haley and I are staying, which I am happy about.

Well Joylyn and Nicole are both doing great still. Joylyn came to church with her kids, and she liked it again and wants to keep coming. She really likes us and the church alot but I dont think she quite has a testimony yet. It is hard for her when she comes to church because she has three kids that are pretty roudy. She has a 5 month old baby, a 5 year old, and a 9 year old and the two younger ones dont sit still. I tried to really help her out with the kids though, luckily I have some practice doing that. :) She sat with us, so I felt like I was back at home being the one in charge to keep the kids busy and quiet. I gave them papers from our area book to draw on and also gave them my planner to draw on and to look at and to beat up to try to keep them occupied. It worked, but Joylyn still has a handful with her little baby. I wish I could help out with the baby but we arent allowed to hold kids, so I cant do much. It was funny I wanted them to come to sacrament meeting so much but then I just wanted it to end so the kids could be taken to primary, which they really enjoy. So I think it is hard for her to focus and enjoy the Spirit as much as she could. But she is still doing really well, and we had another lesson with her yesterday where we were able to take over a member and have them meet each other. Nicole is also doing wonderful. she is out of town this week but she remembered that there were transfers so she wants us to call her and tell her whats happening. But we had a really good lesson with her last week. We actually taught her the Law of Chastity. It was kind of a skip ahead and Elder Haley and I were pretty nervous to teach it but it was what we felt she needed and what we thought would help her out the most. So we taught it. And it went so good. I said a couple silent prayers as we were getting ready to teach it, I dont know why I was so nervous, but my heart was pounding, but then we taught it and it basically went perfect. She accepted all of it, and was so happy we taught it to her. She started thanking us for teaching it to her because she realizes it will help her become better. So I guess thats our little miracle for the week. And we were also with Brian who was doing the mini mission with us and Im pretty sure he didnt say a word the whole lesson. So Nicole is just wonderful, she hasnt come to church yet but she definitely has the light of Christ in her because she recognizes what is right and wrong. We are fortunate to be able to teach her. And thank you for your prayers because I am sure they helped.

Dad, happy birthday. Im trying to picture you with an Ipod touch. :) I cant believe there is an app for a stake. Thats pretty neat. I guess there really is an app for everything. And what kind of car did you get?

Well thank you for the email and support and prayers. We are doing really well in Hampton and are excited for another transfer here.

Love,
Elder Larson