News from the mission!

G'day everybody!

It was a fast week for me. We are already finished with the first week of the transfer. 

We had a pretty good week. Patricia finally committed to a baptismal date! We set her up for March the 8th. We weren't sure if she would commit or not, but we are witnessing a real change in her. She told us at the beginning that she wouldn't commit to or join anything she was 100% sure about, and she'd been making excuse after excuse. But now she knows what she needs to do because God has told her through the Holy Ghost. We are so excited for her! Her parents are not supportive of her decision (shes about 30 so she can, and wants to, go ahead regardless). Her mum thinks we are "corrupting her soul". We are praying for their hearts to be softened when they see the blessings in Patricia's life.

That was pretty much the highlight of our week. Everything else has been same old. The new guy, Elder Eldridge, is a pretty funny guy. He and Elder Barrientos get along pretty well. They talk on and on about their video games. 

Thank you so much for all the Valentines gifts! They celebrated Valentine's day, but it wasn't a really big thing. At least not as big as in the States. I am stoked to open the Cheetos, but I know as soon as I open them they won't last long. It's been a while since I've seen any Great Value brand foods! I tried that organic spelt stuff the other morning, and with some banana it was actually quite nice. I have been trying to eat a bit healthier. My first transfer here in Burpengary, the transfer of Christmas, I ate way too much junk. I have been doing better recently. Except for Mondays I have sort of made a tradition of getting a Dominoes value pizza on P-day. They used to have cheaper Tuesdays, but now it's cheaper two-days, Monday and Tuesday, and it's difficult to pass up. But other than that I've been getting back into the habit of eating more veggies and fruit and less fast food. I got to weigh myself the other day and I am sitting at about 145 lbs. 

 

We have been hearing a bit about the Olympics as we've been talking to people while tracting, but I don't think winter Olympics is the one they're more excited about. Isn't there an Aussie snowboarder that's pretty good? 

 

You'll have to send me some pics of the boy's church ball! 

I think I've got a few new pictures

First one is a zone photo (minus four sisters who gapped it right after the meeting). That was everyone last transfer. This transfer it didn't change a whole lot. At last transfer meeting President mentioned something pretty new. He told us that we should expect to be in an area for 4 1/2 to 6 months rather than moving around more frequently. The first half of my mission it felt like I was always moving. I think his new idea is a good thing for the mission.

I am so grateful for the opportunity I have had to serve the Lord in the mission field and hope to make the most of all the time I have! As I read my patriarchal blessing, I know that I am becoming the man that the Lord desires for me to become. I have learned so many valuable lessons and had so much fun! Thank you for supporting me and helping pay for my mission, in addition to all the love you send me in the mail! Bryson, thanks for the comics! They always crack me up! Kenzie, thank you for all the nice notes. I am grateful for a little sister who loves me so very much. I hope you know how much I love and miss you! J and E, smash the 1st ward! You guys are awesome, keep being good! Mum and Dad I love you very much.

I love you and miss you all! 

Elder Thieme