8-22-11

Hey Famiry.

Well, we're pretty boring over here in Gardner, too! Not too much to tell you about except for the excitement that we have for Nick Pike's baptism this upcoming Sunday! Nick has been doing really well and he has lots of friends in the ward, so many that all the missionaries are doing is the opening and closing prayers! haha. This really hit me this week when I found that out. I think that two years ago I would have thought "Why aren't I doing more?" But I had an overwhelming feeling of peace come over me when our ward mission leader set up the program; I had this thought "This is how it's supposed to be." I love Nick, he's a great kid. But seeing him so involved in the ward and already looking forward to priesthood responsibilities helps me understand my place as a missionary. I carry the gospel to him, and then the ward steps in and does the rest. I'm just a simple mouth-piece. I can't really explain very well what I want to say, but it's basically this: The ward brings their friends to church, I give them the information they need with love and respect, and then the ward baptizes him, not the missionaries. When people ask "How many baptisms have you had?" I hope to respond "None, but the wards I worked with had x." Because that's how it should be! It's so neat to see how well Nick fits into the scheme of things here. He is so eager to start preparing the sacrament - I'm very proud of him and the Gardner ward.

This is probably useless right now, but I wanted to ask about a phone when I get home. I had a dream last night that I wasn't able to find a job etc etc. and it's been stressing me out! haha. I would like to see if I could get on a family plan with Megg and Spence and split the cost 3 ways or half or whatever they would like to get another iPhone. Or, do it with Brinlee as long as she has a job. The family plan makes it much cheaper ($60) per month. Also, I don't know what kind of work the family might have, but i'd like to get to work as soon as I get home if I can. The quicker I get on it, the easier the transition will be I think. Also, if Scott could see what kinds of prices he can find on cars and just give me a little information that would be great. I think I'm going to go with a nice 'ol trusty Subaru WRX. After seeing all my friends have one and how well they do on gas/fun/practicality. It makes me want one. 4x4 with a turbo that helpls me save gas... sounds good!

Not too much is going on -- it's getting cold! Weird! It was sixty this morning. Say good-bye to summer! haha. I love you very much.

Elder Conner Allred