New Area; New Companion; Investigator has Baptismal Date (Snow! Snow! and More Snow!)

February 14, 2014

Hi Everyone!

Sorry, I’m late getting to you all, but we got about 14-18 inches of snow. We measured it the night it started and had a foot already! We actually played volleyball at the church, and there was already about an inch down so we would be alright. We left about an hour later and there was close to 5 inches! We made it home alright, and then got a text that we were not to drive the whole next day. It doesn’t help that we have a 2 wheel drive vehicle. Before we left the church we had some fun in the parking lot, then bishop pulled in and we thought “oh no, we are in trouble.” He pulled up and said, "Let me show y'all how it’s done" and our bishop took his truck and tore up the parking lot! He is probably one of my favorite bishops I’ve had on my mission. He is really easy going and relaxed.

Last night we went to a member’s house for a bonfire and sleigh riding (What they call sledding) and then took the tractor and made a path for us to go down, and the we hopped in the bucket of the tractor and it took us back to the top to go down again! It was a blast!

Anyway, we decided to drive today because we were getting cabin fever, so we took our 2 wheel drive out. And we made it pretty good! 

Now for the news . . . . I’m getting transferred to Beckley, WV and serving with Elder T., no one knows who he is here, so it will be a surprise! When I told the members where I’m going as well as some investigators they all said something along the lines of, "Have fun. It’s an interesting place up there,” and, “stay away from nitro." From what I’ve been told Nitro, WV is similar to the place in the movie, "Wrong Turn" which was filmed in WV. Where a family takes a wrong turn and ends up trying to get away from all these crazy inbreads. So I’m excited to go to Nitro and take some picture for you all :)

Beckley is a bigger city from what I’ve been told. They have a mall and a Dick’s sporting goods there! It’s gonna be the biggest place I’ve been my whole mission!

Anyway not much else has happened but I’m excited to be transferred, even though it will be on Saturday instead of Thursday because of the storm!

I’ll be spending the majority of today digging peoples drive ways!

Love you all!

Elder Latimer

February 18, 2014

Hi Everyone!

So Beckley, WV is nice. It’s a much bigger place than I’ve served in before! Although it is still West Virginia. The roads are very small, windy, and in bad shape and go every which way. and the people are interesting as well. It hit me I wasn’t in Virginia (the promise land) anymore when we visited a guy who lives in a tiny trailer that is falling apart, has a 70 inch flat screen tv and lives with his 70 year old aunt with dementia -- and not to mention that neither have any teeth!  Anyway I’ll have to get readjusted to being in West Virginia again!

My companion is Elder T. He is from all over. They moved a lot while he was growing up. He last lived in Vancouver, WA. So it’s nice to not have a Utah companion, although this transfer will probably be my toughest yet. He is a nice kid and all, but really awkward... like a lot, and he just finished training so I’m having to get used to all the kind of corny (but good?) phrases all missionaries like to use when they first come out. That, and he likes to try and read chapters with investigators that they don’t need. He just likes to try and make some deep out-in-left-field connection.  Last time we read Mormon 9, and then invited them to church. Needless to say we haven’t heard from that person since. But I’m hoping i will learn something this transfer... maybe patience?

It is nice that we have 3 sets of missionaries in our ward. We share the area with the sisters who are pretty cool, and another set of missionaries in a place called Oak Hill. They are pretty fun guys, so that should help.

The ward seems pretty cool. They are actually smaller than in Pembroke. I think I will grow to like them. They seem like fun people. But it might be hard for them to match the Pembroke ward. We will see!

We are getting hit with snow pretty good! Like I said before, I think, last Wednesday-Thursday we got 18 inches of snow! And so we didn’t do much work cause we had a little 2 wheel drive Chevy Malibu. I’m pretty excited now cause we have a truck in this area! I’ve been waiting for one my whole mission! Although again Elder T. isn’t the best driver. He has only had his license since before he came out, so for less than like 4 months, and now he is driving a truck on the West Virginia roads. He has already hit a sign. I’m excited for when it’s my turn to drive! 

And I will pray about the whole school thing. I’m still definitely leaning towards Boise State. I’ll pray about it, but I’m pretty sure I’ll still want to go to Boise State. I don’t think I could handle BYU-I from all I’ve heard and missionaries I’ve met. it sounds to me like i would be miserable there... but I will still pray and decide.

Love you all!

Elder Latimer

Oh and My address is 105 Arnold Ave Beckley, WV 25801

Love you all!

February 24, 2014

Hi Everyone!

The new area is pretty good. It seems every area I go into struggles with investigators. By that I mean the amount of them. I guess we will work on finding. Like I told you last time, my companion is still in that phase of, well I don't know how to explain it, but he just thinks too hard and to deep and makes everything confusing. The other day he made us walk up a fire escape and knock on every fire escape door because there wasn't a front door to get to where this person lived (it was a bad address that took us to a store in some building downtown). It was ridiculous. And he LOVES to tract.  His decision for everything is to tract, and recently we have been told to try and not tract because of how ineffective it is compared to seeing part-member families and less-actives and seeking referrals. Even so he thinks it is the Spirit prompting him, that's why we knocked on all the fire escape door 3 stories up on a rusted walkway. Once, we tried to visit a less active. She said she doesn't want us back, and she isn't Mormon any more and to leave her alone. So we got back in the car and he said, "The Spirit told me we need to go back and tell her about the Book of Mormon." So I did because I didn't want to be the one to cause a problem. We went back 30 seconds after she told us to never come back, and he asked her about the Book of Mormon. Then she proceeded to yell at us and tell us to leave or she will call the cops. We left then got in the car.  He sat there quiet for a minute or so and said, "Elder we need to go back again." At this point I was thinking, "Are you kidding me?!" Anyway we went back and she was on the phone with the cops, and so we left and got in the car and he says, "I don't know why people get so mad so easily!"  

One thing I’ve learned in the part of the country, and everywhere I think is that people don't like to get pushed. You need to feel them out and become their friends and go the direction they need. He likes to force everything, and tell them they "need" to come to Church and they "have" to quit smoking etc... and he offends a lot of people because no one like to be told what to do -- especially by a 19 year old they have never met before. I told him that and he went off on how our purpose is to change their lives and baptize them. I just said, “whatever” and that was that. Then we went and saw a member who is a friend of people we are teaching. One of the people he practically tied to a tractor and was dragging them to the baptismal font and she said she was getting baptized in another church. The member sat him down and gave him a good rebuking. He told him he needs to "Back off, now! unless you want them to leave and never come back. You can’t push people here. This is a smoking state and you can’t tell people what they need to do. That's how you lose them." So that was nice he got it from someone other than me. Now he always reminds me of how I need to remember not to push, but to go easy so we don't scare them away.

Anyway sorry about the rant. It’s the only time I can because if I do to other missionaries they look down on you for not loving your companion...

Other than that things are going all right.  Not too much is happening. Although there is a member we see who is interesting. His name is Bro. H., and he is the guy who loves his stories. For example, he tells us:

“I can tell the weather by looking at the stars and the moon”

“I can curl 450 easy”

“I broke those two steel axes just splitting wood, don't make me angry”

“Your fish sits in the freezer for 7 years”

“Alaska has enough water to power the United States for 3000 years”

“I’m too smart for college, I know more than people with doctorates”

“I’m the only white guy native Americans will fish with”

“I go out for an hour put down my net and pull up 8000 pounds of halibut”

“I can do anything with meat. I’m a self-taught Master Chef”

“When I drove trucks, I got permission from all the stake presidents to baptize people because they wouldn't get baptized unless I do it. I have over 200 baptisms, I know what im doing.”

He has a ton more, and I’ve only met him twice!, He is the kind of guy that is the best at everything and no one can tell him otherwise. The funny thing is he completely believes himself!

We were searching for an apartment, because where we live now has a giant floor vent for a heater that is like a grill. I’ve burnt my foot on it 3 times already. The house is run down and in the ghetto, well . . . as ghetto as West Virginia can be I guess.

The place we found we are moving into mid-March. It is two stories has two kitchens two fridges two washer and dryers! And a ping pong table! So we are pretty excited. I hope they put another set of missionaries in with us!

There is skiing in West Virginia, I don't know where but I know that there is! And I did get the pants and they do fit, Thank you!  I can’t wait for the cookies!!! I have some stuff I need to send to you all too, I just need to wait for the first of the month!

Other than all of that not too much else is going on, just trying to endure this transfer.

Oh and did you ever send back the XD card for the camera? if you did I must have lost it and need to buy a new one so I can send the one I have home to you. Let me know so I know if I should buy one.

My backpack broke, so I’m going to have to look for a new one!

That's about all!

Love

Elder Latimer

P.S Have you shipped any protein? Love you!

And I would like to share a text conversation we had with the sister missionaries with you... we are terrible!

Sisters: Do you have Jeffs number, and could you give it to us?

Us: Ok, well we do know a guy who knows a guy, whos dogs first owners brothers wifes cousins roomates dads second cousins sons-in-laws fostered half brothers mothers  cats vets former foreign exchange students nemesis sisters boyfriends trainers AA sponsors favorite movie stars PR lawyers doctors mechanic could probably help ya out.

And the previously mentioned mechanics number is .....

Sisters: Was it the foster sons biological or foster mothers?

Us: Unknown the babies were switched at birth... Welcome to the WVCM!

Sisters: Whose # is that?

Us: Its the mechanic I though we told you

Sisters: Well yes, whats the mechanics name?

Us: Ask the doctor.

  

Then from that they stopped responding!

Love you!

March 4, 2014

Hi Everyone!

Things are going good here, still trying to endure but it’s not too bad. My companion has seemed to relax a little bit so that’s nice, although all he wants to do is tract all the time! The other day it was pouring rain, and he wanted to tract.  I told him that less-actives, part member families, former investigators, and member referrals are the way to go. They have told us they are trying to eliminate tracting, but he doesn’t want to hear it. Oh well.

They haven’t told us about those new things yet [his mom shared some new approaches and initiatives in missionary work that she learned about recently]. We do have specialized training this transfer so maybe we will learn it there! I will be sending the package of stuff this week, just have to get back the pirate CD from the investigator in my last area from another set of elders!

The other day we went out with a family who is moving for lunch, and my companion and I did the blazin’ challenge at Buffalo Wild wings. That’s eating 12 blazin’ wings in 6 minutes. We both did it, and my mouth burnt so bad. The worst part was all around my face where the sauce went.  It felt like I was holding my face against a furnace! Or, if you got like a second degree burn from under your nose to your chin and all around there then smacked it – that’s what it felt like for a good hour or two! I have pictures on the card I will be sending home! The hardest part was how fast you had to eat them. Not only were they so spicy they made you cry (and eat boogers cause your nose runs and you don’t have time to wipe it), but the wings were so hot temperature-wise I burnt the top of my mouth too!

Anyway other than that not too much else is going on. We did go to a member’s to eat and taught their son’s fiancé. She had told us she had been praying to know truth. We talked about the temple and just about everything, and then showed her a video with a combination of Elder Holland and President Eyring called “Missionary work and the Atonment.” it is amazing! And she loved it and plans to be baptized on the 1st of April.  She and her fiancé have already begun making plans to go to the Hawaii temple after a year of membership. She said she saw the temple a few years ago and said it felt like it was just pulling her there, and she needed to go. So thats exciting! I made sure to let my companion know . . . (Members involved in the work... not tracting :)

It’s still winter here.... We got another 6-8 inches last night. I’m very ready for summer to be here because people here in the winter hibernate. If it’s cold dark or wet they stay inside and don’t want to talk to anyone, unlike the summer where everyone is in a good mood and outside having fun and when there are a lot of service opportunities! So summer will be great!

Other than that not much else is going on!

Love you all!

-Elder Latimer

P.S Let me know when you ship the protein because we are moving to another house on the 15th 

Cold Winter and Basking in Hawk Glory from Afar!

January 20, 2014

Hi Everyone! 

I AM SO STOKED THE HAWKS WON!!! I cant really describe how much I enjoy Richard Sherman. His talk keeps things interesting, and then he can back it up so he talks more, I LOVE IT! We stopped to talk with a member, and he had the game on.  They kicked off right as we sat down, we sat and kind of watched until Russell Wilson got stripped... then I told him we had to leave. We were there for like 5 minutes and left because I didn’t want to be the reason the Hawks lost! And I hope your guy can get [the jersey] signed that would be like the best thing ever! I don’t think anything could get me down the rest of my mission! I’m sure you can tell, and I don’t know if you noticed back home, but depending on whether the Hawks or Dawgs lost or won determined my mood for that week. That’s why I’m so glad they won! If they lost I probably would have struggled this week. The Lord knows best! :) 

Now I’m excited to hear about how Sherman picks off Peyton and takes it for 6 with no time remaining!

Anyway, this week has been good. Although Sunday I was practically having an anxiety attack, knowing the Hawks were playing, especially to go to the Super Bowl and against SF. But other than that it wasn't bad. We weren’t able to see many people. We tried, and have been for the last 2 transfers and just nothing happens. My companion gets a depressed and angry when we don't teach, but its not like we aren’t doing anything. So he is kind of always mad.  It’s a real downer. I always figured as long as I’m doing all I can, I don't care about numbers. There isn’t any thing more I can do. It’s just up to the Lord.

We are still teaching the pirates. They have been in Richmond planning their pirate wedding, which is in march. They enjoy us coming over and coming to church when they can. With the Blankenships its hard to see them because they want to know you and be comfortable with you before they really listen, or help you out and my last two comps have been more “No messing around shove the gospel down their throats" type. 

We even talked to a member the other day about people here and they backed me up in saying in this culture you have to become friends with them before anything else. After that they are willing to do anything for you. You cant just try and teach and that’s it. When I was with Elder Thueson we taught them probably once or twice a week at least, and that’s because the first 2 or 3 visits was just getting to know them and becoming friends. After they loved to have us over and to ask questions. Anywaym its tough and frustrating because they are such a sweet family.

And it’s kind of gotten warmer here, but not by much. The last week or 2 weeks ago (I don’t remember -- time doesn’t work right out here) it was a high of 5 degrees with windchill taking it to -20 at least. That lasted for 3 days or so. It sucked! But we are back to high 30's. People have been telling us that February is even worse than December and January so we will see!

I am not sure when we will get our iPads. I’m hoping its soon. We have just been told sometime from Jan 1 2014 to December 31 2014, so it could be anytime. I am way excited for it!

I wouldn’t think Jake would have technology down there (in Mexico).  Too many thieves I would think. The missionary I trained who went to Argentina said they told all those missionaries never to carry cash only to have at least 5 dollars on you at a time so you can give money to them.  And they can’t have back packs because you can’t take them off fast enough. Some will shoot you. So who knows!

And I did get the video and CD thank you! We had a movie night last night and it went well!

Love you all!

Elder Latimer

P.S

Maybe, if possible the Richard Sherman Jersey could have a Super Bowl Logo on it as well? I would be willing when I get home to work and pay you back for it. I would love to be able to eventually frame it and put it up! Just let me know what all he says!

Love you! and thank you!

GO HAWKS!

January 27, 2013

Hi Everyone!

This week has been good, nothing too much has happened, It is still a little slow here but we are getting through it. Basketball on Thursdays saves me, and we are now playing volleyball on Tuesday nights to get more youth involved.

Other than that we have just been trying to keep busy, and we are in a bit of a freeze. The last few weeks the high has been in the teens and a low in the -20's with wind chill. We are starting to warm up though. The highs are going to be in the 20's and 30's this week!

The DC Temple president came and spoke on Sunday.  That was really cool. He said some pretty profound things. The only bad part about some of it was we had an investigator there. Oh well, I still really enjoyed it!

It has been so hard the last few weeks knowing the Hawks are doing so well and not being able to watch or have anyone who is as excited as me to talk about it. And I know if I do watch the Super Bowl they will lose. The same thing happened with the San Francisco game. We stopped by a member right at kick off. First play Wilson fumbled. So we left because I don't want to be the reason they lose! I about had an anxiety attack last Sunday, and I’ve felt that way all week since then.  I’ll need to buy some meds or something for Sunday. And I’m not even joking – not watching will kill me. It was horrible last Sunday. It’s bad though because all that's really been on my mind for the last few weeks is football... So once the Super bowl is over I’ll be home free because I’ll be back for the post season next year!

Speaking of that Alex sent me a link for a pretty sweet long sleeve T, just wondering if I could get it? :) I can send the link at the end of the e-mail.

Sorry enough about football I know you don't really want to hear about it, but it’s what I love!

Anyway, we have been looking for service to do other than sort books in the library using the dewey decimal system.... and we talked to an investigator, and he is going to have us up and teach us how to slaughter a pig. Shoot it, drain it and cut it up and all. So it should be a good experience!

And we don't get to go to the temple at any point, President Pitt said it’s above him to decide if we can go. I wish we could, that would be nice. We are surrounded by temples, but there are none in our mission. There’s the Louisville, DC, Columbus, and Raleigh Temples all right by our boundaries. Oh well!

Also I need some new slacks, I don't know how you want to go about that. I only have one pair left that really works so I gotta try and hold my pants together when I don't have the one good pair.

But that's about it for this week.  Not too much has been happening!

Let me know what you find out about the Sherman jersey please! :)

Love you all!

Elder Latimer

February 3, 2013

GO SEAHAWKS!!!!!

WHO DAT? SEA DAT!

Hi [Everyone]!

Thanks for the updates on the Hawks! It’s nice because now I won’t have to be depressed for a few weeks! I’m so excited, it’s hard to explain it. My companion isn’t too fond of it because all I’ve talked about is the Seahawks the last few weeks! Not to mention he was going for the Broncos! He bought a tie just for the occasion. But I was wearing mine (Seahawk colors) for the last 3 weeks! I think I found a new lucky football watching... thing.  I don’t know what you would call it!

Most of the members in the ward gave me a hard time because they were going for Denver. Mainly because of the Sherman antics that I love so very much. And I made sure to send them a text after we found out letting them know who the better team was!

And thank you so much for ordering the jersey and shirts and newpaper and everything! That’s probably something I’ll keep with me for the rest of my life! Especially when I get my own place, and I can have them all hanging in my "Man Cave."

I couldn’t stop laughing at the jokes you told me about Facebook! My favorite was the one you said had Peyton on the phone!

Today we are playing football for a zone p-day so I’m gonna have some fun with the Super Bowl mixed with me playing football as well. Not to mention one of our Zone Leaders is from Colorado and a big Broncos fan, so I’ll have to give him a hard time!

I can only imagine the parties that are going on because of the Super Bowl. Sometimes I think they should make Super Bowl Sunday a national holiday. It’s just one big party anyway!

Did Sherman have anything to say after the game? Or did Erin Andrews avoid him because of last time?

Anyway I’m so stoked about that! Now I’m home free for my mission.  I won’t have anything to worry about because I’ll be home before playoffs or at least for most of it this next season!

That’s awesome Steve Young quoted Joseph Smith [on ESPN]!

Now about our investigators . . . not much has been happening. It’s still really slow around here, and we are trying to get something going but I guess it’ll take time. We found out why it’s so slow here. We were talking with a member who told us about 4 or 5 years ago a member of the stake presidency was a court clerk, so the whole county knew him that way. He ended up being arrested for a huge ponzi scheme. He took over $80 million dollars.... So after that the ward kind of divided (his sisters are in the ward and so was he), and the county took it out on the church, I guess you could say. More of just not wanting to listen or have anything to do with us... So I hope that will smooth over.

Also we talked with Tammy and James the other day, and James is still having a hard time. He is going through a heck of a trial. He didn’t want us to come over but Tammy did because she couldn’t help him. So we went over and talked with him for a few hours, and ended the visit with laughing and jokes. A member of our ward works with people who have similar problems so he is planning on visiting and trying to help him. That all happened Saturday, and they came to Church on Sunday! So I think he still has some hope.

Other than that our investigators are not really around. So I wouldn’t mind getting transferred soon, although I love the basketball and volleyball we do! And the members are great. Just the missionary work here isn’t.

I haven’t received that [seahawk] shirt yet, so it should be here today! I’m going to wear it every chance i can!

Other than all that not to much is going on.  I have a few things to send to you all, like the pirate CD, a funny redneck book and a few other things.. I think!

Love you all!

Elder Latimer 

Staying in Pembroke; a New Companion; and Elder Gifford Neilsen talks Football and Faith

January 14, 2014

Hi Everyone!

Sorry I didn't write yesterday.  Our P-Day got moved to today because we had interviews with President Pitt yesterday.

That's awesome Jake gets to speak a new language like he wanted, and a useful one. [Josh’s brother, Jake, was called this week to the Mexico Culiacan mission] People here don't seem to like Mexicans. . . unless they work on their farms

The people we are teaching are still Tammy and James, the pirates. They are doing well. James will take longer than Tammy, but they will both get there. We just have to wait for their wedding in March. We just watched Elder Holland’s, “The Grandeur of God.” We tried to help him feel like even though he has made mistakes God still loves him. It was interesting, we were talking with Sister Pitt the other day, and she brought up how we sometimes blow through the “God is out loving Heavenly Father” part because we understand it. But that the vast majority of the people out here didn't have good relationships with their father. Most are from broken families. So they can’t really comprehend a loving father, and that when they messed up as kids, they got in trouble, beat and degraded. So that's how they most likely see Heavenly Father. When they make a mistake, they don't know what it’s like to have a father who will forgive and help them. So that's something that really hit me, it just made sense.

Lexi and her family finally moved out of Chad’s mom’s house. It was chaos there and you could tell it was taking quite a toll on them. We couldn't teach Lexi there. It was a difficult environment. So now that they are moved out we can begin teaching again.

The Blankenships are still kind of progressing. They have slowed down since I was with Elder Thueson, My comp now and Elder Proctor have less of a relationship with them and the Blankenships are the kind of family that they want to know you and trust you before they listen. So we haven't seen them as much.

Our zone had interviews on Monday, which is why I haven't e-mailed until today. It was good. President just talked with me and asked if I was still studying the Gospel, and then we went over the two places I’ve served, and he told me, "Wow, don't worry, I’m going to get you into a big city." I’ve really enjoyed the small towns, but I think they aren’t as fun for missionary work. Not much happens out here.  Living here would be nice but there isn’t a lot of work. So a city will be nice with all the people. I also have a DVD they made for us to send home. I can send my pics home but I need the other XD card first.

Elder [Gifford} Nielsen was great! He was so much fun, very lively and funny. President Pitt before the meeting started said, “We are very excited to have Elder Nielsen here, make sure you get out note taking material,” or something along those lines. Then Elder Nielsen walked up and said "EXCLAMATION POINT!" and sat back down.

He told us a story of some BYU football players that were promised if they share with people about the church, they will be blessed on the field. So he talked about how a DE and a DT both sacked the QB on the other team and then said, "this poor guy had 500 pounds of priesthood on him" and both said while sitting on him "What do you know about the Mormon church!?" to which the QB responded, “I’m a member… now get off me!”

He told one about President Monson in the dining hall, and he waved him over and asked how tall he was to which he said 6'5 and President Monson says, “Oh yeah... Well I’m 6'3.”  I’m not sure why he told that one. Then he told about giving his conference talk, how nervous he was, and how a Seventy by him leaned over before he went up and said, “Don't screw this up."

He had some other funny stories, but I can’t seem to remember them, but President Pitt told us he was only supposed to come talk to the leadership (President, AP's and ZL's).  But President Pitt told him, “No, we are doing a mission-wide conference.” Elder Nielsen told him the brethren told him to talk only to the leadership, to which president said, “If you are here we will use you!” So President Pitt said Elder Nielsen was pretty nervous about what will happen to him when he gets back to Salt Lake.

We went to the Lanes for FHE  again last night, (The same place I ripped my pants) and we were talking to them, and found out people out here think we have accents. I always thought they knew that they had an accent, and we talked normal. But they say we have a western accent. I didn't know that!

I can’t believe I’m missing this season!! At least I’ll be back for next season! I’m hoping they still win. I can’t have the 49er win!  Oh and I was thinking. . . if they do go to the Super Bowl and even win, do you think you could talk to the guy you know who is the CFO of the Seahawks and get me a stitched autographed Richard Sherman Jersey? :)

I was also wondering if you all could send me “17 Miracles.” We want to do a movie night for investigators, but we don't have that movie and a bunch of members want to see it as well.  Maybe also send “Ephraim’s Rescue” as well? By the way they are approved. I promise!

I was wondering if you could also send another BYU Vocal Point CD. I left mine in my last area, and we don't have any good music! Sorry about all the wants. I just rememberd to actually write things down I needed to ask you! I’ve been forgetting for weeks.

Anyways Love you all!

Elder Latimer

January 6, 2014

Dear All:

Oops! I thought I sent my e-mail last week... apparently I didn't and can’t find where it was saved.

I am staying in Pembroke for another transfer at least. I am serving with Elder Ochsenbein (Oxen-Bine) He is from a small town in south eastern Idaho. He is a cool kid, similar to Elder Proctor. We should get along well because he isn't from Utah. J

The other day we were at the a member family’s house for FHE. It was Kendra Lane (the mom) Meghan and Afton Lane her daughters (one is in High school, a the other goes to the great school, University of Utah J) and Alex, her son, (who is out of high school) and his girlfriend. Well, we were playing a game called Quelf.  I don’t know if you have heard of it, but it’s a game where you draw cards and have to do what that card said. So, of course, the first card I draw reads something along the lines of, "You just scored the winning touchdown. Do your best End Zone dance and shake the junk in your trunk for 30 seconds." So, of course, I had to obey the card, and to keep a long story short, slacks are not meant for that. Within the first 15 seconds they ripped wide open, like a good 6 inches at least. So needless to say that was entertaining!

Saturday we went to help our Ward mission leader cut some wood. He had cut down a huge sugar maple, and so we helped him cut it up and split it and haul it back to the house. We were working for a good 8 or 9 hours on it, and we got so hot working that all though it was around 24 degrees, we were all in short sleeve shirts. I actually got a sun burn!

It has been very cold these past few weeks, the highs have been in the 20's and every once in a while the teens. At night with wind chill it has been below zero. Tonight it’s supposed to get to about -23 with wind chill. So it has been pretty cold here! It keeps things interesting though. Today we will hike up the Cascades and the waterfall should be completely frozen. It’s about 13 degrees now with about a 20 mph wind. Good thing I got that jacket!

I think that [for Jake’s mission] if he goes stateside he will go to Fort Lauderdale, Florida and foreign, Germany.

I don't remember when it snowed that much! [He is responding to a question about a past year’s snowstore] How old was I?  I haven't got a flu shot but I need to, there has been the flu and cold going around here, although I didn't get it last year and I hope to continue with that!

Other than that our investigators haven't changed too much.  We are still just teaching and answering questions. I’m always glad that we have basketball every Thursday. It’s a nice break. Although I wish I were with Elder Thueson because he was a pretty good ball player, and so are the people that come. Elders Proctor and Ochsenbein both aren’t big basketball players, so we will have some good talent but it kind of slows the game down all a little. Oh well...

I’m glad the Hawks are doing well. I have a bet with Elder Thueson that if the hawks beat San Francisco he has to tell me how much better the Seahawks are every week until I go home either through e-mail or if he sees me and same for me. Needless to say I’m excited for all his e-mails! 

And Elder [Gifford] Nielsen [a visiting general authority] is coming on the 10^th, so this Friday we will be going there. It’ll be fun getting together with the whole mission and seeing a bunch of companions again. My trainer goes home after this transfer...it’s weird!

We are told we are getting iPads and iPhones between Jan 1 and Dec 31 of this year, so we have no idea. We hope that's one reason Elder Nielsen is coming.  President Pitt told us how it was a very unexpected thing! So I hope it’ll be soon. And from what I’ve been told, I can add family and friends from back home too! That will be sweet. Not sure how they will monitor that but we will see.

But that about all! Not too much exciting is going on.

Love you guys!

Elder Latimer

P.S I heard Kellen Moore is LDS now, could you check to see if that's true? [It’s not, by the way]