1.2.12

First of all, I SPANKED A BULL!!!!! So I went on exchanges with one of
our Zone Leaders, Elder Grenko (Elder Austin Randall's last companion)
and we spanked the bull that is part of the ranch they live on. I also
herded all the cows, in a suit. Booya!!!

Let me tell you, as a missionary I get to see Miracles every single
day. And let me tell you somethin' else, IT'S AMAZING!!!!!

At the same time sometimes it's hard. The only trial I face on my
mission so far is realizing that people have their own Agency. We
taught a man and we totally has a testimony. He knows that
this is the true church and that he needs to be baptized and follow
Christ's example. He told us all that! Then he said "BUT... I'm too
comfortable where I'm at. It's just up to me to get off my lazy butt
and change my life, but I don't want to do it" That broke my heart. It
just made me so sad I couldn't stand it. He said "It's almost like I'm
in jail and everyone is saying come out here it's so much better out
here, but in reality I'm comfortable sitting in jail"

Elder Grenko gave me a talk by Elder Holland about "Why missionary
work is so hard" and it talked about the same exact feelings that I
was feeling. The reason it's so hard is because in a sense I've had to
go through a little bit of my own Gethsemane. Now I dont' want to
compare my pain for others choices to the infinite sacrifice of the
Savior but I felt just a glimpse of what the Savior feels. When He has
given us everything we need to return and live with our Heavenly
Father and we choose not to use His atonement. Man it seriously kills
me to see that. And to imagine how Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ
feel?

I now understand how hard it would be for Heavenly Father to give all
of his children Agency because he knew how much pain it would bring
them but ALSO how much happiness once they have faith in Jesus Christ
and His atonement, repent, be baptized, receive the gift of the Holy
Ghost, and endure to the end by keeping the commandments and going to
the Temple to be sealed to their families for eternity.

As far as Miracles, We've been teaching this family. The Mom is a
member but she has been less active for years and she has two kids;
one girl, 11 years old and one boy, 5 years old. She met a man and
they moved in together and he is awesome. Some missionaries Tracted
into him and we have been teaching him and he has brought the Mom, his
girlfriend, back into the church and he and her daughter are getting
baptized this month, January 21st!!! They are getting married this
month too so that they can be baptized!!!

And guess what! He wanted to pay tithing before we even taught him
about it! And they went to the church store called Families are
Forever and bought a book of Family Home Evening ideas for FHE every
week. (without us telling them to) They've been coming to church and
here's the best part, He went out on his own and bought his OWN QUAD
of SCRIPTURES WITH HIS NAME ON IT!!! Man we were so excited!!! And his
soon to be wife asked us where she could get a calender with picutres
of the Temple on it. They are on FIRE! Families like them make it all
worth it. Seeing the change even in their countenance is amazing. They
feel like family. I love them so much!

Funny story: Elder Chambers and I got kissed by a 4 foot 8, 95 year
old lady. hahaha we were like oh crap that's not good! She grabbed me
on the back of my neck and kissed my cheek. Then Elder Chambers knew
he was done for and she did the same to him. haha Elder Chambers was
like "Ah dang it I just got my first kiss from a 95 year old woman!" I
was laughing so hard.

I met a girl named Tia Smecker. She was one of Jennifer Rollender's
roommates at BYU-I. That was kinda fun.

So we have another lady who has wanted to be baptized since May but
her husband won't give permission. But they are legally separated now
so we are trying to see if she can get permission. I fasted for her so
I know it'll work out.

Our heater broke in our apartment so we've had to use the oven to warm
us up! it's so funny in the morning Elder Chambers and I huddle up
next to the oven together and hold our hands out in front of us till
we're warm.

Dad, will you send me some more magic tricks, the people LOVE THEM!!!
I have the one with the tissues and also the lights. but they want
more!!! haha I teach the Plan of Salvation with it.

I bore my testimony in church the last two sundays and this next week
I'm giving a talk. I hope the ward will start to feel that they can
trust me with teaching their friends!

Oh yeah our apartment got sprayed by a skunk. haha It was terrible.
The crazy dog downstairs must have scared it.

I wish I could tell you all the amazing things that are happening but
I haven't got time. I love you everyone. Hey don't be afraid to share
the gospel!!! Oh yeah and send me letters.... and pictures if you can
;)

Loves,

Elder Whiting