I know it's been so long but... ;)

Hey family! I know it has been quite a while since we've spoken, but I am thankful to hear from you and write you again! That was so stinkin' awesome to talk to you lol. Wow. I sure love you all a lot! =] I have been smiling ever since then and am still super happy from the phone call! It's amazing how much that pumped me up and inspired and encouraged me to get back to work. I was wondering before I called home if I would be distracted for a few days and homesick, but the Lord has really blessed me and all I've had a desire to do was keep working harder and doing a better job! So thank you for your kind words :) I love you guys.

The rest of Christmas day was wonderful - we were at the B's for a while just talking with them and their family. L and M S were there, who are Bro. B's sister and brother-in-law that we are teaching. They are such wonderful people, and I am confident they will join the church soon. We have been working with them, and our friendship in the meantime has grown a bunch. I really do feel a love for them, and the rest of my investigators as well! With that said, it can always improve of course. When you really start to care for and love your investigators, boldness doesn't become a problem anymore because your sole purpose is to help them progress in the gospel and follow Jesus Christ. We already know what will help them the most, so now it's just a matter of helping them come to know for themselves that these things will make them eternally happy. The gospel is a wonderful thing!

Sunday was a great day; T came to church and brought her 4 year old daughter S. She has been twice now and is loving it. The branch has been so good to her and Sister W, helping give them rides and get coats for their kids and all sorts of things like that. That is exactly what we need; you can't do missionary work without the branch. Sister A W has been coming every week now for probably about 2 months and she is doing awesome! The branch have really become attached to her and her son M. I have truly been blessed to see some wonderful changes in this branch since I have been here.

P-day yesterday was sweet... I GOT THE PACKAGE! Woo hoo! Thank you all so much! I think my favorite part were the letters and the pictures, but I loved it all :) I felt right back at home again with you guys, just like I did when I was on the phone. I have been doing some sweet yo-yo-ing tricks (not in my sleep), listening to music, putting on deoderant, writing in my journal, thinking about eating subway mmm (haven't been there yet ;), shooting hoops, and eating loads of candy and good food (including the better-than-ever poppyseed bread)! I am probably forgetting something, but basically know that everything is being put to good use :P Your letters were full of great advice too and always strengthen my testimony. I am glad to see you are all looking healthy and happy in the pictures too :) Mindy, I might have to take your friend on a date sometime. Guess what else Elder Stock and I got at Wal-Mart yesterday... toy helicopters! They are R/C and actually fly around the room and everything. They are super cool ha ha, and a great P-day or night/lunch/dinner activity. We crash them all the time but they are actually pretty durable. And they are small, so it will be easily transportable.

Well, that's pretty much the update since I talked to all of you lol. Sorry we couldn't email yesterday; the library was closed. I'm actually glad though because now I was able to let you know I received the package, and had more things to write today :P Today should be a really good day, we have a lesson with T and her brothers as well as L and M. I love teaching people; that is one of the most rewarding things about missionary work. Tracting isn't always super fun, but when you find those people who are ready to learn it makes every door you knock worth it.

I just want you all to know that I love and miss you, but I am so happy to be here :) While I was on the phone with you, I received a spiritual confirmation that this is where the Lord wants me to be. I have really been learning a lot about things that matter most, setting goals, feeling the Spirit, being obedient, acknowledging the Lord's Hand, and many other things. There is still so much I have to learn, but one thing I do know - that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true! It is true. The more I learn and read the scriptures I am just amazed at how clear it becomes that this is the true church on the earth today. I am so thankful to know that.

I am letting President Hall know that two of the best missionaries ever will soon be here in the F.O.M. I am super excited to see Elder McClatchy and Sister Allen! It will be a gospel party here in the land of Florida ha ha.

Take care until next week!

-Elder Andrew Beckett