Hello!

Okay, first off...WHAT THE FREAKIN' HECK IS GOING ON?!? BROCK IS ALREADY ENGAGED!?! YOU'VE GOT TO BE GIVING ME CRAP!!! I told him that he has to wait until I get back for him to get married so I can be his "best-man." Now he's freakin' engaged and getting married before my one year mark. No! That's...just...not what I expected to hear. Actually, on a slightly more serious note: CONGRATULATIONS!!! I'm so happy that you have found someone to spend all of eternity with. Brock, I am so happy for you! Although, I am still annoyed you weren't going to wait for me to be there. You little poop! Ha, ha. No, but seriously. Congratulations! I better get photo-shopped into the wedding pictures with the family. I'll wear my charcoal black suit and my red Sean John tie and take a picture of myself. Then you can get a professional to photo-shop me into one of the photos. Oh, and I expect a tie from the wedding! Seriously. What ever color you've decided on is going to be the tie that you better send me. I not only expect it...I DEMAND IT!!! Ooh, piece of advice. I know you're older than me and probably don't care what I say, but here's the advice: "It's not about finding the right person...it's about being the right person." (Thomas S. Monson) It's not about finding a person you can be compatible for eternity, it's being someone that your spouse can be with for all eternity.

Okay, I'm done with that. Now, off to Kyle. I'm so proud of you. Kyle, I love you, more than you will know. You've been the best friend, one I could turn to and one I could trust. Kyle, This is going to be a very difficult two years. I hate to tell you that, but the mission isn't easy. You're going to meet people who make you feel like dirt...even companions. You're going to sin, break the rules, and be "apostate." You're going to want to go home. Kyle, DO NOT LEAVE! It's worth it. I mean it. This has been the GREATEST thing I have ever done. I've learned how to truly be a better person and a better follower of our Savior, Lord and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Here's my advice to you. Love everyone. How? STUDY THE ATONEMENT!!! Never stop studying and learning about Him. Missionaries don't figure this out until, sometimes, 18 months into the field. Don't be one of those missionaries. Read about the Atonement. Study Ensigns, the scriptures, the words of the prophets. Then, every time you teach...TESTIFY OF HIM!!! You will see your testimony grow more than you could ever imagine. And then it will keep growing. Read "Believing Christ." Read "Jesus the Christ." Read the four gospels over and over again. You will love the Savior so much. Lastly, I love you. Don't give up.

So, now I just have a few minutes. This week has been one of repentance. I had a fourth flat tire and I realized something. God was trying to teach me...not only patience and how to stay cool and collective, but also, he taught me that this was a temporal citation. I realized God was teaching me to let go of the things that were distracting me. So, I'm sending home all the things I can't keep with me any more. I'm sending it to Brock for him to keep until I get back. Please don't be disappointed in me. My transfer with Brown shook me spiritually and I've had to live with that regret since then. I'm working on being perfect. What it means by that is I'm working on being what God wants me to be. He doesn't want me to be Christ or sinless, He wants me to be His servant, His son, His beloved.

Ooh, guess what? I'm writing a book on Christ's Atonement. I'll let you know how it will go. It's will be slow but worth it.

Ludie's baptism was on Sunday. It was without a doubt the most spiritual baptism I have had yet. She came out of the water and the Spirit just filled the room. Then I gave the best 10 minute talk of my mission. The Spirit was so amazingly strong. She's a wonderful lady and I love her. She loves God so much and the ward has just welcomed her. That was amazing and worth the difficult week of humility, repentance and patience.

Well, I've got two minutes left. I love you all so much. Your support and love and letters mean so much. Thank you all. Hugs and handshakes all around.

Elder Courtney Casselman


Still Alive