Hello!

So, transfers! I'm in Tacoma now! Seriously, the land of miracles. That's what they call it. It's a scary culture shock from Olalla. It's so diverse and there are people everywhere. I'm finally in an area where I can go street contacting and I'm scared to. My new companion is Elder Howard (my full-blooded brother). Yeah, you're probably confused by that. So, on missions, your trainers are called parents. You, as a son, pick which one is your mom and which one is your dad. For example, Elder Cook was (yes, he went home just now, considering the time) my mom, because he was the most girly missionary in the mission. Yes, even over the sisters. Whilst Elder Berger was my father, because...I loved him more...jk! I just love to tell Cook that because he freaks out! Anyways, Howard was trained before me in the same area by Elders Berger and Cook.

Anyways, he is currently not on everybody's favorite missionary list and I've been called to straighten him out. Don't tell Elder Howard that. I was wondering why Tacoma, until I spoke to Berger about that. He told me that there has been a lot of disobedience in the district in which I am serving and it's my job to: 1) be a spy for Elder Berger and President Weaver (who, by the way, is a really cool guy. He's said some things he's going to regret such as..."I don't care how disobedient you are, I forgive you." Or, "I don't know if Abba is approved music for you guys, but it's approved for Sister Weaver and I." Uh, huh. He's going to regret saying that) and 2) straighten Elder Howard out. I'm not too thrilled about the last part. He plays MAGIC which is so against the rules it's scary, has P-day Eve's and was lazy last transfer. I have a lot on my plate now. We've already got in an argument about how we should count new, on-date and when some one is ready to be baptized. But we sorted it out, now it's just working on loving the guy. He offered to teach me how to play magic and I refused, and told him that President Bowen had specifically asked that we don't play MAGIC and send the cards home. Wish me luck!

Everyone here is so kind, even if they don't want to go on a church tour, they are very nice and chill. It's a huge culture shock for me. As I was driving through the city, I saw more people outside than I have seen in any other of my areas so far, and we can actually street contact. It's really weird. Oh, and did I mention? I'm in a bike area! Seriously! Now I am riding around, getting burnt out as we travel. Elder Howard, although he's bigger, has been on bike for two transfers now, which is more than days I've been on. Yup, how weird is that. I'm tired and...oh, crazy stupid story. We were riding around and were stopped at a stop light. Suddenly, I hear a "Pop...psfffffffffffff." My tire was flat in less than two seconds. Apparently, the stem of the tire was bent in such a way that it just ripped right off. I got a new tire, but the stem was too big to fit in the wheel portion. So, I stole the wheel off my District Leader's bike and am having a much better time riding now. So, yup. Bike Elder all the way!

Rick's baptism was on Saturday, and his confirmation was on Sunday, along with his ordination. Afterwards, he conferred the priesthood upon Nick, his son. His blessing he gave was the most powerful blessing I've ever heard. Short, sweet, simple and to the point. Paula's grandfather, who had been trying to get Rick baptized since Rick was 17, wrote a beautiful testimony and Paula read it and bore her testimony. It was without a doubt the most spiritual baptism I've had yet. Afterwards, we said good-bye to everyone. It was really hard. I've come to love Olalla more than any other area, and the ward members were the best I've known. When we take the mission tour, we will spend most of out time in Olalla...so far. Jeff Pittman hasn't be baptized yet, but Kerr said he'd come pick me up so that I could be at his baptism.

Well, I've got to run. I love you, and thank you so much for your support. I love you all, so much. It's been nice to see me come closer to you all even though we're so far apart. Well, love, hugs and handshakes. Good luck in your endeavors.


Elder Courtney Casselman


Still Alive