Letter to Home - November 2, 2009

 Wow, we are so blessed. I remember a few weeks back, when I got the email that Dad had to have heart surgery. I was at the Antioch library, I couldn't hold in the tears. I was so scared. As I have prayed and fasted the past few weeks, I have felt strength and comfort, and it hasn't worried me. On Thursday I was a little nervous, but I was expecting that phone call all day and I just knew that President was going to call me with great news! For some reason it didn't surprise me that it went great. I was soooo grateful that it did, but the comfort that came didn't even cause me to worry as much as I thought I would (and you all know how much I worry!) The Lord has blessed our family, and I hope that dad continues to feel better.

Well, I had a little miracle as well this week - one of those blessings in disguise. One of the Elders that I came out with went home this week. I guess he just couldn't handle the pressure of being a missionary. So that was the bad thing. As a result of him going home, his companion - Elder Wong from Hong Kong - Came and stayed with us in our area for the week. It was pretty interesting. We had a short China man, an even shorter islander, and a tall skinny white boy! All together we spoke 5 different languages! (E. Bolkeim speaks Marshallese and Tongan, E. Wong speaks Cantonese and Mandarin, and I speak fluent English!) We were quite the international group! Elder Wong is awesome! He is such a good missionary! It was a miracle, because we were able to work hard, and show Elder Bolkeim that working hard and keeping mission rules can be fun! It was funny watching the two of them trying to correct each other's English!

So I think that this whole transfer is a blessing in disguise. Now that I am with E. Bolkeim, I have really had to step it up. He doesn't really want to work, and he LOVES to break the rules. He is a great guy, and I'm trying to love him. There is a huge culture block between us, and he is hard to communicate with. I've recommitted myself to being the best missionary that I can be, and moving forward.

Well, we have a lesson with Steve tonight and we are going to set another date for November 21. He went and talked with the Bishop, and Bishop told us that it went well, and he should be on track to getting baptized. We are also going to get Denise (the horse lady) baptized this transfer.

Well the weather is beautiful here! Its normally in the daytime around 70 degrees, and everything is starting to get green again. Its weird, in the winter thing don't die, but start to bloom again!

Well I love you all! Thank you so much for the Halloween yummies! I loved the package! Also, next time you see Maria Krieser giver her a big hug for me! She sent me a package of candy, and 2 ties from DI!

-Love Elder Cook