August 6, 2012

Good Morning, Dallin!

I'm at work already and I thought I would get you a quick note before I start working.

How was your week? I didn't hear from you last week and I thought that maybe they changed their minds and transferred you. I assume you are still with Elder Davey.  How is he doing?  Are you still in the same ward or same apartment?  Are you using your bike?  How are your shoes doing?  Did you buy two pairs? 

My friend Katherin is moving to Arizona.  As I was saying my prayers this morning, I had a strong impression to give her a Book of Mormon.  I will write in it and give it to here this week.  No procrastination!

Things are going along ok.  It has been record heat here.  In fact, they are calling this the hottest on record and the dryest.  Dad and I went over the pass and hiked and fished the Clark's Fork a little bit.  It was so beautiful.  Heavenly Father really saved his best artistic gifts for the Yellowstone/Shoshone forests!  We found a beautiful swimming hole(s) that we can't wait to take all of our family to- maybe a family reunion up there or something.

I am taking a short trip to Utah this weekend for Syd's wedding.  I can't wait to meet her fiance.  I hope they will be happy.

I am sending you a package this week.  It has your new ATM card in it.  Make sure you take it out and activate it.  Should I send Zuccini bread or banana bread?  :)

Well, we think about you everyday.  I know you are very busy. We are so blessed even in our challenges. I gave this poem to Beau before he left.  It is one of my favorites- Since Beau has been cutting down trees for 3 weeks, he reminded me that this is quite literal for him :)

Good Timber

The tree that never had to fight
For sun and sky and air and light,
But stood out in the open plain
And always got its share of rain,
Never became a forest king
But lived and died a scrubby thing.
The man who never had to toil
To gain and farm his patch of soil,
Who never had to win his share
Of sun and sky and light and air,
Never became a manly man
But lived and died as he began.
Good timber does not grow with ease,
The stronger wind, the stronger trees,
The further sky, the greater length,
The more the storm the more the strength.
By sun and cold, by rain and snow,
In trees and men good timbers grow.

Where thickest lies the forest growth
We find the patriarchs of both.
And they hold counsel with the stars
Whose broken branches show the scars
Of many winds and much of strife.
This is the common law of life.

We love you!

Mom

Hey!

         Last week I couldn't find your email, so I figured I would just wait for this week to write. Well this week, and last week have been rough, can't sugar coat it. I don't know how to say it in a way to simplify something so complex. Your leg gets tired when you are dragging a ball and chain. 

It got to the point where I was hating every moment of my mission so it was time to call President. 

       Understand, this issue with Elder Davey involves alot of people. Basically the ultimatum is that he cannot remain in the mission going from companion to companion destroying them ( his companions including me are far from perfect, but there is a difference in imperfection and constant cynicism and malice) so the behavior either changes or he goes home. I really love and care about this kid, and I still have pure intentions in helping him. Few people will ever get to know him as well as I have, and I would be sad to see him go. He has a world of people who will never understand him, and it makes me really respect the God Head. They understand him at least.

            Oh and to clear up the original story, he has no diagnosed mental disorders, and even family services can't figure it out. I feel bad for him. I have not been transferred. Transfers are in two weeks, and I'm sure I won't be staying with Elder Davey. If the pattern of crazy things in my mission continues I probably will though. We were biking alot, but his bike broke. My shoes are still recovering from the storm we had the other day. I only have one pair. I'll make em last! 

       The storm was something I have never seen. It was 70 mph winds and you couldn't even see ten feet in front of you because it poured so hard. We were bookin' it into Costco to get some lunch and the parking lot was like a river. It was up past my ankles within five min of the rain starting. So good to hear about your friend Katherin, and your impression! Let me know how it goes.

        So Jason and Pheobe successfully moved to Arizona. They are already meeting with the missionaries down there, so that will be awesome. Jason is so ready. I can't wait to hear about his conversion. Agusta is being a bit stubborn about her other church, but she is still progressing. If she had Word of Wisdom issues to deal with, then we will have to push the date back. Still workin hard to find investigators...Oh we got to watch the restoration movie with Momma Iniguez's staunch catholic sister!

                                                                          Love you guys,

                                                                            Elder Tall