School Starts Already? Time Flies! 24 August 2009

Dear family,

How is everything in the Land of Lakes? I can’t believe school is already in session and before you know it will be out again. It was great receiving your letters, Mom and Remi. And thank you all for your e-mails.

The L. family is doing great. Their baptismal date and marriage date is set for September 19th. Bishop P. is going to perform the marriage ceremony. According to the State we could perform it but the Church doesn’t allow it for good reasons. : ) They figured out which criminal stole their valuables and the police have a warrant out for his arrest. Kathy was able to stay for the baptismal service we held yesterday for Gloria S. and her two grandchildren, Nakell and Natia. We also had our investigator, Neville, at church and then at the baptism too. The service went very well and the Spirit was very strong as all three of the South Elder’s investigators were baptized. Elder Palmer and I did the baptismal interview for the family and it was awesome to see how excited they each were for their baptism. Tony is about to have full hip replacement surgery so he wasn’t able to make it to church due to the pain. We are continually finding new people and I will tell you about the individuals as they start progressing. One new person we taught this week was Janice and her niece India, both very nice. We have a return appointment for next week to teach them both and the rest of their family.

To answer more of your questions Elder Palmer and I are doing well and enjoying each other’s company as we serve here in Daytona. He has a crazy sense of humor and so there is never a dull moment, plus the elders we live with are pretty crazy themselves so we have a lot of fun. Grandpa A. (we e-mail at his office each week) shaved random spots into his leg hair because he made little knots on his leg and it looked gross. It was hilarious. Grandpa A. is quite the character!

So far the Deland zone has had 8 baptisms for the month of August. We are shooting for 12 and it looks like we’ll have 11 baptisms this month with three of the confirmations done in September so they will count for next month.

Tell Uncle James that I said hi. No, I never had the chance to volunteer at Give Kids the World but I will with you when I finish my mission. We really wanted to but we had to go to a meeting to be able to volunteer and we weren’t able to make the meeting so it didn’t work out. I think it’s awesome that is where Josh went and that you are going to volunteer there. Brother and Sister Jensen in Kissimmee ward go there every Monday to volunteer. What a neat family home evening!

I miss talking with you, too, Reece and although I cannot be there to give you this brotherly advice for your senior year in person I hope is still means as much. Definitely make sure you don’t procrastinate anything like I did. It’s best to do homework, projects, college applications, etc., as soon as possible so that you can do your best effort on them. Also, have fun at dances and on group dates but do not waste time on girls. I did that way too much and trust me, your time and money are much better spent on academics, extra-curricular activities, family activities, gospel related things, and things that you like to do for fun. I love you Reece and I want for you to be able to have the best senior year possible. I know that you are at a brand new school in a new state but I also know that you will do well wherever you are and that as usual you can make tons of good friends and have a great senior year! I wish you the best and you are always in my prayers.

Remi, I am excited for you to start middle school! I know you will really enjoy it and have an awesome year. My advice for you is to be yourself and do your best on all your school work and assignments. Also keep sharing your testimony with your friends and teachers. You are an awesome missionary and can influence many people to come closer to their Savior, Jesus Christ. I love you buddy and always pray for you, too.

Mom, your letter really made me think about the far reaching effects of missionary work and how much joy there is in sharing the gospel! Thank you! I hope you will continue to make friendships with the wonderful people that I have had the opportunity to serve around and I am glad that you are friends with Sister R. I knew that you would be good friends! I love you and keep you in my prayers every day.

Dad, thank you for your important and helpful advice that you give so well. I have learned a lot from what you have taught me over the years, specially the past year and I continually try to apply it to my day top day efforts in missionary work. I have learned now better than ever how to listen to the promptings of the Spirit and follow them immediately. I love you and you are also in my prayers always.

I hope all of you have an awesome week and enjoy the new school year. Keep the faith and stay strong!

Love,

Elder Miller