April 26, 1991
Today we ran out of productive things to do. I'm not too sure how else to put it. We did find one guy who said that he was willing to hear the discussions, but he also told us that he was not able to attend church because his family had not yet given him permission. We will go and teach him tomorrow anyway. It is our responsibility to see to it that everyone has an opportunity to feel the spirit.
Beyond that, we really did not get much accomplished today. Elder Miller is in Visalia tonight. Since he is going home this week, he is going to go to the temple tomorrow with some families from here. It was really good to see him. I think that he is probably the very best friend that I have made on my mission. If only I could be the kind of missionary that he is, I would be happy.
It seems really weird to think that Shane Dunaway is coming home soon. I still remember the day that I said goodbye to him as he left for the MTC. It is really hard to believe that his mission is over and mine is one half over. I have so much to accomplish in the next year. I feel like I have only just begun. There is so much to do, so much to learn, so much to teach. I wonder if I'll ever be able to do it.
One thing is for sure. The Lord has blessed me so far. I am sure that he will continue to bless me as long as I will do my very best.
April 27, 1991
Well, we spent most of the day today talking with Jeff Bohn, my MTC teacher. He has moved down here for the summer. It made me realize that the semester is over at BYU. I can't believe how little I know about Kristin right now. Anyway, getting to see Elder Bond today was kind of fun. He really helped me a lot with my hmong. It helps a lot to have someone who will tell you where your accent is. That way, I can work on it
We also went and visited some people today. We didn't really get anywhere with any of them. Oh well, back to Fresno tomorrow. There was a hmong baptism in Fresno today, so that was good. I feel kind of bad that Elder Lindsey had to miss his first baptism in the mission field, but if things are going well in Fresno this week, there will definitely be a baptism this Saturday too.
Well tomorrow after church, we will be headed back to Fresno. I can't wait to go back. I wonder how long I'll stay there? I hope I get to stay for a while. I really like to be a missionary in Fresno, but I'll certainly serve whatever the Lord wants me to be.
April 28, 1991
Well, things in Visalia might have ended up okay after all. Today in church a lady whose family we have talked for a long time ask if she and her family could be baptized next week. Of course, the answer was yes. They will be taught some more and baptized by Brother Cox and the other stake missionary.
Today in church we gave Jar the Aaronic priesthood. That was so awesome! That was the first time that I have ever given anyone the priesthood in Hmong. Hopefully he can baptize the family next month. I wish that family would have decided Wednesday to get baptized so that they could have been baptized well we were down there. Oh well, that's just the breaks.
April 29, 1991
I took a nap today! It's p-day. I actually lay down and slept for about an hour this afternoon. I was really tired. My knees have been very sore for about three or four days. I'm not too sure exactly what is wrong, but they have been really stiff and quite painful. Whatever the problem is, I hope that it's an goes away. Having sore knees really wears me out. I am far less energetic when my legs hurt.
Things today went really well. We talked a discussion to a family tonight that went pretty well. We are going to be getting an awful lot have baptisms this month I really hope that they all pull through. I also hope that I don't get transferred for that I'll be able to see some of these people get in the water. I really hope that things all work out. At times, I am truly amazed at the way in which the Lord blesses our work here in this area. I truly love to be in the Lord service. There is absolutely nothing on this whole earth that I would rather be doing right now. This is the best!
I really do miss home, and I really do ache inside, but to see someone get baptized next all of it so worth it. I can't wait to be able to attend another baptismal service.
Mom: I have left out a lot of the parts about Kristen. There has normally been something at least every other day. Dad talked a lot about an ache inside. I wanted to point out, that just because you're doing the Lords work doesn't mean that you won't have sadness for sorrow. It doesn't mean that it won't be difficult and that you won't miss home. But notice that attitude, he is always sure that he is doing the right thing. Dad's life was so blessed for his two-year sacrifice. When you feel like this remember that dad felt that way too. Also remember his attitude. I think he wrote this for me as well as for you.
April 30, 1991
My word! Could we get a little bit busier here in Fresno? Think we rode our bikes over 50 miles today, honestly. We are so busy here that I honestly cannot believe it.
Mom: note how the work takes off now that dad has decided to focus on mission and to be resolved despite his sadness and the problems with his girlfriend.
Today we got everything friend up for the baptisms and got things scheduled. I kind of feel bad because he and his wife want me to perform the ordinance. Really wanted to had older Baker do it because he has never done it before. I am hoping to change their minds by Saturday. The other two families that we committed are going to have to wait a week because they didn't make it to church.
I'm pretty worried about Bee Yang. He and his wife have had a lot of witnesses of the truth, but they are still unsure of what the Lord wants him to do. They seem to be getting cold feet. I hope and pray that they will be strong enough to come to church and really do what they need to do. It is especially hard for them because they are very active in another church. I can only hope and pray that the Lord will strengthen them and protect them.
I hope that I get some mail tomorrow I have been getting rocked daily for quite some time. Oh well I guess that is just the breaks.
May 2, 1991
Transfer calls came yesterday morning. Right now I am on a bus going to Stockton. I’ll be able to write better when I get there. We spent all day yesterday saying good-bye to people. I really hope that our people that are committed for baptism will be able to come through transfers okay.
Last night President Darden paid us a compliment that really made me feel good, but also made me realize how much the Lord had blessed me. He told Elder Baker and I that in there 15 years he has been working with missionaries he has only met 2 other young men that were as food at being missionaries as we are. He also said that those two were not comps. Anyway, it made me realize how much the Lord has really blessed my efforts as a missionary.
I’ll write more when I get to Stockton.
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