Dear Shanell,

I am going crazy! I cannot wait to get out to the mission field! My companion really works hard to get on a guy's nerves. I am learning patience! It isn't easy to live with someone for 24 hours a day when you don't get to choose that companion. He is a good guy, but it is just hard to live with anyone 24 hours a day! I am, however, trying to make myself a better person. Patience is a good quality and I know that this mission is helping me to learn patience. I do like it here, but I am just anxious to get out and really do the Lord's work! I will do my best! Melody always ends her letters with these 2 words: Be Best! I will be best and I won't let up until I'm finished with my mission.

We just received our flight plans to Australia today. We will fly to Los Angeles and then to Hawaii. After Hawaii we fly to Sydney Australia and then we will fly to Adelaide. We leave Monday at 6:20 pm and will get to Australia after 18 hours on an airplane. That is 18 hours of sleep! We shouldn't be tired by the time we get there! Only 8 more days until I get on the plane. It is kind of scary, but I think the excitement outweighs the scary feelings.

We are getting interviewed by our branch presidency today. They are interviewing the entire branch. I'm going to keep working hard.

Love,
Elder Wallentine