Dear Shanell,

Last Wednesday we did our laundry and bought groceries. Then we were planning to go bowling with Elders Harp and Toi, but the league was practicing so we went golfing instead. It was my first time golfing and I loved it. I did not do really well, but I had a great time laughing about it.

On Friday we went tracting and a BIG dog lunged out at us. I never want to own a dog! We also had 4 or 5 doors shut in our faces as soon as we said the words, "From the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." I wish they would listen to our message before they chase us off!

On Saturday we went to fill the baptismal font for a convert baptism from Port Augusta. Then we tracted for about an hour and got in a discussion with a man who said that we should not push religion down people's throats. He said that Christianity is not meetings, it is helping others. We explained about the programs the church has in place to help people. He kept arguing with us and about miracles and how they don't exist and how everything can be explained scientifically. After that we talked to him about why we were here and where we came from. He looked puzzled and said, "Do you know where we came from?" We explained to him the Plan of Salvation which is the 2nd discussion. It was kind of funny because he had told us he didn't want to talk about religion, just relief programs the church has for the poor. I love trying to teach people. It is a challenge to feel love for them while they are cutting down the church, but it is fun to watch their reaction when we just smile as they are yelling at us. After the baptism we went to dinner and then saw a recording of General Conference. We got to watch them on Saturday and Sunday. I have always taken for granted that we could watch conference on TV. They only get to listen to it hear or wait for the recordings to come.

On Monday we visited Jose Lang, the sister we baptized on April 27. I love to see her so strong in the church! She is a great asset to the branch. Then we taught Helen, the lady who came to the door last week with face cream on. We are going to visit her on Friday, too. I hope she will pray about these things. After dinner we visited the Skragg family and heard about Brother Skragg's mission. It was fun! Then we visited Sister Waite. She has a son who acts like he worships the devil, but he is a good kid deep down. We also visited the sister missionaries. Sister Grey is still sick and Sister Roper is going crazy.

On Tuesday we visited a family name the Popes. They have an 8 month old baby and he his cute! I loved holding him and playing with him.

The missionary work is going slow here, but we are working hard to change that! I still have not seen any kangaroos or koala bears! Bummer! They have a bird here called a "Gala" and there are millions of them! People hate them here. They are worth hundreds of dollars in the states. I wish it wasn't illegal exporting them. I could be rich!

I would like to share a thought with you that an elderly lady here told me. It made me think because I would often use the phrase "I'm bored". This lady said, "Only stupid people get bored. If you have any sense, you can always find something to occupy yourself." I won't ever say "I'm bored" again.

I honestly feel that you have helped me improve myself into a better person. I could have easily skipped over a mission, but you knew I needed to grow and that a mission would help me. I know that you believe in doing what's right and not what is always just easiest. I love you even more for urging me to go on a mission. I thank Heavenly Father for sending you down when He did to bless my life.

I'm taking lots of pictures to show what Australia is like! The Church is true! Joseph Smith was a prophet of God! Jesus is the Christ! I love this great work!

Love,
Elder Wallentine