Dear Shanell,

Last Wednesday we got up at 6 am and washed our clothes and went shopping. Then the Ernesti family came and took us to the beach. We had a picnic on the beach and played Frisbee. Elder Dalrymple dropped their little girl in the water because she threw sand in his face. It was quite funny. Afterward, we came back to the flat and I prepared my talk for district conference.

On Thursday we met with Helen and the discussion went very well. She is accepting everything quite well, too. We went to visit Cindy Shulz, but she wasn't there, so we talked to her son and a guy named Tommy who is staying there. He could really talk and was quite rude, but we are missionaries and we must be understanding and loving! There are a lot of people out here who don't want to know anything about the church, but they are very nice to us. We try to meet people on the streets and most of the time we chat with them about motorcycles, houses, or whatever comes up. Many times they ask us why we are on missions and then we get a chance to talk religion with them. A lot of them say, "You must have given up jobs or something to come out here." I always used to think to myself, "Yea, I gave up the most wonderful girl in the world for this mission!" The more I think about it, the more I realize that I didn't give up you. I gave up being with you, but you are always in my heart and prayers! You are such a great support to me on my mission and that is such a blessing to me.

On Friday I got to pick an orange off of a real orange tree!! Isn't that neat!! On Saturday we had a zone conference and I officially certified! I had an interview with Elder Scicluna who is an assistant to the president and passed off all the discussions and dialogues. We have to re-certify every 3 months or so to make sure we know all the information. I had a good discussion with some of the sisters today and we talked about why we came on our missions. I really dug deep and know I came on my mission to become a better person. I didn't come to convert myself because I already know that the church is true.

On Sunday I came to Port Pirie again and stayed with Elder Jennings. He is having some problems with his thinking process and is part deaf, too. We went to visit some members and it was quite fun. We also had a district conference that was quite good. Lots of people attended and it was such a joy to see the Whyalla chapel full! The Spirit was definitely there as we were singing. I love having the Spirit so close! Mission life is great! One of the rules in this mission is to have fun. I like that rule. Some things are not easy or fun on a mission. The bathtub here in Port Pirie is 2 ft. wide and 2 1/2 ft. long. I had to curl up my legs to get in. There is also no refrigerator. Milk is delivered each day so it is still a little bit cold. I cannot imagine not having a fridge. You also have to go outside to get to the bathroom and toilet. Here in Australia, the bathroom is just a room with a tub/shower and sink. The toilet room just has a toilet and sink. The two rooms are totally separated. It is a new lifestyle.

On Monday I was back in Whyalla. I like Whyalla a lot more than Port Pirie. I actually love Whyalla! One of my favorite scriptures comes to mind: "I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that He giveth no commandment to His children, unless he prepares a way!"

I want you to know that I love and appreciate you so much!

Love,
Elder Wallentine