Dear Shanell,

How are you doing? I have a new companion. His name is Elder Cash. I can tell that this is going to be a long month! He has 15 months left. Thank you for the leaf from the Sacred Grove. I loved it!

Are you ready for the big news!!! First of all, gather your family around so you can all rejoice with me! We have a baptism on Tuesday, August 6! Her name is Diane Lee and she is excellent! That will be my 4th baptism in 4 months! The average is 2.5 per missionary per mission here. I've almost doubled that! I am going to be the top baptizer by the time I leave! If all goes well, we should get at least one more baptism this month. Isn't that exciting!! It is so neat to see people you grow to know and love join the true church and kingdom of God! I love it out here!

I grew to love my second companion, Elder Fusselman, very much! We will have a strong relationship forever. We have a forever-lasting friendship now. We hated each other our first week together, but we got to know each other and now we are best friends! There is a saying that says it all: "There are two kinds of people in the world; the ones you love, and the ones you don't know."

I guess I just don't know Elder Cash yet! I am trying hard to love him though. We have a goal of 3 baptisms for this month and I hope and pray that we get them! It won't be easy. I might get to be a trainer next month or in August. I hope so! I think I would be a good one. I know I can do it.

The new discussions are really neat! It is neat to not have to memorize. It isn't any easier on us though. We have to concentrate on getting the spirit of the Holy Ghost there. I am so grateful that I came on a mission during this time! I am sincerely happy to be on my mission. It isn't easy, but I know that I am doing what is right! There is no way I would quit now. I am receiving blessings all over!

Shanell, the church is true! Jesus is our Savior! God and Jesus Christ live with real bodies today. All the prophets from Joseph to Spencer W. Kimball were called of God! I know these things are true!

Thank you for encouraging me to come out here. I am thankful for your support!

Love,
Elder Wallentine