Dear Shanell,

I drew this picture and our zone leaders were so impressed, so I put a caption to it and titled it "President Wells".

President Wells gave me a new companion. I am a senior companion now. My companion is Elder Ottley and he has some real problems.  He spends 1/5 of his time on the toilet. He goes to the bathroom 4-5 times every 2 hours. He also makes rude noises at members, but President Wells and I are going to work on him. His mind is wasted from drugs before his mission. Another trial of faith. I guess the Lord wants me to grow. 

Today was Wednesday (p-day) and we had a zone Thanksgiving dinner and played softball and football (American football). It was quite fun! We got to kind of "let our hair down" today. We made pyramids of people and just goofed off. Tomorrow is zone conference and it should be neat. Elder Toi, Elder Adams, Elder Ottley, Sister Peterken, and Sister Benson and I are going to sing tomorrow at zone conference. We are singing "The First Noel". I sing bass with Elder Adams. Elder Adams and I are best friends. I am closer to him that I was with Jesse. Jesse is still a great friend, but it means so much to have a friend that shares the same goals and values. Elder Adams is from Idaho Falls. He is a great guy!

Thanks for all you do to support me.

Love,

Elder Wallentine

Dear Shanell,

I had a great experience. The Spirit told me one night at about 12:30 am to go give a blessing to one of the sister missionaries who suffers extremely from hay fever. I woke up my companion and I got dressed in my suit and he threw on some jeans and a t-shirt to give a blessing. Anyway, we woke her up and my companion anointed and I acted as the instrument of God in giving a blessing. I was scared! I didn't know what I was going to say, but after I started, the Spirit put words in my mouth! She was promised in the blessing that God would not let her suffer as long as she was in His service according to her faith. The next day, she did not suffer at all! The priesthood heals! I know it! It was humbling to be able to act in God's name. I love my mission! I hate to say that I felt pushed to go on a mission--from you, my family and your family. But, I'm so thankful I was pushed. Transfers are coming up in about 6 days. I'm hoping to be made a trainer.

Thank you again for your support!
Elder Wallentine

Dear Shanell,

I'm receiving letters quite regularly now that the strike is over. I'm not sure if I told you, but we got our 30 hours tracting and gave away 16 Books of Mormon. That was the best in the mission! President Wells was very pleased!

My companion, Elder Ballew, and I are getting along great now. He doesn't like this area though. I love it! Sometimes I think there is nothing interesting happening here and then when I go to write it down, it seems a lot more interesting.

You are a great strength to me. Thank you for your support!

Elder Wallentine