July 30, 2012
Dear Family,
HAPPY BIRTDAY COLBY!
I
was thinking about you today as we were walking around Yosemite. I really think
you would like it there. It is so beautiful.
There are many rock formations. The grandeur is amazing. We went with Bro. Daniel Strong, who works there so it was really neat to have him talking about everything he has seen there. It is a pity that the pictures can't capture the beauty of it all. El Capitan, which is in one of the photos, is a 3,200 foot cliff! It is mind boggling how huge it is! To top it off, we were able to spend time with Bro. Strong. He is a great man. He is always so nice, and always tries to help people feel big. He is very Christ like in that respect. I have a lot to learn in that regard.
In other news:
This week was really tough, emotionally, physically, and spiritually, but I have found that in every adversity, there is something to be learned. There is strength to be found through trials. Hardened steel is made that way by the heating, cooling, compressing, and cooling processes. It can't be too fun for the steel, but it makes it much stronger. We are all in that process in our lives. I have found that thanking the Lord for my trials is a much better option than asking them to be removed. He is just helping me become what and who He knows I can become, and I am thankful that He is willing to do these things to me. That He is was willing to atone for my sins and die for me is amazing. I am so thankful that I have this opportunity to serve and to help Him in this work.
Your vacation sounds like it is going great. I don't think we have ever been to Northern Idaho. It was always too far away. It sure is beautiful up there. Everything is so green. I just don't understand it.
The horse rides sounded fun. I am glad you weren't injured by Spike. Was there a guide with you?
HAPPY BIRTDAY COLBY!
I
was thinking about you today as we were walking around Yosemite. I really think
you would like it there. It is so beautiful. There are many rock formations. The grandeur is amazing. We went with Bro. Daniel Strong, who works there so it was really neat to have him talking about everything he has seen there. It is a pity that the pictures can't capture the beauty of it all. El Capitan, which is in one of the photos, is a 3,200 foot cliff! It is mind boggling how huge it is! To top it off, we were able to spend time with Bro. Strong. He is a great man. He is always so nice, and always tries to help people feel big. He is very Christ like in that respect. I have a lot to learn in that regard.
In other news:
This week was really tough, emotionally, physically, and spiritually, but I have found that in every adversity, there is something to be learned. There is strength to be found through trials. Hardened steel is made that way by the heating, cooling, compressing, and cooling processes. It can't be too fun for the steel, but it makes it much stronger. We are all in that process in our lives. I have found that thanking the Lord for my trials is a much better option than asking them to be removed. He is just helping me become what and who He knows I can become, and I am thankful that He is willing to do these things to me. That He is was willing to atone for my sins and die for me is amazing. I am so thankful that I have this opportunity to serve and to help Him in this work.
Your vacation sounds like it is going great. I don't think we have ever been to Northern Idaho. It was always too far away. It sure is beautiful up there. Everything is so green. I just don't understand it.
The horse rides sounded fun. I am glad you weren't injured by Spike. Was there a guide with you?
Oh, I should tell you that I danced with a girl on Sunday.
She is the Bishop's daughter, and she is really cute. (Don't worry, She is two,
and she is the one who latched onto me.... )
Elder Hegsted is from Orem, UT and is 10 days older than me. He really wants to be out here. He is an amazing missionary.
Transfers are August 8th. I really am not tired of Sonora. (I don't like it when things change) I feel I am finally getting the trust of the Members. They all know me, and I know the area. I am comfortable with the people, and the area. (Therein lies the problem. I won't push myself as much when I am comfortable). If I am transferred, that is what the Area needed anyway. I will do whatever the Lord wants.
I love each and every one of you. You are all awesome! I know that CHRIST LIVES! HE is the Savior of All mankind, and He wants them to come unto Him.
I love you
Elder Coles
Elder Hegsted is from Orem, UT and is 10 days older than me. He really wants to be out here. He is an amazing missionary.
Transfers are August 8th. I really am not tired of Sonora. (I don't like it when things change) I feel I am finally getting the trust of the Members. They all know me, and I know the area. I am comfortable with the people, and the area. (Therein lies the problem. I won't push myself as much when I am comfortable). If I am transferred, that is what the Area needed anyway. I will do whatever the Lord wants.
I love each and every one of you. You are all awesome! I know that CHRIST LIVES! HE is the Savior of All mankind, and He wants them to come unto Him.
I love you
Elder Coles
Aug 6, 2012
Dear Family,
I am being transferred. I am really sad to leave this area, but I know that the Lord is in it. I am going to the Turlock Zone to serve in Ceres 1/2. It is in the same district that I was trained in, so that will be strange. It is right next to the Zone leader area, and I am praying that one of the Zone Leaders who was there when I was trained will still be there. He is an amazing missionary.
I have got to go. Sorry I could not respond more. I will next week.
I KNOW CHRIST LIVES! He loves you and me. He wants us to return to our Heavenly Father and be Exalted as He is. I know He restored the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints through the Prophet Joseph Smith.
I love you all!
Elder Coles
I am being transferred. I am really sad to leave this area, but I know that the Lord is in it. I am going to the Turlock Zone to serve in Ceres 1/2. It is in the same district that I was trained in, so that will be strange. It is right next to the Zone leader area, and I am praying that one of the Zone Leaders who was there when I was trained will still be there. He is an amazing missionary.
I have got to go. Sorry I could not respond more. I will next week.
I KNOW CHRIST LIVES! He loves you and me. He wants us to return to our Heavenly Father and be Exalted as He is. I know He restored the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints through the Prophet Joseph Smith.
I love you all!
Elder Coles
