August 7-8, 2011

Ants!

Elder Rowe and his very new companion, Elder Christensen of California

District photo before transfers

Elder Rowe studying diligently atop "Trig," the "mountain" outside Levin.

Another Trig photo, this time he's just being cool.



Dear Whamily,

It's been one of those weeks! Crazy! But crazy good!

So first thing, because I'm sure you're dying to know, my companion's name is Elder Christensen. He's from Yucaipa, California and he's 6'3. I've never felt short as a missionary before. Now I suffer from the low self-esteem that many short people have. Just kidding, but it is weird for me to feel short, especially after being with Elder Cerros. Elder Nacho Libre, by the way, has moved up to New Plymouth. So he's still in the same zone, so I'll be seeing him on Thursday for Zone Conference and I'll be able to give him all of the things he left behind in the flat.

I still find it hard to believe that I'm training a brand new missionary. I often still feel that I need more training for myself. But perhaps that's exactly why I have been assigned to train. As I teach him, he always teaches me. So I'm grateful for all that I have been able to learn in just these past few days as I've been trying to teach this "baby how to walk." That's a big exaggeration. Elder Christensen knows his stuff and I can see what a powerful missionary he will be already. It makes me think back to when I first started (which was almost a year ago, can you believe it?) and how "green" I must have been. In fact I was thinking the other day how much I want to see Elder MacTavish again, so he can see how much less of a dweeb I've become. If that makes any sense.

Anyway, it's been a good week. Some of our investigators have been pretty busy lately, so we haven't been able to teach them much. Anna is doing good though and is still excited for her baptism. We'll probably have to move her baptism to the following Sunday though because of things. But it happens.

Thanks for all you do and all of your prayers!

I love you very much!

Gotta go bye!

Love,

Elder David John Rowe