January 20, 2010

Hi Family,
Well I sent you that e-mail today, I was writing it and it had a whole bunch of stuff in it, then when the timer ran down all the way to 5 minutes left, the computer shut down. I was so mad, so I restarted it and only had a few minutes left so I sent a little message, but that's why I'm writing. I love how I get messages from everyone individually. It's so nice to go to the mail box every day. Mother, my new address will be
Elder Brady Hale
Illinois Peoria Mission
2610 W. Richwood Blvd Suite G
Peoria, IL 61604-1158
I hope that's where you sent the package. This week for me has been great. Last night was the first night I actually got some deep sleep. It was so nice. Yesterday a district in our zone left for Montana. I was super bummed. Elder Seymore is so cool and funny. It's so quiet here without him and all my other buddies. Elder Taylor and I both woke up at 6:00 am yesterday morning to give them all hugs and high fives before they went to the travel office. We also took a ton of pictures Monday night before bed and exchanged info so I can go see them in Queen Creek after the mission. I know Aunt Lauri was wondering if she had taught them in seminary or something but I did not have a chance to ask them. They left before I got her letter. I'm actually about to go see if I can get some photos printed so if I can, I'll send them home.
On Sunday, all the missionaries can go and do a temple walk. I kept my eye out for Kelsie and lo and behold, she was wearing a bright red blouse along with four other sisters in her district, it it wasn't hard to find her. I got some sweet pictures. I'll send them.
Dad, I'm so glad to hear you are staying so busy. Even if you are unknowingly training your replacement. I know Heavenly Father is watching out for you, he always has. Just have faith and God will bless you in some manner. Remember faith=action.
Mother, I'm happy to hear the Central walk went great. I still can't believe how far you walked.
So far, I've only received an e-mail from Aunt Lauri besides family. I have to write her though. I'm writing to a few other people tonight so hopefully I'll get some response. I heard about Grandpa, it was hard for me to hear that. It was right after dinner and I got the mail and headed to my room real quick to read it. I started to tear up a little bit, it really came as a shock to me. So I had to pull it together because I had to usher at the devotional. Elder Evans of the Quorum of the Seventies spoke. It was very inspirational for me to listen to him. He talked about the Book of Mormon and how we need to read it for ourselves because the power of the book will flow into our life and get into our heart then we'll never know it's not true. I have actually been reading the Book of Mormon with serious study to know it. This came as an answer to one of my prayers. While I have been here I have already had many prayers answered. It is indescribable how simple the Lord works. It do know that I am supposed to be here. Before I came to the MTC, I just had a feeling that every time I thought about my mission, I knew I needed to be there. It was not a voice telling me but something in my heart that just pushed me to it. When I thought about it, I felt good, a comfort. That's why I haven't been scared or nervous about this whole thing. I knew I just needed to go and I did not need a reason. Last night I pulled out my patriarchal blessing, there were words and phrases I had never seen before. One of these was "You shall be blessed that when you served the Lord honorably and wholeheartedly as a full-time missionary . . . " It was when I go, not you will be blessed if, or if you are spiritual you will be blessed, but when. The Lord has prepared me for this mission, and the second I left the car when you dropped me off I have never had more desire to do something with more honor, and do it 100% wholeheartedly. To follow with exact obedience. That's why I say my whole mentality has changed. This is not a change for the next 2 years but the beginning of growth for the rest of my life. I have read scripture and understood it to the T. I have never had this happen or understood something with such clarity before, and I love it. I feel the spirit every day as I read, study, listen in class to a teacher and even writing this letter. The Lord has a duty for me and I know it.
Thank you for the mints Melanie, and the tie. Also I got a package of cookies and a card with candy.
Thank you so much. I love you all,
Elder Hale