September 11

Yesterday there was a member that rented a 15 passenger van and took our district, the ZL's and the AP's on a big tour of the mission. We went up to Mt. Hood first. That was cool. It is the tallest mountain in Oregon (I think). There is an old ski lodge up there. Tell you what though I was struggling to breathe. From 200ft up past the tree line is a huge change in oxygen content. That was really fun to see though. After that we went to the Columbia River Gorge. That was really pretty. It reminded me of Alaska. Lots of water and green trees. We then went to a fish hatchery. They have a pond that has white sturgeon in it. The biggest is Herman and he is over 10 ft and 450 lbs. Crazy big fish!! We also got to see Multnomah falls. Super pretty!! It was a really fun trip but a lot of time in a van.

 

I am starting to get to know some of the members as well. People in Tualitan are super nice. Missionaries refer to this area as the Idaho/Utah of Oregon. Elder Grimes has only been yelled at once in this area which is crazy. In Portland it is a several times a day occurrence. I really do think that I am going to like it here though. It reminds me a lot of home. People that are more well off but that are super loving and giving and would do anything for others. It will be interesting seeing how different the work here is. I feel like I finally figure out how to become successful as a missionary and then I get moved to an area with complete different challenges. I feel like part of that is so that I don't become dependant on my own knowledge but that I really have to rely on the spirit.

 

Thanks for all that you do for me. I really love all of you very much and am grateful for the chance that I have to serve the Lord and to help others come unto Christ. The Gospel is true and I know that there is nothing that can bring us more joy than living by Gospel Principles.

 

I love you all very much!!