Hello Everyone! It's been a frosty week over here in Maryland, but it's also been a huge spiritual week! One of the crazier things that has happened this week was that we got a new companion for the next week or so. Elder Bakker! He is awesome and has only been out for 5 weeks, but he is loving the work and it's been a blast so far! 

We also had a Missionary Leadership Council once again and we talked about the smartphones that our mission will be receiving in the next few months. It's truly been a testimony to me that the Lord is hastening His work! We also had the privilege of meeting with Elder S. Gifford Nielsen of the Seventy over the weekend.  He talked about the Book of the Mormon and how important it is for us to heed the counsel that Thomas S. Monson gave us. It's been such a neat opportunity to hear the inspired counsel of the servants of the Lord.

Our investigators are doing well this week. We had our Stake Conference over the weekend and we were able to have Dolphin and Luwana, our investigators, attend. Dolphin went to the adult session and loved it! Luwana made it to the general session and she also enjoyed it.  It's been amazing to work with Dolphin, because we have truly seen a desire to repent and change with him. We even committed him to baptism on the 27th and he agreed! The 14-year-old girl that we have been working with, Jadan, also agreed for baptism on the 27^th, as well! It's been remarkable to see the change that has come into their lives, as they have lived the Gospel. Karren is still out of town, so we're just waiting to hear back from her.

I hope that we can remember the life and ministry of our Prophet Thomas S. Monson, as we move to sustain and support, Russell M. Nelson, as the Lord places the mantle of a Prophet on him. I know the Church is true and that the Lord is at helm, guiding and directing His servants, in all ways for the salvation of His children. I know that Russell M. Nelson has been prepared by the Lord and will be a great strength to us all, as we move forward. Thank you all for your love and support and try to stay warm out there!

Trying to clean all the salt off our car!

Missionary Leadership Counsel

Elder Bakker with Elder Haynie and me!