Well, another transfer is over with. My companion is leaving me! What a surprise! haha. I am staying here in Webb City. I am going to be Senior Companion. My new partner, who will get here on Friday, is named Elder Sherrick. He has been out like 3 months or so. From what I hear at least.

The big news: Our investigator, Andrew Wyrick, whom we love dearly and would do anything for, has left. He was probably going to go to jail for a year. So he skipped town. He's probably in Kansas right now, probably on the run from the law. He didn't even tell us that he was leaving. So, I hope and pray that he will get his life sorted out and will one day accept the Gospel. He's had many spiritual witnesses that this is the true Church.

Bigger news: Russell O'Neill. His wife Jessica and his son Shane joined the church like a year ago. He was not baptized then because he was on probation. And an alcoholic. Jessica and Shane are currently less-active for various reasons. Hopefully that will change soon. So anyways, Russell quit the sauce about a month and a half ago. He messed up only once and that was pretty early on. This man has had soooo many missionaries teach him. And guess what? He set a Baptismal Date on Saturday for January 23rd! Crazy, no? It was such a miracle. The Lord has been working on him for so long. It's a good thing that God is infinitely patient. I am so excited! Also, he(and Shane!) came to Church yesterday even though Jessica couldn't come. So that was amazing.

As for calling home, I don't know any specific time yet. Hopefully I will next week. We are going over to the Miner's house again. We will call home from there. No phone card necessary. The only snag in the plans is that the Miner's have a son on a mission that they need to talk to. So they need to set up a time to talk to him. So, hopefully I will have a specific time for you on Monday. I will do my best. :)

Well, if you can't send me any Hershey's Chocolate Milk Mix, can you send me some Carnation Brand Tuna? They don't sell that here either! Normal mail will be fine, by the way. I don't plan on opening the package until Christmas Day, I hope that will be fine.

Also, thank you for the package you sent me. I love the little tree and the stocking. :) It's so fun. :)

So we had interviews with President Merkley on Thursday. My interview was very interesting. He said, essentially, that he plans on keeping me here for 6-8 months. He feels that I will see good success and growth in the work here. I am excited. I need to grow and learn a lot though, if I'm gonna be ready to be Senior Companion. Yikes!

Are you going to have a White Christmas? Is there much snow there now? It doesn't really snow here, which is pretty lame. I am excited to see my first ice storm. Hopefully we'll get one while I'm here. :)

Have I told you that I have become addicted to Frozen Custard? It is so good! It's not really a big thing in the west, but it's pretty big out here. I love the stuff.

Well anyways. Thank you all for your kind thoughts, prayers, and letters! It means so much to me!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Love,
Elder Bracken