Dear Family,
 
Things are going well for us here in Van Buren! After MUCH tribulation we had a Baptism Saturday and Confirmation Sunday. I can't tell you how hard it was to make it happen. Words cannot describe. The adversary did not want this to happen. Not one tiny bit. But, after a little prayer, a little faith, and a whole lot of phone calls(and I mean a LOT), it happened. Hallelujah! I can breathe now!
 
That's the big news. The work here is slow now. We only have a couple of investigators, and neither of them are progressing at "ludicrous speed." But, that happens. It's not the first time I've been in a situation like this, and I highly doubt it will be the last. I know how to fix the problem. It will take some doing, but it will happen. Obedience, faith, prayers, and lots and lots of tracting. :)
 
So, on Saturday morning we went to Staples to get the Baptismal Program printed(it looked very nice). It was interesting going there. The employees there were in T-Shirts and Jeans! It was weird! But, the store was very nice. It's arranged in a nice way and everything was neat and tidy. It's just weird going back to places you used to work.
 
I'm unexcited for Halloween, as you probably know. But Thanksgiving should be fantastic. I'm working on going to my favorite member's home for dinner that day. We'll see how that goes. I need to start plotting now, you know. ;)
 
I love to see the temple. I'm going there someday. I hope you are too. We sang that beloved song at the end of the Baptism on Saturday. It made me very Temple-trunky. It is such a wonderfully important place. I hope you are taking advantage of the multitude of blessings that await us there.
 
Well, have a good week!
 
Love,
Elder Bracken