Kicking my Butt!

Dear Family,

It has come to my knowledge that my English is very bad! I do apologize for that, I am trying to get this two language thing down but as you can see its kicking my butt! So if you don't understand something or I need to re-explain something please don't be afraid to ask. 

Well this week was an extremely rough one for me because I am at a loss for words with my companions and how I can help them.  Plus we had a lot of intercambios this week on top of that so that makes for a lot of confusion. So you could say I am glad to be starting a new week and starting completely fresh. 

My baptism this week was awesome though and one I will never forget because of this kid! He is an awesome kid! He is so humble and I am so happy and it brings me much joy to see the progress and his decision he has made to get baptized. I got a member to baptize him because that is one of my goals here to get the members to baptize the people unless the person really wants the missionary to do it, because that way there will always be a connection and someone that new convert can go to once we step out of the picture; having that connection is HUGE! 

Oh boy do I miss talking to ya too dad!! I am really sorry this past week you had to deal with the whole Amandi thing, I hope you got all figured out. Just know He will never give us more than we can handle! And honestly when it becomes too much just get down on your knees and beg for His mercy and help and I testify to you that He answers prayers, I don't know how I would of gotten through this mission so far if it wasn't for Him! As I studied this week I kept ya in mind dad, and I came across this verse in 2 Nephi 31 19-20, read it if you get the chance and maybe it will help, I hope it does.

Mom thanks so much always thinking of me and and do all those things for me like the notes, letters, food etc. I can't do this without you! I love you so much! I am so glad your girls shopping day went so good!! The Christmas photos sounds great! I can't wait to see them!

How are my bros doing? Still busy with work and all your activities and what not? I love you guys and hope you have a great week, I would love to hear from ya when you get the chance!

For all the guys in the family! How the heck is the hunting going?!?! Please tell me something is being killed even though I am  not there. I am dying to hear about the trips and what not and see photos. Because these past couple days I have had the sound of geese and us going crazy on the calls hoping to get a chance at them in my head like crazy!! So please fill me in and shoot something for me!!

This week is changes on Wednesday so next week expect a new companion photo and new area info as well. 

I love you guys so much especially you mom to the moon and back and then some!! 

Have a great week!! 

I love you guys!!!!!

Elder Leatherow 

In the photos are members and the baptism from Saturday.

Weston is looking Wonderful once again this week.  It makes a momm's heart happy to get photos two weeks in a row.  Please as you say your prayers this week I ask that you add Weston and pray for a smooth transfer and for two companions that fit a bit better with one another.  Thanks!

My Heart is So Full

Dear Family,

This week has been a week, that I loved and we as missionaries search for! The Lord has truly blessed me and my heart is so full. I thank you guys so much for your love and support that past week, as it was a rough week for sure, but thanks for all the words of encouragement. 

How is everyone doing? You guys ready for Thanksgiving? How is your guys reading the Book of Mormon coming? I know that if you do this sacrifice and take time to read it will bless your life so much and make your testimony grow so much! It has changed my life, and it is something I look forward to doing every day! Remember to pray always and these two things will change your life!

Well it finally happened, my first baptism! It was great! She was so excited and I was as well. It was also her birthday, she turned 12 and was baptized, talk about a big day for her!! We got to celebrate with her by buying a cake and some drinks for her after. It was a great success, and a day I will never forget!  It was a super stressful day though trying to get all that figured out as well as take care of our other investigators and appointments and what not so talk about an eventful day! 

We have another baptism this Saturday for a young boy who is 13. His mom was the investigator that passed away a couple weeks ago.  He is so awesome, he came to us and asked to take lessons 'cause he wants to see his mom again, he is so humble and so prepared for us!! I am so happy for him and his decision. 

To answer Dads question, I have not taught the guy form the U. S. in weeks! I did run into him on Saturday and set a for sure date that we can visit this week, so I am so ready for that and am looking forward to teaching in English again! 

Now Colt-girl, dude your girl sounds like a great girl and I am really happy you found someone you can talk and chill with! 

G-Ray how is the knee doing? I hear you showed dad up the other day out duck hunting! Way to go bro! keep up the great work! How is school going for you guys? How is all your extra activities going as well? I am so proud of you both and you make me so proud to call you guys my brothers! 

Dad sounds like you are staying busy with work, church and school, etc. How is the back feeling? I hope it is doing better, and I am sorry you have to deal with that! 

Mom how was the Heil shopping day?? The Duck Dynasty thing sounds Awesome!! You should send pics. You get some good deals out shopping? How are all the moms doing on the Heil side?? I love you so much mom, I love you to the moon and back and then some. Thanks for all you guys!! Have a great week!! I love you guys and that is all from your jungle missionary this week!!

Elder Leatherow

In the pictures are investigators or members who have really touched my life and made this experience all worth it! 

I am so blessed for these people and I am so happy with their choice in the church.

I just want to pinch those baby's cheeks.  she is adorable.

A few photos of a multi zone conference

Once again Wes has had an amazing week and looks happy, healthy and Handsome.  Thank you all for your love and support.  How are you coming with your Book of Morman challenge from Elder Leatherow?  

Moving Week

First things first, Thank you so much for the package I received it about a week ago or so. It contained exactly what I needed, literally exactly!!! So I thank you guys so much and thank you to all the little messages from everyone too! I am truly blessed to have you guys as my family and friends!! 

Second thing is this week nothing exciting happened really, except we moved houses. Because we needed more room, we just moved a couple streets down though so basically same area. This coming week I have my first baptism on Thursday!! So I am super excited about that. So stay tuned in to that next week for pictures and information on that matter.

Third thing is with the increase of missionaries and the lack of technology available here, they have cut our computer time. So I have decided I will send home one big email each week and then every one can view it from there. Also, when you have questions I will take note and then answer ya the following week. I take pictures of your guys emails and read them later, so I can truly read them.  I am sorry for the inconvience, believe me it is really rough on me as well. 

Fourth thing is I thought of what I need for items even though I hate asking for things so I am so sorry, but one is garmets, (50-50) bottoms and mesh tops please. Second is a ance wash and a cream cause I look like a pizza with all the sweating that I have been doing and what not. Third is a belt..because one broke and the other doesn´t go small enough to fit my waist; really.  I am about a 29 inch I am guessing again. Fourth is pictures or anything you would like to send really, pictures because I don´t get a lot of computer time so I look at pictures through email for only a brief moment, then I have to move on or else I don´t get to see all of them. That is all I really need I will need socks probably in 3 months or so. Thank you guys so much and I am so sorry to ask you for things since you have already done so much to get me here and support me.
I hope you all have a great week, and are enjoying the cold weather, cause here I am roasting alive I feel!!
Well that is all  I have to report from the jungle this week folks!! Tune in next week for my first baptism experience and for photos!!
I love you guys like crazy, mom especially you ~  I love you to the moon and back and then some!!!
Have a great week!! 

Love your son,

Elder Leatherow

Now that is the Wes  we all know and love!  

A bit rough

Hey Family,
That is so good to hear that your back is doing good dad!!! good luck with all the hunts!! Sounds like everyone is doing good though which I am glad to hear. Down here they don't celebrate anything like that (Halloween)  or anyhting its just another day, so that was weird. This week was really slow with lessons and what not, cause we had to move things to our other house and one of my companions was sick so we didn't get to do a whole lot. So that was a bit rough and makes me sick to my stomach just thinking about it. I am writing one giant letter again because I don't have a lot of time again. Sounds like the hunt for the deer was great and I am glad someone could shoot something.
Have a great week, dad!!
My companions and I are having a rough time and its taking me time to get use to it and them.
Have a great week dad!!!

I love you all!!!

Love, Elder Leatherow

This was the only letter home that we received and I literally have not been able to stop the tears.  I pray Wes received my letter.  I included a quote/thought to keep his chin up.  I feel so helpless.  I just want to reach out and hug my boy and tell him this too shall pass.  Good days, good weeks, and good months are on the horizon.  I have faith that our Father in Heaven will comfort him and let him know I love him.  I am asking anyone who reads my blog to keep Wes and his companions in your prayers that they will find a common ground and that the language will continue to become easier.  Until next Monday…...