Greetings (for maybe the last time!) from Revere, MA...

Mission life is insane. Can I just say that? End of email. Goodbye.

Just kidding! But seriously, I can't even believe the things that happen - from really strange people with psycho self-made religions to solid investigators who are well on their way towards baptism, to people who outright HATE us to funny, kind, and caring members of our ward. My goodness. It's hard to believe the amount of things, and the variety of things, that we come across on a regular basis. What's even crazier is that I'm almost 1/4 of the way through my mission...whoa. THAT scares me. I can't believe it...well, at least it's a good kick in the rear to make sure I'm giving the Lord my all each and every day! The time I have to serve Him is so limited. I wouldn't trade this for anything.

Darline and Hans are set for baptism THIS SUNDAY! We are so happy and excited for them. Frank needs a little more time to get over coffee, and then he'll be good. Ed is going to quit smoking this time around, I just know it! We had a group fast this last Sunday and we gave him a priesthood blessing as well. I have faith that the Lord will give him the strength he needs to overcome this addiction. THIS is it. =] 

Well, I'm in a trio again. Not sure how long this will last, since transfers are next week, but for now, Elder Aaron Langford is with us! He's from Aurora, Colorado, and was reassigned from Cambodia to here for medical reasons. He's a stellar missionary and is already "gung-ho" about the work. I'm excited to see what his mission will hold for him - he's dedicated, fearless, optimistic, and faithful. He's basically a better missionary than I am. I have a lot that I can learn from him. We'll find out on Saturday who's training him, and who's going to a new area...or if we'll be in a trio. At any rate, there's many possibilities, and I'm really nervous to see what's going to happen. This is the first transfer where I actually might have something changed!

Something cool from this week - we were over at the Sen's home for dinner on Friday (our ONE active Cambodian family in the ward), and while we were teaching them I had this wonderful realization...I UNDERSTOOD EVERYTHING THAT SISTER SEN WAS SAYING. =D It is truly remarkable how much I've learned and grown in the language since I'm been out here. It's been rough, since we hardly ever use the language, but up until now, I had to give my full concentration and effort to focusing on what they said. On Friday, I was listening and speaking with them as easily as if it was English. It was a beautiful realization and to be honest, a bit emotional for me. The Lord truly helps His missionaries.

Our new ward mission leader, Bro. Bateman, is pretty much the bomb. He's already such a great help to us, I'm so glad to have him working with us. Cotter passed the sacrament for the first time yesterday - it was so cool to see! When I took a cup of water from his tray, I was just BEAMING. I'm so happy for him. He's on his way to preparing for the temple and probably a mission in a year. =]

Much love and excitement!
Elder DeLong