From Jon 5/3/2008

Date: Sat, 3 May 2008 16:09:36 +0000
Subject: FW: It's bloomin' pretty!

We're back to ordinary showers (rain showers) now---no more flurries. I haven't seen any jackalopes, but I have seen several rabbits, innumerable squirrels, and one unlucky turtle who didn't quite make it across the street fast enough. :(

Everything is starting to bloom here, and it's getting quite lovely. We are enjoying the cooler temperatures before it gets hot and muggy.

We've been experiencing a lot of miracles around here of late. Too many to write about, but I'll put them in my journal, and I'll share them some other time.

We had a great lesson with John Thao about scriptures, prayer, and baptism. He is a deeper thinker than his brothers and really gets this stuff. He's coming to church tomorrow, and we are going to set a baptismal date with him. Mai Vang is also coming to church, and we will set a date with her too.

We got a referral from some Mika Elders who have been helping home teach and old Hmong man (English speaker) who is the only member in his family. The old man moved, but his son and the rest of the family are still there. They love having the missionaries over, but don't speak English. We are eager to meet them.

Chue is getting pretty stoked for his mission. He is pretty close to receiving the Melchizedek priesthood, and is working hard. He hasn't had a drink since October, despite intense pressure from his best friend in the world, Vader (yes, that's his real name). Vader offered him a drink at a party and insisted he drink it. Vader told him that if he did not, he would end their friendship then and there. Chue was in a tight spot. He considered carefully, shook his head and said that his commitment to God was more important. Vader clapped him on the back and told him he had passed the test. Vader just wanted to see if Chue was serious about his religion or if he was just going through a phase, or perhaps acting pious just to look good. Chue has come a very long way.

Congratumalations on all gradumatations and eaglery, and things of the like! Keep it up!

The Twins game was a bundle of fun, I have some pictures. We won 4 to 3, and it was pretty exciting. We got a free hot dog and drink with our ticket, and it was "dollar dog Wednesday" so I got 2 more dogs for a buck a piece (limit 2 per person). Good deal---2 bucks for 3 dogs and a drink. :)

May your rice bowl be full, and your pigs be fat.

-Elder Moua Ying