Transferring out of West Columbia (Daniel, April 11)

We just got transfer calls. I am leaving West Columbia. I am going to miss this ward. I honestly know this ward better than any ward I’ve been in my whole life. I am especially going to miss the Caretos. I might be going to my last area of my mission. Mother’s day is in less than one month. I am way excited to talk to you guys.


We are still teaching Luis. But he is about to move to another city. It has been cool to watch his life change. Teaching him has reminded me of the story in Alma 32 where there is a group of people that due to the wicked choices of others, have been made humble, and came to Alma to receive relief from their burden, and because of their humble hearts, accepted the gospel, and turned their lives around, and were made happy. We found Luis on probably the saddest day of his life. His wife, who is an American, decided she didn't want to be with him anymore, so she accused him of beating her, and left with their children, and now, he has been going through several court cases, his last trial is on the 30th of this month. When we first started teaching him, he was very sad, and always talking about his poor circumstance, but he was made humble. Now he is happy all the time, and can look past the pains of life. He is still learning, and has been to church a couple times. He is moving because he lives close were his wife works, and she has a restraining order on him, and he doesn’t want to make it look like he is being rebellious to the restraining order. He is moving, and doing it happily pointing out every blessing that is coming from this, like now he will live in a nicer place, and he'll be closer to work. He is moving out of our area, so I hope he doesn’t fall away in the moving process, and that the new missionaries can find him.

Today we are thinking of doing something fun, like bowling since both Elder Benson and I are leaving the area. I don't really care too much what we do as long as we get out of the apartment. Also this transfer my second Companion in the mission, Elder Macbeth is going home. It's weird to think that, because last time I was around him he had only been out a year. Time as a missionary flies by fast. I can't believe I have been away for almost two school years now.

I love you all a lot, I would like it if someone would give me Jonathans address so I can write him. Thanks

Elder Finch