Feb 20th 2011

Chère Famille,

It is weird that it is still snowing there. I haven't seen nothing but sunny days here in Carcassonne, with an exception to a few days of rain. This week we had Interviews with President Carter in Montpellier, and it was really good to see him again! We only have interviews every 1.5 transfers (that is 9 weeks) so it is good to see him again! We receive a weekly newsletter with words of instruction from him and Sr Carter but it isn't the same as the real thing!

I was on an exchange with one of our Zone Leaders Wednesday too. I was on an exchange with him because Elder Sautron is District Leader.

I had a really rough week, I'm happy, but it was rough! Our nightly planning session this last week weren't very efficient, and went a lot longer than they should have. And on top of that Elder Sautron is District Leader so he has his responsibilities to take care of. Sometimes it was just frustrating, but it is gettting better now. Elder Sautron is giving me more and more responsibility each day, and I'm learning a lot! He lets me do a lot of things and helps me understand how I can improve afterwards. Trial and error kind of deal. Frankly It is frustrating, but I know it's a good thing because in three weeks he could be transferred and I could be the head honcho of Carcassonne! If I don't know everything about my area before he leaves, it could be a mess.

Lately he has been calling me senior companion and looking to me for what to do because he wants me to be able to handle things. needless to say, I was served several slices of humble pie. It is hard for me to see that I'm growing when I'm making so many mistakes. After I make a mistake, sometimes I realize that I knew how to the task correctly but just forgot... Am I growing? I have been asking myself that question a lot.

Prayer has meant more for me in my life now, than ever, and it is by that sacred communication with my Heavenly Father that I have been able to persevere through the mist of doubt and fear. It is in when I am on my knees I feel at peace, and I feel that I am no longer bound to the demands of the world... peace floods my heart and I feel nothing but humility, joy, and love. As I have reflected on the the principle of prayer, I have realized how my relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ has grown. I may not be growing in ways I can see... but my heart is growing.

I am happy as ever! I felt so happy to talk with President Carter and look him in the eyes and feel nothing but joy for this work! Sure it has been rough, but I know that the Lord is molding me into the missionary I can be and one day I will not recognize myself because of how much I have grown! I especially like the parable that Rebecca sent me a while back, you should ask her to share it with you. It reminds me of what I can become!

I'm so happy all is going well for you all!! I'm so happy you received the package and you are reaping the benefits ha ha! It is good to hear that Ryan is home safe and sound. I sent him an email last monday that simply said Finish Strong! I didn't know his email, but I just guessed. I was very happy so see a reply in my inbox this morning!

I get my hair cut by a professional :) And Dad I would like to tell you that you look really good. You look thinner! Keep up the good work! When I get home I expect to see my twin ;) ha ha

I love you all, can't wait till next week!

Elder Petersen