November 14, 2016

My e-mail was to catch Cameron up on what is happening with everyone. I try to take a lot of pictures through the week because that's what he always asks for... It was Alan Bown's farewell yesterday, Bryant Tingey got lost in Italy, filled him in on missionary friends, and the other friends I've talked to or seen. It is Val's 50th on the 21st and we went to Maddox to celebrate. Hadlee had drawn him some pictures that he will get in the mail and his dad is loving teaching primary (I think 😂!)

I also count by weeks to mark off months of his mission and the 15th of November is twelve weeks. That's 3 months to me. He said it isn't until the 22nd but I like my system better 😜!

E-mailing between us:

Cameron: (he wrote this to everyone) This week was a tough week but things will get better. Brazil is good and just hot as can be. We don't have any investigators that are progressing. Hopefully this week we can find some new ones and have some progress. Tomorrow is a holiday like the 4th of July. The church is having a bar-b-que and stuff to celebrate. It should be pretty fun!

*Most of today's conversation was trying to help Cameron  uncover his strength, courage, and faith that the adversary is working on. He has been homesick all a long but it was different today. I had known all week that something was off. I couldn't put my finger on it but my mother's instinct and the Holy Ghost had me praying more than usual (I didn't think that was possible). I'm thankful  Heavenly Father doesn't have overage charges...

Mom: I told Elder Heaton's dad on Facebook that his son had made you brownies for your birthday. He said they had sent the mix to him a few months prior and they were happy to hear that he had gifted them to you. I am so excited for you to get your Christmas package. It is full of LOVE from a lot of people! There are enough things for you to gift or share. I sent Elder Neves his own. Don't let any of the a Elders go without. We love them all for loving and serving The Lord with you!

Cameron, remember obedience brings safety. I need you safe! Heavenly Father will be with you if you do what you're supposed to do. I can't imagine how hard it is to be a missionary and I know you have a good head on your shoulders and know the right things. Pray, read your scriptures, write in your journal and stay close to those things that bring you peace. I will wake up at 4:00am worrying about you and everything is intensified during my sleeping hours. I go in your room so I don't wake dad and read the scriptures. It calms me, diverts my mind, and makes me feel close to you. The point is when one is struggling it is the most important time to stay on the right path and do those things that keep you close to Heavenly Father. We are so blessed to have these things. Another reason for you to be sharing the gospel. There are people who are living life without these promises and blessings. How great is it that you can give them this love and hope!?

I want you to write 5 positive things in your journal and read them once a day, if not more. Focus on these. I have such a strong testimony Cameron and I am telling you that you need to be there. Those Brazilians need you! It may get harder before it's easier. 6 months! Remember what Shad and Tyson said . We are halfway there. Two years will pass regardless but these two years will be some of the most significant in your life. You future wife and kids are going to gain from this sacrifice as well as yourself, our family (major changes already), and the people that are waiting for your message. It's hard! But worth it! I LOVE you and you can do hard things!

Cameron: I Love you so much mom. I know I can do hard things. Thanks for finding a way to e-mail me at school. I know it's hard. Thank you for all you do for me and our family. I've got to go, love you and have a good week. Love you mom!

Mom:I love you most!!!