Dear Family,

It sounds like you guys had some fun on Halloween. It was interesting for us as well. On a normal day we go in at 9:00 p.m., but on Halloween, because of all the little kids, we went in at 6:00 p.m. We took a break for an hour, and then we did our weekly planning. It was a little weird to be in so early. It is really weird to go in at 6:00, and it almost felt like we were being disobedient. It was OK though. Then, we got up the next day at 6:30 a.m., and it was actually light outside. I just don't think I am going to like the time change. People don't want to talk to us as often when it is dark, and now it starts to get dark at 6:00. Before I know it, it will be dark at 6:00. We are getting back to the time that I came out on my mission.

I can't believe that Levi is going to turn 17 in a couple of days. It will also be my year mark since I got my mission call. How does time fly by so fast? I have been realizing that even more every day. For example, my trainer, Elder Bryner, hit his 1-year mark on his mission around the time that I showed up out here. That means that when he goes home in a couple of months, WOW, I will hit my 1-year mark. I am starting to realize why missionaries don't want to come home when their time is up. Out here, we are in our little missionary bubble. We don't have to worry about politics. We don't have to worry about school. We don't even have to worry about finances. But when we get home, all of a sudden our responsibilities come rushing back and life is back to normal. I think that when the Lord sees we are finally happy where we are and we have relaxed because things are finally manageable, then He gives more responsibility so that we have to grow. I think that two years is just enough time to become a close to perfect missionary, and then they send you home to grow. I guess that is what life is about though.

I knew that the change at Albertsons was coming, I just didn't know exactly when it would happen. I guess things will be a little different when I get home. I hope that they will keep the same employees for good. There are some good people working at Albertsons, and I wouldn't want to see them lose their jobs.

It is good to hear that Grandma is doing well. I hope that she has been healing quickly, and that she will be able to get the pins removed soon.

We haven't gotten a big snowstorm yet, but from what I hear, it is the ice storms that are big in Indiana, and I am not looking forward to that. I am also a little confused at the weather that we have been getting here lately. Last night, as we came home, it was very cold. Then we wake up this morning, and it is pleasantly warm. I just don't know what to make of it. I haven't had to wear my trench coat again yet, but it is only a matter of time. I think what I am dreading is January and February, with the below-zero degree weather. That is the painful weather, when you start to build frost on your eyelashes. It is just another part of missionary work though, and I have learned how to dress warm.

There are some funny misconceptions out here about Mormons. First off, we still get comments about us having more than one wife. Another one that is very strange to me is that there are quite a few people out here who believe that we don't believe in Jesus Christ. Even though His name is in the name of the church. Another is that many people believe that we worship Joseph Smith. That last one though is a little understandable. We talk about him so much that it could almost seem like it was true. I guess we as a church just need to do better at letting people know that we believe that Joseph Smith was an amazing man, but Jesus is still the Christ. I don't think I would ever appreciate what we have in Cedar City, if I hadn't come to Indiana. There is just so much junk going on out here. You can find at least two different churches for every 5-block radius. It is so strange, and some of the beliefs are different as well. It's really interesting to attend other churches as well. I just don't know what to think about all of it. I am glad that I at least have the background that I do, without that, I think I would be lost.

I don't have much to look forward to in the Holidays. Just Thanksgiving and Christmas themselves. I have been told that missionaries get fed very well on holidays. I am looking forward to that. I also am looking forward to talking to you all on the phone. I can't believe that only a few days after Christmas, will be a year since I entered the MTC. I still remember you driving me up there. I am just glad that I will never have to experience that part again. Even if I go on a senior mission someday, it will be different. But, the experience is a great one for someone my age. I have had to learn to grow up quickly, and I am having to learn to get along with others better.

Tell Levi that I am proud of him for working so hard in school, and to keep up the good work.

Things are still going well with the work here. Pretty soon, I am going to have to start thinking about transfers. I don't think I am leaving, but there is a good possibility that Elder Lewis will be. I am also far enough into my mission that anything is now possible. I could become a District Leader over a group of missionaries, I could even become a trainer. I just don't know exactly what to expect. I guess I just need to remember that whomever the Lord calls, He qualifies. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you way out here in Hoosierville.

Love,

Elder Savage

      Elder Colton Savage

     1216 N. Central Ave. #7

     Connersville, IN  47331