Dear Family,

I can't believe how fast time has gone by. I left in the middle of winter, and it is already Summer Vacation. It is hard to believe. I am already creeping up on 5 months, and it just seems impossible that I have been out for that long. I try really hard not to think about it. It sounds like you guys are trying to adjust to your summer break. I remember what it is like to go from having school, to complete freedom. I didn't really realize that it was summer because things don't change for us out here. I am glad that I don't have to do things like yard work though. As to your question, the allergens aren't that bad out here. I have had a little problem with sneezing, but it goes away quickly.

The weather in Indiana is very strange. One moment it can be a bright, warm, and peaceful day. Within a half hour, it can change to gloomy, dark, and rainy. Then it will change back a half hour later. It is really hard to plan for the day when you have to deal with weather like that. We just try to make our best guess, and hope that it was the correct one. I have been rained on before. You get used to it though.

So, we had an experience with one of our investigators.  She was doing very well and we had a baptismal date for her and everything. We were so excited about it. Then we saw a parable of Christ take place right before our eyes. As he teaches in the Parable of the sowing of seeds, she had good, fertile ground to sow the seed of her testimony in. It was growing and doing well, but she didn't take care of it, and the thorns smothered it. She had too many bad influences pop up in her life, and she lost her desire. I don't think I like it when some of Christ’s parables come to pass.

I went on a great exchange yesterday in Dunkirk with Elder McKeen. It was a great day, and I was able to learn so much from him. We spent most of the day tracting, but because of that we were able to find them four new investigators that have really good potential.

Some of the discussions of doctrine that missionaries get into are very interesting. I have a copy of a talk given by Joseph Smith. It is called King Follett Sermon. It is very interesting because it goes into very deep doctrinal subjects. I have come to realize, through discussion with other missionaries, that many people are too focused on that type of doctrine, and don't focus enough on the more basic doctrine. For example, I don't think that in 50 years I would be able to fully understand what the meaning of faith is. If you think about it, we need to continue to grow our faith till we finally get to that moment when our faith turns to sure knowledge, then we can finally reach the point that The Brother of Jared did, and we will be able to see Christ because he can't hide himself from us anymore.

I haven't had much of a chance to talk with many Muslims, just that one guy on campus and one other, but there are many different religions out here. I have talked with quite a few Baptists, and even visited one of their churches. I have also talked to a girl who claimed to be a Buddhist. Actually, in the past couple of weeks, Elder Roberts and I have run into a strangely large amount of Pagans. Now, there is an interesting group to talk to. I am learning so much out here about other faiths, and I am enjoying it very much. The cool thing is that every time I talk to another about their beliefs, it just causes my belief in my faith to grow stronger.

Thank you for the package, the short-sleeved shirts will be very useful. I have also decided that I would like you to send out another journal if you are able to. I really want to start writing in one, but I need one to write in. That would be very kind. But remember that next week is transfers week, so if you send a letter or a package, send it to the mission office address. I don't know if I will be in Muncie next week.

Thank you all for everything you do. I hope that you will all enjoy the first week of summer vacation, and that you won't get too bored.

Love,

Elder Savage

    Elder Colton Savage

    2301 S. Pierce St.

    Muncie, IN 47302