Dear Family,

My new companion is Elder Penrod. He is on his last transfer of his mission. It is kind of strange to be with someone who is winding down. I can tell that he is getting very trunky. He doesn’t seem to have as much of a desire anymore so my hope is that I can help him stay strong until the end. I don’t want him to regret anything. He is a really good guy though, and I am learning a lot from him.

Things have started to settle down. It is getting easier to get used to a new area. I will miss the people in Muncie for a while, but I know that I can meet great people anywhere. Bedford is a great area. The people here are very nice, and the members are willing to help us out at any time. Actually, Bro. Snow, one of the counselors in the ward is going to drive us up to Bloomington today. Elder Penrod's back tire broke this past week, and there aren't any bike shops in Bedford. We have to drive 45 minutes away just to get to one. He is also taking us shopping today since we don't have the car this week.

It is really cool to hear about all of the areas that I have been to. I found out about the astronauts from this county. I even went to Mitchell this past week. One of the astronauts was from there, and they even have a big rocket statue by their fire department.

I would have to say that my favorite part of this area has to be the countryside. It is so beautiful. There are so many hills here, and everything is so green. I tried to take a few pictures while we are traveling, and I was hoping to be able to send a camera card to you this week some time. I am going to try at least. What I hate is how humid it is, but that is why it is so green. I don't think that I will ever complain about dry heat again.

As for the package, I still haven't been able to get it. For one reason or another they are requiring a signature for this package. They have already tried to drop it off twice this past week. I am just going to pick it up from the UPS in Bloomington when we go up today. I just hope that the cookies haven't gone bad yet. If they did, I will just blame the shipping company.

It is funny that mom is still taking classes. I thought that they were finally over, but I guess I was mistaken. The camping sounds fun though. I wish that I could go. That is one of the hard things about being on a mission, all of the stuff that I can't do, but I guess that it is for our health and safety. I think that the one thing that disappoints me is that I am in the only state in the United States that allows all types of fireworks for the public, and I can't even set any off. That is a little depressing.

It is good to hear that Jeff’s family is doing well. How are Spencer and Chase doing? Is Chase planning on serving a mission? I can now say that it will be one of the best experiences he could ever have. I know that I have learned so much out here, and I could never have gained this type of testimony if I had decided to not come on a mission.

All in all, everything is also going well here. I was able to teach our investigator, Thor, on Sunday. That went well, and he has a baptismal date on the 11th of July. That is just a hopeful date because he has some things he needs to work on, but he does have a strong desire to be baptized and right now, that is the most important thing.

I hope that everyone stays healthy and continues to enjoy their summer vacation. Keep yourselves safe!

Love,

Elder Savage

    Elder Colton Savage

    1805 ‘O’ St. #2

    Bedford, IN  47421