Dear Family,

Dad, it sounds as if you had an interesting Spring Break. I never did like shoveling snow. I am very glad that it looks as if we are done with the snow for good here in Connersville. We haven't had too many cold days either. I think that things are finally settling down. I will be happy for spring to fully come here again.

It is good to hear that Brandi and the baby are doing OK, as well as Misti and her baby. I have noticed with all the things I have seen out here, it is so time consuming to have a child. There is so much preparation that goes into it. You have to have all the necessary clothes, furniture, food, diapers, and anything else needed for that baby. We were talking to a pregnant woman yesterday, and I was astounded to find out how much baby formula costs. It is outrageous! I was also astounded to find out that she was 20 yrs old as well, but that is just a side note.  I just can't believe that I am technically old enough to have a kid. That is insane!

The missionary work here has been great. One of our investigators, Tonya Bowling, is getting baptized a week from this coming Saturday, the 27th of March. We are really excited for her, and her choices. I may get transferred before then, but if I do, I hope that President Corey will let me come back for the baptism. If not though, it will be fine. The most important thing is that she is getting baptized. We are also still teaching Vicky and Greg. They are doing great. They have been coming to church, and loving it. It is great to see how they are growing and learning every day. I still don't think I can truly understand what people have to go through to be able to join this church. Sometimes, they have to turn their whole life around. For example Vicky and Greg have to get married, quit smoking, and quit drinking before they can be baptized. The great thing is that they are willing to do it. It truly shows the strength of a person’s testimony in the gospel.

Elder Gasser and I went up to Richmond yesterday for a dentist visit. I ended up getting my permanent crown put in, and had another cavity filled. I think that things are going to be OK now. I just don't think I can go for a full year without needing some type of work done. It gets frustrating at times, but it is just something that I am going to have to live with. One thing that Dr. Ingram said does make me think though. He said that there are three things that effect the health of our teeth…genetics, dental hygiene, and diet. We can't control Genetics, so why stress about it, but he also went on to talk about what we can control. He told me that if we have a proper diet, no soda, only eating candy on rare occasions, and stuff like that, and that if we also had proper dental hygiene, that would make up for genetics. He said that we should never have cavities if we did what we were supposed to. That includes brushing, flossing, and using fluoride. I just think that I need to quit drinking pop all together. That would help me a lot.

As I made mention before, transfers are coming up soon. They are on the 24th of March. I am not exactly sure if I will be transferred. I have been here for 4 transfers now, and that is generally about the longest length of time someone is in a single area, but there is a chance I could stay longer. Actually, Elder Lewis was here in Connersville for 5 transfers. So, I can never be guaranteed what will happen. I just know that the Lord will put me where he needs me. Just remember that I could be transferred, so send all letters and stuff to the Mission Office this next week, just in case. I will let you know what is happening next week.

Everything is going well here, and I am trying to keep myself busy. What better way than to do missionary work. We are having some fun today up here in Richmond with the Richmond Elders. It is actually Elder Payne's (our district leader) 21st birthday today. We are going to go bowling, and eat out today. Just have some fun and relax. Especially, since we are going to have to spend the next week making sure Tonya is prepared for baptism. I never realized that it takes such effort to prepare someone for a baptism. To make sure they are ready. I just hope and pray that it goes well.

As always, thanks for what you guys do. It means a lot to me, and helps me in the difficult times. I love you all, and take care of yourselves.

Love,

Elder Savage

      Waiting on a Possible Transfer...So, Use Mission Home Address:

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Mission Home

    Indiana Indianapolis Mission

    1980 E 116th St STE 200

    Carmel, IN 46032