Plan of Happiness- June 29, 2015

To my most amazing Family and Friends,

This week has been such a great week, but I feel like I don't remember much of what happened. The first half of the week went really well, and we were on track to hit our goal of gettign 30+ lessons for the week, but the last three days everyone canceled on us and things fell through. We almost made it though. Just got to keep on pushing and stretching ourselves more and more each week.

On Tuesday, we had a member that is preparing to go out on his mission come and spend the entire day with us. He leaves in three weeks for Phoenix Arizona. We had such a great and successful day with him as we contacted many people. We weren't used to having a car to get to places quickly, so our planning wasn't quite the best. You can get so much more done when you can travel from place to place so much quicker than busing, biking, or walking. We did do a lot of walking this week because of bike problems and having flat tires. We have received some really solid church headquarters this week. Most of them wanting a Bible, but then we were able to introduce the Book of Mormon to them and set up a return appointment with all four referrals. I just loving doing the Lord's work each day and finding those who are truly prepared to receive the Gospel.

Really not too much to talk about this week. Other then how much that I love the Plan of Salvation. On Saturday night, we saw a motorcycle accident that happened where someone had died. The body was still in the road at the time. It just goes to show how fragile that life really is. I had just listened to the talk the Plan of Happiness by Elder Packer, and then we talked about it again in Priesthood class yesterday. I am so grateful for this wonderful knowledge that brings so much peace and comfort. I love it so much!

Love, 

Elder Leavitt

PS. I will be going to the Orlando Temple next Thursday so you won't get any emails from me on Monday!  Love ya bunches.

 

In response to last weeks email.

I don't know if I have ever told you how much that I really love you! You're truly such and inspiring and amazing mother! You make me laugh so much, especially about feeling like an old biblical man awaiting your future grandkids. :D And getting me gifts for when I become a father. haha. Your grandchildren are going to love you so much! I just know it already. Although there are still a few years before that happens. :)

That is so cool that they did a XC running camp this year and that Lexie and Lainee got to go. What did they do for it? Just training future runners and doing drills with them? I will be just as sore as Lexie was because I haven't ran in ages. I'm gonna be struggling to keep up with Kiera. Tell her she'll have to go easy on me the first two weeks or so.

We are going to have to go and play pickle ball in the mornings together. That will be so much fun! I would say he forfeited, so it would be a win for you. But you'll have to have a rematch with him. It sounds like everyone is already going to be really busy for when I get back, and that's great. Girls camp for Lexie, and the parade for Kiera. Can't wait to see the awesome float.

I don't have anything funny or jokes to make everyone laugh like Jacob did. That's such a great idea what he did. I love it. I'm stressed out about my homecoming talk, and I still don't like public speaking. That part about me hasn't changed yet.

One of the goals that Elder White and I have is to hit 30 lessons in one week. That is what we are pushing towards. Last week we had 28 lessons, and this past week we had 26. We'll see what we can hit this week with it being the fourth of July. Then next week is the temple trip! I'm so excited about that. I won't be having my preparation day on Monday because of it, and it will be on Thursday. So don't be surprised if you don't hear from me on next week until the afternoon on Thursday. 

I hope that you were able to get my email from last week. We had to do it at the library because our apartment complex computers were closed down last week. I was having problems with the wifi and the emails last week, so hopefully it all worked out.

Love ya tons! 

Love, Elder Leavitt

 

 

Flight Iterniary ‏

I get home at 5:52 on July 21st. So crazy, this can't be happening. AAAAAAWWWWWWW!!!!

 

 

 

 

Elder & Sister Gubler!!!‏ - June 29, 2015

I don't know if you have recieved the July ensign yet, but here is an article about Lonnie and Nancy Gubler. I saw it about two weeks ago but I forget to send it to you.

One Couple Serving, One Family learning

By Mindy Anne Leavitt

Recipe for a miracle: two couples, two inspired leaders, one question, and one knock on the door.

Lonne and Nancy Gubler of Santa Clara, Utah, sat in their stake president’s office, stunned. The stake president had just told them that he felt inspired that they needed to serve a mission and wanted them to submit their mission papers as soon as possible. While the Gublers had considered serving a full-time mission together--in 10 years or so--they felt unprepared to do so at age 48.

Their stake president had been trying to ignore the prompting that they should be called to serve, knowing how young they were. When the feeling wouldn’t be quelled, he finally went to Lonne’s father, a former stake president himself, and asked if it would even be feasible for his son and daughter-in-law to serve. “We’ll do whatever it takes to make it possible,” he replied. Satisfied with that answer, the stake president called the Gublers in for a meeting, where he expressed his feeling that they should serve a mission.

The Gublers exercised their faith and responded to their stake president’s charge. They received a call to serve in the New Zealand Auckland Mission. Their call didn’t specify what they would be doing, and as neither of them had ever left home or served a mission in their youth, they were understandably nervous.

Through a series of miracles, they were able to get their finances in order for the time they’d be serving. All three of the Gublers’ children were grown and married, their two daughters living nearby. Lonne’s father, a self-employed rancher like his son, agreed to oversee the Gublers’ own farm and ranch, with their sons-in-law taking over the work, allowing the Gublers to leave for 18 months.

Sister Gubler explains, “Leaving our children and grandchildren was probably the hardest thing we have ever done, but we knew the Lord had a plan for us and we were ready to serve Him with all we had!

“We felt very inadequate in the MTC, placed in a district with former mission presidents, stake presidents, and a patriarch. We were just a small-town couple who had always served in the Church, but never to that degree. We didn’t know our scriptures as well as we should have, so we studied hard and gave it the best we had!”

Armed with that preparation and the assurance they felt regarding the Lord’s plan for them, they set off on their missionary service.

An Unexpected Question

Meanwhile, halfway around the world sat another stunned couple, Reuben and Nara Hayward of Gisborne, New Zealand. They had not been active in the Church for over 11 years and hadn’t taught their two sons anything about the gospel, when one day their eight-year-old son, Hikurangi, asked about the meaning of life. “It came out of nowhere,” Reuben recalls. “There was no reason for him to want to know about that.”

Still, the Haywards knew they had to give their son an answer, and they didn’t want to withhold from him their knowledge of the gospel. “We both felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility to teach him the truth,” Nara explains. “Even though we weren’t active, we never denied the truthfulness of the gospel. We just didn’t think the Church was something we needed in our lives at that time.”

In the days following their son’s unexpected question, the Haywards considered what to tell him. The couple discussed contacting the bishop and getting in touch with the missionaries, but didn’t.

A few days later there was a knock on the Haywards’ door. There, scared to death and fresh off the plane from the United States, stood the Gublers. They had been sent by the Haywards’ bishop, who knew the family--and also knew they were obstinately opposed to receiving missionaries. For more than a decade, Reuben had been chasing missionaries and any other Church-related visitors off their doorstep. “Reuben was ruthless to anybody that came to their home,” Sister Gubler explains.

But for Nara, it was a sign. “When the Gublers came to our home it was kind of another wake-up call for us. We didn’t call them, but there they were. It was the first time in a long time that I allowed myself to feel the Spirit testify of our Heavenly Father’s love for us. It was no coincidence that they called on us that day, and I knew the moment they walked up my driveway that they were inspired by the Lord.” Reuben must have felt so too, because for the first time ever, he allowed missionaries to come inside his home. But, as Sister Gubler says, “It wasn’t about us--it was all about timing.”

A Special Connection

The Haywards felt a special connection to the Gublers right away, asking if the missionary couple would come back every week to teach their two sons. The Gublers happily agreed. Sister Gubler taught the Haywards’ sons, Whaimutu and Hikurangi, while Elder Gubler subtly tried to relate the lessons to the Haywards themselves.

After a few lessons, the Gublers asked if they could pick the children up for church. They were surprised when the Haywards said that they would come to church together, as a family. Little by little, the Haywards’ sons soaked up the message of the gospel and the Haywards were reminded of truths they had learned long ago.

Finally, the Gublers decided to ask the Haywards for permission to baptize their sons. Reuben shocked them again with his answer: “Yes, they can be baptized, but I want to be the one to do it.”

Over the following months, the Haywards worked to obey the Word of Wisdom and overcome other issues to prepare themselves and their sons for their sons’ baptisms. They made sure to invite Reuben’s parents to the baptism, not telling them that it would be Reuben performing the ordinance. Throughout the Haywards’ 11 years of inactivity, Reuben’s parents, devout members, had never given up on the hope of their son’s family returning to the Church. They had fasted weekly and prayed daily that Reuben and his family would come back, pleading with the Lord to send someone who might be able to touch their hearts.

The day of the baptism, Reuben’s parents were overjoyed, to say the least, to realize that not only were their grandsons getting baptized but their son and daughter-in-law had returned to Church activity and were working toward becoming an eternal family. Similar to Alma the Elder’s experience, their prayers and fasting in behalf of their children were answered (see Mosiah 27:14).

A few months after Reuben baptized his sons, the family was sealed in the Hamilton New Zealand Temple. Since their reactivation, two of Nara’s brothers have also returned to the Church, and her mother has completed the temple ordinances for her husband and been sealed to him. Both Reuben and Nara have now served in leadership positions in their ward. Reuben’s parents were inspired to serve a mission themselves, hoping that they might reach another couple’s wayward son or daughter, as the Gublers had with theirs.

The Lord Knows All

Two couples’ lives were changed forever--thanks to the Gublers’ inspired stake president and their willingness to serve, and the Haywards’ inspired bishop and their willingness to change.

Sister Gubler says, “We are so thankful the Lord put the Haywards in our path. He knows all. He puts us in places for a reason.

“We are also thankful for a stake president who followed his promptings to call us on our mission. We know the power of couple missionaries! They are needed so much! We didn’t know how we could ever leave our business or our family, but we knew the Lord would provide a way. And He did. It is nothing short of a miracle.”

Picture of Britton Shipp & Kycie Terry:
That's too bad I won't be able to make it to his homecoming talk.
We'll have to meet up later on to catch up on old times.

That's such a great picture of those two, and I will keep them both in
my prayers.


Re: Backdrop fan and arches for float ‏
Looks awesome! Can't wait to see it. Lexie doesn't look to thrilled to
be helping out. :)

Happy Father's Day!!!‏ -June 22, 2015

Dear Family and Friends,

This week has just been full of many small miracles. Even with having
to drop all of the baptismal dates we had set and also with Ckova and
Christy leaving for their vacation. We have several lessons with them
this past week before the left to go and be with family for the next
month or so. Sadly, I won't be able to see them again as they get back
in late July, but we are going to try having some Skype lessons with
them while they are gone so that they will be on track for baptism
once they get back. We are also going to have missionaries go and
visit with them as well while they are staying with family. I am going
to miss them so much, especially Christy because she just loved
learning about Christ and his teachings. We made sure to play a few
games to keep her entertained and to remember the commandments easier.

The past few weeks we have started tracting again, and last week we
had the commitment to knock 30 doors a day, and this week it is 40
doors. Elder White and I both have a hard time with knocking doors
because neither one of us likes it to much. The reason that tracting
is being brought back in the mission is because too many missionaries
were wasting their time doing activites that weren't effective. To me,
tracting isn't the most effective way at all. It always seems like we
find people who will be willing to listen, and we have such a great
first contact with them. But after that, we are never able to get in
contact with them again, or they never answer the door. We haven't
once yet hit the number of doors that we have been committed to, there
just doesn't seem to be enough time in the day when we have set
teaching appointments and are always biking from one to the next. On
the days that we have tried our best to knock as many doors as
possible, we are able to see many blessings that come from just being
obedient to the mission leaders and trying our best. For example, just
last night we were trying a few potentials but they weren't home, so
we started tracting the complex we were in. I felt like we should
leave and go try somewhere else, and we decided to take the long way
out of the complex. That was when we met Danielle as she was trying to
take groceries into the house with a sick child in her hands. We
stopped immediately and helped her to carry them in, then we taught
her all about the restoration and the Book of Mormon, and now we have
another lesson with her Wednesday afternoon. It is so amazing to see
the hand of the Lord and being an answer to someone's prayers.

Thursday we had interviews with President Cusick. They always go
pretty smoothly, and we didn't really talk about too much since we
will be having more discussions with each other  in the next month. I
just love President Cusick and Sister Cusick so much. I am so blessed
to have such great and inspired people who answered the call of the
Lord to serve.

Saturday was a great day. We had eight lessons scheduled, and only one
of them canceled since they weren't feeling to great. Another great
miracle that happened was that one of our appointments feel through
last night, and we were both quite hot and thirsty from biking around
in the heat. We decided to head to the church to grab some water, but
on the way there we saw a storm approaching and we wanted to watch it
come in, so we went to the top of a nearby parking garage. We were
getting ready to leave, when we stopped to talk to a couple that were
also up there. One of them is a Buddhist, and the other is an atheist.
The atheist said that he was supposed to go to a Bible study, but
decided to skip out, and that was when we showed up.  We ended up
going over the plan of salvation and were able to talk in depth about
so many different things pertaining to the pre-earth life, the spirit
world, and the three kingdoms of glory. We talked to them for about an
hour or so, and now tonight we are going to take them on a church
tour, give them a Book of Mormon, and send them to the YSA family home
evening.

Happy Father's Day Dad! I love you tons!

Love, Elder Leavitt

P.s. I didn't send his out to everyone like I usually do, so you might
have to forward it to a few people if they want it, thanks.

Fwd: FINAL: LEAVITT/CHASE GREGORY 21JUL2015 TPA ATL‏- June 18, 2015

It's getting real!

 

 

Below is the final return itinerary for Elder Leavitt.

Sister Tollerton

Florida Tampa Mission Secretary

Begin forwarded message:

From: Alex Lofgran <alofgran@ldschurch.org>

Subject: FINAL: LEAVITT/CHASE GREGORY 21JUL2015 TPA ATL

Date: June 17, 2015 at 3:11:03 PM EDT

To: Florida Tampa Mission <2011220@ldschurch.org>

BELOW IS THE FINAL VERSION OF THE TRAVELERS’ ITINERARY.

 

*** Cancelation or change fees may apply. 

 

*** ELECTRONIC TICETS HAVE BEEN ISSUED AND ARE READY FOR TRAVEL, SEE E-TICKET INFORMATION BELOW. PLEASE CHECK IN WITH A GOVERNMENT ISSUED PHOTO ID TO RECEIVE YOUR BOARDING PASS. 

 

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Traveler

Chase Gregory Leavitt

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Tuesday 21 July 2015

				Delta Air Lines DL 969
				Departure	21 July 08:30 AM				Tampa Tampa Intl (+)
				Arrival	21 July 10:10 AM				Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson Atl (+)		Terminal: S
				Duration					01:40 (Non stop)
				Booking status					Confirmed
				Class					Economy (S)
				Baggage allowance					0PC
				Seat					32D confirmed for Chase Gregory Leavitt
				Equipment					BOEING 737-900
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Tuesday 21 July 2015

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				Departure	21 July 12:10 PM				Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson Atl (+)		Terminal: S
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				Duration					03:58 (Non stop)
				Booking status					Confirmed
				Class					Economy (S)
				Baggage allowance					0PC
				Seat					37D confirmed for Chase Gregory Leavitt
				Equipment					BOEING 757
				Meal					Food for purchase
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Tuesday 21 July 2015

				Delta Air Lines DL 7395
				Departure	21 July 04:50 PM				Salt Lake City Salt Lake City Intl (+)		Terminal: 2
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				Duration					01:02 (Non stop)
				Booking status					Confirmed
				Class					Economy (S)
				Baggage allowance					0PC
				Seat					12B confirmed for Chase Gregory Leavitt
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				E-ticket DL 006-7622733370 for Chase Gregory Leavitt
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Light of Christ‏ & Re: June days of summer!‏ -June 15, 2015

Dear Family and Friends,

This email is going to be short this week because there really isn't a whole lot to talk about. This week has been pretty slow. We've had a few solid progressing investigators that just moved outside of the mission. Plus some of our dates sets are going on vacation for a month, so we have to temporarily drop their dates until they return. Now we have lots of time to find more people who are wiling to progress.

I loved church so much yesterday and being able to partake of the Sacrament. It is the best feeling of each week being able to start over and begin again. Plus the Sacrament talks were amazing. They were about the light of Christ, and I was able to gain so much out of them. 

One amazing miracle that happened this past week was when we were taking the bus to get to one of our appointments. At one of the stops, a former investigator gets on the bus, and right after him gets on a YSA member. We were then able to have such an amazing lesson with him on the bus for thirty minutes, and when we got off, the member continued to answer a bunch of questions and testify of the truth. It was so great, and I love seeing blessings like that happen.

Love you all, and I hope that you have an amazing week!

Love, Elder Leavitt

 

Just wanted to let you know that I did get the package you sent me, along with the two letters form Lainee! :D I got them on Wednesday. I guess they were sent to my old apartment back in St. Petersburg. My new address is the mission office, which is 13510 N. 42nd Street, Tampa, FL 33613. Thanks so much for the wonder package of all of the goodies. We've bene enjoying it together. I've already tried the granola for breakfast and it was pretty good. I'll have to try out a few of those recipes that you sent, that will be fun to see how they turn out! :)

Love ya tons!

Transfer #17‏ - June 8, 2015

 

Dear Family and Friends,

This week has been a great week. It didn't feel ike it was the best week that we have had, but we still saw many miracles.

On Monday, we had the the mission party at the beach which was tons of fun. Although I was sore for the next few days from playing ultimate frisbee and soccer. I did make sure to get some good pictures for you mom. :) It took me a while to gather everyone up, but I did get one picture with five of my companions that are still in the mission.

This week we also received three Bible referrals from church headquarters. We were able to introduce the Book of Mormon to all three of them, and because we were able to do that, we know have three return appointments to meet with them to tell them more about it. One of them is tonight and the other is tomorrow. I'm excited to see how it turns out because they seem pretty solid.

We were also able to set another baptismal date with Robert. We helped him to fill out a calendar and showed him all of the lessons and commitments that he would need to be keeping before that time comes. I love visiting with him, which is a great thing because we are going to be seeing him a lot more often now.

There really isn't a whole lot to report for this week. Other than Elder White and I are staying companions for my last six weeks. I'm glad that I get the opportunity to continue to serve with him because he is such a great guy. We have a lot of work to do this transfer, but good things are going to come from it. Love you all and I hope that you have a fantastic week.

Love, 

Elder Leavitt

 

 

 

 

5 of 7 companions that I have had on my mission. Elders Stephens, Ronfeldt, Me, White, Ware, and Hicken. Just missing Elders Whaley and Wing.

Sunset at the beach!

 

Sounds like a pretty adventurous week that you have all had.

I can't believe that Tyler and Mason are back home already. That's crazy to think about. Be sure to give Aly a great big hug for me when she leaves next week. Oh, that reminds me, can you send me the address for the Farnsworth's, and Morris and Susan? I already have Myron and Maritza's. I have a friend here that just got his mission call last week and he is going to the Arizona Phoenix Mission. Myron and his family live in that mission, so now I'll have to take a trip down there to see him once he gets there. His name is Jake Heller, and he leaves on July 15, right before I do.

I still haven't received that package yet. Hopefully I will be able to soon. I will be sure to share it with Elder Hicken when I get back. I'll also have to go through facebook and get all of the mission pictures saved so that I can always have them. I bet that it is a lot of fun playing I spy. :D And you're right about one thing. There sure are a lot of cute sisters in this mission. :D But there's nothing that I can do about that for the next six weeks, so don't worry. 

Love ya tons!!!

Love,

Chase

 

Re: 1st full week out of school feels like 3 wks they said!‏ - June 1, 2015

Hi Elder bud!
Questions:
How did your dental go last week?
Who was the dentist?
How did the baptism for Kaitlyn go?
I could only find 3 sets of running flats- do you want those sent to you to run with?
Did you ever find someone to give my Book of Mormon to?

I'm sorry, I thought that I had already responded and sent it off, but I guess it didn't work. 

My dental went great a few weeks ago. I don't know the dentists name. She had a really cool accent though. I do know the address of the dentist office though. It is 11157 N 56th Street. Temple Terrace, Fl. You might be able to find the dentists name. I'm not quite sure.

The baptism with Caitlyn went great. Did you get the pictures of it? If not, I will resend them. Elder White did the Baptism and I did the confirmation! The Spirit was so strong in both ordinances. She is doing well in the YSA ward, but with the new rules, we aren't allowed to teach her any more since she is a YSA member. But we still get to see her occasionally. I also got to see Adnre Flowers and Taylor Corey from the St. Pete ward. They have started coming to the YSA activities now. I found out that the new bishop in St Pete is Brother Marble. I kind of figured that it would be him. 

You don't need to send me my running flats. I will be okay without until I get home. I don't even run that often because I hate running on the treadmill.

I did give the Book of Mormon away to a returning member of the ward. I think that he might give it to a friend that he has been coming to church with lately that isn't a member. He was really appreciative of it. :D

I'll have to read the rest of the email later, but I don't have time to respond to it at the moment. I'm glad that everyone is staying busy and that things are going well. I did read about Weston Wilson, and thanks for sharing that with me. I didn't know him to well, but it is cool to hear that he is a good influence and example to the rest of his friends. 

Love ya tons! Thanks for the updates.

Love, Elder Leavitt

 

 

Farewell to Elder L. Tom Parry‏ - June 1, 2015

 

Dear Family and Friends,

This past week has been fantastic, there have been plentiful miracles and new people to teach.

Monday: We had a lesson with Christy and Ckova, two investigators that have a date set for July 18. Christy loves reading through the Children's Book of Mormon so much, and she really understands. She then goes and shares it with all of her friends. We also had a few street contacts. 

Tuesday started off with a Zone Training with President Cusick. We talked about planning and sticking to the schedule. One thing that we have started doing about three weeks ago was planning for the entire week and not having any white space. Meaning that each fifteen minutes has a specific event, whether it be teaching or finding. Elder White and I have gotten fairly good at this for planning the week in advance to what streets that we want to be finding on, and how we are going to do it. We have started tracting again because we can't always be waiting on the members to find us people to teach, and street contacting isn't the most effective way. We also received another investigator that has a baptismal date set from a set of missionaries that got emergency transferred out of the ward today, so we went and had a lesson with her. The evening got rained out with a pretty cool lightning storm. I love watching the storms here and listening to the thunder.

Wednesday: Today we had a bunch of great lessons with returning members. Elder White really wasn't feeling too well today, so we didn't push it too hard. We did got and street contact without too much success, but we did have a neat miracle that happened. As we were walking, a guy in a car that drove yelled to us and asked us if we had a minute to talk. He then had his wife pull over, and we later found out that she didn't even know why. It turns out that she is a member of the church, and the husband isn't. He has taken the lessons before from missionaries and remembered the feelings that he had when he went to church, and he wants to have that back in his life again because he knows how important that it is for his wife and daughter. We then set up an appointment to go by and teach them on Saturday. In the evening we had our first missionary correlation with Brother Revoy and it was really great. He is excited to get started in his calling as ward mission leader since he has never had that position before. I am looking forward to working with him more often to, because he is such a great guy.

On Thursday, we went back and visited with Christy and taught her in her front yard. She was playing with friends when we first showed up, so they joined in the lesson. By the end of it all, we had about 15 neighborhood kids listening a participating. We were teaching about the ten commandments and showing them all hand signs so that they could remember them, and they loved it. It did get a bit rowdy with some of the older kids there, but I love teaching children because they are always so willing to learn new things. We also visited with a recent convert today and had a good lesson about how important that families really are. We also found out that her husband, Robert, wants to meet with us just one on one, and he doesn't want anyone else there. He has been to church three times now and loves it so much.

Friday: We received a church HQ referral for a lady that wanted a Bible, so we went and delivered it to her and introduced the Book of Mormon to her, and she loved it so much. She wants her son to learn about Christ, and that is what made her search for a Bible online and that was how she found us. We set up an appointment for the next day when her husband would also be home, but she ended up rescheduling for tomorrow, Tuesday, so we will find out how that goes. 

Saturday: We went and visited that part member family that we met on Wednesday today, and it was a great visit with them. He has many concerns and is confused with a bunch of things, but he really wants to come closer to Christ and to learn for himself. He wants his answer to come overnight, like a slap to the face so that he can know that it is true. We ended up giving him a blessing and that brought the Spirit in so quickly. I think that he will come with time, and he is such a great guy. We will be visiting with him again tomorrow to help him get back into coming to church. He was attending regularly with missionaries about a year ago, but once they left he didn't go at all. Now he feels that it is time to start coming again. The other really great lesson was with Robert. He is such a great guy. We went through the Restoration with him, and he had some sincere questions about it. It was great being able to talk about what faith and the priesthood is with him. He has a thick Jamaican accent, which can be hard to understand at times, but sounds really cool. We have become great friends with us. One day we were walking near his house and he saw us from across the street, then he came running across and gave us great big hugs. Which was a really good confirmation that he liked us.

Sunday: I love being able to go to church at the end of each week and partake of the Sacrament. It is such a joy and refresher to begin with a fresh plate for the new week. It wasn't until the opening prayer when Brother Van Etton mentioned that we are sad to hear about the passing of Elder Parry. Elder White and I just looked at each other in shock. I loved listening to him speak at Generfal Conferences, and he will be greatly missed. I know that he will continue to do amazing work on the other side of teaching others about the Gospel. We had four investigators at church today, even without Robert, Ckova, and Christy being able to make it. We went and picked up one of the investigators that lives in the ghetto area with Brother Revoy in one of his Maserati's . In the evening we went and visited with Ckova again, and we read through parts of the New Testament and taught about some of the miracles that Christ performed while he was here on earth. We then got rained out on pretty hard. So we left our bikes there and had the other Elders come and rescue us so that we could get home.

Today for P-day we get to go to the beach as a mission for a June Christmas party. I will be sure to take pics so that I can send them home next week. We will be going to Fort De Soto Beach in St. Pete, so I'm pretty excited that I get to go to my old area for a day. Merry Christmas!!! :D

Love, Elder Leavitt

“This is the most remarkable era in the history of the Church. This is something that has happened to us at this time that ranks with the great events that have happened in past history, like the First Vision, like the gift of the Book of Mormon, like the Restoration of the gospel, like all of the things that build that foundation for us to go forward and teach in our Father in Heaven’s kingdom”

-L. Tom Parry, “Concluding Remarks” new mission presidents seminar, June 26, 2013