I ate an octupus at a Chinese place (really, I did)

Hey

I've got the Temple cards. Don't worry about it. We go to the Temple next week.

This transfer I will be training. I don't know who he is yet. He has to drive up here tomorrow. I'm really happy. In case you were wondering, Elder Smith wasn't the best companion for me. He's kinda like Crumly except he didn't want to do anything. I was really depressed all transfer, but no longer. I feel on top of the world. I am finally free. Elder Smith is gone. Now I can get to work with my new companion.


Robin was baptized on Saturday. She is awesome. She has taught me more than I could ever teach her. She is such a great example. It blew me away when she gave up coffee that easily. She has so much faith that it seemed nothing to her. What really amazed me is her health. He had really messed up her leg snowboarding when we first met her. The doctor said that she may have torn something and her knee would never be the same until the resurrection (I added that last part). She was in a lot of pain. We gave her a blessing and and by the time of her baptism she was almost completely better. She isn't wearing the brace anymore. She walking normal now. She had no problems during the baptism itself. It's amazing what Heavenly Father is capable of. What a blessing it is to have the truth restored.

Thanks for prayers and support. They really helped me out. Especially this transfer. He is Risen! It makes sense.

Elder Richards

Pshaw

Yo

I've been wondering--where is McKay Wells? What is he doing? Did Beth serve around an Elder Whitehorse in Bolivia?

Well, my companion Elder Smith leaves in a week. We had splits with the AP's the other day, Elder Dickey. It was good to see him. He was my ZL (Zone Leader) in Redrock and it's been awhile.

We have been having lessons all week. Robin is doing really really well. It's kinda weird because usually its hard for investigators to overcome their problems. But with Robin, she doesn't have any issues with anything we have taught. She doesn't mind giving up coffee at all. She is really surprised that her migraines haven't been coming. She knows that her Heavenly Father has been helping her. What a great example. I tell her that every time I see her. She is awesome. Her baptismal interview is Tuesday and the baptism is on Saturday. Once again I have the honor of baptizing her. I am so blessed.

Thanks for everything. I'll need those Temple cards soon. And could you get some for the Sisters please? just two.

He is Risen!

Elder Richards

There is springtime in my soul today

Yo

Reno isn't too cold. It's not that bad. Everyone here is a bunch of wimps. "Oh it's so cold. haha You have to go out all day and we get to be warm inside" Whatever. I didn't need to buy a new coat because some members in Vegas got me some stuff so I'm good.

I finally got Aunt Jan's package and I love it. Christmas wouldn't be the same without Aunt Jan's shirts. I got a bald eagle this time. Sweeeet. Elder Smith was super jealous. haha.

I want my cookies. No excuses. You've never had pumpkin cookies? Its like pumpkin bread with chocolate chips in it. Mike R made them for you once. I'm fine with just chocolate chip cookies if you don't want to send the others.

Do you have the 3rd memory card? I only have 2 and I don't know if I sent you the 3rd one or not.

When does Ben leave? You'll have to get me his address so I can write him when he goes to San Diego.

We a had a successful week. We got a couple of new investigators and Robin is still doing good. I love teaching Robin. She soaks it all in and wants to learn more. She is excited for baptism on the 23rd. We taught her the Word of Wisdom. She drinks coffee but she is willing to give it up. Her love for her Heavenly Father is greater than her love for coffee. She is doing great.

I learned some cool stuff on Saturday. Every Saturday morning we have martial arts lessons with Bro Reilie. It's way fun. This week we learned about yubi tori (finger holds). Ow, that is some painful stuff. I'm on the ground every time. You wouldn't think that a finger hold could do that but i testify to you all that yubi tori does work.

I love you all. Thanks for your prayers and support. They really do help.

Love
Elder Richards

PS you can send the cards. There are 2 weeks left in the transfer then it's the Temple. Reno Temple this time. Yay. I have sisters in my district so could you send 2 female baptisms too?

A mission is like a box of chocolates

Heyyyyyyyyyy

I got your letters. Thanks. But you misspelled Brian's name. You spelled it "brain".

The week was a little slow because of the new year. On New Year's it was a non-proselyting day so we got together with the other zones and played war ball. It was awesome. I got pretty messed up though because Elder Checketts and I ran into each other. Checketts is huge. Just imagine a brick wall with legs. It was like a looney tunes scene. He hit me and I spun around in a circle about 2 1/2 times. Yeah, it really hurt.

We had a awesome lesson with a new investigator named Robin last night. She really felt the Spirit and we committed her to baptism on the 23rd of Jan. It was wonderful. Her boyfriend has been less active but he is coming back. They are coming together now. Sweeeeeet.

Well, that was pretty much it. Can you send me some cookies? No bake and pumpkin cookies? Please? I didn't get Aunt Jan's package yet. Do you know when she sent it?

I love you. The Church is true. It makes sense.

Love
Elder Richards

PS did you know that dragons are in the Book of Mormon? 1 nephi 17:41 "fiery flying serpents"