Staying in Miami

Dear Friends and Family:

I'm staying in Miami! My companion, Elder Felkins, is transferring somewhere else and training!

Before anyone gets upset at me for not giving more details, I have to say... I have none! I won't find out who my new companion is or where Elder Felkins is going until tomorrow, and I won't be able to give an update until next Monday because next Monday is my next P-Day!

But, this week was very interesting in the mission. The five stakes just barely split all together, in order to form another. Now there are six stakes. We are expecting HUGE changes in the mission structure to accommodate for the new stake boundaries, but again, we won't find out what happens until tomorrow so you all will be informed about what exactly happens almost a week after it actually happens. Sorry!

This last week of the transfer has been amazing. I was so grateful to be able to come back to Miami this last transfer, and now that the transfer is over (what?) I am still very grateful to be staying in Miami. I will miss Elder Felkins, this has been one of my favorite transfers on my mission so far.

Our one investigator in Sacrament meeting this week was, again, Steve. Steve is an interesting character. He wants to be baptized, but he is one of the most hesitant people I have ever met as far as committing to an actual date. He has already read through first Nephi, and he loves church, he just feels like he should wait to commit because of other experiences he's had in his life where he jumped into something and then fluttered away like a butterfly. He's still a potential for this weekend, but he's not currently on date for it.

Another one of our investigators, Gasner, was again not able to come to church because he was at work and someone didn't show up for the next shift, so he had to work it instead.

In my personal study, I have been reading a little bit of Jesus The Christ every day for a few weeks now, with a goal of understanding the atonement better, as well as being able to understand Jesus' teachings better. I am almost done. In about three more days, I'll reach the end. It is interesting to me how illegal and lopsided his trial and crucifixion were. And also, it was interesting how everything that happened was predicted and in some cases prefigured by earlier symbols. It makes me wonder a bit how much that is going on today, in preparation for the second coming...

In the introduction to the Book of Mormon, it says that the church is "preparatory to the Second Coming of the Messiah." By extension, this is the intended function of missionary work. This is one of the things I have learned this week in my studies. It has really helped my increase my vision and perspective and to understand my purpose more.

I'm very happy to be on my mission, and I'm very grateful for all of your support!

Thanks,

Elder Slade

P.S.: Nathan, the Jews are our friends.