July 24, 2007

  • Dear friends and family,

    I can't believe I have only 4 weeks left. I am going crazy with the thought of it. For the first time, I don't want this to end. I don't want to go home. I can't stand the thought of taking off my badge.

    Being a missionary is wonderful. Aside from the fulfilment of watching others accept Christ, and aside from the joy of serving as an instrument in the Lord's hands, a mission provides me with feelings of love and acceptance and fraternity. All of these things will be hard to leave behind. There are somethings that we do as missionaries that have helped me- things that I never had before but needed- that will not happen after my mission. This is a big deal to me.

    Today was a lot of fun. It is preparation day, and I was in charge of the activity. I made 7 deep dish authentic Chicago pizzas and we played Calvin Ball, with Elder Davis in charge of the game. It was tons of fun. Elder Allen and Elder Coxson came- they are the coolest.

    Just FYI, Elder Embree II (my brother) just got called to the Buenos Aires North Mission in Argentina- he departs in October. I am so stoked. I. I can't even describe how I feel.

    I wrecked on my bike the other day. While turning right, my tires (the tread is so bald) slipped on a puddle and I sideways sumersaulted with my bike and got pretty banged up. You'd be amazed at the patience and indifference to suffering I have developed.

    Elder Allen and I have been having deep conversations about how Sensual and Spirital forces are both at work in art and in life in general. This is the kind of thing I used to think too much about. I enjoy talking and thinking about it again. It is quite the paradox. How can both aspects be righteously balanced? These are things I can blog about when I get home.

    Speaking of home, I love you so much. I miss you terribly. Specifically I am just so grateful for my parents. I can't wait to see you.

    To all of you who would like to contact me, please write me before I go home at 170 W. Duarte Rd. Arcadia, CA 91007. I come home Aug. 21, 2007.

    Love,

    Elder Embree