I must apologize, as I (Ryan's Dad) have not kept up with the postings lately, as we had sold our home, moved into a rental house, and are making plans to build a new home. Ryan is still doing well in Ogden, Utah mission, patiently awaiting his visa to Spain. Here are some of the updates from his last letter:
"It's been a pretty good week. We did have the Christmas party on the 6th, and that was pretty good. I was glad to get the package! I haven't opened up any of the gifts yet, but we'll see how long that goes... It's about that time when the rumors start spreading about the transfers, which are next Wednesday. People are saying that they are staying, that they are leaving, this, that, APs said this, ZLs said that, it get kind of annoying, ha ha. The Argentine visa waiters were sent to SLC the other day to meet with some lady of the consulate, and I guess that they are like 6th in line. I was talking to Sister Tibolla, and she said she needs to call about us Spain guys this week, but said that she thinks it may be 2-3 weeks. I sure hope so! I am getting kinda antsy to go! But anyways, I have no idea what will happen, if I will be transferred closer to the office to send me away, put me in a trio, keep me?? Who knows. I guess we will see!
"The work is coming along, albiet kinda stressfully. I'm being forced to do all of the planning and stuff "to get the ropes of controlling an area" (just one of the many stresses I have right now, ha ha). It has been hard and stressful, but I suppose that I am learning lots,(it is just hard to tell in the middle of it all, ha, ha.).
"Thanks for keeping me posted on the house. I hope everything goes through quickly! Keep the faith and patience, and rely on the Lord. That is a lesson I've been learning a lot lately...but it is a good one to learn. I was reading in Deuteronomy the other day, and it was a chapter about how the Lord delivered the children of Israel through the mighty miracles, provided manna and water for them, and delivered them from their enemies, made it so their feet wouldn't swell up walking so much, and all the while they were complaining over this and that. Also in President Uchdorf's talk "Grumbling over the size of their package of peanuts while soaring high in the sky, something kings would have given all that they had to try" The Lord said he did all this to try them and for them to prove if they would love Him. The Lord promised them that if they were faithful, and kept His statutes and commandments that He would deliver them and bless them immensely in the promised land, filled with milk, honey, fruitful lands, and be protected from enemies. So it is with us, we have the Lord's blessing of peace, prosperity, and blessings if we prove we are willing to love him and follow His will through trials and affliction in our own wilderness, maybe 40 years, maybe for a couple of days. The Lord's timing is always calculated to bless though =).
"Hope all is well! Have fun with all of the Christmas parties-say hi to people for me! Have a wonderful week!"
