So this week wasn’t nearly as crazy as last week. In fact it was pretty low key. I said a lot of goodbyes as I was pretty sure I was leaving. I didn't realize how connected I had gotten with people here. It seems a little unfair to people here to have missionaries come through and leave so soon, but we do our best with our own situation and I just tried to let them know that it's the Lord's will and not ours. I will miss Cannon too, it's been fun to serve with him again!
Our Investigator who has been on the stop smoking program took it kinda hard. But she will be alright. She really wants to get baptized and is making tremendous progress. She has been clean for almost 12 days and still going strong. We have another two investigators who I feel confident will be set for a baptism date within the next transfer and I am sad to have to leave but they are all great people and they will progress regardless of whether or not I am here.
So, we just got calls this morning and it turns out like I thought, I am leaving (would have been weird saying all those goodbyes only to end up sticking around for a while). I am going to Sopron (SHow-prone). It's a super cool little city and I am excited. But the transfer came with a curve ball, I'll be whitewashing. That means both me and my new companion are going to be dropped there and we are going to be a little lost for a while. My new companion is Elder Mortensen. There is a sister companionship there as well. I know one of the sisters from the MTC, Sister Martineau, but not who her companion is. There is also a senior couple serving there, Brother and Sister Jensen. I will be going full senior companion, so no more looking to the other companion to ask "What did he say?". But it will be good I am sure. I am feeling up to the challenge.
My parents mentioned in their email coming to pick me up at the end of my mission and I am super excited for that! It may be a bit difficult to organize but we can probably pull it off. While we are at it, we might as well try and visit some of the neighboring countries as well and just fill our passports up with visa stamps (it took me about five minutes to figure out how to spell visa in English because I kept trying to do it like it was a Hungarian word.) But it sounds like a good plan to me!
The pictures of the new island for the kitchen look super good. Dad you did good, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!! I sent you something in the mail too, so look out for that from me. This has been the month of birthdays! I got my birthday boxes and Lala and Nike made a cake and had us over. Then Lala's birthday was on the 25th so we made a cake and got together with him to celebrate. Now it is yours! Great people born in January!
Lizzy is trying to beat my High School GPA? She is still going to that one school that's more difficult right? I will be super impressed if she can pull if off. GO LIZZY!!!! You gotta beat 4.3 out of 4!
But sounds like things are great back home, I took pictures this week and am sending the link for them! Sorry for getting behind on that! I have some of Jordan and I together too!
Love you all and HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!! Have a great one and I love you!
Elder Oakes, Hungary Budapest Mission
Dear Brother and Sister Oakes:
Elder Daniel Bryce Oakes has been called to serve as a District Leader in the Hungary Budapest Mission.
As a District Leader, Elder Oakes will be expected to set an example for the missionaries in his district through his study of the scriptures and the gospel. He will also be expected to set an example of obedience, hard work, proselyting skills and dedication to missionary work. He will continue to carry a full proselyting load in his assigned area. He will supervise, teach and inspire the missionaries in his district. He will plan and conduct weekly district meetings, conduct companion exchanges with the missionaries in his district, interview baptismal candidates, and look after the well-being of the missionaries in his district.
Sister Smith and I enjoy serving with Elder Oakes and know that this new calling will be a wonderful challenge and a great growth opportunity for him.
Thank you for your ongoing support, love and prayers for Elder Oakes and for the Hungary Budapest Mission.
Sok Szeretettel,(Much love)
HUNGARY BUDAPEST MISSION
LOWELL V. SMITH
Mission President
