NOTE FROM PATTY: Brandon did not write this week, it's about transfer time, so I am wondering where he is for sure. I am working a night shift and finally had time to catch up his blog.

Nov. 16, 2009
Well, like I said, we are having two baptisms this weekend. One is the wife of a guy who has been a member for 10 years (no idea why she's not baptized yet) and the other is a guy named Boxer that was being taught a long time ago but didn't get baptized becasue he had to work some stuff out. But everything is good for saturday, and he should be going down. Well, that is about it. I can't really think of anything else to tell you.

Nov. 23, 2009
One of the baptisms went as planned, but the other guy didn't show up. It was the important one that happened, though. It was the wife of a member who has been baptized for 10 years. They are preparing to go to the temple. Thanks for getting all that stuff sent. Make sure the camera isn't super nice, just in case.
So this past week was zone conference. We spent 2 days in St. Lucia. Just hopped on a plane and headed to a different country. It was pretty sweet. We set a lot of goals to get more less active people back to curch, and get more people to the temple. I think that West Indian retention may be the lowest in the world. Out of 10000 members, the are only about 2800 that are active. And only about 500 that have went to the temple. And alot of them aren't even active. But, the work is great.

Nov. 30, 2009
Well, that's great to hear about Andrew and Tristan. Is there anyone else from around Grace that has got there call lately? I heard Colby got his a while back.Work here is pretty good. Boxer, the man I told you about that skipped his baptism, didn't come to church, so we are going to go over and tell him he can't get baptized if he doesn't come to church. Even though he said he still wants to get baptized. But there are a few other people you could pray for. A girl named Michelle is loving the Gospel, she has came to church twice, and if she is going to be in church on this sunday, then she may get baptized this weekend. But she may not be there cause she's going to Trinidad, and we aren't sure when she'll be back. So pray for her, and also Sister Grant. She is the daughter of a member and her son is also a member, but she has reservations about being baptized, because she has already been baptized in another church.Well, love you. Kepp me updated on everything, and I'll talk to you next week.

11-9-2009

Hey, mom.We should have a baptism this weekend. There are a few people that if they would have come to church yesterday, they would be getting baptized, as well. But they all had excuses, so we are hoping for next week. But our baptism is for a lady who's husband has been a member for ten years, and we have no idea why she hasn't been taught before. But it's pretty exciting. That's exciting to hear that Andrew is getting close on his papers. Let me know. When is Tristan going to turn his in, do you know?St. Vincent is a lot different than Tobago. It is a lot more hilly, and there are a ton more members. (Of course, there still are only about 50-60 active members)I think there is still a customs tax, but the whole stop in Trinidad was that you stuff may not get there, because they search it before it gets to you. So for christmas I would like a hard drive so that I can put my pictures on there, and stuff like that. One of those portable hard drives. Well, I have some bad news. I lost my camera. We don't even know how it happened. I put it in some other elders car for a day, and then when I went to get it that night, it was gone. So, if you could put some extra money on my card, I can get a new one. Thanks.Well, that's about it for this week. I love you, and will talk to you later.Love, Elder Ackerman

11-2-2009

Hey, St. Vincent is great. There are 8 elders on the island, so it's not so much isolation as Tobago was. The senior couple here is the Wheelers. I'm not sure if they have a blog, but you can check. You can send packages here. My mailing address is POBox 601 Kingstown, St. Vincent West Indies. I probably will be here for Christmas. So, the church here has an actual building here. It's pretty nice for the West Indies. Apparently, a long time ago, the Prime Minister and his #2 were members, and so the activity in the church was around 300. But they died, and then it dropped to about 80. But that is still better than Tobago. But I love it here. We are teaching quite a few people right now. A man named Boxer that used to be an investigator, we met him just walking around calling into houses. He didn't come to church, but he said he wasn't going to be able to, but should be there next week. My companion is Elder Huntsman. He's from Texas. Well, that's about it. I still am trying to learn the area, so I don't know a whole lot about it. I'll keep you updated, though. Love yah. Love Elder Ackerman

10-27-2009

Well, I've got a lot of news this time. I noticed that you are leaving for Disneyland on wednesday. That is such a coincidence. I leave for St. Vincent on wednesday. Yep, I am leaving Tobago. It came as a surprise to all of us. The thing is, there are going to be four elders here next transfer. Now, what is crazy is that Elder Larson is leaving too. So we are getting 4 elders that don't know the area. And the Leishmans haven't been here very long, so they are still learning the area. Just for informations sake, Elder Larson is going to St. Maarten to learn french. We did get two more baptisms this last weekend, though. Natasha (who Elder Jarvis and I baptized) had two neices that are baptismal age. We have been going over there at least 2 or three times a week, and have become practically family to us. So when they found out we were leaving, we told them they needed to be baptized before we left. So we baptized them Sunday after church. Yesterday we went out to the other side of the Island with the Leishmans. We went to a waterfall called Argyle Falls. It was awesome. I told you all about it in my last letter, though. And there will be a ton of pictures of it on the dvd. That's funny that the Palmers thought I had been out longer. The Palmers are so cool, though. Well, this is the last email from Tobago. I will have an actual mailing adress in St. Vincent, so you can use that once I tell it to you next week. I love you, and hope to hear from you soon.Love, Elder Ackerman

10-19-2009

Hey, Mom.Don't worry about last week. It's no problem. The Leishman's said that they were going to be adding more things to their blog soon. They are going to send you an email, too. Well, Elder Larson did have an ingrown toenail, but the mission nurse thinks he may have MRSA. So we are going to Trinididad in the morning, and we'll find out if he does have it. Still not getting out much.I haven't heard of any cases of swine flu here, but they are really afraid of it, and they have signs up everywhere about washing your hands and coughing. But there were a few people in the MTC that got it, and they didn't get too sick. We got to listen to all the 12 and First Presidencies talk. We downloaded them off the internet, and since we have been inside lately, we have been listening to those. You know, I think Elder Larson and I are the only missionaries in the world that didn't get to watch conference. (That may be a little bit of a stretch, but I wouldn't be surprised if it were true).Well, yesterday at church, we only had 9 people. Technically 5 because four of us were missionaries. It's the second time that has happened. Thankfully, Fay was one of those nine. Alright, so I will let you know everything that happens in the next week. There may be some new developments, so I'll let you know. Love, Elder Ackerman

10-12-2009

Hey, Mom. I suppose I just got here a little too early for yah. But I just wanted to write and tell you about Fay's baptism this last weekend. I'm sur eif it's on the Leishmans blog, then you know all about it, but just in case. It was sweet. We found a different beach than the one we have done the last two batisms at. It was so cool. I'll be sending you a bunch of pictures here in a few weeks, so don't worry about that. We have been off our feet again almost this entire week again, and this week isn't looking any better. I hope I don't die of boredom.
Well, that's pretty much all that happened this last week. I love you, mom. Love, Elder Ackerman

10-6-2009

Mom, I envy you. I did not get to watch conference. The Leishmans were our only source for conference, and they went to Trinidad to get the rest of there stuff. And since our branch is still developing, we don't have a satellite to watch it with. And to futher the utter agony, Elder Larson and I have been stuck inside pretty much all week. Elder Larson (by doctors orders) has had to stay off of his foot. He got an ingrown toenail. So I havebeen really bored. I shot a freezeframe movie on my camera of two missionaries. It is pretty sweet. I'm sending it to you in my next package home. Well, we are baptizing Fay this weekend. Thanks for praying. Keep praying for Alphonso, though. He really loves the Book of Mormon, but doesn't really feel in a hurry to get baptized. Well, that is all the news from Tobago. I love you, and look forward to hearing from you next week. Love, Elder Ackerman

9-28-2009

It's great to hear that you are loving school. Is it alot harder than pregrad? Elder Larson and I get along great. We are having an excellent time here. In fact, remember I told you about Fay a while ago? Well, she had went to Trinidad for a while, but she got back this week. Some things happened in Trinidad that made her realize that she needed to change her life. So now she really wants to be baptized. We are actually teaching her tonight. I'll let you know how that goes next week. I'm not sure if the Leishman's have a blog. I can ask when they get here. The Ross's are leaving tomorrow (tuesday). They live somewhere in the Salt Lake area. It's no scene that the money wasn't on right away. I just am looking to get some stuff some time this transfer, so don't feel too rushed. I probably won't send any pictures home until the end of this transfer. Then I can get you all the pictures from this and last transfer. But there are going to be a ton, so don't get too worried. Well, I love you mom, and it was great to hear from you. The work is going great, and I look forward to hearing from you next week. Love, Elder Ackerman

Note from Jeri Kay

So I begged Patty to let me put Brandon's letters on the blog, and then it has taken me 2 weeks to get to it. Sorry, I am a flake! But here are Brandon's letters! yay!

Idaho potatoes in Tobago!

This is an Idaho potato?

Hurrah for Israel!

Elder and Sister Ross' Post

Thursday, September 17, 2009 from the Ross' Blog

Surprise Transfer


The transfer calls are made on Friday night or Saturday. Our elders didn’t receive a call, so we all assumed we were good with the status quo for another transfer, since all the calls had been made. Not so, a second transfer sheet came out on Monday and Elder Jarvis received a call Monday night that he would be going to Chaguanas in Trinidad. We received and printed out the transfer sheet to see who would be coming our way. We discovered Elder Larson would be arriving on Friday. Elder Jarvis’ plane ticket had him leaving at noon on Wednesday. Wow, we would have Elder Ackerman from noon Wednesday until Elder Larson arrived on Friday. About the time we had formulated a plan, we received a plane ticket via email for Elder Larson arriving on Wednesday at 3:45 from Granada! Wow, new plans.
We let Elder Jarvis and Elder Ackerman have the car for a good part of Tuesday so Elder Jarvis could say goodbye to some of the members and teach a couple of lessons. On Wednesday we experienced a huge downpour that lasted most of the day. We took Elder Jarvis to the plane at 11:30 am with the streets full of water. We were wondering if his plane would take off on time. As we arrived at the airport, the rain let up.
Goodbyes are hard It continued to pour off and on until time for Elder Larson’s plane to arrive at 3:45 pm. We were concerned that the Liat plane might have difficulty landing. However, the plane circled and waited for the clouds to clear, and Elder Larson arrived safe and sound only a half hour late.

New companionship, Elder Larson and Elder Ackerman

September 22 email

Hey, mom Yeah, we got a call last monday night. They told Elder Jarvis he was going to Trinidad. Elder Larson is from Logan. He went to the same High School as Elder Jarvis did. He has been out 16 months.

Both Joel and Alphonzo didn't come to church on Sunday, but they are still wanting to get baptized. Pray for Joel to get the understanding that this is really the only true church, and pray for Alphonzo to want to attend church. Alphonzo knows it's true, and he also knows that it's the only truth, I just don't think he understands that he has to come to church.

Hey, so you're in Kentucky. I hope you are having fun.

That sucks that chase can't work in the potatoes. I wonder why he chose Disney land?(Chase chose to go to Disneyland over a Steelers vs Broncos Monday night football game with John and Dustin-PA) Is it cause Andrew is going to Disneyland? That would make sense, I guess. That is awesome that you are going to conference. We have to watch it online, and most people don't have internet here. Alphonso does, so we're hopin that we can get him to watch at least a little bit of it. But we are probably watchin it at the Ross's. (The Ross's actually are going home next week. The new senior couple is the Lieshmans. I hear they are sweet.)

Mother, I am aware of the egg situation. We know what to do. Elder Larson has been out a while. You don't have to worry about us. We're not going to do anything stupid. (Notice the tone of voice he says that with. He asked for the cookie dough recipe, and I admonished him that it really isn't safe to eat raw eggs in cookie dough, even in America, although that is how we do it at our house, but in a third world country, he needed to take extra precautions with the food-PA)

You know how I said that I probably wouldn't need a much more money for a while? Well, there have been some things that I had to get. I'm sure you saw I withdrew another 50. That's cause I had to buy a cd player so that we could get some good hymns goin in the apartment. And Pretty soon, I'm gonna have too many pictures to put into my little photo album I have, so I need about another 20ish for that. And I'm gonna start sendin home picture on a dvd-r, cause it's gonna take way too long to just fill up the memory card and just send it. I'll probably send you some after every transfer. And actually postage isn't super expensive from here. I think I am probably gonna send you some Christmas presents when the time comes. (If not us, he probably will send Alyssa something) Well, I love you, mom. I hope everything is going great. Can't wait to hear from you again. Love, Elder Ackerman

September 14 email

Hey, mom. My week was pretty good. We have been teachin Joel that came to church last week, but he was in Trinidad over the weekend, so he didn't make it to church this week. But we're hoping that he is still wanting to meet with us. It seems like we find these sweet people that are really interested, and then they just drop off for some reason. Most of them just stop answering their phone. So pray for Joel if you would.

Also we taught this man named Alphonso. He is Roman Cotholic, but was actually really open to the message, and even said that if people knew about the Apostacy, then not as many people would think Catholosism is right (I'm paraphrasing). But after our lesson, he said he was going to research the church online. I hope he didn't find any anti-mormon stuff that would make him want to stop meeting with us. At least I hope he comes to us about what he finds.

Yeah, shipping is expensive. That's why I said I was fine without you sendin me any christmas presents. You could just maybe put a little extra money on my card, and I could buy myself a nice steel pan drum or someting like that. Of course, If I bought a steel pan drum, I would probably send it home, and that would be pretty expensive, too. But it's all up to you. And I'm not sure if they charge us when they get here. I wouldn't think so, but there are a lot of different rules here with that then in the US.

That is sweet that Chase and Andrew went to a soccer game. And I bet the movie was awesome. (John and I went to Harry Potter in 3D IMAX) All I can say is I don't regret going to the midnight showing before I left. It was so much fun. I think Hailey is probably enjoying volleyball, cause she probably wouldn't be doing if she didn't somewhat enjoy it, you know. She is just that kind of person. How is work going? Are you still enjoying it a ton? And when do you start school again? Or did you already start? Let me know how that is going.

Hey, I was wondering what the recipe for peach syrup is for german pancakes. We make them everytime we hae a baptism, and so i was wondering if I could get that recipe. That would be great.

Dealing with the money card, I figured there would be a fee, but I didn't know it would be 5 bucks. That's 30 dollars here. I just figured it would have told be that there was a fee charge. So you know, I'm going to be sneding my cameras memory card home as soon as it fills up. That might be a while, but I'mtrying to take a lot of good pictures.

Well, this week is transfers, and Elder Jarvis and I are stayin here on Tobago for at least 6 more weeks. ( see the next week's post for change of plans-PA) This last 6 weeks has gone by so fast. Has it gone fast for you guys, too?Well, that is about it. Remeber, I love you all, and keep reading the scriptures and praying everyday. Life gets easier as we live the gospel. In fact, someone the other day said the harder you try to live the gospel, the easier it becomes, but if you don't try very hard, it gets really difficult. Keep trying hard, mom. I love you. Love, Elder Ackerman

September 8 email

My week was great. We had zone conference yesterday, which is why I am emailing on tuesday this week, and last week, monday was independence day, so none of the places to get onine were open. So we took prep day on tuesday instead. And yeah, we got some investigators to church. One is named Miguel, and this was his second time coming. We're not sure how long it's gonna be until he's ready for baptism, though. He has a few things he needs to work out before he's ready. And there is also a Joel. We actually met him on my first or second day in Tobago, and ran into him tracting last week. We taught him about the restoration, and he came to church. We're gonna try to get over there to teach him tonight. And one of the members daughters that isn't baptized yet came. Her name is Chanelle, and she doesn't think that she is ready for baptism yet. Her younger sister and brother are Janelle and Angelo that got baptized last week. If you could pray for all of them, it would be great.

So, I'm not actually supposed to say exactly what is going on in Guyana. It's gonna hurt, cause the people there are really reseptive. It was the hightest baptizing country in the mission. Almost 1/4 of the people we teach are from Guyana, just because they are so receptive to the message. It's gonna hurt the mission, but that's just gonna leave room for Tobago to become the hightest baptizing country in the Mission (considering it's only Elder Jarvis and I here). Our zone leaders never actually came down, but we went to Trinidad over the weekend for zone conference. It was awesome, and all of the Elders that were in the MTC with me were there, so that was fun.

Janelle and Angelo

Elder Jarvis and I did help teach Janelle and Angelo, but not too much. We only met with them twice. but they had already had all the lessons and thing in Trinidad before they came here.

I did shave my head, and it has gotten sunburnt since, but it is so much easier. I still preffer my hair a little longer, but I just don't want to worry about it out here.

Brandon's Call Center Experience

OK, I am a huge slacker, but I am finally getting around to putting this experience from Brandon's first letter on the blog. My apologies---JKB

Today we spent about an hour and a half in the referral center. That's where we call people who have ordered free stuff from the church. Usually when we make calls, people don't answer, and when they do we usually just follow up on what they ordered, and then they hang up or something. But on my first call this morning a lady answered named Virginia Mott. She was from somewhere in New York. She had ordered some DVD about Christ, and so I asked her the normal, "What do you know about Christ?" and we just started talking after that. She told me how she believes in Christ, but that she doesn't claim any single religion. We talked for about 15 minutes when I asked her if she would accept and read a copy of the Book of Mormon. She told me she would, but she was really busy, so she wasn't sure if she would have time to read it. I bore my testimony to her that I know if she made time in her day to read it, the Lord would help her manage her time so that she would have time to read it. She accepted, and a couple of missionaries are going to deliver it to her and hopefully share a message.

Well, that's my story. Probably not as big of a deal as it feels like to me.

(JK says--It feels like a big deal to me. The week before I got this letter, I was on a plane and barely spoke to the people next to me. They asked where I was going, and I said that I was going to be with my brother when he was baptized into our church, but didn't follow up. Way to go, Elder Ackerman!)

Hey, Mom. My week was great. Elder Jarvis and I have been teaching a lot more people because of some changes that President Gamiette made in the mission. Our days are so busy now. I'm not sure if I have told you, but President said that each day, we have to get 20 peoples name and number. Because of that, we have had so many more people to teach. It's getting tough to talk to all 20 people because we have so many appointments. When you ask if we are having success, I would have to say yes. We found 15 new investigators this week, and currently are teaching a couple named Akeil and Shaniqua. They are both awesome, and they prayed about the Book of Mormon. It rained like crazy yesterday. For some reason here, when it rains, church attendance drops dramatically. It rained more during church than it did all year in Grace. I've got soaked a few times. I always seem to forget my umbrella when I actually need it. And it broke the other day, so not like it helps anymore anyway. I'm getting used to the heat now. I'm sweating almost all the time, but it' s not so uncomfortable anymore. There's nothing that I can think of that I need that I can't get on the Island. I don't live in a shack or anything. It isn't as commercial as Trinidad, but it still has a lot of stuff. There is a KFC in town. I haven't ate there yet, cause we cook most of our food. But just to give you an idea of what it's like. There's only one branch here. There are about 45 members, but only about 25 or so are active. The church has only been on the Island for two years. We are currently holding sacrament services above a grocery store but we are currently waiting for a building to get done that will be our new building. It's actually a house that we are converting into a church building. I'm writing in my journal every day. Even if I don't have a lot to write. I want to remember certain things that i wouldn't otherwise remember if I didn't write them down. Just in case you didn't know, the adress to the Mission Office where you should send all of the mail is West Indies Mission OfficePOBag 543 1 Moraquito Avenue Valsayn, Trinidad Trinidad and Tobago You can post that on the blog so that anyone can mail me letters. No packages, though. Well, that is pretty much it. Let me know how everything is going back home. Love you. Love, Elder Ackerman

Yeah, this last week has gone by way fast. They say it gets faster. I'm pretty sure it's fine that you copied the pictures from sister Ross's blog. They aren't copyrighted or anything, so dont worry about it. We had to drop Fay. She didn't come to church, and she's having trouble with a few of the commandments. She wan't to be baptized, but she doesn't really have that drive to stop doing certain things to get ready for it. But we found a few other people to teach. We met a guy from Guyana named Troy, and he his really open to the gospel. The only reason he doesn't have a baptismal dat yet is because he had to go to Trinidad over the weekend, so he couldn't go to church, but he should be back. Hey, what is Sam's email adress? I don't have it. I can send mail, but I don't know how much it costs. Basically, I'm living in an apartment. It's pretty small. Once I fill up my camera's memory card with pictures, I'll send it to you, and you'll be able to see it for yourself. We do have a hot shower, though. And a washer. So that's pretty nice. I love the food down here. It is great. Elder Jarvis and I do a lot of our own cooking cause it costs less, but from time to time, we get some food from the members. Or we find a good food stand. There are these things called doubles and roti. Roti is where you take kind of a tortilla thing, and there are a bunch of different fillings for it. You should look it up, cause I can't explain it. And doubles are basically the same as Roti, just deep fried. And they make a ton of smoothie type things that they call punches. The best is peanut punch. Elder Jarvis and I make one every day. (not just peanut punch, but a bunch of different kinds.)Well, that is pretty much it. I love you, mom.

This was Brandon's first baptism, Thank You to Sister Ross' Blog, I copied this picture from her. The husband was baptised the week before, and was able to perform the baptism.

Tobego

Hey, mom. So you know, I'm not going to call every time I am in an airport. They told me to give one last call to friends and family because I had over an hour of just sitting in the airport. I wasn't breaking any rules. That's great that you guys found Sister Ross's blog. That's probably the best way you can keep up with everything that's going on. I love the Island. It is so awesome. And so you know, with mail, just send it to the mission home, because we don't have a mailing adress here. We'll get our letters at transfers or when someone comes out to Tobago from Trinidad. Elder Jarvis and I are the only elders on Tobago. Elder and Sister Ross are here as well, but we're the only elders. Yeah, we baptized a lady named Natasha. Her husband, Kerron, got baptized the saturday before I got here. He got to baptize her, and it was so awesome. The branch here is really small. There are only about 25 members that are somewhat active, and in total, about 45. We're trying to get more investigators out to church, but it's tough. Everyone says they'll try to come, but that basically means that they aren't coming. But yesterday we taught this lady that one of our members brought to church. Her name is Fay, and she seems pretty willing. She said she would be baptized, and so we're hopin that she'll be ready in two weeks. That's great that Hailey is being so good at keepin on her scripture study and stuff. I wish I had been better at that before I came out here. So you know mail can take months to get to me, and so I wouldn't suggest sending too many letters. Email will be just fine. And I told dad that I don't want any packages for Christmas, cause it costs so much, and there is a chance that it won't even make it out here. It's part of customs that they open every package and search it's contents, and if the person searching it likes what's inside, they'll just take it. So, that's a lot to pay for a package that may not even get to me. So don't worry about it, even at Christmas. Wanna know how we get around the Island when it's too far to walk? We hitchike. That's actually how a ton of people get around. It's kind of like a taxi service. We pay the driver depending on how far we go. It's acually really cheap. And not as dangerous as it would be in the states. Well, that is about all that has happened this week. I love all of you, and am loving it out here. Love, Elder Ackerman

There are pictures of Elder Ackerman arriving in the mission field at gandeross.blogspot.com

Brandon is now on the Island of Tobago. His companion is Elder Luke Jarvis, who used to live in Grace, as Jeri Kay said, Grace is the center of the universe. In more ways than one. We don't have is address yet, but will post it when we get it.

Dearelder.com

Brandon wanted me to let you all know that you can write him letters on dearelder.com and it should get to him that day while he is in the MTC. He says it only works in the MTC though so do it before Aug. 3rd or so. It is pretty self explanatory once you get on there so don't hesitate to write. I'm sure he would love it.

Frack's 1st P-day

Hey, family. Well, today is my first p-day, so I get to email you. How's it going? Thanks for the package today. I don't get many Junior Mints now-a-days, so that was a pleasent surprise. Hey, i need a few adresses. I need the Brady's home adress, I need Scott's adress, and I need Stephanies adress. I was also thinking that since it is so difficult for people to send letters to me while I'm in the West Indies that maybe the other missionaries could send them to you, and then you could send them to me. Just a thought. I'm havin a great time, though. Today we went to the Temple, and it was pretty awesome. It's alot like the Logan temple. Hmm, anything else that you need to know? I don't know if I told you but my companions name is Elder Logan. My district here in the MTC is awesome. My zone is pretty cool as well. Shane and Tate Harris's cousin was one of our zone leaders last week. He's going to Alaska, and he leaves on Wednesday. I think that my departure date is August 3rd, so I won't get to see Thomas. I am going to be sending a few pictures to you guys, but I think that I'm gonna do the same thing Dustin did, and just send you guys the memory card, and then you can send it back. That'll be a little easier, and it can fit inside a normal envelope. There are a few more things I need you to send me before I leave the MTC. I need a few more normal shirts, my sandals that I left, and some normal socks. We have gym time, and I need more pairs of socks and shirts for that. So you know, mom, going to Harry Potter was worth it. i may have been dead tired all day, but so was everyone else, and I was one of the few people that actually slept that first night. But I'm having a great time, but I can't wait to get out of here. Days are jam packed with classes, and I can't wait to get out there and get some actual teaching experience. And I need to write a few other things on here because I know you are going to post this on my blog. To all the other people out there who are part of my unbiological family, sorry that you miss me so much. There's not a whole lot we can do about that. Just try to hang on for another two years. I know how hard life must be without me, but I think that all of you should get out there and learn what an actual life feels like. Just cause I'm not there doesn't mean you need to shrivle up in a corner. Well, okay, so that is about all I am going to write now. I love you all. Elder Ackerman