05.16.11

Hey Family,

I wonder how you all are doing since nobody from my immediate family wrote me this week. Thats okay though, I bet your sending them at this very moment while I'm writing this email. Kelsey told me about Ben and Dakota's farewell. Sounds like they did awesome and that they're pumped. I'm really excited for them, the mission is the best thing ever. They're gonna tear it up.

This week was an emotional one for Elder Hardy, he's pretty scared to leave, he hates transfers, and getting a new companion, and he just doesn't like change, so it's been one of our harder weeks together. He's been in the Memphis 1st Ward his whole mission, so he's been saying a lot of goodbyes, and because he's leaving, people have actually been feeding us, that was pretty cool. Sure enough he received a phone call this morning saying to pack his things and that he was being transfered. I wonder who my new companion will be. Elder Badger always tells me to expect the worst, lol, that way I wont be caught off gaurd. Haha, but he also told me things couldn't get much worse so I dont need to worry, haha. He loves Elder Hardy, he served with him before he served with me, but it's pretty well known around the mission that Elder Hardy one of the harder missionaries to serve with, and I could serve with that man 4 transfers if I had to, so I'm not too concerned about transfers. but you know me, I pretty much just go with the flow. Come what may and love it! So I'm sure my new companion will be a little stud. I'm guessing he's gonna be younger than me, mission age, but we'll see. That reminds me, I officially turned 5 months yesterday! Happy Birthday to me, one more month and I get to burn a tie, and I'll be at my 1/4 mark. Pretty crazy stuff.

Mom, you don't need to worry about the flooding. I'm a really good swimmer. Also, the flooding isn't bad in the Raleigh/Frayser area. I hear the Mississippi River crested and now the water level is receding again, but then again you'd probably know better than me, you can watch the news. I also heard that the Mississippi is usually about a half a mile wide, but with the flooding it's gotten up to nearly 3 miles wide, pretty gnarley huh.

So i'm guessing most of you have also heard, but yesterday at Stake Conference I ran into some familiar faces, JD and Monique Derr. It was reallly wierd to see people I knew from my past life, before I was reborn into the world as a missionary, haha. It was way cool though. I had no idea they were in my stake until Stevey told me on Mothers Day. When Elder Hardy and I were driving to the Stake Center I was telling him that we might see my brothers in-laws, and then it ended up happening. Mo was really cool and said she'd feed me and my comp dinner somtime, and she said we could bring over investigators for member present lessons or whatever we needed, and so now I have her number if I ever need anything. It was way sweet. Elder Badger had the hotts for her, he asked me if she was single, lol, that silly guy.

We have one investigator, Erbin, who is looking really good for baptism, except for his smoking problem. He's commited to stop, but then he smoked the very next day. We're gonna have to go through the stop-smoking program with his this week. If he stays clean this whole week he'll probably be baptized on the 21st. If he relapses again we'll have to push it back to the 28th. He'll be baptized this month though, He's a stud.

We have a lot of other investigators who we can never seem to get a hold of or catch at home, but that isn't out of the regular.

I've noticed that certain southern words that I used to seem really wierd aren't seeming so wierd anymore. I don't know how it happened, but I started using the word Ya'll like it's normal or something. The other day I caught myself asking Kiesha and her kids "Are Ya'll fittin' to leave?" Then I was like, what the heck just came out of my mouth. So I just wanted to brace all of my loved ones back home, I might come home with a wierd vocabulary. Then again I also use a lot of ghetto words like Flojjin and junt and shoknowhatosay, and "you so green" which directly translated in ghetto means, "you're mean". haha.

Nothing too crazy has been going on this week. Elder Peay went AP and Elder Adams is getting transfered, and Elder Hardy is leaving, so we're going to have 3 new missionaries in the ward, so that'll be exciting, transfers officially happen Wednesday morning.

Alright, well I know this letter is a little short, please forgive me mother, we're in a little bit of a hurry. I love you guys. Thanks for all your constant support.

-Elder LeBaron

5.9.11

Dear Family,

It was so nice to talk to you all yesterday. I love all of you so much. It sounds like things back home are going just fine. Happy Mothers Day again mom, It was probably one of MY best Mothers Day's as well; one where I truly realized how greatful I am for the mother that I have always had. I couldn't have grown up in a better home, we have always been so blessed, and being out here has really opened my eyes to that. I love you mom, you raised some good kids ;) you mean the world to me. I think I'll always be a momma's boy.

This past week was awesome, if I do say so myself. Elder Hardy and I are striving to do our best to carry out the Lords work here in Raleigh, and I feel like he has been trusting us with more responsibilities and teaching opportunities. I was able to baptize Shemeika on Saturday, and that was really awesome. It sounds like she's becomming friends with a lot of my family and loved ones over Facebook lol. I know Mom has sent her a few messages, and Sister Boyd has as well, that crazy woman. Shemeika is awesome though, I was so proud of her on Saturday. She had a few things she had to overcome to prepare for baptism, and I think she's already seeing the blessings from her obedience and her sacrifice.

We had some really cool lessons this week. We got a refferal from a pass along card on Wednesday, so we went and delivered the Jesus Christ DvD this guy ordered, and we were able to teach him the 1st lesson outside in his front yard. His name is Erbin, and he's a really great guy. I think he's around 23. We got close to the end of the lesson and we were talking about the Holy Ghost, and about how he can receive a spiritual witness that our message is true, and I asked him about how he felt when I was describing the 1st vision to him. He got really emotional and said he almost started crying when we told him Joseph Smiths vision. We continued talking about how soft and subtle the spirit is, but how strong it can burn inside of you. We asked him to set a goal to follow Jesus Christ's example by commiting to the covenant of baptism, and when we started talking about baptism he just burst into tears. He started talking about how he wants to get back into church and turn his life around. The spirit was so strong. I was so greatful for Erbin, we haven't had a lot of luck finding new investigators recently, he came just in time. He came to church yesterday and loved it. So pray that things will continue to go well with him and the decisions he's making.

I told my family this yesterday, but Elder Hardy found out from President that he'll be getting transfered to Little Rock next week. He's really nervous about it, but I think it'll be really good for him. He's been in the Memphis 1st ward all 10 months of his mission. 6 in Frayser and then 4 in Raleigh, so this'll be something new that'll help him grow. I've learned so much from serving with Elder Hardy, I'm glad President put us together, that man is truly inspired. I was reading over my Patriarchal Blessing a few days ago, and I'm already seeing some of the things it talked about, dealing with my mission, happening. and it is giving me a lot of helpful guidance, it's really cool how things like that work out.

After calls yesterday I was talking to my trainer, Elder Badger, and we have both been going through struggles with our companions this transfer so we like to vent to eachother when we have the chance. He told me about how he was talking to his older brother on the phone yesterday, who's a RM, and his brother gave him a lot of helpful advice that he in turn gave to me. He was talking about how there are so many different types of missionaries, those that work really hard, or those that are just great at the social aspect, those that are really spiritual, and you hear this a thousand times out here, but a mission is what you make of it, and even if you're out here everyday busting your tail, working as hard as you can, getting to the point where your legs want to collapse, and then you go knock some more doors, you could still end up getting on that plane in 2 years, and be unsure of your answer when you ask yourself if you did everything you could out here. Elder Holland talks about how you cant waste a day, or an hour, or even a minute out here. He tells missionaries to have no regrets. President Kimball talked about a vision he had, of having a 19 or 20 year old body again, and running from house to house preaching the gospel, until he got so tired he'd have to crawl, and then eventually drag himself from house to house, crying repentance. Its an interesting thing to think about, and I often take time just to ponder and see where I'm at as a missionary, and ask myself if i'm doing everything I can out here. There is no greater work than this. Elder Holland said that there is nothing casual about this work. Elder Badger is a great missionary, I love talking to him because he inspires me, and all the other missionaries around him. It's easy to see why he is a zone leader, leaders are meant to inspire and uplift. His brother talked to him about how half way through his own mission he started to realize that he wasn't getting what he wanted out of his mission, sure he was working hard, busting his tail from 10-9 everyday, but he wasn't seeing these miracles he heard about from all these old timers telling mission stories, he wanted to know where those were, and he knew he could give more. He didn't want to just be a 10-9 missionary. Why not a 2 year missionary. You shouldn't be just enduring your mission, but serving it. There's a lot he talked about and a lot of thoughts in my head.... now I'm just rambling. Anyway. I've just been realizing what I can change and how I can be better, and how greatful I am to be out here, for what it has already done and will continue to do for my life and the lives of those around me. A mission in itself is a miracle...

I'm running out of time so I have to go, I love you all, have a great week! I'll talk to you soon.

- Elder Justin LeBaron

5.2.11

Dear Familia,

Thank you for all your letters. I didn't get a letter from you again today momma, but I bet it just didn't go through for some wierd reason like last time. My email is trippy. It's okay though, because I get to talk to you in like 6 days anyways. Are you excited?? Me too. I think I'll try to call pretty early so I can talk to Stephen, because he has to bounce at like 10, right? Over here in Tennessee we're an hour ahead, if I remember correctly... The only problem we're facing is that Elder Hardy and I have to go start waking people up and giving rides to church at around 8:30, and then we'll be busy up until church ends and we get everyone home. So if I'm gonna talk to Stevo I'll have to call early, so it'll be like 6:30 or 7 Colorado time. So I think this is the plan... I'm gonna call around 6:30 your time, make sure I talk to Stephen, and whoever else in the morning, go to church, and then call again after church and spend time talking to everyone else. I hear it's cool if I do that. Elder Hardy is planning on using the phone from like 6-9 p.m. I guess, lol. So don't worry, I'll make sure I talk to everyone. It'll be good.

Alright, so since I don't watch the news I don't know if the crazy weather we've been having has been on there, but dad mentioned the tornadoes in his letter so i'm guessing you've heard about it. We've been having crazy crazy storms all week. I think the tornado sirens have gone off at least once every day, and get this! Elder Hardy is not only terrified of tornadoes, but also of heavy rain, and lighting, and pretty much just storm clouds. So he's been having a rough week of overcoming his fears. I've slept in the closet with him a few times because he gets scared, but I'll usually just wait until he falls asleep and then I'll go sleep in my bed.

These storms are crazy though! The sky literally turns this dark shade of green and then it starts to rain like you've never seen before, if you step out into it you automatically get soaked, it's nuts, and the tornado sirens just make it almost creepy. The tornadoes aren't the craziest part though, the flash floods are whats up. Yesterday I was with Elder Peay trying to get an investigator to church, and we were driving through the rain storm and there were parts where the road would dip down, and the water eould literally be coming over the top of the hood for a second. It was insane. We're safe though don't worry.

Missionary work has been slow this week due to the insane weather, but we've been able to do a lot of service. Yesterday Elder Hardy, Elder Peay, Elder Fry and I, all dug this huge trench for Brother Ausburn to keep the water from flooding his house for the 2nd time. It was cool, cuz we didn't have time to go change because the tornado/rainstorm was coming in 45 min, and so we just went and dug this massive trench in the mud in our suit pants and white shirts. Don't worry we took off our shoes first. Honestly it was awesome. Elder Fry has a picture, I'll try to get it.

We wanted to watch our trench in action and see if it kept the water out, but after the sirens started going off Brother Ausburn told us we needed to go get someplace safe... plus Elder Hardy was freaking out. So we went and took cover in the Frayser house. It was a fun day though.

I think it was Wednesday that President sent out a mass text to the mission saying all missionaries in the whole mission had to be inside and safe and take cover by 6 pm, and that we weren't allowed to go out and teach unless we we're using a car. no biking or walking. We were on our bikes when we got that text, at like 5 pm, but we were right next to the Frayser house, so we got inside and had a sleep over with the Frayser elders that night. So this weeks been pretty exciting.

Aside from all that craziness, we've been working with Shamika a lot this week. She's quit smoking now, and she's way excited for her baptism on Saturday! Yeaah Buddy. She's a way cool girl, she's Big Man's older sister. We're reading through the Book of Mormon with Big Man and Shamika together and they're loving it. They are way solid. Things are looking gooood.

Elder Hardy was greatful for the things he got in the package the Boyd's sent me. Except for the chalk, lol. He was like, what in the heck? why'd your girlfriend send me chalk?? It made me laugh pretty hard. I really think he enjoyed just getting something though, his parents didn't send him an easter package, I think Elder Hardy just needs some lovin. So if anyone sends me another package while I'm with him, feel free to put some stuff in there for him, I think it would really make his day.

Also, thank you so much for the package familia, I got it a little late but I still got it. For future reference, try not to send packages via UPS, because they require a signature, and missionaries are gone from 10:00 - 9:00 everyday, so they never catch us, lol. They left a notice on the door, and I just left them a sticky note asking them to give it to the neighbors and have them sign for it, so either way it all worked out. Thank you for sending my favorite cereal and some food! If you haven't noticed I've been spending a little more money from home lately, I was dumb this past month with budgeting my money, but don't worry I have 20 more chances to figure out how to live of off 125 dollas. I should been more than good this month, especially since both of my loving grandparents sent me a little cash. Thank you grandparents!

I've been thinking lately, and I think it'd be way awesome if I had some magic tricks I could do for little kids. We see lots and lots of herds of those little black buggers running around, and the parents love it when we entertain thier kids, and it's a good way to break the ice and get in to teach families. SO, if you guys ever have time and see some cool magic tricks that you could send me, that would be perfect, and some cheap little CTR rings, those are awesome, kids love them.

Elder Peay has some cool little books, like "Missionary Object Lessons" and some other Missionary help books. He told me his parents sent them from an LDS book store, so if you ever see anything helpful like that, it'd make a good present for me okay ;) lol. Just some ideas.

I love all of you very much.

Here in Tennessee and Arkansas the casualties haven't been too bad, I think 7 people died here, but I hear over 200 died in Alabama from these storms coming through, So just remember to keep those who have been effected in your prayers!

-Elder LeBaron

p.s. Stephen, Thank you for your email. I really enjoyed your story, sometimes we don't even realize the impact we have on others! That's honestly so awesome. Love you and I'll send you a letter soon. I'm looking forward to talking with you this week.

Dear Family,

Happy Late Easter! Sounds like it was a good one. Thanks so much Sis Boyd and Kelsey for the Easter package, I got the package slip in the mail Sat night, so I had to wait until this morning to get it, but I was very greatful. I'm looking forward to the package from my dear family that I'll probably get today.

Alright, so lets start with the best part of my week! That of course is Saturday night, because that's when the baptisms happen. Travis, aka Big Man, the investigator Elder Hardy and I were working with is now a recent convert :) He was baptized by my dear friend Elder Hardy Saturday night. What made that day even better, was Stephanie Lewis ( A lady Elder badger and I were working with since one of the first weeks of my mission) was able to get baptized Saturday night as well! Stephanie and I had a really close connection when I was in Frayser. She's an older lady, and she had serious problems with alcohol, and tobacco, and she had to make a lot of sacrifices to be baptized. I think Elder Badger and I set 3 baptismal dates with her when I was in Frayser and they all fell through because of the struggles she was having. I wanted her to get baptized soooo bad. When we found out I was leaving Frayser, we told Stephanie and she started crying because she said she was losing a friend. We took pictures and said goodbye. Then I find out I was only moving 10 min away and staying in the ward. So I've seen her a few times since then, but I was soo happy when Elder Badger called me up and told me that Stephanie was getting baptized, and that she wanted me to baptize her :) So I was able to baptize her Saturday, best night of my mission. That baptism meant a lot to me. The spirit I felt was unbelievable.

On top of all that, there were 7 baptisms in the ward that night! Big Man, Stephanie, her 2 kids Fildal and Diamond, a lady named Tomica and her 2 kids Corneesha and Lavelle. It was an amazing night. We have a picture of the 6 Missionaries and 7 Investigators all dressed in white. It was so awesome. Our District is tearing it up, and we're being so blessed, I'm lovin' it.

Alright, back to the rest of my week. last Monday, after I emailed you we went mountain biking, that was a lot of fun. Then, of course, we went to CiCi's and had round 2 of the pizza eating contest. Now what's funny is Elder Hardy was talking himself up all week long telling me how he was going to destroy me, he loves to smack talk, but he's not the best at backing it up, lol, I love it. We get to CiCi's, and by the time I down 30 pieces Elder Hardy is at 19. I stop there because there isn't any competition. Elder Hardy was determined though, lol, so he spent the next 20 min struggling to eat another 3 pieces leaving him with a totall of 22. Then he went out in the parking lot and it all came back up. It was a beautiful night, lol.

Tuesday, I spent a lot of time taking a Defensive Driving Test, to get my driving privaledges back, which sucked because it took almost 3 hours of proslyting time. I'm allowed to drive again, which is good, because Elder Hardy doesn't have a drivers license. President OKed me to drive earlier this Transfer, but Salt Lake was getting upset at the Mission Office because I wasn't suppossed to or something, either way, I had to take that test, and now I'm good. Then we had our weekly Tuesday basketball with the youth, that was bueno.

Wednesday was a crazy day. We went with Bishop to help him with a situation dealing with one of our the recent converts in the ward Jim Garrison. Jimbo is renting out a house in the Triangle area of Memphis, and I guess this Mexican Lady he knows forced her way into his house, and started paying him rent, even though she is still technically trespassing because she's not on the lease and Jim has no legal rights to let her rent a room there. So somehow Bishop got caught up in this and we went there with him to kick this mexican lady out with the Landlord. Either way, it was the worst. She hated mormons, and she had the mouth of a sailor. She used more swear words than I realized could possibly fit in one sentence, it was horrible. What's worse is she had 3 tiny little kids, and she was swearing at them, and swearing at us, and swearing at mormons, and swearing at God. She was like the devil himself. I was helping her move her stuff out of the house while she ranted on about how mormon blanks have no blank standards and I need to find a new church blankety blank blank. I was so heated on the inside, I just wanted to tell her off, or punch her or something, but of course I didn't. It took like 3 hours before we were finished with that. Not fun.

The rest of the week was pretty good from then on, because we actually had full days of proslyting. We did a lot of tracting in the hot sun, and I turned the color of a tomato. We did a lot of good finding that will hopefully turn into some New Investigators this next week.

Elder Hardy often trails behind me when we're walking places and tracting and such, and I'll usually wait for him and try to get him to walk with me, but I wanna walk fast enough to actually get a days work done. I tell him to walk with me all the time but sometimes I'll just keep on walking without him so that we can pick up the pace. This week a Lady stopped us on the road and told us how horrible it looks when we're not walking together and if we're going about Gods business we need to be united. I was greatful for that, because now Elder Hardy walks right next to me, and sometimes I'll slow down a little if I have to, just as long as we're walking together. That lady was cool though.

Another crazy thing that happened this week. We stopped at the Frayser house to eat lunch one day, and I used their bathroom, and I looked over and realized that there was a turtle in their bathtub. lol. First off, missionaries aren't allowed to have pets. Second, There are 2 Zone leaders that live in the Frayser house.... haha, Third, there was a squirt gun taped to the top of the Turtle, and they labled him "Blastoise". For those of you that don't know what Blastoise is, feel free to ask Kelsey Boyd, I know she is very experienced in the subject of Pokemon ;) It was hilarious, lol. I picked him up by his water gun and then he hissed at me so I just put him back. Elder Badger and Nelson were leaving a surprise in the shower for Elder Peay and Fry.

This week was good though. I heard from a little birdie, also known as 2 zone leaders, that Elder Hardy and I are going at least 2 transfers together, so I at least have 8 more weeks with my good friend. We're gonna have some fun together. I love you all so much and miss you.

Thank you for writing me Danielle, it was good to hear from you! Tell your husband I miss him and want him to email me more.

Have a good week everyone!

Love, Elder LeBaron

4.18.11

Dear Family,

I know, I know, I suck at writing letters lately... Don't worry, it's not gonna be an every week thing :) I know you wanna know what's going on. I swear somethings wrong with me though, I can't concentrate when there's noise, and these lady librarians talk so loud on the phone, lol, but I'll do my best to ignore them. First off, congrats mom! on quiting your yob and getting back on the diet, I'll definately send skinny thoughts your way... and I know you love me and want to send me a package, but I don't know my address, I forgot to write it down before we biked to the library, and I don't have it memorized, but Kelsey has it because I sent a letter to her, so could you get it from her? or worst case scenario you could call the mish office, they'll let you know.

This week was good. Yes, my new companion and I are having our struggles. I love Elder Hardy, but my goodness does he get on my nerves, and I thought I was a pretty hard person to upset, but I'm learning even more patience now. I know that we're working together for a reason, and that I'll only grow because of it, I just keep reminding myself the mission isn't suppossed to be easy. It makes me think of a talk by Elder Holland called "Missionary Work and The Atonement" where he talks about how we all have to go through our own Gethsemene, and just a tiny piece of what the savior did, to reach our own exaltation. The Lord won't give me anything I can't handle though... I just need to give Elder Hardy a little kick in the pants and get him motivated and fired up for the work! He's gotten a little lazy from being with his last companion, but I'm not out here to drag my feet. Things are looking up though, we've had some good conversations. Yelling may have been involved but it was all done out of love.

Last Monday was a fun-filled P-day, we went to the Memphis Temple with most of the missionaries in our Zone, and Brother Floyd, that was awesome, I needed that spiritual boost. Then afterwards we went to Kelsey's favorite place ever- CiCi's Pizza, I think that's how you spell it. Elder Nelson, Elder Badgers new companion challenged all the missionaries to an eating contest, and you know me, I like to eat, and I never turn down a challenge, so it was on like donkey kong. Haha, we started off by grabbing plates of 5 and downing em as fast as we could, after like 30 min Elder Nelson and I were leaving all the other missionaries in the dust, but that man can eat, I was a little scared. We ended up slowing down about the same time, we got to 30 pieces and it was hurting. We spent like 5 minutes eating the very last piece and decided we both capped off at 31 and it was a tie. The really funny thing is, Elder Hardy and I had a dinner appointment within the next 10 minutes with the Townsends! Yeah, I know. Here's the best part, you're gonna love this mom. There was no way I could eat any more food, but I couldn't disappoint the Townsends, I had to make room... So we went around the back of CiCi's and the other missionaries video recorded me throwing some pizza back up, I don't know why they recorded it, haha, they're sick, but the throwing up had to be done. Then I went and had another great meal with Brother and Sister Townsend. It was a good night.

Tuesday, was the start of Elder Hardy and I's first bike week together. haha. Elder Hardy hates riding his bike. Anyway, we finish up comp study and we're getting ready to leave, when we come to find out that his bike tire is flat, and we have no pump. It was great, the only thing Elder Hardy hates more than riding his bike is walking! So we headed off to Raleigh on foot. It takes about 15 minutes to get to our area from our apartment... when you're driving there. It's a good 1 hour and 30-45 min walk though. So that was fun. We had a great walk week walking to and from our area, and Elder Hardy loved every minute of it, lol. Half way through the week Bro Floyd gave us a ride to WallMart, and I ended up buying him a new bike tube because he was fresh outta money, but we fixed up his bike. He liked biking a little more after that.

Our Investigator that is progressing the most is named Travis, but he goes by BIG MAN. Big Man is a stud, he has been to church 3 times, he's had all the lessons, and he wants to get baptized, but he has a problem with cigarettes. I was greatful to have some experience with dealing with a cigarette addiction, because Thomas had the same struggle back in Frayser. We've been working with Big Man, and he should be getting baptized this Saturday! pretty exciting! He's a great guy.

We're struggling to get members to work with us in this area, and honestly, that is the best way to do missionary work. We need to get members out, but our ward, in the words of Sis Townsend, is a ward of misfits and jack mormons. It's sad that it's the way it is, but it's true, I would put my money on saying that over half the ward doesn't even know who Thomas S Monson is. Most of them don't understand the doctrine of the church. Jessica, a girl in Frayser that was baptized almost 14 months ago, told me and Elder Badger that she heard we had a prophet in our church from someone, and she wanted to know if it was true... who baptized this girl? yes jessica, yes that's true! If you came to church maybe you'd know. Sister Taylor, a great spiritual lady in our ward told one of the recent converts, Erik (he looks just like Lil' Wayne btw) , that the Book Of Mormon was just the Bible written in Joseph Smiths words... I love this ward, I really do, but it needs some help. I'm glad there are 8 missionaries in Memphis 1st because the Ward sure needs them. There is no home teaching in the ward, because there aren't enough active members that will do it, so there are 5 different sets of missionaries that do all the home teaching every month. There's definately a lot of work to be done.

I'm very greatful for the few strong families we do have in the ward. The Carters are really great members, Sis Carter is like a mom away from home, sometiems she brings food by, offers rides, and makes sure we're doing okay, so I figured you'd be glad to hear that mom.

I was really excited to hear about Ben's mission call! what a stud that guys is, California spanish speaking. That's so awesome! and I'm so glad to hear that B was able to baptize his little sister, sounds like it was an amazing experience, I love that guy.

I can't believe Mothers Day is just around the corner, are you guys excited to talk to me?? To be honest I don't know what time we're suppossed to be calling or anything, but I do know you don't need to get me a phone card or whatever, because we'll just be using our missionary phone! I can't believe I'm already making my first phone call home, I just left. but I'm excited to hear from all of you, and I'd love it if Stephen and Kelsey were there, I'll talk to Elder Badger and see how Mothers Day phone calls work, and see what time you should be expecting it. I'll let you know next week.

Alright, I love you all, I have to go. Today we're gonna do some hard-core mountain biking with my dear friends the Frayser Elders, and then we're going to CiCi's with Brother and Sister Ginn, that's right. Looks like we'll have to have another eating contest, don't worry guys I'll do whatever it takes to win. lol. I'll be looking forward to the Easter Package, send me some good stuff. Love

Elder Justin LeBaron ( or as Brother Presley would say, The Red Baron)

4.11.11 Transfered

Dearest Family!

Hey, I'm sorry to say, like always, I'm pretty rushed. We're heading to the Temple soon and we don't wanna be late but I'll go over this past week really quick.

Wednesday was Transfers! I'm now serving in Raleigh Tennessee... yup, that's right next to Frayser. I used to live and Raleigh and serve in Frayser, and now I live in Bartlett and serve in Raleigh. So not a huge change. I'm still in the same ward, and I still see all the guys I used to live with all the time. My new companion is Elder Hardy, he's a very interesting Elder. He is one of the two black missionaries serving in the Arkansas Little Rock Mission. He's been out 9 months. Great guy. We definately have our diferences, but i'm exciting to serve with him and get some work done here in Raleigh.

Saturday was awesome! Star-neesha, one of the Investigators Elder Badger and I were teaching in Frayser, got baptized! and guess who she wanted to baptized her?? She wanted me to :) So I got to baptize Star on Saturday, it was a really amazing experience... That baptism meant so much to her, she was crying before she even got in the water. She had to overcome a lot and give up a lot to join the church, and her sacrafice was an amazing example to me. That was my third baptism!

Raleigh doesn't have too much going on just yet, It looks like we're gonna have to do a lot of finding and hopefully working through members, but I know the Lord has trusted us with this area, so there's someone here that needs us. I'm excited to be where I am.

I love you family, I'm sorry my letters are getting short, I'll work on it okay. Have a good week!

Elder LeBaron

4.5.11

Dear Family,

Sorry I know it's Tuesday, but the library was closed yesterday, it was something to do with Martin Luther King Jr. I really loved reading all your emails, and especially the pictures that were attached. It's only been 4 months since I left, so why does Sarah look so much older?? lol, It's blowing my mind.

Conference was definately awesome, wasn't it? I loved it. What's even better is we had two investigators that watched it with us! Star and Stephanie both came, and they both got so much out of it! Star was crying in the last session. I think it was... Richard G. Scott's talk? ... where he talked about his wife, and thier marriage, and how she used to leave notes in his scriptures and things like that. I think that really touched Star and Stephanie, because the way people see the Family here in Frayser, and how it should be, is a lot different. It truly is evident that satan is good at what he does, he's destroying the Family, and he's doing a good job. Star and Stephanie both have 3 children out of wedlock, from more than one father, and that's completely normal here. I think conference really opened their eyes to what a Family really could be, and what it should be like, and when its organized properly there are so many blessings that will come from that.

This week was a really good one, A lot of crazy things happened! I wish I had time to tell you, but I don't have like any time to email today, so I'm gonna rap it up, we have to get out and work! This is my last day in Frayser, I wanna say goodbye to all the wonderful people I've met here. Transfers are OFFICIALLY tommorow, I got a call yesterday telling me to pack my stuff, so I'm going somewhere, I don't feel like it's gonna be Jackson anymore though, I think I might be leaving the Zone, we'll see. I'll let you know next week. If you wanna send me anything, just send it to the mission home, they'll get it to me. I just wanted you all to know that I love you and that i'm still alive. You'll hear from me soon.

Love,

Elder LeBaron