27 May 2009

Yes, I have survived. The battle was harsh, the casualties were many, but I have managed to stay here in Guarapuava with Elder Cacio for the next six weeks. Transfers are more worrisome than I thought.

I did get some photos developed at Koris, a photo-developing store here. Lyn seemed pretty angry at me on the phone that I hadn't used the debit card, so I thought I'd give it a try. I did not, however, get a picture CD made. I am still trying to accumulate enough photos to send to you of the apartment, area, etc. Please understand that this takes time because Preparation Day time is precious to both me and Elder Cacio, and I cannot always do all the things I want to.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LIZZIE! I hope you had a great 3-day celebration. Speaking of birthdays, I never received the recipes that Lyn said she sent, neither through email nor MissionTies. I was hoping to make the chocolate cake for Elder Cacio on his birthday this Saturday, but I guess cookies will have to do. I know it's not your fault, but do you think you could send this one recipe again through MissionTies? Maybe, through the grace of our Creator, it will arrive before the 30th. For your information, I have been receiving your MissionTies letters in 3-8 days. I did, however, enjoy many of the letters I received at our Zone Conference last Thursday. I know that I am loved.

We have another two baptisms today: Cezar and Paulo. They are great guys. I'm sure that they will lead the rest of their family to the waters of baptism as well.

And on that spiritual note I want to close with my testimony, which I realize I have not shared with you explicitly in quite some time. I have a testimony of this Gospel: that is true, and that through the mercies of Jesus Christ we will live again and we can live forever with God and our families. I know that prayer works. I know it with all my heart. This has been manifested to me many, many times already on my mission, and I know the Lord blesses those who ask for His blessings. I know that the message of the Gospel will bless every last person who embraces it. I know that we have a very important job to do as members of the Church of Jesus Christ to share the Gospel with others. If we want the Second Coming, we need to stop waiting and start working. All of God's commandments are important, and He gives them to us because He loves us and knows how we can live good lives. Thank you so much for supporting me here in a foreign land. Thank you for bringing me up in the light of knowledge about God and His Beloved Son. I know that we have the actual Church of Jesus Christ here on the earth today, and it is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This Church existed before the foundations of the world, and it will continue to exist forever. This is my prayer, my thanksgiving, and my tesimony, and I leave it with you in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Sincerely yours,
Elder Daniel Floyd

P.S. I wanted to title this email "The Morning After", but since that term has undergone some radical changes in recent years, I decided to add "the War".