Elder Rowland July 27, 2009

Hey Dad
Well im in a place called the "The Pond of Rats!" But so far i havent seen any rats. Its really a beautiful place , and really cold! For some reason the last missionary that was there took almost all the blankets in the house, so between me and my companion, we had just 2 blankets!, And it doesnt snow here , but there is frost every morning! so we had to borrow some blankets froms some members. But everthing is going really well here. Its a branch here so the ward is extremly small. There is probably 30 members, and instead of having a chaple , the church bought a little food store, and made it into a church. Its pretty cool. Ill send you guys pictures of it. My new companion is elder Braz, Hes a brasilian too. He is on his last transfer and is working really hard . I really like him, he's great. Im improving everyday. I wanted to tell you dad that im doing better in talking to people about the church. almost every morning i said to myself, " okay, this is the day that im going to talk to everyone and give away a book of mormon and i wont be shy!" And then i wouldnt talk so much to very many people. but on day , the president of our branch said that " Its dificult to recieve Inspiration from the lord if you arent being obediant." that really got to me. i dont want to go through my mission never recieving insperation or special experiances like that. So i was also reading (sorry this is so long) a thing by president kimbel that we want to be excited to do this work and show people your happieness and love for the lords work and glory. So i grabbed a book of mormon and i finally did it... im talking with people, im doing what the lord wants me to do. I know that the lord is helping me, and the confidence you guys have in me is doing wonders for me. I love you Dad!.
Elder Rowland

Hey Mom!
Thought id give you an update on how things are going around here. They are going great! There are tough days and fun days filled with joy , but they are all worth it. I Cant believe iv been gone for 9 months! But i am greatful for the time i have here. I should be getting your package in august, because thats our zone conferiance. Thanks for everything mom. I have a post office right next to my house so ill be sending a lot more letters now. Give everyone my love and i want you to know how special you are to me mom. i sure love you!.
Elder Rowland