new letter

Highlights from Connor's 2nd letter:

Family,

I can't express my appreciation to you guys right now.  I love you all so much and I'm so happy you raised me so well and a firm member of the church. 

I am learning how to teach a lot better and having fun in classes.  The lessons our teachers teach us are absolutely amazing. The teachers are really in tune with missionary life and know exactly what we are going through.  I love my district and have been blessed with the coolest companion. He has the best sense of humor and we always joke around.  

I got all your letters and packages from Karen and Katy.  It was the biggest blessing ever getting all of those letters from you guys.  It made me feel loved and it gave me so much strength and inspiration.  It truly makes my day when I get letters from all of you guys.  

Last night I could hear stomping and screaming and all the poly guys were doing the Haka.  It was great. There is really a diverse culture at the MTC.  We can eat all we want, but they ask us to take only one entree at a time.  All the big Polys walk back with four entrees on their plate to eat.  haha.  They get to eat whatever they want. 

Keep me in your prayers.  I have been praying a lot and I know they are answered.  I'm doing awesome here now.  I love being a missionary.  Sometimes I will take off my name tag and just look at it...Elder Rawle, then I get so excited, I'm a missionary finally!  The spirit is so strong here everywhere I go it's just flowing.  I feel it literally all day!  I realize how blessed our family is and how close we are and everything.  I think about the families in NZ that I am going to be teaching and how awesome it's going to be to see them have what our family has, that genuine happiness and closeness that comes only from the gospel. 

Dad, thanks for your letter.  I use the hallmark pen you gave me everyday, all day.  I love it so much.  I keep it on me at all times and use it for everything.  It makes me feel like you because I remember you used one on your mission and I want to work as hard as you did on your mission.   Mom, I miss you so much.  I miss your tender love.  I'm doing awesome here though. 

There is literally no free time.  Like none! So have everyone read this, all the family and friends because when I write them I won't go into this much detail. 

I'm glad I am going to NZ.  I already love the people and I haven't even met them yet. In my opinion to convert someone you need to become their friend first so they trust you.  I'm going to try to be so friendly and always have a smile on my face so they know that the gospel makes you happy.   There is so much stuff waiting for me in NZ.  I don't know what it is yet, but I want to find out and that's what gets me up everyday!  I love the gospel. It makes me so happy!  

I love you guys so much!  Don't worry about me, I'm doing so good.  I love missionary work and it is such a blessing and a privilege.  This is where I need to be. 

Love you,  Elder Rawle