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December 25, 2009
We were right in the middle of opening presents when the phone rang...we told Adam to keep unwrapping, it was time to talk to Elder Holmes...
Ang and I both had a phone to be able to talk with Devin L. and ask lots of questions.
He was calling from a members house. They had three houses to visit for the day and would be fed very well by the time they were done.
He said that the members in this ward were very generous and many of them would bring food for them on Sunday that they could take home and use during the week. It really helps keep the food bill down.
His current companion, Elder Weston, and he get along really well. Elder Weston only has about 2 more weeks in the mission and then he'll be heading home. Because of that Elder Weston has been working out and trying to slim down. Both work out in the morning and Devin L. has slimmed down a bit as well. Devin even mentioned that he hasn't had a Mountain Dew in over 5 weeks as he's cutting out the sodas.
He recently heard from his first Companion, Elder Sorenson, and it was great to catch up. Elder Sorenson couldn't believe it had already been 15 months since he and Devin were first companions. My how time does fly.
Devin L. is excited about the next baptism they have scheduled. A little boy from a part member family, he reminds Devin L. of his little brother Adam back home.
He mentioned that a number of family and friends have sent gift cards, money, or other items for him to enjoy at Christmas. He says a big thank you!
We asked him about the weather there in Ohio and if it was that much different from Pennsylvania. He said that in his old area of Johnston, middle of PA, there was about 2 feet of snow on the ground, while in Wintersville, OH there was only a few inches. Either way it was still cold outside.
He talked a little about his plans when he comes home next year. The main thing is to get job, next would be to do some schooling, and get a car. He will probably continue to attend Sierra College. Since he will be home mid to late September he'll have to wait until the Fall Semester is over.
Before you know it and hour had come and gone. I said my goodbyes and then handed the phone over to Angie so she could chat a few more minutes. It was so fun to be able to talk with Devin L. and to hear the excitement in his voice of serving a mission, he knows why he's there, what he has to do and is looking forward to the rest of his mission.
One of the most asked questions that we get from friends about Devin L. is does he get to come home for the holidays. Most not familiar with LDS Missions don't realize that a mission is a solid 2 year commitment. However during that time we do get to talk with him on the phone twice a year, Mother's Day & Christmas. With 3 phone call down, we only have one more until he comes home!
Copyright © 2008 Devin Holmes