E-mail dated 8/17/09

Good Morning America,

Wow, word gets around fast. Yes, I am staying here in Congo Town for another transfer. The surprising news is that Elder Kargbo is going to serve in Bo in his own country. He has never been to Bo so its still all new to him. The even more surprising news is that I'm training another Elder straight from the MTC. I know that the Squires know the kid as he lives somewhere north of Salt Lake. His name is Elder Smoot. Sis Squires said his grandfather served as a mission president. I can put two and two together and I'm pretty sure that he is the grandson of your mission president, dad. Crazy, eh? I guess I'll learn alot about him this week.

The predominant religion where I'm serving now, is Christian. Although all of those churches think that worshipping God is dancing and clapping for Jesus. In Sierra Leone the dominant religion is Muslim. Many people here in Congo Town have heard about the church, and they all get fed alot of anti-mormon crap. Many people have a problem believing the Book of Mormon to be inspired literature. Actually there are so many misconceptions about us that I can't even begin to name them all. We are not instructed, or taught, how to respond to these matters. Thats why we have personal and companionship study. I've had many people yell at me, most of them are drunk though. Oh, well. Focusing on the negative only makes things worse.

On Thursday evening to sunday morning we had the Assistants to the president in our Apartment. Now both of the assistants have been my companions at one point (Amegayie and Seawright) so I was enjoying thier presence this week. (and I didn't get much done in the evenings, so once again I had plenty to wash today). (biscuit)

Oh, we had an amazing baptism on Saturday. Annie and Debah Brown were both baptized. Annie is the mother and Debah is the daughter. I have been seeing this family twice a week for almost 6 months now. I absolutely love them and I was so happy for them to take this big step. That feeling I had when I was baptizing them was definitly how the celestial kingdom feels. I don't think I've grown closer to anyone else since I've been here. I'm glad that Heavenly Father allowed me to be apart of thier conversion.

Brittany get a job, Gavin cut you hair, josh bear your testimony to your 10 yr old friend, and kalli draw me a picture.

Elder Degen