29th Apr 2013, Senior Zone Leader, Cape Town

Mom and Dad,

Thanks for the update on everything... I didn't read the email before I replied the first time... I was in such a rush that I missed it...

 Today till wednesday is a Zone Leader Council, and this morning all of the Zone leaders hiked Elephants Eye. It was nice, but now I only have a couple of minutes to email so it will be short.

 That was a surprise to hear about Opa... I did feel as though I wouldn't see Opa again. I know it is all the will of the Lord. I was praying a lot about opa and oma over my mission, and during the duration of my mission I was able to accept that if Opa was to pass, it was the will of the Lord. I was comforted and I know that Heavenly Father loves each of us and that He loves Opa a ton.

 Opa really is an incredible man! The best part is that this isn't his end! It's the beginning of Eternity! I am so jealous of the things he knows now and the experience he is having! He no longer has pains of the body or sicknesses to worry about, and I am comforted by the knowledge that I have that I will get to see him again! I will! I know it!!

It will be strange going through my journey in this mortal existence without his great role model in my life, but I will always be able to look back and see how great of a man he is. I wish I could have been with him more, but I know that I am in the service of the Lord and that it is so important that I am here! The Gospel brings so much peace to my soul and I am so grateful for the Atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ to allow the resurrection to happen so that we can all stand before God one day!

I will ponder and pray and learn as much as possible from this experience. I love Opa with all my heart! I respect him in so many ways! He is an incredible man and now he is able to rest. God has a plan for all of us, and we are the whole source of His work. He is trying to bring about our immortality and eternal life, and that is exactly what Opa will be able to experience. I know that it is sad that Opa is now gone, but I am comforted to know that he is waiting for me and that he is suffering no more. He still had many year of life in him, as shown by his wavy brown hair, but this time of probation was over for him, and now he can learn and grow where he is.

 I am out of time... Oma if you are reading this. I love you so much and I am praying for you and I have been praying for you every day for 16.5 months now. Stay strong. I'm here for you! I love you.

 To everyone else! I love you all! Thanks for all of the love and support and prayers! Here's some pics of our hike today up Elephants Eye. Sorry I never have time to reply to anyone. I don't have time for myself whatsoever... but I'm devoting all my time to the Lord. Please understand and don't think I'm neglecting anyone. I love you all TOO MUCH!!!

Take luck!