Your Taiwan Taichung Missionary

Dear Brother and Sister Woolsey:

 

It has been my privilege to serve as Elder Bryant Woolsey’s Mission President.   Elder Woolsey will be released from the Taiwan Taichung Mission on December 27, 2013.  I am grateful for his service and the contribution he has made to the people of Taiwan.

Elder Woolsey has made a significant contribution to this mission and the work of the Lord.  He has had the opportunity to work with a variety of companions and assignments.  He has also set an excellent example for other missionaries in his service.     

 

We commend Elder Woolsey for his dedication, diligence, and humble service to the Lord.  Sister Blickenstaff  and I express our love, appreciation and well wishes as he makes the adjustment from being a full-time missionary to being a member missionary. 

 

Sincerely,

President Kurt L Blickenstaff                                                      Enclosures: Flight Itinerary

Taiwan Taichung Mission                                                              Tuberculosis Skin Testing

CHURCH TRAVEL CWT                          DATE 21OCTOBER13

50 EAST NORTH TEMPLE ST                    AGENT VH/VE BOOKING REF 4EGSNG

SALT LAKE CITY UT 84150

TELEPHONE: 801 240-5111                    WOOLSEY/BRYANT JARE 268582-R

FAX      : 801-240-5115

 

  MISSIONARY TRAVEL

  TAIWAN TAICHUNG MISSION

 

SERVICE               DATE  FROM           TO             DEPART  ARRIVE

_____________________ _____ ______________ ______________ _______ ______

DELTA AIR LINES       27DEC TAIPEI         TOKYO          940A    135P

DL 276               FRIDAY TAIWAN TAOYUAN NARITA INTL

U ECONOMY                   TERMINAL 2     TERMINAL 1

                            BREAKFAST                     NON STOP

                            RESERVATION CONFIRMED         2:55 DURATION

                  AIRCRAFT: BOEING 747-400

                            SEAT 60C NO SMOKING CONFIRMED

 

DELTA AIR LINES       27DEC TOKYO          PORTLAND OR    325P    735A

DL 642               FRIDAY NARITA INTL    PORTLAND INTL    

U ECONOMY                   TERMINAL 1

           NON SMOKING      DINNER                        NON STOP

                            RESERVATION CONFIRMED         9:10 DURATION

                  AIRCRAFT: BOEING 767-300

                            SEAT 36B NO SMOKING CONFIRMED

 

DELTA AIR LINES       27DEC PORTLAND OR    SALT LAKE C UT 1015A   1256P

DL 2189              FRIDAY PORTLAND INTL  SALT LAKE CITY

U ECONOMY                                  TERMINAL 2

                                                          NON STOP

                            RESERVATION CONFIRMED         1:41 DURATION

                  AIRCRAFT: AIRBUS INDUSTRIE A319

                            SEAT 20D NO SMOKING CONFIRMED

I Love the Lord

Dear Mom, Dad, Eric, Belle, and Coffee,

I love the Lord.  I love that he gave me my mission in order to come closer to Him.  Everything He does is perfect and for our benefit (2 Nephi 26:24).  I can't wait for the day that I may kneel before Him and confess my devotions unto the most High.  My mission has allowed me to be converted more than every before.  My mission has become so beautiful to me.  I was telling Eric in my email to him this week that it used to kind of irritate me when he jumped on anything South African.  It was as though all he had to hear was the name of the country and he would pounce all over it.  I was naive in many ways.  I hope it doesn't irritate you all, but I've realize that in a very real sense I have a similar attachment.  I imagine that I will talk so much of Taiwan and my experiences, that you will be happy to send me to BYU ten days later.  

Hey Dad, you know where the song concept for the song "I Love the Lord," is principally taken from right?  It comes from a scripture that gave me a lot of comfort in the MTC when I felt really inadequate: 2 Nephi 4:16-end.  It's a beautiful set of scriptures that illustrates the righteousness and earnest desire of Nephi to be a disciple of Christ.  I love reflecting on his desire to be free from the bonds of sin.  He is truly remarkable.  It's this set of scriptures that has given me motivation for a lot of my mission.  Hearing it in song is gorgeous.  

Thank you so much for praying for me.  I can feel your prayers.  I know that we'll see success in the form of baptism soon.  JiaYi is such a prepared place where many are prepared to hear the gospel.  I imagine that we'll baptize several before the end comes, but for the time being, they haven't come quite yet.  I know that as you and I pray for it, they will come.  I'm so grateful to be here at this time.  I know that these challenges are from the Lord and are allowing me to grow.  The gospel is truly remarkable.  The Lord knows everything you do and cares about you every step of the way no matter where you are (Alma 26:36-37).

The world is full of false doctrine, and at times even the church has areas of apostasy.  Many materials, talks, etc. must come out frequently in order to allow people to know exactly our stance on everything.  Leaders will visit missions, wards, stakes, etc. in the attempt of ensuring that doctrine remains pure and refined. 

The Rose Bowl sounds like an awesome family activity.  One thing I've noticed is that my personal attention span has increased dramatically.  Not to say that I ever found football uninteresting, but merely that I am able to pay attention much longer than usual.  I would love to attend such activities with my favorite people in the whole world.

I hope that you're doing well in all of your cycling ventures, dad.  Don't get yourself hurt any more than you already have.  I expect you to be there in one piece when I return.  

It's strange to think that Mason is leaving on his mission soon.  Why did he wait so long to go out?  Either way, I think it's wonderful.  He probably wanted to be there for his brother to return.

Thank you so much for your kind words of direction throughout the past few weeks.  As time closes in, I will need more and more of such direction.  I love you all so much and am constantly astounded by your commitment to the Gospel.  The gospel is true and will never change no matter how many people don't believe it or how many people say it's not true.  Truth can't be changed and will not change ever.

"The future is as bright as your faith."  - President Monson

- Elder Woolsey

Opposition

Dear Mom, Dad, Eric, Belle, and Coffee,

It has been another amazing week in the land of miracles (Taiwan).  I've seen so many times in which the Lord has led us and guided us.  As this week commenced we had interviews with President Blickenstaff.  He's an incredibly inspired man and is always unbelievably kind to me.  I discussed with him how I had a little indecisive regret about going home when I'm going home and he told me that he did the exact same thing on his mission.  He was only home for ten days just like I will be and got right back in the mix of things.  He hates the idea of any sort of alternative.  Such definitive resolution was inspiring and solidified my decision.  It sounds to me like my current mission president's mission was very similar to my own.  It's amazing how the Lord sets things up to be exactly what they need to be.  If I could be successful like our family or his family is, I would be a well pleased man.  I want to fill my life with the gospel and never turn from it.  I love it too much to do anything else.

MOM!!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!  I wish I could be there with you at this time to give you something, anything more substantial than a typed "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" but I suppose this is the best thing I have to offer at the moment.  I have a card in the works with some pictures, but it's not quite ready for shipping yet. I'm so grateful for a mother that loves me and her family so much.  You honestly are, like you said, young for your age.  You and dad are far from aged.  You two have always impressed me with acquiring such a timeless, young feel.  That aside, your adherence to the principles of the gospel means more than anything.  I recently read (again) the words of the sons of Helaman who spoke so fondly of their mothers who they truly loved indeed.  They taught them in the gospel and when put to the test, they "did not doubt."  I'm grateful that I have been taught to do the right things by a righteous mother who knows the gospel is true.  I love your example, mom.  Don't worry about me, I'm safe from any sort of typhoons.  The Philippines are rather far from Taiwan so don't fret.  Also, before you know it we'll be eating pizza at Costco and going to movies like Ender's Game together.  You're "seemingly dead" son is about to be resurrected and when I return, you won't know what to do with me.  Don't get too excited for you're about to have another great burden on your hands.  Thank you so much for caring for me.  

This week has been filled with opposition.  We have a Week A right now (that means he will be baptized at the end of this week), but we just found out last night that he has family opposition that is impeding him from being baptized.  We have essentially only a few days to sort this out or he will not be baptized.  His grades having been where they need to be and therefore his parents won't allow him to attend church until this is attended to.  He's so prepared which is the hardest part.  Also, my companion (much like the first day of school), got some strange illness that quickly infected the entire apartment of four.  We all were sick this week.  Much to mom's dismay however, there wasn't a chance in the world that this would affect my regular proselyting schedule, but that doesn't mean it wasn't any less of a burden.  We've been working diligently despite the inhibition.  

Jordan wrote me again this week which was nice.  He seems to be doing pretty well.  How are Denise and Ray doing?  How's Grandma Wilkes?  I worry about our extended family sometimes.  I don't know why, but I worry about them more recently than before.  Is everyone doing alright?

That's strange about the flight schedule.  I don't know what to say.  I guess he'll get in just before me then.  Odd indeed.  I'll have to look into that at some point.  My very favorite missionary Elder Erickson got his "return itinerary" in the mail today.   He only has four weeks left and only three preparation days left.  It hits me like a sucker punch to know that he's about to return.  He's such a great missionary.  Too weird.

Ender's Game sounds awesome.  I loved the book after deliberating over for a while.  I love the part where he lies on a raft in a lake on earth (or where ever he is) and says that his desire isn't to be better than Peter, but to have Peter love him.  i hope that this scene is depicted well in the movie, because for me it is the absolute climax of the book.  The fact that he finds accomplishment in attaining love above all other success is the best.  After rereading this portion, I realized that I loved the book.  This sole part made the book genius to me.  The rest is just good.  I'm excited to see it though.  I've honestly contemplating completely eliminating all PG-13 movies from my social media whatsoever.  Unfortunately I've made no conclusive decision and therefore likely will watch them when I return.  Making no stance is the same as submitting to the original pattern of doing things.

I can't believe that Thanksgiving is once again on the horizon.  In the eyes of this missionary, every holiday except for Christmas is insignificant.  I'm excited because you all are excited, but Thanksgiving isn't a very big deal to me.  I'm an intense Christmas junky.  I love it so very, very much.  I can't get enough of the music, the food, the spirit, the charity, the love, the giving, the receiving, the movies, the festivities, everything.  I love everything about that holiday season.  The next one, I'll only be two days from home.  "Where ever you find love, it feels like Christmas."  Last year, no words rang more clearly.  

Keep working hard and don't get distracted by my homecoming.  I'm not getting distracted, that's for certain.

- Elder Woolsey

P.S. A new favorite "hymn": "I LOVE THE LORD" by the BYU men's choir.  Please listen to it.  It's gorgeous.  It's to the tune of Be Still My Soul, but the lyrics are what's incredible.

Time Constraints

Dear Mom, Dad, Eric, Belle, and the alleged "Beast,"

I just want to say how much I love you all.  Time hastens onward and the closer it gets to the end the faster it accelerates.  One lesson I've learned in life however is that when you are focused, enjoying yourself, and working hard, time speeds up and you wonder where time has gone.  When you dislike what you're doing, are being lazy, or unfocused, time seems to crawl and slips through your fingers.  I've come to realize this on my mission.  The first time I trained I experienced the turning point in my maturity and mission.  At this time, I felt for a couple of weeks that time slowed down and looking back was in a slight state of depression.  I felt like I contributed to a problem and didn't remedy it.  Now, looking at the time since then, it has raced by in a flash and each week I type these emails I'm shocked it's Monday again.  I have a great desire to call it back, but like Elder Boyd K. Packer said two conferences ago in his very eloquent and cute poem, 

"If I could now turn back the years,

If that were mine to choose,

I would not barter age for youth,

I’d have too much to lose.

I am quite content to move ahead,

To yield my youth, however grand.

The thing I’d lose if I went back

Is what I understand."

I love what I've experienced and I can't recall it back for if I do, I would be making a great mistake.  This mission has changed me and I can't wait for you all to see that it's true.  It's what I've been working for my entire mission: to honestly change and become more like Christ.  I intend to make these changes permanent.  

Jordan wrote me a long letter.  I'm really grateful that he remembered to write me.  I have lost communication with almost all of my former friends and family members except you all.  Any communication is a blessing indeed.  I love hearing from Jordan.  It sounds like he's doing a lot of traveling and other things of that nature.  It sounds really exciting actually.  I can't wait to see him and the rest of the family again at some point. 

How are Denise and Ray doing?  Are they attending church meetings?  Are they happy?  How are things on their end?

Mom, you look super pretty in those pictures!

Snow.  I fear snow.  I can't imagine what it feels like anymore.  I worry I'm going to dry out like a prune.  

There is so much going on at home, I hope that I don't provide too big of a distraction. I just want to help in any way possible.  I don't know how, but I can help.  I pray for this situation every night.  I hope that it works out for the better of the family.  

I love you all so much.  I'm doing great, and I keep getting distracted by class selection.  Thank you so much for loving me so much.  I love you all.

2 Samuel 14:14

Dear Mom, Dad, Eric, Belle, and Coffee,

2 Samuel 14:14, “For we must needs [go home], and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again.”

My mission is passing on "wings of lightning" and seems as though water spilt that cannot again be gathered.  I can stare at it, I can think about its patterns, reflections, and other characteristics, but no matter how hard I try, I can't get that water back in my cup.  I think of how much I've changed and how much I haven't.  When I think of those moments I have changed, I get excited and reminiscent, and when I think of those problems and struggles I still have, I feel inadequate and unworthy to represent the Lord.  Preparation days often make me feel this way.  They are times of reflection and I don't wish want to return anything less than a fully converted disciple of Jesus Christ.  

It's a new move call.  I have already been in JiaYi for six weeks.  That seems crazy to me.  Something exciting happened though.  My apartment just became a four-man which means that we have two new missionaries.  One of which is my last companion Elder Chan from England.  How crazy is that?  We are living together again and it's a lot of fun.  Four-mans are distracting though.  I want to be more focused, and I feel like adding another companionship is going to be a trial, especially considering that Elder Chan came on with me and is essentially going home at the same time.  I want to avoid all talk of anything related to us going home, but somehow it weasels itself into conversations and I have to force it down and out.  It will be a lot of fun though.

Declare me as an English major and pick my classes immediately please.  I worry that I won't be able to go to school properly in the Winter before too much longer, and it's too late to extend.  Don't feel bad about being distracted though.  Naturally that's going to happen when something so intense happens.  If you're OK though, please fill out those things for me.  The time is drawing nigh and I need those things taken care of as soon as possible.  I can get permission to do them myself if needs be.

I hope that Halloween goes well for you all.  I love being with you all during holidays, but Halloween is just a blip on the radar right now, barely recognizable or noteworthy.  

No matter what our trials, they are for our benefit.  I love the gospel because it is truth.  The gospel is the only thing that will save us from our own destruction and inevitable demise.  The gospel will save us and make us happy.  I'm grateful that the Lord saw it fit to give us the gospel.  I want to apply it in my life forever, because it's increasingly rewarding.

This week, we found out that some of our investigators are truly awesome and will likely get baptized next month.  It's really exciting.  We have this family who wants our help so desperately, but it is so difficult to help them.  They are very not intelligent and they struggle to understand nearly anything, but they are so desperate.  They plea with us to help them practically and have seen tons of blessings come from just meeting with us (like them mother's mental problem healing slightly and the children being happier after our first meeting and prayer), but they can't wrap their minds around much of anything.  It's so hard to want to help someone so bad, but not to have a clue how to do it properly.  The Lord will assist, I know it.  

I love you all so much, please take care of yourselves.  Inspire me to work harder.  Inspire me to sprint and push myself.

- Elder Woolsey

The Father's Love

Dear Mom, Dad, Eric, Belle, and Coffee,

I'm so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father that loves my family more than I can possibly imagine.  He sends His heavenly angels to bear us up on all sides.  He loves us and guides us with His all-seeing eye.  He is mindful of you all and especially mindful of Dad right now.  In these challenges are when He carries us.  I'm so grateful that He protects my family.  They mean everything to me.

Oddly enough, my fellow missionary had a similar experience happen that he just told me of this last week.  His dad was mountain biking (instead of street biking), and got in a serious accident (of which can't be clearly remembered by him).  He was found sprawled out on the mountain side by a half-hysterical woman.  Apparently his helmet was completely shattered, his collar-bone broke in half, both arms are broken I believe, and he lost his memory of the two weeks prior to the accident.  He's alive, but in casts. Strange that these two experiences happened so near to one another.  His dad is not a member, however.  I'm so grateful that my family knows this gospel clearly and not only knows it, but lives it.  No matter what happens to our family, it will be OK, because we have the Lord assisting us.  I will not fear, I will not doubt.

I'm just happy you're OK Dad.

This week we had a conference in GaoXiong focused on stress management and how leaders can help others who are having difficulties adjusting to missionary life.  It was really beneficial to hear President's counsel and personal experiences in which he had become depressed and needed to get his life in balance.  He's a really humble man who says his weaknesses, but not in a pitiful way.  He's not afraid to admit he's wrong, but he maintains his power. We also were introduced to our a new uniforms.  We, at night, are now to wear reflective gear similar to that of a cross-guard.  Not too many Elders were excited about it, but most laughed it off and wear the uniform with pride.  I like the idea of knowing I'm safer that before, but it is pretty funny looking.  Members make fun of us, and non-members all think it's a smart idea.  It was strange though.  At this meeting, the group of missionaries that came to Taiwan a movecall before me gave their reflections (a time in which they have a few moments to sum up what their mission has meant to them).  I'm next.  I don't know how I feel about it.  I was in tears as one of my favorite Elders: Elder Erickson, gave the most sincere, heartfelt testimony, in the form of a poem he wrote.  I can't even imagine how badly I'm going to cry when he actually leaves or worse...when it's my turn.  

There was another exciting event this week that allows me to understand more fully why President is focusing so much on JiaYi.  A member of the First Quorum of the Seventy and President of the Asia Area came to our District Conference on Sunday to declare tidings from the first presidency and add his voice to the motivation being injected into JiaYi to become a stake.  It's pretty exciting.  Also, Elder Holland and Elder Hales, along with the Primary Presidency First Counselor spoke to us through video (translated into Chinese of course).  They are really focusing on establishing the church more fully in Taiwan and throughout the Asia Area.  Another interesting tid-bit is that they made a video about this family in Taiwan that spread the gospel with their friends who got baptized as well.  They are pushing member-missionary work like crazy.  It's thrilling.

I suppose that because of the accident, Dad didn't have an opportunity to see Nate's report to the High Council.  If you did, I would love to hear about it.  If not, I would love to hear what other people said about it.  I imagine that he is more polished than ever before.  He's a wonderful individual.  I bet he was a well-prepared and well-oiled tool in the Lord's hand and will continue to be for the rest of his life.

With regards to getting a suit made, I'm working on it.  The place that most missionaries go to isn't in JiaYi.  I would need special permission to go to TaiNan and do it.  Aside from that, I don't know where other places to buy suits would be.  I'll keep an eye out, but I don't know what the likelihood is right.  My suit pants have multiple holes in them (only one pair).  I'll keep working on it.  Don't worry too much.  My old suit isn't in tatters or anything crazy like that.

With regards to classes.  I would say to register me as an English Major and we'll go from there.  I know I have interest in English. I've actually been thinking more and more about a Chemistry major because I have been thinking more and more about pursuing a medical career.  I don't know.  I think for now, let's go with this option (my first mission president graduated in English then went to medical school at DUKE).  I think that my options aren't too limited yet, so lets go with English major and we'll see where that goes for now.  I would just like to encourage you again to enroll in classes ASAP or I won't be going next semester at all.  I know things are a little crazy around the house there right now, so take your time, but I would just like this to be present in the front of your mind because I do really worry about it.  I want to make sure that not extending was the right decision.  I have living situation all worked out and solidified (in that it is a done deal for that house with ex-missionaries and an LDS family).  Please set those things up as soon as possible (and convenient of course).

I'm doing well.  I'm safe and I don't have any major trials.  We have some golden investigators that appeared out of no where this week. I imagine that baptisms are on the near horizon.  Thank you all for your support and consistent love for me.  I love you all so much.  I'm working as hard as I can.  I'm sprinting and have no intentions of slowing down.  You're the best family anyone can ask for.  I know the Lord is protecting us and showing his love for us.  I often reflect on that moment of Eric returning to us after his mission.  He stood from the pulpit at the Crescent View Stake Center and with two battered arms and the tongue of angels declared with unwavering faith that the Lord protects His missionaries.  I know that that is true and extends out of the mission field into the homes of those missionaries.  He loves us so much and He protects us from danger daily.

I love you all so much.  Never forget that.  

- Elder Woolsey

The Antithesis of Trunkiness

Dear Mom, Dad, Eric, Belle, and Coffee (who I still have yet to meet),

I can assure each of you that I am the furthest thing from trunky at this late stage of my missionary experience.  The son may be setting, but that (like Elder Ochoa stated), is merely a sign that I must adjust my course, and ride faster to avoid the repercussions of not being where I need to be when the sun sets (or the storm comes).  My pace is only quickening as time draws night to a close.

It's honestly humbling to have this role in JiaYi at this time. This is the longest I've been without baptizing since the very beginning of my mission.  We're working hard to help out this area which has only baptized one in the last year.  It's been the most challenging area of my mission, but that doesn't mean we are not going to see success soon.  We are working with two families that are lovely.  We met with one this morning.  I wish you could meet them.  They are young and the father just wants the gospel to help his family, but is apprehensive about reading and praying daily.  I wish they could see the blessings that the gospel has brought to our family and know how it can change lives.  We are close to baptizing in many ways, but our investigators need to just make that commitment to really learn the gospel.  They need a greater desire.  I'm grateful for the miracles that I've seen here already.  We will help this place be stake.  And while baptisms are low, we've already helped three men pass Melchizedek Priesthood interviews and one more who is just waiting to actually meet with the Branch President.  We've seen a lot of success, but not a lot of baptism yet.  It will come soon.

You all are so great and I love you all more than you can possibly know.  I'm grateful for your constant support and expressions of love to me throughout my mission.  I've never doubted that you have been taken care of while I've been out.  I know at this time Dad is facing many difficulties with regards to occupational pursuits, but I KNOW without a shadow of a doubt that the Lord will provide.  The Lord gives us "mountains to climb" that we may become better, stronger, and trust in him more (see Elder Eyring's April 2012 address).  This, most certainly is a mountain that the Lord has given to you to grow.  As I have been more aware of these "mountains," I have seen many of them throughout my life. I've seen where I have grown and where I have stumbled in my hike to overcome them.  I've also seen where I have given up and turned back the other way when the trail become too steep and my faith was not enough.  I will never do this again however.   Whether on the brink of bankruptcy or at the depths of despair, I will never forsake what I know.  This church is true.   It will guide us through our stormy times.  Do not fear, for the Lord is with us, even to the end of the world.

I cannot believe my eyes.  Nate has returned.  I can't fully wrap my mind around this foreign piece of information.  To think that Nate, one of my favorite people in the entire world is no longer in Russia, but instead in the United States gave me a chill throughout my entire body.  Seeing his picture and hearing his story gives me the strangest of feelings.  I can't imagine the day that I return.  Like I told Eric this week, I'm attempting to build a 100 foot-thick cement barricade around my testimony and my new-found/strengthened standards.  I pray that I don't come off has holier-than-thou or self-righteous or any of those unfortunate things.  I want to be pure and stand steadfast in what I know is right no matter what, but I don't want to be rude or condescending.  I'm just grateful that I have a family who shares these standards already and is already on a much higher plane of spiritual sensitivity than I.  I'm just trying to catch up.

Thank you for your prayers on my behalf and on behalf of JiaYi.  I'm so grateful for them and I feel them every day.  I know that we will baptize because it is the Lord's desire.  I also know that this place will become a stake before the end of next year and the blessings will be large and magnificent to these people.  I want nothing more than to be a tool in the hands of the Lord for the rest of my life, and I know that JiaYi is the place to be right now for just that.  I will dedicate all of my time and attention on the task at hand.  I want to do the Lord's will and be on His errand.  I don't know if I've fully squared away my career pursuits and desires on that front, but I know that I want to serve the Lord in any way shape and form that the Lord asks for the rest of eternity.  I just want to do what I'm doing now, (but with my family beside me), forever more.  I wish missionary was a profession.

SELECT CLASSES NOW!  I fear that it has already opened and many classes are already gone.  Please pick as soon as humanly possible.  I know you're busy and just got back.  Don't feel rushed, but please please please find time.

The idea of spending the holidays with you upon return sounds lovely.  I can't wait to share the true meaning of Christmas with each of you at that time.  For now, I am focused and razor sharp.  I assure you that I am far from slowing down and my mind is as crisp and focus as the day I arrived in Taiwan (if not much more so).  We will baptize and we will establish the church here.  I love you and can't wait to see you when that time comes.  I imagine it's much like our family on the other side of the veil waiting for us.  They're excited, but can wait.  

I love this gospel.  The talks of conference have inspired me to be a better person.  I feel as though that I need to repent and come closer to Jesus Christ.  I have felt that I must improve and prepare for a family.  I don't know how quickly I will pursue the course of marriage post-mission, but it is clear that I want a family of my own very badly, but I understand that much preparation is required.  I must establish myself (education, occupation, etc.) in order to have a truly happy family.  The Lord has His hand in this and like my patriarchal blessing states (don't post this online), "...and by the spirit you shall know her immediately..."  I was particularly impressed by several talks, specifically Elder Uchtdorf's about imperfect members, Elder Dube's about never looking back, but always pressing forward, and Elder Eyring's tender testimony.  I love General Conference.

Thank you all for your support.  I love you so much.  I would love a written letter from each of you BEFORE I return home (hand written is the best of the best).  You have much time, but it would really mean a lot to receive this from you all.  I would also love it if it included your testimony again.  I would love to have your testimonies written on paper by your own hand that I may keep forever and know that my family gave me these on my mission.  I would love this.

- Elder Woolsey