You guys are my rock!

"I don't even think that I have to explain this picture... It is a Tonka Rescue Helicopter!!! Yeah I know! I totally
 remember that from when I was little! I even remember getting it at Grandma Miller's house
 and playing with it. Unfortunately, the "gurney" wasn't there! I saw it at one of our amis house
 and I just had to take a picture and I thought that you would enjoy that also! So enjoy..."

(A boy and his toys, they NEVER forget!)

Dear Family,

      Well hey there! It sounds like everyone and everything is going super well back there on the home front! And that there, makes me a happy missionary! Hearing that your family is doing well, having fun, living right, is a good thing to hear! So happy to hear it. Just thought I would start off with a little something like, my whole body is wet right now from sweat... Haha it is so hot today! I don't even know what is going on... I guess that you can say goodbye to "cold" weather! Which is a bummer... This is what I remember it being like back when I was in Gbegame! But I love it... It is like being in a sauna! And I love sauna's... So it is my lucky two years! Sorry I just went off on that little tangent there, I seem to do that sometimes! But I am back on track now. It sounds like you guys are all doing very well :) And that is a bummer about Lloyd's knee! That for sure is never something that you want to happen. And on the first game of the season too... Yikes. But I know that Hayes is going to take care of business and lead the way. He's a stud. Proud to hear that they are doing well this season. Haha and Coach Wall is now Bishop Wall!? I laughed out loud when I read that... Not that I can't believe it, just that I don't think that I have ever had that thought come into my mind! That is going to be awkward for anyone that is in his ward that has to be interviewed, and they be coached the next day! What a funny concept that is... That is cool though.

     This week has come and gone faster than you can imagine... I don't really know how this is possible. I mean, I have never experienced time passing this fast in my life. Is this what happens to you when you get older? I hope not... I will be 50 before I know it! I don't want to be 50 yet. Not that being 50 is a bad thing mom and dad... I think that it is cool that you're already 50! Old... ;) Just kidding! But I had a really good week! Had some good lessons, only one day of manifestations today, which was Wednesday. We were out in the morning and heard the gas bombs going off so we hurried home and had to stay in for the rest of the day... We get a good call in advance though from the branch. We always at least get 3 or 4 calls from different members making sure we know what is going on! They really look out after us which is a blessing. I guess the other 2 Elders were walking in their area and they saw some trucks full of police men blocking off a road and told them they needed to hurry and get inside "because of the white". Haha. But everyone is good and no harm has taken place! It is not a big deal at all as long as we don't get curious and wonder towards it. So don't you worry at all! Just thought that I would let you guys know about that. But I am doing really healthy and well so that is good! Random FYI, the white sheets you packed me are still super white.. And I don't know how it is possible! Because all my shirts and garments are starting to yellow but my sheets are going strong! So I guess it wasn't a bad thing... You did a good job of finding them! That is what happens when you go on your mission.. You get excited about that kind of stuff... Haha.

     In our area this week, we didn't do as much door to door as usual because we have been occupied with the others which isn't a bad thing at all! We have invited an investigator to be baptized  but refuses... We don't really understand the reasoning towards it all either. Has already decided that the LDS church is the church, but isn't ready to be baptized. We have talked  for hours about it but doesn't want to commit yet. We will continue to teach and pray that will have that desire to take that first big step that is needed. Have that "change of heart" that we read about all the time in the scriptures. 

     For another one has avoided us... That was the biggest shock probably so far on my mission! Was progressing so well, and then all of a sudden, stopped. Stopped answering the phone, doesn't open the door. And we have no idea why! Ilunga said that he had taught some of the people that live in the same parcel before that never came to accept the Book of Mormon and rejected the message. So he thinks that maybe they talked  and scared away from us. Which really is too bad... We asked the friend if he will talk to and he said that he would. So we will for sure follow up on that. Other than those two, all of our other amis are progressing well! Just teaching lessons and hoping to fix some dates for baptism. 

      There is a transfer coming up this Sunday so we will see if there any changes here in Ablogame. Who knows I could be training! There are a lot of new Africans coming in this next transfer. I guess we will just have to wait and see! I think that training would be really fun. And A LOT of work! But I think that I would like to take that challenge. I have been following my companions around for the past 7 months, and just going with the flow. So being put in the driver’s seat will be a huge momentum shift! But I think it will give a ton of data points pointing to my progression out in the field, and just as an overall person. I guess we will see if this happens or not! If not, I will not be mad or anything... Whatever happens happens and it is done by him who knows everything. The best for each and every one of us.

     The mission is going great, I couldn't ask for anything more. The people are awesome, the work is progressing, and things seem to just be in harmony. I am so happy that I made this decision to come out and serve the Lord for these two short years of my life. It is just like in football. During you see the progress you make, and the kind of person you are. But then afterwards you REALLY see the impact that it made on your life, and the kind of person you are because of it. I feel that it will be the same way with the mission. I can see so much growth in myself already which I totally credit to the Lord, and I know that I have changed. So I can only imagine what I am going to notice 10 or 20 years down the road when I am with my wife and family and really see the impact and change that this mission had on my life. I know that nothing negative can come from it. And I want to thank you all at home too that are supporting me every step of the way. I know some Elders who don't even have that support, and I feel for them. Because you guys are my rock! And I am so grateful for that. I wish you guys a good week and hope that you all remain healthy and well. I love each and every one of you with all my heart! I can't wait to hear back from you next week!

                                              Je vous aime beaucoup,

      Elder Landon Dean Layton (that is formal isn't it...?)

"Today we went to the Grand Market! That was really fun. I bought a wash board finally too, along with a tie and some milk! Cannot wait to put it into action! Gonna be sweet! I will send a picture." Yeah that is were we cleaned! It looked really good! Haha they do a good job at keeping that part clean anyways. You always get hounded to buy stuff and that gets old quick!"

Pictures:

        - I don't even think that I have to explain this picture... It is a Tonka Rescue Helicopter!!! Yeah I know! I totally remember that from when I was little! I even remember getting it at Grandma Millers house and playing with it. Unfortunately, the "gurney" wasn't there! I saw it at one of our amis house and I just had to take a picture and I thought that you would enjoy that also! So enjoy...

-Today we went to the grand market! That was really fun. I bought a wash board finally too, along with a tie and some milk! Cannot wait to put it into action! Gonna be sweet! I will send a picture. Yeah that is were we cleaned! It looked really good! Haha they do a good job at keeping that part clean anyways. You always get hounded to buy stuff and that gets old quick!