"Out of time" 1/13/14

So...last week this was what I got from Mason for his weekly letter ...

"oh dear library ran out of time brb"

He never came right back!  Haha! So this week he sent me this...

(Well, time ran out last Monday to give you this letter, so I guess today you get two weekly letters! Yay!)

Hey Friends and Family,
Things in Oklahoma have been going great! I have had the wonderful opportunity to teach two great families and several other investigators. The first family I have been teaching is the Tuckers. There's Rolene, Windell, and David. Rolene is in her late 60's and is struggling with several health problems, namely her foot, as her toes had to be cut off due to a complication with diabetes and melanoma. Windell is in his late 60's as well, however, he is struggling with even more complications than Roline. He has had cancer previously and is dealing with a lot of leg and back problems. They both have steel and titanium rods up and down their legs. They haven't been able to make it to church yet because of the cold weather, which makes them extremely uncomfortable because of the temperature. David, their grandson, was previously interested but he has become less and less active as we have gone on, but I have faith that his interest will increase as Rolene and Windell learn more and more about the church.
The second family I have been teaching is the Walquists. There's James, Sarah, and their two kids. James is a golden investigator. He's interested, he's reading the Book of Mormon, and he often wants to have lessons so that we can talk about his findings. He seems to always have questions, and so far, we've been able to answer all of his questions. Sarah doesn't seem all too interested, we've invited her to join  when we have lessons but she doesn't seem to be interested enough. But because of James' thorough studies, I'm sure that she will gain a better interest. James is in his 30's and Sarah is around the same age.
Last but not least, we've been teaching a 13 year old boy named Gabe. He takes to the lessons well and he wants to accept Christ in his life. He has a lot of trials in his life at the moment. His home and family situation is not very good. He lives with his mother and his half-brother, but their home doesn't have any heat. Some of the people in my area come from a very poor background. Many are humble enough to listen to our message because of this, others think that this world is out to get them, and in turn, reject us completely. It's the sad part of missionary work, but without rejection we wouldn't appreciate the small miracles we see on a day to day basis.
The general attitude of religion here in Duncan, Oklahoma is Christian, but there are many churches here. There's even a church for bikers, which many go to because they feel a lot more comfortable in than some of the other churches. Those "philosophies of men mingled with scripture" are making it all the harder for us to convince others to come unto Christ. I have not run into any severe "anti-mormon" attitudes yet, but Elder Fee has in other areas.
The work continues on. As Joseph Smith said, "The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done".
Oklahoma is an awesome place to serve on a mission. My testimony of this work is ever increasing. I'm so grateful to be out here, helping God's kingdom grow.
Thanks for all of the love and support,

Elder Holbrook