Waiting...waiting...waiting

Oh hi Ben,

I sure have been thinking of you with your transfer and all. It’s a pretty exciting change for you. Although I know you are a follow-up trainer, training was the favorite time of my mission. My trainee was my favorite companion. And though we had a rough area where teaching opportunities were rare, it was the most fulfilling. My language got better, I was more willing to be obedient, my companion would work hard because he didn’t know any better, and because he was a really great elder. I hope you have similar experiences.

I’ve been to Oakland, but I’m not familiar with it other than the airport and freeways. I’ve done video shoots in both Emeryville and Berkeley, which are both very nice places. Of course as an over protective dad I know that there are some really rough areas. So though I know I don’t have to tell you, be cautious, listen to the Spirit, and pray for safety. We do that for you too.

I’m still waiting on news of the job. Today I texted the hiring manager Mike, he replied saying that they’re still waiting for my evaluations and that there is a second candidate that also has to go through the interview process. I don’t think that that’s bad news, but it’s hard not to take it that way. He said maybe next week, but I think if I do get the job it will be August. If I don’t get the job or if it goes much past that, I’ll be looking at some decisions I’m hoping not to make. Nothing life changing or drastic, just things I hope to avoid.

On the positive side, I had two interviews with other companies this week. One who really liked me, but was only offering $35000 a year. I made more than that my first job after graduation. And that was a long time ago. The second was for another company, I think they could pay me my xactware salary, so I hope to get a second interview. The job at Henry Schein is far-and-away my top choice.

I’ve been putting my energy into the basement, I only have one wall to go. Your brothers want a “Utes” wall where the drum and feathers was. I bought some white paint yesterday, then we want to stencil a much larger drum and feathers up by hand. It could be awesome, or a disaster, I’ll keep you posted. 

Your aunt Patti is back to work this week, she seems really happy to have her life back to normal. At least physically. I think of the blessing I gave her when this all first happened. I don’t understand the Lord’s time, at all. Which is just another way of me saying that I’m not good at being patient. I don’t ever doubt however, that the Lord listens to and answers prayers. I don’t remember what words I said when I gave her that blessing, but I have a powerful recollection that she was promised that her health and ability to work would be fully restored.

When I think of that, I think of the feeling and the things that have been given to me by the Spirit regarding work, and there have been a significant number. I feel great peace when I have the wherewithal to put my mind there rather than in my doubts. 

Aunt Patti sent this talk to me a few weeks ago, it’s been very helpful today: Face the Future with Faith, Russell M. Nelson, Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. From the April 2011 conference. It’s really great.

I’ll sign off for now. Please know that I love you Benjamin and know that I know that we are being blessed because of your service. 

Pops

P.S. Directly across the street from us the foundation is being excavated for a new house. More noticeable changes for you too discover upon your return.

P.P.S. Jordan came over today and he and you’re brothers played hoops at the church for a super long time.