The Book of Mormon, love for the mission, friends forever, flooding, transfers and the plan of salvation......

Mother Dearest,

Hey there Momma! Wow, another week come and gone, can you believe that?? I am super excited that yall have been hiking a lot, I am in! I have been to Donut Falls before, haha was Dad alright? Holy cow, how about Brother Backus? I am so very proud of him. What a great opportunity for him and all the family to step up and rise to the occasion. (Steve will be receiving a new calling on Sunday)

Alright, I am in Alma 41 right now, I should be finishing in the next couple weeks or so, and then I am going to read it again before October, so I will do the challenge with you (; I love the Book of Mormon as well, so very much. There is only one way in and one way out of this Church, and that is through the Book of Mormon. 

I have thought sometimes about where I would be or what I would be doing if I wasn't on this mission. Those are thoughts that quite honestly make me sick to my stomach. I am so grateful for this experience. I would not change it for the whole world. I love it so much. 

This transfer next week is going to be pretty hard for me, 4 of my best friends will be going home. However it has been a blessing to watch them and learn from them, especially as I have learned from them how to best make the transition and prepare for going home. I am so grateful for the opportunity that I have had to serve with them. Haha Elder Watson and Richards both want the Backus family to be at their homecomings; find out a way to make it work! (; They are two of my favorites.

Don't worry about Elder Murray or me, the bad weather has yet to hit close to any missionaries, thankfully. We are on top of things when they come up to, so everybody will be taken care of.

Things are going great Mom, haha I am busy and stressed, especially with having to coordinate the mission transfers and a general authority coming this weekend, but I am so grateful for the load, I need it. The plan of salvation is real mom! We aren't here to prepare ourselves to just meet God, we are here to be prepared by God to become like him. 

I love you mom! The gospel is true, don't forget it! 

Love, Elder Backus

More pics from the mission blog............

Dancer and Dutch Oven Extraordinaire..........

Christine had a pretty busy couple of weeks.  First, she had her Spring Dance Show with Murray Community Dance that is held in the Murray High School Auditorium.  Christine has been dancing with MCE Dance since she was in the 2nd grade and continues to improve each year.

One week later Christine and her best friend, Crista, entered the Dutch Oven Cook Off at Riverview Junior High.  They opted not to be judged but did it more for the fun of it and to make a little extra cash.  They weren't in it to win it, but they were definitely the busiest booth and made about $400!!