February 2nd Letter

Dear Family,
This last week was rougher than usual. Our three baptismal candidates didn't happen. Two moved away without telling us and the other failed his interview due to no obeying the sabath. And now he can't meet anymore because he works too much. People have their agency and that is his choice if he doesn't want to accept salvation when it was right in front of him. So this week there will only be a few pictures, but boy are they worth it.
The story that goes along with it is this: While traveling to a teaching appointment I saw what looked to be a stuffed animal of unusual size on the ground. A secong look made me think that that has got to be real skin! Third thought: what is an alligator doing this far away from the water? Wow was I wrong n that one. The fourth look told me everything I needed to know as I nearly ran its tail over. It is a Komodo Dragon!!!! About 8 feet long and hundreds of pounds. It is a pet of someone's and it is huge. Soon I will get a picture with me in it. (Next to it I mean, not eaten by it)
So this will be the week that Hayden Higgins gets his mission call. I want to hear all about that! He emailed me and told me that it is on its way. So Mom is Brinley's primary teacher. That is cool to hear, and even better that it sounds like she is done with everything. She has had it hard. One other thought about someone in the ward. Yesterday as I received mail I got one from Dad and two from Debbie Dewitt. She sent a thank you card that said, "Thank you for choosing to serve a mission" that was much needed last night. Please someone make a special visit to her house and tell her thank you for me.
So there are some customs here that sure are Asian. If you tough someone on their head it is a HUGE insult. Also if the bottom of your feet are pointed at anyone, another HUGE insult. Take your shoes off when you go inside. You don't toss things to people. You give it with two hands. You can shake your own genders hands (both hands at the same time) boys and girls do not touch each other. They bow. That is all I can think of for now.
I haven't got any new pants yet. Still on a huge downfall with weight. It is official. I lost 55 pounds in January. That's pretty amazing. Church is pretty normal. Enough priesthood to do all that is needed. Only about 90 members go to church a week though. That is why we are here though. Baptisms a month, are high. The goal for the year is 900. So it takes a lot of work. Well I am thinking that is all for this week. More to come next week. Thank you all for your support. I sure got the best family ever.
With Love,
Elder Nordgren