Jan 25, 2009

Dear Brieanna,

You've been on my mind today. It's been several months since, I've written. Time passes so quickly. Much has happened to me over the last several months.

After Thanksgiving we went to Turkey, It's been 2 years since I'd seen my father and siblings, so it was good to see them, after such a long separation. My father, your grandfather is in good health. He always asks about you. You are in his prayers in addition to all of the rest of your family here. On the way back we planned a 16 hour layover in Paris, so we were able to quickly pass through it and get a nice meal. We saw the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dam, etc., all in a few hours at night, as we walked along the Sien. It was a great trip, but it always wears me out from jet lag to travel to the other side of the world.

As I was sitting in church today. I was thinking about you, and it occurred to me that you'll be coming to the age where you will be able to go on a mission. I did a mission to Sao Paulo Brazil when I was 19 years old for two years. When you turn 21 you'll also be able to go, and be a missionary. I'd highly recommend this to you. It will be a blessing to you in your life, and you will be able to bring other people to the gospel. It will be a spiritual foundation for you for the rest of your life. The eighteen months that you'll spend is such a short time, yet it will make a huge impact on you in your life. It will also allow you to get and on your own and see the world. To start the process to see if you can go on a mission, you just need to see your local bishop and he can advise you.

It has occurred to me that your mother has raised you outside of the church, which would indeed be unfortunate. As you recall, I baptized you, shortly before you were taken to Canada. In the confirmation prayer, I blessed you with several things. I can't remember everything, but I remember that I blessed you with the blessings of a temple marriage. The blessing was one of great optimism and hope for your future, and so during this difficult time where contact with you was severed, it has been a comfort to me, and given me hope that despite our separation and separation from all of your family, and perhaps a loss of knowledge of your heritage, the truth and light of the gospel, that you would in the end come back, and have a full restoration of all that has been taken or denied to you.

One of my memories with you is reading that children's bible with you every night. I believe that we also started reading the Book of Mormon together. I know that you have a fundamental knowledge of God and prayer. It is important that you know, that you can call upon God through prayer at any time, and he will here you, comfort you, inspire you, and direct you in the path that you should follow here on the earth. You merely have to direct your thoughts to him. He is the source of light, knowledge, and love. He loves us all, and he will help you, as you pass through difficulties and sorrows.

Brieanna, I love you. You are my first born child. I miss you so much. I greatly look forward to the time, when you will desire to see me again. I am only one phone call away.

Love,

Dad.