Lets see - where to begin, where did I leave off? I am so far behind, oh well, I just do the best I can.
The three weeks with his mini mission companion, Elder Tanner Cathcart was a huge success. He loved serving with him and notes from his mom makes me believe that Tanner loved it and grew from his missionary experience. I am glad that they both had a great time. As far as the work went, they did several cottage meetings and had a musical fireside that they were in charge of. Dereck tells me that he is attempting to play the piano, but when he does everyone just laughs. He did say that he can play the Viva La Vida song by Coldplay pretty well -- it only has 4 chords. What a goof. Anyway, he said the fireside went okay, but the next one will go much better because he knows what he needs to do to improve. He also leads the music, but as he put it, that doesn't mean he is on beat.

Please tell me that this wasn't the musical fireside...

Here is Dereck's version of Mr. Incredible - He really does have the weight of his district on him!



They had an opportunity to hear from Elder Costa of the seventies. Dereck didn't say much about it other than it was great.

I assume this is Dereck's district that he is over... not sure though!

As of August 11, Dereck became a trainer to another Elder Tanner -- this one is from Idaho. He is a quiet talker, but hopefully after he becomes comfortable with his new role as a missionary, he will open up. I reminded Dereck that he was also quiet when he first came out, and that as he become more confident he opened up and now he can't stop talking! So we will see. I will get to hear more (I hope) with this next email on Wednesday.

His old companion, Elder Jensen, now referred to as Brandt, was on his way through Glendale on his way to school and stopped by the Cathcarts home to spend a couple of nights. Dereck was on splits with another elder and happened to stop by as well. What a surprise and such a happy reunion! Dereck really loved him. According to Sister Beck, the missionary president's wife, Elder Jensen was one of the best trainers- he saw the whole picture is what she said about him. I talked with her for a few minutes to see if she could help him line up some dental appointments and she just talked and talked about what a great missionary Dereck was as well. This was the first time we had talked to the mission home since his arrival, so it was good to hear that he is considered to be one of the best in the field.






Elder Wesche and Elder Jensen - now referred to as Brandt Jensen


Well -- I think that about catches up for now... isn't it good to see that Elders really do come home!