The beginning

So since I really started keeping my photography blog, I have found it can be a lot of fun. Then I saw Misty's updated blog last night, and saw how cute it was and we looked back at all the memories she has put on there so I decided I really wanted to do this.

This past couple weeks marked the first year mark for Austin's mission. At times it seems like it has been forever but when I think about all that has happened over the last year, it has really gone fast. He is loving his mission and has grown so much. There have been a couple letters that have really gotten to me. This letter is the one he wrote for everyone at the Carpenter Reunion:

HELLO FAMILY,

  well i have been doing this missionary thing for 10 Months
now. Im sure some of you are thinking wow that fast already and others dang it,
its going by too fast. lol. So far i have been in three areas with 5 different
companions. Each area and companion has taught me something that i will never
forget. In terms of the area, Virginia is beautiful. Tons of trees. The people
are generally receptive and even if they arent they will give us a drink and
sometimes even invite us over for dinner. Right now we just has an investigator
tell us, after 10 months of investigation, that he is ready to be baptised. The
reason why he decided that it was time was because he found a friend in the
church. I cant emphasize the importance of Fellowshipping non-members. When an
investigator finds someone that they are comfortable with, thats when they
start taking the steps to change there life. And there is nothing better than
when you see someone change there life for the better. I was teaching a young
lady named Michelle in Centreville, 3rd transfer. As we were working with her
we could see how the gospel was taking affect in her life. Without us saying
anything. All of the sudden she stopped wearing her nose ring and the other 7
rings in each ear, her house started to get cleaner, her clothes went from
being completely immodest to completely modest, her music changed from crap to
wholesome, and her relationship with her husband strengthened. And when she was
finnaly baptised her house just glowed and you could feel the spirit in there
stronger than anywhere else. She made herself a temple and she made her home a
temple where her family could escape from the world. 

Rannie Prosper another young man who just got baptised on the 25 of July. Rannie used to smoke a black and mild if he couldnt sleep at night, which was most nights. we had not taught him the word of Wisdom Yet. One night he walked over to the store because he couldnt sleep, he grabbed a box of black and milds and said he instantly fell out of " that awesome warmth" He told us that every time we came over He felt " Awesome Warmth" in his own words. Anyway he packed the box around not knowing at first that that was the reason why. Then he set the box down to pick up a drink and he noticed when he set it down he felt better. Needless to say he bought ice cream instead and told us that the ice cream worked better than the black and milds could have. To this day Rannie hasnt touched or even thought of Smoking.

This is the True Church, God loves each and everyone of us. He knows us by name and he loves to hear from us. he is always there. ALWAYS. No matter what is going on in our lifes no matter what has happend we can always turn to him for help, guidance, and answers. Through the scriptures, General conference, or prayer.

I love you all. Thank you so much for the prayers, love, support,

and Letters. I will see you all shortly

Love Elder Bluemel

Last night the kids and I were talking and I said, "Just think, next year Austin will be home for Halloween." and Travis said, "ooo, he can dress up as a missionary". :)