Adam and Jessie are expecting another one?!  That is Fantastic!  I really appreciate all the pictures of the family and the awesome pictures that the kids have drawn. They are way good artists. That's cool you received the letter from Pres. and Sis. Saylin; they are basically amazing.

I had the opportunity to attend an all day leadership training with Elder Jensen yesterday. There were some grulesome role plays but all in all it was awesome, got to learn a lot from Pres. and Sis. Saylin. President Saylin is a convert and he has an amazing testimony and hearing his always strengthens my own. At the end I was able to have an interview with him which was a very delightful experience.

So, Alvaro Arevalo, after coming to church last week we talked to him Wednesday and he said he loved it! And that he knows the Book of Mormon is true and he wants to change his life! We had him set for a baptismal date for Dec. 18th which is the weekend for our mission-wide goal for every companionship to baptize or "Weekend in White" so every missionary can have a white Christmas and to reach our mission's goal of baptisms for the year.  As of now we lack 80 baptisms and a lot of faith is required to reach the goal, but I know it’s possible. Anyways, Alvaro told us on Wednesday he might be going to Mexico to work until January but he didn’t think it'd happen. Well when we returned on Friday he wasn’t home.  We called him and found out he was on his way to Mexico. It was kind of a letdown; but he's way awesome and we're going to hook him up with the address for the church down there. The one sure date that we have for the “Weekend in White” is for a part member family.  We'll be baptizing one of the boys named Caleb. The whole family is so awesome.  The mom is baptized and there are 5 kids; the 3 oldest have already been baptized. The stepdad isn’t a member, as of now. But they are awesome and love coming to church, so yeah.

We've been teaching Angel Garcia who lives with a member.  He reads 4-6 chapters a night and loves the church but he wants to feel ready for baptism before accepting a date so there are some miracles to be had there. Also this past Saturday during our lunch and dinner hours we went to this parade deal in downtown Galveston called Dickens on The Strand, where they celebrate Charles Dickens and such. A recent convert in the English ward got us tickets; he's lived on the island his whole life and is about 70+. There is a lot of history here in Galveston and it's a wonderful place to serve.

Anyways, I know that where there is faith, there are miracles. When coupled with obedience there is nothing that can’t be done. This is the Lord's work and I feel privileged to be an instrument in His hands. I love you all and thank you for everything!

-Elder Cooley

At the ward Christmas Party