21 September 2009 GOOD BYE PADUCAH!

Dear Family-

I have a love/hate relationship with transfers. I'm excited for each new experience, but sad to leave the things I've learned to love behind.

This last week has been a lot of fun. Elder Wright and I started off the week by going on exchanges to Fulton TN. Because of my driving situation, I had to go to Fulton, but was glad I did. I saw some mighty miracles down there and really enjoyed spending time with a struggling district leader and trained him in his responsibility. I'm so excited to see that area change and grow.

Then on Friday We met back up in Paducah for Elder Wright and I to have a meeting with President Hutchings. It was a good meeting where we talked about finding joy in the work and helping others find joy in their work "men are that they might have joy." It was a very good meeting.

Then on Saturday I got The call. I'm getting transferred. I'm on my way back to Tennessee tomorrow to Madison, TN. It is the ward right next door to my first area and I spent a lot of time on exchanges there. So it will be fun to be in an area I'm already familiar with.
My new companion will be a new Zone Leader, which means we will both be new to the area and I will be training him on how to be a Zone Leader. I'm a bit scared but I will see how it goes! His name is Elder Pearson, the second Elder Pearson I've been with (actually his trainer was the first Elder Pearson I served with). So I'm excited, I've been in his district before and spent some time with him when his mom passed away. I'm excited to be serving with him now. I am happy for the change and look back on my time here in Paducah with peace. I loved so much to serve here and gained so much in return. I love being able to serve as a Zone leader and serving these great Elders.

I just wanted to write you a quick note and let you know I love you. As I've grown older I've learned to appreciate all the things my parents do for me. And being away and seeing all these broken families helps me want to do better at letting mine know just how thankful I am for them.

Also, seeing all of these broken wards makes me appreciate the stability of the church back west. With all these first gen. members and members going less-active all the time, the church in the south really struggles, and I can't wait to return home and serve in the capacity the Lord needs me. I want to always do home teaching faithfully. I want to help support my leaders and magnify my calling. I see it how much I took it for granted before, and how important it is now. And I also wanted to thank you for all of your faithful service to the Lord and giving me such a righteous example. I love you so much!!!

I hope all is well back home.

please write soon. I miss hearing from everyone.
With Love,
Elder Hansen