7 September 2025
VOLUME 13 – NUMBER 625
New “Cottage Cove” under construction
Cougar has graduated and is looking for full-time jobs. He is also planning on starting graduate school soon. After interviewing for several Utah County positions, although he got very close a couple times, he wasn’t able to find a job in Utah County, so that they could stay in their Springville apartment.
However, Cougar did find a job in Salt Lake County, so Endia and Cougar wondered if it would be possible to live in the basement for the next little while so that Cougar could be closer to work, and so they could pay less rent while he attends graduate school.
Mom and I had been planning on turning the basement bedroom—“The Cottage”—into a guest bedroom after Monte, Isaac, and Gloria move out, so we offered it to Endia and Cougar. We also decided to finish off a walk-in closet that could also serve as a small bedroom for Owen.
So with no time to lose—Cougar starts his job on September 16—we hired a contractor and started work on the new room, which we now call the “Cottage Cove.” It is scheduled to be completed just before September 15, which is the day that our new carpet for the Cottage and the Cottage Cove is scheduled to be installed. Let’s just hope the timing all works out!
Cottage Cove plans
School has started up again, and I am excited for this semester. I only have two left before I graduate. This semester, I am finishing up my minor classes. Next semester, I will complete my major classes and graduate.
The highlight of the week was Emma's baptism. It was so neat to see her make that choice. It was also wonderful to be around everyone.
The good news about school being back in session is that sporting events have returned. I got a ROC Pass, and hopefully I’ll be able to go this semester. The tickets go so fast, so we’ll see how it goes.
Veidi with her braces off
I finally got my braces off, and it was a long appointment, but it was worth it. I have to go in one more time to get my plastic retainer, but that isn’t until November. Right now I have permanent retainers, and they said I need both to make sure nothing moves.
Emma’s baptism was also this week, and we went to that. I am so proud of her for taking the next step to come closer to Heavenly Father. Benson’s baby blessing was also the same day as Emma’s baptism. We had to bring the puppies, Bronco and Misty.
I really liked holding Misty because she is so calm and she would just snuggle. On the way back home, we listened to music and sea shanties. While we were listening to the sea shanties, it reminded me of Monte. It made me a little sad because we would always listen to sea shanties with him.
Ellie and Charlie
Mom, Troy, and Veidi went to Emma’s baptism. It was a really long drive through the canyon, but I loved seeing the beautiful scenery below and the shapes in the clouds above.
When we got there, we went to the room and watched Emma get baptized. Afterward, we went outside and ate lunch. There was lots of food, and then we left to go home.
Classes started this week, and I like them all. The MTC Spanish area had a field day, which was really fun. I played some volleyball and a few other sports.
Benson's baby blessing and Emma's baptism were awesome to attend. I loved seeing Grandma and Grandpa Lin and Sharon, especially since it had been so long. It was great to spend time with everyone again.
I also enjoyed seeing Natalie’s and Nate’s house. Their kids were so fun to be around, and I loved seeing their cow as well.
Caleb with his MTC district
This week has been an exciting one for me. I was able to start BYU Pathways this week. I’m only able to take two classes right now for the first three terms. I have an online Institute class and a life skills class, which teaches financial basics, essay tips, and how to write effective paragraphs.
The classes are pretty easy. I mostly just have to do the reading and attend my life skills class in person once a week at the West Jordan Institute building.
Work has been going pretty well. I’ve been working almost every day this week. I try to keep myself busy so I don’t get bored at work.
On Saturday, we went to Emma’s baptism, and it was really cool to see that. We had lunch afterward, and then we went back home after a little while.
We also went to Copperton Park for an ward activity to mingle for a bit. Most of the time, people just played with the little kids on the playground.
Children playing at Copperton Park
This week is Emma’s baptism, and I am so excited for her. Me, Quinn, Joanna, Veidi, Gloria, and Mom went to Natalie’s church, and we brought two little puppies named Bronco and Misty. They are both training dogs. Misty was calm during the drive, but Bronco was a little crazy at first. Veidi held Misty both times, and I got Bronco both times.
The drive up was really long but nice and scenic. When we got there, we had to put the dogs in the back of the Tesla on “puppy mode” (keeps the air conditioning on) while we went to the baptism. After the baptism, they had a brunch, which was delicious. I am so glad Emma got baptized.
Owen in swim goggles
Okay guys, it is a momentous day here on Cozumel. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls… Laura and Jesús are still getting married! Let’s go! They get married this Thursday, and I’m so excited for them.
Now for some interesting news about their baptism situation. Laura had her baptismal interview with President Witt this Sunday, and he said she’s good to go. But for some reason she is waiting to be baptized in January. We aren’t entirely sure why, but President Witt told us that if we can help her do it earlier, that would be great.
We need to talk to Laura before we know for sure, but the plan we made with them is for this weekend. We’re going to try to stick with that. Oh, and I almost forgot—Laura went up in Sacrament Meeting and shared her testimony of the truthfulness of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That made me so happy to see how her testimony has grown over these past few months.
Okay, now that I’ve given you the Laura and Jesús update, and before I share the updates for the rest of our friends, I want to tell you some fun stories from the week.
Monte and missionaries at soccer stadium
We had our Multi-Zone Conference this week, and I love those conferences. They give me so much insight into how I can improve as a missionary. They started off with a Star Wars object lesson, which was pretty cool. Then we went through all the prácticas and learned how to invite others to be baptized on the first contact.
After the conference, we had our interviews with President Witt. I love the interviews because President Witt receives revelation directly from God for us as missionaries. In my interview, he told me some crazy news about transfers. He said I definitely won’t be companions with Élder Larson anymore because Élder Larson is for sure leaving the island.
He also told me I should expect to welcome a missionary to Cozumel next transfer. I’m not sure if that means I’ll be training or if it just means a missionary who hasn’t served here will arrive. But one thing is certain: I will most likely be staying here on Cozumel! That made me really excited.
Now a bit about Minerva and Emily. We’ve been working with them a ton and have had some of the most spiritual lessons with them. Minerva has a super strong testimony, and she is one of the most Christlike people I’ve ever met. In one of our lessons, we invited them to pray about Emily being baptized on the 27th of this month.
Elder Larson with Legos and church video
Minerva seemed to get really anxious about that. After a few more lessons, Sunday arrived, and Minerva and Emily came again! We promised them the day before that if they came to church and truly listened, the Spirit would tell them what they needed to do. After Sacrament Meeting, Minerva told us that she wants Emily to be baptized on the 27th.
The only problem is that Emily isn’t quite sure yet, but that’s okay. I feel like Minerva has been worried and anxious about Emily being baptized, and Emily has noticed that. If I were in Emily’s shoes, I would probably feel the same way. Now that Minerva wants this for her, I think Emily will see how important and amazing it truly is.
There isn’t anything super new with Estefania and Royer. We had a really good lesson with them about the Word of Wisdom. Estefania really likes her coffee, but they understand the importance of following God’s commandments. They agreed to give up coffee and follow Christ. Let’s go!
I just want to restate how amazing my mission is. Bringing others to Christ is the most rewarding and joy-filled experience ever. I’m so grateful for every opportunity I have to teach and serve as a representative of Jesus Christ. This is the most important work on the earth, and I get to take part in it.
Remember, everyone, God loves you. It is through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, that we can return to live with God again.
New school desks in Bunkhouse