Fairbanks August 14, 1982

Family,
You'll never guess in a million years what has happened to me . . . . Pres. Papa called a couple days ago and transferred my senior, Elder Whitman. He also told me that I was getting a new comp. and that I was going to be senior.
That really didn't surprise me but to hear that he was going to be a greenie did.   He wil be straight from the MTC and I will be his trainer! I know that it will be tough but wit the Lord's help I know that I ca do it.
Mom there is no need to worry about me wasting the money. I am trying to keep it down to what the Pres. has said. I will probably have enough with the travelers checks to buy all I need.
This week Fairbanks has been holding the world Indian-Eskimo Olympics. Eskimo's and Indian's come from all over Alaska to participate in the Olympics. Some of the things they do in the Olympics are seal skinning, muktuk eating contest, dancing, two feet high kick, to mention a few. We went to it one night and I had the opportunity to taste some muktuk. What it is, is raw whale. I like Elder Whitman's description of it. He said, "it's like crisco on a rubber tree." I have saved a piece and will send it home soon.
We were at district meeting last Friday when a girl called and asked for a blessing. So E. Whitman and I took the sisters to give her, and her friend, a blessing. When we arrived there I knew one of the girls from Anchorage. Her name was Paulette and her friend's name was Pauline. They were both here for the Olympics, they model parkas. Anyhow we had a nice visit with them, gave them both a blessing, even though Pauline is not a member and had a spiritual testimony meeting aftewards. They wanted the blessing because they were performing that night. They also invited us to come to the Olympics and that is why we went.
The next day Paulette and Pauline took us out to lunch and afterwards we taught Pauline by showing her some films. We couldn't go up in their dorms because the mission rules forbid it and because it would look bad, but we showed her the films in the lobby. By the time we were finished we had quite a crowd around us. Most of them were natives so Paulette and Pauline could elate to them really god. It was so neat to talk with them and Pauline, the 'non-member' was bearing her testimony and telling of he conversion. Elder Whitman and I were just beaming with happiness. It was great!!!
All our experiences are not like that, although I wish they were. Most of the people we are working with now are just sitting there doing nothing. We get to teach a lot but baptisms are what we are striving for.
Well I guess I better go and get something done. I love you al and am thankful for all you do for me, you're super!!
Love, Elder Wilding