I have survived a whole week in the Richmond mission... It's actually been really great! The mission president here has treated me really well (President Perry from Seattle) and my companion is amazing. We have had a great time together thus far. This past week we have been touring the mission to get familiar. I was able to meet many of the missionaries, and all of the zone leaders. The zone leaders here are terrific! There are 2 BYU football players that are zone leaders. Elder Collie (His older brother is Austin Colle, NFL player) and Elder Unga (Tongan). They are amazing leaders! I was able to introduce Elder Neumeyer to the Zone Leaders in Woodbridge and Fredericksburg as well. We are both VERY Excited for the merge of the two missions! 

It has been the busiest time in my mission this past week. We have been in meetings, running around the mission, and solving conflicts. So proselyting hasn't been plentiful, but after this week, things should mellow out. 

This mission is HUGE! It goes from West Virginia to North Carolina. We drove to Virginia Beach the other day. That was really cool! There is this bridge that cuts across the water, and it goes underneath the water at one point. Apparently it's famous, but I have never heard of it. It was about a 2 hour drive back to the mission office. One of my roomates was in the van with us. I was driving and he was in the front seat. He is new and hasn't taught many lessons in his first couple transfers. I think he said he has taught 4 total. I felt honored that he confided in me and asked me for advice. I had none to give, but the Spirit of the Lord filled my mouth with words to say. It seemed to comfort him and give him the encouragement to continue being a diligent servant of our Heavenly Father. How grateful I was to be worthy of the spirit at that point.

The city of Richmond is neat as well. Elder Neumeyer showed me around a little bit.

This Wednesday we are driving up to Centreville, VA to attend the DC South full mission conference before the split. It was very nice of President Wilson to allow me to go. Then Thursday at 4 President Wilson arrives. He is from Minnesota. From what I hear, he is a huge BYU fan.... SWEET!

I'm loving my mission and all of the experiences that I have been able to have. I am grateful to be here and to be serving the Lord.

LOVE YOU ALL!

Elder Michael Litchfield