May 2nd, 1963

Date: 5-2-63

My senior companion packed up his bags and left today.  But before he left, I used my Israelite blood and bought his tape recorder. It costs, new in the store, 798 francs. I only paid 550 francs. It is a Grundig 4 track portable unit. The fidelity is quite good also. However, with the purchase of this and some other sundry items, I won’t have enough money to buy a voigtlander camera. Maybe that is for the best. The old Argus C-3 I have is a fine camera anyway.

My new senior companion is a real nice chap. He comes from Richfield, Utah. He went to the University of Utah. There he was majoring in Civil Engineering- of which he completed in 2 years. I believe we will get along quite well. It’s quite hard in a way because he is so young and young looking too. But he’s got the lessons memorized so he must have a “list on the ball”. 

I guess I must shape up a little because the President of the European Mission is to interview all the Elders in the Swiss mission. He will take them individually for 20 minutes. It should truly be an experience making the acquaintance of such a great man as President Burton. 

It’s good to receive letters from home and girlfriends. I’m real proud of Penny. She is setting such a fine example. The Church has so much to offer the youth. 

Yesterday, Brüder Losser and I went and had lunch over at one of the members. At their home was a gal about 16 or so, that was spending about 11 months here in Switzerland while their daughter was living in the US for the same amount. It really looked like a tremendous experience for both girls. This opportunity was gladly taken to talk English again. 

The good weather I brought from San Diego, California has finally left. On the 14th day here, it started to rain. Even today we have had some of the wonderful little rain droplets. I even got to use my umbrella for the first time. 

Last night we went to a baptism in Winterthur. There, one of the Elders baptized a couple. We had a couple of good contacts there. I hope we can baptize them shortly also. 

Elder Davis has gone wild. When he was in the mission home, he was a real pious lad, but in the last week all but “makes faces” at the people on the street.