Letter from Elder Payne about Stephen

Elder Atkinson's Family,
You probably have no clue who I am, so I will tell you. I am Elder Ty B. Payne. That probably didn't tell you how I got your address, so I will tell you. I stole it off of a package you sent Elder Atkinson. I think your yard is beautiful. I know you deserved the Best Yard of the Month Award. Well, I am Elder Atkinson's roommate, maybe he has complained about the "weird Elder Payne". Maybe. I am also going to Taipei. I have been going to the Air Force Academy for the last two years, so I am not the typical 19 yr old. I am 21 but it feels like I am 17 because everyone teaches me so much. I am from Moses Lake, Washington. I have an older sister(3yrs), an older brother(15 months), and a younger sister(2 1/2yrs). Oh, I don't know why but I will tell you their names; Cali, Abe and Jane, but I wont tell you their names. Um, I love rock climbing and exercising. Well, now you know more about me than you wanted so I will tell you something you care about, your own Elder Atkinson.
I am sure you already know everything I will tell you, but he is new to me. Elder Atkinson is just flat out amazing. He has such a desire to be his best. I think more than anyone else here, he wants to share this gospel. He is an amazing example to me, I love his sincerity. I know that every time he says something, he means it. I can see it in his eyes. I can hear it in his voice. I can feel it from his spirit. And I can see it in his actions. Did I mention he is a great example?
Elder Atkinson is so good at serving others. He is always looking for an opportunity to help someone out, even if it is as small as taking care of someones meal tray. I don't think I caould count(in Chinese) the times I have seen him make Elder Rice's, Elder Jacobson's or my bed. Actually, one time he made my bed he accidentally flipped my pillow upside down so that instead of it smiling at me it frowned. (I tuck my pillow case so that it looks like my pillow smiles). I say accidentally, but it may have been one of his little devilish streaks.
Elder Atkinson is an amazing example of how to pray. Every night I watch him sincerely pray. I know it is sincere because I can see that he is deep in though and he is always sincere. He also truly does pray always. I have never seen anyone drop to their knees more often than Elder Atkinson. I have learned so much from him.
Your beloved Elder Atkinson has also been an amazing example of humility to me. I know I've said this a lot, but he is AMAZING! He recognizes his weaknesses and diligently works to overcome them. I know that all of his weaknesses will become strengths, because he does what the Lord told Moroni in Ether 12:27. As my mom constantly tells me, I am a little bit prideful. Okay, more than a little bit. Watching him and seeing his humble example has helped me see the true strength we can have when we are humble. I hope I can become more like him.
Everybody likes Elder Atkinson. It is hard not to like someone with all of these qualities, but he also has such good people skills. He knows how to interact and help others feel loved, accepted, and important. he has been an amazing District Leader. There is no doubt in my mind that he was the right person for the job.
I wish I was better with words so that I could fully express how much Elder Atkinson has helped me. He has been the best all around example, at the MTC for me. I guess I wanted to thank all of you for helping him become the man he is. I am indebted to you all. I hope you all know what a great missionary Elder Atkinson is. I hope you are all doing well and I loved looking at the pictures you sent Elder Atkinson He has some great looking nieces and nephews.

Love,
Elder Payne

P.S. Elder Atkinson really helped me love and deal with my companion in so many ways. Thank you for raising such a great missionary.