Wow, this week sure did go fast with Christmas and all. It was really good to get to talk too just about everyone on Saturday. I hope I was able to answer all the questions you guys had. If not.... my bad ha. How was talking with Josh and how is he doing? It sounds like its getting pretty warm where is at.
New Year’s Eve we spent the afternoon with a family. It was pretty nice, they cooked us some food (gorditas) and after we kind of sat and talked for a little while. Long story short as I was sitting there one of the little boys (1 of 3) came up to me and said he had something for me so I was ok what is it? He ran outside and came back into their house holding an old-well used-ball and said merry Christmas! On the ball all the little kids signed their names and drew a little picture of my face. I was pretty surprised they were giving it to me because they really don’t have very much to give.. shortly after the littlest boy came up to me with paint covered hands and said I have something else for you, he also ran outside and brought back a little toy wood car in which he had painted himself. I was pretty shocked, I couldn”t figure out why they were giving me all these presents, but I learned a lesson that night; I really learned the true meaning of Christmas.
Christmas we went to church and then after we ate a little food and headed to the offices to meet up with some other missionaries to go sing. We all took buses to Mitla and stopped by a brand new church that they just opened and looked around for a little bit. It wasn’t big in fact it was pretty small but it was also super nice. Afterwards we all went to the central in Mitla and started inviting people to our concert. To be honest it was horrible none of the sound systems was working so I don’t think anyone could hear. But we ended up getting some references out of it so it all worked out.
Well I don’t real have much more to say since we talked a few days ago... we were supposed to get changes last night but now we’re not getting them until tonight so I’m not sure if I’ll stay or go. But I’ll let you know what happens as soon as I can ight. I love you all and hope you had a good Christmas! Be safe as you travel. Until next week,
El Hope
I never told you what happened the day I called home. We woke up that day and had an appointment with an investigator at ten his name is Erick. On the way there we were walking and along the side walk was some trash. Well as we walked by we noticed that it stunk pretty badly so bad that El Mtz started throwing up! hahaha it was pretty funny. He played it off good to he just kept walking and throwing up as he went just like the drunk guy I told you about). After we taught Erick he told of of one of his friends that had quite drinking. As we left we decided to stop by and talk to him (we have talked to him before, he’s actually a less active member so we know him pretty decent). When we got there we discovered (from his mom) that he had a hemorrhoid or was bleeding inside. We both thought we should give him a blessing so we asked his mom and she said yes. As we got to the little room he was in we realized how bad of shape he was in.. he hasn’t talked for four days or anything. The doc said all they could do was wait to see if he’ll make it or not. It was pretty warm and the room was small, not to mention the smell.... it smelt horrible. Bad enough that El Mtz started to throw up again. There was barely enough room for his bed on the ground and two little chairs. I was trying not to think about the smell because I was starting to get sick also. After a while we were able to go into the room and give him a blessing. I’m not sure what has happened to him, but I hope he is still alive and doing alright. It was a pretty sad sight...
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Family,
OK before I start telling about my week I better try to figure out what time you want me to call. To be honest I have no idea what time would work best... for me probably sometime in the afternoon. But honestly anytime would probably work. We have a key to the church and that’s where we plan on calling. So you tell me I don’t want to decide how is it going to work with Josh and what do you plan on doing? this is the churches number not sure if it’s the whole number but you should give me the whole number to our house that way if I don’t get a call from you I can call you guys or I can call you first and you can call back whatever you want to do. I get to get on the computers for 30mins on Wednesdays and make a Mormon profile so if you can try to pick out a time which you think will work best and let me know and then you can ask josh what he thinks. Sound good? Hope so.
Anyways, I got you package with the new camera cable so I’ll try it out after I send this letter. Thanks for the different watch I like it a lot better than the other one. It was just too big and my wrist has shrunk so it just wasn't working out thanks for the jam and candy also.
It sounds like you all had a pretty good week. Dad did you and mom go to any cool shows while you were there or what did you guys do? Sounds like Jc survived, who stayed with her? That's crazy that you don't have any snow.... what about up in the mountains? has jc been tearing it up pat the Gee?
This week has been pretty good; there is some church here that had a three day party like a block away from our house. So there was a TON of people up in our hood. It made things a pain because their church is right in the middle of our area where we usually walk through like two to three times a day but since there was so many shady people and because of all the little rides that they had we decided that we sound walk around it rather than through for a couple reasons. One we didn't want member to see us and think we were at carnival all day and two they worship a Brown Virgin named Juquila so we just decided to stay clear from there. The other day there was a 6.4 earthquake here in Oaxaca! To be honest, I DIDNT EVEN FEEL iT. I’m pretty sure I was riding a bus when it went down. The bus rides here remind me a lot of the Indiana Jones ride at Disney Land. The other day our driver was going pretty fast and hit a speed bump, needless to say I caught some pretty good air off of my seat. I honestly don’t know how people drive here without crashing. There is no order, we have almost been in a couple (ok a lot) of crashes but no worries it’ll be alright.
Today we discovered that we have bed bugs. There actually called chinches and they suck your blood ISN'T THAT COOL!! To be honest we have know about them for a little bit and every night before we go to bed we would check our sheets but it wasn't until today that we discovered they like to eat us. LUCKILY they must only like dark meat because I didn't get bit by any, but El Martinez did!! We took all of our sheets off our beds and went on a hunt. I didn't have near as many on my bed which made me feel a little bit better. Elder Martinez on the other hand... well we killed a ton on his bed and all of them were full of blood. In a way there a lot like ticks but a lot smaller. Today we went and bought some spray and sprayed down both of our beds and frame so hopefully that will take care of them.
Once again this week we did our little choir thing but this time we did a little play also. I’m told there are pictures on the Missions Face book so you'll have to check it out. There wasn't a ton of people, but we had a decent turnout. We still have to sing two more times and then were done.
Lesson wise this week was slow..... Pretty much everyone was at the little party of the other church playing on the little rides and all that so it was hard to get a hold of people so hopefully this week will be a lot better.
For the most part that’s about it, Thanks for the pills and the drinks. I like the drinks there a pretty good change. Have you got my package yet? or any other letters? I hope you have got them or will soon. I better get going let me know what time you think will work best to call on Christmas. try to let me know by wed. I’m glad to hear that everyone is doing well! Dad don’t worry will be alright. I ran across a quote by Elder Nelson that I liked the other day. He said, "If you have faith you can handle difficulties" I liked it so I hope you guys do to.
Love you all and hope you have a good week can’t wait to talk to you guys soon.
Love, Elder Hope
OK before I start telling about my week I better try to figure out what time you want me to call. To be honest I have no idea what time would work best... for me probably sometime in the afternoon. But honestly anytime would probably work. We have a key to the church and that’s where we plan on calling. So you tell me I don’t want to decide how is it going to work with Josh and what do you plan on doing? this is the churches number not sure if it’s the whole number but you should give me the whole number to our house that way if I don’t get a call from you I can call you guys or I can call you first and you can call back whatever you want to do. I get to get on the computers for 30mins on Wednesdays and make a Mormon profile so if you can try to pick out a time which you think will work best and let me know and then you can ask josh what he thinks. Sound good? Hope so.
Anyways, I got you package with the new camera cable so I’ll try it out after I send this letter. Thanks for the different watch I like it a lot better than the other one. It was just too big and my wrist has shrunk so it just wasn't working out thanks for the jam and candy also.
It sounds like you all had a pretty good week. Dad did you and mom go to any cool shows while you were there or what did you guys do? Sounds like Jc survived, who stayed with her? That's crazy that you don't have any snow.... what about up in the mountains? has jc been tearing it up pat the Gee?
This week has been pretty good; there is some church here that had a three day party like a block away from our house. So there was a TON of people up in our hood. It made things a pain because their church is right in the middle of our area where we usually walk through like two to three times a day but since there was so many shady people and because of all the little rides that they had we decided that we sound walk around it rather than through for a couple reasons. One we didn't want member to see us and think we were at carnival all day and two they worship a Brown Virgin named Juquila so we just decided to stay clear from there. The other day there was a 6.4 earthquake here in Oaxaca! To be honest, I DIDNT EVEN FEEL iT. I’m pretty sure I was riding a bus when it went down. The bus rides here remind me a lot of the Indiana Jones ride at Disney Land. The other day our driver was going pretty fast and hit a speed bump, needless to say I caught some pretty good air off of my seat. I honestly don’t know how people drive here without crashing. There is no order, we have almost been in a couple (ok a lot) of crashes but no worries it’ll be alright.
Today we discovered that we have bed bugs. There actually called chinches and they suck your blood ISN'T THAT COOL!! To be honest we have know about them for a little bit and every night before we go to bed we would check our sheets but it wasn't until today that we discovered they like to eat us. LUCKILY they must only like dark meat because I didn't get bit by any, but El Martinez did!! We took all of our sheets off our beds and went on a hunt. I didn't have near as many on my bed which made me feel a little bit better. Elder Martinez on the other hand... well we killed a ton on his bed and all of them were full of blood. In a way there a lot like ticks but a lot smaller. Today we went and bought some spray and sprayed down both of our beds and frame so hopefully that will take care of them.
Once again this week we did our little choir thing but this time we did a little play also. I’m told there are pictures on the Missions Face book so you'll have to check it out. There wasn't a ton of people, but we had a decent turnout. We still have to sing two more times and then were done.
Lesson wise this week was slow..... Pretty much everyone was at the little party of the other church playing on the little rides and all that so it was hard to get a hold of people so hopefully this week will be a lot better.
For the most part that’s about it, Thanks for the pills and the drinks. I like the drinks there a pretty good change. Have you got my package yet? or any other letters? I hope you have got them or will soon. I better get going let me know what time you think will work best to call on Christmas. try to let me know by wed. I’m glad to hear that everyone is doing well! Dad don’t worry will be alright. I ran across a quote by Elder Nelson that I liked the other day. He said, "If you have faith you can handle difficulties" I liked it so I hope you guys do to.
Love you all and hope you have a good week can’t wait to talk to you guys soon.
Love, Elder Hope
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Family
It’s me again. Sounds like everyone was able to have a good weekend and all that! That’s cook that Jeff, Becky, and the kids were able to come over and stay for a bit. I got both of the packages you sent to me with the shoe pads and the food THANKS!!! I don’t think I ever told you but I had blisters on both of my feet that went all the way across my heel. So those have helped out a lot and they are finally getting better! And thanks for everything else that was in the packages! I got the one the 11-23-11. That’s a pretty sweet bull Ron tagged. Dad you do save everything but that’s a smart idea, that way it will stay nice and pretty right? Jc is looking pretty cool with the new snow gear!
As always this has been a pretty busy week. I’m not sure if I ever told you but all the missionary's in and around the city have been practicing for a little choir concert in which we are singing some Christmas songs. This Sunday was our first concert and to be honest it went well and there was a pretty good turnout with quite a few investigators there. We still have two more left so we will see how they go.
This Sunday was pretty busy. Luis was baptized by his brother Pedro right after church which was pretty sweet! I gave a little talk about baptism and it went well. Luis seemed pretty happy and I know heavenly father was also. Right after the baptism we ate a little food and then went to our concert which lasted 2 hours. By the time it was over it was late so we headed home. Even though it was a pretty crazy day, it was really awesome. Oh and did I mention we sang in front of a pretty big Catholic church?
I met a new elder the other day who is from a little town 30 mins away from Burley, Idaho called Riverton or something. Anyways I don’t know if you guys remember Adam, Terry, or Kurt (I worked concrete with them) but that’s where they are from so I asked the kid if he knew them and he was like ya I’m second cousins with Terry it was pretty crazy. His name is Elder Webb. I asked him if he was related to Lane but he wasn't sure, but I remember Web saying he had family down there so he could be who knows. Just goes to show how small the world is!
The work is going good here although we could use a couple more investigators so were going to have to find some. Other than that I’m doing pretty well! The last couple days haven’t been as hot so that’s been nice in fact I was cold this morning!
I better get going, I hope that you all have a good week and that all is going well. I just want to all know that I love you and that I know the church is true. How lucky are we to have what we have, and live where we live? PRETTY LUCKY! Love you all and hope you have a good week,
Love Elder Jacob Roger Hope
It’s me again. Sounds like everyone was able to have a good weekend and all that! That’s cook that Jeff, Becky, and the kids were able to come over and stay for a bit. I got both of the packages you sent to me with the shoe pads and the food THANKS!!! I don’t think I ever told you but I had blisters on both of my feet that went all the way across my heel. So those have helped out a lot and they are finally getting better! And thanks for everything else that was in the packages! I got the one the 11-23-11. That’s a pretty sweet bull Ron tagged. Dad you do save everything but that’s a smart idea, that way it will stay nice and pretty right? Jc is looking pretty cool with the new snow gear!
As always this has been a pretty busy week. I’m not sure if I ever told you but all the missionary's in and around the city have been practicing for a little choir concert in which we are singing some Christmas songs. This Sunday was our first concert and to be honest it went well and there was a pretty good turnout with quite a few investigators there. We still have two more left so we will see how they go.
This Sunday was pretty busy. Luis was baptized by his brother Pedro right after church which was pretty sweet! I gave a little talk about baptism and it went well. Luis seemed pretty happy and I know heavenly father was also. Right after the baptism we ate a little food and then went to our concert which lasted 2 hours. By the time it was over it was late so we headed home. Even though it was a pretty crazy day, it was really awesome. Oh and did I mention we sang in front of a pretty big Catholic church?
I met a new elder the other day who is from a little town 30 mins away from Burley, Idaho called Riverton or something. Anyways I don’t know if you guys remember Adam, Terry, or Kurt (I worked concrete with them) but that’s where they are from so I asked the kid if he knew them and he was like ya I’m second cousins with Terry it was pretty crazy. His name is Elder Webb. I asked him if he was related to Lane but he wasn't sure, but I remember Web saying he had family down there so he could be who knows. Just goes to show how small the world is!
The work is going good here although we could use a couple more investigators so were going to have to find some. Other than that I’m doing pretty well! The last couple days haven’t been as hot so that’s been nice in fact I was cold this morning!
I better get going, I hope that you all have a good week and that all is going well. I just want to all know that I love you and that I know the church is true. How lucky are we to have what we have, and live where we live? PRETTY LUCKY! Love you all and hope you have a good week,
Love Elder Jacob Roger Hope
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Family,
What’s up cholos? Sounds like everything is going pretty good for you all back at home (except for the cold weather). Just thought I would let you know it’s hot here not to rub it in your face or anything ;)
This week has been pretty interesting, there have been allot of funny weird things that have happened and also some spiritually good things. Today has been a pretty good day, we woke up this morning and went and played some soccer with the zone which was pretty fun. We just got done cleaning the house and we have also washed our clothes and bought food for the week so we have got a lot done which is good. I also sent you guys a package today so be looking for that and when you get it just go ahead and open it. It’s for Christmas but if it comes early just open it. To be honest, I haven’t heard anything about thanksgiving here so I doubt I will have anything special or anything like that. I’ll probably just be another day normal day here but I’ll most likely be eating beans, chicken, or rice with tortias so ya ha.
The work here is going pretty good, we have a baptism set for this Saturday. His names are Louise who is Pedro’s brother (our ward mission leader). He has met with the missionaries before and has had most of the lessons but we have been teaching him the last couple weeks to make sure he knows what he needs to know. The cool thing is that he came up to us one Sunday and asked when he could be baptized. I found out last night when we were teaching him that he likes motorbikes.... so we had a little talk. Also about Ulises, were still teaching him and he’s told us that he knows he needs to be baptized, but he says he’s not ready yet and wants to know more before. I know he’s ready though because the other day when we were teaching him I made him promise me that he would read the BOM and pray about it and to ask Heavenly Father to know if it was true. Well the next day we saw him and we asked him if he kept his promise. He did and he said when he read the BOM he felt something that he couldn’t describe. It was so cool to listen to him try to describe what he had felt. We told him it was the Holy Ghost and read a scripture to him describing the fruits of the spirit. We will be meeting with him some more throughout the week. But I know that he will eventually will be baptized.
I had a pretty weird experience the other day with a drunken man. We were heading to and appointment that we had with an investigator named Rafael. Well when we got to his house there was a drunk guy sitting out in front of his door on the curb. As we were knocking on Rafael’s door I looked over to him and asked how he was doing. I was rejected and he basically told me to be quite. Well Rafael wasn’t there so we started to walk away when my comp was like let’s talk to him. So we started talking. Long story short after talking to him for a bit he pulled me down and made me sit by him which is ok nothing wrong with that but after a while he started petting my head and touching my face which was kind of nasty... Like I know where his hands have been haha. I looked over at my comp and he was just laughing... we did manage to get his information and that but he lives in a different area so we gave the info to some other elders. The work here is going good and the ward is helping visit some less actives so the little home teaching program is working! This week we are going to be taking some teachers with us to some appointments and also visit some less actives.
That’s about all I have for the week. At least all I can remember right now. There is so much that happens during the week so it’s hard to remember it all but I write it in my J. I hope you are all doing well and that you’re not freezing too bad. Dad thanks for the quotes I like them so keep sending them. Thanks everyone for the support. I love you all and hope that you’re all being safe! Remember to read your scripts daily and pray. I know that we are blessed to live where we live and to have the gospel in our lives. Words cannot describe how wonderful the gospel is.
I better get going, I’m glad you got my letters! You should be getting more. How long did it take to get there? I should have dated it on top, anyway I love you all and hope all is well. Until next week,
El HOPE
What’s up cholos? Sounds like everything is going pretty good for you all back at home (except for the cold weather). Just thought I would let you know it’s hot here not to rub it in your face or anything ;)
This week has been pretty interesting, there have been allot of funny weird things that have happened and also some spiritually good things. Today has been a pretty good day, we woke up this morning and went and played some soccer with the zone which was pretty fun. We just got done cleaning the house and we have also washed our clothes and bought food for the week so we have got a lot done which is good. I also sent you guys a package today so be looking for that and when you get it just go ahead and open it. It’s for Christmas but if it comes early just open it. To be honest, I haven’t heard anything about thanksgiving here so I doubt I will have anything special or anything like that. I’ll probably just be another day normal day here but I’ll most likely be eating beans, chicken, or rice with tortias so ya ha.
The work here is going pretty good, we have a baptism set for this Saturday. His names are Louise who is Pedro’s brother (our ward mission leader). He has met with the missionaries before and has had most of the lessons but we have been teaching him the last couple weeks to make sure he knows what he needs to know. The cool thing is that he came up to us one Sunday and asked when he could be baptized. I found out last night when we were teaching him that he likes motorbikes.... so we had a little talk. Also about Ulises, were still teaching him and he’s told us that he knows he needs to be baptized, but he says he’s not ready yet and wants to know more before. I know he’s ready though because the other day when we were teaching him I made him promise me that he would read the BOM and pray about it and to ask Heavenly Father to know if it was true. Well the next day we saw him and we asked him if he kept his promise. He did and he said when he read the BOM he felt something that he couldn’t describe. It was so cool to listen to him try to describe what he had felt. We told him it was the Holy Ghost and read a scripture to him describing the fruits of the spirit. We will be meeting with him some more throughout the week. But I know that he will eventually will be baptized.
I had a pretty weird experience the other day with a drunken man. We were heading to and appointment that we had with an investigator named Rafael. Well when we got to his house there was a drunk guy sitting out in front of his door on the curb. As we were knocking on Rafael’s door I looked over to him and asked how he was doing. I was rejected and he basically told me to be quite. Well Rafael wasn’t there so we started to walk away when my comp was like let’s talk to him. So we started talking. Long story short after talking to him for a bit he pulled me down and made me sit by him which is ok nothing wrong with that but after a while he started petting my head and touching my face which was kind of nasty... Like I know where his hands have been haha. I looked over at my comp and he was just laughing... we did manage to get his information and that but he lives in a different area so we gave the info to some other elders. The work here is going good and the ward is helping visit some less actives so the little home teaching program is working! This week we are going to be taking some teachers with us to some appointments and also visit some less actives.
That’s about all I have for the week. At least all I can remember right now. There is so much that happens during the week so it’s hard to remember it all but I write it in my J. I hope you are all doing well and that you’re not freezing too bad. Dad thanks for the quotes I like them so keep sending them. Thanks everyone for the support. I love you all and hope that you’re all being safe! Remember to read your scripts daily and pray. I know that we are blessed to live where we live and to have the gospel in our lives. Words cannot describe how wonderful the gospel is.
I better get going, I’m glad you got my letters! You should be getting more. How long did it take to get there? I should have dated it on top, anyway I love you all and hope all is well. Until next week,
El HOPE
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
QUE PASA FAMILA!
Not going to lie this week has gone by pretty fast... I’m glad you got the Pics! Monte Alban was pretty sweet! I really wish you guys could have been there, but like I said I took a ton of pics. So by the time you see them all, your gonnna feel like you were there!
I lost the cable to my camera.... so until I find a way to send pics you probably won’t be getting any... MY BAD! I never lose stuff so I was pretty upset when I realized I left it at the computer when I got home. We went back the next day but it was long gone. You can’t really leave stuff lying around here...
I got the pic of the house and of the snow... Crazy!!! I wouldn’t mind a little snow, I kind of miss it already haha. It’s been pretty warm again sorry my letters come late... I’ll give you a run down on my P-Days. I wake up at 6 and read from the BOM until about 7. Then I try to do a couple exercises (there not working, I’m pretty sure I have lost all my muscle and replaced it with fat :( then after that I get ready and cook a little food. Then we either go shopping, wash our cloths. Shopping takes a couple hours and so does washing our cloths by the time we do all that it’s about four, five. Oh we had our first change this week. I forgot to tell you that we were going to having one. I didn’t get changed I’m still in the same area which is good because I didn’t really want to leave. El Martinez is still me comp and this is his 3rd change here. I won’t be surprised if I’m here for another change but who knows!
I’ve sent you guy’s a couple letters.... so I hope you get them soon in one of them I sent home my ID card from the MTC and a little money for you guys. I made it so you couldn’t see through the letter so they wouldn’t have been able to see the money. Hopefully it will still get there let me know if you get them! It sounds like you’re all pretty busy that’s good! We weren’t able to Baptize Ulieses this week, he was sick this week so he canceled a couple of his appointments and didn’t come to church, but I know he will be baptized. We also had a member’s brother come to church the other day with him and he came up and asked us when he could be baptized so that was pretty cool. We’re going to be meeting with him until he’s ready! I’m not sure why there was only 1 baptism here in a year before we got here... the lord prepares people, and the people are ready!
I did have a pretty cool experience the other day, a couple of our contacts have fallen through so we needed to go contacting. After I convinced him we needed to I said a prayer in my heart to help us find the people who were ready. We only had an hour to contact anyways long story short everyone we contacted in that hour invited us back!!! how cool is that!? Heavenly Farther hears and answers our prayers! I know he does! Were promised that if we do our part, he will do his.
We are also visiting a less active member who knows meztec, another language they speak in Oaxaca. So he has been teaching me a couple words which are cool! I told josh that he has to teach me Port. when I get home.
The other day I was kind of feeling sick and I think I know why. I ate pig skin the day before to be honest it didn’t taste too bad.. but the thought and texture got to me. I’ve been thinking how to explain it but the best way I could think of is that it’s kind of like eating fat from a stake but softer. IDK I guess you’ll just have to go try it! But yea like I said I didn’t feel too hot the day after so it was a long day but I survived! I hope everyone is doing well! It was good to get the dear elder from Dillon, I haven’t heard from him since I left so thanks for sending that my way as well as the other people. Were so lucky to have what we have and live where we live. I’m so grateful for you guys and everyone in our family! you’re awesome!
I better wrap this one up sorry about the pics.... I’m going to be sending a package home sometime this week so look out for it. I’ll throw one of my memory cards in it. I love you all so very much! OH real fast, I got to go to the temple again. The bishop called us one morning asking for the president’s number which we thought was weird. Ten mins later he called back and said that he called the president to ask permission to take us to the temple to go through with our ward missionary for his first time. His name is Pedro and is going on a mission in DEC so that was super nice of the bishop to do that for us. Anyways if I forgot to type anything I’ll write it in a letter and send it to you. Hopefully you’ll get them.
Be safe and take care, until next time, EL HOPE!!!!
Not going to lie this week has gone by pretty fast... I’m glad you got the Pics! Monte Alban was pretty sweet! I really wish you guys could have been there, but like I said I took a ton of pics. So by the time you see them all, your gonnna feel like you were there!
I lost the cable to my camera.... so until I find a way to send pics you probably won’t be getting any... MY BAD! I never lose stuff so I was pretty upset when I realized I left it at the computer when I got home. We went back the next day but it was long gone. You can’t really leave stuff lying around here...
I got the pic of the house and of the snow... Crazy!!! I wouldn’t mind a little snow, I kind of miss it already haha. It’s been pretty warm again sorry my letters come late... I’ll give you a run down on my P-Days. I wake up at 6 and read from the BOM until about 7. Then I try to do a couple exercises (there not working, I’m pretty sure I have lost all my muscle and replaced it with fat :( then after that I get ready and cook a little food. Then we either go shopping, wash our cloths. Shopping takes a couple hours and so does washing our cloths by the time we do all that it’s about four, five. Oh we had our first change this week. I forgot to tell you that we were going to having one. I didn’t get changed I’m still in the same area which is good because I didn’t really want to leave. El Martinez is still me comp and this is his 3rd change here. I won’t be surprised if I’m here for another change but who knows!
I’ve sent you guy’s a couple letters.... so I hope you get them soon in one of them I sent home my ID card from the MTC and a little money for you guys. I made it so you couldn’t see through the letter so they wouldn’t have been able to see the money. Hopefully it will still get there let me know if you get them! It sounds like you’re all pretty busy that’s good! We weren’t able to Baptize Ulieses this week, he was sick this week so he canceled a couple of his appointments and didn’t come to church, but I know he will be baptized. We also had a member’s brother come to church the other day with him and he came up and asked us when he could be baptized so that was pretty cool. We’re going to be meeting with him until he’s ready! I’m not sure why there was only 1 baptism here in a year before we got here... the lord prepares people, and the people are ready!
I did have a pretty cool experience the other day, a couple of our contacts have fallen through so we needed to go contacting. After I convinced him we needed to I said a prayer in my heart to help us find the people who were ready. We only had an hour to contact anyways long story short everyone we contacted in that hour invited us back!!! how cool is that!? Heavenly Farther hears and answers our prayers! I know he does! Were promised that if we do our part, he will do his.
We are also visiting a less active member who knows meztec, another language they speak in Oaxaca. So he has been teaching me a couple words which are cool! I told josh that he has to teach me Port. when I get home.
The other day I was kind of feeling sick and I think I know why. I ate pig skin the day before to be honest it didn’t taste too bad.. but the thought and texture got to me. I’ve been thinking how to explain it but the best way I could think of is that it’s kind of like eating fat from a stake but softer. IDK I guess you’ll just have to go try it! But yea like I said I didn’t feel too hot the day after so it was a long day but I survived! I hope everyone is doing well! It was good to get the dear elder from Dillon, I haven’t heard from him since I left so thanks for sending that my way as well as the other people. Were so lucky to have what we have and live where we live. I’m so grateful for you guys and everyone in our family! you’re awesome!
I better wrap this one up sorry about the pics.... I’m going to be sending a package home sometime this week so look out for it. I’ll throw one of my memory cards in it. I love you all so very much! OH real fast, I got to go to the temple again. The bishop called us one morning asking for the president’s number which we thought was weird. Ten mins later he called back and said that he called the president to ask permission to take us to the temple to go through with our ward missionary for his first time. His name is Pedro and is going on a mission in DEC so that was super nice of the bishop to do that for us. Anyways if I forgot to type anything I’ll write it in a letter and send it to you. Hopefully you’ll get them.
Be safe and take care, until next time, EL HOPE!!!!
Monday, November 7, 2011
1st Baptism
WOW this has been a supper good week for me! There is so much I want to tell you all and I know I’ll forget to say a lot of what I wanted to but here we go!
First off I’ll start by saying... I HAD MY FIRST BAPTISM! That’s right, my first baptism. His name is Eddi and I think I have told you guys about him a little bit but incase I didn’t I’ll say it again. Eddi is 24 years old and was a referral from a couple other missionaries in an area close to us. When we first met with him had met with the missionaries a couple times, but didn’t know a whole lot so we taught him all the lessons. Long story short (I’ll write a letter telling you more) he was baptized on Saturday. It was a really cool experience for both of us. The president was able to come to the baptism as well as another investigator that we have named Ulises. I didn’t realize how rare it is for the president to come until after it was over which was probably a good thing because I was already pretty nervous. But after thinking about it, it is pretty rare because he has a lot to do. So looking back it was pretty cool to be able to have him there and meet Eddi and Ulises and he also spoke at the baptism which was cool. I’m not sure why Eddi chose me to baptize him, but we both like cars and motorbikes so that might have helped. Eddi is a really cool kid. When we were getting into the water he kept saying how cold the water was which was kind of funny. He took a step in and then stepped back out, but it all worked out in the end. Our goal is to teach his family now.
Oh and I lied to you guys.... our zone baptized 30 people not 130... My comp told me the wrong numbers but I had already sent the e-mail so my bad. HOWEVER our zone met our goal so for a reward the President took us to the temple on Friday! It was super cool and I loved it! It’s not the biggest temple, but it is super pretty! It was awesome to take a couple hours and not worry about anything. I really want to go back. But in order to do that we have to get three baptisms in a change. So got to work!
Also, our zone was able to go to Monte Alban!!!! (This is the place with all the sweet ruins) so that’s what we did today. Let me just say, IT WAS LEGIT! I don’t even know what to say or how to describe it. I took A TON of pictures! So by the time you’re done looking at them you will feel like you were there also. We left our house at about 9:30 to get there. It’s really not that far from us but it’s in a different area so we can’t just go whenever we want. The president wants us to earn it so we stayed there until about 3:30 so we were there for a little bit. It was also really hot, and I think I sweated the whole time but it was totally worth it! They basically made the top of the mountain that it sits on flat and built some sweet buildings on it. If you ever have some free time, Google it trust me it’s cool. Like I said I took a ton of photos so I’ll send my card home soon so you can seen what I mean. The people that built them were very good with their hands because everything is perfect, and very detailed.
I don’t know what else to say, I know after we leave I’ll probably think of something that I wanted to tell you. I had an elder tell me I had a package in the mission home the other day we were at the temple but I won’t know for sure until tomorrow at our district meeting. So if you sent me a package then I got it, if not then the elder was just kidding.
It sounds like its getting cold there. Dad did you ever get the winch fixed on the 4 so it will be easy to plow snow? I hope you’re not doing anything that you shouldn’t so your back will heal. That’s too bad to hear about Moms uncle, I hope she is doing ok. The cool thing is (as you all know) that it’s possible to see him, and all our other loved ones again if we have faith and do what’s right. I’m sorry I haven’t sent a whole lot of letters home, whenever I have free time I like to study Spanish, or read the BOM. It’s so cool and I love it. I wake up every morning at 6:15 just so I can have a couple more extra min. to read. Oh that’s reminds me, I sent you a letter a couple weeks ago did you not get it? I hope you did.. It had something important in it. It sounds like everyone is doing well so that’s good! When you guys are freezing because of the cold, know that’s I’m sweating because it’s been hot! haha.
I’m going to try to send some pic, be safe! and know that I love and pray for you all daily.
Love El Hope
First off I’ll start by saying... I HAD MY FIRST BAPTISM! That’s right, my first baptism. His name is Eddi and I think I have told you guys about him a little bit but incase I didn’t I’ll say it again. Eddi is 24 years old and was a referral from a couple other missionaries in an area close to us. When we first met with him had met with the missionaries a couple times, but didn’t know a whole lot so we taught him all the lessons. Long story short (I’ll write a letter telling you more) he was baptized on Saturday. It was a really cool experience for both of us. The president was able to come to the baptism as well as another investigator that we have named Ulises. I didn’t realize how rare it is for the president to come until after it was over which was probably a good thing because I was already pretty nervous. But after thinking about it, it is pretty rare because he has a lot to do. So looking back it was pretty cool to be able to have him there and meet Eddi and Ulises and he also spoke at the baptism which was cool. I’m not sure why Eddi chose me to baptize him, but we both like cars and motorbikes so that might have helped. Eddi is a really cool kid. When we were getting into the water he kept saying how cold the water was which was kind of funny. He took a step in and then stepped back out, but it all worked out in the end. Our goal is to teach his family now.
Oh and I lied to you guys.... our zone baptized 30 people not 130... My comp told me the wrong numbers but I had already sent the e-mail so my bad. HOWEVER our zone met our goal so for a reward the President took us to the temple on Friday! It was super cool and I loved it! It’s not the biggest temple, but it is super pretty! It was awesome to take a couple hours and not worry about anything. I really want to go back. But in order to do that we have to get three baptisms in a change. So got to work!
Also, our zone was able to go to Monte Alban!!!! (This is the place with all the sweet ruins) so that’s what we did today. Let me just say, IT WAS LEGIT! I don’t even know what to say or how to describe it. I took A TON of pictures! So by the time you’re done looking at them you will feel like you were there also. We left our house at about 9:30 to get there. It’s really not that far from us but it’s in a different area so we can’t just go whenever we want. The president wants us to earn it so we stayed there until about 3:30 so we were there for a little bit. It was also really hot, and I think I sweated the whole time but it was totally worth it! They basically made the top of the mountain that it sits on flat and built some sweet buildings on it. If you ever have some free time, Google it trust me it’s cool. Like I said I took a ton of photos so I’ll send my card home soon so you can seen what I mean. The people that built them were very good with their hands because everything is perfect, and very detailed.
I don’t know what else to say, I know after we leave I’ll probably think of something that I wanted to tell you. I had an elder tell me I had a package in the mission home the other day we were at the temple but I won’t know for sure until tomorrow at our district meeting. So if you sent me a package then I got it, if not then the elder was just kidding.
It sounds like its getting cold there. Dad did you ever get the winch fixed on the 4 so it will be easy to plow snow? I hope you’re not doing anything that you shouldn’t so your back will heal. That’s too bad to hear about Moms uncle, I hope she is doing ok. The cool thing is (as you all know) that it’s possible to see him, and all our other loved ones again if we have faith and do what’s right. I’m sorry I haven’t sent a whole lot of letters home, whenever I have free time I like to study Spanish, or read the BOM. It’s so cool and I love it. I wake up every morning at 6:15 just so I can have a couple more extra min. to read. Oh that’s reminds me, I sent you a letter a couple weeks ago did you not get it? I hope you did.. It had something important in it. It sounds like everyone is doing well so that’s good! When you guys are freezing because of the cold, know that’s I’m sweating because it’s been hot! haha.
I’m going to try to send some pic, be safe! and know that I love and pray for you all daily.
Love El Hope
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
What’s up family? Sounds like everyone is doing well! Before I forget I got the package and dear elder you sent me! Thanks so much for the package. I got it in my hands on the 10-27-11. The candy was good and so was the seeds you even got my favorite, RANCH! ha-ha I even read the news paper front to back that you used to keep the stuff from sliding around. I ate it up! It was cool reading about the sports and seeing how everyone was ranked. Sounds like Madison had a hard time. I guess I liked it so much because it is the only thing I could read in English other than my scriptures ha-ha. I better answer your questions from and the e-mail Dear elder. Dad I hope I don’t look at Thor differently either when I get home ha-ha it sounds like your back is getting a little better, but DONT over do it! That’s good that Jared and Jeff and everyone else were able to help out and I got the pics they look sweet!
I’m glad you got the pics that I sent, because it was a real pain to send them, but I think I got it figured out a little better now so it should be good. I didn’t know our mission had a face book page but that’s cool that they post updates! This month our zone met the goal of 130 baptism this month so in return we get to go to the Temple on Thursday! That’s should be really cool I’m excited for that.
My comp lived in Utah for nine years with his sister... not sure why he ended up going there for sure, but he’s a convert to the church and has been a member almost two years now. He speaks English but has an accent. Sometimes he will say something that doesn’t make since so I help him out. So I help him read in English and he helps me read in Spanish. His family is pretty Catholic and don’t understand why he is here but he knows so that’s good. He was really excited for the candy you sent to him also, he doesn’t get a lot of mail so he wanted to say thanks!
As for stuff that I need I really can’t think of a whole lot.. There is a store here about a 22 min walk (I timed it) that is owned by Wal-Mart. So if I really need something I can find it. Except for pads that go in your shoe.. I could use some of those so ya maybe some pads that go in your shoe (I forgot what their called but I think you know what I’m talking about).
Alright now about the work and other cool stuff. This coming Sunday we have a baptism! This will be my first Baptism so I’m pretty excited! His Name is Eddi and is 22 years old. He was a reference from a couple other missionaries. He’s pretty cool; he likes cars and motor bikes.... JUST like me! ha-ha so we are pretty good friends. I’ll make sure I take pics of that so no worries. We also have a date set for the week after that for a man named Ulysses, who is 24. The cool thing about him is he is an English Teacher, so I actually have taught him a lot! in English... but it’s all the same! I sent a letter home the other day and it talks a little about him I think.. He is super ready for the gospel! We took him to a special meeting with us in which Elder Duncan of the 70 spoke. He really liked it! you can tell he’s excited and when we got him to prey for the first time the spirit was so strong he, el M., and I were all about to cry It was awesome. We have a couple more with dates but they still need some work. I said this in the letter I sent home but there has only been one baptism here in 8 months... so my goal is to change that and we are!
There are also a lot of cross dressers here which is weird.... There have been a lot of drunks dancing in the street without their shirts which is interesting.... ha-ha. The other day we were called over by one of them. We started talking to him about the gospel and after awhile he told us he has killed two people... we have seen him around a couple times. Dad you asked about the ward and how big it is, there are 23 active families here. So not a whole lot, but if the inactive would come it would be decent. My other goal is to start a family home teaching program here but not a lot of people want to help so we will see how that goes.
I want to try to send some pics now so I better go, but I love you all and I hope I got all your questions answered. If not you might have to put them in a lost form so I can go down one by one answering them ha. Love you all, be safe and take care!
until next week, EL HOPE
I’m glad you got the pics that I sent, because it was a real pain to send them, but I think I got it figured out a little better now so it should be good. I didn’t know our mission had a face book page but that’s cool that they post updates! This month our zone met the goal of 130 baptism this month so in return we get to go to the Temple on Thursday! That’s should be really cool I’m excited for that.
My comp lived in Utah for nine years with his sister... not sure why he ended up going there for sure, but he’s a convert to the church and has been a member almost two years now. He speaks English but has an accent. Sometimes he will say something that doesn’t make since so I help him out. So I help him read in English and he helps me read in Spanish. His family is pretty Catholic and don’t understand why he is here but he knows so that’s good. He was really excited for the candy you sent to him also, he doesn’t get a lot of mail so he wanted to say thanks!
As for stuff that I need I really can’t think of a whole lot.. There is a store here about a 22 min walk (I timed it) that is owned by Wal-Mart. So if I really need something I can find it. Except for pads that go in your shoe.. I could use some of those so ya maybe some pads that go in your shoe (I forgot what their called but I think you know what I’m talking about).
Alright now about the work and other cool stuff. This coming Sunday we have a baptism! This will be my first Baptism so I’m pretty excited! His Name is Eddi and is 22 years old. He was a reference from a couple other missionaries. He’s pretty cool; he likes cars and motor bikes.... JUST like me! ha-ha so we are pretty good friends. I’ll make sure I take pics of that so no worries. We also have a date set for the week after that for a man named Ulysses, who is 24. The cool thing about him is he is an English Teacher, so I actually have taught him a lot! in English... but it’s all the same! I sent a letter home the other day and it talks a little about him I think.. He is super ready for the gospel! We took him to a special meeting with us in which Elder Duncan of the 70 spoke. He really liked it! you can tell he’s excited and when we got him to prey for the first time the spirit was so strong he, el M., and I were all about to cry It was awesome. We have a couple more with dates but they still need some work. I said this in the letter I sent home but there has only been one baptism here in 8 months... so my goal is to change that and we are!
There are also a lot of cross dressers here which is weird.... There have been a lot of drunks dancing in the street without their shirts which is interesting.... ha-ha. The other day we were called over by one of them. We started talking to him about the gospel and after awhile he told us he has killed two people... we have seen him around a couple times. Dad you asked about the ward and how big it is, there are 23 active families here. So not a whole lot, but if the inactive would come it would be decent. My other goal is to start a family home teaching program here but not a lot of people want to help so we will see how that goes.
I want to try to send some pics now so I better go, but I love you all and I hope I got all your questions answered. If not you might have to put them in a lost form so I can go down one by one answering them ha. Love you all, be safe and take care!
until next week, EL HOPE
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Climbing Mountains
Family,
Wow, this week has gone by pretty fast. Thanks everyone for answering my questions and all that. I better start off by answering the questions you had. Dad it is a little humid and sometimes it feels like you could cut it with a knife, but for the most part its ok. The weather here this week has actually reminded me a lot of the summers back at home. The mornings are starting to get a little chilly but by midday it’s pretty hot! I’m starting to get a pretty good tan it’s the worst when we have to hike the hill mid day it’s pretty hot and then you’re climbing a mountain. I sent a pic of the stairs we climb, that’s just one set that leads to the next street. There are 4 in total so it’s tiring but I’ll survive.
The work here is going good! We have 9 progressing investigators and a couple with baptism dates so that’s cool. One of our investigators name is Erick. We met him the first week I got here in the mission field. He was with a group of friends who were drinking (he wasn’t drinking) and they called us over. I was still new at the time, I think it was my second day and when they called us over I thought we were going to get jumped. So in all honesty, I was scared. But we started talking and it turned out good. (At least for him, the other 5 left.) But he’s doing well and I hope we will baptize him.
The other day we went to visit a less-active member named Eddie. He lives about midway up the hill. All the houses on the mountain are basically built into it, so most of them build a dirt ramp to get into their houses. Long story short the ramps aren’t big, you have to walk single file to get to the house. It’s hard to explain so sorry if this doesn’t make since. El M. walked up first so I kind of stood at the bottom while he talked with Eddie. Next to me was a decent dirt pile and as I was looking at it I noticed some pretty decent holes that looked familiar. So I looked a little closer and noticed some webs in them. I then remembered seeing a special on the Discovery Channel about spiders and how they are sensitive to vibration so I got this smart idea to poke it with a stick and mimic a bug..... bad idea. Next thing I knew a freaking huge tarantula came shooting out! It scared the crap out of me! The stick I was using was only a foot long but I did get a pic. of it. Turns out there are a lot of them here. I found another one the next day but this one got away.
I haven’t eaten anymore Grasshoppers but I did eat Cactus which was different... not sure if I liked it or not. Before I forget I would like some peanut butter. They don’t sell it here and I kind of miss it. Right now I can’t think of anything else I need but I’ll think throughout the week and let you all know. Thanks so much for the pics of the family. Everyone looks like there are doing great. I want to try to send one more pic so I better, go but I love you all! Take care and be safe!
Con Amor, El Hope
Wow, this week has gone by pretty fast. Thanks everyone for answering my questions and all that. I better start off by answering the questions you had. Dad it is a little humid and sometimes it feels like you could cut it with a knife, but for the most part its ok. The weather here this week has actually reminded me a lot of the summers back at home. The mornings are starting to get a little chilly but by midday it’s pretty hot! I’m starting to get a pretty good tan it’s the worst when we have to hike the hill mid day it’s pretty hot and then you’re climbing a mountain. I sent a pic of the stairs we climb, that’s just one set that leads to the next street. There are 4 in total so it’s tiring but I’ll survive.
The work here is going good! We have 9 progressing investigators and a couple with baptism dates so that’s cool. One of our investigators name is Erick. We met him the first week I got here in the mission field. He was with a group of friends who were drinking (he wasn’t drinking) and they called us over. I was still new at the time, I think it was my second day and when they called us over I thought we were going to get jumped. So in all honesty, I was scared. But we started talking and it turned out good. (At least for him, the other 5 left.) But he’s doing well and I hope we will baptize him.
The other day we went to visit a less-active member named Eddie. He lives about midway up the hill. All the houses on the mountain are basically built into it, so most of them build a dirt ramp to get into their houses. Long story short the ramps aren’t big, you have to walk single file to get to the house. It’s hard to explain so sorry if this doesn’t make since. El M. walked up first so I kind of stood at the bottom while he talked with Eddie. Next to me was a decent dirt pile and as I was looking at it I noticed some pretty decent holes that looked familiar. So I looked a little closer and noticed some webs in them. I then remembered seeing a special on the Discovery Channel about spiders and how they are sensitive to vibration so I got this smart idea to poke it with a stick and mimic a bug..... bad idea. Next thing I knew a freaking huge tarantula came shooting out! It scared the crap out of me! The stick I was using was only a foot long but I did get a pic. of it. Turns out there are a lot of them here. I found another one the next day but this one got away.
I haven’t eaten anymore Grasshoppers but I did eat Cactus which was different... not sure if I liked it or not. Before I forget I would like some peanut butter. They don’t sell it here and I kind of miss it. Right now I can’t think of anything else I need but I’ll think throughout the week and let you all know. Thanks so much for the pics of the family. Everyone looks like there are doing great. I want to try to send one more pic so I better, go but I love you all! Take care and be safe!
Con Amor, El Hope
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Grasshoppers
Family,
What’s up my family, how has everyone been? First I better give mom Sisters Andersons address before I forget so mom here it is; her e-mail is Kari.Anderson@myldsmail.net. and her address is 50N W. temple ST RM BSUC Salt Lake City, UT 84150. I’m not sure if she is still in Utah or if she got her visa but you can try whatever one you want.
As you know today was my P-day. I have a lot to say so I’m not going to go into a lot of detail but here I go. Last Monday right after I wrote you and went home we discovered that we didn’t have any running water or anything so we called and tied to get it fixed. Long story short we didn’t have running water until late Friday night. So when we had to shower or wash dishes, flush the toilet, brush our teeth and all that we would have to go down a couple flight of stairs and fill up some buckets to get water. It wasn’t very fun because they weren’t very big buckets so when we ran out we would have to make the trip again and again. Showering was also pretty awesome for the most part all the showers I have taken here are cold showers. We have a water heater but it takes forever to warm up the water so we just take cold ones. I still don’t know if this is a good idea or not but the other day (when we didn’t have running water) Elder Martinez must of been sick of cold showers because he decided to throw a iron in the bucket of water.... as crazy as it sounds it worked!! So I did the same thing haha. It was super sweet to have a warm shower :)
P-days here aren’t as fun as the P-days in the MTC. Here we actually have to do some work. Such as wash our cloths (by hand and it’s actually a lot harder than I thought it would be) clean the house, and buy food. Joshes house sounds a lot like mine in the way that it was sick! It was super dirty. I’m not sure if I told you in the last e-mail or not but our house is infested with ants and cockroaches. Last night I went on a killing spree and killed 7 pretty big ones in 10 minutes. The house looks ALOT better now that I cleaned it. I’m hoping that it will help with the bug problem.
I never got Joshes letter when I was in the MTC about his scary story so I want to know what went down. Someone tell me I feel left out.
Things here are going pretty good. Its way different then home like I said. I have a pretty good story. The other day we went to a food market type thing to buy some fruit. (The food markets here are crazy!) you can barely walk because there are so many people and it stinks really badly from all the meat sitting out and all the spices not to mention all the drunk people. While walking to the store a drunk guy ran over to us and started talking to us. I couldn’t really understand everything that was said but after awhile he said he wanted to change his life. (Perfect opportunity to talk about the gospel no?) so I started to teach him, for some reason he didn’t like Elder Martinez he said he had a bad spirit. Anyways I taught him for a bit and after awhile he asked where I was from. I told him (mistake number one) after I told him he told me to give him money... long story short I didn’t give him any money but I gave him a pamphlet about the plan of salvation with our names and number on it. It’s kind of trippy, just about every time I go shopping or even contacting, all the drunk people run up to me and start asking for money. They think I’m rich because I’m from America. I feel bad for them but I don’t give them money for a couple reasons. One if they saw me again they would just want money and two they don’t really give us that much money so I have to use it wisely. Oh and I guess the people here really believe in black magic. We’re teaching an inactive member and the other night while at her house she said she found some skulls in here attic or something. It’s pretty wack. I guess her husband left her after 20 years because some other girl did black magic on her or something like that. So that’s pretty crazy.
Sorry this letter is so late; we went and ate with a returned missionary who is inactive. He’s super cool and nice. He bought me and my comp a ton of food, and showed us around down town which was super cool because we went to some old old churches. But once again I didn’t have my camera so I didn’t get any sweet pics. Today I also ate grasshoppers.... and they were nasty haha. At first I ate them plane and after a couple I decided there not really my type of food. But Elder M. and the member convinced me there better on tacos so I tried them again. But they weren’t. I ended up eating a lot because they were all up in my taco so it was interesting haha.
That’s all I got for this week, tell everyone I said hi and send me some pics of all the family together! I love you all and your all in my prayers! Love El Hope.
What’s up my family, how has everyone been? First I better give mom Sisters Andersons address before I forget so mom here it is; her e-mail is Kari.Anderson@myldsmail.net. and her address is 50N W. temple ST RM BSUC Salt Lake City, UT 84150. I’m not sure if she is still in Utah or if she got her visa but you can try whatever one you want.
As you know today was my P-day. I have a lot to say so I’m not going to go into a lot of detail but here I go. Last Monday right after I wrote you and went home we discovered that we didn’t have any running water or anything so we called and tied to get it fixed. Long story short we didn’t have running water until late Friday night. So when we had to shower or wash dishes, flush the toilet, brush our teeth and all that we would have to go down a couple flight of stairs and fill up some buckets to get water. It wasn’t very fun because they weren’t very big buckets so when we ran out we would have to make the trip again and again. Showering was also pretty awesome for the most part all the showers I have taken here are cold showers. We have a water heater but it takes forever to warm up the water so we just take cold ones. I still don’t know if this is a good idea or not but the other day (when we didn’t have running water) Elder Martinez must of been sick of cold showers because he decided to throw a iron in the bucket of water.... as crazy as it sounds it worked!! So I did the same thing haha. It was super sweet to have a warm shower :)
P-days here aren’t as fun as the P-days in the MTC. Here we actually have to do some work. Such as wash our cloths (by hand and it’s actually a lot harder than I thought it would be) clean the house, and buy food. Joshes house sounds a lot like mine in the way that it was sick! It was super dirty. I’m not sure if I told you in the last e-mail or not but our house is infested with ants and cockroaches. Last night I went on a killing spree and killed 7 pretty big ones in 10 minutes. The house looks ALOT better now that I cleaned it. I’m hoping that it will help with the bug problem.
I never got Joshes letter when I was in the MTC about his scary story so I want to know what went down. Someone tell me I feel left out.
Things here are going pretty good. Its way different then home like I said. I have a pretty good story. The other day we went to a food market type thing to buy some fruit. (The food markets here are crazy!) you can barely walk because there are so many people and it stinks really badly from all the meat sitting out and all the spices not to mention all the drunk people. While walking to the store a drunk guy ran over to us and started talking to us. I couldn’t really understand everything that was said but after awhile he said he wanted to change his life. (Perfect opportunity to talk about the gospel no?) so I started to teach him, for some reason he didn’t like Elder Martinez he said he had a bad spirit. Anyways I taught him for a bit and after awhile he asked where I was from. I told him (mistake number one) after I told him he told me to give him money... long story short I didn’t give him any money but I gave him a pamphlet about the plan of salvation with our names and number on it. It’s kind of trippy, just about every time I go shopping or even contacting, all the drunk people run up to me and start asking for money. They think I’m rich because I’m from America. I feel bad for them but I don’t give them money for a couple reasons. One if they saw me again they would just want money and two they don’t really give us that much money so I have to use it wisely. Oh and I guess the people here really believe in black magic. We’re teaching an inactive member and the other night while at her house she said she found some skulls in here attic or something. It’s pretty wack. I guess her husband left her after 20 years because some other girl did black magic on her or something like that. So that’s pretty crazy.
Sorry this letter is so late; we went and ate with a returned missionary who is inactive. He’s super cool and nice. He bought me and my comp a ton of food, and showed us around down town which was super cool because we went to some old old churches. But once again I didn’t have my camera so I didn’t get any sweet pics. Today I also ate grasshoppers.... and they were nasty haha. At first I ate them plane and after a couple I decided there not really my type of food. But Elder M. and the member convinced me there better on tacos so I tried them again. But they weren’t. I ended up eating a lot because they were all up in my taco so it was interesting haha.
That’s all I got for this week, tell everyone I said hi and send me some pics of all the family together! I love you all and your all in my prayers! Love El Hope.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Elder Martinez
WOW this is nothing like the MTC just thought i would say that haha
but before I forget let me answer some of your questions. Dad I got the
dear elder on Saturday so it worked! My comps name is E. Martinez.
He was born somewhere in mexico, I think by mexico city. He lived
in Utah for nine years so he speaks english but with a pretty heavy
accent. My area is called Cosijueza and the street i live on is
Mission de Sla Cruz so you’ll have to see if it’s on google. It’s pretty
crazy, I’m definitely not use to living in a big city. There are a lot of
drunk and homeless people here. The other day i saw a pretty
good fight between two little Oaxaca’s. One dude took a punch right to
the face! It was pretty intense because I thought he was going to pull
a gun out. I have no idea what he was saying but you could tell he was
pretty upset.
I wrote a letter and sent it on Saturday so look out for that. It cost
about a dollar to send.
I took some pics when I was flying-landing in Mexico City so let me
tell you, it’s a pretty big city! There were houses as far as you could
see. So it makes since why there are so many missions there.
The people here don’t really know how to drive... I guess the only rule
here is not talking on the cell phone. They don’t have very many stop
lights, mainly speed bumps, but after they go over that it’s like a
contest to see who can get from 0-60 the fastest haha it’s kind of funny
but scary at the same time. I took a taxi the other day and it was..
well let’s just say interesting.
After we got here we stayed the night in the mission home which was
pretty nice except the spiders, in the MTC i only killed one spider
the whole time i was there. Here i killed a spider within an hour of
being here so I’ll have to get used to that. The next day we meet
our comps and went to our areas. My house is alright. I’m told its one
of the nicer ones. We have had a lot of water problems the whole time I’ve
been here. We don’t have hot water so we take cold showers but its ok
I’m just glad we have running water, well short of the water runs out
pretty fast when you’re taking a shower it randomly runs out so
you have to wait a couple min. before you get more.
There are stray dogs everywhere here. I mean EVERYWHERE! I don’t touch
them but my comp does, I’m pretty sure they have flees and some of
them look like their all but dead so it’s a little sad. I just hope
they stay on the street and not my plate.... I’ve already been asked if
i like grasshoppers and not knowing what they asked i said yes. Then
my comp told me what they just asked, next time i eat at that
members house they said i could have some. The houses here are super
small and made of tin but i wrote about them in the letter so i won’t
talk about them in this e-mail right now.
I’m starting to realize the MTC wasn’t too bad. I already miss the food.
There have been a couple things i have eaten that weren’t very good but i
ate it so they wouldn’t feel bad. I just take a bite and then hurry and
drink water so i can’t taste it. I also miss the hot showers and good
water but oh well.
Elder M and i have been pretty busy here. I was told that the
missionaries that were here before E Martinez were lazy and didn’t do
anything so were starting from scratch. We did challenge a lady to
baptism last night so that was awesome! And we have contacted some
others who are interested so it’s cool.
OH my second day we were working Elder M. showed me something really cool! I
talk about it in the letter but ill we climb a hill every day and
after we taught some people he took me to the top and said turn
around, and on the next ridge over there were some pretty sweet
ruins! I wanted to take a picture so bad but E M. told me to leave my
camera that day because we were going to a pretty shady place but it
was super cool!
I’m about out of stuff to say but I’m doing well. It’s a little warm here
but its ok, my feet hurt from walking so much but I’ll get used to it
so it’s all good. I better go so i can send some pics.
love you all. You’re all in my prayers!
but before I forget let me answer some of your questions. Dad I got the
dear elder on Saturday so it worked! My comps name is E. Martinez.
He was born somewhere in mexico, I think by mexico city. He lived
in Utah for nine years so he speaks english but with a pretty heavy
accent. My area is called Cosijueza and the street i live on is
Mission de Sla Cruz so you’ll have to see if it’s on google. It’s pretty
crazy, I’m definitely not use to living in a big city. There are a lot of
drunk and homeless people here. The other day i saw a pretty
good fight between two little Oaxaca’s. One dude took a punch right to
the face! It was pretty intense because I thought he was going to pull
a gun out. I have no idea what he was saying but you could tell he was
pretty upset.
I wrote a letter and sent it on Saturday so look out for that. It cost
about a dollar to send.
I took some pics when I was flying-landing in Mexico City so let me
tell you, it’s a pretty big city! There were houses as far as you could
see. So it makes since why there are so many missions there.
The people here don’t really know how to drive... I guess the only rule
here is not talking on the cell phone. They don’t have very many stop
lights, mainly speed bumps, but after they go over that it’s like a
contest to see who can get from 0-60 the fastest haha it’s kind of funny
but scary at the same time. I took a taxi the other day and it was..
well let’s just say interesting.
After we got here we stayed the night in the mission home which was
pretty nice except the spiders, in the MTC i only killed one spider
the whole time i was there. Here i killed a spider within an hour of
being here so I’ll have to get used to that. The next day we meet
our comps and went to our areas. My house is alright. I’m told its one
of the nicer ones. We have had a lot of water problems the whole time I’ve
been here. We don’t have hot water so we take cold showers but its ok
I’m just glad we have running water, well short of the water runs out
pretty fast when you’re taking a shower it randomly runs out so
you have to wait a couple min. before you get more.
There are stray dogs everywhere here. I mean EVERYWHERE! I don’t touch
them but my comp does, I’m pretty sure they have flees and some of
them look like their all but dead so it’s a little sad. I just hope
they stay on the street and not my plate.... I’ve already been asked if
i like grasshoppers and not knowing what they asked i said yes. Then
my comp told me what they just asked, next time i eat at that
members house they said i could have some. The houses here are super
small and made of tin but i wrote about them in the letter so i won’t
talk about them in this e-mail right now.
I’m starting to realize the MTC wasn’t too bad. I already miss the food.
There have been a couple things i have eaten that weren’t very good but i
ate it so they wouldn’t feel bad. I just take a bite and then hurry and
drink water so i can’t taste it. I also miss the hot showers and good
water but oh well.
Elder M and i have been pretty busy here. I was told that the
missionaries that were here before E Martinez were lazy and didn’t do
anything so were starting from scratch. We did challenge a lady to
baptism last night so that was awesome! And we have contacted some
others who are interested so it’s cool.
OH my second day we were working Elder M. showed me something really cool! I
talk about it in the letter but ill we climb a hill every day and
after we taught some people he took me to the top and said turn
around, and on the next ridge over there were some pretty sweet
ruins! I wanted to take a picture so bad but E M. told me to leave my
camera that day because we were going to a pretty shady place but it
was super cool!
I’m about out of stuff to say but I’m doing well. It’s a little warm here
but its ok, my feet hurt from walking so much but I’ll get used to it
so it’s all good. I better go so i can send some pics.
love you all. You’re all in my prayers!
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Jake Arrives to Oaxaca Mexico Mission
Hey family I only have a couple min. to write to let you know I’m ok and that everything is ok. I’m in my area right now and it’s hot ha I have a lot to tell you but only a couple min. so it will have to wait until Monday which is my new p day. I’m ok. I tried calling at the airport in mexico but the phones only took special cards and that’s it, sorry but I have to go I guess were going to go meet someone but I don’t really know because I have no clue what people are saying …..jake
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
ohhhhhh man I don’t even know what to say right now.... dad your right it’s probably a good thing that me and Jeff weren’t there because I probably wouldn’t have been very nice to him.. I know, I know not what a missionary should say but I’m still bitter about the whole thing and I’m sure Jeff is to. Dad you are a great example, and I’m super glad Cory gave him a hard time ha-ha I’m laughing right now as I write because I can totally see Corey being funny and I’m trying to picture what he all said to him tell Cory thanks. I’m glad he told him who he was. That guy thinks he has WAY too much power in his little job. All I can say one day he’ll be judged for his works... ha-ha I’ll work on trying to forgive him. It’s tough to forgive someone who has dealt wrong with you when you honestly didn’t think or know you were doing something wrong and just takes advantage of his power. Kind of reminds me of something Satan would do... I know I need to forgive him and I know the savior wants me to forgive him also so I’ll try. Other than that form the pics it looks like it was way fun! I hope everyone liked it and tell Ray Ray to man up ha-ha. I also got the pic of cure and Gracie that was awesome! I wasn’t surprised when I saw cure with a band ‘aid on his head ha-ha must be the same crazy Crue. Also I got the pic of Jc and her date..... still crazy! I hope she had fun though have her tell me about it. And dad I’m soooo sorry about your back but I just want to say YOUR A MAN! I don’t know of anyone else who would put up with that pain as long as you have. I’ve been praying that it would get better so I’m glad that you’re going to get it fixed! and I hope that everything goes good in the surgery. I’m going to the temple in a little bit so ill make sure I put everyone’s names down again. I do it every week. It sounds like everything is going good at home. It’s still warm down here but it’s ok.
I do have some bad news... we still haven’t got out travel plans which means we don’t have our Visa either...... we went and talked to the travel people and they said that if there not here by Wed. That we would be staying here until we get them. NOT what I wanted to hear! I’m tempted to tell them to reassign me to SLC until it comes. IM GOING CRAZY IN THIS PLACE! I want to go to Mexico. I was talking to a kid whose grandpa lives in Oaxaca so he goes down there every summer and he was SO excited for us when we told him where we were going nothing but good news so I’m super excited. I just want you to all know how much I love you all. Every one of you is in my prayers at night. Jc and mom I miss "making" you make me food. Especily in the morning. I wish I could text mom and say "food" ha-ha but I’m soo happy I’m here right now. It’s made me want to learn as much as I can when I get home. I’m out of time but I hope all is well and I hope I get my VISIA, but if not it’s ok. Sometimes when things don’t go to plan we need to step back and ask ourselves "what is the lord trying to teach me?" I know that if my visa doesn’t come for a while that the lord wants me to learn something. I also know that he won’t give us any burdon that we can’t handle. I’m out of time but once again I love you all. Everyone be safe, and dad I hope your back will get better!
Until next time, EL Hope
I do have some bad news... we still haven’t got out travel plans which means we don’t have our Visa either...... we went and talked to the travel people and they said that if there not here by Wed. That we would be staying here until we get them. NOT what I wanted to hear! I’m tempted to tell them to reassign me to SLC until it comes. IM GOING CRAZY IN THIS PLACE! I want to go to Mexico. I was talking to a kid whose grandpa lives in Oaxaca so he goes down there every summer and he was SO excited for us when we told him where we were going nothing but good news so I’m super excited. I just want you to all know how much I love you all. Every one of you is in my prayers at night. Jc and mom I miss "making" you make me food. Especily in the morning. I wish I could text mom and say "food" ha-ha but I’m soo happy I’m here right now. It’s made me want to learn as much as I can when I get home. I’m out of time but I hope all is well and I hope I get my VISIA, but if not it’s ok. Sometimes when things don’t go to plan we need to step back and ask ourselves "what is the lord trying to teach me?" I know that if my visa doesn’t come for a while that the lord wants me to learn something. I also know that he won’t give us any burdon that we can’t handle. I’m out of time but once again I love you all. Everyone be safe, and dad I hope your back will get better!
Until next time, EL Hope
Friday, September 23, 2011
Lesson #1 and #2
yo!
What’s up family? First off dad mom and JC the mission board looks really good! I like it lot. I also got the picture of josh and the kid he baptized, that’s super cool! He looks and sounds like he is doing well so that’s good. I’m also doing pretty well. Today has been a good day and I have got a lot done but I did do something dumb..... Today I decided to wash a couple pair of my pants (I’ve been super super carful and have been trying to keep them clean for as long as I could because I’m not sure how to wash pants). Sooo I decided to do it any way well after washing then and drying them in the dryer I threw them in my laundry bag that I bought here (mistake # 1). when I got back to my room to fold my clothes I noticed that they were pretty wrinkly so I was a little upset and was like now I have to iron them (mistake #2). turns out the iron was on to hot and I kind of burned one of my black pair. It’s not horrible, but it melted them in a way. (not sure how to explain it, there just a little shinny) I think they will be ok. However, there is one thing that I have learned so that’s good right. I’m learning a lot here mostly by trial and error which isn’t always the best ha-ha but oh well.
Before I forget there is some stuff that I could use. I’m almost out of hair gel but I should have enough to get to Mexico. It would be nice if you sent some though that way I would have some when I get to Mexico, unless if you think I don’t need it then I’ll just try to find some down there. But if you do buy some have jc or mom buy the stuff I got last time and maybe buy two and put one bottle in the other because there really isn’t that much in one little tube. (Jc should know the kind I want, it’s the one I got before I left with her)
As for the visa and travel plans I know nothing. They haven’t said anything to us so I’m not much help there, but we MIGHT get our plans this Thursday well see and I heard when we get our visas we have to go to SLC and talk to someone not sure what about or why but that’s what I have been told. I sent a letter home the other day which had some letters for Dillon did you get it?
Sounds like the hike was fun. I didn’t hear of anyone getting hurt so that’s good! and what’s this with jc growing up and taking the fours out!?! This is crazy. I don’t like how she’s growing up ha-ha. Jc who did you go with?
When you go up to Stoddard Creek are you staying the night or just doing a day trip? Tell Cory, Ray, and everyone else that I say hi for me. Jeff never told me that he sold his truck but that’s good! but that reminds me, did you ever sell the bike in the shop? just wondering, and if you did how much?
I've also been wondering what to do about Dear Elder. I’m not positive but I heard that it’s free wherever there is pouch mail. I’m not sure if Mexico has pouch mail or not but if they do you might have to put my dear elder address up on face book that way the people writing me can get a hold of me. I’m not sure how expensive it is to send letters. Hopefully not to bad so if it isn’t ill just keep sending and writing letters to those who write me.
I do have another question. I brought two jackets but I’m tempted to send one home because I don’t think it will ever get to cold down there but what are your thoughts? let me know and if you think I should send it home I will that way I’ll have more space for all the books they have given us.
I’m about out of time and I hope everyone is doing well. Before I leave I get to call home for a couple minutes but right now I have no idea when that will be so I’ll have to get back to you on that one. I hope I answered all your questions. If you have any more ask and I’ll try to get back to you as soon as possible. I haven’t gotten the package yet but I’ll keep looking we check for mail like twice a day. I hope everything is going good at home and dad I hope your back gets better. The word on the street is that Pres. Monson is coming to the devotional tonight but who knows. I’ll let you know for sure if he does. I better go I love you all and hope you have a good week.
take care. Con Mucho Amor, el hope
What’s up family? First off dad mom and JC the mission board looks really good! I like it lot. I also got the picture of josh and the kid he baptized, that’s super cool! He looks and sounds like he is doing well so that’s good. I’m also doing pretty well. Today has been a good day and I have got a lot done but I did do something dumb..... Today I decided to wash a couple pair of my pants (I’ve been super super carful and have been trying to keep them clean for as long as I could because I’m not sure how to wash pants). Sooo I decided to do it any way well after washing then and drying them in the dryer I threw them in my laundry bag that I bought here (mistake # 1). when I got back to my room to fold my clothes I noticed that they were pretty wrinkly so I was a little upset and was like now I have to iron them (mistake #2). turns out the iron was on to hot and I kind of burned one of my black pair. It’s not horrible, but it melted them in a way. (not sure how to explain it, there just a little shinny) I think they will be ok. However, there is one thing that I have learned so that’s good right. I’m learning a lot here mostly by trial and error which isn’t always the best ha-ha but oh well.
Before I forget there is some stuff that I could use. I’m almost out of hair gel but I should have enough to get to Mexico. It would be nice if you sent some though that way I would have some when I get to Mexico, unless if you think I don’t need it then I’ll just try to find some down there. But if you do buy some have jc or mom buy the stuff I got last time and maybe buy two and put one bottle in the other because there really isn’t that much in one little tube. (Jc should know the kind I want, it’s the one I got before I left with her)
As for the visa and travel plans I know nothing. They haven’t said anything to us so I’m not much help there, but we MIGHT get our plans this Thursday well see and I heard when we get our visas we have to go to SLC and talk to someone not sure what about or why but that’s what I have been told. I sent a letter home the other day which had some letters for Dillon did you get it?
Sounds like the hike was fun. I didn’t hear of anyone getting hurt so that’s good! and what’s this with jc growing up and taking the fours out!?! This is crazy. I don’t like how she’s growing up ha-ha. Jc who did you go with?
When you go up to Stoddard Creek are you staying the night or just doing a day trip? Tell Cory, Ray, and everyone else that I say hi for me. Jeff never told me that he sold his truck but that’s good! but that reminds me, did you ever sell the bike in the shop? just wondering, and if you did how much?
I've also been wondering what to do about Dear Elder. I’m not positive but I heard that it’s free wherever there is pouch mail. I’m not sure if Mexico has pouch mail or not but if they do you might have to put my dear elder address up on face book that way the people writing me can get a hold of me. I’m not sure how expensive it is to send letters. Hopefully not to bad so if it isn’t ill just keep sending and writing letters to those who write me.
I do have another question. I brought two jackets but I’m tempted to send one home because I don’t think it will ever get to cold down there but what are your thoughts? let me know and if you think I should send it home I will that way I’ll have more space for all the books they have given us.
I’m about out of time and I hope everyone is doing well. Before I leave I get to call home for a couple minutes but right now I have no idea when that will be so I’ll have to get back to you on that one. I hope I answered all your questions. If you have any more ask and I’ll try to get back to you as soon as possible. I haven’t gotten the package yet but I’ll keep looking we check for mail like twice a day. I hope everything is going good at home and dad I hope your back gets better. The word on the street is that Pres. Monson is coming to the devotional tonight but who knows. I’ll let you know for sure if he does. I better go I love you all and hope you have a good week.
take care. Con Mucho Amor, el hope
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Mormon Mustang
Hey family what’s up? Sounds like everyone is doing pretty well. It sounds like it’s been pretty hot and dad I bet the upstairs is cooking! It’s been pretty hot here also, most of the time we inside but the AC doesn’t seem like it likes to work so it’s still pretty warm at times. Sundays and Tuesdays are the worst because on Sundays you always have to be in full jacket and suit, and Tuesdays we end up going to the devotional about an hour early to try to get good seats but they won’t let us in until 6:30 so we end up waiting by the doors in suits with 2000 other kids trying to get in and let me tell you it gets hot, sweaty, and stinky haha. Tuesdays are the days General Authorities are supposed to come but were yet to see one. There usually just 70's which is good because they always give good talks.
On Sundays they let us get on computers and watch movies and this last Sunday I was watching a message about "spiritual vertigo" and guess what.... it’s about the Mormon mustang at the Rexburg air port!!! It made me home sick seeing the air port and the places they were flying because Bagley was the one flying so when it shows him flying you can tell it’s him over the dry farms. You’ll have to YouTube it.
This Sunday we also sat behind the ASL section and I found myself always looking at them and watching the people do signs. It made me feel a little sad for them. We sing some really good songs here and I have to admit it sounds really cool when 2000 kids sing. (I’ve never really liked singing church songs until now) we sang a song the other day and I litterly had chills. Anyway back to what I was saying about the ASL. It made me think how lucky and blessed we are to be able to hear. I feel bad for the people who can’t we are so blessed.
JC, it sounds like you’re having fun. How was your party and boating? How’s school going so far? What’s new with life? It sounds like the football team isn’t doing to good ha. That to bad even though a lot of people didn’t like Buck I did because he was nice to me.
About the tooth, I was lucky because they were able to send me to get it fixed that day. I’m glad I sent that paper to you, Dad because I almost threw it away.... but I’m glad you got it. Dad keep me posted of the football I like hearing how it’s going. If CJ is playing (which he probably is) tell him to work had because he will miss it after it’s over.
I sent a letter to Josh so I hope he gets it. Also my thumb still kind of hurts so if I hurt it again ill probably get it checked out. (Its just not getting better) but oh well. Spanish is coming along slowly. I can understand a lot of what people are saying but I struggle with knowing how to say stuff back so I’ve been studying vocabulary words a lot and I think it'll help.
I’m doing well so don’t worry about me, sorry if this letter is boring I don’t have much to say because we don’t do anything but class. We’re going to the temple in a little bit so that'll be nice. But I want you all to know I love you and pay for you every night. Stay safe and remember the church is true.
Oh Jeff I got your dear elder, I think your right about the pizza! It is weird that you’re not too far away. I hope you’re liking your job and that all is well. Don’t like Utah to much though, you have to move back home in a couple years haha tell the kids I love them and give them a hug for me.
Mom, everyone, again I love you
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
3 weeks
Hey family! Well I’ve been here for about three weeks now which doesn’t sound like a whole lot but at the same time it does ha-ha. I don’t know where to start on this e-mail and it will probably be all over the place but here we go!
Dad I don’t know if I ever responded to one of the questions you asked a while back you can send as many dear johns as you want they don’t care. Elder Adams (my comp) is DL so we check mail two to three times a day so send as many as you want they don’t care. I got the pictures you sent me and the one of Crue made me laugh.
Mom I got your guys Dear Elder and read it last night, thanks Mom, Dad, and JC for writing them. Mom that’s funny and weird that Jackson came over because I have been thinking about him a lot this week and that I needed to write him so I did. I sent it to our house it’s addressed to Mom so you can envelope it if you want it’s up to your guys. Mom and JC, remember our promise you made with me...
JC HAPPY BRITHDAY!!!!! I know it’s a couple days early but I would rather say it early than late. I can’t remember if school starts for you today when but I hope you have a good first day! you'll have to tell me what classes you are taking and who from. I love you so-so much sis you’re the best!
My week has been pretty crazy! We have been teaching a lot and all that Spanish is coming but slowly ha-ha pray for me though I could use the help. It’s cool to walk into class and understand what the teacher is saying and our investigators. I’m not sure if they always understand what I say back to them but oh well. I’ve learned so much already in these three weeks it’s pretty crazy, half of my district is leaving tomorrow to go to MTC in Peru so now there will only be 6 of us!! Jeff I think one kid is going to the Mission you went to. I told him you loved it the rest of us are all going to Mexico, five of us are going to Oaxaca so I hope we get to all travel down there together.
I've became pretty good friends with an Elder named Elder Romney, he's from Utah and we get along super well. The sad thing is that he leaves in a week so that’s not cool. I told him we would hang when we get back.
My thumb is almost better. It still kind of hurts but other than that it’s ok. I was pretty bummed when I hurt it because it totally threw off my BB shot and I was owning people left and right! But yesterday I did pretty well. I’m about out of time so I hope everyone is doing well. I love you all so very much. When you see my friends tell them hi for me and to write me ha-ha.
Until next week.... EL HOPE!
Friday, August 12, 2011
First e-mail
Jake,
Well it’s my first p'day and so far I like it. It was good to get a letter from Josh and it sounds like he is doing well with his work. I’m glad that Crue and Gracie like the rock and motor bike, I was hoping that they would. I don’t have a lot of time and I have a lot to say so the info may be pretty basic. But I can’t remember if I told you or not but I’m on the top bunk and top floor of my building, and I have been taking pic’s but I might not send the card until I leave the MTC I’m not sure yet. The floors here are pretty nasty and because of that I have only touched the floors bare foot twice while I have been here which I think is pretty good. I see Austin about every day sometimes 2 to 3 times which is cool. It’s nice to see someone I know, my departure date is on the 3rd of October. My room is small compared to the other rooms and I and my comp have to share desk however I write on my bed a lot so sorry if you can’t read my letters I’ll try to write nice but my hand writing isn’t as nice as Josh´s. Friday we got here we had to teach an investigator IN SPANISH which was pretty hard and only lasted about three minutes. We taught him again on Saturday and it actually went a lot better and we also taught him on Monday which was ok but not as good as the second time. The first day I got here we sat on the front row for the welcoming and then president Lloyd came, shook my hand, and said I have a wonderful smile so that was nice of him. All the people in my district say that I’m a beast and say I’m funny. We get along pretty good for the most part.
Thanks again for all the letters you sent me. I hope you get this e-mail I’m still not sure if I’m doing it right haha. I have another letter I’ll probably send soon I’m glad you’re all are doing ok. Tell the kids I love and miss them and I hope you can get the water fixed. Thanks so much for the support. I love you all so very much. Spanish is hard but I’m trying to learn. It’s kind of crazy, the time goes by slow during the day but when I get in my bed it seems like it went by way fast. Sorry for all the typing errors, I’m a bad typer! Tell Josh and everyone else that I love and miss them you will have to forward the e-mail to them for me this time I’m running out of time. Once again I love you all and miss you!
Love Elder Hope
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