Mar 11, 2008

Hello again,

Its CrAzY to think that I've actually been out here for a month's time. The days are just zooming by, each day is like wait, yesterday was Sunday, how can it be Sunday again? We're kept so busy and we're learing so much. We have been taught most of the spanish grammar rules, and can say jsut about anything we need to in spanish, now its just a matter of building up our vocabularies and mastering all the little things so that we don't sound like gringos when we first get there (a goal not capable of acheiving in my opinion, but we try our best).

As for Elder Parkin's new companion, I was going to mention that yeah, he probably get here about the same time I did, and I might have seen him around. I ran into a group going to Utica Mission, but that was nearly 3 weeks ago--way too long to remember specific people. And don't you worry about serving them breakfast, I'm sure they're loving it. I can testify of that on their side as a missionary.

Tell Haley to suck it up and get out for the weekend, I'm sure she'll love it, even if she doesn't like the school. And tell Dad that in my room, in the closet on the shelf, the box for my car stereo contains the instructions for installation, and the original stereo, if he wants to put in that one. I'm sure its alot simpler to use.

Thats awesome that you're finding ways to mention the gospel to people in everyday situations. Just remember, as we've heard alot lately, don't bring the full doctrinal superpower up right away, most people just need some casual truth and can grow from there. I forget which Apostle it was that talked about that last General Conference.

Also, I'm sure you've been sitting around waiting for my email for a little while today, and that is because I've discovered a new method to make better use of the time available to me. I'm able to print off your letter in about a minute, and then read it, and then get back on and have 29 minutes to type out a response. It involves me waiting to come up to a building with a printer though, instead of typing out a response waiting for my clothes to dry. And the Dear Elder letters are great, I get them day of most of the time I think, though it depends on when you send them. Last week I got the response to my email at dinner, so it was great to hear from you. Although, please avoid sending more than that one response, because as I'm unable to communicate with you as quickly, especially about things like packages, it creates a lot of frustration on my end when you're asking questions and then answering them yourself, but its the wrong answer. Like the Girl Scout cookies... which my roommates enjoyed. I wish I could have responded to let you know that I actually don't enjoy mint at all, and like the peanut butter ones. So one response is fine, but avoid multiple ones throughout the week.

Umm... a little bit about my week I guess:

Elder Jeffery R. Holland payed the MTC a visist for last weeks Tuesday Devotional, and it was incredible! He's a great speaker, and so passionate for the gospel and missionary work. The last couple speakers we've heard from have all been great, and I cannot wait to get out to Paraguay and actually be serving among the people there. Its crazy to think that I'm basically halfway to getting there!

My weight has settled inbetween 142-145 most of the time, I don't seem to be gaining much more now, but I feel like its a comfortable weight. But i was hoping to get fat before I get down there... I'm going to be a twig coming home.

This week we've begun to focus on teaching in spanish. We have one Saturday of teaching the "investigators" (of which there was a great article in the Church News this past week) in english, and next Saturday we fly solo in español. So thats very exciting. I'm already, and have been for awhile, more comfortable reciting the 1st Vision, DyC 4 and Our Purpose in spanish than in english. Also, my pictures should be getting there soon, I think I sent them out on Friday... though maybe it was Saturday, I can't remember. It has with it a list describing all the pictures starting with the first picture I took, so I hope they all stay in order for you. Oh, I think I forgot to mention this last time, but thanks for the new battery and memory card, though the pictures on it are very teeny tiny, and I can barely see them. I can't figure out why, but its all good. I enjoyed the movies of Cole, which were normal.

Okay, now to some things that I need. haha

Could you send me that pair of dress shoes I left behind (with the grey insert), I think I could end up needing them, and it'll be much easier to send me stuff here than when I get to Paraguay. Also I would love a copy of my call. Its in one of my dresser drawers I think. Not the original, but a copy. And A picture of the family, like the one where we're all wearing brown shirts. And some baby powder... I hear I'll want it once I start walking around all day...

Also I have an electric razor, send that in case I decide to use it... My neck still is bright red, I'm hoping that goes away soon. And my Rubik's cube with the instructions.. which I think are in the nightstand supporting my TV. As for that check, I signed it for a reason. Just deposit it to my checking account, I have plenty of money thanks to the way more than I needed that you gave me :-p And finally, some of the metal collar thingys... I don't know where mine went...

Thanks a bunch! I love you all, and hope everything is going well there, and that the mess has cleared up for Dad. I can't wait to hear from ya'll again.

Elder Dennis