April 1, 2008

Well hello again,

So at this point I have less than 2 weeks remaining here at the MTC! This Friday we'll be getting our flight plans, and know specifically when we'll be heading out, and what time you should be expecting a little ring-a-ling at the house. Thanks for the calling card, I think I might just copy down the information, and then send it back to you, because then you can refill it and I won't have to worry about getting another one while in Paraguay... I don't know how easy to get they are down there. That's what a couple people have suggested so far.

I'm glad you got to hear from Fiala, he's one of my regular writers, and its great to get to hear from him. Thats exciting to think that when you get to see him again, I'll have been in Paraguay for several days, speaking only spanish most likely. Spanish is coming along great, I'm having no problems picking it up, and like I say probably every week, things are getting easier to say in spanish, and alot of the more common things I feel more natural saying in spanish. Teaching is going well, I feel like I'm able to not just get through it, but actually teach it in a fluid manner.

I'm glad to hear Cole loves my letters, I love writing them. Its fun to write all simply, and I hope that I'm able to set a good example for him with what I'm doing and telling him. And Dad told me about the progress of temple work, and thats awesome! I've never paid attention to that kind of stuff, but I've been wondering how that works while I've been here and getting the chance to go to the temple everyweek. And all I needed was the first name from mom's letter a couple days ago, and Elder Bullcreek knew who it was. Haha, it is a small world in Mormonville.

I am so ready to get to Paraguay. I love my district and my teachers so much, but nothing can compare to actually being out there and being among the people. I already love them so much, and it just continues to grow each time I think about it. But apparently I'm headed to the jungle/middle of nowhere. I haven't heard anything specific from anyone of importance or any teachers who have been to Paraguay, but several of the teachers served on the Argentina side of the border, and I've gotten to hear a couple Gurani (?) phrases... its going to be interesting... its very indian haha. But I'm getting excited, it'll be a good learning experience for me, serving people who live in dirt floor huts and eating food that will give me parasites... fun times, fun times. I can't wait til I actually have stories to share.

Okay, I'll try to answer all of your questions now mommy. haha I'm sorry, but I'm very rushed in typing, and I make a list to try and cover everything, but I guess I miss stuff sometimes. Don't you worry about the map picture, I got one a long time ago, and I also got one with the Jessees, I hope you can hear from Sis Jessee soon, I know she was excited to send it to you.

I haven't heard anything about singing in Conference this Saturday, so I have a feeling we won't be, but Dad will find out in the opening few seconds of Priesthood session if we are or not. And I'm sorry to hear about you and Grandpap on opposite ends of the fluids spectrum. haha It makes me laugh to think of you complaining about having to drink so much, I can picture it so clearly.

I don't really have any stories to share, we kind of just do the same thing over and over again... and it just entails sitting in a classroom for 12 hours a day... But you'll get one more letter from me next week, and then I don't know when the next one will be, but you can be sure I'll have plenty to say :-)

I love you all, and I hope all is going well at home.

Elder Dennis

PS - You don't have to include this part in the blog post, but I was curious about the missionaries who taught you. We've been hearing a ton of the ripple effect stories while we've been here, and I love those two young... now older... men who knocked on your door over 20 years ago now whom I know nothing about. And also, could you include my Priesthood lineage next time you zip a little email to me? Muchas gracias.