David has passed the sixth month mark in his mission and is preparing to experience his first transfer. He is both excited and sad, but seems to be looking forward to meeting new people and doing some new things. We were in Reno this weekend and had a great time seeing everyone and going through the Reno Temple with Cody and his family. (We did some skeet shooting too, and I am a born marksman! Coincidentally, we watched Quigley Down Under last night and I can now totally relate to Quigley. Thanks Dan!) We always enjoy getting together with our big, great family. We had dinner with David's cousin Matthew, who served a mission in Peru, and his wife Erica, who is also from Peru. It was muy divertido. (I have a Spanish translator on my phone and try to act like I can speak the language now and then.) Have a great week.
Mike
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Heey Family!!!
Well, a missionary's email nightmare occurred for me (again) this morning (and yes, it seems to happen way too often). Just as I completed my first awesome email, all of a sudden all the computers just shut down, completely destroying everyone's emails. That was not so good. Normally, I would whine and all that. But, I have been through this before and know the drill – no time to whine, just start typing the whole thing again. So, the one you are getting won't be as long, probably not nearly as funny, but here we go.
Okay, first things first. We have cambios this week – so adios to San Pedro. I am off to Catocoas. I'm not sure if I spelled it right, but it's a little town just outside of Puira - the tourist town where Whitney will spend all of Brad's money, if you remember that. So, this week was interesting. San Pedro is moving up in the community – by that I mean they are now constructing roads and sidewalks. (Woo hoo – just as I am now leaving. Haha.) It was really rainy all week actually, always overcast, which is cool. I like that a lot! Cool is definitely cool. We had a fairly good week, worked a lot with Lady and Johan, who I think I mentioned last week – the teenage brother and sister. They are both really smart and know they should be baptized, but are still hesitant to take the step. Hopefully, we can get it done before I leave on Thursday. But if not, I just hope they continue to grow in the gospel. And here's an interesting little tidbit. We taught them the commandments the other day, and ... when we taught them about the Law of Chastity, Lady refused to believe we are virgins – especially me, because, in her words (translated): "You're a gringo! And you're from Las Vegas!!" So, not too sure what kinda stereotypes they have of us...but that's that. They were pretty convinced that they could break the commandments, as long as it's just a little, not in excess. (Hmmm. Where have I heard that before? How about 2 Nephi 28:8? Boo yah!) But they are really good kids, and I'd really like to see them baptized. (Of course, I'd like to see everyone baptized, because the gospel is true!)
Let's see, oh happy six months to Elder Royal! Time sure is going fast. Here's something interesting. Dad, just as you asked, I am reporting my first dream in Spanish. It happened on the night of my six month mark. It is the first all Spanish speaking dream I can recall ever having. It was really cool. I was with Tyler and Jason Foote, which was funny because we were all completely fluent in the language (and I don't think Jason even speaks Spanish). So Jason, perhaps there is a Spanish speaking mission in your future? Anyway, it was a cool dream and I had my shaggy hair, which of course was awesome. (haha).
I received an email from Elder Higley, who sounds good - said he had some pretty rough times with his companions, and also that he has been sick a lot, because of food and has even had kidney stones! He said something about going home because of his health. I'm not sure exactly what that means, if he is just going home-home, or to serve in the states. I dunno. But I gave him your email so that hopefully his parents can get in touch with you.
So you were in Reno to go through the temple with Cody this weekend. How was that? Great I'm sure. Please tell Cody he's awesome. I know he will be a great missionary in Iowa. Oh and I did get a bunch of packages from you guys last week, from the fam with all the tapes and stuff, Kelli and Jason with a couple of SWEET ties, and one from Melanie Burr with some toys and suckers. (haha). She probably hates me 'cause I never wrote her back. (Sorry Melanie.) I'm not really too good at that – but I am so grateful for family and friends who think enough of me to write and send stuff. It really means a lot. Anyway, the tapes are so cool. I'm still not done with them, but they are so fun to listen Too - especially the Christmas call (which I didn't know was being recorded and I get to listen to it all over again – very cool).
So things are going good and I'm ready for a fresh start with a new companion and area. But, I will really miss San Pedro. It has been very good to me. We're buddies. So, goodbye San Pedro and Elder Calderon. We ended well together . . . and no matter what happens, the Church is still true, and that's all that matters.
Thanks for all your support and such. Letters are awesome - pictures and tapes and all that. I heard on the tape that Gian sent me something. I am still looking forward to that (don't have it yet). But maybe today. We'll see. Anyway, ya'll are awesome, keep praying - for me, yourselves, and everyone else. The Church is true. Love ya.
Elder Royal
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rjp
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