I can understand almost everything everyone says at this point...

Hey everybody!

How are you all?  I miss you a lot but I like it here.  It's actually pretty awesome and I like nearly everyone here.  I want to know what's going on at home!  I know I've only been gone for almost two weeks but I already feel like I'm missing everything so keep me updated.

There's not too much to tell you about, except that they sent me out tracking around Lima.  It was amazing.  They put every North Americana with a Latino companion so we could communicate.  My companion was Elder ______.  He speaks absolutely no English, but that didn't matter.  I could speak to him, and I could say enough to the people, and I can understand most everything everyone says at this point.  It's just responding well enough that is difficult. 

Anyway, my first time tracking was a tremendous success.  We handed out both Libros de Mormons that we had, and all of the pamphlets we were given.  We taught five lessons, got four referrals and my companion made a lady cry with his testimony.  I really enjoyed it and I get to do it again in two weeks.

I suppose I could tell you an embarrassing story as well from Friday.  Every so often, they bring a group of members on a tour through the MTC.  The best part of this is that if they run into any white missionaries, the tour guide stops us, and they all whip out their cameras and take pictures of us while the tour guide questions us in Spanish.  Well, we were playing soccer (like we do everyday), when a group came out that I had already been questioned by, so we just kept playing while they gathered around to watch and take pictures.  Being the opportunist I am, as soon as I had the chance to make a goal, I seized it.  I was three feet from the goal, and I had the ball.  I kicked as hard as I could and instead of going in, the ball shot fifty feet straight up.  I was so ashamed.  It's all good though.  Everyone laughed and we went back to playing.

I hope you are all doing well!  Make sure to keep me posted.  And Regan, Happy Early Birthday!!!  I can't send you anything now but I'll try once I get out of the MTC.  I love you so much sweet girl!  Matthew, since Regan can pretty much date now, you have my permission to beat up any and all boys that look at her.

Mom, you are wonderful!! I won't be able to send actual letters until next Monday but know that I love you!

Love,
Michael

Hey Mom,

 

I apologize for not having been able to write. Tuesday is my P-Day, but apparently I have to send any actual letters out on Monday morning. I wasn´t aware at the time. Right now I only have 25 minutes to write, so it won´t be long.

 

First off, I love it here!! It´s sort of crazy, because none of my teachers speak any English, but they´ve been regularly using me to translate to the class. My Spanish has already improved that much!  Also, I was made district leader right after I emailed you the first time. My branch president took us all in the back and interviewed us, and then came into the room where we all were and announced it. It´s kinda fun, but really time consuming, and time is the one thing I don´t have. I have to attend 2 extra meetings on Sundays when everyone else gets personal study time, but it´s worth it.

The other latino elders here are great! They help teach us Spanish while we teach them English, and I´ve never met nicer people. All of my teachers are so incredibly patient with us, and help us while we teach them English.  We´ve taught a fake investigator Marcos Escobar 30 minute lessons 4 times already, and all completely in Spanish. It´s hard, but it´s gone really well.

 

I forgot to tell you that they cut my hair! I didn't have an option either, and it looks terrible, but It´s a lot cooler because it is so incredibly hot here.  Kelsey would laugh at me because I always have sweat on my nose.

 

Yesterday, we playeed a soccer game like we do every day. The teams are always mixed Latino and American to keep it fair, but yesterday we didn´t do that. We played Latinos v. Norteamericanos (as the call us), and amazingly, we won! I wasn´t there for the end of the game, because I got turf burn pretty bad on my leg, but it was awesome!!

 

I´m running short on time, so I´ll wrap it up, but I love you all!!  Also, they asked that you don't send any packages till we're out of the MTC.

 

Thank you so much!! Love You!!!

Michael

First email - tuna with cut up hotdogs for breakfast

Hey Mom,

     I got here just fine! We got to the MTC at like 2:30 AM. It´s so humid here!! It was really cool to drive through the city. There are houses built up into the mountains just like they show in the pictures that look really cool, but we didn´t get to see too much of the city.

    My companion´s name is Elder ________, and he´s really funny. We had to get up at 6:30 this morning, so I only slept about two hours, but I´m feeling alright. We had a sandwich this morning that was literally tuna and some fake hot dogs on bread. Twas strange. We also had a fruit that you had to smash on the table and suck out the insides. It was actually pretty good (if you don´t chew).

   There are probably only around 40 missionaries here in total, and more than half of those are latino that speak next to no english. We manage to communicate a bit though by both of us using serious Spanglish. They are all really nice and patient with me.

   I only have ten minutes to write, so I´ll have to wrap up soon, but I love you all and I know you´ll all be okay! Also, could I have Kelsey´s email? I forgot it.

Love you all and I´ll talk to you soon,

Michael