30 March 2009

Greetings Family,

Well another week went by, quickly I might add. We had a zone junta on Thursday because of changes there wasn't one on Monday. My district got changed around a little bit, there are now 4 Americans and 2 Mexicans in my district. My new DL is an American that has about 7 months in the mission.

This past Saturday there was an activity in the Church that the Relief Society held. We went at the end of the activity and there were some investigators that sister members brought. So we talked with them and got some appointments set up with them which was really nice. It is always great when the members help out with references because they are usually a lot better than the people we contact, but not always.

We also went to visit a member's brother in law who is sick. He lost his vision because of the illness, not sure what exactly he has, but he can't see now. Not sure if the vision will come back, but we gave him a blessing and then taught the first lesson. It was a really powerful night, and the man was very accepting. Probably only in his early 30s if I had to guess. He really wanted to learn more and read, but can't see. So we are trying to find the Book of Mormon on CDs so he can listen to it. We also told him that his wife and children can help him read it and read together.

Thank you for sending out the TWO packages! I'm very exciting. I'd rather get two small packages than one big one. It feels like Christmas and I'm opening presents. I'm not sure what I want for my birthday yet, but whatever you decide maybe you could please send 3 or 4 packages, even if they're smaller? That's more fun for me to be able to open them and it really feels like my birthday.

I can't believe next week is General Conference already. My last one was the very end of my first change, seems long ago but it came up fast. I remember my institute teacher saying that when I was going to SLCC. He had a missionary out, and he said that he counts by conferences, because they always come up way fast, and there are only four while a missionary is out. So this being my second, means I'm getting to my half way point! Scary!! Not this change, but the next one will be when I complete a year, and changes come up very quick. Each new change goes by faster than the last one I've decided.

I'm sorry to hear about Chez Steel's father. The last time I saw him was when we went up to Idaho and Dad and I rode the dunes.. How are the Steel's doing? Where are Blake and Jordan living now with their wives?

I'm not sure how much I've gained, but I want to weigh myself, well, sort of. I'm a little scared to know at the same time. Haha. But maybe 10 or 15 pounds, not a lot, it's just that I lost any muscle I had and got a pancita, or a little gut. Some members give us vegetables which I really enjoy, but it's not very common. The fruit is what they eat for dessert, they'll give us an orange or mandarin or banana, or something like that. Yes, we have a microwave in our house. But I get scared to use it because almost every time we do it blows the fuse out. But we've changed the fuse like 5 or 6 times now, it's not hard at all.

The juices I drink, I'm not sure if they have a lot of sugar or not, I will check and let you know. I drink milk also, there is a chocolate powder called ChocoMilk that I buy sometimes and mix it with milk for breakfast. I think it's the same type of stuff that Am used to drink for breakfast all the time.

We don't have breakfast very often, unless I buy some donuts the night before. I think I'm going to buy some cereal and milk to have for breakfast. My comp. and I also decided that we want to buy some tea to have at night. Tea fills me up pretty well and I like it, so I think that would be a good idea. We have a 20 liter bottle of water that you can buy for about 25 pesos, but I also have my water bottle with a filter that I bought in the MTC, so I use that mostly.

I'll have to check my bracket to see how I'm doing, probably not so good anymore since Memphis is out. But as long as Pittsburgh is still in it then I'm still alive. I think this year was the best Sweet 16 I've ever had, but then it went down hill from there.

I haven't got the hammock yet, but the guy called me. He said it's done but went out of town for the weekend. He's going to call me tonight and hopefully I'll meet up with him this week.

Yes, right now this is my fourth companion (not including the MTC) and my third area and third zone. I've heard of senior companions getting bummed down to junior quite often here, it seems to be a pretty common thing. But later they move back up to senior comp.

I'll start to think about where Am and Kory might go on their missions. I bet Am will go in the states, but a foreign lingo, but I'll think of a more specific guess. I haven't heard of a lot of sister missionaries that go out of states, but I know there are some.

As a result of the Visitor Center activity we did, we got a few references that we went to check. Most of the references are in the area of our DL because that's where the chapel is, so most people we contacted live near to that.

Yes, last Sunday we went to the Elder's house as a district and hung out and waited for the call on changes. The AP's call the zone leaders and tell them all the changes in that zone, then the zone leaders call each district leader to tell him the changes in the district, and then the DL calls the senior companion to tell the companionship. It's a line of authority. But since we were all together that night, when the DL got the change from the ZL he just told us all in person. We are allowed to watch Disney movies in our mission.

Actually, tonight the zone is getting together and we are watching Coach Carter. I watched it in my first zone with the entire zone. My comp. and I didn't really want to go, but our DL said that the zone leader said we have to go, so we will. That is at 3:30, and then the junta at 6, and then after we are going to play some soccer.

I'm excited to call you again on Mother's Day. You just tell me which dad works best for you and at what time, and then we'll plan on that. I can't believe April is basically here already! Thank you for the story from President Monson, I really enjoyed it. Thank you Mom!

Dad, I will for sure take you to the dunes in St. George one day. I've been twice, they are fun. But there is also a little lake right there, and I heard that they are building a resort on it, so it won't be as fun to ride. I think I like the Idaho dunes better though. Kory went to the St. George dunes just last week, and Calaigh is going to them this upcoming weekend. They are only about 20 minutes from St. George. You actually pass the dunes before you get to St. George when you're driving on the freeway, so they're a little before St. George.

I'll be sure to keep drinking lots of fluids. Bummer that next year's March Madness is in the Energy Solutions Arena, not at the U. I agree with Dad, a nice bike in the back of a pickup is the "purrtiest" thing I've ever seen. It's what I dream about. Haha. But we can worry about that when I get home.

But as of other cool items to buy to remember my mission, there are a few things I want to get, eventually. Like a Mexico soccer jersey and things like that. But I'm not in any hurry to get that, I'll worry about those things when I get closer to the end.

The Visitor Center President is from the USA, yes. There were two senior couples that came from the visitor center to help out, both from the US. I'm not sure if I told you, but the bishop in the other ward that goes to our same chapel is from the US. I heard that there is actually an English ward around here. This area has the most Americans out of all the mission I think.

Next week is the Holy Week, or Good Friday. I'm not sure what it's called in English, but in Spanish it's Semana Santa, or holy week. They are going to shut off all the water in the city for like 3 days apparently, not sure why exactly. But it happens all over the city. Not too excited for that because the little building we live in only has one back up tank of water, and about 9 people live in the building. But I think I'll be able to manage, it's not anything new. At least we can plan ahead this time.

I love you all! I'm glad you enjoyed the pictures of the transportation here. I'll try to get some more pictures tonight of my district or something cool. Hasta luego!

Elder Green

23 March 2009

Well, last night we found out about changes, and we're staying together, just like Dad bet. Good guess. I'm happy about it though, it should be another good change as we get along pretty well.

Sounds like the family had a good, busy week. I hope Chez had fun on his St. Geezy trip. St. George is a fun place to go, especially for the sand dunes. I hope Dad had a happy birthday, sounds like he got some good food from Mom.

Taxi slug bug - very common there.

I definitely miss Mom's home cooking. The reason I am gaining a little weight is because they fry everything here, and I mean about everything. Everything is cooked in grease. Ugh. But that's OK, it is what it is.

That is a big time bummer that the Utes lost first round, that hurt my bracket a little bit. But my bracket is looking pretty good so far. I have to update it still but as of what I had updated, I have 6 circles in my Sweet 16 and 3 X's, so not too bad. I picked Pittsburgh to win it all, not sure if that was a good choice seeing how many turnovers they had their first game that almost cost them. But I didn't do any homework on it so it was all kind of guesses and instincts. We'll see how I do. I have Memphis loosing to Pittsburgh in the final game, with Kansas and UNC in my final four.

Local bus.

For dinner, well, we usually don't eat dinner. I have meat and cheese in the house and make sandwiches, but that's about it. If you haven't sent the package yet, you could send that peanut butter and jelly that is in the same jar stuff. But if you already sent it out then that's OK. I don't think it'll get here by Easter, but no worries.

I still remember my Spring Break trip with Cody and everyone had to wait to hear where I was going. Seems like so long ago, but at the same time it feels like yesterday. I will write Grandma and Grandpa an email, I haven't done that for a little bit.

A white "Combi". Some are white and some are green. Just depends on where you are in Mexico City. The State and Federal District charge different prices. This one charges 3 Pesos. In J.J.'s first area they charged 5.5 Pesos.

To answer Mom's question, yes we can flush TP down the toilet in this house, what a blessing eh? My last house also, but my first house we weren't able to. And you are probably right about wanting to save up for a car, not a motorbike. But I want to buy a truck more than anything, and have a bike to through in the back of it. But if we sold the Yamaha would you help me buy a new one? I would want a Honda because I rode my friend's and there is just more power and I think that's the way I would want to go. I don't know if I'd buy a new one because it'd be so expensive, just a used one for half price. But that's just my idea, we don't have to worry about that for a while.

And about the hammock, I meant to say it would be cool to have when I’m older, not holder. Sorry Mom, type-o. The member called me again and said it should be done this Thursday, so hopefully it will be. Dad said I should be nice and give him a tip, so I won't try to talk him down on price. Especially since he lost his job I found out and this is his only income at the moment. I'll give him a little extra, like 100 pesos. I guess that was just my chilango side coming out and trying to negotiate. Chilango means you live in the city, but I think I told you that on the Christmas phone call.

A "Micro". J.J. can't stand up straight in them - too tall!

I'm not sure why my comp. has only had companions for one change, just what the Prez decided I guess. He was senior companion before but then got bumped down. Sorry to hear about Dad's lose in church ball and how he got a little roughed up. But I guess that is church ball for you. Like last year, our other Ward's team almost got into fights every time they played. Church ball, gotta love it.

"Banana Sandwich" is just one of my weird phrases, not anything I learned here. I have lots of weird phrases that my friends and I use to talk, I've just never said them to you parents I guess.

Another Micro.

I'm excited to hear where Kory will go, but it seems weird that the Bishop is taking so long. Kory told me that he's been waiting on the Bishop for quite some time now, not sure why that is.

The 24 hour divisions was something that I've never heard about either. My comp. said that they used to do it, but it's not very common. It was nice to study and plan with the District Leader, but I'm not a fan of 24 hour divisions. And the Prez said that we aren't going to do divisions anymore, he said that a few months back, but our leader just wanted to try and help us in our area I guess.

My comp. went with the DL's companion in their area, and the DL came with me in my area. It was something different and new, but I think I like the normal divisions better, just for the day. Our interviews with the Prez were held in a chapel, just like the conference. I know saying "He falls well with me" doesn't work in English, but that's how it's said in Spanish. Or you can say "He falls fat with me" if you don't like the person. Haha.

I will ship home my hammock once I get it. There are package places in my area so that works out well. I think there is a DHL close by. I took some photos of the transportation so I will send them to you today.

Green and white Combi.

Yesterday, the Visitor Center came to our stake center and set up a little mini visitor center and had an activity. Then us missionaries went out for 3 hours trying to bring people into the chapel. It was very successful and they said that it was the most success they've had doing this activity, and they've been doing it for a year and a half. So we would get people to go inside, and then there were sister missionaries and the visitor center president and his wife who would talk with the people. They also brought poster boards and all that to help explain things about the Church. Basically, a mini visitor center on wheels I guess you could say, but it was fun.

After that, we went to an Elder's house with our district and hung out there waiting for the phone call on changes. We played board games and watched Remember The Titans, so it was a fun evening.

Well, that's about all the news from this week.
I love you!!
Elder Green

Note: J.J.'s Dad asked for some transportation photos. So this week we have LOTS of methods of transportation that J.J. uses!

17 March 2009

Hello again Family. Another week went by very quickly. Next week I will be telling you about changes, who stays, who goes, etc. Sorry this email is a day late, yesterday was a little bit busy. Plus, the Internet here doesn't open until the afternoon, seems like nothing opens early here. Yes, I did receive the email about Doug Butterwick, that is very sad that he passed away. I have kept the Butterwick family in my prayers.

Happy birthday to Dad this Thursday!! You survived half a decade, good on ya. I hope you had a good time at the party and enjoyed your gifts. That is neat that Colton spoke at church. Four and a half months is a long time to wait, but I've heard of longer. My last comp, Elder Nava, had to wait a full year before his call came!! He goes home next week also, that's crazy to think about.

Nice job Chez on the soccer games, sounds like you're quite the star player. Keep it up! Very exciting the Utes made it to the Big Dance, I am going to try to print out a bracket and fill it out. I don't think I'll be able to send it to you, but just for fun I'll fill it out for myself.

The Guitar Hero game sounds like a lot of fun. I've played it a few times but I was never very good at it. I didn't like playing video games for some reason, so I never got into that. But I hope you all are having fun though, that sounds like a nice gift idea from Mom.

So Dad is playing church ball again? Good on ya. Good luck to you and Chez in church ball. I miss playing church ball, last year was the most fun when we won Regions. That is crazy that Hilary is engaged!! Congrats to her. How old is she? Did she graduate just last year?

Thank you for getting a pile of snacks started for me, I love getting packages, it's like Christmas for a missionary. And about the food, it doesn't necessarily have to be healthy food, just something that can fill you up is what I meant :) Thanks.

My companion and I still get along fine, no problems there. He's not a huge talker, maybe about the same as me, but things are going well. If we don't have changes then I would be ok with that, but who knows. We're both thinking that he is going to leave this change, that's what the odds say at least. He's only been with one companion for one change, never more, and he's never been in an area for more than two changes. This is his second change here, and so the odds say he'll leave, but you never know. Guess we'll find out on Sunday night.

I was able to buy something from Walmart to help clean my shirts. I can't remember what brand it is but it's used for collars and sleeves so it should work great. I am wearing more shirts per week(Dad) so you don't have to worry. My shirts just don't get very dirty so that is why I didn't switch them out as often. Ironing is no problem, doesn't take very long. I don't think I've used a normal dryer since I've been in Mexico, or a hot dryer to dry clothes. I always just hang dry my clothes, since the beginning, or the dryer doesn't use heat or something like that. So that's a reason my shirts wrinkle, but not a bid deal.

I still remember when I got my mission call almost a year ago. But I think I got it on the 22nd of March, not the 19th. You can check a 2008 calendar and see which day was a Wednesday that week. Thank you for the list of countries, I will double check it and see if I can think of any others. I was just curious to have it. People ask me if I've ever been to Mexico before my mission, and they also ask if I've traveled a lot. I tell them that I've traveled a lot but it'll be more cool if I have the actual list, thank you.

In my Gospel Principles class there are about 6 people who attend, so not way big. Yes we only have one ward in my area. The members are fairly good at giving us referrals, that is a big help.

I emailed Trevor about a month ago but he never responded. I will try again to see how he is doing. There was a senior couple in my mission, but they went home about 3 months ago. So now we don't have a couple anymore. It was an American couple, the husband spoke Spanish but the wife didn't. They were very nice and helpful.

Now to answer Dad's question, no I haven't been sick much on the mission. I've never thrown up or anything serious like that, just stomach aches sometimes but they don't last long. I think I am used to eating different food so it wasn't a big change for me at all.

Thank you for looking for "good food that will fill me up in the evenings" like Dad said, doesn't necessarily have to be "healthy" like Mom said. Haha. But whatever you send I will be grateful for. That would be pretty banana sandwich if Kory got sent to Mexico, Mexico City West, not likely though since we are in the same ward. Do they look at that? Because I've never heard of two people from the same Ward going to the same mission.

So you didn't end up selling my 450 I take it? What are your plans on that Dad? Just curious. It would be nice to have a bike when I get home, but I would like to buy a newer one. I was thinking a Honda 450, maybe '07 or so. All the new ones are fuel injected and I'm not sure if I would want that or not. If something goes wrong with your bike you can't fix it without a computer, but we'll see down the road.

I guess my letters didn't get sent out last week, the DL was sick that morning and didn't go to Pouch. So they should go out tomorrow and it takes 2 weeks or so for the letters to get there. There is a letter on the way to Aunt Theo though.

I know Dad wished to be a fly on the wall so he could hear my talk, but I don't think he'd understand a single word of it. :) This past week I had divisions with my DL. It was a 24 hour division, something I've never done before nor heard of before. We met up Wednesday at about 2 in the afternoon, worked that day in my area, and then he slept at my house with me. The next day at 2 we ended the divisions. It was a good experience and nice to study with someone different and see how he teaches.

This morning we had interviews with our President and it went well. It was only interviews, we didn't have a conference or anything like that. So we were only there for about a half hour because our district went first. My Prez is a cool guy, he makes me laugh, I like him. (Or as you would say in Spanish, "he falls well with me." Haha.)

I have a question now for you about buying something. I have talked with missionaries who have bought hand made hammocks and they are really cool. I've seen a few of them that a missionary showed me. They are fairly big and it is the color of the Mexican flag. I think it would be cool to have when I'm a holder. The member who makes the hammocks called me and started making it. He said it'll cost 1000 pesos, but I talked with my MTC comp, Elder Florence, who bought one and said I can get it for 900 or possible 800 because the guy needs money. So I will talk to him about the price and try to knock it down a bit. I hope that is ok if I buy it. I think I will have to mail it home to you though because I don't much extra space to carry around. The guy said it would be done today or tomorrow and is going to call me.

I have the address of my house if you want to try to find it on Google. It is: Castillo Ledon number 33. Castillo Ledon is the street name. We live in the center of Cuajimalpa, so if you can find that then I am close to there.

I love you all!

Have a Happy St. Patty's Day.

Elder Green

9 March 2009

Hi Family, Well Myldsmail is down and out, again. Thanks for sending the emails to both accounts, I appreciate it greatly.

Sounds like you had a busy, exciting week. Very nice of Amberlee to take her little sis to the Jonas Brothers concert. Thank you so much for the package! It was perfect. I think I have plenty of Mac N Cheese to last me quite a while, I just hope I can cook it sometime soon. So you don't have to send more of that for a little while, thanks fam.

Our investigators are doing well, we're still visiting them about once a week. We've had someone in church every week so far, but it varies on who comes. One week it'll be this investigator, then the next week our other one. But they are completing their compermisos(commitments in English? Not sure), and that means that they are progressing which is good.

Congrats to Chez on making the high school team! That's way awesome! Even going to get some varsity time, that's impressive. Thank you for getting the face wash for me, perfect timing. I'm sure that it'll last me until my mission is over, so this is the last time I'll need it. Thank you.

Yes, pineapple is a fruit I like very much. However, Saturday night we ate pineapple again, and my comp. said that it looked a little green, or not ripe? I think that's how you say it, right? But the member said it was ok and so we ate it. Later that night and Sunday I had a little bit of a stomach ache, I think it was from the pineapple. But feeling better now, no worries. Wasn't serious, just a small stomach ache. Pepto Bismol helps a lot also.

I know Dad was just giving me a hard time on my English, don't worry. I thought I'd give him a hard time back :) I will definitely look for some Shout or Spray N Wash to help with my collars. I don't sweat too much so my shirts don't get dirty, but I'll keep a better rotation on them from now on. I have to iron my shirts every time after I wash them now, they get quite wrinkled. (Took me almost a minute to think of how to spell that word. haha) So much for the wrinkle free eh?

The Zone Conference was the first one this change, and I think we are only going to have one this change, not two like before. Next week we have interviews with the Mission Prez so that might turn into another conference, not sure.

So since you changed your clocks ahead, does that mean we are at the same time now? Because we didn't change our clocks, at least not that I know of. I hope Utah makes it to the Big Dance! Is selection Sunday this upcoming Sunday? Or was it yesterday? I'm going to try to print off a bracket of my own and fill it out, I sure miss March Madness.

I can't think of anything I need for my Easter package. But about the Easter candy, I've decided that the actual food food, like Pop tarts, crackers, cookies, etc. are better than the candy. I still like some candy, but at night when I'm hungry the candy doesn't fill me up very well, the pop tarts and things like that are better. So whatever you can find or come up with is fine. I know cookies aren't really "food food", but not candy either. Haha.

Kory tells me that he is really close on his papers, just waiting on the Stake President to turn them in. That's really exciting, I can't wait to see where he goes. I can't believe it was exactly a year ago that I went through that process! Wow.

I appreciate you updating my blog Dad, thank you. Thank you for doing that. Sad to hear you haven't ridden since I left. Kory and I always talk about doing a big, sweet camping/riding trip when he gets back from his mish. Haha.

The Ward members that wrote me were the Francis' and Set's wife wrote me two letters, in Spanish. It was nice to hear from them. I wrote a letter for Aunt Theo, Aunt Kathi, and the Cheney's and I will put them in Pouch tonight. I'm not sure the percentage of Mexican and American missionaries in the mission, not a clue. I'm glad Dad understood what I meant by "normal life", life before the mission.

Yes, my area seems to have lots of parties or activities. There is always some kind of expo going on and it changes every week, this week is a book expo. My first week it was all shoes and belts. But it doesn't keep us up at night or anything like that, not like serious drinking partying or anything like that. Just always activities going on, so I call it a party area.

Dad, I was wondering if you had a list of all the countries I have been to? I remember you had one for Am but I don't know if you have one for me. If you do could you please email it to me? Thanks.

Yesterday, we arrived at Church and a member of the Bishopric came up to us. He told us that the second Sunday of the month is the turn for the missionaries to speak. Well I have one talk always with me, but I've already given it in that ward. So I had the beginning of Sacrament to prepare something.

I spoke on Enduring To The End, I used the pamphlet we use to teach and found some good scriptures really fast. It went pretty well overall. I remember in my first Ward when I had to give a talk on the fly. My Spanish has definitely come a ways since then. So it wasn't too bad, I'm starting to get used to speaking on the fly.

There also isn't a Gospel Principles teacher, or at least he/she never has come since I've been here. So my comp. and I always end up giving the class. Good week this week. Only two weeks until changes. Thanks for your emails!

I love you all.

Elder J.J. Green

2 March 2009

Hi Family!

I can't believe Dad is turning 51! Yikes Pops... I hope you can still hold your own on a dirt bike when I get back.. Guess we'll see in a little while. ;) haha. There are two main cell phone services here, Telcel and Movistar. If you call from one to the other then it uses a lot of your minutes, or if you call to a land line it uses a lot. So if I'm calling a house then I usually just use a payphone on the street, much easier.

Shantaye emailed me and I emailed her back last week. She wrote me again and I will write her back after I finish this email. Jay also wrote me and it was funny to hear from him, he's a funny kid.

Today we had a junta with the whole zone in the morning and I got my package. Thank you very much! Haven't opened it yet but I will tonight. I also got several letters which was nice, 3 from Ward members.

I will write Aunt Theo and Aunt Kathi this week and send them off a letter for sure. The mission is actually really good at reimbursing us for things. We bought gas Saturday and it felt so nice to have a normal, hot shower. Almost forgot what it was like there for a minute... Haha.

Definitely will do some suitcase cleaning before I move houses again. I still have all the Mac N Cheese from the Christmas package, I hope it doesn't have bugs in it. Yes, my DL is a native from Mexico. One of my ZL's is an American though, he's actually one of my friends. He was in my district the last change of my first area, you can find him in the picture we took at the BK Lounge, Elder Larsen.

We have several investigators that we are working with right now, they have come to church at least once. But we can only visit them on Saturday's so it is a slow process, but they are progressing which is good.

Elder Llamozas and Elder Green - Utah Utes fans!!!

Tell Chez good luck on his tryouts this week! I know he'll do great.I have always liked pineapple, well at least for quite a while. It's definitely in my top 5 favorite fruits. They make water out of it here also which is really good also, but I prefer just the fruit with the juice it brings.

Well now to Dad's email (sorry Dad, ladies first) It's "hanging" well still. Or do I say, it's hanging good?? I know I should improve my English, but honestly it's not going to happen here and now. My English gets worse by the day and I forget how to spell and forget words completely. But I'll try just for you pops ;) That is perfect that you keep the tax income in my savings account, I don't plan on buying anything. But if I do then I'll ask you first Daddy Oh. Què te parece? Bien? Bueno, seguimos. (How does that seem to you? Fine? Good, let's continue.)

Glad Shantaye "loved" the movie so much. I've seen posterboards and billboards of that movie here in Mehiko, must be pretty popular.

I will keep my shirts still, won't get rid of those yet. I went this whole week with only wearing one shirt, is that weird? I don't remember normal life. If it doesn't get dirty or I don't sweat too bad then it's still considered clean, for a missionary at least. It's tough to scrub those collars clean by hand, but it eventually comes clean.

It is funny the things you collect when you're in a place for a little while. I know exactly what duffel bag Daddy Yankee is talking about, I've gone through it many times looking for camping supplies.

Close up of those Utah Ute fans in the Mexico City West Mission.

Thank you for making a mission journal for me, that will be awesome to have when I'm an old gieser like Dad. Haha. Just kidding papa bear. I'm not trying to bag on you, but remember that I, yes ME, was always the one who got picked on in the house. Haha.

I have a picture with me wearing my new Ute shirt from when we played soccer last week, I also was wearing a Utah sweat band on my arm. I'll send those to you as soon as I'm done writing this. I didn't know Mother's Cookies went bankrupt, bummer.

I hope I'm not DL one day, yikes! Haha. Jk. But seriously, lots more responsibility and work, that's for sure. But I'll be whatever the Lord needs me to be, not my choice really.

We didn't end up watching Saints and Soldiers which was a bummer because I haven't seen it either. We played soccer for several hours and then foosball(not sure how to spell that) and it didn't give us time to watch the movie, but no worries.

Yes I have Advil and I took some that night which helped a ton. Good Ol' Advil. The high school soccer thing wasn't my scene, but I'm sure Chez will like it and do great! Football and basketball were the main focuses when I was in high school, yet I didn't really play either.

High school feels like forever ago. Did Set live near the Church High school that is in my last area? Tell him sorry, I didn't want to change but didn't have a choice.

The Mexicans definitely spend all they can and don't manage their money well at all. Maybe that's why they don't have credit cards from home and their parents send it to them through a member's account.

Today at the junta we found out that the mission is going to change some things. They used to give us the monthly money at the beginning of every month, and then every 3 weeks we get transportation money. But now they are going to give it to us all at once, so they have to manage it even more now.

Last Wednesday we had our zone conference with the mission Prez and it was my favorite one so far! I really enjoyed it this time, more than the others. The Prez is working on being more spiritual and not talking the whole time, he had missionaries do most of the talking. But it was cool because he told us stories about when he was called to be a mission president, and how all that worked and how it was a surprise to him, it was a good conference.

Today in the junta they told us that the Prez is now focusing on retention, not on numbers so much. Like I told you before he changes his mind a lot, but I'm glad because I know that retention is more important than the numbers.

A few months ago he came out with that list of how many baptisms every missionary had to try to motivate people to get more, but now he's totally changed his view on things. He used to be all about numbers and would always talk about that at the conferences, but not this time.

I decided that my area is like a party area, there is always some celebration or expo going on. Every since I got here there has been some big expo or something every weekend, and it always changes. A few minutes from our house there is a big open space and that's where they always set up the big ordeals.

It has been a fine week, and another month has passed us by. February sure went by fast and this change is half way over already, crazy.

I love you all! Hope all is going well at home.

Elder Green

23 February 2009

We received another wonderful e-mail form Elder Green today. He says:

Hi Fam!

Thank you for your emails, I love reading them! That is very nice that Aunt Kathi sent me money, I will write her a letter and also Aunt Theo.

Good job Chez on winning the tourney in St. George, that's awesome! I heard Calaigh dropped off the cds for Chez, that's good. The first song on the mission cd is the one about Christmas in Mexico, I know Dad wanted to hear that one.

Elder Green with his new bandanna and knock-out smile.

All the phones here are pay as you go phones. So when you run out of money you just go to any little shop that says "Recargas" and you can put money on your phone that way, and then when it runs out you can't call or text. You just tell the person how much you want, give them your number, and then they do something on their cell phone and after you get a message on your phone saying you have like 50 pesos of credit or something like that, and you just pay the person. So it's pretty easy.

Photo # 2 with his fancy bandanna giving the peace sign.

I miss you Mom!! But I am doing well, so don't worry. We ran out of gas so we don't have hot water at the moment. We are waiting until we get the money from the mission and we can buy some, and then the Mish reimburses us, or pays us back. So we are using an iron and a bucket again until next week, but I'm so used to that that it's not a big deal.

I won't get rid of my shirts yet, I'll save them. But I need to drop some stuff before I move again. Not sure what I have, but I have a ton! I always think I'll need something so I save it, but I never end up using it. My guitar doesn't have a case, I just carry it as it is. I still practice every once in a while, I practiced a few days ago.

His kitchen area and iron "board".

I got the package from Elder Sorensen last Pouch, which was Wednesday. Thank you so much!! That was perfect. I love the shirt and the newspaper about the Utes. I almost ate all the candy already. Haha. The animal cookies were the best, I loved those!

Not sure how big my area is, but it's big. We don't have a map or anything like that. It is only my comp. and I in this area, we don't share it with anyone. There are 3 companionships in my new district, so six of us total including the DL.

The bedroom area.

My DL is pretty cool, he likes to do activities as a district which is fun. Last Monday we played soccer and it was tons of fun! There are 3 Americans and 3 Mexicans, so we played three on three. Us Americans (I don't say Gringo anymore because it's like saying Beener or Spick to a Mexican, so I don't want to bag on myself) won both times we played. We played to ten and the second game we made a bet, the losers had to buy drinks. So we got free drinks that night also! Haha.

Tonight we are going to watch Saints and Soldiers as a district, which I've never seen, and then we are playing soccer after again. Should be lots of fun. But I was SO sore last Tuesday after we played. My whole body hurt. It's been too long since I've done exercise like that, but it felt good to run a little. Everyone gets so impressed because I'm the best Elder here, American or Mexican.

J.J.'s bed.

We are knocking doors and contacting a lot trying to find new people. When I got here we didn't have any investigators or people in teaching. ?? Is that right to say? Personas en enseñaza in Spanish, not sure if that translates right or not. Haha. Oh well. We have a few investigators right now that I feel good about, so we will see as time goes on.

Yes, the junta is a district meeting that we have every Monday night. We usually just practice teaching a lesson, or go over the progress of the week, and the DL asks if he can help us in any way and things like that. I won't give the people too hard of time about the soccer game, everyone knew they were going to lose before hand anyways. Everyone told me that the US was going to win. Soccer is big big here, that's for sure.

J.J.'s closet area.

That is neat that the temple will be dedicated soon, and even more cool that you get to see it. I watched the re-dedication of the Mexico temple at a stake center and we didn't have block meeting that day. It's a really neat experience, especially since that was the first time I've seen that.Don't worry about the blog Dad, I was just curious.

I will try to get pics of the transportation here for you. The Starbucks opened up this week so I am excited for that, might go get a shake or something sometime. It makes me feel like I'm in America again.

J.J.'s study area.

We went to the temple last Tuesday. That was really neat as always. After, we had a junta with the zone for a couple hours, and then we went to Burger King (or the BK Lounge as I call it) and that was very good. Makes you feel like you're home again, that and Walmart. Haha.

I will try to get an exact address of my house, maybe it'll work here because it's a little bigger. My first area that didn't work so well. My bed is better than my last one, but not great still. Now that I think about it, all of my beds here have been mas o menos, or just ok. But it's ok, I get by just fine.

My house here doesn't have a stove, so I can't cook the Mac and cheese yet. My last house had one but I never got around to buying butter and milk to make it. Plus, I thought I was going to be in that house for more time. Hopefully my next house will have a stove so I can make the Mac and cheese. The pop tarts and treats are perfect though! Thanks again.

When the Elders run out of money, they just have to wait until they get money again. Not much they can do. My comp. now actually gets money from his family, but they deposit it through a member and we have to go get it from them.

Light with wire hanging out - normal.

On Saturday, we went to the food (main meal at a member’s home) but it wasn't ready yet so we helped them prepare everything. I cut the pineapple which I've never done before, that was fun. I love pineapple, one of my top five fruits for sure. The sister asked what my parent's names were, and I found out that Mexicans cannot say "Earl" for the life of them!! Haha. It was pretty funny to watch them try to say it, but they just can't do it. No chance! The sound is just a sound that they don't use here, kind of like it's tough for Americans to roll their R's because we don't have words that use that in the US, but here they do.

Saturday it also rained, a lot. There was thunder and lightning which was the first time I've seen that in Mexico. Sunday was very cold and windy, I felt like I was in Utah. Today is back to normal, but yesterday was quite chilly.

The amount of pesos we get went up again, more than 14 to 1. So when I take out money from my card, I don't have to take out as much and I still get the same amount of pesos right?

I think that's right...Well, thanks again for all your love and support!

Things are going well for me still. I love you all!!

Elder Green

16 February 2009

We received another great e-mail form Elder Green today. He has been transferred to a new area and notes “Well this week has been pretty good. It was tough at first but I've adjusted myself and things are going better." He says his new bed is a little better but not that great. His new house has a fridge that works and a microwave so that's a plus he says.

Elder Green and Elder Canche.

"My new area definitely has more things which is convenient. We have a Wal-Mart and tons of little shops, unlike my last area that didn't have anything big like that. They’re building a Starbucks right now which is nice, I like their non- coffee shakes. There is even a Yamaha shop that I've seen and they have dirt bikes in the show windows... ahhh. Maybe I can get a test drive in on one of the bikes. Haha, just kidding.”

He had to go buy a blanket from Wal-Mart as his new house is “cold and so I planned ahead this time. The house isn't near as nice as my last one, it's a lot smaller and it's cold.”

New Elder (J.,J. can't remember his name), Elder Nava, Elder Espinosa, Elder Shawkey and Elder Green.

His new companion is Elder Canche from Yucatan Mexico. He has about 13 months in the mission. J.J. is the senior companion now. So a new area and being a senior companion in one transfer! He says “we work together and things are going well.”

J.J. says he has too much stuff already. Funny how you collect stuff each place you live in. He thinks he is going to leave some things behind when he move again. He says he only goes through about 2 white shirts a week, so he doesn't really need 10 of them. I would council him to keep them as he has 16 more months to go! But I am just the Dad and what do I know?!

Elder Green and Elder Shawkey.

He hasn’t yet received the package we sent with Elder Sorensen who went back to the mission for a visit. I guess Elder Sorensen left the package at his last Ward and a missionary J.J. knows has it right now. The Elder forgot to bring it at the change, so he's going to hopefully get it via Pouch this week. So the package is there and he should get it soon. I wonder if the food we sent in it will still be eatable? I am sure it will be as it is mostly junk food. Does junk food ever go bad?!

The sheep they passed as they hiked in the mountains.

In his new area there are all types of transportation, buses, taxis, combis, etc. He says the zip code where he lives is 05000. That's what a member told him so we hope the member its right. The area is called Cuajimalpa he believes. His says “My area is huge!! We took a 20 minute bus ride on a freeway to visit a member and it was still the area, I was surprised at how big it was.”

He said they went on another hike last P-day and it was really really fun. It was J.J., his companion, the new Elder, and Elder Shawkey (his dirt bike buddy from Cali), and his comp. They usually wear their missionary clothes on P-days, but they didn't for the hike this time. He says “It's almost easier to wearing Elder clothes on P-day and I'm so used to it that I don't mind wearing a tie. It's easier than having to go back to the house and change again before the junta that night.

The gang above the cave.

He is happy that the Utes are doing well this year in basketball, He can't believe it's almost March Madness! He said the USA beat Mexico in soccer this past week which we knew as our whole family follows soccer, J.J said “I like to give the Mexicans all a hard time. Haha. It's funny how soccer is their favorite sport and everyone is obsessed and crazy about it, but their team isn't the best. Ha.”

He is doing his wash by hand again. His comp said that there are members that they can borrow their washer, but it's almost easier and more convenient to wash by hand in their house. He can do it early in the morning and he doesn't have to wait around for his comp or anything like that. Plus the washers take several hours sometimes, so with a little extra man labor it saves him time. J.J. says “My hands are sure feeling it though, dang ol' dang. I have red marks and almost bruises from washing. Haha.”

A cave we saw from far away and went to find it. When we got there, it was a lot smaller than it looked.

On Saturday night there was a Ward activity and he got to know some members. His Bishop is a really cool guy, he likes him a lot. He says “he's just like a teenager sometimes and he makes me laugh. He asked us to speak in church about missionary work, so I spoke yesterday. It was easy because I pretty much had the talk written from before, just added some things because my Spanish is a little stronger now than before. My comp and I spoke along with the Ward Mission Leader.”

The phone that Elder Sorensen gave him broke a while ago, actually his comp Elder Crispin accidentally put it in a bucket of water J.J. said! So he bought a new one a while ago. He says he has decided that “Mexicans are really really bad at managing their money. All the comp's I've had run out of their money way before the month is over.” But he told us not to worry, He is being smart about it and not giving them his money. He just tells them he don't have any either. Haha.

He says "That is so awesome that Amberlee wants to serve a mission!! Felicidadas Hermana!! I hope you get what you want and go Spanish speaking, then we can talk in our own secret code. Haha"

“Cheerie Oh! No se precupen! (Don't worry) Well I love you all and I'll send you some pictures today as well. Take care!"

Elder Green