Family,

How goes all? Great here. The mission is awesome. Everyone should go on one! I'm not joking! There are so many people out here. And remember, everyone's a Mormon, they just forgot it when they were born. All we have to do is help them remember it, no? But right now I'm spending more time learning than anything. Learning that no matter the rule - it's a rule and you have to do it, and thus obedience reaps the blessings upon fulfillment of compliance with these rules; the most important for me right now is to feel the Spirit. It is so important, this is another thing I'm learning. Man, so much to learn! It's a bit overwhelming if you don't prioritize and work hard at them. Not only skills on how to teach but learning how to recoginize the spirit, testify, be an example, think, learn spanish - tons.

Sorry no cool stories or anything. Yet. Just lots of good food and lots of good people. Right now because I can't think of anything else to write I'll tell you about our apartment. Apparently this apartment is like the oldest in the area, and for awhile there weren't even any missionaries living here. We live with Elder Ward and Elder Nanney. Elder Ward is District Leader and they both work in the office (mission office). When Elder Urena and I first got here (this is Elder Urena's 3d time in this area) it was an absolute mess. Our first day we spent cleaning and cleaning and cleaning. The room that was designated ours (on account of Elders Ward and Nanny arriving 2 days earlier) was filled with mattresses, broken beds, and who else knows what. The window was broken (we have no glass over the space that would be the window). So we made our bed frames after sweeping and then went downstairs, where we moved some furniture and did a lot of sweeping. The kitchen was a piece of work; the next night I bleached the countertops to hopefully get them a bit more clean. But now, the place is home. Thanks, mom, for teaching me how to clean.

Right now I'll tell you about who we're teaching. First, is the family Munoz. Adolfo, the husband, and Lupe, the wife, are really receptive. They take everything to heart and do the studying before we return. The first night we taught them was awesome, and as we left we were standing outside looking at where we were going to go to next on our planners and Lupe opened the door and asked if we'd like to eat with them. Soooo good! But anyways we invited them to a Noche de Hogar (FHE) that night and they readily accepted. It was awesome! We had them take us, and as soon as we got there (a member's house) they were immediately made at home. Practically every single spanish speaking member - about 25-30 - showed up. Hrmo Gonzalez shared a message about member missionaries, which went well, and then we all played the "Gestures" game. Adolfo was really into it (to everyone's delight) but his wife is really shy, so she just watched. But they both had a good time, and when asked that night by some members if they were going to see them on Sunday, their reply was yes. On Sunday, I learned from Hrmo. Gonzalez that while he and Adolfo were talking Adolfo said he'd like to join the church and be baptized. How cool! Such a great family, them and their two kids Edgar (6 or 5) and Herson (2 or 3). And also, upon visiting them 2 previous times Adolfo has greeted us with hugs, which was pretty surprising! So awesome.

We're also feeling great about Efrain Granado Olivera. He's young, probably 19 or 20, and lives with an uncle or 2 in a trailer park. He's a very smart, humble guy who's father died in Efrain's youth, and so he's interested in what we have to say about that. He's very eager to learn and told us that he knows that Joseph Smith was a prophet and translated the Book of Mormon. Such a delight it is teaching the teachable. Just like in D&C 50 we're "both edified" through the Spirit.

The spanish is . . . coming. I'm understanding more and more and more everyday, and that's my first step. Sunday, I understood about 65% of it! It was great! We also had Adolfo, Frederico (brother of Lupe), and Edgar, at church, along with Efrain (who cut his long hair just because he wants to, for church) and Maritza's family (Hugo and Ricky, her 2 sons) who is someone else we're teaching.

Well I want to ask you all how you're doing and other stuff but I need to go. So please everyone write me! Apryl writes me more than you. Imagine that! :P j/k. I love you all sooo much. Hasta Luego!

Nick