I love you all so very very much, I am quite excited to
go to Texas and be off of this cafeteria food. I can't exactly control
myself at a cafeteria with what I eat, I definitely haven't lost any
weight, but I don't think I've really gained so that's good. We'll see
how Texas is. First I'll answer that question about the letter. We
have our "investigators" right? They're just our teachers, so one of
them left McKinley a "letter from the investigator." Basically she
didn't talk in a way that is very nice, mostly just honest, but it was
hard for McKinley to take it. It reminds me of piano lessons when the
teacher says "I loved how you phrased that line," and then goes into
what she wants to say about how you can get better. Basically, the
happy part wasn't in the letter and it was kind of negative. Anyways, I
spent more time writing that than I probably needed to but oh well.
I leave next Tuesday with McKinley and Steed. We go
to reception an 6:30 to be to the airport on time. Its wonderful that I
don't have to be there at two in the morning like some people in my
district. I honestly have no clue when the next time I will write you
is, so I guess you can write me Tuesday or something, because that is
the day I get to the mission home, and I'll see what happens then.
Being in Mexico I have no idea what to do with a phone, so I would be
honestly afraid to find out what to do with a phone here out of country,
and I don't think we'll have time when we reach Houston. I remember
when Aaron left on his mission and talked about why he didn't call at
the airport. I know you want me to, but I dunno if I physically can, or
emotionally can. Plus it is too much work to deal with pesos and
American $'s. Mother's day is coming up soon so it won't be a long
time! Even our carry on has a weight limit. I'll make an extra effort
to ensure that my bags are under weight, but luckily I have three so I
should be okay.
Lets see, the temple was only a bit less than an
hour away. We passed a sears, which apparently is a very high class
store down here like Nordstroms or something. Spanish I think is coming
alright. Grammar I have got down pat, French helped with some of that
stuff like the different kinds of past tenses. Pienso que sea por le
menos "adequate." Puedo hablar muchos palabras del Evangelio, a pesar
de mi conocimiento de Frances. No es facil hablar con los latinos, pero
puedo entendir cuando personas hablan. As for my missionary plaque, I
think I said Romans 1:16, but I suddenly just as I'm sitting here am
trying to remember other scriptures. I think actually, I want 2
Corinthians 12:10 "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in
reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, indistresses for Christ's
sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." Yes, that is the scripture
I want. I like that one more and more. I've been reading the New
Testament back and forth between Spanish and English depending on my
mood. I really like Ephesians. And I really can understand when I read
in Spanish, at least partways, and at least when its a chapter I know.
Its a great way to learn new words and how Spanish is put together.
I liked the pictures you sent me, especially the one
of Aaron and grandma.
Tell her I love her! Your talk of food always
makes me dislike the cafeteria, especially those strawberries. We had a
picnic as a district today. We had bread and nutella and chips we'd
bought from the tienda (store). I don't think I'll get pictures on
today, but I will likely do so next time, whenever that is. I forgot my
camera anyways.
As for my week, I've been a little more shabby on my
journal writing this week. Mostly because not much new has been
happening. We are all just getting ready to leave. We are all quite
excited to leave, and we are all quite nervous. Especially Fisher and
Richards. They're going to Concepcion Chile. Hermana Baldwin is going
to Phoenix Arizona. I found those two things a little bit ironic to me.
I can't wait to have a secret language with my cousins. I've heard
stories of missionaries who came back and worked for some company, and
then got put in charge of finding out what the Latinos spoke about in
Spanish when they though no one was listening. I have also fallen in
love with Jicama, something like a big turnip or something. We just get
it chopped up so I don't know what it looks like. I just put some
chile powder on it and it is delicious! Lets see, I've had a couple of
tie trades the past week, I get attached to my ties though. The guys in
mine and McKinley's house came in the same time as us, and basically
I'm glad they are not in our district. I feel like on a mission I have
seen the most subtle hypocrisy ever in the church. But hey, that is
always going to be a problem no matter what you do. And they all have
such sweet spirits (you can say anything about someone if you say that
at the end). The gospel is true, the people aren't. If only we could
all be perfect. But then why would we be preaching Christ?
Anyways, I don't think I really have much more to
say. I guess I have to say that I do love you mom and dad! You are in
my prayers! (Our last Sunday is Easter Sunday, that is kind of a
beautiful thing.) If I get a chance to call I will, but in honesty I
wouldn't expect it. Its hard enough to focus on a new city when I'm
thinking about my family. I loved the pictures you sent me! The gospel
is true! And really, Let us All Press On from conference is such an
amazing song. The arranger has one-upped Mack Wilberg. I just remember
it wasn't him. Well I love you guys again! Thanks for the prayers! I
also pray for you. Have an amazing Easter! Paint eggs for me!
With love, your favoritest elder,
Elder David Austin Barlow
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