Philippines Cauayan Mission

Monday, September 26, 2011

26 September 2011

  • Magandang Tanghali!‏







  • Rain, rain and more rain!
    Flooded street


    Elder Tangi and Elder Nay


    The dirt road just outside our house.


    Yucky water!  Don't think too hard about what it is yum!
    Wish I was a kid and could swim in it!



     Puppy love-the puppies are usually cute and fun,
    the moms/older dogs are disgusting and ornery


    Shaving coconut at a member's house



    Hanging out with the Macadangdang and Paguirigan family


    Elders Tangi and Nay caught in the rain


    The "bridge"


    Kamusta!
    Well, not surprising, it has been another crazy week. I expect to see a lot of those in the next 2 years. On Tuesday-wednesday morning, I was on splits with the ZL in Tuguegarao. It was a good split-he is going home in December so he has some experience under his belt and gave me some good tips. I can't remember if I've already said or not, but Elder Tangi has about 6 months left. He's only been in the Philippines for a year though because he was in the MTC for 5 months because he tore his ACL and had to get surgery in there. Poor guy! I can't imagine staying there for 5 months. On wednesday, I was with Elder Tangi just long enough to go back to our house and shower, then go on splits again in San Bernardo. It is about a 30-45 minute trip on a good day from Cabagan. I say good day because there is only 2 ways to get there-a boat across the river that really has no schedule and leaves whenever the driver feels like it (its actually a pretty cool boat-dad would be impressed with the jury rigging. They use an old 6 cylinder car engine for the motor and a steering wheel attached to a big chain that turns the rudder), and one bridge that depending on the rainfall, becomes impassable. I'm pretty sure the last white person to ever go through there is about 6 weeks ago when the last splits were. Everywhere I went I was getting stared at and all the kids were giving me "up here"'s (high 5) and A LOT of "Hey Joe!". I better get used to that too for the next 2 years. I didn't realize how nice my area is until I went to San Bernardo-its very poor and mostly fields. Even though I was with a fillipino elder, we still managed to get around with my little Tagalog and his little English. We had to go to Penablanca which is about an hour away from Cabagan to see a baptism, and we get to go there next week again for another one! 
    Yesterday we had a brown out all day which was really weird because everywhere else in the city had power, and even the street lights 15 feet away from our house had power. We had a bunch of candles lit and I thought I was going to have to spend the night without an electric fan (scary!). Luckily the repairman came just as we were going to bed and with a huge spark that lit up the neighborhood, the power was back on. Hope the repairman wasn't part of the spark. We have had several big rainstorms this week which has been fun. Sometimes we just get back looking like we got out of the shower with our clothes on. Supposedly there is a storm warning that our mission president just emailed us about... fun! 
    Every P day has been a little different so far. It just depends on what is going on in the ward or with other missionaries in the zone. The earliest I would ever email is 10-11 AM my time. Who knows what time that would be in Utah time.Today, about 10 of us gathered in Tuguegarao to play some 2 hand touch football. It also has been pouring rain and my shoes are already filled with water. Last week, Elder Tangi and I hung out with some members and ate a yummy lunch and carved out some coconuts. In a couple weeks, we are supposed to be going to hike to a waterfall with some members which should be fun. I think the best made from scratch food I have eaten here has been the spaghetti. It is really sweet and I don't really know how else to describe it, but it is delicious. I think they put brown sugar in it.
    Some things I have learned to get used to: naked kids running around everywhere-neighborhoods, swimming, etc. The open breastfeeding was a little weird at first when we were in the middle of a lesson. The dogs are very annoying. I havn't had one try to attack me yet, but there are thousands of them in the streets and in people's houses and they always bark at us. When they are on the street, all we have to do to shut them up is bend down to pick up a rock and they take off yiping. The rocks in my rice are kind of annoying. They dry all of the rice and corn in the streets, so when they pick it up, the rocks from the street come with it. They're just little ones though and I've only had it happen a handful of times. It's also funny how members here ask for priesthood blessings for every thing. We've given several already to people with fevers, feeling weak for the day, coughs, etc. We did go to the hospital yesterday though to give one for a legitimate reason and I'm glad I'm not staying in it. It would never pass in the U.S. with the ants all over the floor and the black mold growing in the ceiling tiles and no air conditioning. The little ants are annoying-they are EVERYWHERE. There are always a couple trains of them in our house somewhere. There are even some on my keyboard right now. I havn't seen any really strange critters yet. A few cockroaches, millions of huge frogs, and a lot of spiders that look like daddy long legs. The butikis are nice to keep all of the bugs down for us. 
    Mom-I can't believe you've succomed to swimming in the morning! You are officially an old person now! Haha. Thats cool though and the triathlon should be a fun (?) experience. I forgot that Fall colors existed. They sound really pretty though! 
    With the package, send all mail to the mission home then they distribute it. I can't really think of anything for you to send now other than just random food that won't perish. I guess all the Fillipinos love jerky so maybe that would be nice. 
    Well I'm going to try to attach some pictures to an email, so until next week, Ingat po!
    Mahal Kita,
    Elder Nay

    Monday, September 19, 2011

    19 September 2011


  • Diyos da fugao!‏




  • Kamusta!
    Diyos da fugao is Ibanag-the dialect they speak here so I figured I'd switch things up with the subject. Everybody speaks Tagalog still, but most people here also switch into Ibanag at a moments notice. I only have picked up a few words just for kicks and giggles. Its a good way to get on people's good side and makes a good conversation starter. I still am finding myself Taglishing a lot, but thats okay. Most people understand what i'm trying to say. Several members have said my Tagalog is already better than the last newbie that came through here. 
    It has been one crazy busy week. Elder Tangi is the district leader, so whenever he has a meeting or interview, I have to go with him. On Wednesday, I had to go in a 3-sum companionship with 2 other newbies in a different area in my zone because there was a leadership meeting in Cauayan that all District and Zone leaders had to go to. Luckily one of my comps for the day was a fillipino and spoke just as good english as he did Tagalog, so we were able to get through the day just fine. Then on Thursday morning we went back to Tuguegarao for a zone conference. By the time we got back, the day was already gone. It was a good meeting though and the food was amazing. President Carlos is awesome and Sister Carlos is a great mother from another mother. Haha. On Saturday there was a half day mission in our ward. Basically, we tag along with several members and visit the less/inactive people in the ward, which happens to be quite a bit. One of the people was actually someone Brother Cypher from the home ward baptized. The members here still talk about him because he was in this area for a while and loved him. They thought I was pretty awesome when I said he was in my home ward. Later on saturday we went back to Tuguegarao because Elder Tangi had to do a baptismal interview and then there was a baptism, and he has to attend all baptisms in the district. There should be another baptism in Tuguegarao next saturday. I was volunteered to sing at it by Elder Tangi, and I told him if I'm going down he's coming down with me, so it should be an interesting duet. Its great to see how joyful these new converts are because of their new knowledge of the Restoration. This coming week should be another busy one. I get to go on splits again on wednesday with a fillipino that doesn't speak much english. Gotta love having a DL companion as a trainer!
    Well it hasn't cooled off at all here. We do quite a bit of walking each day and my sweat rag is constantly being pulled out. I used to keep my planner in my front shirt pocket, but after I pulled it out and it was soaking wet because of my sweat, I decided I wouldn't put it there anymore. All of the members, and most investigators, always treat us with a marienda. A marienda is just a snack with the cookies and crackers that can be bought at the stores, along with juice and some kind of soft drink. Its a fillipino way of saying thank you for coming by, so we get snacked and watered sufficiently each day. Depending on where we are in the city, we can get a fresh cup of cold Buko or Mango juice for only 5 pesos, which is about 8 cents in US. The fresh juices are delicious. The cost of living here is awesome. Everything is so cheap when compared to the US dollar. 
    I had my first encounter with a bakla (gay person) this week. There are a lot of them in the Philippines. Elder Tangi and I were walking back from an appointment at night and the bakla was standing on the side of the street-in the middle of a not well traveled neighborhood-and as we passed him he said in the most Feminine man voice you can imagine:"Hey.... Hey! I'm still a virgin..." It gave me the creepy shivers up my back. We just ignored him and kept walking faster. I can't help but hope he stays that way too! Haha. 
    When we went to church yesterday, I was selected to give a talk. I had about 3 minutes of preparation time to talk about whatever I wanted, so I chose missionary work. I tried to get rid of the misconception that Elder Tangi and I are the only missionaries here and without their help, the ward won't function. I was pretty bold and straight to the point and only spoke for maybe 5 minutes. When I sat down the 1st counselor told me it was good but pretty short. I almost said something to the effect of not having much preparation time, but I refrained. The bishopric is all really young. 
    Elder Tangi and I went to a lunch party for a member and I had my first experience of trying to get something edible out of a platter that had chicken legs-claws and all-and a variety of other bones. I asked a member which piece to take and they pointed to something, so I put it on my plate and tried to figure out how to eat it. I was having a hard time finding any meat on it to eat so I asked Elder Tangi what the best approach was and he laughed and said, "You know thats a chicken head, right?" After looking at it closer I could see the dark fried brains inside. I decided to put it back and stick with my beans and rice. Rice is a staple here-breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Thats really the first weird food encounter I have had so far. Everything else has been pretty good. Most of the food is sweet. 
    The sky and sunsets here are always beautiful. The sky is always very clear and the clouds are puffy and vivid. Kind of weird to explain, but its beautiful scenery.
    It poured rain last night for a solid 3 hours straight. We were in the bush going to an appointment when the power went out and it was pitch black (there is usually enough light from houses to light the way). Luckily our cell phone has a flashlight on it. Trying to teach the lesson was interesting trying to yell at each other because the rain was so loud on the tin roof. 
    Sounds like things are going great at home between all of the interviews and baby stuff. Pretty exciting that dad finally has his stitches out! Now you should go back to Lake Powell for a round 2 now that you can actually get in the water. Haha. And mom, I don't really need anything yet. The mission office gives the ensigns out for free, so there is no need to send those. The only thing I can think of is just little stuff to give out to groups of little kids. 
    Well, thats it for this week. 
    Mahal Kita,
    Elder Nay


    Thursday, September 15, 2011

    Yema Ball Recipe

    From:Michael Nay (michael.nay@myldsmail.net)
    Sent:Mon 9/12/11 6:52 AM
    To:
    Here is a recipe that Sis. Carlos emailed to all of us. I have never had it to see if its good or not... but if you get a wild hair you can fix it up and be a Filipina Nanay! Sounds yummy to me.

    This week we’re taking at look at….
    Yema is a type of custard candy made from egg yolks and condensed milk. This is a common Filipino dessert and one of the easiest to make. The ingredients needed are readily available and this does not require a lot of cooking and preparation time. I first found yema balls at the Crown Bakery in Tuguegarao. They quickly became one of my local favorites! This recipe would be the perfect treat to share for Family Home Evening or any branch/ward gathering!
    There are several ways to present this dessert - the most common is the use of colored cellophane. The mixture is scooped and placed inside individually cut cellophane. But you can fill a plate with the balls and cover the plate with plastic wrap and store in the fridge.
    Try this Yema Ball recipe.
    Ingredients:
    3 tbsp unsalted butter
    1 can (14 ounces) condensed milk
    3 egg yolk (separate the whites from the yolks and only use the yolks)
    1/2 cup sugar (Optional: You can roll the balls in sugar once they are done)
    Cooking procedure:
    1. Place the butter in a heated saucepan and allow to melt
    2. Stir-in the condensed milk and allow to cook for 3 minutes
    3. Add the egg yolks then continue stirring for 2 minutes
    4. Set the heat to medium and put-in the chopped peanuts then stir until the mixture becomes thick (about 15 to 20 minutes). Adjust heat to low when texture is about to be achieved.
    5. Turn-off the heat and allow the mixture to cool down
    6. When the temperature of the mixture is tolerable, scoop a spoonful then roll with your hands to form a sphere (ball shape).
    7. Transfer to a serving dish and apply your desired presentation
    8. Serve. Share and Enjoy!

    Tuesday, September 13, 2011

    1st letter from the Philippines!


    Finally on our way to the Philippines!!
    5 September 2011



    Manilla Temple


    Magandang Hapon!‏


    From:
    Michael Nay (michael.nay@myldsmail.net)
    Sent:
    Mon 9/12/11 6:48 AM



    Well, I'm here, and I'm still alive. That's always a good sign. The 14 and a half hour plane ride to Hong Kong wasn't too bad. I was able to sleep for about 7-8 hours. Cathay Pacific airlines is definitely the best I've ever flown in. The snacks and the cup of noodles you can get at any time are pretty awesome, and its all free. The food tasted pretty good too-not like the rubber goo they serve on Delta. If I wasn't a missionary, I would have enjoyed the personal entertainment system too. Hong Kong airport is really cool looking. After we picked up our bags in Manila and followed our instructions to go outside down the ramp and wait, the first thing I noticed was the sweat beating up. Just from standing and not doing anything in the shade, it gets pretty bad. I was clipping my fingernails today and the sweat was dripping from my elbows and tip of my nose. Good times. They say that there is 2 kinds of rain here-the kind you can see and the kind you can't see. It rained on us (the kind you can see) for the last couple of nights, and when it rains it pours. Even with my cheap made in Japan umbrella, I was still soaking wet from head to toe by the end of the night. Its really nice too when the puddles fill the entire pathway. I went back pretty muddy too. 
    Luckily, the 2 guys that came up to the 5 of us and said, "Elders, come with me" wasn't an axe murderer. They split our bags up in one van then us in another. It sounded pretty shady. They took us (and our bags) to the Manila MTC to wait for 7 hours for the bus to Cauayan. We also met 7 other native missionaries from the Manila MTC that were going to Cauayan with us. We ate Lunch and dinner there, and they let us go to the Manila temple (across the street from the MTC) to do a session to help kill the time. The 10 hour bus ride was pretty bad. Luckily it wasn't a chicken bus, but the driver still stopped every hour or 2 for bathroom breaks. Even with an Ambien, I didn't get a good night sleep. President and Sister Carlos fed us a really yummy breakfast and they are really nice. The mission home and office is by far the nicest area in town. They actually have warm water and washing machine and dishwasher there! 
    I met my new companion Elder Tangi during the transfer meeting in the morning. He is Tongan, but lived in New Zealand his whole life so he speaks English, Tongan, and Tagalog. He is pretty awesome so far. From Cauayan we took another 2 hour bus ride to our area which is Cabagan, about 30 minutes outside of Tuguegarao. I am pretty sure I am the only white person here. I get a lot of stares and a lot of people practice their english by saying "Hey Joe, wash (supposed to be what is but sounds like wash) your name?" Or "Hey man! Whats up?" They call all American's Joe's because of World War 2 and GI Joe. Most people here actually understand basic English, especially people about 40 and younger. I am able to get by okay by using a lot of Taglish, and they understand it. Yesterday, they asked me to bear my testimony in church and it was mostly in english, but I tried to make it as simple as possible. There is actually a ward here with about 100 members, but there was only about 50 there yesterday. Its pretty funny that nobody can really grow leg, arm, or facial hair so all during church, little kids were sitting by me and rubbing my arm hair. If only everybody could be as manly and hairy as me! Haha. Elder Tangi and I are focusing on strengthening the members and get a higher retention rate. The church is about a 10 minute walk from our apartment, which is the nicest in the mission. We actually have a shower (still no hot water) instead of a bucket, and a well (which is never used), and 3 bathrooms and 3 bed rooms with a decent living room. The set up is kind of funny on it. We have to do all of our cooking outside. Don't worry though, there are still some Butikis (little lizards) to roam the house and help take care of the bugs. I am lucky to have this apartment for so long-I will most likely be here until middle of January. Today I had my first experience with burning our weekly garbage and washing my clothes by hand. The town is pretty neat. Its a small-medium sized town, but no Mcdonalds or anything big like that. Just the typical street shops and internet cafes and occasional market like any other respectable 3rd world country would have. Several of our investigators live a little more in the bush, and we have to walk through a dirt trail in the trees to get to them. It was really fun to do in the rain with the mud. The driving here is just like any other 3rd world country too-the lines are just mere suggestions. It was really funny on the way here when all of the other American (and Australian) missionaries were white knuckling it in their seats and fearing for their lives. It still amazes me that there aren't more crashes. I havn't been in a jeepney yet, but the tricys are pretty awesome. I'm going to try to convince President Carlos to let us get one. Haha. The tricys are everywhere here. 
    Well my time is up. FYI-we have an hour to email, but I can't reply to anyone but immediate family. That will have to be by hand. Sis Carlos says it takes about 3 weeks for stuff to get to me by snail mail, except around Christmas time, then it takes about 2 months. 
    Mahal Kita,
    Elder Nay

    Kamusta!



    The following comes from Sister Carlos's mission blog:

                  Eleven Amazing New Missionaries Arrive In Cauayan


    After the transfer meeting we met with the 11 new trainers and their new missionaries for a brief orientation on the new 90-day training program for new missionaries. We are so excited to see and hear how this new program works for this batch.

    They sang a gorgeous arrangment of "I Need Thee Every Hour" 

    Wow! What a batch! They are astir!

    After a long plane flight, and an all-night bus ride the North Americans were particularly hungry and tired.

    President Carlos welcomes new missionaries and shares some of his vision for their missions before breakfast is served.

    At 5:30 am Thursday, September 8, 2011, we welcomed our newest batch of missionaries. We were totally impressed wtih every one of them! In fact they have so much musical talent that we asked them to put together a musical number to sing at the transfer meetings. Five were North Americans and 1 Australian. And low and behold they were able to sing two verses of a hymn in tagalog. All of the missionaries at the transfer meeting were totally blown away. They were fantastic. Not bad for a quick practice between showers, breakfast, interviews with the President and a 90-minute orientation meeting. We are looking forward to getting to know and work with these missionaries. They are truly a special batch!












    Monday, September 5, 2011

    Last letter from MTC!

     
    Michael with Brother Day - "we're both goofballs"

    The MTC roommates

    Kamusta Again!

    From:Michael Nay (michael.nay@myldsmail.net)
    Sent:Sun 9/04/11 12:09 AM
    To:
    Well not much has changed since yesterday... Today has been the best P-day ever though because its been a little more relaxed and everyone was packing. I have so much food it is ridiculous. No matter how fast I try to eat it and give it away, more just keeps coming! There are several people in my district with large food stashes as well so our hallway is lined with food boxes that is first come first serve. But because I have the best family and friends ever, I have the best collection. :) I am definitely the only one to be able to drink eggnog. Thank you mom for taking care of the packages to E. Rostedt and Tamale. They were both pleasantly surprised and E. Rostedt had never had pink cookies before, and he loved them. E. Tamale loves his shirt too. In fact, he's wearing it today! A special thanks to the Nelson's and the Graves for their packages as well.
    I wish I had time to reply to everyone that sent me letters. I am going to try to finish some before I leave LAX and hopefully there is a drop box in the airport somewhere. If not, maybe some stranger will have pity on me and mail them for me. In which case, maybe they'll get there, and maybe they won't. But from here on out, email is the best way to get a letter to me. I'll find out soon enough if I am able to email friends or not.
    I am starting my collection of stuff to send home, but seems how the mail room is closed on monday (how convenient), I'll give it to Elder Day to send for me on Tuesday.
    The lake powell pictures were nice and looks like a good time was had by all-even dad with the hand out of the water the whole time. I especially loved the ones with the lifejacket squishing Jennas face. Its so crazy to see how big she is already and how much hair she has. It seems like a few weeks ago I was rubbing her peach fuzz!
    Today we lost an Elder in our district so he can go home and take care of some things. It was a good reminder of how close we all are in my district and that losing one is like losing a brother. I am really proud of him though for making the right decision, especially this close to the finish line. Our thoughts and prayers will definitely be with him.
    You can count on me for trying to finagle every skymile I can out of this trip! Haha I'm not sure if Cathay airlines (the one from LAX to Manila) is partnered with Delta or not, but I'll look into it. You can count on me also being the one trying to look out for empty window seats or rows to be able to sprawl out on too. Dad has trained me well.
    Well, I'll talk to you in a couple of days!
    Mahal kita,
    Elder Nay

    Friday, September 2, 2011

    MTC # 9

    Surprise!‏

    From:
    Michael Nay (michael.nay@myldsmail.net)
    Sent:
    Fri 9/02/11 7:05 PM

    Kamusta!

    Well I thought I wouldn't be able to write today, but turns out I am! And tomorrow on P-day. Then the phone call on Monday (speaking of which, I guess I'll just call at about 8 California time so dad has time to get back from work. Hope that works because nobobody told me otherwise!). Sheesh, I didn't think it was possible to talk to family this much in such little time! Haha. I forgot my cheat sheet of what I was going to write so this could be short.
    Sounds like you're in for a treat this weekend going to the good ol' family reunion! Yeehaw! Try to rip off some extra dollar bills off of the angry bull for me.
    Well thats pretty crazy that I am an uncle once again! I wasn't expecting to hear anything for another week or so. I guess little Gracie was tired of sitting in the oven and her timer was popped. I don't blame her! Haha. Thats great that Aimee and Gracie are doing well though. I wouldn't expect anything less out of a Nay! Hopefully mom will be able to live for another week without being able to see her. If it makes you feel any better mom, I don't get to see her for another 22 months.
    Oh, about that new fannypack, were you planning on sending it to me today (the last day you can same day deliver seems how I'm gone monday morning) or in the Philippines? If not, then don't worry about it and I will just pick something up when I'm there. But it would be nice to have for the plane to carry more stuff on.
    For our last devotional on Tuesday night, the MTC had a nice treat. After being in here for 9 weeks, I was finally able to listen to an apostle speak to us-Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. It was the best way to end being able to go to devotionals. He is such a powerful speaker it was amazing. He also has a sense of humor which you don't really get to see from just watching conference. He talked about how important his mission was to him and how it completely has changed his life. He was pretty bold about how most people perceive the Mormon missionaries as loving, friendly, obedient people and how DARE us to go against that and ruin the reputation. He also talked for quite a while about the love that our Heavenly Father has for us-so much that he gave his one and only perfect son Jesus Christ so that all of the rest of His children can be able to return to Him again. It was very powerful and the spirit was super strong and everybody in the room could feel it. He also did a miniature question and answer session which was really cool, but unfortunately there wasn't much time so only a couple questions got answered. I wish I could be able to speak like him and not have anything planned or prepared and still speak with such conviction. That just shows how in tune he is with the spirit.
    Well, thats all for today. I might write a little note tomorrow about the things I was going to talk about that I forgot.
    Mahal Kita,
    Elder Nay

    Thursday, September 1, 2011

    MTC # 8

    Magandang hapon!‏

    <>
    From:
    Michael Nay (michael.nay@myldsmail.net)
    Sent:
    Fri 8/26/11 10:10 PM
    To:



    I had a really nice long email written and then I lost it all so hopefully I can remember the basics. I have my 30 minutes back luckily. I hate these computers. They are so restricted we can't do anything and they are really slow. I am going to be happy to be able to use a real one in the Philippines at an internet cafe.
    Well, I got travel plans. I will try to list it without it being too confusing. The time zones aren't listed so I'm not sure how long each flight is exactly. I (along with the other 4 elders going to Cauayan) report to the travel office at 11:30 AM on the 5th. Then we leave on Delta 2241 at 3:05 PM and arrive at LAX at 3:59 PM. Then we have a 7 hour layover to look forward to. at 11:50 PM we leave to Hong Kong and arrive at 5:30 AM on the 7th. Then we leave HK at 7:55 AM and arrive at 9:50 AM in Manila. Then there is the 8-10 bus ride (I keep hearing different amounts for how long it is). If its like any other 3rd world country, it'll just depend on the mood of the driver, how many water buffalo are in the road, and if the road is still there due to a flood. So, the only thing I can think of for you to send me is maybe a couple of Ambien from Dad's stash. I'm going to need all the help I can get. Plane butt is our friend! I should be able to call at each airport too (only if mom promises to cry), so which is best-house or cell?
    The pics of dad's finger were great. I was imagining the whole tip gone but turns out it was just the side and part of the tip. The gash across the thumb is a bonus, along with the missing chunk of fingernail from the middle finger. Can't say I'm jealous!
    I went to the podiatrist for my follow up visit. He took one of those surgical/exacto knifes and filayed my skin away until he got to the head of the wart, then he just dug it out. Simple as that! It really didn't hurt that bad. It was kind of cool to watch skin be peeled away and not have it hurt-even without numming. Then he put some antibiotic in there and slapped on a bandaid. It hurt an hour or so later (I guess my toe had time to think about what just happened) but I just had to shift my weight whenever I walked. It's pretty much back to where a normal to is now and doesn't hurt, just a little scab. I will send home my card one last time before I go. I took some progressive pictures of it and before/after, so just look at the dates on the photo.
    How was Lake Powell? Any fun injuries? Was dad able to stay out of the water the whole time? Did anything exciting happen like Aimee having her baby? She's getting pretty close! Exciting! Thats crazy to hear about how Jenna has teeth and rolling around already. What are you feeding her Nat?? She's growing up so fast! Haha.
    My district was able to host the new missionaries last wednesday. I got to steal 2 missionaries from their families. I get to do it again this wednesday. It's a true sign that I have paid my dues.
    Elder Rostedt has been sick for the last couple of weeks with a cough and runny nose. He kept blaming it on the "dirty American air", but I convinced him to go to the doctor. (It couldn't have possibly been the fact that being in an enclosed area with 4,500 of your best friends is a breeding grounds for germs). Turns out he has bronchitis! They gave him antibiotics and claritin, and I gave him a blessing. He should be back in shape in no time! It was my first blessing that I was the voice for so that was interesting.
    If you could do me a favor and send Elder Rostedt a package that would be great. He gets emails from family, but he's only gotten 1-2 packages from friends. He's picky and doesn't like nuts or peanut butter and nothing too chocolatey. Soo... Good luck with that! Also if you could send Elder Tamale a package. He is from Tonga and doesn't get much support from his family because he is the only member of the church. The only mail he gets is from our families. He is 24 and was on the Tongan national volleyball team and has a heart of gold. He hardly spoke any English when he got here, but he can get by okay now. I can't imagine learning 2 languages at once. He is here because he has the strongest testimony in the world and knows he needs to serve the Lord. Through tears, he has thanked us and our families for the support we have given him, so I know he appreciates it. I don't think he needs anything in specific, but he is Tongan and loves to eat! Haha.
    Pday next week is on Saturday because of an orientation thing, so don't expect anything on friday. Look forward to hear from you and salamat for sending those packages to Elder Tamale and Rostedt. It's the same address as me, just different name.
    Mahal kita
    Elder Nay
    Kamusta!