Monday, July 30, 2012

Dad,
  
It really does feel like a sauna here sometimes. I heard that the other day it got to like 110 degrees. I don't remember it being that miserable though. Every day is usually pretty hot. A few days ago though it was pretty bad. Last Thursday aparently there was a tornado warning in New Jersey. Crazy! There was a pretty nasty storm with a ton of rain for about an hour or so, then it calmed down. I've been thinking that it'd be pretty cool to go through a hurricane like Hurricane Irene that came through last year. A few missionaries were here last year and they said it was pretty crazy. Then for the next few weeks they were just doing a service mission and cleaning up all the mess. They said it was weird because they would have Sacrament meeting in jeans and a tshirt then go out to work cleaning up. Sounds fun. Haha, but scary. I don't want a tornado to come through though. That would be way too scary. The last few days it's been rainy here. We get some wicked lightning. At some points, the lightning was pretty much constant. It was random throughout the sky, but there was still lightning that was going on all the time it seemed like. Usually the lightning lasts only about 30 minutes or so. New Jersey storms are very random.
 
The Branch where I'm serving at is pretty small. Sometimes it's hard, because there just isn't very many members to help us out. There are a few members that are really good with the missionary work. They give us people to teach often. They're just so busy, that they can't help us teach very much. I think there's more primary children in the Lindon 5th than all the members in the Plainfield Branch!
 
This past week has been picking up just a little bit. We're getting to know members a lot more. My companion hasn't been here too much longer than I have. Just six weeks longer, so both of us don't know the members too well. This last Sunday, we met a few more members at church and are planning on seeing them this next week. It's really fun meeting the members. I think it gets funner when you can actually speak Spanish and talk to them. I've been doing better with that. I think getting transfered to a new area really helps with learning Spanish. When you're in one area for a while, you get used to the way the members speak Spanish there. When you go to a new area, there's new people speaking Spanish their way. It's not really exactly different Spanish, it's just the way people speak it. Some people speak it nice and clearly, then some people speak so fast and sloppy that it takes a lot of concentration to understand what they're saying. It's a lot of fun. Here in Plainfield, most people are from Guatemala and El Salvador. I love meeting so many people from different countries.
 
We were talking to some members this last week. They're from Peru. They were talking about how they don't like New Jersey very much. Then they said that they don't really want to move back to Peru. They said that one time they traveled to Utah and loved it there and they want to move there. I told them that I'm from Utah. They started asking me how it is in Utah. I told them that the mountains are beautiful and everyone is super nice. I told them that the crazy thing is that my ward is like two blocks, and everyone on my street are active members except for one house, and that the people behind me are in the other ward. These Peruvian members were saying "Wow! I can't imagine!" Haha, I can't imagine what it would be like to grow up with the church so far away and no one around you are members. We are blessed in Utah! They really great members and I hope that they can get that chance to live in Utah. They would need to learn English more though. I don't know how many Spanish wards there are in Utah. They do have a YSA Stake in Apline, Utah which is basically unheard of out here. They do have a YSA Ward in New York that some people go to sometimes. So you never know what they might have in Utah.
 
Great area! I love it here. Somehow in every area, you find the part of town where the ghettos are. I found that here. We don't go there very often, but it is a little more scary. Lots of black people there. They always seem like they're staring you down. We are two white boys in nice clothes driving a Chrysler though, so that might help. Oh yeah, we have a pretty nice car in this area. It's a 2009 Chrysler Sebring. Pretty nice. Not the best preformance, but still really nice. These other missionaries close by just got a brand new car. They got a 2012 Toyota Corolla. I drove it the other day on an exchange. They got it with 8 miles on it. I was driving it with about 2000 miles. I always think of the suburban when I think of miles. The suburban had like over 200,000? Wow.
 
Anyways, not much to talk about. Love you dad! Thanks!
 
-Justin
Dear Mom,
 
I haven't gotten my package yet, but I'll keep waiting. I sent a couple letters the other day, so hopefully those will come soon. Maybe today actually. 
 
 
I'm so excited for Julia! I can't believe she's that good! I was thinking, if she keeps it up, she'll probably play college. That'd be awesome. Maybe a scholarship too. We played some soccer here this morning with some people. A few of them work at that Casanova's place. They're all really good and us missionaries aren't that great. It's fun though. I wish I had played soccer a lot more so I could be better at it. It would make it a lot more fun to play. 
 
 
That's just terrible to hear about the shootings. It's really cool to hear about Christain Bale and the hospitals being so nice. It's good to hear about the good that's coming out of this. Speaking of Batman... We went to a less-active members house the other day. We found him. His brother in Guatemala is going on a mission soon to Ecuador so he let us in. He's actually an inactive member. He hasn't been to church in years. But he's married and has a little girl. The good thing is that his wife is interested and open to anything religious. We told her just a little bit about the Book of Mormon and gave her a copy. We'll go back this week to talk more about it. The guy speaks perfect English and is actually getting a little rough on Spanish having spent so many years in the US now. His wife is from the Dominican Republic and speaks Spanish just a little better than English. They're teaching their daughter both. Great family! Now, to relate it to Batman. When we went there, they were playing Batman Begins. AAAHHHH! I miss that movie. It was right at the climax of the movie with like 20 min left. The members, instead of turning it off, they just turned down the volume. It was still pretty distracting. I was quoting the movie in my head and at the same time trying to ignore it. It was hard, haha! He said the Dark Knight Rises is almost as good as the Dark Knight. I'm still excited for the the third one! 
 
 
Not much more happened this week. Fun week. We're doing well.
 
 
Q of the W:
 

1.  How has your cooking been?  Are you eating well?  (I will ask this question a few more times while you are on your mission)
 
 
It's been alright. I haven't cooked very much. We have this special hamburger grill, so we cook hamburgers a lot. Noodles and stuff too. We buy fruit and baby carrots. I still haven't gotten around to cook anything out of that recipe book besides the special bean dip.
 

2.  Do you feel any better waking up so early yet?
 
 
I do feel better. I can get out of bed pretty easily. It's still hard to work out though. Some mornings I just want to take it slow. I need to start running every day though. I know that'll help. I just don't have much motivation in the morning.
 

3.  Who decides what you will do for the day?  Is there a schedule you go by or just the Spirit?
 
 
We usually make a schedule the night before of what we want to do. We have a planning session right when we come home every night. We try and schedule appointments in advance. That's the best. It's really nice when we have 5 scheduled appointments in a day. It makes it easy to know what to do.
 
 
Love you mom! Thanks for the raspberry jam and the backpack in advance!
 
-Justin

Monday, July 23, 2012

Dear Mom,
 
I got transfered to a place called Plainfield. I actually live in Middlesex. That's where our apartment is. The address is: 202 Hallock Ave, Middlesex. I don't know the zip code though. I got here last Tuesday. My new companion isn't actually all that new. He's Elder Carpenter. I was actually companions with him for a month or so in the MTC after my first companion left for knee problems. It's pretty fun! Both of us are still working at Spanish so it's been interesting sometimes. But we're doing good.
 
 
This is actually an interesting area. I'm working in a Branch again. It's the Plainfield Spanish Branch. It's actually pretty small! We had maybe 30 people at Sacrament on Sunday. They're great members though! I had a very nice warm welcome from them. The Chapel is really small and not exactly a Chapel. It has it's own building, but it's not what a normal chapel is like. However, down the road about 15 or 20 minutes is a much larger Chapel which is home to two English Wards that are very good sized. They are the Scotch Plains Wards. So the Spanish Branch has a lot of room to grow.
 
 
I do like this area a lot better. Paterson was very dirty and just uncomfortable. Paterson is part of the city and I just didn't like the area. However, Plainfield is much nicer. There's a lot more green. I'll have to start taking pictures. It's kind of like Dover. I'd say a little more nicer than Dover too. I like it here!
 
 
It's so exciting to hear about Spencer. I'm glad he's doing so well. I hope he's doing alright with the jet lag. I had it just two hours and that about killed me. I hope Tanner is doing well too. Luke's going to be the only one home now. When I was in the MTC, there were quite a few missionaries waiting for their visas to Mexico and a few other South American countries. They might send Luke somewhere state-side if his visa doesn't come. I was thinking how cool it would be if they sent him to New Jersey to wait for his visa if he has too. But I think they would send him closer to Mexico, like California, Arizona, or Texas. We'll see. Hopefully I can stay updated with what's happening with him.
 
 
I did hear something about the shootings. Not much. I can't believe something like that would happen. Did the guy get caught? Or shot? I always wonder what goes through people's heads when they do that. Do they really think that's going to solve the problem? Talking about movies.. Was the Hunger Games any good? I didn't hear much about that. The shooting though sounds really scary. Is Kelsie a little freaked out about that?? I would probably be a little bit more on my toes after that. But Utah isn't that bad I guess.
 
 
One thing that we do hear in Plainfield is every Friday, we go to this place called Casanova's. Casanova's is a pizza restaurant. We go there and help out with a few things like stocking pizza boxes and restocking soda. Afterwards, they give us a pizza. The thing is with the pizza though is that it's supposedly the best pizza in New Jersey. Apparently, people come from all over New Jersey for pizza there. I'd have to say it's probably the best pizza I've ever had. After we're done helping out, they ask us what we want on our pizza. Last Friday, we put pepperoni, sausage, and white onion on it. AMAZING! I really do think it's the best pizza in New Jersey. The guy that started the restaurant is from Italy. The way he makes the dough and the sauce is only known to him! Pretty crazy! The missionaries have been doing this for a while, so the guys that work there know the missionaries pretty well. Too bad none of them are really interested in learning about the Gospel.. But they really like us anyways.
 
 
Nothing else really happened this last week. I'm really liking it here in Plainfield. The members are just as good as my last areas, I have to say. The area is so much nicer. No ghetto! Paterson was very ghetto, but not here. It's good.
 
 
Q of the W:

1. How are you transported to your new transfer? Bus or van? Who drives you?
 
 
Almost every area has a car. Every transfer, we have what's called Transfer Conference. We all meet in Short Hills, which is where the Assitants to the President work, and President Jeppson announces who's going where. Also, the missionaries who finish their mission share their testimony. Then I find my new companion after the meeting is over. I carry my bags from my other car to my new car, and we're off to the new area. However, this last one was a little weird. Due to some weird circumstances, we didn't have a car. So a Senior couple drove us to our area. A few areas are designated as 'walking areas'. For those areas, they'll have an area next to them with a minivan so they can take more people. It's never that hard finding a ride. My situation was probably the worst situation you could be in and it wasn't that  bad.
 
2. Is there a certain city that you hope you will serve on your mission? Such as Newark or Morristown?
 
 
Right now, Morristown Spanish is a Sister's area. It's possible that they could switch that. I would love to work in Morristown! It's probably one of the nicest areas in New Jersey. Newark is just scary. Gunshots are heard almost every night. I don't know about Newark. I don't know where I'd prefer to serve. Just somewhere nice. Like Plainfield or Morristown or even Dover.
 
3. What is your new apartment like? Better or worse? 
 
 
Way better. The Plainfield/Scotch Plains apartment is one of the nicer apartments in the mission. We have a dish washer, washing machine, a big kitchen, two bathrooms. It's a little dirty from past missionaries who don't care as much. But, the missionaries here now care a little more about it, so we're keeping it pretty nice.
 
 
I love you all. Love you mom and dad. This week was pretty good. Exciting. Talk to you next week.
 
-Justin

Monday, July 16, 2012

Dear Mom,
I meant to tell you last week that transfers are this week. It didn't really come to my mind because I thought for sure that I would stay in Paterson. Well, last night, I found out that I'm leaving Paterson! Tomorrow (Tuesday) I'll find out where I'm going. So let people know that the Paterson address will not go to me right now. I'll let you know next week what my new address is. It could be anywhere!
Boise sounds very fun! Sounds a little more calm and relaxing than usual. Kellie and I not being there.  Sounds fun! I hope you guys all have fun there. I remember when we all piled into the suburban and couldn't decide where everyone was going to sit. Fun days! Haha.
 
 
I can't believe Spencer is already leaving for Germany. That's crazy! By the way, does Spencer have an email address like mine? I'm so excited for all of them. Have you heard any news on Luke?
 
 
This week has been a successful week. We found six new investigators, which is really good for one week! That's pretty much one new investigator every day. I don't know how many of them will really progress. Some are very stuck in their Catholic beliefs and don't want to change, but we get them to read the Book of Mormon and set a return appointment to follow up. Others have a lot more potential and seem very ready to receive the Restored Gospel. Too bad I'm leaving the area and won't be able to see them progress, but that's the way the mission is and how the Lord wants it. The thing about Paterson is, I'll miss the members and the people we're teaching, but I hate the city. You couldn't pay me to live here. Only God can make me live here, and He has! We do live in a nicer part of Paterson though, so it's not that bad. Hopefully I'll get transfered to a nicer part of NJ. One thing that bugs me though is how much I've gotten to know some members. For example, Isaily De La Rosa. I've become really good friends with him. He's a really good kid and knows absolutely where his priorities are. He just got his endowment last Saturday which is really cool. I hope the best for him! He'll be serving a mission soon.
 
 
Well, not much more this week. Maybe next week will have more to talk about. I'm having fun and my Spanish is definately improving. This transfer conference is going to be huge. There are about 20 missionaries going home. So that means 20 new missionaries are coming in. That means 20 missionaries are going to train. Next transfer towards the end of August, another 20 or so missionaries are going home. That means that 1/3 of the mission will be brand new. 1/3 of the mission will be training new missionaries. Then the last 1/3 of the mission will be serving in leadership positions like District Leader or Zone Leader. So we'll see what happens.
 
 
So bad news. I don't know if you already know, but President Jeppson needs surgery again. His spine is pinching a nerve and is causing a lot of pain. They need to go in there and take it out. He'll be leaving July 29 and returning August 5. Actually, I don't know exactly when he'll be leaving and when he'll be returning. It's something like that. We'll be praying for him a lot. What's amazing, is he doesn't show it at all. He never shows it. He really is an amazing man!
 
 
Thanks for everything! Love you all!
-Justin
Q of the W:

1. You mentioned black people in Paterson? Do they speak spanish? Where are they from?
 
 
There's a difference between Africans and Dominicans. Most Dominicans look African but speak Spanish because they're from the Dominican Republic. A lot of people I see, I think are African. I've heard Paterson is known to have lots of Black people.

2. Have you noticed any slang in NJ in English? 
 
 
I actually haven't heard very much slang. There's a couple slang stuff in Spanish, but not much.

3. Do you notice a difference in the spanish language with generations? Like do the older generation talk differently than the younger generation? 
 
 
I haven't noticed much of a difference. The only thing I've heard is when young adults know both Spanish and English, they speak Spanish more clearly. Some older people who only know Spanish speak it very fast and sloppy. I have also noticed, just a little bit, a difference in the accents from different countries. I still couldn't really tell you where somebody was from just by listening to them speak. But I've heard you can start to tell over time. Only time will tell.

Monday, July 9, 2012

NYC Skyline
Dear Mom,
 
We did end up going to the members apartment at the top of the building. In person you can see the NYC skyline pretty well. However, when I took a couple pictures, you can't see it very well. I took those pictures on the highest resolution possible, so maybe when I send them, you can bring them up really big on the computer and see the NYC skyline really well. The fireworks from where we were at were alright. We saw fireworks from multiple places throughout the other cities. I saw where the NYC fireworks were at. They weren't that big from where I was at and I didn't hear them at all, but they were still kind of cool to watch. Maybe next year, I'll go to the Hudson front and watch them.
 
By the way, I absolutely LOVE my scripture cases. They're amazing. Especially the suede ones for the english compact ones. Great stuff!
 
So I forgot to get a picture of Jorge Rojas (Flynn Rider) and Isaily (Derek Morgan). I was going to get a picture of Isaily at church when he is in his suit and looks the most like Derek Morgan. I actually haven't seen much of Jorge, which isn't good, because we should be visiting with him and making sure he understands all the Doctrine (stuff like Joseph Smith, the Restortation, the Book of Mormon, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, etc.) I'll make sure to get those soon.
 
I'm glad you found my backpack! Backpacks like those will always be more pricey. They're made out of canvas which is more expensive than plastic and other fabrics. It also lasts 10 times longer, haha. as you can tell with the camo backpack that's it's a lot thicker than most other cloths. So it's a good deal in the long run. Thanx!
 
I looked up Max C. Caldwell on LDS.org. It's totally grandpa's brother ! Haha!
 
Don't worry about me missing out. I already know how much I'm missing out! Hiding it and trying to avoid it doesn't help. It doesn't change the fact that The Dark Knight Rises is probably going to be the best movie of all time. Is the Amazing Spider-man really that good?
 
I was thinking the other day about books that Kyle might like. I remember when I was in 6th grade and some of Jr. High how much I didn't like reading either, but I remember the Series of Unfortunate Events and how much I loved those. Maybe Kyle will like them. Tell him how I felt about reading and that series. Speaking of books.. and the Great and Terrible... So a Hermana Castillo (a lady in our Branch)(Hermana means sister) just recently had a heart attack. She was in the hospital for a few days and when she came home, she couldn't go downstairs to where her chair was. Hermano Castillo (Hermano means brother) called us and asked if we could help move her chair upstairs. As we were downstairs talking little bit, I saw the Great and Terrible Series on a bookshelf with tons of other good-looking books! I quickly asked Hermano Castillo if he's read those. He said no. When we went upstairs, I asked Hermana Castillo if she's read them (she speaks fluent english). She said, "YES! I love those books!" That made my day, haha! She has kind of the same taste in books as I do! She gave me a list of books that she really recommends to read. Some of them are kind of like the Great and Terrible series. It was awesome. She strongly recommend the Work and the Glory. That was fun!
 
I can't believe they are sending Spencer there so early. That's awesome. It doesn't surprise me though. Spencer is very smart and I'm sure he'll be fluent in German in a month. He'll pick it up so quick. 
 
If you can get the ingredients for the Pan de Bono, that'd be cool. I don't know if there are any spanish stores around there. Latino and hispanic are the same thing pretty much. Maybe if you can't figure it out, I'll just help out when I come home. Often times, they don't speak english at those places and all the packaging is in spanish. But hopefully you can do it. There might even be a bakery around in Provo! You could just go there and ask for a Pan de Bono. It usually costs just more than a dollar for a donut sized piece. Good stuff!
 
I can't wait to hear about Kelsie and the Freedom Academy! She'll love it!!
 
Love you guys so much! Love you mom and thanks for everything you do! Love you!
 
-Justin 
 
Q of the W:

1.  What do you stress out about the most during the week?
 
That's hard. Probably just trying to figure out who we are going to see and when. We're on the bottom of the priority list for most people, so it's not rare when they want to reschedule mulitple times.

2.  Are the people different in Paterson than in Dover?  Like the language or the culture of people?
 
Nothings really that different. Paterson is just a lot more dirtier and more black people.

3.  How is the spanish language coming along?  You haven't talked about it for awhile...Do you feel like you are awesome at it now?


I think I'm doing pretty good. I still have work to do. I can really comunicate with people a lot better. I'm enjoying it now. But yes, I still have lots of room to improve. Who knew that learning a language would be so hard?? German class was so much easier.


 

Paterson, NJ


Paterson, NJ



Monday, July 2, 2012

Dear Mom,
I got my package! I also got the scripture covers. At the Mission Activity I went to the new Mission Office and found them both there. Thanks! I sent a few pictures of the cases. I really like them, a lot! That's where I'm going to get all my scripture cases in the future. They're really cool! I love the recipe book. That's really going to expand the things I cook, haha. I've done a few things with potatoes and sausage, but that's about it. I really, really love all the pictures you sent me! There's no way I'd ever trash them though. Good to have pictures of the family. I realized I didn't have very many, haha. Sad, but now it's okay. Thanks for all the candy! I'm really going to enjoy them :)
 
For July 4, we might be going to this members apartment. I don't know if I already said this.. Oh well. His name is Brother Barcos. He lives on the top floor, the 13th floor in this apartment building. His porch faces east and you can see the NYC skyline really well from it. We were thinking of going there and watching the New York fireworks from there. We were also thinking of going with the English Elders since July 4 is an American holiday and I don't know how many Hispanics will be celebrating that, haha. I'll let you know! If they are the NY fireworks, I'll take pics!
 
I haven't heard that story yet about the car accident! That's crazy! Some people just aren't very smart drivers. Speaking of driving. I don't know if I've told you how confusing and terrible and stressful the roads are here in New Jersey. I had no idea they could make so many roads that don't make any sense! Then again, New Jersey is spread out over everywhere in every direction. Utah is just a long slender strip of civilization which makes it easy to make one central highway (I-15). New Jersey has mulitple highways and large roads going everywhere. Way confusing, and probably impossible without a GPS. No accidents yet! My goal is to leave New Jersey with 0 wrecks and 0 tickets. Parking tickets are easy and common to come upon in New Jersey, especially the city. I gotta be careful!!
 
With the backpack... Well, I'm hoping for one similar to the camo one I have. I really like the material. That's the material I want, because it'll last! The Army and Navy store will have some really good ones. Just make sure it has the same amount of space as the camo one, if not, a little more. As long as there's not really any crazy designs, I'm fine with whatever. Just probably no camo.. :( I can't remember what I searched for exactly when I found that camo one. Just remember, same material and same size. Hydration pack would also be cool :) I don't know of any stores like that around here. We don't go shopping much. Maybe we'll go to the mall sometime and look around. That'll be a little while though.
 
I'm not going to be able to send a picture of Isaily soon. He just left on a week long campout on Saturday with the Branch and other Branches. I'll probably be able to send one next week. By the way, what movies (and TV shows) do you have on the list so far??
 
I'm so excited for Spencer! That came up quick, wow! I'll definately have to write him soon. I'm so excited for him!
 
Mom, I definately look forward to every Monday. I love hearing from the family. It's a good break from the stress of the week. I really miss the family a lot. Every time I see little girls running around in someone's house, I always tell them about Julia and Kaylee and their blonde hair! Haha, it's great. I also talk about Kelsie and Kyle if I meet someone that's the same age. It's fun to talk about my family.
 
This last Friday at the Mission Conference, we had a guy named Chester Elton come talk to us more as a motivational speaker. He's the author of six New York Times Best Sellers! He's also LDS. His last book is called All In and has been used to help big businesses run even better. He knows how to run a business! I really want to get all his books. They would be a great read. He always talks about orange. He says orange is the color of change. At sunrise and sunset, the sky turns orange signifying change is about to take place. The leaves turn orange during fall as well. He had an orange tie on and orange socks. He was super funny too! I got a stuffed orange and an orange pen to help remind of the color orange! He talked about team work and communication helps teams work more efficiently. It was an awesome experience. Then, as you saw in the picture, we all had lunch in the cultural hall at the Morristown Chapel. Every zone put on a play. Then we went to a park and played some games! Way fun!! Our Mission is awesome! I love President and Sister Jeppson! They're awesome!
 
This last week has been pretty good. We went and visited a few members in the hospital. They're doing great. They're recovering and have a lot of faith! Yesterday at church, we had three members ask for a Priesthood blessing. Those blessings were great. I love the faith of the members. They have amazing testimonies. President Campos (the Branch President from Ecuador)  loves to help us in any way he can. He loves the missionaries. Brother Galvis (from Columbia) has the missionaries as his home teaching companions. We teach around 10 families a month for home teaching. Brother Galvis is a very faithful member. He served his mission in his home country and still works hard like a missionary. I thought teaching two families was hard at home! It's awesome. I love visiting the members!
 
One side thing for Kaylee and Julia probably. This guy who is about late 20's just got baptized a few weeks ago. His name is Jorge Rojas (from Peru). He's going to school right now at a college in Passaic. He speaks English very well. Every time I see him, I think of Julia and Kaylee because I'm convinced he's the Hispanic version of Flynn Rider!! I'll send a picture next week. You'll see ;) He's a super cool member and loves to come out with us. We've taken him out with us a few times and he thanks us at the end of the day for letting him come with us.
 
Thanks for all the support! I love you all and pray for you! Love your letters. Sorry if I don't get a letter to you sometimes, I didn't have much time today.. Next week for sure! Also, Kelsie, Kyle, Julia, and Kaylee: Do you prefer an email from me or a handwritten letter? Whatever you want :) Love you!!
 
Q of the W:

1.  Were you at the recent mission activity at the church house?  I have seen some pictures.  Everybody is eating lunch on the floor in the gym?  I get emails from a Sister Pettit.  She is the wife of President Jeppson 1st counselor.  She just keeps all the moms informed of anything.  I couldn't really see you in any other the pictures though...Darn it..
 
I was there. Sorry, I still kinda hide from the cameras..

2.  How has the weather been lately?  How are you handling the humidity?  Is it worse than here in Utah?
 
HOT!! The humidity is terrible! I can't wait for dry heat! Probably hotter in Utah, but it feels worse here. It feels like I can't get dry outside.

PS: Thanks Kyle for the Hi-Chew. It's amazing! I'll send you a letter soon. I'm working on the return letters for all three of you! I was so happy to find them in the package!!
 
One more thing mom. See if you can find a recipe for a Columbian bread called "Pan de Bono". It's a type of cheesy bread. You can find it in the local hispanic bakery here for like $1. It is so amazing! Try to make it if you can find it.
 
-Justin