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