Feb 25th- A Week For The Books

here's something I didn't really realize fully until today. I'm on an island. Like, me. Elder Tate.Water. Super crazy. I only realized this today when I sank my teeth into the first mango of the harvest, and the other elder in the house who's from honduras honestly didn't believe that there are no good mangoes back in good ole utah.

Islands > Earth trapped Utah

Yeah, anyway kinda like all of you; I have a very limited time to write EVERYTHING that went down this week. I say week for the books, because honestly it was nothing short of its title. Hewe go.

Had a baptism this week. Yes, you read right. A baptism. I wrote a lengthly story in my journal you can all read later. But long story short. 11 year old Daurys had cold feet, Other elders were buscando for him and I ending up baptizing his sister and one of the other elders' investigators.. A day, that doesn't make sense when you right like I just told you. But believe me, there was no other way. But nonetheless SUPER AWESOME. 

Other news: By the middle of this April, I will have completed 6 months in Hato Mayor. Didn't get transferred. Really, nobody did. So, I'm sticking with Bodily a little while longer. He's a cool cat, but honestly I was feeling a move. In campo I was born, and its lookin like in campo I will go.

Another noticia: BEACH BABY. Ahhhhhh. Spent the whole day in sand, sweat, and cold drinks. Sooo SO awesome to get to smell that salty breath of life once more. Ahh... and you know how when you leave, your hair is left in a way that only the beach knows how to do. Yeah. Theres few things on this earth that compare. But man, I'm tellin you you've never seen tempation until you're beachside with a missionary plaque on. I almost fell. Bodily and I were contemplating practicing our baptizing, and maybe when we finished, we would also practice pulling the plug. Seeing that this have given us obvious trouble in the past.

Yeah, so thats the week in a nutshell. Feel like I'm just copying all you fools, but ¨sorry for the short letter¨ haha. Love you guys so much, it's makin me crazy

Les Quiero Mucho Locos!!!!

Elder Tate

Feb 17th- Valentines Love

Hey,

 

You already know. Valentines without women.. nothing better. But, we did have a splendid week. And I got to wear my heart socks again. Whoop whoop

I really should have brought my planner with me, I had some things I wanted to put down.

So, this week we had some awesome, and some not awesome go down. First I'll declare the awesome: While summing up tithing with our smaller investigators (Daurys and Sorangy), we were also sharing with their friend Manuela who's nine. After we taught the lesson we wanted to have a review, OF EVERYTHINGH we had taught. So we had a little game, and mentioned that the winner gets chocolate. So here we are, with Sorangy who knows everything, her brother Daurys who knows his stuff but is rather shy, and Manuela who is 8, and for my knowledge never shared with the missionaries, Okay. So we start playing, and we give the first two to Daurys because we didn't want him to feel left our or anything. And then boom there goes Manuela answering a bunch of questions. It's nuts!! She picked up ALL I'm serious, all of the material for the baptismal interview. In about twenty minutes of review with the other two. So, we have an appointment to share with her family and start preparing her for baptism. (we aleady have her mothers permission too, ABSOLUTELY AWESOME). Also we had the intrevista for our 3 fechas this past saturday. Clearly, Daurys passed, and Sorangy too. But what stinks is Vilme, our investigator of gold. Called us the morning of his interview and made it very clear that he did not have time for the interview, and that he was too busy to get baptized now. So... Vilme is no longer an investigator of ours. I just don't get it. I think Satan's tweaking with his mind thoughts. It's not like him at all. So.. Yup two baptisms this week, and we'll see if we can get our other 3 fechas to attend too. That'd be awesome. A lot of work, walking and progress this week. I like that.

Last week of this transfer, I don't want to make predictions, but I'm feeling a transfer. We'll have to see, I'm looking forward to the week. We have a lot planned, and with the 2 baptisms, we have a lot of work to do. But, yeah. I had some cool stories and cool stuff to say, but I can't think of what they were. I'll fill ya in later I guess. 

Cuidense Mucho

Love all the wonderful Emails

Elder Tate

 

 

Feb 10th-- It's Alright to be a Redneck!

Como saba!!!!!!!!

Theres never a day goes by when I'm not just blown away of what I see in this fascinating place I call home. But this week I just saw the incredible. I witnessed my first Cock-Fight. At first I thought some kids might have been fighting or something like that because people were formed in a cirlce yelling and swearing. But, no. It was two, heathy-bred, bloody young roosters, street fighting dominican style. Kind of sad to say now that I'm writing it, but it was seriously awesome.

This week teaching-wise, was intense. Getting our three Fechas all ready for their interview this saturday was pretty nerve-racking. We're teaching two very young, very new to the gospel 8 and 11 year olds. I'm feeling like they are close to ready. They're keeping their commitments and retaining the lessons. We're also teaching an older fellow named Vilme. He's the Hatian of 65 who works almost all the time, so teaching comes with a challenge. I'm hoping we can drop by this week and teach the last lesson in time for his interview. We were worried about this guy because he believes 100 percent what we're teaching but he only repeats the exact things we say right after we say them. So.. sometimes we feel he's not understanding it for sure. But I'm hoping that all goes well with those 3. They really are ready for baptism, just need a little more teaching is all.

It really is a lot of fun teaching little kids though. A lot easier than adults, and thats no lie. You just make everything a big story! We taught the little dudes the plan of salvation using a tshirt (representing a body and all that). And normoally, that is the hardest lesson to teach people, and they were understanding it to a t. It's fun teaching big, and using your hands to draw pictures while you teach. Also, mostly because they are so ready to learn. Anyway. Kids are fun.

Also put down another fecha for the 8 of march for a young mother named Yahaira. She is a school teacher and reads EVERYTHING WE LEAVE WITH HER. I really like her. She understands and is ready to learn. She lacks papers for marraige, but she has the desire to be baptized, so I have high hopes for her.

Not alot else has changed this week. Didn't get to go to the beach this week, hato mayor still doesn't have any beaches.

Played some phase ten with the other elders today..

Coello (my old comp) got transferred unexpectedly, so now we have Elder Carter (also from honduras). And he's neat.

It makes my day to read about the spiritual/missionary experiences that you guys are having. It really isn't as hard as it seems. Just open your mouse and say what the spirit gives you.

Love you guys, have a delightful week

Elder Tate

Feb 3rd--Beachside!!

Gotta make this light speed quick

Yeah. So TODAY we went to Sabana de la Mar. Where, we played an extremely righteous match of volleyball and then soccer, BEACHSIDE. Sounds peachy, and it really was a lot of fun, but this beach was the pits. Honestly the dirtiest beach I've ever been to.. Had black waves, the DIRTIEST water I've ever seen, covered with rocks, and then we played on this grazzy area. I mean WHERES THE SAND?? But still, lotta fun. Fun to have a day to kick it with the district. ha, kick it with the district, that sounds like it could be a movie or something. 

But we did get back super late, due to problems with our bus, haha. They were waiting at the Testigos de Jehovah (Jehovah wittness) church. Not ours. Is my prophecy correct?? Our churches look the exact same!!

A lot of progress this week with our 3 investigators with the fechas. Just now, we returned from a lesson with Sorangy (who's nine) and Dowrys (who's 11) and we taught the plan of salvation. It was my first time teaching it to kids, so we had some fun with it. We brought one of my t-shirts to explain the purpose of having a body. The shirt because when we put on the shirt just like when our spirit enters our body, we have the freedom to move the shirt any way and any direction we choose. And, with a lot of teaching BIG, like with our hands and stuff, we were able to get through the whole lesson. It was actually pretty cool to see them learn so much. But, them two will for sure be baptized. And our other pal, Vilme, (the hatian) is understanding a lot. We saw him at church again and he is still motivated and ready to learn more.

Oh yeah, we moved al the baptismal dates to the 22 becase our district leader can't make that many visits to interview our baptisms and the baptism of the other elderes in our area. 

I found myself reading a lot out of the Book of Mormon this week. I read all through  2 Nefi and am half way through Mosiah. Its cool to have the desire to just KEEP reading. I love the feelings I get when I read this sacred book. I also set my own little cool goal to finish the BOM in spanich by my birthday. Got a ways to go, but it's a goal I intend to complete. 

As with all of us, we have struggles, man. Sometimes they just punch us right in the face. For me, I sometimes question, "Why does is this so hard, even when I'm trying my best?" But we know these are for OUR benefit, and OUR good. I know if we cling, honestly just CLING to what we know to be true, we cannot be lead astray. 

If we continue fighting for this great cause, we will not be lead astray. 

Mosiah 20:11

Love Love Love

Elder Tate

Jan 27th-- Still Sweating

Last night, I had this dream. In it, our assistant to the president was driving us around downtown Santo Domingo.. All of a sudden, he pulls into COSTO. Later, I found myself scanning the cereal isle and picked up the biggest bag of Waffle Crisp I had ever seen and held it in my hands. This was the happiest discovery of my life and I wanted to share the news with all my friends. Later in that same dream, I remember I was swimming at this glorious beach with buckets of Koolaids and Cactus Coolers on ice ready to be CONSUMED.. The next thing I remember, I'm awake lying in my bed, with my mouth watering, and realizing that I miss my American food. 

Ah....

This week was surpirisingly very eventful. I have an intercambio with Elder Pierre once more in El Seybo. Wayyy up in the mountains. I love it up there, everyone is always so humble and ready to head what we have to share. Then on friday we took the 2 hour gua gua to the capital for a meeting for Bodily's training, and there was PIZZA. And this time I was ready this time. Last time I left my Cholula at home. Ah.. SO GOOD. Work wise, I was a somewhat slow week. Because I was gone for what seemed like half the week, we didn't get as many lessons in as usual. But something extremely uncommon happened yesterday at church..

So we arrived and were sitting in our first class (preisthood), and I saw a fellow I had not seen before sitting in the corner. Shook his hand and all that as found out his name was Vilme. Nothing that out of the ordinary. Then I got sitting with him during third hour which is sacrament. Realized he really likes to sing, and loves to read along with the speakers in the scriptures. I thought ''cool, he likes church''. So we get talking, find out he lives solo, from Haiti, and has really no family in the area. So I ask if it'd be alright if we swing by later to get to know him a little more and share a small message. Much later, while at his house, we find out that he has had a Book of Mormon for the past four years from some sister missionaries who found him in La Romana. And over the years, he has visited many churches and has decided that he wants to be baptized in this church because it's the only one he feels peace in.

So.. We put a fecha. We put the goal for the 15th of Feb for his baptism! Whooo! And more, we hadd two other young kids (9 and 11) who said they wanted to be baptized as well. We are going to work with all of them as much as we can. The younger two have the fecha for the 8th of Feb. But it's just really exciting to put 3 dates down for these happy people to be baptized. 

But for all those cold and shivering at home. Here's a thought I heard from a conference talk this week. I believe it was Elder Andersen. He said: Often times we become sad and start feeling sorry for ourselves because we forget our eternal Identity and Purpose. We as all literal sons and daughter of a God up above who have infinite love and power. If we stop and really think about that, it should definitely change the way we look at things. I know none of us are perfect in this world, but we are loved by one who is. I know I'm preaching to the choir, but keep that in your thoughts when you feel insignificant or not up to par. Love you guys more than you know. I'm grateful for your continued support as many of our friends and family are out serving the Lord on missions. 

Va con Dios!

Isaiah 40:31

Elder Tate

Jan 20th-- Eating Popcorn

Had a thought this week.

You know how that burger place chadders completely copied in-n-out. And for that reason, in-n-out throws another restaurant down in every city that chadders does and all that? You know what I'm talking about? So it finally clicked this week. Los Testigos de Jehovah (Jevovah's witnesses) do the exact same thing. They've got missionaries here that go door to door, they have church activites and meetings the exact same hour as us.. They even have the same looking plaque on the front part of their church. Like seriously, I had to take a double take to make sure it wasn't us. I feel that they're just following our lead. Except the whole our church is actually the one that's true.. Haha just a thought I had this week.

Week one in my new area! I feel like I need a disclaimer for this..

So, the dude who was training the kid I'm now training, left us 0, I'm serious, ZERO progressing investigators. They solely worked with their two baptisms, visited members and all that, then they'd call it a day. 

So.... As you could probably guess, we worked a lot with contacting this week. And really, just got to know the area a little better. Met tons of new people, and we'll be visiting them later this week. I also found out that we have a seriously SUPER BIG MEGA HUGE GIGANTIC proselyting area. Theres piles of people who live off the grid in this campaso area called the ''China'' because all the streets are named after fruits! Pretty cool actually. But it's just about and hour walk each way, so we have to plan around that looong journey. Fun times. But I'm feeling like things are shaping up.

It's fun taking the reigns on teaching. I{m feeling really comfortable now teaching in spanish. Bodily's coming along, he's got a great attitude for the work, and his spanish is progressing pretty well, it all just comes with time. But it's cool to read back to the days of the CCM and listen to me whine about how harrrrrd spanish is. HA! And that was only a short 4 months past.

Today we (FINALLY) had Parque al Este. It's been cancelled for the first two transfers I've been here. And both times we had already paid our passage and were in a gua gua on our way there... Irritating.

Was super great. Played soccer pretty much all day, and downed 9 (a new personal record) Skimice, (which is the best thing that ever happened to popsicles...), and finished off with ''drumroll please..'' McDonalds BABY!!! It's amazing how much differently I look at the Macdonalds now that I'm here out on the mission. I just died when I put my harbeñero classic/McChicken/cheesburger/PILE of fries ALL IN ONE burger in my mouth. Honestly, I miss the convienece of having my Wendys and other fast food.

 But MAN, these fools know how to play soccer, I mean WOW! I was blown away. I was one of the 3 americans who played. Honestly one of the best days I've had here 

Found out who our new mission pres is! He's african.. served in the San Juan Puerto Rico Mission. Name's Ahmad S. Corbitt. That's pretty much all I know.

Got a hair cut

I can't move my legs enough to stand up

Que mas....

Have another exchange wayyy up yonder in the mountains with Elder Pierre (the dude from Haiti) in El Seybo tomorrow. Woo hoo

Eating popcorn.

Lovin the Mish

Aight. Well keep me updated with all your lives. You all are super neat people and you all are honestly in my thoughts. Always remember to be that super happy kid that smiles all the time. It helps make peoples days.

Nos Vemos

Elder Tate!

Jan 13th-- President's Been Getting Some Crazy Revelation Cause....

So we get this thing called Apoyo every fifteen days.. It's our money for food, water, all that. Because I have not been as thifty as I usually am.... I've been fed this past week by nothing more than Avena, and Banana Pancakes. I'm realizing I have not been eating up to my full potential. These pancakes are DELICIOUS. Just take your oats, (oh yeah, avena means oats), your two mini smashed bananas, pancake dust, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and a little tad of salt. 

They are legendary.

A lot has happened this week that's worth mentioning..

Went on an intercambio for TWO days in Seybo this week. Wayy up in the mountains and more campo than Hato Mayor. It was absolutely interesting. It's like a mini-Haiti. Everyone there is tri-lingual(creole, french and spanish), stinky, super interested, and Hatian. I was on the split with a dude who is from Port au prince which is a nicer city in Haiti. This dude, is rediculous. He knows 3 languages perfectly and can talk with me in english, about as well as I can to him in spanish. Super neat. 

None of our investigators made it church this week. It's hard to have your investigators progressing so much, and then have them miss church. But everyone always has agency. We didn't put a fecha for Elizabeth, she was in the capital for most of the week taking tests or something like that. But we did teach Martyre again and he is for sure gonna get baptized, just with time. Really, all our investigators are progressing, they're just not really keeping commitments like they should. We'll keep praying, I'm not losing hope. 

Other than that, I've actually got some killer news...

More about that later. I'm happy that Utah is still getting dumped on. But I would appreciate it if you all could just keep me out of the loop on all the latest snow updates. It's my first winter ever without seeing snow, and I'm dying. I was actually starting to get a little sick, and I swear its because my body is used to wearing a coat by now and wants to know whats going on. Some nights I dream that I'm back on the mountain, with the pals.. So HA! I've got snow over here too!

It's unbelievable.. so transfer's up. A lot of changes. Elder Bodily's companion goes to the captial. He's the new Elder from Hyrum Utah. And the rest of us stay. BUT, heres the ringer. Molina was Bodily's trainer, and with him gone, I guess President's been getting some crazy revelation cause, I'm going to finish his training! I won't be in my area anymore, I'll be in his area, Hato Mayor B, just a little bit further down from the church. So all that work with investigators these past two transfers is now in the hands of Coello. Just picture it, me..  Elder Tate, a trainer. CRAZY. 

I'm still not fluid with the language as much as I'd like to be, but I have faith that the Lord will continue to guide us in this work. Just like how Joseph Smith, a young man of 14, felt unqualified, uneducated, and unprepared, he put his trust in the Lord. I know the reason Joseph was chosen to have such an important calling is because he was humble. Says in Alma 32:23 that the Lord chooses the weak thing of the world to confound the wise. I can honestly say, I believe that. Counting on your prayers this transfer!

Just found out last night too, that my good ol pal Elder Pedersen is training the companion Bodily had in the CCM in oeste. Small world. 

Pasan Bueana Semana!

Elder Tate

Dec 30th-- Skype Baby!

Oh boy. What a fun fun week! Nothing too out of the regular happened except for Skpe baby!! I have no idea why, but those zone leaders of ours told us that we could skype home twice this year. Once before Christmas, and once the day of. What a treat. I loved every minute of it, got to catch up with my beautiful smiley FAMILY. But yeah, Christmas was super tranquilo. Ate a members house just before heading over to skype, and lemme tell ya. If I ever recieve news that I only have a few weeks left in my life to live. Every single one of those days would be filled with this juiice. We had this Juice. Out of this world. At first it looked really sketchy, he throws down a 5 gal bucket right out of the fridge (my first thought was that he made it in the tub 5 minutes before we arrived) and start filling up our glasses. Reluctantly I starting partaking of the ¨will I get sick or not juice´ and I just died. SO GOOD. If i knew how to use bold on this keyboard I would. Ah.. I want some right now. If you want to know how to make it, ask me later.. I'm not leaving this area without that recipe. 

Okay.. enough about the juice. 

Also, we had some noticable progress this week. And so did the other Elders in the house! We had our usual visit with Elizabeth, she has a boyfriend on the mission and has been taking lessons from the missionaries since may. But this visit we may have broken down a wall that has been in the way of her progression for quite a while. She believes and has a testimony, but her motivation (obviously) is her loverboy out on the mission. She wants him to baptize her when he returns. But this week, while at her house, Elder Coello shared about how when he left out on his mission his girlfriend wasn't a member. But she was baptized by the missionaries when he was only a couple months in, he shared how happy it made him feel, and made him want to work all that much more. She then said that she would seriously think about it and said maybe a little later into January!!! Boom. We're prayin for her. And the other Elders found some golden investigators as well. They had been taught by the previous missionaries in the area, and all they had to do was invite. A 14 year old and her mom. Can't remember their names, but they will be baptized later this month. Woo hoo! 

I still want some of that juice

Oh yeah, also.. ALSO. I made a monumental discovery this past week. The Iberia, our little grocery store, sells bratwust. I know, I didn't believe it either. Shipped all the way from Wisconsin, USA. They've got Cheddar Brats here for me to devour. I would tell you the story of my first reunion with them, but It would take about 10 minutes to type. Just ask me in 20 months haha.

But nah, what else? Oh yeah, we had a water balloon fight this morning! so rad. We've had these water balloons sitting around the house from the last elders here, but we haven't been able to use them because the fossits here to work with little head peice to fill up the balloons, BUT. But, my brains of a companion realized that we could just use our Red Rock soda bottles and fill them that way. So yeah, Elder Molina and I were on the roof of our neighbors house, other Elders on the Balcony. Let me just say, there was a battle a Batallón this day. I'll see if I can't put a picture up. Yeah pretty solid pday, went hiking today too to show the new guys. 

New years is always a special time of the year. Time to reflect on all the things that went unaccomplished, unresolved, and unfinished. But this years different. This will be the only year in my life where every single day , 365 , I will be a missionary. Its a cool thought. My year to really get it. If you know me, you know I don't like to be wrong. But out here, I'm getting used to being wrong. Learning a new language and culture is really something that's teaching me. I'm learning patience, something that has never come easy to me. You're gonna know a different Elder Tate than you knew 4 months ago. I'm tellin ya. I hope we can all set some spiritual goals this new year. Something that will build us up into the people our father in heaven wants us to be. Start brand new, its our time man. 

GAME ON 2014

Love love love you guys, Love hearing from you!

I'll try and organize my letters a little more for next time. 

If you're ever feelin down low and all that, you oughtta read some of the last chapters B.o.M. Powerful stuff. 7 8 and 9 and 10. That'll help you remember we're here for a purpose from our Father who knows all.

Church is True 

Elder Tate

Christmas Eve Pictures

We made tostones and other fun treats with a family in the ward! 

Merry Christmas Everyone!!

-Elder Tate

Dec 16th-- Christmas Came Early!

ITS THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME.......

                              .....OF THE YEAR

Hey well, I hate to say it.. But Christmas came early. I made a couple trips to the capital this week for meetings and picked up not one but TWO packages filled with goodies. Time to made every living soul jealous. I opened up 6 - SIX Bottles of Cholula for christmas. I'm reading the words on this page, and it still doesn't seem real. Among other neccessities like sour patch kids and 4 bottles of Bath and Body Works soaps, these packages contained the keys to my temporal happiness out here on the mission. It's the most wonderful time of the year.

Today, I had my mind. Blown. We were heading up to Savana de la Mar to have a District Activity. So we m 

et up with the other Elders from Seybo and got in the car. It was a 1990's Hyundai (about the same size as an Astro-van) Just a normal sized van, right. We start piling in, seriously packing the car tight. By the time we got rolling, we have 22.. I'm serious, twenty two healthy sized dominicans crammed into this van. It was unbelieveable. And also my worst experience traveling here thus far. haha I wish I could have taken a picture somehow

Speaking of pictures.. I also today completely ruined every picture I have taken here in the past three months.. Woo. I was getting my LDS jams off a computer today off the church computer.. And I guess our of no where I clicked that I wanted to format all of my pictures, and while doing so I put a nasty virus on my memory card at the same time.. So, yeah. Happy day. 

Like I said earlier, we took a couple trips to the capital today. One on wednesday, and another friday. And that saturday after, we did an all day painting service job for one of our investigators. (it shouldn't have taken all day, but turns out that Elder Coello is planning on being the worlds next Picasso, and takes 5 times as long to paint as a normal person..) Between district meeting and all of our other activities this week, we didn't get a lot of lessons in this week. We did however, get the chance to visit Isabel (with the baptismal date), Saturday. To see if she had things in order to visit chuch Sunday. We had a meeting that thursday, but she was no where to be found. One of the neighborhood boys said she was with his dad, we figured he didn't know what he was talking about and just rescheduled for Saturday. So there we are saturday, summing up our lesson and we invite to church -- , She said she had a family reunion in the after noon, but she would try and make it the next week for sure. We reminded her that church in in the morning, then she informed us that she couldn't attend because she is waiting on someone in the morning. We're just about 99% positive she is seeing someone.. who is already married. So.. yeah. Time for a lesson n the law of chastity I suppose. 

But, na.. Mission's lovely. Honestly, I'm having the time of my life. I'm teaching more, and understangding nearly everything that goes on while we teach. Everything else.. Not so much. But it feel it coming. I don't have to translate my thoughts while I teach as much as I did before. It's neat to see that my tongue is adjusting as well. Any how. I hope all yall are getting into the christmas spirit. I miss all of you very much, and love to read up on how you're all doing. As always, and forever.. The church is still true. God lives, and loves us. Christmas is time for families.

¡Pasan Buena Semana de Navidad!

Elder Tate

Dec 9th-- The Annual "Walk Around Town at Midnight on Your Horse Celebration"

How are you my freezing friends? I am happy to let you all know that I am wearing shorts and flip flops right now, and am looking out to a super blue, sunny sky. 

Winter is pretty rough here.

This week.. regular haha. It's hard to say when the week really begins! The days are all smashed into a teaching/contacting time continuim.

But I've got a few things I could write about that went down this week. 

Well, I've picked up reading this week.. Not entirely by choice either. While I waited to hear from my new comp I thought it would be a good idea to read that book by Elder Ballard in the Missionary Library. I was expecting the call around 11, when I'd go pick him up at the park, get settled in, and then go to our Citas we had scheduled for that day. TURNS OUT that he was told to go to the mission home in Santo Domingo and meet up there. So... I had the whole day with absolutely nothing to do. Woo woo! I'm tellin ya, they could have made a show on the Discovery called '' A Day In the Life of Elder Tate '' with what I did. I cleaned the house.. took a nap.. read.. I cleaned out our momma cocoa bean (which was actually pretty fun, we made it into chocolate today) que más? I wrote letters.. sewed up a few ties.. I was BORED. 

Until finally, when ten thrity rolled around. My compañeros showed up! I guess they missed the guay guay or something.. becuase it shouldn't have taken that long. Anyway, mi nuevo compa nacio en Honduras! Elder Molina (the Elder from Belize) got a son, Elder Bodily,  from Hyrum, Utah. It was fun to see that we knew some of the same people. And Breanna, it turns out that he's related to Houston Bodily a cousin or something like that (he looks exactly like him with that face that sags a little bit..) 

And then theres Elder Coello, From Honduras, 22, no sense of hygiene, and my new companion. He's got a good heart, but man.. He's nasty. We went to the store this week and he had in his cart a big (BIG) squirt bottle of Mayonaise, can or sardines, and a bag of rolls. He douses his rolls generously with that mayo, other than adding to his plethora of acne, when combined with the sardines his breath becomes a lethal weapon. So I keep back. He doesn't mind walking around the house bare foot, wearing the same work shirts twice, and missing the occasional shower. But, hey! We're in the DR, so I suppose it doesn't matter all that much. haha. 

Isabel didn't make it out to chruch (again) this week. But it's okay, because she had a valid excuse: she was doing laundary. . . facepalm

But she impressed us this week, when we again invited her to pray to see if the Book of Mormon was true. I can't remember who way saying it, but she cut us off to tell us that she already knew that if was true. Leaving both of us wide eyed and speechless. I'm glad she's progressing. Our other investigators don't have any real noticable progress, but I have faith in them! And include them often in my prayers. 

Oh... my goodness..... We had the best contact this week. I LOVE CONTACTING. So we're just passing some of our neighboring houses, which we've done a thousand times. When I saw out the corner of my eye a Woman I hadn't seen before with her new born little baby. I thought we should turn back and see if we could share a short message with her. I asked to share a scripture with her and she accepted. Mateo 11:28 y 29. It was one she knew well, and was able to recite it with me as I read. The conversation turned to our message and what church we represent. We got on the topic of modern day prophets.. Man I hate when people are so ignorant when it comes to religion. She believed in the Bible, but doesn't understand basic, BASIC, concepts like profets and apostles. This crazy, dumber that a bag of hammers, lady said she that she WAS

Also this week, because Hato Mayor is so ghetto and way out in the country, they hosted their annual Walk Around Town at Midnight on Your Horse Celebration. There were over 200 maybe 300 horses struttin all over town in the middle of the night, then magically they vanished before we arose the next day. haha. Sooo much poop. Endless piles, and I mean PILES, of poop on the streets. It was bad news for the clean air we usually enjoy out here haha.

It's rather odd starting off the Christmas season without the anxiety for snow storms, stress of buying presents, and stress of finishing up on tests before the holiday break. It's easy to forget that all of that still exists for my friends and family back at home. I'm grateful for all the fun times I shared with each and every one of you, snowboarding... doing doughnuts out on the ice/utah lake.. with michael, drinking endless amounts of hot chocolate seriously till we were sick and peeing every hour. I miss all of that. But it helps me to remember that I'm helping to build up the Kingdom of God. Like I've said before, this is his time, not mine. I'm in his hands now. I pray that I may bring the greatest gift that can be given this year to people here. The gift of Eternal Life and the Peace in this life that is only found in his church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Like I said earlier, I read some this week. Finished Elder Ballard's ''Our Search for Happiness'', the book ''Our Heritage'' and I'm about 50sh pages into ''Jesus the Christ'' Reading these inspired books, especially Elder Ballards, has broadened my perspective of what non members need to feel to experience conversion. I pray for the spirit in this sacred work. I'm grateful to know that I'm not wasting my time out here. All of our contributions have worth. Especially now in this Chistmas time, It's important to remember charity ¨¨ for charity never faileth. Love Love Love you all! Have a super week!

Elder Tate

Nov 25th-- Our Apartment

SALUDO

Man.. before I start I forgot to tell you about our apartment.. What a delight! Theres nice, clean running water.. Tasty Milk and other safe vegetables in the fridge.. A stove with unlimited gas and A hot, steamy Dishwasher to disinfect and sterilize. Ah.. Its so convenient to not have to worry about all of that.. 

Oh wait.. I am describing an AMERICAN MISSIONARY APARTMENT. Haha, I thought of that the other day and it made me laugh. ha

The week's been swell. We had some progress with a couple investigators. But Isabel, I don't know if it told you about Isabel, we sat down and read out of the Book of Mormon in 3 Ne where Christ appears to his people in the Americas. And somehow.. SOMEHOW IT WAS QUIET WHILE WE WERE TEACHING!! I have no clue how that happened. The spirit was much more apparent in this silent time. I'm grateful for that time that the spirit was able to teach. She is making great progress as she reads. Our other investigators don't read, or don't keep commitments.. But we'll keep working with them.

This upcoming week is Elder Ford's last week in the mission. He's Done. Everyone has been telling me that I'm almost guarenteed to get a latin comp to finish my training. So, I'm sure that will help as I learn this nutso language. 

I have to tell you about this.. So the other day the ward gathered at an Awesome Doña's house. And we were saying goodbye to a member who is going to be spending christmas with some family in Washington. But anyway, after most the people left, we were just sitting in her family room and she asked if we wanted  some bread and milk. And of course, If you offer Elders' food they are going to accept, right. So I got a Tall glass of milk and some kind of hot dog bun bread. Looking at the milk, it seemed like it was fine. She said it was Natural Milk, and I didn't really put two and two together. But that milk was. The. Most. Awful. substance I have ever ingested in my life. It tasted like feet, arms, bones, eggs, diapers, and garbage put in a blender and set in the sun for a month. I thought for sure I was gonna be sick. All my comp's laughed cause they knew the milk is bad here. I guess I learned the hard way. That night was rough. hahaha Live and learn.

Today, we went and asplored a really old cave called fun fun. (I didn't realize it was spelled fun fun until we got there) But we spent the morning wandering the captivating mountains and jungles of Hato Mayor. We got a deal to spend half the day for like 200 pesos so it was all reasonable. I wish I could attach more than a couple photos. Its magnificient out here. So that was a lot of fun for us. Lot of Bats in the cave, LOTS. What else.. 

No thanksgiving here! I don't think Dominicans even know about it to be honest, It's not really the dominican thing to do.. Eat a lot food haha. I want to be very clear. Do not send me any photos of thanksgiving. I will not have it! I don't even want to remember that gravy and rolls exist for another 20 months. Okay?? 

Hasn't rained in like a week and a half. Pretty hot here, not gonna lie. Can't wait for summmer!! Gonna Sweat like never before. Woo Woo! But I'm callin this little chunk of Sweat land home for the next while. Ima sent a letter home thursday. My hope is its not too late to get there by Navidad. If its late.. Sorry. But know I love you all the same. Thanks for all the prayers you offer up for the missionaries. Sometimes we forget how many people are back home supporting us. I'm grateful for this oppurtunity to serve and especially for all of you. Have a Fat fat Thanksgiving. With lots of pie... Ice cream.. Ok I have to stop. Love you Guys!

Pasan buena semana

Elder Tate

Nov 18th-- Elder Ford is Dying!

¿Como le va?

Hey hey. I forgot my notebook containing golden things I could write about.. But I forgot it at the house. Haha. Freestyle! So this week was goooood. We have a couple investigators that we placed book of mormons to. Theres Dominic, I've got a good feeling with Dominic. She has two kids and really feels the spirit and UNDERSTANDS what we're teaching. Then, Isabel. Also has two kids and is in the same situation as Dominic where the husband isn't faithful or just decides he's done and leaves. Its pretty common here, Dominicans are.. Well lets just say they arent usually very realistic haha. If you could spend a day in a dominican's head man. That'd be funny. 

But no, the work is pretty good here. We have people to teach, but no one understands simple things about prophets and athourity so we teach on a pretty simple level with most people. 

Elder Ford's dying! He's got two weeks left in his mission. He's a super great guy, and is a great trainer. He really is proof to me that people change. He's turned his life around to be here. And is still working hard, even on his last transfer. Super proud of my Papa. Proud to be his Son. So because Ford's leaving, we took a trip to the Capital today to pick up some suvineirs (I wish I had spell check right now, haha) for his family . Machetes and cool boat things and shells and stuff. I got me a new Bolsa, I sweat too much with that huge backpack haha. (sorry dad) But we got some great pictures in gazguay right outside the capital.Thats where we took these pictures today. Hey, if you want to send me another memory card or if you want me to use some debit card apoyo I could send you the actual memory card with some pictures I've taken here so far. For christmas or something? Let me know. 

Oh yeah! We ran into some AMERICANS this week. Super crazy.. So get this, They are missionaries too. But their kind of missionary work is more in the food department. They run a cafe for some reason. Don't ask me..  But we talked with two of em for like 3 hours I swear about what we believe, why we're here. They mostly tried to prove us wrong with totally random scriptures in the bible. They think the Bible is perfect. I'm like, Boy are you crazy? (in my head...) I wanted to smack him a couple times with his bible man. But it was good quote and quote practice to teach with ignorant americans. haha. I think I'm just stubborn because they're so close to having the truth but recognize right away. 

Qué más.. I'm speaking a little better. I still don't say what I want to say but the sentences are sorta making sense. Sort of. I feel like having an English comp has hindered me a little, but he's a good guy. Hey! We gave talks this sunday! I spoke about la fe. And how faith helps us... Do something. I can't remember exactly. Everyone was listening though! Mostly due to the fact that my words were very poorly pronounced when I was reading scriptures. I like to think of it as a when a little squat baby is learning to speak, except I am no where as a baby that lives here. But yeah, Good week. I hope all yalls are feeling good! Remember to smile, wave to someone! Hug your Family, Family! haha. Little things like that go far with most people. Its nice to know you have friends, thats true with everyone. This true IS TRUE. How lucky we are to know Jesus is our Savior! I love all of you, and I keep you in my slow, choppy, spanish prayers. Have a wonderful week

Elder Tate

Nov 11th-- I'm Getting Fat

Saca Fe!

How we doin Family?? (Friends.. If ever had any) Haha. This week was just wild! I´ll tell ya about a couple things that went down this week.. Martes the day after Pday we got RAIN. I wish I could paste the video.. but there were honestly rivers going down the street, it was nuts. So, what do four Elders do with weather such as this? yeah, we go run over to the baseball fields and play with all the little kids. Body sliding.. Racing the little men, around the diamond. That was a rainstorm I will never forget. The rain here is fierce. And then today we thought we´d go hiking up a nearby Mountain Jungly place. The view was marvaleous. I was wearing some shorty shorts and so, when walking through the grass, I got crazy itchy.. But it was definitely worth it. 100 times worth it. Out here its greener than any green I´ve seen back home. Even washington (sorry breanna). I´ll see if this ghetto computer will let me throw some photos in. Those were two fun things we did this week.

Other than that, we are busy busy. We have so many investigadores right now, our schedules are full til wednesday. Honestly I don´t know how it happened either. Yesterday, Sunday.. (The day we don´t contact in the morning) We were swinging by a less´active to pick her up for church, and we had 3, not lying, 3 people come up and tell us they have seen us around and we got 3 more investigators in like.. 15 minutes. God is preparing the hearts of the people we teach, and I love it. Its cool being a missionary. Putting on that tag every day, I was telling my comp. Theres power in that little tiny plaque, People know who we are.. and they like what we represent. When we tell new investigators that we are here for two years they are astonished and can´t understand why we would sacrifice so much.. It makes me feel proud of my title as a missionary. 

But a couple things I feel you should know...

I am getting fat. I know what you might be thinking.. yeah right.. You don´t have a stove, you´re living on a missionary budget. But its a serious problem. This week, my comp promised he´d help whip me into shape. Its just different here.. Sodas are 15 pesos (about a quarter) the empanadas are 25 pesos.. The cheap food is taking over. But its soooo good. I finally used the last drops of my cholula on an empanada the other day.. It was like saying goodbye to another piece of home.. The hot sauce here stinks. Dominican food has NO flavor. They just eat rice, man. Rice and Pinto Beans. Haha I apologize if I´m not making a whole lot of sense.. Its just been a real exciting day. I appreciate all of the kind words all of you have sent me. It really boosts my spirits to read about how you all are doing. Okay.. I´ll see if I can write down some thoughts before typing next week. The letter might have a little more direction. Love you Guys. and.. Girls. Haha keep that smile on, Tiene no verguenza a cerca el evangelio. La obra es verdadero. Este Evangelio es para todo. Yo se vive me Señor.

Have a fantastic week 

Elder Tate

Nov 4th-- It's Time for me to Pay it Forward

Que Tal!

Hey.. I told my self that I was gonna write the family letter FIRST this time. Last time I was rushed.. haha. The week was super, all of our days were F U L L. Lessons from dawn til.. dusk_ Is that how you say it_ Things in the DR are swell.. Always sweating, always. Recently though Ive been drinking tons of soda I ll probably have a kidney stone by the next time I write. I apologize if the puncuation of this letter is no good, Im on a spanish keyboard and it messes with letter writing haha. But man Its great here, This week it rained MEGA. Every day we had to take shelter like twice each day it was raining so hard. Fiesty storms.. Like really, its scary how hard it hits the ground sometimes haha. But this week was pretty cool, I got to use my music backround a little bit. At one of our investigators we were teaching and then this Joven brought out a trombone, and I said Hey! I used to play that (in junior high like forever ago) but yeah, they cleaned the mouth piece and I played some songs I remember from all the way back. And another time, I think thursday, we got stopped by a less active member. He was in the congregation sunday and saw that I played hymns and such. So he asked me to teach him lessons!!!! What is this?? (HA I just found the question mark button sweet.) So we set a date to teach him a little bit, he didnt show but it was still pretty cool to think of myself as a teacher ahha. The kids here, man. Theyve got flare! Me and Elder Ford were tossing a baseball around during lunch last week and saw a bunch of young guys getting together to play. They were amazing! All all of them were like fifteen or sixteen. Some kids here dont go to school.. they just play ball. Thats it. Its nuts man, these kids are gonna be in the world series, no joke. I love it though, every day when I arise, I eat my bowl a cereal and watch the sun rise. Its so pretty up here in the mountains. So green and fresh. The early hours in the morning are great from reading, thinking, and eating pineapple. mmm. But I tell you what, the people here are so FUNNY. I can{t really understand whats going on but they laugh.. and laugh all the time. haha. For the second week in, Im feeling good. Right now Im speaking on a I think, 3 or four year old level. But hey! Thats better than a month ago haha. Its cool being a missionary, getting to feel the spirit so much every single day is a priviledge for me. I feel blessed that my trainer isnt a tig. A Tigre is basically someone who lounges around and does nothing. Hes on his last transfer and hes still working man. So Im greatful for that. We have companion exchanges this thursday, Im going with this ugly guy from peru. He is ugly ugly. But its only for a day. Today was great, we took the bus into san Pedro and had some burger with the Elders in the Area. (Not sure what meat it was made of haha) The Bus is awesome, so pretty and green. Sugar cane as far as the eye can see. 

Im greatful for all of you, I love opening the email thing and seeing all these letters, asking how I am. Thank you for that. Its time for me to pay it foward, the people hear and ready and waiting to hear our message. This has been the hardest thing I have ever loved doing. The language is tough, teaching is tough, the schedule is tough. But I know the Lord is with me every minute, and He didn{t send me here to fail. I know Jesus Live. This is his Church. I Have been using some of Thomas Monsons words about how good timber doesn{t grow with ease. (you should look it up) Keep smiling. Be a good example for you fellow MAN! ok. Take it easy

DC 132 49

Love love love you guys

Elder Tate

Oct 28th-- This Place is off the Hook!

Heya Family!!

Sorry it took so long to get a letter back.. We left the CCM on a Tuesday and the Pday was Monday.. haha

But man. I´m in the DR. I´m gonna tell you right now, theres no way I could even begin to tell you what my past week has been like. You just gotta see what I´m seeing! This place is off the hook. It´s always a party for Dominicans. They¨re crazy! Everyone drives a little motor bike around.. Everyone! And if they´re not on a motor, they have a car with STACKS of subwoofers.. So loud... and so perfect. Oh, I guess it would be good to talk a little bit about my companion! His name is Elder Ford.. He´s from Arizona. I´m his first trainee.. And man, He´s patient with me. He is also on his last transfer!! But he´s still pretty cool. But yeah.. This place is much much different than anything back at home. The showers are cold (which feels amazing), You´re ALWAYS sweating. Always. Its how I picture life in College. Our stove is broken so we only eat like Ceareal and PB Js. I promise next week, I´ll write the family letter first. I´m totally fazzled. I´m gonna patch some pictures from a service project that we did saturday. We went to this farm wayyyy out in the Jungle. It was like straigh out of the movies.. It was a fruit tree farm, I´m pretty sure it was owned by the Church.. Take a wild guess of what we did.. we planted TREES!! They were also making dulces in the back out of stright milk. They were so Good! I tasted like Fudge but a little different, they were cooking in the biggest pot i have ever seen. We planted so many trees though, I planted like 15 just by myself. Then after we went to the river and took pictures. Fun stuff. The people here are excellent. I can´t speak spanish worth beans but I get by.. I feel humbled every day.. Every time I try and speak with a Dominican. Even just now when I bought some more time on the computer.. I have no clue what they´re saying. But I do know that this mission is for me. There are people here that have been prepared for me. I just need to prepare myself to teach them! Oh yeah.. And I guess I got assigned to be the ward organist! They asked me if I played and I had no idea what I was getting myself into. haha It was so funny, after the Member on the Bishopbric announced the next speaker.. I thought he was telling the congregation what song we were singing next, (bc he announced both) so there I go, I started playing the intermediate hymn while the speaker was walking up. It was so funny.. The whole congregation started laughing. hahaha whoops! One more thing.. You know how in the movies out of nowhere it will just start raining.. like pouring rain. Well I can attest that that really happens. In the middle of sacrament seriously the biggest rainstorm I have ever seen Just BOOM. before you could even blink happened. It rained harder than I have ever seen before in my life. CRAZY RAIN. But it clears in like 10 minutes haha Its funny. Hey. I Promise a longer letter next week. My companion is giving me the look. But really, Don´t worry about me, I´m doing my best to love every moment here, I´m safe because my companion could take anyone who tried to pick a fight with us. The church is true and I´m excited to be a part of this Missionary Wave thats happening. Love you guys!!! Be Safe and.. Righteous! 

Oct 17th-- This Mission is for me!

Que lo Que Mi Padres, Hermanas y Hermano!

Como Estan?? How are you guys?? I bet the weather's starting to turn.. It should be snowing by now haha. Hope the kids are adjusting to school, new classes and new responsibilities! I bet it's crazy once again moving out of Grandma's and into the house in Lehi. It will all be worth it once its finished i'm sure. I was just talking to some Elders who were visiting the Temple today from my same mission. They said "Oh! you're Elder Tate? You've got a stack of letters, like a STACK of letters waiting for you." haha so I'm sorry if I didn't write back to you. It's on my list. Recently I've been craving.. so bad. Wendy's. I made the mistake of eating a Ceaser Salad basically every day the last two weeks before I left.. Bad move. haha I'll attach some pictures of what we eat, Rice and beans.. and some times we get lucky and have Octopus!! Its probably not that but it's my closest guess. haha. Its wild! Today is my last day in the CCM. Last Pday with air-conditioning.. prepared meals.. my companion.. All that. We've decided that the CCM is the only place in the DR that is still part of the US. Its English, White, and everyone has a wallet full of money. But I'm ready for a change of scene. Six weeks is a long time. But you can only learn so much from a Teacher. I feel comfortable teaching more or less and the language will come when it comes. This Sunday, me and Elder Cole got to bless the Sacrament in SPANISH. Crazy. I'm a believer in the gift of Tongues. But I would like to share a little about our experience doing splits this past friday. It was an experience I will never forget!

Lets see if I have enough time to cover what we did. So we're on the bus with all the Elders going east. Maybe like.. 20-30 minute bus ride, not too bad. Then the busdriver pulled over on the side of a busy intersection and pointed and said to walk that way. After what? An HOUR of walking we couldn't find our Elders who were taking us. Just try and picture this scence for a minute. 15-20 white, american, clueless, did I mention White? Guys just walking up and down the streets of Santo Domingo. But yeah, so me and this other guy Elder Brockbank walked in a small little office building that read (I'll translate) "Charity and Good Will". Turns out its a Funeral Home, but they let us use their phone, so we called the East Mission Home - They called the AP and about vente minutos despues we had our new compañeros for the night. Haha pretty funny. So I was paired with Elder Coc, who is from Peru.. Or Guatemala or something. What a stud. He only stood up to about my chin, but he was always so relaxed and comfortable with everyone we met. I'm tellin' ya, we talked to a lot of people. It was great. After walking through just about every tunnel, through dirty, flooded walk-ways. I can't tell you how good we have it in America.. In American, you don't work, you get unemployment benefits and food stamps. Here when you don't work, you don't eat, your family doesn't eat. And you start running out of options, quick. I found out after that the Elder Coc is serving in had recently just been reopened. They were saying it was the most poverty-stricken area in all of the city. What I saw was the poorest living Santo Domingo has to offer. But I'm tellin ya, every single person let us in and wanted to know more. I'm glad there's people in this world who live without prejudice. Its hard for me to find the works to describe the things I saw. It's one of those things one must experience to understand. I guess I'm starting to see what Dad was talking about when he visited Africa.

But let me tell ya. This mission is for me. I wouldn't even think about serving any where else. I wish I could sit down with you all individually and just talk. Because I don't have that, Letters will have to suffice for now. 

I've learned so much these past weeks. About the gospel, the language, dominicans. I've loved it. I can feel the spirit with ease inside the walls of the CCM. I'm gonna miss that. But hey, keep the letters coming as you have time to write. I'd love to hear how you are all doing in your everyday. The East Mission's pday is Lunes (monday) and we leave early tuesday.. So you'll probably hear form me next tuesday! Love you guys, thanks for your rockstar examples for me! Haz lo justo! 

Mosiah 2 : 41

Elder Tate

OCT 10th-- A Letter in Spanish Translated into Spanglish

Como Estan??

Este semana el sesafio de distrito Shiblon fue hable solomente en español. En tonces, estoy escribiendo mi carte en español (o trato) Quiero compartir unas palabras de Republica Dominicana. haha. La slang aqui es muy comica. Primero, es la prasa "es un cachú" la significa es "facil como cachú" Cachú es ketchup en igles haha. Uno mas... Si usted dijo "ella es puppy shampoo" (sí como Habone) significa ella es "Sassy" o "Smarty pants". No entiendo esto mucho haha. "Chevre" es como "cool" en estados unidos.. es muy comon aquí. Que más? Oh, sí a vesas, se va la luz, También "apagones". Fue muy Chevre, yo cambio mi corbata con un Elder de las Latinos. La corbata tiene un pictoro a el temple Lima, Peru. Es muy Chevre. Yo envie un carta via Correo pero no se si la carte que reciben para ustedes. También, nosotros escuchamos Elder Bednar una dias pesado, sobre la characteristics de Cristo. Probablemente mi favoritisimo discourso en la CCM.

Es comica.. Alguien llamar me ahora me primero nomber.. Es comica porque yo casi oldivar mi primero nombre fue Kline. Haha Estoy muy cansado de mi companéro pero, esta bien. 12 dias más!. También Mañana nosotros vamos el Campo. Splits! Ahora no se mucho español pero, estoy esperar entiendo un poco otro vez. Los mangoes y Piña es Mi amor, Mucho!. Cada dia yo como las mangoes. MAs Fresco y suave. Es loco para mi pienso la tiempo afuera en Utah estan muy frio.. Porque aqui la tiempo es mucho calor todos los dias. Estoy agradicido por la Aire de frio en la CCM

Entonces.. Yo espero ustedes vivir feliz, y tienen un buina semana. Oh sí.. La universidad fuy muy bueno semana pesado! Aunque Elder Cole hablar con personas muy muy mucho. En no saber cuando parar. Así es. Mas o menos yo estoy animado y Anhelar por cambiar en la semanas proxima. Yo siempre te amó.

(La proxima carte en ingles) haha Lo siento si no comprendo.

Hasta Luego!

Elder Tate

With a little help from google translate:

How Are ?

This week the district sesafio Shiblon was solomente talk in Spanish . In then , I'm writing my carte in Spanish (or treatment) I want to share some words of Dominican Republic. haha . The slang here is very comical . First, is the Prasa "is a cachú " the meaning is " easy as cachú " Cachú is igles ketchup haha . One more ... If you said " she is puppy shampoo " (yes as habone ) means she is " Sassy " or " Smarty pants" . I do not understand this much haha . " Chevre " is like "cool" in united states .. is very comon here . What else? Oh , yeah vesas , the power goes out , also " blackouts " . It was very Chevre , I will change my tie with Elder of Latinos. The tie has a temper pictoro to Lima , Peru. It is very Chevre . I send an Email via letter but not if the receiving carte for you. Also, we hear Elder Bednar one heavy day on the Characteristics of Christ. Probably my favoritísimo discourso in CCM .

It is comical .. Someone call me now me first nomber .. It is almost comical because I oldivar my first name was Kline. Haha I'm so tired of my partner but , okay . 12 more days ! . Tomorrow we will also Field . Splits ! Now much is not Spanish but I hope I get some other time. The mangoes and pineapple is my love, Much ! . Every day I eat mangoes . Fresh and soft MAs . It 's crazy to think my time outdoors in Utah are very cold .. Because the weather here is very hot every day. I'm agradicido by cold air in the CCM

Then .. I hope you live happily and have a Buina week. Oh yes .. The university fuy very good heavy week! Although Elder Cole talking to people very very much . Not knowing when to stop. Right. I'm more or less lively and Longing for change in the upcoming weeks. I always loved you .

( The next carte in English ) haha Sorry if I do not understand .

Until then !

Elder Tate

Oct 3, 2013-- Love from the CCM

Bonjour!

 

So much has happened this week!! It feels like its been at least 2 or more weeks since the last time I wrote.. I don't have much time so if this letter ends up being rather short forgive me. So last friday we got the incredible opportunity to contact at the Universidad. It was such an awesome experience!! It got me so so so Excited for my Mission.

So heres how it went down..

We took the walk past some street vendors past la tienda where we went last week, and boom we were there. They gave us a short debriefing, and then we were off. The first guy we talked to was very quiet but receptive. It was our first contact but it went pretty well, his spanish was clean and everything. After that, we walked further down the street and we were stopped by a guy who wanted to shine our shoes! I said, (or tried to say) I'll pay you if you let me share a message with you. Of course he agreed. Thats where we spent most of our time. His name was Alejandro, and he was cristian, but didn't have a church from what I could gather, or at least didn't go to church. He was really interested in what we had to say. After he was done shining my shoes and started with Elder Cole's. His buddy walks up and i started talking with him! It was great! Then after him another Lady who was sitting nearby asked if we were from america. Turns out she was majoring in Foriegn Language!! So I talked to her for awhile and she was very interested. Mostly that we were only eighteen and serving missions. We left her with our last Book of Mormon. I got it out and highlighted the last two paragraphs to the intro and Moroni 10:4 and she said she would read and pray.. I LOVE DOMINICANS.

 

I'm glad to hear that everything is going alright back at home. I'll tell you right now, I do not miss Harley one bit. I still have to wear earplugs at night to drown out my companions heavy breathing but its all good. I'm loving the mission life.. Its crazy to think that I feel like I'm not being obedient by listening to mo-tab during language study.. You just think of things differently I guess. We are in his service now, and it makes you think about how you're time isn't really your time anymore.. It's his. Does that make sense?

 

The fruit here is out of this world good. I might have said this already, but the mangoes are seriously what I think the fruit of the tree of life taste like. I love love love it. When we get out and are in the campo, I'm gonna blow all my money on Mangoes. I'm learning some serious patience from being with my companion 24 hours a day.. Its kind of like baby sitting.. but its all good. I'll have a new companion in two weeks.

 

I don't know what else I could tell you.. I think i better organize my letter better, to tell you guys more. Just know I'm loving every minute out here. I love all the new latinos that came. We play soccer pretty much every day, and they're incredible. Oh yeah, I just got a hair cut.. but I don't want to put a picture up, its bad. Sorry if the letters kind of choppy.. I can't focus on a thing cause my comp's talking about.. something. He's.. A character. Very loud, unorganized, and likes to talk. But he's here to serve the Lord so I can't fight him on that.

 

Oh well. I love you guys. I'd love letters.. or dear elders. Haha. I just have more time to read them is all.

 

here are some phooootos

 

Love you guys!

Elder Tate