Nov 30, 2015

Aww, I miss you guys! The holiday seasons are difficult so far from home without you guys. But it's a great time for preaching the gospel! In this season many people are willing to make their christmas more christ centered, and this makes it a wonderful time to teach them. But no, we didn't celebrate thanksgiving. It isn't really a holiday down here. But some of the sisters in our ward have asked for all our secret recipes for cooking ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, and gravy. Do you think that we should give away all of our secrets? I told them that I'd ask you. As well as that lemon cake that's super delish. They don't have lemons here! How strange, right? I really want to make a few lemon cakes this year though, what kind of lemon stuff do you need for that cake? You may have to send it to me. :)

Unfortunately, I seem to have forgotten to bring my camera... again. But not much has been happening lately, so you're not missing out on much. This week I got to know the ward and our investigaters better. Our area is pretty average sized, but we have a few subdivisions (called fraccionamientos) out in the middle of nowhere too, so we occasionally have to take the bus. 

This week we had a meeting with our president and here are some Christmas package guidelines and info: 

1.With all packages, write MISSION on the box, as well as the contents. If you don't, they will open the package and search it at the border.

2.For clothes, you can't send used clothes. All clothing must have a price tag attached and a reciept in the box. otherwise, it will be removed at the border.

3.All packages will be delivered on the 19th of december.

4.Advice from president: do not include any cooked food (like ham and potatoes with gravy) because it will most likely not arrive well. Cookies are fine. Brownies or other desserts are fine too. Chocolate covered pretzels are great. more or less, be smart about sending food. 

5. About our call home: It will be on the 24th, before 7pm (remember that here we have a 1hr time difference.) It is his advice that we make a list of questions and things we want to say beforehand, because we only have 1hr. And it will be by Skype. no exceptions. If skype doesn't work, by telephone. 

That's all I remember. 

I hope that everything goes well with your surgery and that you get better quickly! 

I hope that every time you see my naked bum elf you think of me!

I miss you guys so much! I love you all!

And of course, Happy Holidays!

Elder Phillips

Hey Dad!

All is good here in the new area! Honestly, it was rough adjusting to this ward and my companion, but now it's getting better. My spanish is almost fluent, and I rarely ever have to repeat myself (there is nothing worse than having to repeat yourself. Seriously. I was talking with a lady in our ward one day and she had to ask my companion "what did he say?" It made me a little upset honestly. I almost threw a burrito at her. But I didn't, cuz I'm a nice guy. See, I have learned something in the mission!) and understanding others is super easy. Sometimes I talk in my sleep in spanish!

How awesome that you got to see your cousin after all these years! How's he doing? What is he like? Does he have kids? Where is he from?
And how great with all that wonderful food! Here in our mission eating sushi is forbidden, because this is mexico. And eating raw fish bought from a mexican/chinese man in the streets? not a smart idea. But we can eat pizza! We shouldn't, but we can! Soda is also now forbidden :( it was a sad day when our mission president gave us that rule. 

That museum looks super mega legit! I don't think i've ever actually seen a dinosaur in a museum. maybe I have, But I don't remember! Did you give Sue a kiss? 

How awesome! Sounds like your week was a blast! When I get back, savannah will be 2 yrs old! And kat could have 2 more kids!  Crazy, right?And thank you for everything, and for the reminder of my setting apart. I had forgotten entirely, and it was exactly what I needed to hear.

 I love you! Show everyone back home how awesome you are!
Have a great week

Elder Phillips