Week 4

Hey!!! So... Not that I'm counting time or anything, but.... it's already been four weeks since i've been here! Unbelievable. It's September. Can you believe it? Time flies when you're having fun, huh? It's true. Also true: Time flies when you're learning the Gospel... and Spanish... and how to live with a bunch of men. ;_). Haha, I'm glad George and I had a room to share all growing up. I wouldn't have traded it. It was nice, it was good.

Before I forget, Elder Johnson says hi to Jeff Brown. I guess they coached together after Jeff got home from his mission. He's a way cool guy, we met playing volleyball. Yes. I play volleyball. Like Mom weeds the garden, and Alex plays nintendo. Very well. We play five days a week. I think I'm going to try out for the Olympic team when I get home. People jump higher, and just go big places in general, with the Spirit. ;_).

School's Started!!!!!!! Ashley, so help me if you don't write me and tell me about Jr. High..... I hope it's going well. I want to know if you have any of the same teachers I had. Alex! The King!!! You're a way cool kid. I'm sure you're living it up, being the head of the School. Maybe Jeff could make you a crown... Rachael. ;_) What is it now? 9th grade? It's been so long since I've heard from you too.... I heard you got asked to Homecoming!!! Congrats! Send me a picture of you in your dress with your date, would you? Also, family, could I get a few more pics of our family to take with me to paraguay? I'm afraid of forgetting what you look like! Mom, thanks for the motherly advice. It was, well, motherly. and special. ;_).

It's tough to say much of what goes on here. It's pretty standard. Same schedule every week. The only difference is that I'm changing. My heart is changing, my mind is changing. The way I do all of those same-scheduled activities is changing. It's sarting to have a purpose, a sense of urgency. I'm learning how to teach what I know so that I can share it. Haha, I might have overloaded you last week, but every week I grow to love this gospel more. I started the Book of Mormon this week again, this time with a thirst for the words. Dad, you weren't kidding. I can't put it down. I'm marking them up like crazy, because the book is just GUSHING with truth. EVERYTHING applies to me as a missionary. It's beautiful. I love it. I slip in a few verses whenever I can. I got into 2nd nephi this morning, and I'm about to his the brick wall of the Isaiah chapters. Did you know a pocke-sized book of mormon saved a general authorities' life once? He had it in his breast pocket when a gun was pulled on him and he was shot. Luckily it couldn't get through the 2nd nephi. ;_).

Love you all. Hope everything's well. Mom, thanks for the packages. That's what we live off here. Alex, thanks for your letter. You're the man. Keep writing me. Work out lots ok? I'd like to see a real in-shape guy when i get home. ;_)

The Church is true. I don't know how else to say it. I know it with all of my heart. God is taking care of me, and I know he's taking care of all of you at home too. Til we meet again!

Elder stewart