9/29/08

Hey! Well, regarding the temple recommend, I thought I left it there, because I don't remember getting it back so I went back and they said the hadn't seen it. I checked many of the lost and founds here, but...to no prevail, I've already gotten a new one. Lol. I'm kind of surprised they mailed it back to Bishop Clanton. That's odd. But oh well, I'm glad to know at least now what happened to it. I got to be interviewed by the MTC 1st counselor here though, so it was all good. Except I've been kind of a neusance to my district because of the things I do and do not have. Well regarding my problem. My cyst is back, I noticed it regrowing over the last week. Not good. But then after gym one time last week I saw my garments hanging, covered in blood like they were before, I immediately set up an appointment with the doctor here, and naturally as no doctors get along, the surgeon who took it off in Mesa 'obviously had no idea what he was doing'. And Doctor Phelps is pathetic 'for not having noticed such an 'obvious' thing'. But I'm scheduled to see a 'specialist' on October 7th here. Which is very good timing for one specific reason. I hope you (mom) are having a good time in California, because it's a little painstaking here. I've been struggling testimony wise, which I know comes as a big shock, but it's all coming back to me now which is good. Satans been working with me on some serious overtime. But I've always been taught that when Satan works this hard on you it's for a reason. So I'm steadily recovering and trying to suffer long with patience and endure my trials. Even these unusual doubts that have challenged every part of my testimony. It's so hard for me to sit down and study. I 'can' but it takes me forever. For some reason on many occasions it'll take me over 3 hours to read a single chapter from the book of mormon. Or 1 page from Preach My Gospel. Spanish WAS coming along good. But I hit a road block, I was humilited on Saturday. Every Saturday we have a 'TRC' appointment which is Teacher Resource Center, and we have a TA or a Teaching appointment. This is where we teach a volunteer protending to be an investigator. However each one starts with a 'task' or something we have to do in the mission languge. Which went so bad. There were two BYU boys who volunteered for us. Who were RM's and they TRIED to humiliate us. They, in my opinion, intentionally spoke so we couldn't understand them. Very fast, words we obviously haven't learned at this state. He even had the nerve to say after I said 'Sorry I don't speak much Spanish', in Spanish. Oh neither do I ... Anyway. Temple was great today, I had to fight to get in today, had an interview this morning at 7 a.m. to get my recommend. Lol. Oh well, today's P-Day and I'm trying to recooperate spiritually and physically. My companion and I are starting to see eye to eye. I just hope I can do what I need to do still. He's starting to come around too. Our personalities have alot of similarities, but mostly outside of missionary work, and that's not our focus here. All in all, I think we'll be studying together better and more often. Hopefully putting a lot more effort in. Food still sucks. I have found nioe thing I like! Lol, the lasagna. But even still. Thanks for the CARE package! Lol, 43 pounds. Everyone was dumbstruck when they saw me lug that in. I loved the pictures though, haha, that was actully my favorite part. BTW (by the way) I LOVE the camera. I wasn't expecting something that nice. That's pretty top of the line isn't it? = ) Well I'm happy, haha. It takes great pictures! I'll be sending a card home maybe with some more detailed things of what I have to suffer - Christ suffered all things and I'm following in his example. I'm sure there was bad food in Jerusalem too. I'm sending a disposable one home with a few papers and things so you get an idea of my 'former' resopnsibilities! I'm so happy, I was released yesterday from being District Leader. I'm just very relieved. Get a few people off my back. I want to be an example still. Hopefully I can do what I need to do. Thanks for all your support. I really need it. The scheduel isn't hard for me. The learning isn't hard for me. Dealing with my own ambition and expectations for myself is killing me. I'm nowhere I should be. I'm pissed at myself for not being able t study. And then I had those doubts. But Elder Hoffman (military boy) had a good marine story about how a sword is made by being thrown in the fire and pounded out. It's a little more elaborate than that. But you get the idea, only 13 minutes left on this life forsaken system. Laundry went well today! Except yesterday right when I got home to change, my pocket got caught on the edge of the chair and ripped straight down. I'm going to see if the alterations place can even attempt it. It's bad. I'm a little upset that it's my favorite suit too. The Raulph Lauren one. Oh well. I tried not to get upset over it, it can probably be fixed. I'm really struggling to write letters here, I'm going to force myself to get a few out to the guys, and another for you two! Tell Josh and Debbie to email me! I got one from Cindy Clemmer, but I haven't heard from them yet. Hope too hear from them soon, and I hope Josh is doing good with the stocks! Anyway, love you TONS and I hope to get letters and such from you soon!-Jake! = D--