May 5, 2010

So in this weeks letter I decided to add my mom's letter to cause he answers most of her questions.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!------------------------From: Nola Arko
Hi Elder Pat,
It's a double celebration!! Cinco de Mayo and one month in the MTC! I thought since you were going to Mexico that you might as well start celebrating their holidays, so I sent you another package to share with your companions. I was going to send chips and salsa, but the only salsa I could find at the stores were in glass bottles and I wasn't sure how well that would ship, so I sent nacho cheese and beans instead! I hope you get to enjoy them today. So...how are things going? I would really like to hear more about your companions and how you are getting along with them. Are they all going to your same mission or is it just the Spanish speaking elders that you have for companions? If you don't have time to tell me about them in an email, then write it in a letter to send it when you have the time...and I know that is limited! How is your Spanish coming? I know you said that MTC life is monotonous, but you must need to learn something and repetition is the best way. Just be determined to do your best and learn EVERYTHING you can while you are there...one of these days, you may wish you were back there! I don't know if you'll be glad that you're not home, or if you'll miss this, but Dad started up the water for the fields this week. It's nice to have Jana and Brant close, cause they come and help. The kids love it too! I looked out this morning, and it was all icy!! It's still a little chilly in the mornings! By the way, do you have your nieces and nephews birthdays written down somewhere? It was Riley's 8th birthday Sunday. He will be baptized and confirmed on June 5th. Crista and Wayne are also blessing Adalyn on that day. So if you can maybe write him a note about his baptism, he would think that is really cool! I am kind of sad..Missionaries usually get to call their moms for mother's day, but at the MTC I'm sure there are too many missionaries to call on that day. I DO look forward for every Wednesday, getting an email. That will have to do for this year! I am just so glad that you are where you are and doing the Lord's work. I love to brag about how good you are doing and I am very proud (that's pride in a good way!) that you have made this choice to serve! I know you will be blessed and I am feeling the blessings already!! Keep up the good work and work hard! Can't wait to get your email this morning! Love you lots! Mom------

Letter From Elder Arko

haha hahahahahaa i'm, on the computer with you at the same time!!!! i feel so amazing!! i was kinda upset getting on and seeing that you didn't send me an e-mail. well now to answer the questions of this e-mail..... my comps rock!! they are going to chihuahua with me so hopefully we'll get to see each other at zone meetings and stuff.... they might split up our trio this sunday tho cuz elder rowley went home.... it was for the beter tho he was kinda a stick in the mud and didn't like it.... go big or go home, and he did the latter. Mi Español is coming along slowly but surely. it is monotonous here and very repetitive but we´ve figured out ways to get around that by just doing work! aww, i even miss waking up to help dad with water :( that does make me miss home. and yeah, it snowed here on the 2nd!!! its rediculous!!! and i didn't bring a jacket and we have outdoor gym at 6:30 in the morning!!! its horrid cold!!! no, i don't have any birthdays written down and i wished riley a happy b-day in my heart :) yeah, i won't be calling you on mothers day.... it is sad, but hopefully you can deal with e-mails and letters till christmas!! haha its ok to be proud!!! i'm proud to have an amazing mom and dad like you!!! and my family!!! and my friends!!!! i'm way proud with that stuff!!! :) well i got to go finish laundry but i love you all and miss you!!!!
Elder Arko