Week 11: Tuesday August 20, 2013

Family,

   Great to hear from you all! I'm so happy that you sent me pictures! Maddie, the yard looks awesome! I haven't seen the grass yet; I can't wait to see it in person. Quick question! Are those shoes Krue is wearing the new Addidas? Because if they are I am super jealous! I wanted to get them before I left but they weren't out yet! Maybe, if you love me enough, you would want to get them for me so I could have them when I get back? Awesome, thanks. Dax is so chubby! He looks absolutely nothing like when I left. It's crazy. I miss him so much! Dad, I never heard of the boat that was hit. Also, my scriptures haven't arrived yet. I'm sure they will soon. Grandma, I am getting your e-mails so no need to stress. Also, I appreciate you putting the picture of Jesus on the packages, I'm sure this will be very convincing to anyone thinking of stealing them not to do so.

   Oh, that girl we "cast a spirit out of", has gotten worse. All she does is lay in bed all day & listen to music & cry. I really think that she has some mental problems & needs to go to Cebu & see a doctor. We suggested this to the mother who said that she would, but they don't have any money. Well, it's kind of funny because it only take 200 pisos to get to Cebu (honestly we could have gotten her a ride for free) & right after we suggested this she turned around & spent 500 pisos to have a Catholic priest come over & "bless her & the house". To her amazement...nothing happened! Weird. Well, let's just say we aren't going back there anymore until they come to their senses & request us.

   Dad, it's funny that you said you have been listening to those songs. Here in the Philippines, I think it's hilarious/great, all they ever listen to is American music. Everywhere you go you will here America's top 40's. I hear that Fun. ft. Pink song all the time. Also, the other day I heard Secondhand Serenade playing. I've heard Dashboard Confessional, some 90's music, etc. Really amusing however, is that they LOVE oldies music. I constantly hear old 80's ballads just jamming so loud! It's hilarious. Even when we are out in the jungle. For example, I was on splits & we are way in the bukid, & just BLARING is Thrift Shop (unedited I might add) by Macklmore. So funny. Anyways, I like it honestly because I get to hear music.

   So, it's a weird feeling knowing that school has started & I will never go back. I have college of course, but that's different. I'm going to miss going to football games, playing basketball, talking after school for hours in Jeff's truck. I know I complained a lot, but high school was so fun.

   Yeah, I live in a regular apartment. We have regular beds. One thing though, is that there is NO carpet here. I miss carpet... It's all tile or dirt. Kind of a bummer. I write a lot of people. Well, mostly just Hunter, Jeff, & Chipper (obviously) Noelle, Maitlyn, Brooke, Josh, & today I got a letter from Mckade which I'm WAY excited about! Even though he moved & we didn't hang out all the time, Mckade is & will always be one of my best friends. Honestly, he's the first friend that I remember having.

  I know that I am helping the people & I'm doing a good thing. God is just putting me through trials to build my faith & strength. I didn't mean to make it sound so depressing. I think that as I keep working hard, the love will come. Like I said, it's hard but I just need to have faith.

   Well, like I said, not much to report. Things are just hot over here & I'm always fall-on-my-face tired. Seriously, I don't even understand it. All I do is walk around & talk to people & I have never, not even during hell week in football, been this tired in my life. I'm seriously disillusion half of the time. Anyways, I'm excited for Hunter to leave. He wants to be a missionary so bad & he's finally doing it so I am so happy for him. Brad, too! They will be great missionaries.

   As always, I love you, miss you, & wish I was with you.

-Elder Staheli

8.20.2013