Monday, December 27, 2010

E-mail #3: Back in Puerto Morelos

Hey Mama!

It was really nice to talk to everyone! It was easier than I thought! I really only teared up talking to Binny! Haha It sure did go by fast!

So same old bolts! Grr! I just wanted to see them go to the playoffs! O well! I dont get to watch anyways! Everyone here loves american football but they dont have it here. So I show everyone my pics of me and they go crazy! They love it!

Jake! Wow! Argentina! Wow. I dont think he wanted to go outside of the country! Wow! We can speak spanish to each other when we get home! I told kenna to get me his email so that I can write him in the MTC! Its gonna be hard for him but he will do great!

Sending a box! Sweet! It really doesnt matter. I have access to just about everything now cause of the walmart but who knows where I will be in 2-3 months! Junk food haha. I want a monster! Ugh! Next week I will have a address that I want you to send a box to a the Xooc family. I want you to send some of my crappy looking quiksilver t's. Like 5-6 and 2 crappy trucker hats! There son loves it and thinks its so cool that i worked there! Next week I will have the address though!

I forgot to take a pic of me in my hammock. ¡Lo siento! and I didnt take any pics last week cause I was in (HELL)O! Good news though! I got to leave Sunday night instead of Monday! I was so happy! Its good to be 'home' haha. i missed Ortiz and Puerto Morelos. This morning we went to play basketball with the Xooc family and to but a load of laundry in there washer. But Sis. Xooc forgot to connect the water so there house got flooded! It was so funny! But its a small house and concrete. They are so awesome. They fed us to like always :) I love em sooo much!

So it was a hard week! But Im happy now that im here in Puerto Morelos! The baptism got moved to Saturday and were going to 'Magdelana' to plan it tonight! Wal-Mart today! Im pumped! Should be great! :) Well....its only been 2 days since I talked. dont have much more to say than I love you guys tons and miss you mucho!
I love you Dad! Miss you so much! I love you Binny! Be nice! and be happy! :) I love you Kenna! Take care of that car and dont be stupid! Moma! I love you muchooo!

Love Mo!

PS I met some people from Phoenix so they should be sending a pic or calling you mom :)

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Christmas Phonecall .....

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A Note from Mom:

We got to talk to Chad tonight ..... for an hour. : o)
We are in heaven. But, now our hearts have this HUGE whole again, as we miss him so horribly. The number that he gave us last week was not correct. I knew it wasn't right. I was thinking that it was missing a number. So - earlier in the week I started trying to call the Mission Home. Finally Wednesday I got a hold of an Elder in the office and he promised that he would see what he could do to get the correct number for me. He said that he would e-mail me back. Well - as of about noon today, I had not received an e-mail - and I have to admit - I was getting pretty depressed. I had tried calling the Mission Home again, but never got an answer. I kept telling myself, "It's ok - It'll be okay to not talk to him." NOT !!! So - my phone rang - and it was that sweet elder. He gave me the exact phone number Chad did. I told him that I didn't think it was right - so he hung up and tried some more. About 10 minutes later I received another call - with another digit for the phone number. WHEW! I cannot imagine if we had not gotten to talk to him today. Here's some highlights from our conversation. And, some more pictures of Puerto Morales.

* He misses BREAD! He says that there is no bread there. Every meal they are given a huge stack of tortillas. (Good thing he likes those...) Yesterday they had (what he calls) guacamole pasta. He said it was just pasta with a bunch of sliced avocadoes in it. Hmhh! Sounds interesting.

* He is still in Playa. They went to a families house last night thinking that they were going to be fed, but they weren't. The family did send them away with a basket of bananas and fruit. So - that was their holiday meal. He went to bed early last night, and when he woke up someone had dropped off some food. He was VERY glad !!

* He loves Puerto Morales even after only being there a week. He says that it is such a small village that everyone already knows him. His companion, Elder Ortiz (who is awesome) helped him write his talk in Spanish for last week. The Americans that were on vacation couldn't believe that Chad had only been out for 6 days. He is struggling alot with the Spanish. (Of course right?????.....)

* The Xooc family that he spoke about -- the son in law, father of the 7 year old, has been investigating the church since the girl was born. But - he has not liked the way the missionaries push him. So - Chad told him that he just wanted to be his friend, didn't care if he set a baptism date, just wanted to help him and his family. The guy really likes Chad, and wants him to teach him. Chad told Elder Ortiz that they are going to have to try a different approach with him. This is perfect for him. I can't wait to see what happens.

* He is tired of eating chicken. That's what they always have. Some kind or another. There is no beef. Everyone has chickens in their yards.

* He says that everyone is very poor - and everything is so dirty. The streets, the yards, the homes. What a culture shock.

* He misses his beard !!!

* He's getting used to his hammock. He bought a pillow this week and it's much better. He asked to buy a custom made one (he says they are a bit bigger.)

* This is the hardest thing he's ever had to do. And, he is SO TIRED!! Now he understands President Merrill - you get more sleep then you have ever gotten, but you are so exhausted.

* He misses us WAY more than he thought he was going to. (Not sure what that means.... : o)

* He has struggled this week with being away from his companion and the people that he has already grown to love. His companion in Playa does not speak English, and speaks very fast. Today, he told him to slow down - and his companion said no. So - Chad told him, I guess there won't be many conversations then. And, he went and cleaned their apartment. He's so anxious to get back to his "home".

It's hard to imagine another 5 months before I get to talk to him again. I loved just hearing the sound of his voice. He sounded good - really good. __________________________________________________

Elder Ortiz



1st Sacrament Meeting in Puerto Morales

Branch President

Ward Christmas Party

Little girl whose parents are being taught.

Monday, December 20, 2010

E-Mail #2: Looks like a CANCUN Christmas ....




Wow! So it has been an up and down roller coster. We took a 4 hour bus ride to Cancun and then 45 min to Puerto Morelos. Thats were I am now. My first night we went to meet some investigators and then to a meeting with the President. (They dont call them bishops here only presidents) Then we went home and planned for the next day. Our house is a crappy building but very nice to some people. The kitchen is tiny!!!! No microwave, tiny fridge and the cabinets. The bathroom is gross haha! But we have two rooms for storage and closet. We sleep in the living room where our desks are.

My companion is Elder Ortiz. he is from Guadalajara, Mexico. He speaks almost fluent english so we speak a lot of english. It kinda sucks cause I need to learn espanol. He is great though! Awesome guy. I love him to death! He is great at teaching the gospel and I have learned alot from him.

So my mission president is ok. We made alot of stupid rules. He has only been the new guy for like 4 months. We cant go see any of the temples! We cant drink coco cola. On christmas eve we have to be back at the house by 8 and christmas day we cant leave the house until 4 in the after noon! It sucks!

So I woke up today and my comp got a call from the zone leader. Im going to transfer just for one week and be the zone leaders companion. The place is called (Playa) It freaken sucks! Here i am getting used to it here and now i have to go somewere new. Im pissed -- like really! I met so many new people I want to teach and people that need me here. I wanted to spend christmas with this family in the ward (The Xooc) but now i cant! And the fist three days we got to ride bikes but mish prez says no -- too dangerous. So we walk like 20 miles everyday!

On the bright side i have met lots of people! There are a couple of really nice people in the ward. The ward is actually a branch like 40 people. I had to speak in sacrament meeting on sunday! Yea... crazy. all in spanish! There was a family from salt lake that was on vacation. Nice to see some americans!

We have a baptism on Dec 28. A nice middle age women. Ortiz wants me to baptize her. Pretty crazy!!! Haha We baptize people in the church in a tarp like thing. its like 4x4x4 haha

The food is amazing! The big meal here is lunch. Everyday we eat at a members home. Breakfast and dinner are crappy! But the food is way good. a lil spicy but really good!Everyone I talk to wants to learn english from me. Its crazy how you grow to love the investigators. I truly love them. We have one guy that his wife (she is 20) and he is (29) and they have a (7 yrs old) Yea!!!!!!!!!!! Hahaha! Its legal in Mexico. But they are married and she is a member. Her parents are the (Xooc) He has heard from the missionaries for 7 yrs and otriz said that he wants an american to teach him. So here I am. Its going to be hard but somehow i will get through to him.

A real big problem here is girls get pregnant waaaaaay young 13, 14 15 crazy and marrige. nobody is married. We have 2 investigators that are married but live with other people. We have 1 guy that his wife wont divorce him but he lives with a different one and has kids and everything. Its so hard. I definately have been humbled. People live in shacks here. Its crazy but they are all such nice people.Everone says hi, buenos dias, buenos tardes or buenos noches! Its fun!

Christmas! I guess i will be in playa for christmas with the zone leader.( no english) haha should be fun! But you need to call (01) 984-032-710 at 7-7:15 mexico time. I think its an hour ahead of u guys. Its a church i guess. I didnt get your package yet. I guess it takes like 2 months. That kinda blows but o well. Well see.

I dont know what else to say but I love you Mom! Love you Dad. Love you alenna and love you kenna! I miss you all so much. Its hard being here-- no lie. Like i cant express myself. I cant teach and im not really learning cause my companion speaks english. Ugh i miss home and my friends. Ugh its still fun but im just in a pissed off mood cause i have to leave for a week. Im ok :)

I love you all!

¡Feliz Navida! Love , MO

Go Bolts!

O! We had a ward christmas party. Ill send pics in the email.

**Click on the picture to see it up close and personal.



OH MAN !!!
Where the heck is this?????
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A note from Mom:
I cannot believe that Chad is in Mexico -- let alone Cancun. Here is some information about where he is at.
Puerto Morelos is a town and sea port in Quintana Roo, Mexico's easternmost state, on the Yucatán Peninsula. The town is at the southern end of the municipality of Benito Juárez in the northeast of the state, about 36 km south of the resort city of Cancún. The marine terminal at Puerto Morelos is equipped to handle containers and is the largest and most important sea port in the state of Quintana Roo
Playa from what I can tell is actually in Cancun. (I think.....) He will be there for only this week.
Can't wait to hear from him on Christmas!!! --Mom
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Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Mexico E-mail #1: I'm here in Merida !

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A note from Mom:
I was sitting at school thinking to myself -- "I wonder if they'll just e-mail us to let us know that Chad got there ok." So - I thought I'd check the e-mail. What a surprise !!! There was this wonderful e-mail from my boy !!!!! YIPPEE!! What a wonderful gift. The Lord is good to me. --Mom
___________________________________________________

Hey Mom! Im here in Merida! Sorry I couldnt call again. We landed in Mexico City and thought it was 2 hours ahead instead of 1. So we were literally runing through Mexico City Airport! Turns out our flight left an hour late. It was horrible. we couldnt find our gate! and for me to use that card I was supposed to call a 1-800 in the us before leaving! Ugh so anyway. Presidente Salinas picked us up at the airport with the 2 APs. He took us out to dinner. Ugh! So good! I had this pineapple smoked pork burrito! It was yummy. He got this appetizer that was just tortillas and cheese! The cheese was sooooo good! Then the APs took us to the Mission office where they and all the secetarys live. I slept in a Hammack!!! Wow!!!! They gave us our own hamack. Mine is blue. it's pretty cool. It was different thats for sure! Its gonna take some time to get use to it. There are 3 english speakers and 4 spanish here at the office. Pres speaks a lil english but mostly spanish.

On the plane ride from salt lake to mexico city. Not gonna lie. i was scared cause I had to leave my companions :( That really sucked! But when I got on the plan from Mexico City to Merida I sat by a business man that worked for coca cola. He was telling me how it was safe and beautiful and just amazing! That really comforted me! He gave me his business card and i gave him a pass along card. I hope to be able to teach him someday. When I got here I felt so goood!

We woke up this morning. I slept like crap! I have 8 bug bite and I took the coldest shower of my life! They heat buckets of water up here. Crazy! We didnt eat until like 11 cause Prez and his wife came over to interview us and taught us why we are here. Sis Salinas made ham sandwiches but with quacomlee! (spelled that wrong haha) anyway it sucked. Im gonna have to learn to like it! So now i am leaving. Dont know where but im getting my new companion who speaks a little english. My PDay is Monday. So i wont be able to talk until then. My new adress is

Calle 45 #527 x 70 y 72
Colonia Centro
Mérida, Yucatán CP 97000

Phone for Mission Office is: 01-800-712-0860

So this is really hard! No lie! I really miss home especially feeling like I have nobody right now. But i no that i have the lord. and My mission Prez is way cool. The spanish will come. its hard and im really tired but I know I need to be here and I cant come home. I miss you so much mama. I miss dad and kenna and lena! Ugh this is the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my whole life! Ugh! Well I love you tons and Christmas is only like 2 weeks away!

Love you mucho!
Love , MO

Ps The key board is even in spanish! Crazy!

Monday, December 13, 2010

Let's pray for ..... MEXICO !!

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A note from Mom:
We got to talk to Chad today !!!! And, boy was it emotional. I really did well, held it together pretty good..... until I hung up. It was SO good to hear his voice. He sounded so good. A bit emotional himself, but happy. A little nervous, but excited. Now, his plane has landed in Merida, and I'm wondering, once again ..... Where will he sleep tonight??? Is he OK???? Will he make friends???? UGH!

Last week Ken bore his testimony and said, "We want to ask you all to pray for Chad. He got his VISA and he will be heading to Mexico in a week or so." When Brother Nelson (Bro. Dude to Chad) closed the meeting he got up and said, "Yes, I think we need to pray for Chad. But, more importantly, ....... we need to pray for Mexico............." : o)

And, it's true. Mexico doesn't know what has just dropped across their border.

He ate Burger King this morning and said that "It was SO GOOD !!!" Yuck! What does that tell ya?? Maybe he's eating beans and rice tonight and really loving it!

Oh man -- I love that boy. It was so good to hear from him, but so hard at the same time. I've been teary all day. I MISS HIM !!!! Kenna got to talk to him too. Yes - she bawled. (I think Chad shed a few tears too. : o) He gave her a ton of his usual dating advice as she turns 16 in 2 days.

This is exciting. He's off and running. Or, in his words, "It's GO time." --Mom

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Thursday, December 9, 2010

E-Mail #7: "With faith there is no fear, but with fear there is no faith"

Hey!!!!!!!

Okay so i think she means to just dont have both of the bags at exactly 50 pounds cause than you could be screwed for double.

I sent you a card for my old camera. That one was blank but for your Bday card I sent my card with pics on it. It must have goten broken on the way there :( the pics are gone :( it sucks but owell I guess. Ill have to pack it better next time.

I havent gotten the shoes yet but probably today. Thanks :) Im sure i will love them!

I got the package with the tweezers and money and the calling card. Thanks so much that helps alot!!!!!! The Calling card. I think I can use it outside of the country. there is a phone number on the back. Ill try to call that number but if not I will get one in Mexico.

Dont worry Mama! I will be a good boy! I didnt waste almost 2 years to get sent home. I break some rules here but in the field its go time! Im excited to meet my Mission Prez! That really helps me. Now Im not soooo scared! Haha OMG Im so excited to get out of here!

Dont worry about the carry on. My flight from Mexico City to Merida, I can only have 26 pounds so i will just jam my back pack full!

:(((((((((((((( I cant believe my chargers lost to the flippin Raiders!!! There is a new kid here in my zone and he is a raiders fan so we argue. its fun but gosh darn! Really bolts!? it will be ok. They will win the wild card :)))

Im sending a package today of all the junk that i dont wont to take to mexico. Ugh today is gonna be sooo busy! Lots today!!!

My flight plan: I fly DELTA to MEXICO CITY at 9:45am and arrive in Mexico at 2:51pm
Than I fly: AEROMEXICO to MERIDA at 4:50pm and arrive in Merida at 6:40pm

So i am going to call on Monday Morning at probably 8 or so. maybe 8:30 from salt lake and then i will call from mexico around 3:30 or 4.

Im flying to Mexico City with Elder Price, Udall, White and Johnston. Im so excited!!!! That should be way fun!!!! Than from mexico to merida I dont know who i fly with.

So calling Dad yesterday was way hard! Much harder than I thought. I wanterd to call you but it didnt work out. i left 2 voicemails one on my old phone and one on yours. Hope u got to listen.

Well Im so excited to talk to everyone. i hope i have lots of time to talk in the airports. I love you all so much!!!! Im kinda stressed about going but "With faith there is no fear, but with fear there in no faith" So I have lots of faith that I will do good. Im so excited to share the gospel and to let others know how it brings happiness! My testimony has grown so much!!

I love you all mucho!!!!!!!! Cant wait to talk to you guys :)))))))))))))

Con Amor, Mo

Ps

Elder Chad mayberry
Mexico Merida Mission
Calle 45 # 527 Q y Calle 70
Colonia Centro
97000 Merida, Yucatan Mexico

Phone is 52-999-923-5860

That is the new adress please post it on facebook :D

Missed Phonecall

___________________________________________________
A note from Mom:
Let me start by explaining that my cellphone quit working about a week or so ago, and my children have taken all of our upgrades for, oh let's say, the last 3 or 4 times. So - with anticipating a call from Chad on "Airport Day", I thought I'd better start using Chad's cellphone. Yesterday, during class, Chad's cellphone went off. Blink 182. Some pretty wild song. Fourth graders ..... Blink 182 ....... get the picture??? Anyway -- it was Ken saying, "Did you talk to your boy???" WHAT?? He had gotten his travel plans and tried to call. I had been at recess duty. I didn't even know how to check his messages. So - Kenneth told me that they had talked for about 15 minutes. I am NOT jealous. I am NOT jealous !!! Ken did finally tell me the code for his messages and so I heard a sweet, "Hi Mama." OOHHHHHH!!!! Tears start a comin'. But - I did not get to talk to him. Ken said that he was emotional, but SOOOOO excited to get to Mexico. He will be calling from Salt Lake City Monday morning, and then hopefully again from Mexico City in the afternoon before he heads off to Merida. His buddies also got their VISAS so they will be traveling to Mexico City with him. That was great news. I am so anxious to hear his voice and talk to him. It will be really great. Then we will get to talk to him again on Christmas. I didn't realize that the elders in the MTC do not get to talk to their families. HOW HARD!! Ok - I guess it IS good that he is leaving before the Holidays.

Another chapter is beginning. Chad has changed so much already. He told his Dad, "My testimony has changed, Dad. It really has." I'm so proud to be his Mom. : o)

___________________________________________________

Monday, December 6, 2010

Chad sent this picture today. No explanation, but one can only WONDER !!!

Thursday, December 2, 2010

E-Mail #6: Visa IS HERE !!!!!

Hey mama!

I GOT MY VISA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Okay so on tuesday we're in class and the intercom comes on and their like "Is Elder Mayberry there?" I was like yeaaaaa! They said come to the travel office! They told me I was going to Salt Lake at 1pm to go to the consolate! So I go on the bus with like 20 others. It was nice to get outside of the MTC! So we pull up to the Mexican Consolate and the driver says "Im sorry but only half of you got your visas!" I knew i wasnt gonna get mine cause im still 2 weeks out! There were elders who had been here 3 weeks over! So i was pissed! However, the lady said im soooo sorry but you will have to come back tommorrow! So i got to go to Salt Lake twice in 2 days! I have my visa officially! I havent gotten my travel plans yet but i should leave on Dec 13! I am so excited!!!! Im actually excited to teach the gospel and let people know the happiness I get out of the gospel! I love it! im soooo stoked!

So i wont be able to see David. But thats cool! And OMG! Jake put his papers in!!!!! Can you send me his adress so i can write him! Im so excited for him! Yeaaaa! Also I need Tylers address! I miss him alot and should write him! :)

Thanksgiving was way different! The food was pretty crappy! Haha and i didnt get to eat allloooottt! Haha but It showed me how others are so thankful for even a crappy peice of turkey. We did a service project like all day. We made back packs for kids in pooor countries so that was cool. As a MTC we made like 33,000! Pretty cool! However the next friday I missed Black Friday! O the good times!!! :( haha

OMG! The chargers are kickin butt!!!! Awwww i wish i could just watch like the high lights!!! :( I hope they go far! Everyone sees me wearing my shirt and they get excited! I love it, but a new kid in our zone is a Broncos fan soooo..... haha its fun!

So im gonna need $100 cash for my travel sometime soon. I dont really get to check my balance on my card so idk haha but im gonna need it by Dec 13 or before like the 10.

Today im gonna get my pics printed out for you guys. i have alot of good ones of snow and our thanksgiving :)

So im gonna write grandma virgina and have a heart to heart talk and talk to her about the church. It finally clicked that she NEEDS the gospel! She needs to do something or she is gonna go crazy!!!! I think she will be perfect for it! :) Im in missionary mode and she needs it haha. im turing into a dork! haha!

So i need some things....

~ The other carry on bag. Im gonna need it with all my books and crap they have given me here. So if you could send me that gray carry on that would be wonderful! :)

~I need a set of tweezers my uni is getting crazy!! Haha

~ I also need a foot scrubber4 my feet! There getting gross to!

~ and i need a lighter...to fix my ties when they get messed up. its a trick i learned here.

Well momma! I miss ya! Im really getting scared about mexico cause its official! Im going now in like 11 days! HUHHHHHHH!!!!!! Crazy i cant even speak spanish yet! I feel so behind! People in my district can read the BOM en espanol! I can not!!!! Ugh its so hard pero i know i can do it and i know the lord will bless me! :) Tell kenna im writting her a letter today. Tell alenna i miss her horrible and love her mucho!!!!!!!!! Tell Dad i miss him soooooooooo much! I love him soooo much!!!!! Mama! I love uuuuuuu! hehe! I miss u tons and hope you and the rest of the fam are doing good! I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!!!

Con Amor, Mo :D

ps i hope you got the pic of the shoes. I really need them :/ my other shoes suck! you cant send shoes to Mexico except one by one. I hope maybe grandma hammond can buy them! :) I love you mom :)

Thursday, November 25, 2010

First Holiday

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A note from Mom:
Well - We have survived the first Holiday without Chad. It was a strange day. Very quiet. We went to my sister Diana's home. She also has a missionary serving in California. It is very hard!! But - it was so wonderful to get this e-mail from him today while I was there. I think it was pretty lucky for us that we actually got to hear from him today. The following is an excerpt from a letter I sent him yesterday through Dear Elder.

So - Thanksgiving is tomorrow and I just wanted you to know how thankful I am of you. A woman seriously could not ask for a better son. I'm grateful that you didn't give us too many problems growing up -- I mean, really. I know how bad it could have been. And, I'm grateful you didn't go that route. I'm grateful that you have chosen to go on this mission, even though you were not sure why. I know why - and I'm glad that you had faith in knowing that. I'm grateful that you are so smart - and you have a good head on your shoulders. I don't know exactly what path your life will take when you are done in Mexico - but I know that you will make something of yourself. I know that you will do what you have to be happy. And, to make others around you happy. I'm grateful that you have a good relationship with your dad. I absolutely HATE when father and sons shake hands. It just bugs me!! I'm so glad that you and Dad can hug. That relationship is so important, Chad. It is the beginning of how you will be with your children. I'm so grateful for that. I know that you will be an amazing father - because you have had a good example of one. Grateful Grateful Grateful!!! Thank you so much for being my son. And, being a son that I can be proud of. Thank you for treating me so gently and with such patience and love. I miss you!!!! I miss your hugs - and your kiss on the cheek every night. (No matter what time that was.)

I MISS HIM SO HORRIBLY !!! --Mom
___________________________________________________

E-Mail #6: Happy Thanksgiving !!!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!!!

So I dont think you got my letter yet. I'll just say whats in it though.
Elder Harris is gone. He went to Peru. He finanlly got his visa. It was strange though cause I started to pray about LOVE and how I need love for him and since sunday we got alot stronger. and then randomly he leaves. I'm thankful for him but am glad he is gone. haha

P-day sucks this week cause it's on Thanksgiving. my day is planned all day for me. I have already done laundry however. the devotional this morning was Jeffrey R Holland. I just saw him. It was really good his whole family was there and the grankids sang a primary song. It was nice. we have another fireside tonight. it should be an apostle. So that makes 5 out of the 6 weeks ive been here for the quorum of the 12. :DDD

Its freaken cold here!!! Yesterday they shut down all of BYU at 3:00 to let all teachers go home cause a huge storm was coming. It wasnt big here in Provo, but it was freezing! Like 10 degrees. Today is freezing but its a gorgeous thanksgiving day. :)

I wish I could eat good food. Idk maybe the food will be good today....probably not haha I want dressing! :( and black eyed peas. huh

So last night we had a Distict sleep over. We broke many rules but it was sooo worth it. Elder Johnston from Nevada. His Mom sent him a Dear Elder with a Pie and lots of goodies. So we layed out everything on the desk and had pie, rolls, and lots of crap. He even gave us a Coke. We all went around the room and said what we are thankful for. It was so spirtual. My distict is truly my family away from you all. I took lots of pics so i will send them when i get the chance to print them. It takes like 5 days.

I heard visas are getting better. Im so excited to go!!! Its like im in prison. hahaha! But i still dont know spanish like i should but o well. I will when i get there :)

Dad- Im so greatful for you. I miss you especially on this day because you are the best. Your a great man and a great dad! I love you!

Mom- Mom i miss you terrible! You are amazing! You are such a good mom never doubt yourself. You need to give yourself more credit than u do :)

Kenna- Im greatful for you. you help me in ways you dont even know. You are so smart keep it up!

Alenna- Im soo greatful for you. I love you. I have goten into arguments and almost fights for you even here at the MTC. I love you and you are an amazing young woman :)

If you read this before you go to Dianas. Tell everyone I said Heyyyy! I miss you all! Write me!!! :)

Can you ask Diana if she can get me a blessing page for my wallet but in spanish :)) that would be great.!!!! :)

Anyways, be thankful. be thankful for each other and be thankful for this wonderful gospel here on this earth. be thankful for family and be thankful for the Atonement of Jesucristo! I love you all and love this gospel.

Con Amor, Mo
(Elder Mayberry)

P.S The letter has a pic drawn by Elder Price of the shoes i want. Maybe ask Granma Hammond. She said that if i needed anything to just ask :)

I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!

Monday, November 22, 2010

Testimony ....


This is me standing next to the Peru Ambassador. Elder Harris is in front in the red tie. The small Mexican kid standing next to the Ambassador is gong to Carlsbad! He is from Peru! : 0)

TESTIMONY:

Wow what a hard 5 weeks! I have changed already so much in just 5 weeks. More than a couple of years. My testimony has changed. I know this church is true. I know that the Atonement is real! Jesus died for me and eveyone else. I truly understand the Atonement now! I know that Joseph Smith saw God and Jesus Christ. Without a doubt! I know that through prayer anything is possible. He can help out with anything! I love my family. They are the most important thing to me. I love my Savior and what he hs done or me. I love my Heavenly Father.

En el nombre de Jesucristo, Amen
___________________________________________________

We got two letters from Chad today.
First letter: I think about Nov. 14th

* "My patriarachal blessing turned out great! Yesterday was almost my hardest day here! So I read it this morning and it was nice. :0)" (I laminated his blessing and sent it to him.)

* He is really struggling with his companion, Elder Harris. He says that they are so different.

* He's having a HARD time with Espanol! "Like really it's so bad! I know I need to just keep going on. A guy in my zone showed me a good scripture (Ether 12:27). It was so good! It really helped me out.

* He needs cash. He's been using his Debit card every Thursday for temple Breakfast. (What a treat !!)

* He sent a beautiful letter that they wrote to their parents as if from Christ. He also bore his testimony.


SCRIPTURE:

Ether 12:27 -- (And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before men; and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.)

Second letter: I think about Nov. 19th

* He misses his I-Pod! (Oh dang .....) "Seriously - a mail truck will be by the mall place and we freak out if the radio is on. Ugh! I'm suprised how much I have to sing here. And in Espanol!"

* He ran ino Brother & Sister Palmer (from the Glendale Stake). "She cried when she saw me. They're going to Nauvoo. They leave in a week."

* "I miss Bentz. I wrote him yesterday. And Jimmy."

* Here's his PS -- "We all think we're going crazy. It's funny. We're going to start a busness and sell food under the table. Like McDonald's or KFC. Elder Price's Mom can get it here way fast and we'll sell a burger for $10. We're gonna make money. Undergrund! HAHA!"

Sounds like Chad -- looking for a way to start up some kind of business and make money...... on the side????

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Saturday, November 13, 2010

New Era.... up and coming

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Highlights from Chad's letter (November 9th???)

* "So the Ambassador of peru was sweet. It was 4 other companionships plus Elder Harris and I. He had bodyguards with guns. We're gonna be in the "New Era" so start looking for me."

* He did his first blessing with oil. It was his companion. He was really sick. "It was probably the best blessing I have ever given."

* "So today I realized that I was scared of teaching the gospel. But know I can't teach it in Espanol. It's so frustrating! I'm not doin so well with it. But - O well. It will get better. It's only been 4 weeks." I think it did get better because 2 days later we got his e-mail that was pretty positive about teaching the gospel - and yes - in Spanish.

It's strange to get messages out of order. Once he's in Mexico, I hear, that will really happen alot.

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Monday, November 8, 2010

PICTURES ..... yah!



First laundry day. P-Day is the best !!







Me and Elder Price from Utah
















Elders Lunt (my old companion) and Elder Udall (kid from Mesa)









First Sunday at the Temple






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Chad sent these pictures today along with a letter. Highlights:

* Yesterday was so bad! I was so sick but today we went to the nurse and we got to go to the BYU Pharmacy. We got to go to "the real world". We walked down the street. It was awesome.

* Praying in Espanol is so cool!!

* Today was a really good Spanish day. I learned alot and felt really good. Tomorrow (Sat - Nov. 6th) is gonna be hard. We have breakfast then class from 8-12. Ugh so hard.

I've been having some trouble with reading Chad's letters and Kenna finally told me that he is already starting to right Spanish for some words. For example: When he means is - he puts es. For in he puts en. OH! Good to know. I'm sure that as time goes on, that will happen more and more.

It's so nice to see some pictures of him. Man --Chad looks like a MISSIONARY !! HA! I'm still not used to not seeing facial hair. But - he looks good. WHEW! Can't express how good that feels.

I really miss him today. It's been a quiet, sad day and it's made me really miss him. I would go days with hardly seeing him, but he would ALWAYS come in at the end of the day and kiss me goodnight (no matter what time of night it was....). I really miss that !! And, I really miss the quick text message that he'd send. I did inherit his brand new Touch I-Pod and I am loving that. I have several of his songs on it (No Blink 182 -- ha) and I love to listen to those songs and remember him. --Mom

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Thursday, November 4, 2010

E-Mail #3: Prayer works say it in spanish.

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So - Kenna (Chad's almost 16 year old sister) didn't know what to be for Halloween this year and she was going to "The Maze". I got this picture and a text saying, "Who do I look like?" HA! CHAD !!! So she e-mailed him this picture.



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Chad's E-mail:


Those are my favorite boardies! Can you send those and maybe some others :)

I'm writting you back from the Dear Elder sent on Nov 3. Mom learned to type and use computers :D Haha There not going anywere. My new comp is Elder Haris. he is from Montona and is one of THOSE MORMONS! ugh! He is a nerd and an over achiver but we had a talk and things are a liitlle better. I just have to humble myself and be happy!

I got your package. PS (I wrote a letter you probably got it yesturday or today) Thanks for all the goodies :) We all ate the cheetos last night! Yummy!

Tie Trades.... So we all bring out our ties that we want to trade. no matter if there crappy or good. The goal is to get bueno ties! So you can trade 2 crappy ones for 1 good one. You did good. So send as many as you can :) Good or bad :)

I miss football soooo much! I miss my BOLTS! Can you send me my chargers shirts :)

The beard pic! There should be one of me in sunday close with big red sunglasses. Everyone wants to see it! If you can find it please do.

Im waiting on the pics to send to you guys cause there still being printed here. I got a couple of good ones from other people. My camera is broke. ( I said that in the letter) but ya im going to send it out today and hopefully you can call soon to see if they will warranty it, If not idk but i need a camera :(

I havent gotten Jeeneen's box yet, its all good though. Tell her i said HEY

I got the adresses. I need Jimmy Merril's and Jason Bentz. I miss them so much!!!

Everyone has really been pissing me off. I guess now we have like a taly chart and the board if we say slang. I have like 50 talys already and some elders are being way to serious but o well. You know me i'll say crap or (chafa) haha thats in spanish. I dont let it get to me though! :D

On tuesday we heard from M Russell Ballard of the 12. were now 3 for 3 for apostles at the devotionals. pretty Cool! I guess they come alot during Christmas. There always really fun! and super spirtuall!

Today I get to meet the Ambassodor of Puru. Thats where Elder Hariss is going so we were invited. should be supper bueno! And the govener of Utah....of course mormon hahaha.

Mom: I miss you so much! I love you sooooooo much! Prayer works say it in spanish. "Nuestro padre celestial. Te pedimos que benigas con ayuda con (being humble..idk how to say that haha) than say en el nombre jesuchristo, Amen" It will work :)

Dad: I miss you sooo much! I miss the hugs! :) Two years will go by super fast! Hope work is well. I pray for you everyday in spanish!

Aleena: Binny! Stay out of trouble and be nice to kenna! I miss you and loveeeeeeeeee you! :)

Kenna: I miss you as well! Thanks for wearing my cloths! Send me some boardshorts! :) Be nice to aleena! Keep doing well in school! I Love You!

I love you all so much. more than u know!

Love, MO
(Elder Mayberry)

Ps im getting sick! Ugh o well send me medincine cause i didnt bring any. and im out of money so i used my card today for temple breakfast! It was yummy!!!
love u guys!

___________________________________________________

I also got a letter that he wrote Monday, November 1st. Here's a few highlights.

* Visas: It is a hit or miss. I met a guy that is going to Merida. he got here at the beginning of June. Then went to Texas and left last Monday. So I don't know. Hopefully mine will come.

* My classes. Um - class is so hard. But you pretty much teach yourself. There are 8 other Elders in our tiny class so it's hard. You know me. I'm a more one on one. But it's good. We usually have 2 classes a day for 2-4 hours. The rest is on your own. That part is hard. You have alot of time to yourself. But it's study time. Can't waste the Lord's time. My teachers are Hermona Zaldivas. She got home off her mission in May. Hermone Jerlink he got home 10 months ago. So fresh from the field. They're wonderful. My district is so amazing. Truly a family away from home.

* Things will get better. I hope! HAHA! They will. :0) It's always gonna be ups and downs.

* O - I forgot. The Mormons are driving me crazy. "Don't do this. Don't do that." UGH! It will be ok though.

Chad seems to forget that he's also Mormon sometimes and that he's not much different from everyone else. He gave me advice in his e-mail to be humble today. He says he's working on it too. : o) --Mom

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Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Oct. 29th letter ...

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I got a letter today that was dated October 29th. Some of his letters don't have the date because he says ..... "I don't even know what day it is..." HA! Guess he's busy.

He starts the letter Dear Mom, but then immediately says .... "Aww, I miss Bryan!!" NICE -- (Just joking Bryan -- jealousy...) He later says that Bryan has been Dear Eldering him alot about sports. "He is my ESPN Newsguy." in Chad's words. Love that!! The Sports thing is one of the times that I miss Chad the most. I don't have my NFL Sunday Football partner anymore. Ken's been trying (attempting), but I don't think his heart is in it. He'll disappear during the games and not come back for hours..... But, it is what it is. Atleast he's trying.

He says that "today wasn't too good. A guy is leaving on Wednesday (today) to go to the Peru MTC. His companion is the District Leader who I will be companions with until he gets his visa." He goes on to say that he's not fond of this guy - he's stuck up and doesn't want to have any fun. So then he says, "Ugh. So pray for his visa. HA!" Funny - that's our Chad.

He says that he really enjoys the tie trading on Friday nights. I told him about these before he left. We were shopping and I told him that he needs to bring ugly ties because they trade them. He stuck up his nose to this and said, "Mom - I'm not trading MY ties." (His collection of ties IS pretty sweet I must say.) Well, he really likes it, and says he has some really good ones.

That's about it. Just a couple of cute things. I'm very grateful that he's feeling the Spirit so strongly. We've been getting letters about every other day. WHEW! He said a couple letters back that he had felt the Spirit the absolute strongest the night before in his Language class. If he feels the Spirit so strongly then -- HE IS OK. He talks often about it being VERY HARD, the hardest thing he's ever done, but he knows Heavenly Father is helping him, and that he will continue to help him.

I wrote him today and told him to have patience. There's many people he won't particularly like, just pray for patience, and work hard. --Mom

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Thursday, October 28, 2010

E-Mail #2 It's SNOWING .....

So ya I figured you werent checking the mail!!! It has to be everyday! :)

Spead the word! :) Dear Elder works so well! I get it that day and can most likley get my reply back.

Things I need:
* I might need some more black church socks cause these ones make my feet stink!!! Gross!
* I do need some white gym socks. I have some in my room. Top drawer. There nike and there short white. I need like 3-4.
* Yes Ties! We do tie trades every Saturday night! It is really fun! So please send any that Dad doesnt ever really wear...or like!!!!! I need a coat! Its sooooo cold here! Like a black coat that I can wear over my suit! It snowed the other day and I was super cold. You can get the watch at Wal-Mart. Its like $15. Its a digital and its kinda crome. If not please just get me a digital! I cant tell time! Haha and please like a metal one. I hate plastic.

So my companion left today. He went to a higher level spanish class. I am so happy! Its gonna be alot more fun! Im with a cool kid from Utah and the kid from Mesa that is related to Britaany. So things are getting alot better. I hate to say it but I kinda like it! Haha! Today we went to the temple it was super bueno! Were are hopefully taking pics on Sunday so I will send some home :) I changed the setting on my camera and it works better now :) Tell Jeenen thyanks. I havent gotten her package but I got yours...the dear elder one. It had lots of goodies :) Thanks :) Ellan also wrote me. That was cool. I got some good advice from Alen. It was good!

Today we did laudry. P-Day is really fun. We actually have some down time and dont have to dress up! I love it! Next week im gonna take a nap :) I need you to also send me some pictures of the family and stuff like the new ones. :) O ya i wrote notes for this email...thats why its planned a little better haha but if you find a jacket get like a XXL maybe a XL. ask Dad. Tell him I love him and miss him :) I love you to mamamama! Miss you so much! Tell leena the same :)

Kenna: I got your dear elder. Thanks :) Tell Brittany to write me cause I dont have her adress! And i miss her alllllllllllllotttttt! I want to hear the gosip! LOL Im sending pics soon. Sry about espanol! Just do your best that's what im doing haha
anyways love u!

--love Chad (elder Mayberry)

The mail takes like 3 days to get there. it sucks! i have been getting your dear elder and the halloween box :) it just takes forever to get back to u! :( dont forget my eletric trimmer. either in the girls bathroom or in my bathroom. its kinda small and silver also my nose hair trimmer :) haha thanks ! I looooooooooooooooooooooooove you :) Tell kenna to post on my facebook "Chad wants letters! Send him letters!" and also put my adress or how to dear elder. thanks :) i want to here from haji :( i miss him and lacey too and mike so do it pleaseeeeee Love you!

--love mo!

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Letters from Utah:

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A note from Mom:
We have a post office box and I am known to not check my mail for a week or so at a time. And, besides -- the guy that always checks the mail is out of town for 2 years. : o ) But, yesterday a sweet friend who works in my school cafeteria (she also works part time at our post office) said, "Hey - have you checked your box lately? You have something sweet from Elder Mayberry." So, today I went to the mailbox and there were 4 - yes four letters from him. The first one was dated Sat. Oct. 16th. Boy that would have been good to get instead of me freaking out not hearing from him for 9 days !!

So - he is doing well. Pretty homesick. REALLY WANTING LETTERS !!!!. Struggling with the Spanish and pretty down on himself that he is "the worst one in the class." (Boy, does that sound like Chad ...) His companion is from Wacco, Texas. He says that he hates Blink 182. Then he says, "So we don't bond much". He is feeling the Spirit so strongly and getting into the routine of things a bit. He has only been there for 2 weeks. It takes time. He gave me a list of things to send to him. Can't wait 'til Thursday for another e-mail. Man - can't get enough can I????

VERY IMPORTANT: For all of you who got his address before .... that is not correct. Please see the address listed on the blog. SORRY about that !!

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Thursday, October 21, 2010

MTC 1st E-mail. HURRAY !!!

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A note from Mom:
I have been going absolutely CRAZY waiting for an e-mail from Chad. I thought for sure it would come within Ithe first week, right???? But - it finally came today. Thank goodness. I was ready to go to Utah and pull him "out of there". HAH! Not !! I was not worried about him -- I knew where he was, and he wasn't driving anywhere....... But, I really was nervous about how he was, how he was reacting to things, how he was feeling. So - here is his e-mail. I got three of them. Short and sweet, but sooooooooo needed! --Mom

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Today's E-mail from Chad:

#1: Holy crap! Mom! I miss everyone so much! This is the hardest thing i have ever done! Thats cool about conference. Elder russell nelson spoke on tuesday night that was so cool! The spirt is so strong here! It is so hard but I no it will be worth it. Everyone is having problems with visas so pray!!!!! im learning alot. i no how to pray and to kinda testify in spanish. last night we did our first investigator thing. it was so hard! my compainioon is cool kinda. he speaks spanish really good. so i feel like crap everyday cause he is so good! there is also a guy in my distict from mesa he knows adam and michael. he is also brittanys 2 cousin! LOL im trying my best here and hope things get better! i miss u guys sooo much. i didnt think it would be this hard! i really relized how much i love dad, mom, kenna and aleena! sorry i only have 30 min! there is even a timer at the top! but i get my mail everyday so please tell everyone like bryan, brittany, everyone at church that they can write me. or even do that "dear elder thing". i also get packages. like some dr.pepper woukld be yummy! or chips and salsa! haha :) this morning we went to the temple it was really cool. its all in one room and is a spiritual experiance. My testimony has grown soooo much even in just a week. a guy in our distict his mom died on friday. it was so sad. he is doing so well!!!!! anyway i love and miss u guys so much. if u have questions about my adress i think u can call the mtc. ummm tell kenna to post something on facebook for my friends to write me. she can message brittany to tell her to write me to. i hope all is well with school for u and kenna and work is good for dad and lenna isnt getting into too much trouble.! i love uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu guuuuuuuuuyyysss soooooooooo much.
love Mo :)

#2: i have 3 mins left! i love u guys! please try to contact brittany, haji, bryan, and people from church. tell them to write not email. only u can write and email/ i love u mom :) i love u dad :) i love you kenna :) and beenie winnie! i love u too. stay out of trouble!!!
love, mo :)

#3: next week i will write a better letter! i will have a full 30 min for just u guys much love!!!!!!! i love u all! :)

Thursday, October 14, 2010

He's Off ....... and studying !!!


Well, Chad left for the MTC (Missionary Training Center) yesterday -- October 13, 2010. He will be there for about 2 months learning Spanish and having wonderful, spiritual experiences. Brian and Dad flew out to Salt Lake with him at 7:30 AM. There were several of his friends there to say goodbye. Everyone tried to keep the mood light, but it was difficult to keep smiing. Haji serenaded us with his rendition of "His bags are packed -- he's ready to go...." Sweet and funny, but I think it just made me cry harder.

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Thanks Brian -- and Brian's Grandma (for the car). They even stopped off for a cheeseburger in Salt Lake before making the drive to Provo. Utah was a crisp 45 degrees yesterday morning. (A bit different from our 106 degrees here.) It's really hard to believe that he's gone. I turned into a "BIG BABY" at the airport. Even Kenna misses him -- and they hate each other, right???? And in Dad's words, "Those parents that said, 'we just dropped him off and everything was great ...' they were lying !!" It was HARD !!!

I kept thinking all day, "What time is it -- where is he?" And then at 12:00 our time (1:00 Utah time) I knew he was getting close to the curb ..... and the phone rang. Kenneth. It was done. I can't wait for an e-mail.

--Mom

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In Chad's favorite words, "See ya in 2 !!"

Monday, October 11, 2010

Farewell

Chad had his farewell yesterday. It was a great day! He gave the most amazing talk on Missionary Work. He has a gift, that's for sure. We're sure that he will have an amazing effect on the people of Mexico. The simpleness of his spirituality, and his down-to-earth nature will touch people everywhere. He had the audience laughing throughout the talk ..... and his Dad and grandma Virginia in tears. Aunt Sherle and cousin Cori sang the most beautiful song EVER !! Thank you so much!

The party afterwards was HUGE! We figure we had about 70 people in and out throughout the afternoon. People sure love that boy! And, we do too!

It's hard to believe that he will be "on his way" in just TWO days. Kenneth is going to fly up with him. So is Brian, his friend. Then Ken and Brian will turn around and come right back home. I decided that was a bit much for me and opted for the "Goodbye at the airport". I hope I don't regret that -- but I think it's what Chad wants too.

Temple Trip

SATURDAY, Sept. 4, 2010
We had a wonderful day in the temple Saturday. Wow! It is a really special thing to see your children in the temple with you. I DO NOT take that for granted. I kept looking over at him and Kenneth sitting together and thought, "He looks like he belongs here." I know that he is overwhelmed, but I also know that he felt the spirit and that his testimony will grow as he returns and returns and returns. He's hoping to go back atleast a couple times before he leaves for the MTC.

He got ribbed for the facial hair all day long. (Imagine that???) We went to pick up garments before we went to the temple. She was a sweet lady that met him with, "Are you getting married today?" No -- "Oh, are you going on a mission .....?" Yes --- She proceeded to tell him so many wonderful things, in the most sweet quiet voice. Among them - "Make sure you do everything your mission president asks of you ...." And then in closing, after she had been with him for about an hour, "Don't do anything stupid."

When we went into the temple the sweet woman that met us there said, "Elder???? Mayberry?" Yes -- Then, "That facial hair is not destined for this world for long." She immediately wanted to take the words back -- she apologized and apologized saying, "Oh, I'm not supposed to say things like that." But - Chad took it in stride, laughed with the rest of us. I couldn't care less about the facial hair. I know that he will shave when it is time -- and he will shave every day after that. Yes - the time is quickly approaching.

I'm deeply appreciative for the MANY people that have helped Chad get to this point. Some of them were there with him in the temple. People are drawn to Chad -- they flock to him everywhere he goes. And, so many of them have touched his life in ways that us as parents could never. Thank you so much!

Kenneth leaves today back to Missouri. As the plan is right now -- Chad is going to fly out to pick him up in a month. Then they will spend a few days together and go to Chicago and a few other places. That will be the weekend before his farewell. Kenneth is going to fly to Utah with him, just the day he is supposed to report. (That's a bit much for me I think.....)

Chad's Accident .....

SATURDAY, June 5, 2010

Well, Chad was in an accident on Saturday night. It was on our Carefree Hwy and he was going 65. (If I can believe that ???) It was a really bad one, totalled his car. But - he walked away literally without a scratch. He went through the raised median and into oncoming traffic. Carefree Hwy is always very busy -- but there was only one car coming that direction. It just happened to be a sheriff. (Isn't that Chad's luck ....) We are extremely grateful that he wasn't hurt - and that he didn't hurt anyone else. We are recognizing this for what it is -- there will be a lot of opposition the next few months to keep Chad from Mexico. I went to the impound lot today and tried to take a picture of the car (which was literally smashed in half), but it is a police lot and pictures were not allowed. Chad has one on his phone (not very good because it was dark at night), but I will post it when I get it.

MEXICO MERIDA MISSION !!!

THURSDAY, June 3, 2010


No -- he didn't shave ........... (What can I expect????)

Chad received his mission call today to the Mexico Merida Mission. He reports October 13, 2010. We are SO happy !! He will be speaking Spanish -- (Those two years of Spanish in High School will definately NOT be enough ....) Just by our first glance it looks like a beautiful place to be. It is on the Eastern coast of the Gulf of Mexico, down by Guatemala and Honduras. It is near Cuba. It looks very Caribbean like -- not sure if it is. And, yes, there's a beach. OH NO !!! We are truly overwhelmed. A friend of ours (Sam) got his mission call last week and he is giong to Madagascar and leaving in ONE MONTH!! I was not hoping for it to be that close -- but 4 MONTHS !!!! I'm sure the time will go quickly and I will be whining that he is leaving way tooooo soon. It looks like he may get to Mexico just in time for Christmas. Oh my -- can't much think about that.