12/24/12 -

Hi everyone!

Merry Christmas! We had a great week overall.  We were busy with our investigators and with helping others in the mission.  On Thursday one of the Spanish missionaries in the zone was sick, but he and his companion had appointments, and we had some appointments cancel on us, so we went on exchanges with them. Elder Jacobs stayed while Elder Cash and I went with his companion to their and our appointments that night.  It worked out well, and I got to practice my Spanish a little bit.

I also found out when I leave for Mexico! January 7th! So I'm here another 2 weeks. We are able to have some Christmas celebration ourselves. Attached are pictures of our Christmas Tree (with presents) and of our "fireplace" with stockings.  The last picture is just to show that Santa does come to Vegas. :)

OK spiritual thought for the week: John 6:5-13 This is Christ Feeding the 5000 (also Matt 14:13-21, Mark 6:32-44, and Luke 9:10-17).  Based on everything that is written in the Gospels about it, when it came time to feed the 5000 Christ asked what was available for food (Mark 6:38) and all that there was a lad who had 5 Barley loaves and 2 fishes.(John 6:9) Christ took these, Blessed them, fed everyone that was there until they were full, and then filled 12 baskets with the leftovers. 
Christ asks for us to give him everything we can give, even if it's not much, then he multiplies and sanctifies it, then he uses it to "Pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it" (Malachi 3:10)

One more: Luke 2:10-11 Remember we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ because of what he did.  He is the Savior of the World. He made it possible for us to repent and return to live with God again.

Merry Christmas!

-Elder David Hill Jr.

12/24/12 - Jordon (Hey, look!  We got PICTURES!)

I'm sorry that my previous emails haven't been so informative. I just wanted the pictures to go with them.

 

 

Picture 1: The first day when we got to the apartment, I needed to use the restroom, but the door was locked. So we unlocked the door, and this is what I found inside.

 

 

 

Picture 2: Here they have an interesting system. Apparently, your trainer is considered your "father", and his trainer is your "grandfather", and so on. Your first area is considered where you were born. So, Elder Oscarson is my father, and I was born in Gilbert. Here we have a picture of all my living relatives. "Living" meaning Missionaries still in the mission. (Right to left. Excluding the elder in the white shirt on the right.) Great-grandfather Johnson (he's actually "dead" (not on his mission anymore), but came to the christmas party anyway.) Elder Wheler (Grandfather), Me, Elder Oscarson (Father, companion), Elder Nelson (Uncle), Elder Neiderhauser (Grandfather), Elder Leiner (Great-grandfather). Elder Oscarson had 2 trainers so I have to grandfathers.

 

Unfortunately, the library is closing right now for the holiday, so I don't have time to finish this, so I will continue to add things in the future.

 

Merry Christmas.

12/17/12 -

Hi Everybody!

So this week was busy as always. here are some of the highlights: 

We had our mission Christmas party. It started with leadership training, hen a big lunch(more like Christmas dinner) and then a talent/variety show.  My district participated by performing the Hakka (a Polynesian tribal war dance done to psyche everyone up and strike fear into the hearts of the enemy).  That was fun. at the end Santa and Mrs. Clause came by and President Neider (the mission president) and his wife seem to have disappeared.  We all had a good time. 

           This is the Hakka.  That's me in the back with the

        purple tribal skirt.  Sorry it's blurry, but you get

     the idea.

I had a Miserably awesome day on Thursday.  I went on exchanges with some of the Spanish speaking elders so I could get in some more practice with the Language. it went from noon Thursday to noon Friday.  I was on bike, with a cold, and the day I'm riding a bike everywhere is the day it decides to rain in the desert. It's the only day of rain I've had here too. and the distances I was riding didn't make it better (and the person whose bike I was borrowing is about a foot shorter than I am so the bike was short too.) Now that I've done an excellent job at describing the "miserably" part, here's the "awesome".  I was able to teach in Spanish. I'm still a little surprised when I talk and the Latino people I talk to understand me. I mean my teachers back at the MTC understood me, but they also know English so they know what I'm trying to say. Some of the people we were talking to on Thursday don't speak much, if any, English, so that was pretty awesome. The other big thing was I got an added witness that day that God hears and answers prayers.  There were several times that day where I felt like I couldn't go any further, and so I would pray for strength enough to make it to where we were going; or sometimes my companions would get a bit ahead of me, and I would pray they find someone to talk to so they would stop and I could catch up.  Every one of those prayers was answered Immediately. Every single time I prayed for strength I felt the soreness in my legs disappear. I was always able to catch up to my companions. and we had several people on the street that they talked to when I had asked for it.  It was amazing to see that readily and immediately the blessings that come when you are trying to do the right thing and just take the time to ask God for help.

Our investigator Brian is Thinking about baptism.  He is a very Logically minded individual and  wants to make sure it's the right thing for him to do at this time.  All he's waiting for is a response from God about if the Gospel is true and if so, when should his baptism be.  We'll have to see what happens there.  Our other big investigator, Latanya, is ready as can be for Baptism, but she needs to start coming to church more often.  She's only made it there once.  She's willing and ready in all other areas, but she seems to be sick on Sunday's a lot. So we aren't sure about her baptismal date either. Oh well, so goes the work. We have others that we are teaching, but it's been pretty slow going with them at the moment. Everyone is busy with Christmas coming up, but that's ok, we are going to work extra hard this week to make sure we do everything we can.

That's about it for this week. Adios!

-Elder David Hill Jr.

12/17/12 -

YOU SENT ME A CAKE?! I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU SENT ME A CAKE!!! I got your birthday package. Unfortunately, I still, for some reason, can't seem to remember to bring my card reader with me to do emails. GRRRRRRRR!!!!  I find it funny though that you use one of the cigarillos boxes for one of my presents. Imagine the chaos that would ensue if anyone who wasn't there found that in our appartment.

 

But everything is going alright here. Just curious, but how's the weather like out there. Here the days are usually sunny with a high of about 70 degrees. The nights are a bit chilly, but otherwise alright.

 

The members here are really nice, and we have dinner appointments just about every night. usually they give us something Mexican, but occationally we go out to eat at a resturaunt. Everyone here loves the missionaries. When we stop somewhere for lunch or something, often times a member offers to pay for our meals, just because. It's awesome.

 

There is something about Latin culture here that I'm not liking so much though. Apparently, they get mildly offended if you don't eat at least 2 full plates of food, and they don't seem to understand the term "serving size". Sometimes it's been really hard, but I do my best.

 

Tomorrow, we have a Mission Chistmas party followed by the opportunity to attend the temple.

 

I think that about covers it for this week. I'm sorry, but I can't really think of anything else right now. I'll try to make note of things that happen this week to write home about.

 

Until next week.

Love

-Elder (Jordon) Hill-

12/10/12 - Jordon -

Hola familia, Cómo están?

 

I wanted to send you pictures this week, but I left my camera and card reader at home, again.:(

 

Life here is kinda crazy. Several of our investigators have been canceling appointments, and others aren't keeping commitments. But, overall everything is going well.

 

By the way, Mom, you shouldn't need to worry about me starving because we have dinner appointments practically every night. Here it's apparently considered rude if you don't get seconds. This has been a little difficult for me because these people apparently don't understand the concept of a serving. They also don't seem to hear me when I say a "little" more because they still give me another full plate. Oh, Well. 

 

Also, Mom, you should be proud of me. There have been several times where I've wanted to take picures of what I was eating to show you.

 

Dad: I'm sorry I didn't say this last week. Happy Birthday!!

 

I think that about covers it. If you want to send me letters and packages, the address I gave you last week should suffice.

 

Until next week,

 

-Elder Hill-

12/10/12 - DJ

Hi Everybody!

So, It's been a busy week here. First, I haven't seen snow since Utah! While the weather here is on the chilly side, It's still in the comfortable range most of the time. So awesome!

 

I'm starting to work better with my companions. It's a little different mechanic being in a triple companionship in the field as opposed to the MTC, but overall it's great. We have some investigators and several more less active members that we teach.  I'm not going to talk about everyone but here are a couple of people.

 

We teach one lady and her daughters.  She is a very sweet woman and has a deep love of the Lord.  Her daughters are usually in the lessons with us, and all 3 are scheduled to be baptized on the 22nd of December.  We have no doubt that the Mom is going to be baptized that day, but the daughters have been going through some things, and so we aren't as sure about them.

 

The other investigator we teach is a man with a Deep Baptist background.  He has several degrees, including a PhD, in Theology and similar topics.  He keeps and open mind, and we've enjoyed our lessons thus far.  Last Friday when we met with him he had a few more questions for us. They were some logical questions about the origin of the Book of Mormon and, unbeknownst to us, he thought that because of these questions we would decide to stop teaching him.  Instead we assured him that we will continue coming over and read all of Alma 32 with him.  It was an awesome lesson. The next morning we received an 11 page text (1 1/4 pages written in my notebook) on his reflections on the lesson. It was Fantastic! He had a spiritual breakthrough!  He then came to Church yesterday(Sunday) and he really enjoyed it. He said "Everything was centered on Christ. I don't understand why people say you aren't Christian," among other good comments.

 

On a different topic, we went to our ward's Christmas party. It was called "Back to Bethlehem" and they took the time to dress the gym up like old Bethlehem and had dinner, and a performance with several songs.  They also asked everyone to come dressed in period style clothing (or at least a towel and bathrobe) it was a blast!

That about sums up the highlights of this week. Adios!

-Elder Hill

12/3/12 - Jordon

Hola Everyone.

 

Since my arrival, here are the series of events that followed:

Got off the plain.

Met the Mission Presidency and their wives.

Got luggage.

Went to work.

 

That's pretty much how it was. They took us to the mission home/office, we had some meetings with the office staff, checked out our bikes, and then we had an "OYM" (open your mouth) activity. This consisted of them giving us several copies of the Book of Mormon and sending us out into the nearby area to try some street contacting. It was hard. Although they don't call it missionary "work" for nothing. Even so, the mission field seems harder than I remember it beeing from my mini-mission. After the activity we were sent to members' houses for the night.

 

The next day we had a few more meetings, and then we met our companions. With my new companion, Elder Oscarson, I left for my new area and we started working right away. I still haven't finished unpacking!  Elder Oscarson is a great guy, and he's helping me out a lot. I'm starting to get this down now.

 

The mailing system for missionaries isn't so great. Mail sent to the mission home gets to me only after someone going to the mission home picks it up, which is not weekly. So, the better place to send it would be to my residence:

 

5332 East Baseline Rd. #1009

Mesa, AZ 85206

 

I still have more to write, so I'll send a letter.

I hope everyone is doing alright while we're gone. I love you all really much. Talk to you soon.

 

-Elder (Jordon) Hill-

12/3/12 - DJ

Hi everyone!

Ok so there's a lot to say. first I'm in a triple companionship again. my companions are Elder Jacobs and Elder Cash. They're the Zone leaders for the North Las Vegas Zone.  we have an English speaking area even though Elder Cash is also a Spanish speaking missionary.  It's been pretty crazy. It's hard to believe I've only been out here a week. My companions and I are staying in an apartment in the area we are assigned to. It's a pretty big area, and since Zone leaders help people move sometimes we have a truck to use for mission purposes. The weather here has been beautiful. I just wish it rained a little more often.  I guess I'll get that in Mexico City once I get there. I'm glad I'll be gone by summer. I'd boil!

The Vegas Trio - Elder Cash, DJ, & Elder Jacobs

Proof the I'm really in Las Vegas.

LV District plus Mission Presidency

Next news, I got me Visa! I (and several others waiting for their visas) went to the Spanish consulate last week and received our visas. so I'm here until my Mission president down there calls for me. which I'm told should be when the next transfer cycle is down there which would be the week after New Years; but we've seen how much my mission likes to stay according to plan so I guess I'll just wait and see.

That's about it. Adios

-Elder DJ Hill

11/28/12 - Jordon Has Arrived!

Jordon has arrived in Tempe, Arizona!  He'll be here until September of 2014.  His new mailing address is:

Elder Jordon Hill
Arizona Tempe Mission
5332 E. Baseline Road #1009
Mesa, AZ  85206

Here's the group of Elders/Sister that arrived with Jordon at Tempe.

The couple in the middle are his Mission President and his wife, Bro. and Sister Howes.  Looks like a really large mission.  

Till next time!

DJ's NEW ADDRESS:

For those of you who haven't heard, Mexico has changed its procedure for applying for Visas, so DJ's entire district is on hold.  Here's his temporary address until he gets his Visa.  He will be here definitely through December, possibly into January or February.

Elder DJ Hill
Nevada Las Vegas Mission

9270 S. Maryland pkwy

Las Vegas, NV 89123

Please send all letters and packages to this address.  He will get the mail at least once a week.  His personal day is on Monday, so expect updates then.

Thanks!!!

Oh, quote of the week:  "It feels weird being in the real world again."

11/21/12 - Here it is, folks!  DJ will be serving in the Nevada Las Vegas Mission until his visa comes in.  He leaves for Las Vegas on Monday, the 26th, at 5:30 am.  He'll fly to Mexico on the next transfer day after his visa arrives, so the earliest he'll leave or Mexico will be the week of January 7th.  Happy Thanksgiving!

A few other things:

 

This is DJ's last MTC district.  It's coming close.

 DJ has located the 9th missionary with the last name Hill at the MTC.  The Elder Hill on the left (DJ) is leaving for Vegas on Monday, and the Elder Hill on the right is heading for New Zealand.

When I eventually do get to Mexico, just FYI, Dear Elder counts as Pouch mail so you can still use Dear Elder to get me letters in Mexico. It'll take 2 weeks instead of same day, but you can do that.

Till next time!

11/16/12 -

Ok.  First, I have permission to write this not on P-day, so it's ok.

 

Apparently my MTC experience needed to be shook up again. Mexico changed the process for getting visas, so my whole District is going to receive temporary assignments elsewhere. I don't know where yet, I should find that out this coming Wednesday or Thursday.  In short, I don't know where I'm going, when I leave the MTC, or Where I'm going to be spending Christmas. OK, I know it'll be inside the US, but other than that I know nothing.

 

In short, hold off on sending anything to meet me in Mexico for now until I have more information.

 

Talk to you again soon,

 

-Elder David Hill Jr.

11/15/12 - Jordon

Hola,

Yesterday, was a fun day. Do you remember how when we were dropped of here that there were missionaries helping us out? Well, yesterday I got to be one of the hosts. They told us to be friendly to the missionaries to make them feel more comfortable. I decided to have a bit of fun with my car approach. When the family would start getting out of the car, I would look at the Hosting info paper they gave us and say, "Welcome new Elder or Sister to the MTC. I am Elder...(pause to look at my name tag)...Hill, and I will be your host for today." Of course, I was joking, and they knew it. Each car I did it to would laugh, and then I'd actually greet them and help them with their bags. It was a lot of fun.

Do you remember how I had asked several weeks ago for the sheet music for "All Times, All Things, All Places"? Well, I auditioned today (for the 3rd time) for a musical number. Each time prior, they had told me to tweak something and then come back the following week. This time I was perfect! I now have a spot in the Thanksgiving devotional. If I can, I'll try to send home a video of me singing, but I don't know if they'll give me a copy. Also, could you please NOT tell Elder Hill about this, I want it to be a surprise.

Tyler: You might get a kick out of this. Something I've decided to do to practically all the elders I come in contact with, more than just in passing, is to ask them if the phrase "20% cooler" has any special significance to them. If they don't say no, I will follow it up with "Are you the type of pony every pony should know?" So far, I've found 2 and a half Bronies. Elder Lingard was the first, I met him in Gym. Instant friendship. The second is Elder Larraby, he got here last week. The half if you're wondering is Elder Web in Elder (DJ) Hill's zone, he's seen all the episodes and gets the references, but he doesn't consider himself a fan. oh well. Let's find out how many bronies are serving missions. Shall we? [Note:  a Brony is a guy who is a fan of the “My Little Pony” series.]

That's all for this week. I'll talk to you all again next week.

Adios.

-Elder (Jordon) Hill-

----------------------

Pictures 1 y 2: I found two more. Sister Hill I found coming out of the Tuesday devotional. It was interesting, from her perspective it was just a random elder coming up and asking for a picture, then she saw my nametag and was excited. She's English speaking. Not sure where she's going though. Elder Hill just got here yesterday. He's in my zone. So, since my arrival, my zone has had 3 Elders with the last name Hill in it, not at the same time unfortunately. I believe this makes 7 and 8.

Picture 3: I got bored during a spot of free time.

11/14/12 - DJ -

Hi Everybody!

So we got the new district last week like I said we would. It’s interesting seeing them and being reminded how I was during my first week.  It's hard to believe how much I've learned and grown in such a short amount of time.

In other news I'm still in the triple companionship with Elder Lehikainen and Elder Talmage. we think it's going to stay this way until we leave at this point. (Given that we are supposed to leave in just under 2 weeks that's a pretty good possibility).

We had snow this last week that stuck this time.  It’s nice at the MTC because most of the walkways are covered and they plow the rest, but I'm looking forward to not seeing snow for another 2 years.

So something I learned this week, even though we are given rules to follow and are taught ways we should do things, last night we had a speaker that was saying there are people waiting for us specifically because of our uniqueness.  It'll be interesting to see what will happen once I'm in Mexico.  Speaking of, one of our Zone Resource teachers (teachers that give extra help and travel around from class to class) is from Mexico City so we've been getting a little bit of insight into the culture or at least the accent and manner of which the people of Mexico City speak.

Ok, spiritual thought for this week:
Romans 8:18 "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." While I'm not suffering at this moment, this is another new favorite scripture for me, and I think will help me as I go through things in the future.

Adios until next week,

-Elder David Hill Jr.

11/8/12 - Jordon

(Jordon's been playing with magnetic balls again.)

Things are going well here. The schedule hasn't really changed at all since I arrived, but I've gotten used to it.

Thank you for the goodie bag. and tell sister Blackhurst thank you for me for sending me a "dia de los muertos" [ Day of the Dead] (Nov. 1) package too. I really appreciate the thought put into them both.

How many Hills? Not sure. I've actually given thought to going to the front desk and asking them to page everyone in the MTC with the last name Hill to meet at a specific location, but I don't think they'd go for it. I current count for Hills is 6 (including myself y Elder (DJ) Hill). And, not all of them are here currently; I know at least one has left for the field already.

Mi habilidad a hablar Espanol es bueno. A vezes hay tiempos cuando no puedo decir que me gustaria decir, pero usualmente yo puedo decir que you quiero. (I'll let you figure that one out. ) [My ability to speak Spanish is good. Sometimes there are times when I can't say what I'd like to say, but usually I can tell what you want.]

Want to hear something cool? apparently since the age announcement at conference, they've received just as many sister applications as they have sisters in the field right now.

Also, here's a secret: It looks like they're [working on] opening up China for missionaries. One of my teachers told us the one of his relatives received their mission call, and it said that they would be going somewhere later to be transferred to China!  Isn't that great?

Time's flying here at the MTC, Just 3 more weeks until I hit the field. I'm excited. I hope you've all been well with out us.

I'll talk to you again next week.

Con amor,

-Elder J Hill-

11/7/12 - DJ

Ok,  So just a reminder I really would rather you send me a letter via DearElder.com than e-mail. I only get 30 minutes on e-mail.

Hi everyone!

So firstly, thanks to everyone that wished me a happy birthday. I appreciate it. actually it was a pretty awesome birthday. (you'll have to bug my mom for the pics) [ See some below]

So this week we are going to be getting a new district so my class is going back down to it's original 2 teachers (we had 4 because of the districts merging the other week) because of this we (the missionaries in the district) are beginning to teach each other so as to give us more experience teaching other investigators.  We are supposed to role-play being other people and it was recommended that we choose a good friend.  Who would have thought all those years of playing D&D would actually help prepare me for a mission? Anyway for those that know him, when I'm an investigator, I'm playing my friend Devin. which is making it really interesting for the missionaries teaching me.

Just a fun fact for you, there have been more sister missionary applications turned in since the October 6th announcement of the age change than there currently are sister missionaries serving in the world.

A quick quote to share before I run out of time from Sister Diane Hacking (the first councelor's wife in the MTC presidency) said "if someone slams a door in your face, just say 'Oh, what a lovely breeze!"

Anyway I'm about out of time. Until next week,

-Elder David Walter Hill Jr.

 Below are some of the pictures for DJ's Birthday.  Those who want to see them all should log into his or my facebook page. - Jan

 Showing off the mylar balloon from brother, Tyler.

                   This package was a little interesting to open.  It turned into......

this.  Sorry it's fuzzy, he was shaking it!  The bottle didn't hold any soda.  It holds money rolled up in it.  He has to figure out how to get it out, and his pocket tool is home!

                          Use The Force, Elder!  His Jedi Master award.

The sisters in his district must have really figured him out.  Playdoh to keep him busy!

The elders in his district got him a new tie.  All the guys signed the back of it.

Blowing out his birthday candles.  Strange, I don't see 26 candles on that cake!  Many thanks to Sr. Blackhurst for arranging it.

11/1/12 - Jordon -

Hola, I'm doing well. I had a fun Halloween. As a missionary, It's difficult to actually be in a costume, other than as a missionary, and still be within the rules.

 

 

Picture 1: So, this was my costume. While here, I have learned how to make an origami shirt, so I made one of these, and taped it to a pointer I bought at the MTC Bookstore. (before you ask, I've always wanted a pointer for no reason other than it's awesome, and they have them for sale here, so I had to get one.) And, I held this shirt infront of me while I was walking around the MTC. I got some funny looks from people, but over all everyone loved it. At the end of the day, once we got back to the residence, I saw a couple elders Trick-or-Treating to some of the other doors in the residence, and I decided to join them for a short time. It was hilarious seeing some of the reactions we got. I love Halloween.

 

 

Picture 2: Guess who I found. Another Elder Hill. I have no idea where he's going or what language he's speaking, but I found him.

---

I trust you got my last letter, and I did get your package. Yay, Cheezits! and I love the picture of Elder P. Kin, haha.

(This one was sent to him from home.)

 

 I didn't really time myself, but I believe I was able to translate most of Dad's message with an exception of a few words in about 15-20 minutes by myself. It was a good excersize.

 

I haven't really been able to play soccer this week much. the field has been closed for the most part due to coldish weather. But, my goblins haven't really been at work. the field hasn't been as slick since.

 

Mi Español ha sido bien. I'm picking it up fairly easily. Now if only I could teach as easily. Here, the teachers pretend to be investigators and we take turns teaching them, in addition to regular classroom instruction. One of these investigators is named Tomás.  He's Atheist and we can't really seem to get through to him, but we're getting there.

 

I have been seeing Hermano Blackhurst each thursday, we normally ghave a short chat, but last week, we actually gave him a lesson. I feel it went well.

 

It's hard to imagine that I've been here for over a month already. It's gone by so fast. I only have 4 more weeks left here, and then it's off to the field. It will be an adventure.

 

No letter from me this week. I got everything said that I needed to.

 

I love you all. and I'll talk to you again next week,.

 

-Elder Hill-

10/31/12-  DJ  -

Hola everyone!

Lots to talk about and not much time to type it.  first, Elder Dow was sent out early. so I'm in a Trio again, with Elder Lehikainen and Elder Talmage.  they both have the same departure date as me so I don't think it's going to change again before we head out to the field.  Somehow I get the feeling the Lord is preparing me to be in a Trio in the field... I guess we'll find out in a month.

On a different note I've started being part of the MTC Choir. my whole zone was participating and so I started going too (kinda had to when both of my companions were going) anyway it's been fun. also Elder Jordon Hill has started attending as of this week as well so we get to see each other during choir time now if not anywhere else during the week.

From the responses I received about my discovery last week it would seem I need to clarify a bit:
during the first week I was trying to figure out how to do everything. Including follow one of the scriptures commonly quoted for missionary work. (Matt 16:25 "For Whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my [Christ's] Sake shall find it.") I had always heard this applied as to lose yourself in the work.  my first week I was trying to figure out how do you lose yourself when all you do is study and learn? it seemed like everything was focused on you at the MTC so I didn't know how to do it.  when I made my discovery that I didn't know who I was, I was excited! it meant that I had, at least in part, started to lose myself in the work.  There's a video online (a "Mormon Message") called "the Will of God" by D. Todd Christopherson (pardon my spelling) he talks about gardening and how he found a Current Bush. this bush had grown tall and did not have any berries on it. so he pruned it and cut back many of it's branches. I'll let you look up the video for the whole story but in the end the current bush was happy and covered with berries. God is my Gardener. he is changing me into what he wants me to be.  I'm excited! If I've grown so much in the last month I can't wait to see what happens over the next 23!

Adios!
-Elder Hill

Hey Tyler!
Mom said you were a little worried for me based on my last letter. You'll be happy to know I still have the same talents and things I love to do as before. My will is just becoming more in line with God. I still love talking about D&D, fantasy, etc. Elder Webb from my District is almost as big a nerd as I am, although he was more into anime. He always gets my nerdy references. We are actually glad we aren't companions because we'd never get anything done. So it's not a bad change, it's more of growing. The bad parts of my life/personality are being removed and good things are growing in their place. That's the best way I have to describe it.

Anyway, times up so I'm going to go now.
Love you bro.
-Elder David Hill Jr.

(PS. I'm sending this to mom to so she Knows What I said here)
(PPS: If you have any doubts, Elder Jordon Hill, Elder Webb and I are rewording the Pokemon theme song for missionary work. I'll send it to you when we're done ;) )

10/25/12-

From Jordon -

I managed to track down Sister Hill. Although to get all of us together will be kinda hard since she left for the field on monday. sorry dad. She went to some island where they speak French and some language that starts with a "t" (I think, or maybe it was the Island that started with a "T")

But look what I found. another Elder Hill. He's English Speaking, not sure where he's going. Probably won't find out. I just happened to sit infront of him during the Fireside this past Sunday.

This is my district. No, Mom, My district has not been cut down. actually it grew since we started. (starting from the left) We have Hermana Wright, Hermana Spittler, Elder Berg, myself, Elder Louth, Hermana Rittenhouse, Elder Pinegar, Elder Grant, Hermana Lambert, and Elder Christensen. Hermana Rittenhouse joined us a week in. she was all set to go in to the field, but 2 days before she was supposed to leave, Her mission president decided to switch her from English speaking to spanish speaking. Interesting, no?

This is Hermana Spittler, Elder Spittler (her brother), myself, and Elder Hill (my brother). the funny thing was that we all reported the same day, and Elder Spittler and Elder Hill were in the same district, as well. My district has a Hill and a Spittler, (DJ's) district had a Hill and a Spittler. I use "had" because Elder Spittler got transfered to the Belize(?) MTC about a week ago.

And here's a tower of markers because I still have space. We found that we had a ton of markers so Elder Louth decided to stack them up in a tower.


I'm out of time for today. I'll right a letter with more.
I love you all.