Stranded with the Elders

Bueno, like you guys, it’s started the new season here too. Every day it rains, even though this year is a bad year for the rain, supposedly it’s not a lot - but man, i sure think so. It’s some rain that I’ve never seen before in Utah. It’s like people are dumping buckets out on us! But don´t worry, I’m using my shoes well!

But Amanda actually made it up to the Brigham part??? What is this world coming to??? (haha) I’m just joking, Amanda! But really, I’ll come home back and beat you up! But guess what? Tomorrow I have 11 months in the mission?! HOW FLIPPIN CRAZY!!!! Man I’m getting old and fast. But if anything my body feels like I have 3 years!

1 – How are the twin investigators coming along?

Well that’s the thing, the twins didn´t go to church yesterday so I’m a little bit worried about them. If only they could understand how important that is.. They are really some awesome guys and would be awesome priesthood holders... But I can´t force them. There is always hope and I’m not going to lose that. Sometimes hope is the only thing we have.

2 – Did the bishop’s wife ever end up inviting you for food?

Well actually I have all this time in this area, like more than 2 months, and I’ve never even been let into their house. STILL!! We put like times to go and visit them, but they never are there or they forget and stuff like that. We are supposed to be like the best friends with the bishop and all that but if he doesn’t want to we have to do it on our own.. (hahah) It’s not fun but that’s how it has to be... =/ But it’s alright, I’m still happy, or I try and be happy and overcome my tiredness. (hahahah - don’t worry guys - You know me)

3 – Can you see the North Star from El Salvador? (or what constellations can you see)

Well right now I can´t see any stars or anything, like the clouds are always there but I can see like Mars and Venus and stuff. My comp, elder Marin in Apaneca, would show them to me. But that was in the mountains and now I’m in like a half city kind of thingy. =P

4 – Are the mangos still in season? Do you have avocados and if so do you like them any more than before?

Well the thing is that the mangos all have fallen. =( But I did eat my fair share of them! I think they came out of my eyes! (hahaha) But yeah I like avocados; I eat them like i would mangos - raw with a little of salt. I kind of can´t be picky here or else i don´t eat. I still don´t like tomatoes though, BUT I eat them. (haahahah)

5 – Do they have movie theaters in your city or other larger cities down there?

Well actually the nearest movie theatre is like 2 hours away in bus - in the capital. (Hahah) There used to be one in Santa Ana but not anymore. Everyone just buys pirated movies and all that. So it’s kind of useless here. =P

Well, it’s the goodbye of President Lopez! This Tuesday he turns over all the keys (physically and spiritually) to President Cordon! Man, so we had like a little meeting with him on Friday to say goodbye and he actually started to cry?!?! Never ever thought that he would cry.. He is one of those tough, macho guys. But it’s what has to happen. I will miss him, but change is good. If anything I’m learning to adapt with changes and just do my best. Even he said at the he hasn´t done exactly the best he could but he tried really hard and was an awesome president. It will be different to adapt to the new guy but I’m willing to do it. =)

But about the rain - STORYTIME....

On Thursday, day, before the meeting with President Lopez, I went to some other elders’ area to help them out with some stuff and work with them (Elder Hale and Elder Melgar) and it was awesome; we had a blast! Then it started to rain... And man did it rain. Then this rain caused us to slow down and before we knew it the last bus to my area had left!!!! I was stuck with them.. So we decided what the heck let’s finish working then worry about it. So after all of that (during the downpour!!!) we decided, ok... we´re wet, tired and hungry. Why not go to a restaurant in his area and buy some huge pupusas called pupusas locas! But the problem was the rain; so we went to his house and dropped off all our valuables and took off our shoes and put on sandals, rolled our pants up and took off in the rain!! By the time we got there it was relentless, the rain! Like streams in the street.. But we ate the pupusas which were really good. On our way back we decided to play in the rain and passed by a pond with frogs and ran all around. By the time we got back we were cold, shivering, and full. So at that point we had to figure out - A. how were going to get to the meeting the next day BUT have new cloths.. and B. where we were going to sleep. We solved the A. part by getting up at 3:30 in the morning, and the B. part by sleeping on 2X4´s and using leahonas (magazines). Man that was the most uncomfortable night I’ve ever experienced!!!

But there is a fun day in the life of Elder Sutton!

HOPE YOU ENJOYED:…. that’s all folks!

Rain+Mud=Shoe Trouble

Dear beloved family of mine.....

Well I did actually remember that it was father’s day! And sadly enough I didn’t get to call home and say happy father’s day like I did for mother’s day... Sorry dad, I guess maybe next year... (hahah) But at least you got to go fishing right? Did you get to go with your own boat or did you do the dock fishing?

Dang! Talk about running around like crazies for the summer games! It sounds a lot like my week here! But we did it all in the rain and mud. Officially my shoes are dying because of all the dirt/super mud. But just so you know, I’m using them well!!! Hahah They are my cars while I’m here on the mission. Hahah I think this is one of the first times I’ve actually destroyed a pair of shoes. Like before I’ve spent some shoes pretty well but now, they are dying!!!

hahahah Well don’t worry. At least I don’t have to walk around in the mud with just sandals like some people I see. But we are planning on baptizing some twins really soon - Hugo and Oscar. They are really awesome; they have been some of the coolest investigators that I have had here.

Well speaking of new haircuts, I actually got one this morning too! I got up early and studied then Elder Mendenhall (from Utah also) and I went and found a lady and cut our hair and then after decided to get breakfast of beans, eggs and fried platanos. It was a little pricy for my liking, all of that and a drink for like $1.30..... hahahah

1 – What is your new ward &/or bishop like?

Well my bishop is Bishop Morales. He is a really good guy and he is awesome..(haha) he likes to tell other people to do stuff! So he is a good boss in that aspect but he has 3 little girls all under the age of 6 and they are super cute and the wife is really nice to us too – she hasn’t given us food yet but we’re crossing our fingers this week because we’re getting low on the money.... like usual..... hahahahha

2 – Have you sent your picture memory card to us yet? (Your family wants to see what trouble you’re into….)

Well that’s the problem right now. We got our new mailing address here and the whole mail thing is messed up. Even in Atiquizaya it’s a little hard to send things out right now but I’m working on it. (hahah) I’m also putting them on my memory drive too.. BY THE WAY. that was the best idea ever sending me that huge memory!

3 – Are you using your boots since rain is probably your life right now?

I am actually using my boots! The only thing is that they are super insulated so I get hot in them but now that it’s raining harder I’m going to have to use them almost every other day. But I’ll keep you informed and all that, maybe if I get a cool fungus I’ll take pictures of it to send to you guys.

4 – Have any of the girls tried to get friendly with you lately? (Megan’s question)

HAHAHAHAHA! Great question... Okay well the first thing is that everyone here wants my eyes (Thanks mom and dad) SO that is a bonus, but no girls have directly come up to me and asked me to marry them yet…just jokes and stuff. But now that I can communicate with them it’s worse. Sometimes I give lessons and at the middle of the lesson I ask them a question and they like wake up! They were just like staring at me and thinking,,,, wow this white guy can speak Spanish and is talking to me!!!! (hahahahah) It’s kind of bad sometimes. That’s what I’m going to do. If no one wants me back home I’m going to come back here and find a wife. hahahahahah - sorry mom!

Well this week should be extra hard, especially with everything. We have people to teach; we just need people that want to progress! That’s the only thing... Pray for us always!

I love you all and I hope that everyone is happy because that is why we are here on this earth!

Elder Sutton

Derek & Hermana Betty

Hermana Betty & Family after her Baptism

New Address!!!

Man it seems like tons are still happening! I’m super glad to hear that you guys are having tons of fun too with all your partying and all that stuff - you young kids do now a days! hahah

The good old summer games; I remember doing that whole fun stuff (or at least going to see all that stuff)! But supposedly Megan will get the green light! (hahah) I’ll be sure to say a special prayer about that so she can go and play!

Well so how is this batch of freshmen this year? Any new prospects? (haha) I bet none as good as the famous Elder Sutton.... hahahahahaha kidding!!!!!!!!!

Well speaking of the temple, people are going crazy here about the temple! Like everyone is preparing to go to the open house this July and man it’s an awesome temple! Supposedly we get to go there with our investigators and all of that but who knows!? I sure hope so. As you all know, we officially changed places slash mission homes and all that jazz which doesn’t mean a whole lot to me just that i have to change where everyone is sending their letters.... hahahahah

Okay the new address is this......

Misión El Salvador Santa Ana/Belize

Edificio de la Iglesia de Jesucristo SUD

Carretera a Candelaria de la Frontera y Autopista a

San Salvador, Frente a Col. Mendez, Ctn. Portezuelo

Apartado Postal #142

Santa Ana, El Salvador, C.A.

Talk about a hard address huh? It’s kind of super long and complicated but I hope that you all understand and send me tons of letters to that address!!!!!!!

1- How’s your new companion?

Elder Feliz is awesome! He is super super super crazy kid but is a hard worker which is something awesome! Everyone loves talking to us because a white guy and a black guy aren’t something common here! But he is awesome!!!!!!!

2- Are your shoes holding out OK?

Hahah really they are dying.......hahah I’m working on saving some money to buy me some new ones because with this rain and with all walking - they are dying! But it’s all good; it’s something that comes along with the mission right!?

3- Do you know where the Dominican Republic is? We had to look it up.

It’s actually an island like not even part of the American continent, is what he told me.. haha I really am not so sure a lot about it. Just that they are all crazy like my comp is! He says that the church is really strong there like 200 members in just his ward!! So that’s kind of like ours back home.. Actually, I’m not sure anymore how many people we had in church..... okay give me a break! It’s been a year!!!! hahahahahah

4- Do you get warm showers now or are they still cold?

Well they are kind of cold, but it’s so hot here so it’s awesome! Here showers are just faucets in the wall and even my comp takes showers with a hose outside because it’s like gated (fenced) in and all that.. hahah It’s quite interesting.....but ya gotta love them! Especially because there are tons of cockroaches in the shower every day that we have killed so we take bathes with them.... okay another thing is these little baby ants here... They really are getting on my nerves and all that. They are so small but they are in everything!!! Like we have like the glade spray for the bathroom and that seems to kill them and what not but man they are pests!!!!!

5- What’s your favorite lesson to teach people?

My favorite lesson to teach would be either the first or the plan of salvation... The first lesson is like the test; if they listen and are attentive and all that then they are good to progress! It’s like the test of fire then the second (plan of salvation) because it’s something that everyone needs to know! What is the purpose of us here!? Was I sent here just to have fun and then when I die that’s it? I love teaching and luckily I am getting better every single day!

OH!!! Well also Elder Navarro who lives in the house with me and his comp Elder Mendenhall are pretty awesome too... Like Elder Navarro says that if I come back here I can stay with him in his house and then Elder Mendenhall is from Alpine, Utah, and man he is one built boy! He red shirted for BYU right before the mission and is a linebacker for them! hahaha

WELL MAKE SURE TO TELL EVERYONE THE NEW ADDRESS FOR ME!!!!!!!!!!!! Okay then after that I think I’m going to get out of here and look for new shoes and maybe a new camera... hahah - I don’t know. That’s how the mission is!

Well remember to always read the scriptures and ponder about them because there we find what we need to do to become saved.

Love “Elderly Suttonly”

New Companion This Week?

Well today was actually quite the fun day just to let you all know. We played soccer but on a normal sized field! And yes, don´t worry, we beat them 5-1 and they only scored because our goalie decided he was bored so he left to go and change!

Also we got the changes already. Well drum roll please…. My comp is actually leaving me!!!!!!!!!!!!! =( =( =( =( =( =( =( =( =( He is going to Santa Ana and a guy named Elder Feliz is coming to be with me. He is from the Dominican Republic so that should be something awesome. Lots of comps from lots of parts of the world!

Well what else happened today or this week - Well something that was awesome was we worked really hard this week to help out our numbers of people in the church because last week it was like 93 or less and this week it was 113 so we did some good work there! But yeah I’m super tired now. I´m just about ready to go home and die.. haha

Well on Wed. I’m going to get my new comp just so you know and guess what? Elder Winters (my second comp) is in Belize now! Crazy how he is going to die over there now.... (hahah) Who knows if I’ll get the chance to go over there. hahahaha

1 - So how many new prospect do you see per week?

Well prospects? Like new investigators? Yeah, we are finding new ones, but for some reason a lot are drunks that say that they want to change their lives. Which is a fantastic thing if they would actually mean it.. =( But we talk to a lot of them and we have to see which really are going to progress and who really don´t want anything to do with us.. hahah

2 - How water tight is your new apartment in the heavy rains?

Well actually it’s good. Like it’s one of the better houses that I’ve been in actually and no rain leaks in that I know of! But we haven´t had a lot of rain recently. I don´t know why but it’s not raining like I thought it would be.... hahah

3 - Megan wants to know what color your favorite tie is?

My favorite colored tie...... I really like them all actually. I like black, you all know that I hope, but yeah green - I’ve been liking recently too. =D

4 - How’s your new companion?

Well Elder Fox is leaving and is super funny and we always are laughing about something and making jokes about something and my new comp I’ll have to start all over again with that - which is the bad part but it’s all good. That’s how the mission is huh?

5 -Did you see the picture of the Brigham City temple in last week’s e-mail?

I actually did see the temple and man does it look super cool! I can´t wait until it gets done like the one here. Next month people are going to start going in it! But the thing is that it’s going to be raining so I don´t know how that will go.......

6 - Who writes you letters still?

Letters???? hahah Well not a lot of people actually... like I’ve gotten some from grandma and stuff but not a lot from my friends or anything. I would be mad and all that but I figure that I’m just a boring person to write. hahahahahahaHAHAHA But that’s alright because my family still loves me! =D

Well another cool news is that a guy here named Herson Castro is going on a mini mission right now (for 6 weeks) and man is that guy AWESOME! He is an example to me. He is 21, cool, all the girls like him, and smart and he has been baptized for 6 months and is going on first a mini mission then a full time one. Can you imagine being in a church for 6 months and leaving for 2 years! This guy is really amazing.

Well like we also found some money in the street like in the beginning of this change and we decided that at the end (right now) of the change we were going to buy something and share it with some kids in our ward and the other elders. So we bought some cake with it and it was super awesome!

Well one missionary advice for this week.

A… Always write your experiences of the day in a journal or something amazing because if not, you will forget it. I´m 10 months in and I’ve got every single day written down in my journals!!!! =D

Well love to you all.

Elder Sutton

Baptism This Week...

May 30, 2011

Man so everything is starting to wind down up in Utah I guess. With all the things going on like birthday parties, graduations and just plain everyone getting older. =( Sometimes I wish that you could just all go on a pause for another year. That’s kind of rude of you all to continue as usual without your favorite son slash cousin. =( Well I´m still super glad to hear that our family is keeping the lacrosse tradition alive in Brigham City! Dinsdale family! You guys are all awesome! Maybe I´ll bring you all something back from here when I get back - if you all behave yourselves. (hahahah) And for the rest of you, I don´t hear a ton from you so if you want me to get you something - you gotta do some better sucking up... hahahahh

Hahah Megan being cranky? NO WAY??????? I never could have imagined that in my entire life!?! =P But I´m not going to lie - when I started out in the MTC my first few weeks, I was kinda cranky because I had to sit in a classroom for hours with only one hour to play sports all day... =( But if you stay broken, Megan, then you won´t be able to beat your big brother so get healed super fast!!!!

I was actually thinking about Justin Bierer this morning; I don´t know what reminded me of him but I was wondering how he was doing. That’s awesome that he is going to stick this all out. He is going to be super ripped at the end of this boot camp! Even talking about that, I still haven´t heard from Kevin. Maybe he just got captured by some bad guys or something. Lol hope not.

Well if you think it’s raining there, I´ll show you what real rain is if you come here. Man when it rains it really rains with a purpose. It’s not like back in the states when it would drizzle or rain a little. Like in a split second it’s coming down in buckets and man do we get drenched. My comp especially loves to get in the rain. But still he hasn't gotten sick.. hahha =)

1 – I’ll be trying to get your next box together to send this week – are there any special requests???

Requests.... hum... hahaha great question.... I would really love some toothpaste or deodorant becasue it’s the end of the month and I’m poor but i don´t think it´d get here in time. hahah but maybe just some more chocolate chips.... or a candy bar. =D

2 – Do you have a person who washes your clothes in your new area or do you end up doing it?

We have a lady that washes both our garments and our clothes. In the rain I don´t know how well they will dry.... =( Right now I´m a little low on clean socks but I´ll manage. Don´t worry i´m not out of ideas yet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

3 – Now that you’re in a bigger city, are there any stores/restaurants that we would recognize?

Haha actually in this city there aren't really any resteraunts or anything. One place called pollo campero. But its like a KFC but a little nicer in the inside and besides that pupuserias! We love to get those when we don´t have time to cook. hahah

4 – What fruit is in season and do you like it?

Fruits right now. Marañones or chacheus.. like the seeds in planters. (hahah - can´t spell that), mangoes are going crazy right now, we get tons every day! Well the oranges are almost ripe so I´ll be making lots of orange juice! =D Little fruits called talpas which are kinda sour but super good. That’s all I remember right now. haha

Dangit!!!!!!!!!! Denver lost in lacrosse! Who did they lose to?????? I wanted a west team to win for once... =( Now I´m rooting for Maryland because i think Virginia’s gunna win. hahah

But we had a baptism this week of Hermana Betty!!! She was super shy and man was that a challenge to teach her everything. She would lock herself inside her house so that we couldn't teach her... (hahah) but at the end it all worked out and she will be confirmed this week!!!!!! HAPPY DAY FOR THE MISSIONARIES!!!

This is the last week of the change so it´ll be interesting what all we´re going to do. Probably prepare for the next month so we can baptize 23394 people!!! I´ll make sure to send you pictures of that. =)

Well I´m off family. Love you all and hope you all are super happy like I am. A little tired but good!

Love Elder Sutton

Derek and his new companion

Derek & Elder Fox

One Eyed Dog :)

Well let me see. You’re all getting flooded out and all of that craziness and so am I. It rained for like 10 minutes here and the streets were like streams. I’ll be sure to take some pictures and we can compare them because I’ve never seen rain like this before. Man it’s insane! But I talked to my comp in a Donald Duck voice like Skyler and I used to do but he just thought I was weird. LOL - my humor isn´t for all I guess. =P

Well crazy stories for this week. I was off on changes for the day with Elder Braithwaite and we went to go visit this inactive older woman like 78’ish and she said she needed to wash her clothes but had to get water from a well and she couldn´t do it. So being the awesome missionaries that we were we went and helped her so we used the cool crank and pulley system like back in the Wild West days. (hahah) But as he was doing it his hand slipped and smashed him in the head and it started bleeding, so the crazy old lady got some cream stuff that smelt like mint chocolate chip ice cream and some sugar and managed to stop the bleeding but man all we were really worried about was the pulley because it kind of came unhooked. But everyone came to see the funny whit kid who smashed his head by the well. hahahah that’s one story….

Also today we went to the capital to play soccer and we won it all! It’s sweet!

1 – Megan wants to know what type/brand of soccer ball do you use down there?

Well that’s an awesome question. The best here are Adidas and Nike but they have lots of knock-off pretend brands and then brands that no one knows about. LOL

2 – Did you make your big shoe purchase? (I hope they are as cool as the wearer…)

I managed to get some shoes that fit me and work and not for too expensive so I hope they will last for a while - even though they were made here. hahahah

3 – Have you been able to advance from the goalie position to an actual player in soccer?

I’m getting better and better and I’m not always playing goalie just when we start losing. haha but I’m getting better believe me!

4 – What is the craziest thing or person you came across this last week?

Definitely the one eyed dog here that is super gross and my comp always has to look at it. We are thinking of putting it out of its misery because man it’s so nasty!!!!!

5 – Do all of the missionaries in the house eat together or do you end up fixing food just for yourself &/or your comp?

Well I make food for my comp and all that stuff but usually its “every man for himself” kind of thinking. If food is in the fridge for more than a few days, it’s eaten even if it’s not yours. hahaha we´re guys.

Well I’m going to try and send some pictures now so we´ll see.

Ps: I’ll try and not worry about them (the little things). =) Deal?

Shoe Blow-out

Well those farmers’ tans actually sneak up on you if you aren't careful. I mean it’s something that just bites you and while I’m here on the mission I can’t really fix that but don’t worry I’ll be my good old tan self pretty soon. (haha) My face and arms are really tan if that makes up for it. The thing is that it’s not really a good place to tan here. Plus we try and stay out of the sun all day; it’s super hot!

Well if anything it sounds like Megan had a blast at the dance, and I’m assuming she got her good night kiss from that boy or whatever. They need to cherish their time together while they can... =P (hahah) don’t get mad Megan!!! Well I think that sounds like an awesome idea to play mud volleyball. I bet they were pretty covered at the end of it all. Also, that’s amazing about her blessing and all! Mom you really should consider getting yours. I was reading mine the other day and it really does help me know that I have something more to do in this life then just the mission. (hahah)

The lacrosse game sounded so great. I’m actually sitting in this cyber here and I would pay to see this game - just for the last part. That’s something really special that they did for the autistic boy. It is something that he might not ever forget. Then you come out and get creamed by Timp! What happened there? I didn’t know that they were so good?

1 – Were you terribly late getting home after Tuesday’s SKYPE chat?

Haha - not terribly late or anything. Thanks to my amazing persuasive skills and my amazing charm and looks, I got out of it. I’m just good like that.

2 – How are the investigators going? (You talked about a new girl who was really positive.)

Well right now we have one that wants to be baptized on the 23rd and then 2 more that we’re working with for the 28th so hopefully we’ll finish this month with three. Don’t worry, we’ll take pictures of them all. Also, the activity where we’re going to make sloppy joes (p.s. try explaining that to little kids; it’s tough) should help us find some more investigators and so I’ll be super happy with that!!!

3 – Do you know your actual street address or what landmarks do you live by? (We looked at a map of your city today and saw the layout and some identifying building.)

Well I don’t know how to explain it. There are fields of artificial turf by my house and we live in quite a big house. The fields would be the best land mark!

4 – Any latest info on the completion of your new temple?

Well it’s still in run for the open house in July and I think that if we take investigators there we can go there! That would be awesome. I’ll find some people and just take them there so that we can have a sweet trip to the capital. (hahah) But it’ll be like 4 bucks to go... so I’ll save my pennies to take my investigators.

Well officially my shoes died today because we played a little basketball with Carlos here and they totally died. My feet touch the ground and I ripped my socks. =( For sure I’m going to buy some so no worries!!! hahaha

Well really I loved talking over SKYPE to you guys. It was amazing. 2 more times though.... =( But it was awesome.

Love all of you and especially a shout out to Holly then Scott and Jeff and Tom!!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! But I hope you eat some good cake and ice cream because I’m not too fond of the cake here to be honest with you guys. It’s better back at home. (haha)

I don’t know of anything else to ask or talk about. I’m super tired from playing basketball and I’m super out of shape!!! hahahahaha I’m fat!!

Love Elder Sutton

SKYPE Ready - May 9, 2011

You’re telling me. It was more of a surprise for me I think. I mean I only get 4 times in the mission to call and talk to you guys and after tomorrow I’ll be down to 2! Dang talk about weird huh?

But today we went to eat at the president’s house in the capital because my zone baptized their goal of 25 people and that was even a record breaking amount! Awesome huh? Well if anything the work will always go forward. We have two more twins that are 26 that are SUPER positive and I’m sure that we are going to baptize them and they will be excellent members of the church! I’m super excited every time I see them in the church. They are short little guys with curly curly hair! hahaha

1 – What is your SKYPE ID? (remember ours is suttomd)

Well I think mine is derek.michael.sutton because I just did it and all that junk. So look for that and if not I’ll make a new one tomorrow and add you guys! So make sure yours works!!!!

2 – What is the best thing that happened this week?

xxxxxxxxxxxxx (my comp’s moms email) But it has to be the dumb little moments I have with my comp every day. I just love walking around with him and talking about the things that we did and just everything, it makes me laugh. But we have been looking for this guy for about 1 week now and we have looked over all our area and can’t find him but we just make up games and stuff when were asking people and talking to them. It’s awesome.

3 – What is Elder Fox’s address or at least home phone number? (I may call his mom to tell her that her son is in the best hands in El Salvador!!!!)

Hahahah I just told you her email so I just read your mind! phone is xxx-xxx-xxxx and mom have fun talking and explaining who you are. But her name is Karen.. =)

4 – Did the ward down there talk about mothers? Our primary (only about 25) sang 2 songs for mothers today – they were so cute.

Well here they had the mothers actually talk in church and sing and all that. The only problem is that they really can’t sing here so it wasn’t so great but I still enjoyed it. And then a lady made some pins and all the mothers wore yellow. I really liked it. But I forgot mom... HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!!!!

5 – How often do you have to speak in church?

Well here not too much - in my last ward like every other week so that was kind of a pain. Here with 120 members they usually find someone to actually talk...

DANGIT, I have to go and buy the food and all that junk but I love you all and we’ll talk tomorrow about all my life and the happiness you all bring!!!!

But remember that no matter where we are in my life, god wants us to be happy and will always prepare a way for us to find it. We just need to choose his path... deep huh?

Elder Sutton

Mother's Day - When?

Wow man look at so many of the things that are happing out in the real world of Utah. Well it looks like Megan did quite the good job on her knee and that she will be having some fun on the sideline like when I messed up my ankle over in Idaho, I think it was. (hahah twins!!!) But it looks like Idaho Falls is getting better at lacrosse? Hum maybe they want to play lacrosse too. LOL

Well man why isn’t Megan trying out for American Idol or stuff like that or at least the Sutton family because apparently we are pretty talented huh guys? Then dad sent me that piece about the Utah State program and maybe I’ll look into going there to play or at least go there to get rid of this fat that I found here in El Salvador!!!!!

Okay and about being lined up with the sister of Kate thing - I’m 100% on board with this awesome idea! I totally dig the idea of a nice British accent. Plus I can serenade her with my Spanish and it’s perfect! We could be part of the royal family and we could have a house in England. Great idea. Just got to start to get to know her; so someone needs to get her address please and thank you!!!!!!

Man now Megan has a boyfriend? What is this world coming too!!! I’m definitely coming back and having a nice chat with this Tyler kid. But I’m sure that mom has had one with Megan; it means something coming from the older brother. =P

1 – Any new address yet as to where to send packages and/or letters? (Hopefully you’ll get the package we sent you 2 weeks ago….)

Well I officially have a package in the office and I don’t know who it is from so we’ll see about that but for now they aren’t saying anything to us about the change that will go on. But hopefully they will at least tell us in time so that we can let you guys know.

2 – Are you going to use Skype for our conversation this next weekend? (We have registered and our ID is: suttomd) We can do the phone thing if you can’t work it out-you’ll just need a phone card.

Well someone needed to tell me that it was this next weekend. No one has even said anything to us as of right now. I’m sure that we will figure something out because I think that I have to sign up for an account or something but I have the power to talk on the phone so I’ll ask!! (hahah) It’s a benefit of being senior companion. (hahahah)

3 – Would it be better to connect on Saturday or Sunday and what are the time details for the conversation?

As of yet, I’m not sure.... =( I think the Mothers Day here is different and honestly I have no idea.. Please don’t be mad. If you do, I’ll have to call Amanda or grandma.. (hahahah)

4 – Is your new comp relatively “normal”? Where is he from and is he willing to work?

My comp Elder Fox is the funniest guy that I’ve met in a long time. I’m his step dad so I feel so sweet to have my first son. He says "keep on keeping on". Not too sure what that means but it’s sweet huh? He is from Tooele Utah (can’t spell) and is super funny. But pictures are soon to come!

5 – What city are you now residing in and is it finally warmer at night?

I’m in Atiquizaya. I think that’s what it’s called and I’m living in the middle of the city almost, close to these artificial soccer turf fields that we played on today and we totally won!!!!

6 – Any plans for Cinco de Mayo?

Well I’m not so sure about the 5 of May but I hope something. I talked to my comp and we are thinking that it’s just the people in Mexico. But who knows!!!! We aren’t really well informed here if you can tell. =P

Well let’s see what’s going on. I’m living with two other elders (Elder Aguilar and Elder Navarro). They both are El Savadoreños and Elder Navarro served 12 months in Belize and can speak just about all the English that you could ever want so our goals are to - A. teach my comp Spanish and B. teach Elder Aguilar English. Pretty simple huh? But I totally love the showers here and everything. Man are they so nice; it’s not so ice cold. But every morning we play soccer with the ward boys at 6 and I’m working on my skills. (hahah) but that’s another thing. The ward I’m in right now is huge - like 117 people in church yesterday. The ward is El Angel. (hahah) but really we are mostly loved as missionaries here. More then my last area at least so maybe I’ll get a little fatter because I had to go down a belt loop here. =( Also I sweat like it’s my job here so heaven knows that I smell a little bad. I just continue using my deodorant!!! Winner!!

Well I Love all of you. Don’t forget to write me!

Amanda, p.s. I got your invitation to your graduation. But I’m afraid I’m not going to be able to make it in time.......

Elder Sutton

Derek with his new friend, Alex Juarez, in Apenaca, El Salvador

Senior Comp

Man, I surely hope that you have taken pictures of Amanda´s graduation and all that. If not I’m going to be super mad! The only son of the family is getting left out of all the fun. Did she have to put on the whole gown and all that? I loved when I graduated and all that; I felt super special. I still have the picture in my photo album of us three kids and me in my gown!

Hahah, silly Megan, always being a little bit of a mental case and not playing soccer as well when the coach is gone. I am finding out that it comes with being a girl – that and those crazy hormones. I am never going to forget those days when Megan would just start crying for nothing and we would ask her what’s gong on and she would just cry and say "I don´t know" (hahah)

What’s going on, dad? I´m going to have to come band whip your team into shape! I know that we can´t be perfect in all the games and I´m sure that dad gave them quite the talk. I always loved those from coaches. We get tons of them on the mission! We call them Machetes! hahah

Don´t worry mom; I´m sure that they still will love you at the nursery. If it matters, I´m going to still love you if you don´t finish your hanging baskets in time - even though I´m thousands of miles away and all that. Your favorite son still loves you. =) AWE!!

1– Do you actually have a way to Skype on the computers down there if we decide to go that route?

Well the thing is that most have skype but this new area I´m going to might or might not, but I´m going to make sure to get it or something. It will be sweet to see you guys again but it´ll be a little hard – I’m not going to lie. Crazy how the technology is changing and we can use skype huh?

2 – What’s the best thing your new cook has made for you? Learn how to make puppusas yet?

Well no one wants to teach me how to make pupusas. They don´t want the missionaries learning to make them so that they won´t buy them! But I will!!! Don´t worry family! But the best thing.... I really liked her fried chicken she made and also she made cheese filled squash one day that was pretty good. I never was a huge fan of squash either!

3 – Do you have a new address for your “new” mission yet?

Well sadly we don´t have the new direccion (address) yet.... =( I´m sure to let you know asap! We´re a little slow in the office here. hahahah

4 – When Elder Cano leaves to go home, do you see a transfer in store for you as well? It sounds like you’re in a little bit of paradise – minus the bugs…..

Well I´ll tell you a little about my transfer...

Things are going to change quite a lot now. I´m going to a new area and they are going to put sister missionaries in this area =( =( I´m going to an area called Atiquizaya!!!!!! Man that is super hard to spell. I´m going to be the senior companion! Unless I´m super sinful, I´m going to be senior companion from this day forth until the end of my mission... Crazy huh. Apparently the lord and the president have a lot of confidence in me huh? LOL My area is called El Angel. I´m going from a branch here of 50 to a ward there of like 150 and supposedly the members love the missionaries and give us food and stuff.. (ahahah) I sure hope so because I´m not too fat anymore. (hahah) My new comp is going to be Elder Fox and I´m going to be his second companion in the mission so he is a baby baby in the mission. (hahaha) I´m going to be a step dad in the mission!!!! Ask Eric about that one...

Wednesday I´m getting out of town. But for sure if I ever come back here, I’m going to go to Apaneca because I love this place with all my heart and it’s so beautiful... Also my ward mission leader is the coolest guy that I know!

5 – Do you sleep with mosquito netting?

Well no I don´t. Right now it’s too cold for mosquitoes but in my next area it’s going to be hot and humid so I’m going to sleep with lots of bug spray on! J

6 – Do you drink your drinks out of bags with straws (like in Mexico)?

Yes!!!! Actually I drank one today! It was pretty sweet. Everyone here uses bags and stuff. It’s one way of saving money on buying little cups for everyone! Also I figured out that the water here is bad but it doesn´t affect me! How crazy cool huh? I have a stomach of a Latino!

7 – How much is gasoline? Ours is $3.55 a gallon and on its way up.

Well the gas here is 4.50 so you guys are really lucky! There are some poor people with cars here and somehow they are paying all that money for gas! I don´t know how but man they make it. The people know how to live in these conditions and they all do it with a smile. We have a lot to learn from people like this. We just baptized two kids last week that really are poor poor kids but they knew that this was true and they took the step of faith.

Well I have told a few people that I have facebook so I hope that they are finding me all right but who knows. Just make sure to accept them and when I get back I´ll check it and see if I really know them. J

Well I just want to say how much I really appreciate all of you and the support that you give me. I really am blessed because I firstly have a family who loves me and loves each other, I have a home and I have my testimony. I can´t explain how much you all mean to me and all that I have learned from you all. I know I sound like a baby but it’s really true. The mission is the best thing I could have done with my life because it helped me find my life. Find who I am and all that I have. You all!

Elder Sutton

Amanda's Graduation!

Well that’s good to know that eating bananas may help keep fleas away. It’s just one of those things that happen when you are in the fields here; there are tons of dogs and cats and they all carry fleas. It’s just what happens. Before the mission I didn’t think that it would ever happen to me but it’s just a part of life now. I hope that with these flea collars, maybe they won’t want to eat me. (hahah) It’s really all good. I just didn’t have time to look for shoe laces yet but I’ll look into that. I don’t know the things here aren’t really made that well but who knows. I’ll just work something out. (hahah) They are just shoes anyway.

It really is going good here. This week in the church we had 45 people so that was super nice and hopefully they keep coming. Even though my comp ends his mission in like a week, I’m going to make sure he works all the way until the end!!! I’m kind of mean like that. We are also going to have a few baptisms this Thursday and it’s going to be great!!!!

Also, I’m getting more and more into soccer. Like I know the best sport to touch the earth is lacrosse, but I’m getting to know some more things about soccer like Real Madrid and Barcelona played on Saturday, I think, and it was a tie and they are going to play Wednesday!! It’s going to be intense! I’m going to have to ask some members how it’s going!

Wow - so now Megan can be in the cool madrigal club like us. I honestly did like my time in madrigals; I really hope that she enjoys it like we all did. But don’t let it get to her head or I’m going to come back and beat her up!! =P Also, I remember a few good cold days playing lacrosse. It’s good for her to toughen up! Sometimes I would come back and not feel my fingers and everything and I’d take a cold shower just because the warm one burned my skin. Maybe she will be tough when I get back =P (hahahah) HARRY POTTER came out? Man, I forgot about that. How is it? I hope it is as good as the books were, but I’m glad that it is in two parts so that it has everything!

I think dad is doing fantastic with the lacrosse team. Beating Sky View is a quite the challenge. When I get back ill show them how to really play lacrosse! Then ill show Megan how to play soccer! Man I’ve got quite the homework ahead of me. =P As for my memory cards, I have them all ready to send I just haven’t sent them yet. I’m just so busy running and running and running and then at the end - running again. I promise to do it and then you can see Apaneca and Jujutla!!

1 – Have you been checking into our special Mothers’ Day phone call? Are you getting a phone card again or do we need to connect another way?

Well I have been telling dad that I have been thinking about that and the president says that we can call in skype now. I don’t know if you’ll want to do that but its an option and I’m sure that I could try and get a cell phone again. I don’t know. What do you all think?

2 – Did you find more socks in your water boots?

I did get some socks but I already took out all them in my boots. My boots are all ready for the water! I’m not so ready but my boots are. (hahah) I also did get the package with socks and I’m actually using a pair right now. They are quite nice using new socks.. haha - the little things I enjoy..!!!!

3 – Do you have plans for Easter Sunday (it’s this coming Sunday)?

Well actually this week is called semana santa - or holy week in English. Here they are all doing stuff (the catholic church mostly) like having parades in the streets and going and doing their masa or what’s it called in English. But we aren’t really doing anything like as church or missionaries, but maybe we’ll include that in our teachings or something!!!

4 – Do you live in a neighborhood or an apartment? What are the neighbors like?

Well our neighbor is a doctor and rich but we always get stuff like mail from him. Hahah I don’t remember his name but its quite cool, but really nothing too cool. We have a cyber café next door and then a police station also. So if something happens we can go there. (hahah) I live in a house because there aren’t apartments in Apaneca. There isn’t a ton there/here but it still is very beautiful!

5 – What’s your favorite part of the day and why?

My favorite part of the day..... man that’s a good question. I really like the mornings and the nights when I can just read and look up stuff that I have questions and all that. I don’t know - more then anything relax. Or when we go eat with our cook because we just got one. She is really nice. Her name is Sister Emma like the wife of Joseph. (hahah) They are quite the rowdy family. It makes me laugh whenever I get there. It’s awesome!

Well tell Amanda congratulations and a hug from me because she finally made it!!!!!!!!!! One day I’ll do the same - I just am taking a two year break... or .... work. hahahah Now she only has to work and work and work! Unless she is going to study more but the thing is, I bet she is ready to be done for a while! I would be too. But it’s all good. I’ll throw a party for her when I get back. (hahah)

Well I love you all.

I hope that everyone is doing amazing and super happy.

Elder Sutton

Flea Collars

April 11, 2011

Well, don´t worry about anything because the rain is coming really soon.... I´m not looking forward to it but its gotta happen. =) hahah Like last night it rained like there was no tomorrow! But the funny thing is that it rains like crazy for like 20 minutes then it stops! But as for right now the clouds are trying to engulf the town! It’s like those horror movies when the people enter the fog and then the killer comes out and kills all the girls first then stabs the guys..... Kinda gory... hahahahah but really sometimes it’s pretty cool! If I ever return here I´m going to show you all about this place. It’s pretty sweet. Like a little village tucked up into the mountains. =)   Man!! I´ll come back and help any one of you for a little while but like you said I have tons of things to do as of right now. We have baptisms to plan and dates to put with other people, but playing some lacrosse would be the coolest thing in the world right now! Dad sent me some pictures of when I was playing lacrosse and man do I miss that crazy sport! I´d even play in the rain or snow!! Crazy huh? But what is this about Megan going off and doing all of her things alone and going on dates and driving etc... I thought that wasn´t allowed by my parents... I think they are getting softer and softer because she is the "baby" of the family.. I bet Amanda would agree with me.. hahahah but I remember when I had that restriction period. It was quite the time of probation for me because I just wanted to drive everyone around.. hahah the good old days huh? =P I´m old and fat now.... =(

1 - We're going to start putting together another box - what are some things you are missing out on?

WINNER!!!!!  I was going to ask about some stuff too.. hahah   One... they are telling us "white people" haha that if our parents are going to send us packages they need to do it fast because like you know the mission is changing and the office is going to Santa Ana. So just so y´all know. Okay the things that I would "like".... hahah are first.... CHOCOLATE CHIPS!! I have wanted to put them in pancakes for about 6 years now...... hahahahahahahah well another thing is I was wondering if you could send me a hymn book in English because someone in my ward is bugging me about it. If not, don´t worry about it. =P Then at the end I would love if you sent me some shoe laces..... hahah then there are more things that I want like candy but that’s only if there is space... hahah =D   !!!!!!! I forgot, if you could send me a lanyard that would be awesome!! Like those lacrosse ones I have in my room.... or had in my room.... But I want to put my keys on something!!!!!!!    

2 - Who has been the sick one that needed the nurse - you or your companion?  (what's up with that?)  

Well actually I went to the doctor... haha but don´t worry I´m not dying right now just having some problems. But they should be fixed and all then if she ever decides to call me back..... She forgets a lot (the nurse)....

3 - Have you seen any monkeys or do you only see big bugs and mice?

Well there is like a mini zoo near my house and there are actually monkeys there and I had some photos of them!!!!! But I still haven´t sent my cards to you guys.. I just am so busy.... BUT I WILL!!!!  PROMISE!!!! and about the whole bug thing.... I was wondering if you could like send me a flee collar or something against flees that would be sweet.. I think that explains enough...... hahahahahahaha  

4 - Do you still clean your shoes regularly? Do you need more polish?  

 Well I kindof talked about my shoes. They kindof are falling apart but I might save some money to buy some new ones but I´m hoping that they can last through the water at least.... Lets all pray for my shoes!! hahahah I´m a little bit weird I know... plus my English is dying too so I hope you understand what I´m saying.

5 - How's the "farmer's tan" coming along?  

OH MY....... I hate how my skin is right now. It’s like a super farmers tan times ten million!! My collar tan I have and my legs and my chest.. I´m pretty much the whitest white person that has ever existed here. But the good thing is that no one sees my super white because I always wear the same clothes!!! hahah Maybe we can go to the lake when I get back or something cool huh parents!?!?!?

6 - Tell us again the name of the town in which you live?

I live in APANECA!!! The county place is like AHUACHAPAN. but Apaneca is where I´m at right now.  

Well I´ll write you a little more later today but I ran out of time for now.... =( I love you all and I´m perfectly fine in my health department. =) Don´t worry mom!!!   Wait for a little.. I´ll write more.. But at night... hahahaha   LOVE the coolest elder around. ELDER SUTTON