Cleaning Time...

April 3, 2012

Well this week was quite the great and exciting week! I started the process of getting to know all the members and the investigators here in my new area and even though I’m sad that I had to leave Belize City I'm really glad that I came to an area with great members and a good companion Elder Ingersoll who is from Taylorsville, Utah what???? Crazy small world we are living in right? The best part I think is how we can make funny jokes together and he knows what I’m talking about. Usually to my Latin companions I have to explain them and they aren't as funny. But as you know he is my third "gringo" companion.

Well, let me help you get to know Orange Walk. First of all we have asked just about everyone why it’s called Orange Walk but no one really knows why because there are no oranges. The thing is that its nicknamed “sugar city” because they grow A LOT of sugar cane. Part of the way in which they harvest the cane is that they have to burn the cane to get rid of the other weeds and all the garbage. So when they do that, in my area everything gets covered in black stuff and the smoke sits around for days. But the good part is like all areas in Belize, we have the whole town to work with and it’s big too.

Well right now things really are going good, the only problem is our house. MAN, I don't know how elders can live in a house sooooooo dirty so the first thing that we did on our p-day is we went and bought cleaning supplies. I don't know how but somehow I learned to clean and I think that was from my dear parents.

OH story time:

So we found a Chinese Book of Mormon in the house and what happens here is there is a place (owned by some Chinese) and we often go there to eat some really nasty hamburgers. We go there often because it’s cheap (just so you know). BUT, we decided that we should make an attempt on giving this book to them. So when we got up the words - we went and tried to give it to them. After a lot of simple words and actions, they understood that it was a gift for them but they just looked at the book then back at us, then at the book and then at us. Talk about one of the most awkward moments ever but I think they understood. Who knows? We told them to read it so we'll check back the next time we go there.

Well as you can see things are going pretty good but not a whole lot. We do have two people that are going to be baptized on the 14th - Marcos and Jeffery. So make sure to be praying for them.

I love you all and I hope that things are going fantastic for all of you and that you all sincerely loved the conference as much as I did here in Belize. Remember to feast on the words of Christ and they will teach us all things we need to know.

Love,

Elder Sutton

"Orange Walk"

Well definitely this week has been one of the craziest that I've ever experienced in my life. And I have also decided that I’m never going to go and get married. So as you know or might remember that we had a marriage and baptism of the Perez Family. Man talk about some serious stress....... I now realize how and why there were so many fights and tears shed while you were preparing for the reception. Man, we were preparing since the beginning of the week for this and let me just tell you that at the end it all turned out successful. After everything, a lot of people banded together to help us out and to make it possible. But like I said, I'm not sure about ever getting married... or at least waiting a while.... long while...... hahahah

Also I'll break the bad/good news to you all. Changes are on Wed. and I’m getting transferred..... I'm going to Orange Walk which is like 1.5 hours in bus from the city here. So it’s good and bad. The good thing is that I’ll be close enough and when we do interchanges I will be able to come here and say Hi to everyone that I know. The bad is that I’m going there now and I've got to start the whole ordeal all over again. Getting to know everyone, the members, the house, I know a very little part of the area..... etc.... But I know that it’s what the Lord wants me to do. It’s very hard to get to love the people here and then be taken out.... I honestly do love them..

1 – Where are you going to watch conference this weekend? Do they broadcast all sessions or only Sunday’s?

Well like you know I’m going to be in Orange Walk and I assume that we are going to see it in the church but I'm not even sure where the church is.... But it’s all going to be good. I'm going to be with an Elder named “Elder Ingersoll”... So we'll see how it’s all going.

2 – Do they still have open “sewer-type” gutters that run in the city? (The skin doctor said they were quite gross and he or his companion fell in one once.)

Well yes the sewer system here is not so good. Like on the sides of the streets there are giant gutters that just stagnant water sits in and things fall in and there is usually a nasty smell coming from them. I really really feel bad for his companion that fell in one.... OH and speaking of the skin doctor - I hope that you set up an appointment for me when I get back because not so much my face but my body is kinda breaking out..... =( That was a side note for my mom.... hahaha so ignore that everyone else.

3 – Do you have someone that cleans your apartment or do you actually put your own “elbow grease” into it? You are the clean one – right… :D

Of course your amazing son does it!!! You took all that time to teach me how to do it so I’m the one that puts in the "elbow grease" to make everything look all nice and clean. Plus my companion is really clean, most of the time and together we get everything looking almost new. But really it’s a nice house.

Well here I am yet again on another adventure. At least it’s not that big of a change from here to Orange Walk. But it’s definitely making me sad leaving the people here that I love. I guess there is something for me to do there and that my time here was well spent. At least I believe so.

I Love you all,

Elder Sutton

P.S. Of course Megan is awesome! She does have you two as parents! That’s why I turned out so handsome and smart..... hahah - Or maybe I wish... But really, the parents thing is true.

*Spanish or English in Orange Walk? It’s actually both. That’s the thing here in Belize.. Out of the city its way close to Mexico so they all speak Spanish and English, but with a funny accent in Spanish... hahahah

Pray for me so that things go well in Orange Walk though. =)

*Mail to the same P.O. Box? Yes, it will be the same P.O. Box so it’s all good.

*Will you end up riding the bus into Belize city every week for meetings/mail/writing? Well we'll come here like every other week - whenever we have zone meetings. But it’s going to be alright. I just am thinking of the positive things and not to be sad. =)

But I’ll take lots of pictures don't worry. =)

Love you all and have a great week!!!

3 Baptisms This Last Week :)

Man so this is such a small world. I remember those people from Granger, UT, coming up to me and presenting themselves to me and then they took your email and phone number and all that jazz. I wasn't sure that they were actually going to give you a call or anything. But guess what? I'm still alive!!!! Good news, huh?

But man I need to just start off by saying Megan looks so beautiful. Her dress was really great too. I was a little skeptical when you said something about being a mermaid thing, but really I think it looked good. Now I just need to see the guy to make sure I approve of him. Right Megan? But I remember when I used to go on school dances. I never really was good at dancing but it was sure fun just going to hang out with them. Even though I learned the piano a little, dancing was never my strong suit. (haha)

1 – Did you receive your package from home? (If it hasn’t arrived – it may have been stolen because it’s been almost 3 weeks – sorry, it happens.)

Well actually YES, I finally got my package. The thing is that I just barely got it! It must have taken extra-long or something. Well I do love it so much. I was so excited to get some food too. Elder Smith (lives in my house with us) was so excited to see the hamburger helper. (Haha) we're true North Americans. But I loved all the letters too. I love just hearing from you all too - even Eric wrote me. Cool!!

2 – Do you actually have a release date and/or fly home date? (We know you don’t want to think about it now, but we won’t bug you if we just have a date…..maybe)

Haha - man I’d say that you are all BAGGY (trunky). But I really am not sure as of yet. What someone told me was around 1st of August is when I would be coming home but I’m not too sure. They don't really let us know officially. But the 28th of July isn't going to be my date because that’s still at the end of the transfer. So I’m thinking August is the end of the transfer. (haha)

3 – Were you able to find someone to fix your shoes or should we just send you a new pair? (What brand & size you need if that’s your choice?)

Well as of yet I haven't got any new shoes. I don't know this is my thinking - Whether my shoes can last me until the end or not. The only problem is both of the shoes I brought are in sorry condition. So I’m not sure. The Echos are what have lasted longer than the Rock Ports. But they were a little extra money.

4 – Do you and your comp end up going to multiple wards on Sunday or do you only have one you attend? (What’s your Sunday like?)

Well here in the city there is just one for us (the English branch) and one for the Spanish branch (elders Smith and Zepeda). But yeah we have our meeting at 9 o'clock.

Well this last week we had 3 baptisms – Levi Gillett (60s), Karl Frutos (30s) and Alisha Arana (9). They weren't in the same family though. But man they all are great people. Levi actually was listening to the missionaries in New York and came down here to be baptized because he really is Belizean. Karl is actually deaf and it has been a long process to try and teach him but he is amazing - very strong man. It’s very hard for deaf people here in Belize. Then Alisha was a little adopted girl from someone in the branch.

This week we have a wedding..... Talk about stressful. I've decided not to ever get married. This isn't even my wedding and I’m stressed out. NOW I know how Amanda and Mom felt during this whole process. The cake, the dress, the building, the decorations......... etc......... but it’s all good because after they get married they are going to be baptized - the Perez family (Ruth, Greg and their daughter Rosalie).

This week has been quite the week for us. We seem to be running around more than usual and not much is showing. Like we are working hard and not many results. But no use of getting mad. I have just decided that I’m learning how to work while being tired. (Haha) It’s a preparation for when I have a job right? But definitely this is the best thing ever. I'm staying busy.

Transfers are coming up next week. I'm not exactly sure what is going to happen. My companion has been here with me for a while. It wouldn't surprise me if he got transferred but I hope not. We are working hard here and baptizing. Who knows; that’s the fun about transfers. But I’m pretty sure that I’m going to be here in this area for a while. It wouldn't surprise me.

I love you all and I hope that you can all know how much I love you. How much I love my mission and how much I love the people that I'm serving. They will always have a place in my heart. You really grow to love them.

Love - Elder Sutton

Soles for Souls

Saving souls in Belize, ruining soles in his shoes.

Chipmunk Missionaries

Playing the "How many marshmallows can you fit in you mouth and talk" game?

March 2012 Baptism

Levi Gillett (age 60)

Karl Frutos (age 30 and deaf)

Alisha Arana (age 9)

Belize Sunset

George & Benny

Greg & Ruth

Baptised 3-24-2012

Family Baptism March 2012

San Pedro Island, Belize

San Pedro Island Belize

Elder Smith

Elder Smith

Great Things Happening

Well things are going great here also. We had quite the crazy week. Actually yesterday we all went and played soccer in the morning on a dirt field with some of our investigators and really it was fun. But man there were some little kids playing and they were pretty good. Still not as good as me, of course, but they did hold their own. The only problem is that I’m pretty sore right now and my face got pretty burned. But definitely it was a lot of fun!

Well that’s good to hear that Megan staying busy. Even if that means that she is going to dances and stuff with boys.. That’s weird to me, I don't know if that’s weird to anyone else?.... (haha) but yeah, I guess that’s part of life....

Well another interesting fact about my week was how we got locked in our house during the elections and we had some sort of rest. I wish I could have slept but things didn't all work out that way and I got other chores done. =) Also I haven't looked in the mail as of yet to see about the package, but I think it should be here by now. haha

Also we have some great things happening in my area this week. We have 3 baptismal dates actually –

1) Levi Gillett, who was living in the states and got to know the missionaries there and took the lessons there, and just came back here to be baptized.

2) Then there is a girl named Alisha Arana who is a granddaughter of a really faithful member in the church but she is over the age of 8 so we are teaching her.

3) And then there is Karl Frutos who is actually deaf but has been going to church for months and he decided to be baptized now. But man it’s definitely fun learning sign language with him.

4) Then we have a great family, the Perez Family, who are going to be baptized on the 24^th (Greg and Ruth and their daughter Rosalee). They really are an amazing family!

Well I love the work here! Even though it doesn't sound like it, I really do miss all of you and pray for you every day so that things work out for you. Like I always say, “don't worry about sending me some letters... (haha) I don't get mad.” OH - I did get some from mom and Megan which was a great surprise!!! Thank you so much!

But I know what I’m doing here is what’s the best thing ever I could have done with my life. I know that what I’m teaching is true. I know that there are so many thing that I still can learn in my life and I’m excited to keep on learning them.

God continues to talk to us today. Sometimes we just need to sit still and listen.

Love you All

Elder Sutton

Burr... It's Cold!

So my dear family! This week has been one giant crazy weather changing week. So I’m looking outside the window and I see clouds and rain and just a few days ago it was so hot that I could feel the sunburn. So I'm not sure if it’s like a tropical storm or what? But its definitely another day here in Belize! I have just decided one thing, I’m going to take the hottest shower possible when I get back because MAN ITS COLD HERE!... okay for me at least; I believe that I’m used to the heat already. I'm sure mom and dad will buy me some sweat shirts when I get back so I don't freeze.. haha

Well that was crazy about Tate Wood coming home? I really had no idea what was going on? I hope that he is okay still..

Well more interesting stuff that have happened this week... Well tomorrow are the elections here which should be a crazy party everywhere. I can't wait to experience it here. We have rules and stuff like that so don't worry - nothing is going to happen to us, we even can't go out tomorrow night just to be sure and not get hurt or anything. But like I told you, it’s going to be lots of fun. Maybe with that extra time that we'll have, we can write some letters to you all or SLEEP?!?! That would be amazing - huh?

1 – Tell us about your “special meeting” last week (ie. with whom, what subjects, etc.)

Well the meeting was with Elder Farabella from the area presidency here in Central America. ALL of the missionaries from the Cayo and Belize Districts were there and it was really great actually. We learned the importance of us having goals and completing our goals in life. If we don't have goals, we don't have dreams. But on the way back another Elder and I had to take the bus back because there weren't enough seats so that was a nice 3 hour bus ride in the dark.. (haha) But you know me - I love to travel.

2 – Have you received anything from the post office lately? (Anything you really liked?)

Well we just went today to the post office and still nothing..... I don't know. I think maybe the weather might have slowed it down. But I’m waiting patiently. I'm sure I’m going to love it all!!

3 – You never commented on your new “action figure” you got for your birthday – Amanda, Megan & I thought you’d get a laugh…..

Oh yes!! I actually have the action figure right by my head where I sleep. It’s pretty cool actually. I didn't even know that they made those kinds of things. But just so you know - the Elders in the house are pretty jealous; they want some too but I told them that only my family loves me. hahahah

4 – What was the strangest or coolest or most out of the ordinary thing you saw this week (living or non-living)?

Well some gross things that I’ve seen lately are road killed animals. Like an Iguana, also giant rats here. Man they are huge!!!! Like the size of a small cat! It’s quite interesting actually. Also there are tons of those little geckos like in Mexico too. But other than that I’m not remembering anything else.

So I remember that mom's birthday is coming up soon! I hope that your all going to throw a big party for her. I'll try and send some pictures for you because I know that is what you said you wanted.

Also the missionary couple (The Pattee's) are going home this next Monday, and they have already brought their replacements (The Orr's). They look really nice and they both served in Ukraine... didn't spell that right at all. ahah

But I love you all and I’m really glad that you wrote me this week!!!

Love your favorite missionary!

Elder Sutton

Elder Derek Sutton & Elder Diaz

I'm Happy!

So I’m going to do some seriously crazy rambling today because as you know I’m writing early and no one has written me anything... Like I said before, I don't really blame you. I know it’s not always fun to write me emails and have new things come up but you know it’s all good. I'm still happy and healthy.

Entonces mi querida familia.... Que hay de nuevo?

So this week was definitely full of some serious sun. I don't know what it is about this place that makes it so hot, but man it’s cooking us alive! But as you know it’s only for a short time. In the night and in the morning is pretty nice but when the sun is in between those two times - wow its hot!

Well this week things went decent. I really can't complain. It seems that every time that something goes wrong there is something that comes up and something good happens. For example, there was this boy in my branch that was going to be baptized this week but the problem is his mother got kicked out of her house and now they are going to live so far away from the church that they almost won't ever be able to go. That was the bad… The good was that some really faithful members came up to us and said that they want their daughter to be baptized. So that's what I’m talking about. There is always something happy to look forward to. I don't care what is happening around us, there is always something good to look at. ALWAYS! So if anyone says there is nothing to be happy about I want them to call me and I’ll give them some reasons. (hahah)

Well also I have just decided how old I am. It seems that things are hitting that stage when they are starting to get worn out again. I actually just broke the zipper on my backpack last night, my shoes have holes in the soles, my pants are getting faded and I’M HAPPY! (haha) This is a once in a life time opportunity to live my life and not worry about anything but what I’m doing. Even my clothes don't bother me. I just know that they don't matter. Shoes are nice and cool but they get worn out and you have to get new ones. The mission is only once.

I really do love my time out here. Like I said it’s one of the hardest things I’ve had to do in my life but it definitely has meant the most. I know that my prayers and yours are being answered every day even if we can't see them directly. As Elder Holland said some prayers come now, others in a year from now and some don't come until we are with God again. But the key part is that they are being answered - we just need to put our faith forward and act!

I love you all, and feel free to write me some letters. =)

Elder Sutton

The Heat is ON!

Talk about some crazy heat here. Well the thing is apart from the humidity it is relatively the same temperature here in Belize like in the states. But as you know humidity really does affect the temperature and makes you sweat. The crazy thing is that back home when it got hot, I wouldn't go outside. Here I still do it. So I’m getting really sweaty all the time. It’s quite fun actually, that way I can keep the girls off of us... with my smell!!!! (haha - I’m so funny huh?)

President’s Day? That’s a little weird. Here they actually had elections or at least the primary elections. The major political parties here are the UDP (United Democratic Party) and the PUP (People's United Party) and the people here are to the extreme. There are people that will pay you like $100 just to wear a political shirt. And no, sadly no one offered me anything... But it’s a major holiday here too. No working for most people.

-When you have to travel, is it always by bike or do you ride the buses anymore?

Well basically we don't ever use buses. Here in the city is where everything happens. All the meetings happen here actually, so everyone takes buses to come here! (haha) BUT we actually get a meeting next week in Cayo with Pres. Farabella who is the Area President, if I’m not mistaken, but the coolest part is that it’s going to be only like 26 people in the meeting. Just us as missionaries!

-Did you get your hard drive fixed? And were you able to retrieve your pictures?

And yes! Due to the awesomeness of recovery software we did manage to get my pictures back and it is working well. I think that I still have like 40 gb left, but probably more. Sometimes I copy my pictures more than once on accident.

- Did you end up taking or leaving behind your lacrosse sticks when you got transferred to Belize?

OF COURSE NOT! I still have my lacrosse sticks with me here. And I play with myself a little here. There aren't many people here that know anything about it, but I sure am just playing around to have some fun. It’s actually a great sport if you didn't already know. (haha)

-Are there as many bugs in Belize as there were in El Salvador?

Well here there are lots of bugs and animals just different types - different ants and lizards and iguanas and more of those. I know that there were those in El Salvador but they just didn't walk about like they do here. But I feel like here it’s a lot more, up to date. Like the houses are a little better and where we live is nice or nicer at least. =P

And yes, I knew it is Emily’s birthday on the 22nd right? If I’m not mistaken. =) So happy birthday Emily!!!!!!

This week was very fun and crammed packed with things to do. All the new missionaries came and we got them settled and now are in their areas working hard and no problems as of yet with the paper work here.

Even though the mission is hard, with people yelling at us at times, it has always been worth it. You never know what you really do have, until you don't have it. Or in other words, I’m learning to appreciate what I had back at home. I'm not perfect so don't expect me to come back home like that but I’m trying. This life is all about learning and progressing. I feel at least I’m doing that here being away from my family. I hope we all can see this as a growing experience too.

I'll try to smile even if my face hurts from smiling too much.
YOU TOO!!

Elder Sutton

P.S. Here gas is like 10 dollars or 5 American dollars. It’s crazy. I sure hope that it doesn't raise there because I might never get a car because I can't afford the expenses. =( Walking and riding bike all my life.... sob.... hahah

Today we had something special to eat - Lasagna. Not the same as home but it still was really good!!! (hahah) Also, the other night we had hot dogs and it reminded me of home! That’s one of the things I want when I get home - to eat potato dogs and pigs in a blanket. All that... hahah. It was extra good.

Single's Awareness Day :)

Well it’s actually Valentine’s Day huh? I wouldn't really have known if the stores wouldn't have been selling so many dang red hearts! But as you know one day this holiday will be good, but as of right now it’s another day... haha A time for me to love my family! Have an amazing Valentine's Day!!! But it sounds like to me that you need to work on the whole Valentine's Celebration back home......

Dang! Megan is going to the Prom? Man she must be quite the popular babe in the school, even multiple guys wanted to ask her? I still remember the good old days at the Prom. Have some fun with that thought! And take lots of pictures! Plus Megan is going to Girls’ State.

1 – How was the visit with Pres. Cordon? Did he tell you how wonderful you are (because he should have – hahaha)?

Well the awesome thing with Pres. Cordon was that we had interviews on Thursday so we went and picked him up from the airport and then talked on the way, dropped him off at the hotel and took him to the church and then spent like 2 hours talking to him about the mission and about the zone and everything. Sometimes here you feel like we are forgotten because they don't really communicate with us, but in reality it’s not like that. They do remember us. And yes my interview was really special with him. More than scold me about what we're doing, he talked a lot about how I’ve changed and what it was like to be a mission president. I really enjoyed those interviews.

2 – How are your bike-riding skills (dad’s question)? Did you mend your pants (mom’s question)?

Well my driving skills are getting better and my leg is all healed now. It was surprisingly quick but you know I’m just good... haha (that was a joke if you couldn't tell....) But as of then I haven't had any accidents or anything. The only problem is my dang chain! It keeps falling off so I’m going to take it to the guy to fix it. And not yet - my pants are still ripped. I just am going to fix them when I have a minute. That’s why it’s taking so long....

3 – Are transfers coming soon or do you pretty much remain in the city (which is good either way)? With only 20 or so chosen missionaries you probably all interact a little….????

Well transfers came and I’m staying here with my same comp! So nothing special this time. We are getting new missionaries in Corozal, Orange Walk, and San Pedro. So that’s going to be great getting a new batch.

4 – The TV show, the Bachelor, was actually filmed in Belize for this week’s episode… It showed some crazy amazing ruins that looked like in the middle of the jungle… We don’t think they were the ones you went to because they were really, really high. Are there ruins all over the country?

Well I have heard of that ruin actually. “ Tikal” if I’m not mistaken. But I went to “Lamani” which is really beautiful - if I do say so myself. It might not be the highest but it was really beautiful. The bachelor.. When I get back I think someone should sign me up to be on the Bachelor. (hahahaha) Then I’ll show them around Belize. Speaking of which, I feel pretty confident now of the city and where everything is.

Well let’s see all that happened this week... Well probably the best thing is that the Garcia Family was baptized!!!!!! After all the things that happened, they followed the Spirit and they were baptized. (Some people were telling them some ridiculous things about the church.) They are a really special family. After teaching them for like 3 weeks, the whole family was baptized. Just Taygron, the littlest, wasn't baptized. There is Dale, Kim, Joshua, Dale Jr., and Taygron. It was a great baptismal service and even Pres. Cordon came.

Well we are working hard and trying to keep some food in our stomachs. I'm happy and yes I do have all of my body parts with me still. I'm really thankful for going on my mission and every single day I learn something new. That’s the whole point of life. To keep on learning! Even though it’s hard, it’s worth it.

Elder Sutton

Birthday "21"

MY BEAUTIFUL AND HAPPY FAMILY!!!

Man I wish that there was more time during the day to be able to write you all the great things that are happening in my life. And of course the bad things but we don't mention them. But today I have just became older then dirt! How does that sound? Man 21 really is too old. I think it would just be a lot better if we just all went back one year and stay there... But I kind of got to sleep in. About 6:30. How does that all sound? (hahah)

OH YES!!! I did get my package and I waited until today in the morning to open it all up!! I couldn't have asked for anything more. I am super excited to read the book and to use my new scripture marker pencil. Everything is going great. I do believe that we're going to eat some ice cream in like 15 minutes but it’s some amazing ice cream made with real fruit. It’s almost as good as that ice cream that we used to make with raspberries…. but not quite. =P

Well let’s see what all happened this week... Wow it all went by like a lightning bolt. But we have planned the baptism of the Garcia Family. They actually will be baptized this Saturday and President Cordon is flying in on Thursday and will be present for the service so pray that everything will run smooth!

I actually had a funny thing happen. We were riding our bikes about 7 p.m. on like Thursday and as we turned a corner my comp sped ahead of me and then as I turned my bike chain fell off my bike and I think got caught in my wheel and which resulted of me being thrown off of my bike and sliding quite a distance.. So as I was lying there, I was taking check of my body making sure I wasn't dead, even the people were passing by saying to themselves "this guy can't even ride a bike correctly". So as I was lying there the only real thing that was hurt was my pride and that I was okay. Some real nice guy helped us out and now he is being taught by the missionaries in the Spanish branch. The only problem is that my pants got ripped and my leg got torn up... Sad day for me. But I’m really alright; it’s just like mom says "a battle wound".

Well, if I’m lucky, tonight I’m going to be invited to eat somewhere by some of the members and investigators that we have. I am pretty sure that the Garcia Family is going to invite us because they are always so nice. They even gave me a mini dictionary. They are awesome.

Well family I love you all very much. I know that Megan is being busy as well as you dad and mom. But remember that there is always time for 1 – God, 2 - Family and 3 - relaxing or I’m pretty sure that you’re going to explode.

I love being on my mission even though it’s very hard; it’s very worth it. I hope that you all realize that the mission is changing me. Little ways but it’s helping me - just as you all have done for me. And look!!! I've made it 21 years now! How about I try to make it a few more? (hahah)

Love you All!!
Elder Sutton

Missionaries Party!

Derek in Belize

Derek and Elder Rabanales and
Sister Desiree Humes (Belize)

Ruins outside of Belize City

Derek chillin' in his Lax shirt in his Belize apartment

A Golden Family

Well speaking of the package I haven't received anything as of yet, but I’m still checking the post office every once in a while. I'm assuming that it will come soon. Speaking of letters… I actually got 2 letters this week - one from you mom and the other from Holly! I loved reading them both! I hope you know how much they mean to me. Just hearing how you’re doing and how amazing my family really is.

So what all happened to Megan? From what I understand she just threw up in the middle of the game? Was she at least not out on the floor? But things like that happen and Megan, I’m sure, did it in the most dignified way possible. (Haha) But Dangit – SVL I have always not been happy with them. They tend to always be good at whatever they do...

But it seems like to me this is the year for all the missionaries to return right? Then with the crazy news that Keith is getting married!? I'm really happy for him and definitely wish him the best luck that I can. As for Grayden, he needs to still be around and single when I get back so that we can hang out. (haha) So Brother and Sister Roberts got back from their mission in Tennessee? I bet being in the office was something fun for them. In the office pass ALL the missionaries so they probably got acquainted with a few of them; I sure hope that they loved it as much as I am loving it.

I've been trying to keep in contact with Tyler Conrad also, and I have heard about his trip that he is going to do in Kuwait. I definitely think that’s awesome! Maybe when I get back I’ll go out with him! (haha) Think you could handle that mom? =P The only problem is that I’m not going to see him until his next break...

So you're having a Gospel Principles class with the missionaries? That sounds cool actually. I sure hope that the whole family is participating in these classes and that even Megan is doing some teaching! One day you’re going to need that! Mark my words!

So how often do you contact tourists in Belize? Do you only contact Belizeans?

Well actually we don't really talk with a lot of tourists out here. It’s very hard. If we contact a tourist the problem is that if they are interested, they always have a certain time here and then we have to get in contact with the missionaries from where they live and then the directions and sometimes they get lost.... It’s kind of a mess but definitely if they talk to us, we talk back. We actually got stopped on the street a few times and talked to some LDS people! I think that’s the coolest. But yeah we don't really go to that part of the town where there are lots of tourists - mostly where the houses are and the families live.

But we found this amazing family. The Garcia family... and no they don't speak Spanish.... hahah. They are going to be baptized the 11 of February and they are so positive you could call them “Golden”. They have the best questions and if they don't understand something they ask and I guess it’s the family that has been most prepared by the Lord that I have ever seen in my mission or even heard about for that matter. Sister Kim (the mom) is an amazing cook also.. =)

Do you still speak Spanish a lot?

Well not too much actually. I love to talk to my companion in Spanish to try and keep it up. I'm sure that our conversations would be soooo confusing if you heard them. There are like triggers when we talk. Like we start talking in English then like out of the blue, empezamos a hablar espanol y cuando llega otra tema we start again to speak in English. I really like that a lot because it makes that little Spanish switch in my head really easy to turn on and off. =)

Well I sure hope that everyone is doing as well as I am. Of course we’re all exhausted and tired and hungry but that’s part of life. If it was all just normal and happy - then we couldn't know happiness. Read in the Book of Mormon.. 2 Nephi 2: 22-27. =)

Remember that Elder Sutton loves all of you and loves to hear from you. I don't know if people have been receiving my letters because there aren't many responses.... But either way I’m working hard. I'm staying active and positive. It’s not easy. It’s worth it.

Elder Sutton

Never Too Late To Change

Dear Family & Fans,

It has been quite some time since anyone has called me “duck”. I actually can still speak like Donald Duck.. I think anyway.. Not so sure. I still remember when dad would talk like that to us and I would just laugh. But now I know how to do it!

Well I was wondering what happened with the package. We have that guy here named Efrain who is the tour guide and he told me he if would have known earlier then he could have looked for her or something. I don't know, but what's done is done and there is no use crying over spilled milk - right? I'm sure that I would have loved the package but I'm alive and happy that my family would go through all that effort to try and get me a few goodies. =) But why was it so expensive to send a package from Honduras to Belize? They are relatively close and I can't imagine how hard it would be to get here? Maybe if they would just throw the package on a bus and I could have picked it up. Just kidding...

Can everyone really believe that I'm going to be 21 years old? How old is that? Man I'm as old as the dirt now, huh? That means that I can go and be a full blown adult huh? But maybe if I pretend that I'm not that old it won't be so bad. Maybe we can pretend that I'm turning 16 again! I still remember that birthday by the way. Or even my last birthday in the mission. It feels like just the other day I was celebrating my 20th birthday and now I'm 21. I think that I need to stop getting older.

Megan is going to meet the Jazz? I'm very excited for her but not too excited about how they are doing.. I ask some of the guys here in the branch how they are doing and normally they have no idea who the team is. If that shows how great they are doing. (haha) I think that Megan should just go and play for them. But either way, I sure hope that she takes some pictures with them so she can show me. =P

It seems that whenever lacrosse is starting the weather seems to kick up. I'm not sure why? It goes to show that only men can really play that sport. =P But I'm looking forward to hearing how the team is going to do this year. I have high hopes for you all! I mean it’s the best high school in the whole state!

1 – Are you still feeling “under the weather” with ?????? Is there something I could send you to help?

Well I'm actually feeling a lot better than last week. I was definitely feeling a little sick but it got over me fast. I don't know what it is but it is running around right now. Tons of the Latin elders are getting sick. I know I'm not Latin but I sometimes pretend like I am.

2 – Do you have a “real” bed that you sleep on with mattress, etc.?

Well yes I do have a real bed. But that's about it. I've been sleeping for the past 2 months without a pillow but it’s a good experience. I think it’s building my character, right dad? But honestly, I can't complain. I have a lot more than most people here in Belize. Unlike in El Salvador, they tend to use wood a lot more in their houses here which can be good and bad. But luckily our house is well built and it looks nice. =)

3 – Do you ever get invited to eat with members?

Well definitely not like I used to in El Salvador - maybe once a week. And if that does happen, we're wayyyy happy. But like I said not many members really understand what it’s like to be missionaries slash have much money so we're basically on our own. According to my scale here in my house which is quite inaccurate - I weigh like 160. That is about what I weighed before the mission. But it’s actually a great mystery how much I really do weigh.

4 – Did you get yourself some inner soles for your “sweet” b-ball shoes?

Well not yet. I haven't really had the chance to go and look for them either. It’s not quite as easy as the states where we can just go to Wal-Mart and buy everything there for cheap. But I literally have to look around to find it. It’s definitely not the Americanized style of thinking. Who would have thought.. (hahah) But I did manage to wash them and they are still in the process of drying out because man they stunk up a storm in the house. I wasn't too sure how to do it but I did my best. I can't see a wrong way of washing shoes..

5 – How’s the food different in Belize than in El Salvador?

Well definitely 100000 times more greasy here. They have fried chicken, fried rice, fried jacks, fried creole bread.... I don't understand it because the people in general here have good figures even though they eat so much fried things. Then in El Salvador they tended to be more chubby. Genetics is a weird thing.. Then there is me. Tall, skinny, a little fatter I think and out of shape. =D

Well to wrap things up this week we had a baptism of Sister Desiree Humes. But this lady is amazing! She has 3 kids and is single but is a fighter. She is an accountant and makes good money but she made so many changes in her life for the good and now she is starting to receive all the blessings of the restoration, of course there are more but things are starting to work out for her. I admire her a lot.

Well I love you all and I hope that everyone is happy and healthy like I am. The lesson for this week is that it’s never too late to change - whether you’re 12 or 68 it doesn't matter. If you want to be happier, turn to the Lord. He can make you permanently happy.

Love Elder Sutton