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 

Busy - Busy - Busy

Wow the Box Elder lacrosse team actually lost! I didn’t think that this day would come. Like I told dad it’s because I’m not there to help the team out!! But I know that when you play them again you will show them what’s up!! I really have high hopes for this team and I hope that you guys are recording at least a few of the games so that I can watch them when I get back. =)

Wow – Katharina Andersen is back and she made it back alive from the mission and from what I can hear the mission makes the people weird to be around. I’m certainly hoping that I’m going to be super weird when I get back so that everyone will have to help me back into reality. Plus I’ll just speak in Spanish all the time so that no one will understand me!! But really, the mission kind of does mess with your head. Like right now I can feel my voice changing or I can say my accent and all that jazz. I think it’ll be awesome when I get back and you can all laugh at my Latin accent. I hope to have one anyway.

1 – Did you watch conference and if so - in English or Spanish?

Well luckily this time we could watch it in English! But the thing was we were in a room alone with the other gringos and it was sweet! We had our own little English party in there and for a while, I felt like I was back in the states watching it then when I stepped out - it was like a wall of Spanish that slapped me in the face!! It makes me laugh. But that’s one reason why we are weird on the mission!

2 – Where do you wash your clothes?

Well we have a woman that washes our clothes and stuff but I like to wash my own socks because she kind of takes a while to do it... So I do that by hand in a thing they call a pila... It’s just like a giant concrete tub that holds water. It’s nothing too drastic but definitely nothing I’ve seen before in my life. I’m learning how to do lots of stuff by hand and maybe one day after the mission, it’s going to be of some use? Never know?

3 – Do you have a cook yet?

Well actually we started to have a cook but the thing is that we are almost never here to eat. We are seriously running around like mad men and when we do have time we just grab all that we can to eat so that we will have some energy! BUT the food that everyone sent (Grandma, The Dinsdales, and the fam) are super appreciated... Man you guys don’t know how much you saved my life with that food! I actually made hamburger helper last night and it was pretty good!

4 – Do the people in your area have a different dialect than in Santa Ana?

Well actually they don’t have a huge difference just the words that they use. Like they don’t have a different accent, but they just talk with different words. Because here everyone is a farmer and stuff and it’s like going out to Corinne and Salt Lake.... (HAHAHAHA - just a little joke for the Noyes family!) It is super awesome to see the difference out here. We have one area where we walk for hours to get there and they live in the pure mountains and they literally live off of the earth. The way that they talk is different too. (Hahah) That’s actually where I came from today!!!

5 – Is it easier to meet investigators with a native or a gringo companion?

The work is tons easier with a Latino companion. It’s actually sweet having a Latino companion; plus I learn Spanish. =)

Well I imagine that I should explain why I didn’t write Monday - huh............. Well okay here is the thing, we had it all planned out to work but then some problems got in the way. Here is the story. For our p-day we decided to go and play soccer on a turf field in another area so we left the house here at 9 to get to Ahuachapan and take a bus from there to the other area. We got there and we ended up waiting there for almost an hour for the Zone leaders, who always seem to be late, and in the mean time we only talked with a few drunk people, or should I say they talked with us. =P Once they finally got there we finally went to play for 2 hours, and man I got burned on my face. Let me all tell you..... But it was awesome! It reminded me of when we went to California with USU lacrosse and played in the super heat. After that we had to go to the capital, San Salvador, to get some stuff worked out with the nurse. So at like one o’clock we took a bus there and got there at like 4. We talked to the nurse and ended up that she didn’t know what was going on. So basically we went there just for the fun of it all. (HAHAH) BUT the best part was we went to eat at Wendy’s after!! It has been so long since I’ve had something other than beans and rice!!! You have no idea how much I loved that burger......... UMMMMMM!!!!!! Then we went back home on the bus and they were playing "The Punisher"... which was pretty bloody so I didn’t watch it..... and we got in the last bus to come to my area and man was that packed. I had to ride in a ball because my head would hit the ceiling and there were no seats.... Poor Elder Sutton..... =( Once we finally got here at like 8 at night; we wrote president and then after we went to our house and ate and went to sleep!!!!! MAN that day was super crazy....

I’m still tired today because of that day... =( But today we had to hike in our area again!!!! There are no days of rest for the missionaries - just prayers from the people that love us. =)

Well I hope you loved my little story and all. It was quite fun to write. I’m still super dead right now so I’m going to go. (hahah)

Love you all and appreciate all the prayers for me..

ELDER SUTTON

8 MONTHS COMPLETED!

Man, of course BYU went and choked! That's what happens. (Haha) Maybe one day they will be good like USU. I still am impressed with how far they did get, and I hear from dad that the lacrosse team is doing even better. Maybe I'll go play for them after. =P hahahahah Not too sure right now.

Oh the good old JAZZ games.. I miss going to them. I remember going with Holly in her car (which I drove) and we had a blast. All the way back we talked and I'm not sure if we won or not but it was sweet. (Haha) But just so that she knows, I am using the t-shirt a lot here in the mission. I really love it!!!

Man!!!! I´m super happy about Box Elder lacrosse and how dad is kicking them into shape. I just wish I would have been around to play at this time. But like I am telling dad, I'm going to come back and show them how we REALLY play lacrosse. Every once in a while I bring out my lacrosse sticks and throw against our walls because here everything is brick. =P But I am preparing myself to come back and all that - push-ups and sit-ups and that's the extent of it. If it works for inmates in jail to get buff it has to work for me. =P

1 - Where is your new comp from and what is he like?

Well my comp is from Guatemala again. But this time a little less weird then my trainer. He still is a bit crazy, but it's good. Normal is super boring here in the mission. His name is Elder Cano. He is from at least a modern part of Guatemala so he knows what technology is. =P The thing is he is super short and I think that's just a Guatemalan thing. (haha) I'll send you all some pictures of him soon. Deal????

2 - Have you heard anything about your mission changing (ie. boundaries, name, zones)? We keep hearing that the mission area is being readjusted......

Well that's the dumb thing. In July (when I complete 1 year in the mission) they are taking out San Salvador from our mission and they are taking out more areas and zones. It's a bit sad; I really wanted to serve there and see the big capital but it's alright. We still will be able to go to the temple. =) But yes to answer your question; it is being changed!!

3 - How are the member of your branch?

Well they are doing super good. Yesterday we had branch conference here and we had the most people ever in our sacrament meeting. 70!!! WOW!!!!!! It's super awesome. But the problem is that a lot were from the stake center so next week we´ll see what happens. The branch is doing well; of course the normal problems with gossip and because it's such a small branch we know everything but besides that - its super awesome!

4 - Do you have to bless the sacrament, play the keyboard, give the talk and give the lesson all in the same day?

Well usually I don´t have to bless the sacrament. I usually play the piano and sometimes talk in sacrament meeting and then we give the Gospel Principles class too. So not a super ton but at the end I'm pretty beat. Running around making sure everything is working out well and then teaching really gets to you!! But I love staying busy. It helps the time to fly by and helps get baptisms. =)

5 - What have you been doing on your p-day lately?

Lately I haven´t been doing a lot. Today we´re going to play soccer so I'm hoping that I'm going to burn some calories today. =P (hahahah) Then I'm thinking about buying a memory card here so that I can put info on it from my Ward mission leader. I hear like a 4 gig here is around 8 dollars so I'm going to look into that. =) I don't know, that will be my surprise for today I guess. Maybe I'll buy some food if I have money left. =P hahah Don´t worry, I'm not going to die. hahahaha We have a family in our branch (The Borja Family) and they really try and look out after us. Saturday they gave us tortillas and some chicken so that was awesome. =D

Well I'm going to wrap up my email right now and I hope that you all loved my email. =D As you all can tell I really love writing you guys. This week was a little hectic and I hope this up coming week slows down a little. But it's alright, like i said, the time is flying by!!!!

TODAY I COMPLETED 8 MONTHS IN THE MISSION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thought you all wanted to know that. =P

Love you all.

Elder Sutton

New Companion

Happy Second day of spring!!!!!!! Well, it feels a lot like the same here.... Hum... Maybe someone forgot to tell the weather guy that it was the first day of spring. Actually don´t do that; I don´t want to actually have the rain start yet so I'm going to enjoy every second I can get!!!!!

It sounds like you guys are all being little angels and visiting grandpa and singing and all that jazz. =) I remember when I went to play my trumpet for the nursing home in Brigham City. (haha) Good old times but that was quite a while ago plus it's been like forever since I've even touched a trumpet.. I´ll get on that right away. hahah =P Plus about those Reese's peanut butter cups you took him................... I´m hungry. =D

Wow maybe I'll change my view now and go to BYU. It sounds like that's the way to go now a days - good lacrosse team, basketball, football. What now!?!?!? But man at least Utah is being put on the board by someone. But just remember last year when Utah State beat them in basketball!! (I don´t know what happened this year or if they even played)

Wow the phantoms Sam and Chris......... hahah. In Spanish there is a word "Chambon".... and that's what I'd call them because A. I haven´t heard one word from either of them and B. They are going to see my family. I think someone needs to kick them in the pants and tell them what's up. I´d do it but my legs are only so long..... =(

WOW even better news!!!! Box Elder Lacrosse sounds like its rocking. Someone needs to give dad a high five for that one. I bet finally all the hard work is paying off that he is doing. My claim to fame is that I started him in lacrosse. =P So when he is a huge D1 coach, I'll be able to see him on the TV and say, "I was the reason he started playing lacrosse!!!"

1 - What's your favorite way to eat your "beans"?

Beans???? (hahah) Well, I like them in a bag. Here they call them liquado or like liquid. So not the beans like we get from a can. I like putting beans on sandwiches and stuff. That and somehow I got addicted to garlic salt so I'm putting that on just about everything I can get my hands on............. I´m weird, I know...........

2 - Do you ever have problems with gas or is it something you have just gotten used to?

GAS?????? Okay time out........ That's a little weird of a question.. (hahahahahahaha) I'd tell you guys but A. lots of people read this email (or so I hope) and B. I don´t have problems with gas. =P

3 - Are the mosquitoes bad in your area?

Well the thing is that it's too cold in my area for mosquitoes to live. Like they all die so luckily no!!! =) But also I die. Like last night..... SANTA VACA!!!!! hahahahahahahahaha It was sooooo cold!!!! I almost died.

4 - Did you ever get the package Jennifer sent? I think she included socks - if it didn't, you may just have to buy some...

Well actually I got an email that says I have a package in the office and the Zone Leaders just have to bring it to me. And supposedly it's kind of big. Cross my fingers and hope that it's got socks in it!!! I´m actually wearing socks that they gave us at the Christmas party thing that they had for us. Apparently I'm not the only one that has problems with socks because they gave all the missionaries socks. =D

5 - Besides a new case for your scriptures, what did you buy yourself for Christmas & your birthday (something cool - we hope)?

Well I got a sweet bag that's called a Morral here. It has "El Salvador" on it and it just looks sweet. I use it every chance I get just to show it off. It's my pride and joy. All the members tell me that I need to give them my bag, but I just can´t get up the heart to part with it. So it's going to be mine the rest of my mish!!!!

P.S. - I heard a second about Barack Obama doing that whole air space with Libya. I don´t really understand what's going on with it all. We kind of are shut off from the world here.

Well a quick summary of this week. I officially have killed my first Missionary in the mission. Elder Marin is in his house and hopefully doing sweet adjusting to the real world and I got Elder Cano, whom I'm also going to kill. So at the end of this change I'm going to be pretty ¨baggy¨ as they say in the mission. =P

I also had a sweet conversation with a photographer here who was from New York. He travels all around the world taking pictures and is going through El Salvador to take pictures of Guatemala and stuff. He apparently has gone all over Europe and Asia and all of Central America. It sounds like quite the lifestyle. He even has gone bankrupt too!! And guess how he got the money to start this up? 1. He was a calculus teacher at night and an elementary school teacher by day... hahah 2. He sells his pictures but not digital. He is total anti-digital. (haha) We went off on that subject for like an hour, but he sells like those slide things. Dad has a box of them down stairs. It was quite refreshing to talk to him about everything; he is Jewish and right now kind of atheist. (hahah) Such an interesting man and best of all, he told me I was an "intelligent Kid" (hahaha) WINNER!! Probably because I loved talking about politics and religion and photography, etc. I talked to him and decided something... after my mission I'm going to learn either French, or an Asian language. =) I think French would be easier but I don´t like doing stuff easy. We´ll see. (they say that the second language is easier to pick up)

Well that was my story of the day. Hope you enjoyed it, and I hope that you join me next week at this same time when we talk more about "The life of Elder Sutton"

Love ya´ll.

=) ELDER SUTTON

Derek's New Companion

Derek Doing the dishes