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

Choose to be Happy!

So here is the thing! I got your e-mail last week and I was so excited to get a sweet package from you and all that, so my comp and another missionary went down on the bikes to the boat dock and looked and looked and looked. And guess what.. they didn't find her?????? Then the worst part of it all is that we haven't heard anything from her? Like if she dropped it off with someone or what happened? I think it disappeared off of the face of the earth.... I sure hope that it gets found. I even talked to that Pres. Chi to see if someone called them but they didn't...

Well it sounds like, as always, Megan is running around like a crazy girl and having tons of fun at the same time. I just feel bad for you all having to have a whole house full of teenage girls running around screaming and all that.... hahaha But I’m sure that it was a blast. No big deal right, at least they all had some fun getting ready for the game. I also remember good ol' Coach Smith. He used to get pretty upset with us too. So you can tell Megan that I know how she feels. But as they say in show business - the show must go on.. =)

Also I was remembering about Dad's birthday on the 22!!!!

Happy birthday dad!!!

But really I’m all up to date on your birthday, dad. =P (haha) But to be honest I’m really not that good with the whole dates and all that - as you know.

So Dan came back from his missiona and Jenny Webbre? I saw her in the MTC at the same time as me... Man that means I’m getting pretty old in the mission then!! But I sure hope that they all did great and enjoyed their missions like I’m enjoying mine.

1 – Have you been playing b-ball yet? (We heard that is a popular sport in Belize….your sis is going to “burn” you when you get back J)

Well the thing is that I’ve been feeling a little bit under the weather these last few days so I haven't played really much of any sports. I’ve just riding around in my bike hoping that I’m not going to get any fatter. I don't believe that I’m fat - just not as skinny as I used to be. Probably because I don't play lacrosse here for 4 hours a day. Crazy to think that huh?

2 – Photos for your family?

Photos? Well they are to come soon... I didn't bring my cable to the camera with me. Plus I’m pretty sure these machines here in the cyber have viruses so I’m a little hesitant to put my things into them after my hard drive experience... But every few free moments that I have I’ll send you some pictures just keep reminding me and I’ll do it. =)

3 - Have you been able to resolve your hard-drive issues or do you need a new one?

Well I gave it to the computer guy and I’m pretty sure that I have all of them recovered but I just need to go and get it back from them. They had this recovery program that found everything... I hope..

4 – What’s your favorite scripture of the day?

Helaman 5:12.. That was the first one in my head - then probably Alma 40 and 41. I don't know I have tons.. I have really fallen in love with church literature lately. Probably because I actually pay attention to it now... on the mission of course. But before it kind of just went in one ear and out the other and now I can see applications for it all.. =)

5 - What was your excitement for the week?

Well this week..... We have like always been running around like crazies and doing the very best we can to have fun. But one of the best things that happened is a sister Desiree Humes is going to be baptized this week. I mentioned her to you a while ago but she is the accountant and on Saturday she is going to be baptized. She really is an amazing lady.

Also, I have a quote from Elder David A. Bednar "for every question in life either a Doctrine or a Principle is the answer" or something to that extent. So to fix all of our problems we just need to look for the doctrines and principles behind it that we need to strengthen to fix our problems. Cool huh?

Well as for my life here in Belize it’s going really well. I can't complain at all. I have a happy family and a healthy one at that. I have friends that love me. I know why I’m here and what I’m doing and I’m not lost like so many more people in this life. I have so many things to be happy about and I choose to dwell on those happy things and not bother getting myself down on the sad ones... =) I choose to be happy.

Everyone should choose the same.

Elder Sutton!!

Immigration/Visa Time

My dear family!!!

How of a hectic day I’ve had. I'm sure that I’m going to die.... We have the immigration papers and my work permit just got out so I need to go pick that up BUTTTT--- I am going to look for this lady, Suzie! That is such a surprise! Man look at how small the world is and how much my family loves me! Sending packages with her and all that. But I know exactly the information that is there. Jaime Chi is like the boss here. But I’m going to look for her like today!!!!!!!!!! Probably not until after I finish up in the office here. =)

OK, so what’s been up this week with you?

Man, the only problem is I have to go... But right now nothing is happening here except all the immigration stuff and all that. We are running around pretty stressed. I'll write you a lot more maybe later....

Has the weather still been pretty rainy?

Well the rain has stopped and now it’s some extreme heat. I’m sweating worse than in Sonsonate. It’s just that we have bikes to help dry off the sweat!!!

Are the bicycle legs getting stronger? Any accidents?

Well me personally I haven’t had any accidents. I've seen some elders get in some but I’m a little more careful! But my legs are super strong now.

Are you still with Elder R or have you had changes yet?

I'm still with Elder RABANALES!!!! And, yeah everything is going good for us. He is always up-beat and happy. I love that about people who are truly happy.

Family I’m so sorry.. I have to go to immigration department right now. I'll attempt to write you a little more later but for right now I’ve got my hands tied.

I love you all

Elder Sutton

HAPPY 2012!!!

Oh my dear "baggy" family - how art thou?? I hope that you are all having a great week and had a great week especially because it’s the New Year!! This is 2012 - or when the 2 Mayan calendars have come together and the world will end.... Or so they say... haha Just so my opinion is out there, I don't believe that the world is going to end. =)

So as I can see you are all remaining really busy with your 100000 things, and just so you know I’m keeping quite busy also. (Megan and her sports and school; Amanda's new job; Mom is always working and keeping the stuff down; Dad with work also and then helping mom with the Christmas and soon lacrosse!!) I sure hope that there is some family time in there! You do know that is the best time of the day!

1 – Tell us all about San Pedro Island (everything on down to the boat rides).

Well as you know I did some traveling this last week and I went to San Pedro! So just so you know a little about it. It’s a giant island here in Belize and it is very Tourist oriented. Let me just tell you that it’s one of the most beautiful places that I’ve seen in my life. The water there was clearer than the water we drink, I’m sure. But as you know I got to ride in a boat out there (like 1.5 hour boat ride). Even on the way out we saw 3 cruise ships in the port. But the island is huge and there aren't many cars just like gas powered golf carts. But like I said, it’s very “touristified”. About 3 tourists for every native person, I think. That’s what it looked like anyway. But if I were to bring you here to Belize, one of the first places I would take you would be San Pedro.

2 – What kind of wildlife do you see in Belize (we realize you’re in the city, but maybe)?

Well just today I saw some “howler monkeys”. On Sunday we saw a guy riding a bike and he had a “giant anaconda snake” in his hands. The puddles on the sides of the road are often filled with lots of little “fish”. I saw lots of beautiful fish. But yeah the biggest coral reef is in San Pedro. (haha)

3 – Does the mission president have a regularly scheduled time that he comes to visit or is it randomly every month?

Well the president has a schedule for when he comes but it’s like every 3 months or something like that. Very rare. So when he does come, he has district things he needs to do and then interviews and when it all comes down to it, we only get a few minutes with him. But don't get me wrong - they are great minutes. He is just a very busy man like ourselves.

4 – Is there something you would like for you “birthday” that you’ve been missing? (Hopefully your birthday package will get sent off within the next few weeks…..)

Well something that I would like are DVD's. I have the normal ones like The Testaments, On the Lord's Errand.... but maybe something new that I could let some of the members borrow. Or something cool like a good book written by an apostle or something spiritual would be nice!! I do have my very nice journal that I can't wait to write in... For my birthday, I don't want a lot. Maybe you could all go out and eat dinner in my honor. =)

5 – What’s the craziest and/or best thing that happened last week?

Well the craziest thing just happened TODAY!!! We went to Lamani (means sunken alligator). It’s an ancient ruin here by the city of Orange Walk. Man we had to get up at 3.30 in the morning to go there. We were afraid of the roads being bad because it was raining really hard yesterday, but at the end it was amazing. Man, some of those ruins were bigger than the buildings we have in the United States. And don't worry, I took TONS of pictures. I just don't have my camera right here with me to send you some pictures. But I really was taken back by how amazing it really was. How the people built giant buildings!!

Also on the way we, passed through a Mennonite village. They could be comparable to the Amish. But they come from Germany and they really have a lot of people living out there. But they don't use the same technology as us. No cars, cell phones, and they make their own houses - everything. It’s a very beautiful town. Very simple. Lots of horse and buggies. But they are a great people and very humble and helpful. I've learned a lot from just seeing them in town and how they treat everyone.

I even got to drive the car today!!!!! So president gave us two (me and my companion) permission to drive and man in the beginning I was definitely rusty, but I got the hang of the stick. It was different because the stick was on the dash. It wasn't "on the trunk" or whatever they call that. But I can definitely get used to driving around. Man we are really spoiled here in some aspects.. (hahaha)

Well I love you all family. I hope that you are doing great. I'm awesome - just exhausted. I'm giving it my all right now, and I hope that you are all too.

Love your son

Elder Sutton

Great Christmas in Belize

December 28, 2011

Well, let me tell you, my dear family! It was my last Christmas experience here on the mission! But that’s good and bad. As you know I’ve got mixed emotions about how much time that I’ve got..... =( The best part about today is that its Amanda’s birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So I sure hope that you do something special for my favorite older sister. =) So today is a little groggy too. It’s been raining off and on all day long. Who knows why because in the morning it looked as clear as can be. "Red skies in the morning - sailors take warning, red skies at night - sailors delight". Right dad? hahah

Man, I’m sad to hear that grandma is having more troubles going around now. I remember how much she loved to go out and have fun in Mexico or wherever! I sure hope we can go with them one more time before they sell their time share thing in Mexico. But who knows what will happen - maybe if she feels better.

Well as you knew a little about my Christmas here it was full of fun and food! So all the weight that I had lost over these few weeks I think I got it all back in just one day! They have some awesome cake here - Black Cake. But you have to be careful because they love to just throw whisky on it to keep it looking nice and shiny. But definitely I ate turkey and chicken and all that.

Well I have some cool news. Today I’m going to San Pedro to work there with an elder and supposedly it’s going to be very beautiful there. My comp says it’s the most beautiful area in the mission; I guess we'll see. But the thing is on this island we have to go on an 1.5 hour boat to get there and then on the island they don't have cars. They just ride around in golf carts. Supposedly they have tons of Tourists and they even have their own power plant and everything. It’s just super expensive. So I’ll be sure to take some pictures of that one to show to you how it really is.

Well some investigators and some awesome stuff like that:

*Well there is the Smart family. They are really awesome (Wally and Katina). The only problem with them is that they need to get married. But I already feel like we're a part of their family. They have 5 kids all ranging from the ages 15 to 1 year old. They all love when we come over and read the Book of Mormon and are just amazing.

*We have a lady named Willa. She loves to giggle. The only problem with her is that her family is completely against her and don't like her to listen to us. She is like 50 something and she is a ball of fire. She loves to laugh - like I said.

*There is sister Pearl. She lives with her handicapped son who is like 20 something and she has been going to church for about a month now. She is just having some guy problems recently so we're working on that.

*We have the Cocoam family (Efrain and Dianna). They are awesome. We are great friends with Efrain. He is actually a tour guide here in Belize and he takes groups to ruins here and knows just about everything about the Myans (can't spell).

*We have some AMAZING recent converts here - GEORGE SANDER AND BENNY RUCKER. Man, they are way amazing. They have already blessed the sacrament and all that. I think I talked to you about them already but they are being great. The problem that George is having is his wife is sick right now, but it’s not too serious. And Benny is looking for his wife.

Well that’s just a few of the people that we're teaching. There are lots more but I’m getting tired of writing. (hahaha) I hope you all knew how much I loved my Christmas presents! I also loved talking to you. And I can't believe that you are doing all of that for your son.

I do really feel the love that you all show me and I hope that you’re having an amazing New Years which will come very soon. I think that it’s all going amazing for all of you. I even got my package from Grandma Sutton! Thank you so much for the candies and chocolate! I love you lots! All of you!

Feel free to write me a letter or two..... not trying to be greedy or anything...... hahah But I love to hear all the amazing things that you’re all doing with your lives. Keep it up.

Love you

Elder Sutton

Feliz Navidad

So my dearly beloved family and friends!!!!

Feliz Navidad and Merry Christmas!

So definitely I’m feeling a lot more Christmas-y this year.  Also as you can see, I’m writing you all a day early this week because tomorrow we have our Christmas party with the Cordon Family.  The great news is that it’s going to be really awesome, but the bad news is that they haven't informed us at all what is going to happen with the call or anything like that...  But my companion is going to call President right now to ask and I’ll tell you later in my letter. =)  From what I know I’m thinking that we can find some machines to Skype but we just need to ask some favors of people.

Wow!  Really so much just happened last week that I can't believe it either. It looks like you were as busy as I was!  And mom winning that raffle thing????  Man!!!!  I'm going to send my sons and daughters on missions when I get older so that I can win cool stuff like that.. hahah But really mom must be really being good this year huh?  There actually is a family here that we were teaching off and on and recently the wife just won the Jackpot here and then the husband got promoted in his job, and they say it’s because we started to visit them..  We're sure that they are blessings from the Lord and they all of a sudden have become a lot more positive.  Really the whole culture here and the people are so different than those that I have met in the past; sometimes I just need to step back and breath. Some people are just so ready to hear the gospel that it surprises me. If all works out, then we have a wedding this Saturday!  Then later the family will be baptized.

It sounds like Megan is continuing in her race car life style. =)  She wouldn't be part of the Sutton family if she wasn't, right?  I can really remember how we all had to do our own running around growing up like Amanda and me and now its Megan’s turn.  Let’s just hope that she can handle it well.  And from what I'm hearing, she does. =)

But man!  Amanda is going to be a real teacher now??  (Only for 6 months??)  But that’s still way awesome!  Now she is the real deal huh?  I always pray for her and you all and it’s all turning out alright. =)  But that’s no problem for her to handle a few 6th graders.  We had some interesting kids at the PEAK and I’m sure what she has been doing recently has prepared her for this. The Lord prepares us for life.  Sometimes we just don't notice it.

Man, I’m feeling the love from all the family!  Grandmas, Holly, Kathy, the Dinsdales, everyone!  Wow!  I’m definitely going to buy me new scriptures because the other day it poured rain here and they got wet.... =(  They still work just are a little crinkled.... but not anymore!!  And this time I’m going to put them in bags every time I leave the house. Then maybe buy some little things here and there for my comp and I.  (Maybe shoes for me. =D)

I wish I could have seen Justin!  I actually have thought about him some on the mission and how he is doing.  Along with my other friends that DON"T WRITE ME!!! (haha)  How often does he come home?  Maybe next year I can see him?  And Grandpa is already making some plans for next year!  We better have a HUGE party because I’m going to be there. =P So Sarah Stanger is getting married?  Dangit; someone has to tell here sorry and that I’ll have to miss it... =(   I feel like the time is flying for me. There is so much to do here and so little time that usually the days just fly by so fast.  Plus my companion and I are doing pretty well here. This last Sunday, Benny Rucker and George Sanders (new converts) talked in sacrament meeting!!  They have been members for like 2 months and they both blessed the sacrament and talked!  They did it all that day!  It’s amazing to see them progressing!

Well this week on Saturday we had our branch Christmas party too.  We had a blast with all the people and 7 investigators showed up and ate good food - rice and beans, with chicken and potato salad and stuffing that was more like powder...  I think that’s what they eat here. But it’s all good. =)  But they started to dance.  EVERYONE. from the grandmas down to the 2 year olds.  They all are born with an amazing ability to dance!  But really music is something so special to the people here. It’s different then the Utah. They just feel it.  Like if we're out with a member and he hears music, he automatically starts to bob his head or starts swaying.. It’s just what they do here. I am the only ugly duckling here that can't dance. haha.

But as you can tell Christmas here is really different, but it still is about Mas-Christ... haha - I just came up with that one.... But this year Christmas means something different for me.  I just feel different about it. It good though.  I have a million great memories of Christmas time with the “Fam”, but I know that I’m making lasting memories here that will not only shape the present but the future.  I'm understanding what it means to have a better relationship with not only those around me but with Christ.  I hope that you can say the same thing about me like you said about Justin.  How great of a change it was for him.  If not, then I just basically wasted the past year and a half.  But don't worry; I feel different - I think different.

Mom, I love you and I know that you love me, even when I thought you didn't because we fought. I know that every little thing you had me do was because you knew that it was going to benefit me in the future. I know that you are a great example of a hard worker and how to not expect less of us as your children, but expect the best. You have helped shape me who I am now. I can be a man and a father because you taught me to be one. I love you mom.

Dad, really we were more of friends then anything.  I know that it was hard for me coming on the mission and being away but I believe deep down you know why, and it’s not just to serve the Lord.  ALL the great times we had, football, jr. jazz, basketball, lacrosse whatever it was - you were always there two feet in there with me. I should have done more what you wanted to do (fish, hunt, hike).  I know that you are a great example of sacrifice.  You, like mom, have worked all my life to give me the best.  Even down to my friends and x-box we did together. Don't worry, that won’t change. I love you dad.

Amanda, man you really are a superhero to me.  You are an example that really it’s possible to live our lives correctly.  Seriously I pushed myself in everything because you were first great in it (music, sports, friends).  You were my older sister.  Funny, happy and always smart. I regret not ever really hanging out with you before.  I know I got on your nerves at times but you taught me that it’s possible to push myself.  I love you Amanda.

Megan, don't think that I’m forgetting about you. =)  My little sister.  I know right now in your life you're defining who you are.  Friends, sports, school, everything.  You have a lot in you.  I wish I was right there to help you out with your final years in high school.  But really listen to mom and dad. They have lived it. They know. You have taught me that love is for everyone, even my little sister.  I remember when I would ask you to do something for me and all I had to do was hug you and I never wanted to do it.  You are a great sister Megan. I can see you doing so much.  Heavenly Father has blessed you with so much.  All you have to do is use him to the fullest.  I love you Megan.

Well I don't have time to write all my family and friends but know I really think about you.  All the way down to Sarah Dinsdale and Barbara and Roy and Kathy - I have thought of you all and include you in my prayers.

I hope that this year is as special for everyone as it is for me!

With lots of love

Elder Sutton

Enjoying Elder Rabanales (my comp)

Well not going to lie, I was expecting more from you on the writing department today. Now that President said we couldn't email from this account to anyone anymore I got 3 emails today! I definitely will have more time to write you guys. And maybe send my pictures that I copied on some DVD's. I don’t know; the computers are a little "sketchy" here so I’m kind of worried about viruses.....

A big THANK YOU to grandma & grandpa and Holly for the Christmas money!!! :) I’m going to use it wisely…

But yeah, I think the temperatures are going to start to climb here soon. For example today, I’m feeling a lot hotter than usual. But they tell us that this is winter here in Belize. I just don't want to see what it’s like here in the summer!!

So some interesting things here in Belize:

1. They have some amazing little things called cold cups.. They are just like they sound - little plastic cups with frozen juice and stuff in them but they are like 12 cents. So we have become a fan, Elder Rabanales and I. (like my grammar at the end????)

2. Well yesterday I ate some Lebanese Food... Man that was AMAZING! It’s kind of pricy for here like $6 Americans. But man, it was good like jicama and these amazing tortillas and all that jazz.

3. My companion & I broke down and bought some ice cream the other day. Man we were in heaven that day.

4. There are some senior missionary couples here in Belize - Elder and Sister Pattee. The awesome thing is that we had a family home evening yesterday with a new family we found, but I found out some awesome info about them. They served a previous mission in Ukraine! I don't remember where exactly but maybe Eric will know them. =)

Preguntas

1 – Have you heard when Pres. & Sis Cordon will be traveling there for your little party? (I hope they will be delivering your package at that time…)

Well they are going to come here around the 20th and the coolest part is that I think that they are going to be here for a few days. Like they are bringing their whole family here and then have a Belizean Christmas! (which is very similar to the ones we have in the USA....)

2 – Have you been checking on the possibility of SKYPING again for Christmas? (Less than 2 weeks until our call!!!!!)

Well I defiantly want to use Skype and talk to you guys again and I’m pretty sure that Elder Rabanales wants to also; we would just need to find a computer for the holiday. Maybe if we go to the distribution center or something? We'll have to figure that little detail out first huh?

3 – How’s the bike riding? Have you forgotten how & is traffic much of a problem?

Well let’s just say bike riding uses a whole lot of different muscles then walking. For the first week my knees were hurting me and my legs just because they are completely different, and I was so used to walking everywhere! There are a lot of cars here in the city though. Definitely there is like a "rush Hour" here also. But because we are on our bikes we can weave in and out of the traffic no problem. But the great news is that I haven't crashed on my bike yet. =)

4 – What is the main source of income (jobs) in Belize?

Well I definitely would say that tourism is a huge profession here. Then there are like fishermen and then like construction and all that. But tourism is huge! Apart from that, there are just random jobs like we are teaching a police man, a construction guy, one guy that fixes printers and scanners.....

There is an island (San Pedro) here where all the tourists go too. We have some missionaries there and they say that there are constantly people there on trips and vacations and all that jazz.

5 – Do you have a cook & a person to wash for you in Belize?

Well we have a wash lady. Usually we just eat at like a little restaurant here for lunch for a few dollars. The wash lady really is an amazing lady! BUT a lot of people here have washing machines. It’s not like in El Salvador where everyone does it by hand. But sadly we do sometimes wash a few shirts here and there. I tried not to bring much from El Salvador here so that it wouldn't be a hassle.

Well I'm definitely really enjoying myself here in Belize with Elder Rabanales. He is really charismatic and loves to run around. We are trying to enjoy ourselves as much as possible here by doing the Lord's will. Sometimes it’s hard, don't get me wrong, but I know that everything will turn out amazing if I just do my part. We can't bite off more than we can chew, but I’m not going to spend the whole day eating.... So we're constantly pushing ourselves to become better. Plus, I got my hair cut by my first Belizean guy yesterday and it looks alright. (haha) I can't complain much.

They are actually doing an EFY thing here called SOY (strength of youth) so that is something really new here in Belize. The thing is that the missionaries have only been here for 30 years and man we're growing.

I love you a ton family and friends.

Sientanse libre a enviarme cartas a mi nuevo correo!!!!! (Please feel free to send me letters to my new mail address!!!!!)

Elder Sutton