Week 41 -- Cruz Alta

I am grateful that no one was injured! Also, Zack's friend, Morgan, just received his call to the Tailand Bangkok Mission. He entitled this email: "Two Times Already".

I chose this title because of a game that I and Elder Frei play every lunch. There are rules for lunch here in the South. One, you better take two plates or the sisters will think you don't like the food; and two, you better eat everything on your plate or everyone will think that you are an arrogant American who just wastes food. So, we are always trying to serve each other to put a ton of food on the plates. This last Sunday he caught me when I wasn't looking, or paying attention, and started putting food on my plate. I had already eaten "two times," and, needless to say, it was difficult.

I also chose the title because for the second time, I was robbed. My camera was stolen out of my bag while we were playing soccer on P-Day, as well as our cell phone and my companion's wallet. We know who it is and he confessed. He gave back my comp's wallet--without the 200 reais, but at least with the documents, and we got back our cell phone chip. But, my camera is long gone and sold. The worst part is that he is a member of the Church. He is a nice kid who has a problem wih drugs and will even steal to get more drugs. He is going to a clinic this week to start treatment. Sister Frei already had sent Elder Frei a new camera, so I will probably just buy his older one (which is nicer than mine anyway). I may need a new memory card, so I'll let you know.

This week was a little difficult because we were following up on the robbery a lot, filling out police reports and all that stuff. But, it ended up to be a pretty good week. We had the baptism of Juliano, a 17 year old kid who was more excited than any of the other baptisms. He changed his life so much and really wants to bring his family into the Church and also serve a mission. This ward has the coolest young men. They are a bunch of recent converts who all live close together and are bringing all of their friends to church. This next Saturday we have two more 15 year-old kids who will be baptized, Vinícius and Cristian. They are studs who are reading the Book of Mormon and all of that stuff. I also received news that Edmilson, that man who I taught for almost 3 months and who I said will be a leader in the Church, will be baptized on the 30th. He is the man, and I was really excited to hear that. It has become cold here in the South, but things are looking hot still here in Cruz Alta. This week is Zone Conference, so that should be cool too.

That is so cool about Morgan's call. For some reason, I think it fits. That is awesome. Now, one more year and it is Spencer's turn.

Com Amor,
Elder Burnham