December 31, 2012

Today was Kyle's last email for the year 2012!  We had a wonderful visit with him on Christmas and we were able to get all 24 of us on Google Chat at the same time.  He looks and sounds great and we are already looking forward to Mother's Day when we get to hear from him again.

Things are pretty quiet in his area this time of year, between the holidays and summer vacation for the kids, many are taking advantage of the break and leaving town, however they are teaching English classes every week and had the largest turn-out yet this week.  We could tell his Spanish is improving because his English is not:)  They have been teaching some wonderful people and there is a baptism this Sunday which is the first one in a year for their ward so they are all very excited.

That about wraps it up for the week.  He loved hearing from so many of you at Christmas and wishes all of you Happy New Year.

Below is a picture of some of the other missionaries in his zone.

December 23, 2012

Just a quick note about Kyle's week.  Most important news is we get to Skype with him tomorrow!  So excited!!

He said it was an awesome week, especially since he discovered an American grocery store of some sort that had his favorites.  Dr. Pepper and A & W Root Beer.  This would make anyones week, right?

He also learned that three of the people he had taught earlier in his mission have now been baptized.  He was so very excited for them.  Despite a broken bicycle seat, a popped tire and 105 degree weather, he is still smiling and excited to be serving.  Until next week:)

Merry Christmas from Kyle and all of us!

December 17, 2012

Here are a few pictures from Kyle's weekly email.  This is the last week they will be meeting in the current mission home because they will be using it for missionary housing in the future.  They met with President and Sister Essig and one other zone for their Christmas dinner this week.  We are so excited to talk with him on Tuesday so hopefully we will have a little more news for next weeks post!

December 10, 2012

This was a short letter from Kyle this week as he is getting settled into his new area.  He sent a few pictures of his birthday celebration that he shared with Elder Vernon whose birthday was on Dec. 7th and one of their investigators whose birthday was on Dec. 9th.  Kyle made the cake and I'm sure took care of the decorations as well:)

They had a zone conference this week and were able to hear the area President speak as well as President Essig and then he and 5 other Elders sang a special musical number which apparently they only learned that morning.  He said it was a great day!

A little local graffiti!

Christmas gifts have arrived!

I thought I would share just a quick note from his letter to make you all smile.  He still sounds like the Kyle we all love!

 "I have two "whoops" of the week this week ... First off, I was riding my bike and the seat broke and fell off... so for the past 3 days I've had to ride the bike standing up... it's not very fun haha Secondly, last night I woke up in the middle of the night and had a little friend in my bed with me.. the freaking neighbors cat came through the window and crawled in my BED!! It scared the heck out of me.... jeesh.... Anyways, that's it for you! Thanks so much for everything! I love all you guys SO MUCH!! Don't forget it ;) "

December 3, 2012

This was transfer week for Kyle, and he is now serving in the furthest part of his mission.  The area is called Los Andes.  It looks very different than the city where he has been serving, as you will see from his picture.  He also has two companions, Elder Varon from Paraguay and Elder Garrett from Utah.  He was also made the senior companion.  His email was very short this week due to transfers, however, he made up for it with lots of fun pictures!  Enjoy:)

 Quick trip to the doctor to check out his feet!

Saying goodbye to Lucia and Josefa

His new area.  Los Andes