So I am sitting in a computer lab, and only have 28 min left. If I have spelling mistakes, or my sentences sound funny, I'm sorry. I have been here for 7 days! It seems crazy long, but to you it's just another week. This first day was just rushing through rules and such. I have 8 elders and 3 sisters in my district. I met my companion, Elder Ker. He seemed nice. He is almost 21 years old. I am the youngest in my district by 3 days! There are two elders in my district, Elder Staley and Hall, that are pretty much my best friends here. My companion and I are fine, be we aren't close. So far, we have taught about 5 lessons to investigators, and he has spoken maybe 6 total words in all of them combined. It's very frustrating to have to talk the whole time, and its even worse when your pause to let your companion speak, and he doesn't! One lesson, he didn't say a single word. So there is a bit of friction between us. During personal study time, he will study in his bed for about 3 min, then take a nap. I am constantly praying for help with this situation. Other than my companion, I am loving it here. I have met a ton of new people, and talked with them about various topics. I am reading in Mosiah, and cannot stop reading it. I love that book so much! Especially Abinidai (Spelling?). The courage and faith he had to stand in front of those people and literally tell them of all there sins. Compelling stuff.

     The food is good. Lots of variety. I have started to portion my meals, because I do not want to gain weight. I play basketball during gym, and its hilarious! There is probably one other kid who has played basketball here, so the games can get kind of rediculous. I asked my companion if he wanted to join. He said he doesn't like sports. I asked him what his hobbies were. He said "My Girlfriend and fishing". Come on. We have nothing in common, and trust me, I have been looking. Last night was a devotional, D. Todd Christofferson and his wife spoke. OH MY GOODNESS. It was amazing! They talked about listening for the spirit, and always staying humble. He even told a story of bickering companions (Funny how that happens haha). I sat next to a sister during the devotional. She has been here for 9 weeks, and has 3 more to go. She is going to Finland! I thought that was pretty neat, and she is from eastern Virginia. When I told here thats where I was headed, she told me a bunch of facts about the place, which was nice to hear.

     I am doing fine, not homesick, so don't worry. Sleeping sucks, because the beds are awful. I have had SO much help from my Father in heaven through prayer. For example, druing a class, my stomach literally felt like it was being stabbed. I felt so sick! But the lesson was so good that I felt like I needed to stay. Silently, I said a quick prayer to myself asking for help. Immedietly I felt 100% better. My teaching skills are growing stronger as well. As they should, since I am teaching 30 min lessons alone haha.

     I love and miss you all, but I am so glad I am here. I am literally having the time of my life. I can't wait for these next 2 weeks to pass so I can get out in the field (and get a new companion). Each time I get discouraged, I just remember what my dad said: Just buckle down and work hard. I feel so much closer to the spirit each day I am hear. I am loving the Book of Mormon the further I read. I am so glad that I went to seminary all 4 years. There are people here that haven't, and it shows. I am able to hear difficulties investigators are having, and think of a scripture that pertains to them (Thank you O'niels and Sally!). This is an expirience like none other.

     Thank you barb for the letters! And thank you for telling me about Dawn! That is so exciting! Thank you grandpa and grandma for the letters as well! They really mean a lot.

Thank you Joe for sending me all those letters! They are very nice to read and hear about their missionary expiriences. I have an elder who is from Gilbert, Arizona! He recognizes your street (From the letter). His name is Elder Flaehrity (Flare-it-ee. I forget how to spell it, so that's how it sounds). And Suzzane, I LOVED FISCHERS DRAWING! I have it hanging on my little wall. I thought it was the coolest thing.

   I have a wall for pictures, but no pictures to put up, so I would love to get family picutres!

Love and miss you all!

Elder Litchfield