Transfers - Staying in Castle Dale! Happy Birthday!

(Parental Note: Elder Chad had a birthday this last week and says THANKS SO MUCH for everyone who remembered him and sent him best wishes! He sent pictures, but since I am at the UofW Hospital, transferring pics is a little difficult. I will try and add pictures tomorrow...  But didn't want to delay getting this letter posted.  Thanks to everyone who has sent their love and support to him and to us while Darin is going through this Cancer treatment!  XXOO) 

Buenos días!         6 August 2012

Well this week has been a little rough on us, and because of that it made things seem to take a little longer. We have been trying hard to find people to teach this week, but there were a few circumstances that kept us from doing that. Once again, I just want to thank everyone for the birthday wishes last week. I really appreciate all the support.

My new companion is Elder Dennis Noriega. He was born in Mexico, but his parents came to the United States when he was still a baby. So he has grown up in the United States. He lived in Phoenix for most of his life, but has lived in West Valley, Utah for the last three years of his life. We have clicked pretty well, we seem to be always laughing and enjoying everything, so I believe it will definitely be a good transfer. Don't worry Mom, my Spanish is still getting the practice it needs. (I had mentioned that I would have liked to see him end his mission in an “all Spanish” area to keep his Spanish strong.)  Elder Noriega and I have been speaking a lot more Spanish then English. So it will be good for my Spanish to get that refresher course.

This week was difficult to find people at home. There was a county fair going on from Wednesday to Saturday. That was going all day and so many people were there and not in their homes. Also, there is the Castle Valley Pageant going on as well. So we have been knocking on a lot of empty homes lately. The Castle Valley Pageant is one of seven church pageants. It only happens every other year, so not quite as large scale as the other ones. It is a story of pioneers that came from the other side of the mountain (Manti) to this area (Castle Valley). It talks of the letter written by the Prophet Brigham Young sent to the people of San Pete County to go and settle the other side of the mountain. It gives accounts of a few different families and their hardships. It includes the gospel principles in a very subtle, but clear way. It teaches the importance of eternal families, temple marriage, the plan of salvation, and the Savior's healing power. I have been very impressed with the way the community has come together to put it on. The one draw back is that we have been staying up late to help with the Pageant, but still waking up at the same time, so are bodies are pretty exhausted. I really don't know how I was able to stay out so late and wake up so early back at home. I guess it is just part of getting old, right? (OLD, at Twenty One?  Not quite OLD yet!) Well we still have another week of the Pageant, so my body will just have to wait until it can recuperate.

We went down to the fair to try and contact some people and we saw that there was this Frisbee toss thing going on, so we did it. We were supposed to throw it into this circle and the winners got a prize. The ten closest throws won a $50 gift certificate for anywhere in Emery County. And I actually was in the top ten, so I won a gift certificate. That will definitely help with some groceries! On Saturday, we were also in another parade. So that makes a total of four during my mission. I am pretty sure it will be the last one of my mission as well. We were able to drive a member's "Rhino" for it. It is just basically a utility vehicle that you drive like a car. We were able to throw candy and to be recognized in the public eye.  This week has been a little rough but we are ready to get back to work this week and find those that the Lord is preparing for us. It is like a clean slate for us. So pray for us and wish us luck!

NEWS FROM HOME: (Chad’s father entered the hospital today for his second round of cancer treatment at the University of Washington Medical Center.) Well I am glad to hear that Pops is doing better. I have been praying a lot for him. I know that he is being watched over. I know that our family is being watched over in general. I know that Pops is a warrior and that he will go through these next treatments like the champion and hero that he really is. I know that he will endure these trials and receive the reward that is prepared for him!

I love you all so much! I am praying for you!   Live it, Love it, Preach it!

ELDER D