Week Two What!?!?!

Hey Mom, Dad and family!

So it's week two in the MTC and it's had it's ups and downs. I remember when I first was getting ready to leave and the missionaries said they are used to being tired all the time, and I'm starting to get like that too. Less than 8 hours of sleep a night is not enough! However, I know that when I'm obedient to the schedule I will be blessed.

I'm sorry to hear about Grandma Gallegos' passing. My life I didn't really know her, but I still loved her. I'm so glad I was able to meet her last April, and to at least hug her and tell her I love her. I know that she is much better off with our Father in Heaven, and that her and Grandma Hackett
have a lot of work to do up there.

Oh about my immunizations, so I'm all up to date but I need to know when I got my chicken pox shot so I can get the next one at the BYU student Health Center, and I'm getting my next Hep A shot sometime next month. Also that sister that is in my district from Granite Bay went to Del Oro, and she doesn't know any of our family.

Also tell Eric and Shelby CONGRATULATIONS! I am so incredibly stoked for them! That will be such a blessing in their lives! I wish that I could attend the civil ceremony and the subsequent sealing but I'm so happy for them that it doesn't matter! I bet you and Dad are super stoked to plan another wedding huh?! Haha just kidding! But yes I am so grateful for Shelby's decision to be baptized and for Eric's tremendous example to not only her but to me. Also how are Katie, and Jase doing? Tell me next time you write me.

Okay so this next part is for Dad. Thank you so much for your spiritual letters to me. There are times when I'm having a hard day learning Spanish and I just get down on myself, but your letters really do uplift me. They really apply to me so much everyday. Remember the letter you wrote to me about the Atonement and Alma I think? Well my investigator Marcos asked me a question about the atonement and I was able to remember what you told me in the letter and it was a very spiritual experience for both of us.

Oh p.s. Marcos is getting baptized haha, we talked to him about the 3rd lesson and when he asked when he could be baptized. I know it was fake but it's such a rad and amazing feeling when you can tell that the Holy Ghost converted someone. I am also so stoked to go to Costa Rica. Everyday I just get so pumped to teach people the truths that I kno0w, and to bring them more happiness and peace in their lives.

So yesterday we had the sweetest fireside and the managing director of the Missionary Department, Steven A. Bell (i think that’s his name?) told us how we need to love our companion. It was so powerful. Something that I really needed to hear about. I've come to the realization that I can be very selfish at times, and now I'm figuring out that I need to lose myself and love others. I've started doing this and life is 10x better and more edifying.

Oh also today we went to the temple. It was such an amazing a spiritual experience, and it has strengthened my testimony so much. Before I started my session I asked the Lord to give me a special witness of the presence of the person who I was doing the work for. And you know what? He was there, and he was so excited to be finally able to enter the presence of the Lord. It was so amazing. I love the temple so much and it truly is the house of the Lord!

Oh and also last night we watched "The Testaments" you know the movie about 3rd Nephi. IT WAS AWESOME! I know that Christ is my Savior and Redeemer! I can't say it enough, Christ does live and it is only through his grace mercy and atonement that we are saved! I love him so much!

Well I hope everything is going well at home, I love getting letters from everyone, and tell them to keep sending them because letters make me extremely happy and it's sad when I don't get any haha. Oh and by the way REALLY IMPORTANT: Mom or Dad can you ask Allison if she got any of my letters, cuz I sent one last Saturday and one this Friday and she hasn't responded! Thanks! Oh and can you guys send me a package of food or treats please! That would be very appreciated! All I want is a package, and you know what I like. Also mom, could you send me up my volleyball shoes and like some extra shirts for p-day and working out. I have nothing. This is what I need...

·         2 extra pairs of long white socks

·         Maybe basketball shorts if there is room

·         Volleyball shoes ( the silver and black ones)

·         Green and white RVCA shirt with the pocket in front ( it's short sleeve)

·         And FOOD!

Thanks Mom and Dad. I really love and miss you guys so much. I know our family is being blessed because of my mission, and for your great diligence in keeping the Lord's commandments. I know this church is true and I know that this is where I am supposed to be. Send all my love to everyone in the family and let them know I am having the time of my life up here, and that I cannot wiat till I finally get to Costa Rica.

P.S.

Here's a funny story. So my branch president's wife was in my physical science class this last year. She was the old lady that always asked strange questions in class haha, it was weird to finally see her and recognize her as the "crazy" old lady. But i ate lunch with her the other day and she was awesome, and it's good for her that she is going back to school! Oh and this is for MOM: i wear my silky pajamas every night because they won't let us walk around in garments hahaha....

Well let Allison know that I wrote her, and that I want a Dear Elder from her! And i love PACKAGES! Love you guys, and I know this church is so true!

Love,

Ryan