First Area

[sent Feb. 17, 2014]

After his six-week stay at the Missionary Training Center, Daniel is in his first area with his new companion, Elder Bustamante, who is Filipino. He's sent us bits and pieces the last few weeks. On his preparation day each week (Monday), he's able to check his e-mail and e-mail back for a one-hour period. We're able to get online when he first comes on, and then send a few quick e-mails back and forth, so that's always fun.

I only have a few short minutes to tell you about my last week. I've started helping more in the lessons, I've learned how to understand a lot of the Tagalog phrases. And as hard as I try not to I think about you guy's all the time. How tall is Isaac? The Zone leader here is Elder Lee, which I thought was funny. :) The only Friday the 13th this year is in June and there's a full moon, so watch out. Tell me about the snow, I miss the snow. I'm excited to send you all pictures of my first baptism. I have an investigator who's 8 that reminds me of William. He'll be baptized along with the reset of his family on March 1st.

I'm surprised how often they sing in English. I feel like an expert singer, because I'm so familiar with the songs. They're even trying to get me to play the piano at the next baptism. Btw I found my shoulder bag, when we went to the temple we looked in the MTC and they had it in the lost and found.

I love you all thank you for all of the emails.

-Elder Southwick

Studying the Book of Mormon. Wonder if it's in Tagalog.

Daniel's brother Jonah after seeing this picture said, "I knew that he would be considered the tallest man in the world there"

Looking out from their 5th-floor apartment.

Daniel's companion on the right, and one of the other Elders in the apartment on the left.

One of the scenes from the street in their area.