This is a letter that David sent last week.

Hey Family-

How are things going at home. Dad, I got your letter; thank you for all the encouragement. I appreciate it, and keep your chin up, for it's just two years.

Joe, you better get used to showerig naked, and in front of people, or else you'll hate the MTC. There are no secrets here! The other night some fat, really fat, hairy, really hairy guy used my towel after his shower! He dried himself off with it very thoroughly, if you know what I mean. Boy, I was mad!

But I love it here. My district is so awesome! All the dudes are the kind of dudes that I would have hung out with at school. They are hilarious, and they love hearing "Eldrito" (me) stories. So I'm having a blast. Really, the only time I'm not enjoying myself is when I'm sleeping, which hasn't been going well lately. I wasn't planning on coming down here and seeing my testimony grow as it has.

I had the coolest experience the other day....There is a place here called the "Refferal Center," and it's basically the place where nonmembers call to get a free book of Mormon, or what not. Either they call here, or we call follow-ups to make sure that they got their order, and if they did, to see if they read it, and if they read it, than we chat.

So I called this one girl named, well actually I called for a guy, and I forgot his name, but his wife Teresea answered the phone. They are from Tempe Arizona. I got to talking to this girl about religion, and it went like this, "So did you get your book of Mormon," I asked after introducing myself. "Yeah, I got it," she said, kids screaming in the background. I got excited. "Did you read it?" "No," she said laughing, "I haven't had the time." She went on to tell me the problems she had with our church. I talked with her for awhile, and I got on her good side. I got her to laugh. In the meantime, my whole district is huddled around my booth listening to the conversation. So I said, after bearing my testimony of the truthfulness of the book, "Could you go get your book of Mormon, I'd just like to share something with you before I go?" She said yes, and I waited for a few minutes, my district still spectating. "Ok," said I, when she got back on the phone, "turn to page 529. That is where Moroni's promise is. "Ok, could you read for me, from chapter 10, verses 3 through 5?" So she read em' and when she was done I went on to explain the verses, and the Spirit of Christ, and how it all works, and she says, "Oh, I know about the spirit." "You do!!" I said, wondering what she thought it was. By this time, I knew she was a pretty religious person, but I was still surprised to hear she knew what it was. "Yea, I've felt the spirit before," she paused, and I just listened, and she struggled for a minute. "But I've never felt it as strong as I am now."

Now, as you can imagine, I was absolutely stunned. I said, "There's a lot more where that came from in the Book of Mormon, and if you read it looking for God, I promise you'll find him."

So anyway, I got her to commit to me that she's read the book, and it was really cool. When the conversation was over, my legs were trembling!! It was awesome. The spirit was so strong, all my buddies from my district said they could all feel it. They were all hugging me and stuff, it was a choice experience. So remember Teresea, from Tempe AZ in your prayers, cause with a little luck she'll be our newest member.

So as you can see, I love it here, and have already had the opportunity to spread the word. That made me so excited to head to Canada!

The discussions are comig fine. Piglet told me the first two days he wanted to shoot himself. It hasn't been like that at all. Part of me wishes I could stay here, but not really.

Dad, for mutual, take the boys down to the referral center, for anyone can do it. You don't have to be a missionary. Seriously, it's a testimony building experience.

Well, I hope everything is going good. Again, Thanks for the letters, and keep em' coming. Mom, right now I'm listening to your favorite song, the one that says, "take my heart..." the Mo-Tab song. But I love you and miss your sweet affection. Joe, take advantage of it while you still can!!!

Love, Dave

7/30/04

Dear Mom and Fam--

Hey! Sounds like life just goes on around there, and that's good to hear. Mom, thank you for that package! You surprised me with it. You don't seem like the package type. The fudge is delicious. My district is loving it, though some refuse to try it.

There are quite a few people in my district. (then he goes on to name 12 guys) and last but not least our roommates, who are really starting to get on my nerves. My two roommates are the only two that would be a struggle for me to get along with. Both are lacking in personality.

There is this one named Elder Wiseman, and I can honestly say I've never met a more unique person. The kid, on the first day, said that he writes Shakespearean sonnets, and that he wins money and competitions all the tiime, and actually went further and compared himself to Shakespeare, calling himself better!! He's nuts. He's one of those drama types, I'm sure you are familiar with em', for dad is one! Just kidding, this kid is incredible.

When we are in class, and he gets asked to read a passage of scripture, he reads it like he's in Hamlet or something. We call him Romeo. He told me that he has ten girls from home writing him. They love him because he's sensitive, and can talk to em'. I'm starting to wonder about this kid, I truly am. He's from Texas.

Yes, I am taking pictures. They are getting developed right now, actually, so I'll send you a few when they are done.

Yea, my friends are writing me. Annie sent me cookies yesterday, so I'm getting plenty of friend support. I love getting mail. It's like a birthday every day.

Thanks for the pictures. It was fun to show my buddies a picture of me with curly hair. They were amazed. They hadn't seen my passport pic, and it's longer in that one. I miss that hair. I am also thankful for the picture of Mindy! That girl is one fine creation!

Well, I have the first two discussions down, and the second came really fast for some reason. We taught it last night, and did really well, so we moved on to the third, while the rest of my district is working on the second. For some reason, I can teach the principles in that one better. The main principle is faith, and my talk was on faith, so I was well prepared.

I'm halfway done with my MTC experience. I"m happy to be heading out, but very nervous also. Oh well, you got to do what ya got to do, right?

Tell Loo Loo not to junk my room, and tell her that I love her.

Since when could sisser draw so well?? That baby picture is amazing! Keep em' coming sisser.

I'm skipping gym to write this letter. I am so freaking busy. I'm not sleeping so hot, either. Last night I had a dream that my mission was over and I came home. I was like, "That was the fastest two years of my life!" Then I woke up to reality, and stepped into a cold shower, sandwiched in between two naked, ugly dudes. That's my life at the moment. It's so much better than my old life though, although I do miss the good ol' days. I miss a lot, but realize that I must progress.

Melissa wrote me a very nice letter, and Katie and Danny did too. They are all so great. I am so thankful for my family.

Well, I better wrap this novel up. I love you guys. Keep the prayers coming.

Love, Dave