Set some goals

Hey there family and friends! I hope that this email finds you all alive and kicking! I’m doing good, just surviving the hot and humid weather but other than that all is good. This week was fast as usual and I am just enjoying the work more and more every day. So lets get down to the sweat report shall we... 

Well, this week we spent a lot of time giving the people that we are teaching a vision. A vision is everything in life. If we don’t have goals or something to work towards we will never see the end result. I know that when we make goals we can achieve them. The Lord is always there to help us achieve something that we personally want to achieve. Yes, there is always going to be opposition in all that we do. There is always going to be something or someone trying to beat or cut us down. But through our vision all things become possible. I have seen it time and time again here, when we put the faith in the Lord ANYTHING is possible. We can do and achieve things that we never thought we could achieve. I promise you that my brothers and sisters.

I challenge each and every one of you to make goals, specific goals. Goals: both spiritually and temporally. I promise that the Lord will be there in aid to help you reach all your goals. I want to make one of your goals to help and serve others. Why this?

This week I had the opportunity to serve a few different people. All day every day we serve but this week we had the opportunity to do something very special for a family. We had the opportunity to build a house for one of our fellow brothers... words can not describe the living conditions and the details do not matter, but all I know is that it was one of the most touching experiences that I have ever had.

We must serve others, whether it’s something small or big, service brings more joy than anything else. I would like to share a talk or a few words with you from a member of the church. I really like the words given and I would love to share them with you. It’s all about service baby!!! Here it is. 

“To find real happiness, we must seek for it in a focus outside ourselves,” President Thomas S. Monson teaches. “No one has learned the meaning of living until he has surrendered his ego to the service of his fellow man. Service to others is akin to duty, the fulfillment of which brings true joy.”

As we look heavenward, President Monson says we will inevitably learn of our responsibility to reach outward.

Reach Outward

“We do not live alone—in our city, our nation, or our world,” President Monson says. “There is no dividing line between our prosperity and our neighbor’s wretchedness.  ‘Love thy neighbor’ is more than a divine truth. It is a pattern for perfection. This truth inspires the familiar charge, ‘Go forth to serve.’  Try as some of us may, we cannot escape the influence our lives have upon the lives of others. Ours is the opportunity to build, to lift, to inspire, and indeed to lead. The New Testament teaches that it is impossible to take a right attitude toward Christ without taking an unselfish attitude toward men.”

President Monson encourages Latter-day Saints to “reach outward. … Membership in the Church calls forth a determination to serve. A position of responsibility may not be of recognized importance, nor may the reward be broadly known. Service, to be acceptable to the Savior, must come from willing minds, ready hands, and pledged hearts.”

Lose Ourselves in Service

He also calls upon all people to follow the example of Jesus Christ. “The Savior taught His disciples, ‘For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.’

“I believe the Savior is telling us that unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives. Those who live only for themselves eventually shrivel up and figuratively lose their lives, while those who lose themselves in service to others grow and flourish—and in effect save their lives.”

Be a Sincere Friend

President Monson quotes the 16th president of the United States. “Abraham Lincoln offered this wise counsel, which surely applies to home teachers: ‘If you would win a man to your cause, first convince him that you are his sincere friend.’

“A friend makes more than a dutiful visit each month. A friend is more concerned about helping people than getting credit. A friend cares. A friend loves. A friend listens. A friend reaches out.”

Communicate Heart to Heart

“Often we live side by side but do not communicate heart to heart,” President Monson says. “There are those within the sphere of our own influence who, with outstretched hands, cry out, ‘Is there no balm in Gilead?’”

“I am confident it is the intention of each member of the Church to serve and to help those in need. … How often have you intended to be the one to help? And yet how often has day-to-day living interfered and you’ve left it for others to help, feeling that ‘oh, surely someone will take care of that need.’”

Trust in the Lord

And President Monson encourages us to trust in the Lord as we serve. “Occasionally discouragement may darken our pathway; frustration may be a constant companion. In our ears there may sound the sophistry of Satan as he whispers, ‘you cannot save the world; your small efforts are meaningless. You haven’t time to be concerned for others.’

“Trusting in the Lord, let us turn our heads from such falsehoods and make certain our feet are firmly planted in the path of service and our hearts and souls dedicated to follow the example of the Lord. In moments when the light of resolution dims and when the heart grows faint, we can take comfort from His promise: ‘Be not weary in well-doing. … Out of small things proceedeth that which is great’” (Doctrine and Covenants 64:33).

  

What great words that we can really learn and reflect on. It really is true joy when we help others and make a sacrifice. I have felt and see it every day while I have been out here on the mission. It’s amazing to give ALL to others. Little things bring big things my brothers and sisters. I challenge you to serve more and help others feel the joy from your service. 

Gi, I am so proud of you, each week you sound like you are growing up and doing big and better things. I want you to prepare now. PT and RAY RAY, I want you three to prepare now because it’s the best thing that you can do. Serving a mission changes one for the better. Maybe not physically hehe if you are eating like I am hahaha but in every other aspect of your life it changes you for the better. I promise you.

I challenge each of you to talk to the missionaries, if you see two young men walking in white shirt and tie, or two sisters, ask them, can you teach us more about your religion. If anything just to learn more and see what your Boy Long is teaching down here in the jungles of Honduras :)) I promise that you will feel the spirit and grow closer to our loving Heavenly Father.

I am so thankful for a great family and friends that have taught me how to be a better son and friend. I am thankful for each of you and your support. Thanks for all your hard work dad. It means a lot to each of us. American woman, keep working hard my man. I love each of you and your always in my thoughts and prayers! For all you playing sports right now, give it your ALL... lay it all on the field and give it more for me who cant play right now. Love you all!

Aim high in all that you do and put your best foot forward every day! 

MAKE THE GOALS AND ACHIEVE THEM BABY. 

  

Con mucho amor,

Elder Long!! 

Families are Forever

Well my loving fans and followers, I hope that this letter finds you all doing great and kicking. I really can’t say how fast the time is going, it’s crazy! I am enjoying every day and taking in all the experiences that I am having, and let me tell you, it’s quite the experience. So lets get down to the report shall we...

This week we spent a lot of time trying to find some new people. We found about 16 new people and 5 families so that is a pretty good week. Some of these people are ready and some are not so ready, but that’s when Papi Mar comes into hand to give them the lowdown and to tell them what they need to do to change their lives for the better. It’s a simple process, they just need to be willing to do their part and I promise bendiciones for them! So this week we were mostly focused on finding a lot of new people and to invite them to the ward conference that we had this past Sunday… and let me tell you we packed the house. We had 120 people come! The reunion was really good and the spirit was super strong.

We talked all about the importance of the familia and The Proclamation to the World. The Proclamation to the World is advice that we have been give by leaders and I can promise you that if we live these principals we will be blessed, not only ourselves but every single one of our family members. It’s such a blessing to have the gospel in our lives. If we live the gospel, not only believe in it, we will receive so many blessings.

I would like to attach the Family Proclamation so that each of you can read it and ponder it. Live it out, and I promise you that the Lord will bless you immensely. (my spelling blows because my mind is in Spanish...don’t worry your mother fixes most of it!!!) so deal with it. HAHA! So below is what I want you to read, I don’t want you to only read it but to take some time to reflect and ponder it and I promise that you can take something from it.

THE FAMILY

---

A PROCLAMATION TO THE WORLD

The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

WE, THE FIRST PRESIDENCY and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.

ALL HUMAN BEINGS—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.

IN THE PREMORTAL REALM, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.

THE FIRST COMMANDMENT that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.

WE DECLARE the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.

HUSBAND AND WIFE have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

THE FAMILY is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.

WE WARN that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

WE CALL UPON responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society. 

I spent a lot of time thinking about the importance of the family and friends while listening to all the talks. Really the family is the most importance. I really have come to appreciate more and more the importance of the people in my lives and the impact that they have had on me. I know without my family and friends I would not be here today doing what I am doing. Each of you guys has had an influence on my life for the better. I promise that if we all continue to put an emphasis on the family and friends this world can change so much. That’s what I am trying to do here...

There are so many broken homes and families here that it breaks my heart. I know the importance of the familia more then I ever thought I would know. We are truly so blessed in the states. We are so blessed that each and every one of us need to thank our Heavenly Father and show how grateful we are for the LITTLE THINGS. I know that family and friends brings blessings that nothing else can.

I want to thank each and every one of you for the influence that you have had on me. I love and care about you guys and want you each to know that I have become a better man because of you. I want to thank my mom, dad and brother who have especially made a difference and raised me with principals and ejemplos that have given me the chance to help people here in Honduras.

I know that the Lord has put in store for us the family to not cause us problems of any kind but to lift us up and edify our lives. I want each of you to work on relationships with others and value the importance of each person that we are in contact with each day. Not everyone has the blessing of being raised around loving family and friends. Cherish it. Reflect upon the people that really have made a difference in your life.

A lot was on my mind this week on the family because of an event that happened this week to a family that we are teaching. So we are teaching a few people in a family and knew of the others...well this past week some people of a bad group came and killed two of the family members that we are teaching.... it gave me a wake up call once again that we need to make the most of every day. We need to protect our families and friends to make good choices all the time. We as friends and family are in charge of this. We need to look out for everyone even when it may be hard. We need to take a strong stance... maybe this family could have helped these two individuals.

We spent a lot of time teaching them about the plan of salvation and how the Lord knows each one of us, he knows our needs and our wants in the moment that we need them. We talked about the plan that the Lord has for each one of us. Even though it was a horrible incident and what happened was very bad, our Heavenly Father is there for each one of us. He knows more than we ever will know in certain circumstances. But, it is our responsibility to help our family and friends when we can and allow them to receive the blessings that the Lord can give to us through following the commandments and living the gospel correctly. I am so thankful to have the gospel in my life and friends and family it means so much to me. Thanks....

Other then this, I don’t really have much more to say. I love you guys and I am doing great. I am living the dream, FINDING THE ONE every day. I love and care about you guys, make it a special week! Gi, make it a special week. Strive to have more Christ-like attributes every day and the Lord will bless you. Serve others, study hard, play hard and live each day to its max. Mr. 210 and Slim Jim just keep working hard too. I love you guys so much. Thanks!

Aim high in all that you do and put your best foot forward every day! 

Con muho amor, 

Elder Long! 

Living the dream...

Here we are, another Monday and I really don’t know where the time has gone! It’s crazy how fast the time is going by! Each week seems faster and faster and full of just experiences to say the least...every single day is so different. We are making some changes here in the Villeda for the better! It’s not an easy área but we are going to make it turn around like we want it to. Well lets get down to it shall we! 
 

This past week we had the opportunity to listen to President Beck, President of the Young Men’s Organization for the entire church, around the world. He brought such a strong spirit and it was a great opportunity to learn from him and the stories that he told. It was a good time. It was great though because I got to see the BOYS ha-ha Elder W, Elder H AKA Hafenater, Elder M, and Elder M AKA MacDaddy P! It was a good time to catch up with all the guys! So that was a good one. 

This week we had the opportunity to go to the temple in Tegucigalpa. It was another uplifting time as well. Always a highlight when we get to go to The House of the Lord and learn from the spirit. After the temple we went to PriceMart. Price Mart here is Costco. Costco is the owner of it. They are somewhat new here and all but it was amazing to go there and eat some real pizza. It was the best pizza I have had here. It was super good. I ate like a champ!  

So the highlight of the week… Sit back and enjoy the ride….So this week I had the chance to go to the inner city… and when I say the inner city I mean the inner city. It was the first and hopefully the last time that I go there because it was quite the experience. So I was on changes with the zone leaders. This is their area and I can’t imagine the things that they see day in and day out serving there. So I will just share a Little with you guys to give you an idea. 

So we were in one of the most dangerous áreas of Tegucigalpa.. it’s famous. It’s called Pedrigal and one of the colonias there is called Barcelona. The Barcelona is one of the áreas by Pedrigal. Its hot to say the least... when I say hot I mean dangerous… but there are souls to sabe there… so we worked there until about 5 o’clock. We must leave there around 5 because anytime later…who knows. So when we went into this area around 1:30 there waiting at the entrance were gang members… some had bats just hanging over their shoulders and others casually had pistols in their hands… imagine that. Kids, familias and the whole world were passing right by them. They were guarding the area. So we just walked by and said hello and that was that. 

Later in the night we were in a different area. This area is not as bad supposedly. So we were walking in this area where there are tons of houses and apartments… tons... and when we were walking there like every block there were gang members on the corners just talking and all. Casually with pistols and all like it was just another day at work. 

So around 7 we were eating at this little restaurant in the middle of this area and all of a sudden, boom boom boom… and everyone rushes into their houses. The owner of the restaurant comes out and says come in come in. So we moved our seats. Next thing you know boom boom boom again. My companion was not fazed at all… it was just another day in their area. I was in shock. 

So we were walking after we were done eating and we took a turn to go a little higher up in the colonia and there was a man there with two other dudes. He goes, “Give me a dollar”… and in his hand was a pistol… I was like “ I don’t have one I am sorry.” He goes okay... vaya vaya vaya which means like, go go go. So we walked away like nothing even happened… 

I can’t even describe to you guys how fast my heart was bumping… holy crap ha-ha. I don’t think that I have ever said so my prayers in my head in my life. It was like the entire day was a constant prayer. So that is the exciting news that I have for this week. That’s about all, just another week baby! Good memories… I think that I loss hair from such high stress levels, but all is good! 

So this week I spent a lot of time studying the life of Jesus Christ. It was such an amazing week studying and edifying my testimony of my loving Savior. Mientras estudiando cerca de la vida de Jesucristo, preste mucha atención a una cosa. This was the importancia of the Sacrament. Jesus Christ put a lot of emphasis on the sacrament because it really is one of the most important things that we can partake of in this life. It is so important to have an understanding of the sacrament. Our Savior wants us to remember his great atoning sacrifice and to keep his commandments. To help us do so, he has commanded us to meet often, assist at church, and partake of the sacrament. The sacrament is a holy priesthood ordinance that helps remind us of the atonement of the Savior. 

Shortly before his crucifixión, Jesus gathered his apostles around him in an upstairs room. He knew he could soon die on the cross. This was the last time he could meet with these beloved men before his death. He wanted them to always remember him so that they could be strong and faithful to his teachings. 

To help them remember, he introduced the sacrament. He broke bread into pieces and blessed it. We learn from the Bible in Matthew about this. Mathew 26: 26 -28. It reads:

26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.

27 And he took the cup and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;

28  For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. 

Partaking of the sacrament is such a blessing that we have in our lives. I invite each of you to read these verses and do what you need to do in order to receive the blessings in which the Lord has in store for each and every one of us. I love the verses in St John chapter 6 verses 53 to 58. It reads:

53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.

54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.

55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.

56 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.

57 As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.

58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.     
  

Sorry I know the punctuation is not correct (mother to the rescue to correct it!!!) but I am working with a ghetto computer that all the options don’t work. So that’s why it’s not formally correct, my apologies. But I love how the Lord has put so mucho émphasis on the sacrament. It is such a blessing for our lives. There is a promise. If we partake of the sacrament we will have the spirit to be with us always. It is a way to renew or covenants each week and receive the spirit and blessings that our Heavenly Father has in store for each and every one of us. 

I want each and every one of you guys to have this promise. It will change your life. I promise you all, if you make a sacrifice to partake of the sacrament every week and go to church, your lives will change. I promise you all, I see it here with people that are wiling to put the Lord first. It makes a great difference. Make the change and do it and the Lord will bless you. 

Well family and friends, thanks so mucho for all your amor y support. You guys mean a lot to me and have carried me through times of good and times that were rougher. You guys are all very important to me and I hope that you are learning a little bit from the experience that I am having here in Honduras. My misión has changed me for the better. I am so thankful for your love and support! Make it a great week! Aim high in all that you do and put your best foot forward! I love you all! Gi, make it a special week man. I love and miss you. Keep working hard in all my man, It will pay off.  Love you stud! 

Con Mucho Amor,

Elder Long!!!

Transfers mean new people to love!

Eyyyyooooo my loving followers! I hope that this email finds you all doing great and alive and kicking! Well, you know that I am doing the same. So. lets get down to it shall we.

So this week I was called to a new area. The area is actually pretty cool, it’s about 15 minutes out of the city. It’s a small little pueblo that is pretty cool! It’s called V. M. It’s about 15 minutes from the temple too. It’s pretty small and surrounded by mountains. The weather is a lot cooler than T. so I am adjusting to that.

The church opened up there just about 3 years ago. The church has bought terreno to build a church there but we still assist (attend) right now in a house. It’s a lot like my first two areas O. and S.G. I will send pics of the church next week. About 90 people assist (attend) church every week. The area is really taking off and the people are doing work. When I got here the work was a little dead for a few reasons... but that took me about half a day to realize and we got right to it.

My companions name is Elder F. and he is from Guatamala. He is much quieter than me but that shouldn’t be a surprise…anybody is. He’s a super nice kid (19) and is a good missionary. I am teaching him how to talk it up a little...do you think I will have a problem doing that? hahah It’s great! I am sure he can teach me a thing or two. We are getting after it here in my new area! I am in the zone that is next to the zone that I spent the first year of my mission in.

It’s interesting how the Lord has kept me very close to the same areas... only have had two changes far from where I have been my whole mission. It’s going to be a good time here in V.M. The members work... they get after it and have a ton of love for the work. So it’s going to be a heck of a ride, and they are all on board. Elder B. was here before (he’s from my group) and he was one that got after it... we just need to be on the same page as the members and all will go great, like it is going.

So this week we also had a bonfire activity with everyone in the terreno where the church will build a new church next year. About 100 people showed up and it was a success. It was super cool, we had a bonfire and all and a husband and wife shared the importance of familias in our lives. It was awesome. They talked about all kinds of influences that familias face on a daily basis and all and things that can help our familias and destroy our familias. So it was good. I enjoyed it a lot and so did everyone else.

I got hit with something again in the stomach from what I ate so for like 3 days I was passing a lot of time in the baño. hahaha! Last night only 7 times no big deal… all good though and all apart of the experience baby!!! So I am trying to think of all the things that mama long will want to know.. haha :)

- no hot water, every shower is like an ice bucket challenge

- there is only my companion and I in the branch as missionaries

- we live about less than 10 minutes from the church walking.

- the area is not very dangerous

- we wash clothes by hand (good joke if you thought there was a washing machine)

- we cook because there is only one place in whole pueblo to really buy food

This week I spent a lot of time comparing my time here on the mission to what a lot of apostles and apostles did in antiguidad. It’s amazing to think that right now I am living the dream sharing the word and helping people come unto Christ. It really is amazing to think about. I love doing what I am doing... it makes me have true joy... it really does. I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else or to be in any other area... it is where I need to be right now to help my brothers and sisters come unto Christ! It’s great. I know that this work is true and is the Lords work and that I am representing him here in Honduras. I am so happy to be in the M. doing what I love and what I need to do. We have sooo much work to do in just a short little time... it’s game time baby!!!!!!!!!! All good!

I want you all to think about all that we have this week. We are so blessed to be from the states. You really don’t realize it and I can’t expect you to without having this kind or a similar experience like I am having. We are sooo blessed. I want you all to reflect this week on all that we have and the blessings that the Lord puts in our lives every day. I mean this too. Please take some time this week to really think and reflect about the things that matter most. I love you guys.

I sent an email to my mom and if there is anyone that would like to help someone out here and see what the real world sometimes is about and wants to help, please get in touch with her. I promise you that you can make a difference, just get in touch with my mom please!

Well all is good here! I love you guys and hope that all is good! make it a great week and get after it! aim high in all that you do and put your best foot forward! loves!!!!

con mucho amor!
Eder Long!

PS. I promise that next week I will have pictures for you all of my house, the church area, compañero and all that good stuff!

I love Elder T....

Well hello to all my loving friends and familia and followers! I hope that this email finds you all doing great and enjoying your Labor Day weekend! Good food and family is what it’s all about! Enjoy! So lets get down to the humid report shall we! 

This week we spent a lot of time trying to find some new gators to teach! We didn’t have as much success as we really wanted to have. It was a tougher week. Lots of knocking doors and wearing paint on the face haha but we kept on chugging along and doing our thing. We are trying to find some new gators because the ones that we have had are just putting a ton of excuses and all and Mar is not about that. So we are going to find the gators that really want us.

A family that we had we officially can’t visit them... we just can’t be associated with stuff that’s in movies haha just have to be smarter than them. How do we know that? My companion and I played some FBI role this week to check out the situation and see for our selves if what people were saying was the truth... and they were right. So now we have a little experience in playing the FBI role haha. Good time, good times to say the least. So currently knocking a lot of doors trying to find some new people to teach and bring them the light in their lives. 

This week the Hermanas in my district baptized two people... their familias are members but they weren’t so the hermanas have been teaching them and they had the baptism this week. I had the privilege of doing their interviews and all and then I did their baptisms, I was so happy for them and they were very happy! Their grandma was very happy for them and you could see that they were super happy for the decision that they made. So that was another amazing day in the mission field. 

I was reflecting back on the past weeks with Elder T., my companion. I am so happy for the time that we have had together. He’s a stud. I have learned a lot from him and he’s learned from me, It’s been an awesome time together. I am sure that one of us is going to have changes this Wed. It is more likely that he will but we never know. I am so happy for the time that we have had together. It’s been a blast, full of ups and downs, but we have really grown together and grown closer to our Heavenly Father. I am excited to have him visit in Colorado and all! It’s been so fun learning some Tongan too. It’s a sooo cool language! 

Well last night someone tried breaking into our neighbor’s house and ours. Our neighbor is a single mom with three kids and someone has tried climbing the trees in the back of our houses to try and get in a few times. Well last night around 10:30 we heard something in back and my companion and I ran to the back with the mega flashlight (the one you sent me mom) and caught the dude in action. So this little catracho about 140 pounds wet, trying to cause some trouble, so we put him on blast and used the Spanish we know to scare him away. So that was something exciting hahaha not really, but you just never know. I can’t wait to sleep in peace in the states. LOL! But all is good! Enjoying the journey so much.

That’s about all I have for you all this week in the sweat report! 

Mucho gracias por cada uno de ustedes en mi vida! se que ustedes tienen un gran influencia en mi tiempo aqui. me extraño mis amigos e mi familia pero se que pronto voy a verlos! espero que todo bien con ustedes ahorita! tengan un buen semana! viva la vida al maximo!  gracias por todo!

con mucho amor, 

Eder Long!