Happy Monday!

Hi again!

Today, Monday, is my p-day. And I think that usually we head over to the library around 10:30/11:00am so that is 8:30/9:00am your time. I'm glad you had a good week! I did too... I'll be able to tell you more about it in my letter home. I'll just answer all your questions and what not in this e-mail.

I enjoy the area quite a bit and it isn't as bad as it looks. From the outside it looks old and rough and beat up (and the same goes with the people), but the truth is almost all of them have a soft side that is easy to bring out. Many of the people are hard-headed and often very prideful but they all have good hearts. The city reminds me a lot of San Fransisco and how it would be in 200 years with little upkeep. It could be the most awesome place if it was just cared for a little better. And yeah, about 5 miles away it begins to be the rich neighborhoods. Kinda crazy. There is a school just right by us called Science Park High School and it has to be the nicest school in the USA. Look it up!

Yes we can drive on p-days, the only days we're not supposed to drive are Thursdays, which are car fast days. But we still have to go shopping and to the library and to our appointments on p-days. The other elders that we live with are the walking elders so they don't have a car to drive. I don't know their first names but I will ask them. They are both within 3 months of finishing their missions. 

I can receive letters, and probably envelopes as well, at our apartment so if you want to send those that would be great. I will be mailing letters home soon. Some things I want/need are a coat, sweater (one is fine), picture of indie, a bleach pen, the plastic plate and bowl and silverware that I used at college, and some [dark] chocolate. So you can stuff those into your next heavy package as long as it doesn't cost a load to ship. I don't need extra sheets for a while, if ever, or a GPS or another sweater. If you already bought them then send them but otherwise don't worry about it. As for the hat, just a black beanie is fine. I prefer one with the little puff ball on the top of it :) I think I'll be able to get that package that you sent this Wednesday when we have zone conference. 

That is absolutely insane how many people submitted their mission papers! I am amazed. Tell them all that I am excited for them. I'm happy that you went to Clark's farewell. I know he is going to be a stellar missionary and he is going to love Germany. I bet Reese will go to Germany as well. Maybe Thailand. Who knows, he could go anywhere.

I really appreciate all you are doing. Thanks for the packages, letters, support... everything. You'll be hearing more from me soon but for now I have to go. Keep reading those scriptures - that's what we invite everyone to do so I know you can do it too. You're all in my prayers as well. I love you!

Much love,
Tab