Elder Hoots - Christmas Special

Merry Christmas!

This week kind of got away, and I haven't been able to post the letter until today.  It will be some good Christmas Eve reading.  Hoots also sent some pictures this week.  Those will be posted on the Pictures page.

Hoots is having a little bit of a tough time during this Christmas season.  So any type of note you can send to him to give him some encouragement and showin some love will be much appreciated.  

We get to talk to Haden tonight on the phone and we are all very excited.  As you know we haven't been able to talk to him since he took off for Mexico in July.  It'll be fun to chat. 

Now for the letter....

Up and Up

Here is Elder Hoot's letter for this week.  Things are looking on the up and up in Mexico and he is doing well. 

His time was short this week, so the stories are a little shorter, but it is cool to see how emotionally invested he gets with each investigator. 

Please keep him in your prayers and send holiday notes to give him some encouragement.  We, his family, appreciate it.

Investigators Galore

Below is Elder Hoots' letter from this week.  Again he has some good stories about investigators that he is teaching. 

He seems like he is doing great there in Mexico.  As the holidays approach we ask that you all keep him in your prayers and if you haven't, please send him a note to let him know you are thinking about him during this time. 

Thank you for all your support.

Read his letter below...

Experiences of a Missionary in Mexico City

Only Elder Hoots could tell a story like the ones below.  Just imagine him telling them with a "dude" between every word and you will laugh.  Finally, we get some stories about the actuality of living in Mexico City.  Experiences like this will help you grow up fast.  haha.

If you haven't already, please try to send out your handwritten note to Hoots.  To get to Mexico in time for Christmas, they should probably be sent next week at the very latest. 

Thank you for all your support.

New Companion, New lessons

Haden got his new companion this week.  He seems to be happier with it than he expected.  Either way, he is doing the smart thing and looking at the positive and learning what he can from each new experience.

Also this week he finally sent some new pictures.  There aren't very many, but better than nothing.

Finally, I want to encourage all of you who read this blog to send Haden a handwritten note for Christmas.  He gets a lot of emails and comments every week, but I think it would be cool if he got a bunch of Christmas cards in the mail for Christmas.  It's his first away from home, so every little bit would help.  Doesn't have to be a novel, but just a short note to let him know you are thinking about him will do a lot to boost his spirits.  His address can be found on the Contact Info page.  Be sure to put enough postage and let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks again for all your support. 

Below is the letter......

More "Crazy" Experiences for Elder Hoots

Short letter this week as Elder Hoots didn't have much time.  He did have another crazy experience this week that he did want to share with everyone. 

Thank you to those who have been sending comments.  As he says in his letter he has had some ups and downs over the past couple of weeks, so every little bit of encouragement helps. 

Also, check out this video of Elder Hoots a couple months back at the MTC helping a new missionary unpack his stuff.  It is purely coincidental that he is part of the video, but kind of funny.  Thank you to Thomas Nilsen for sharing.

Finally, Elder Hoot's location has been updated on the map to the right.  Not too far from where he was, but a new place nonetheless.

Enjoy this week's letter.

Elder Hoots Continues to Work Hard

Another week down in Mexico.  Nothing as crazy as last week, but there is probably nothing that will top that.  Click below to read what is going on in Elder Hoots' world.

Another great week of comments.  Keep them coming, he loves them and they really help.

It Was a Week of Miracles

It was a week full of miracles for Elder Hoots.  He has been working very hard on being the best missionary he can be and after all the positive things he had happen to him last week, the good times keep coming. 

One of the stories in this letter is in his words "intense."  Amazing experience that he'll never forget.

Read on to hear about all the good things that are happening and don't forget to send him a quick email or leave a quick comment to him.  Even though he can't reply to all of them, he really appreciates it and it helps keep him going.

Hard work = results

This week brings more stories and more pictures.  The Picture page is updated.

This is the first week in a while that didn't have a portion dedicated to his ankle, so it is probably doing much better, which is good to know.  That thing was giving him a rough time.  It's good to see that he has remained positive though and continues to work hard.

Read below to see what he has to say this week. 

Elder Hoots has officially been a missionary for 6 months

I can't believe it's been six months in the field for Elder Hoots.  Through his letters you can see him grow and it is fun to watch. 

He is finally back on his feet, but not 100% yet.

Check out this week's letter from him to see how things are going.

Week on the DL Leads to a Stronger Testimony

We got this week's letter from Haden and it is a long one.  He's been on the DL all week so he's had some time to reflect and he spilled his guts here.  It's a pretty powerful letter.  I tried to put as many links as possible in there for things that are easy to look up.  If you have any other questions about any of it, please let me know.  Or you can always go to Mormon.org and they do a very good job of clearing things up.

Also, after a 2 week absence we finally have more pictures!  The Picture page has been updated, so check them out. 
Read the letter below.....

Missionary Down! Elder Hoots is on the DL...

Short letter this week...but he has a good excuse.  Read below to see why.

Oh Mexico

This week's letter is here! 

The letter is one of the most random we have gotten thus far.  He didn't have a lot of time at the computer....and you can tell.  It was definitely written with just his train of thought. 

Check it out....

Frustrating Week Ends with a Baptism

Another baptism for Elder Hoots was a good way to close out a frustrating week.  He seems to still be going strong despite the fact that he is getting sick of Mexican food.  Also more pictures once again!

The Picture page has been updated.  I have also placed the pictures in decending order so the most recent photos will be on top.  That way you won't have to scroll through all the old pictures every week. 

Now for this week's letter...

The Lighter Side of the Mission Field

Seems like good things are happening there in Mexico City.  This week's letter is a fun look into the day to day life of his time in Mexico City.

Again, he sent a few more pics.  He's been on a good roll lately.  You can check them out on the Picture page.

Below is this week's letter...

Just another good week in the mission field

This week brings us a little longer letter and once again more pics.  As always, you can check those out on the Picture page.  Check them out.

Read Haden's letter below...

BIRTHDAY WEEK!!!

My bad this week.  I haven't had time to post Haden's letter, so it is a few day's late.  I'm sorry to all those loyal followers that have been waiting for it. 

He also sent more pictures this week again!  Check them out on the Picture page.

Monday was Haden's birthday (20 years old!!!), I forwarded him all the wishes that people posted on his facebook page and as you will be able to read below, he really appreciated them.  I know that every little bit of encouragement helps him get through the tough times.  I also told him about all of those that gave him gifts,

I know that in a lot of Haden's letters he is using words that those who are not members of our church may not be familiar with.  In each post, I try to make those words links.  The link will take you to a site that can give you some background on what that means to our church.  So click away and you'll see what he's talking about.  As always, if you have questions, let me know.

Below is his letter....

First Baptism, First Commitment, First Change and More Pictures

Crazy as it may sound, Haden has been in Mexico for 6 weeks already. 

Read below to see how the end of his first change wrapped up and what other cool experiences he had this week.  Also read about some Mexico City fun facts.....as only Haden could say them.

Also,  I have heard that people are having trouble leaving comments on the blog.  If you have trouble, just email Haden at the email address posted on the Contact Info page.  He will get it even if he doesn't have time to respond.

There are new pics posted on the Pictures page as well....check them out!

His letter is below.

Funny Stories and Pictures from Mexico!!!

Below is Haden's letter from this week.  We also got some pictures (20 of them!) from him from his time in Mexico.  They will be posted on the Picture page, along with original captions from Haden. 

Here is a sneak peak:

First Day in Mexico

Make sure to check them out to get a small glimpse into his life in Mexico.  Also make sure to send him some love via mail, email or the blog.

Below is the letter...

The First Month in Mexico

Below is this week's letter.  I am pushing him to get me some pictures to spice this page up a little bit.  So hopefully we can get some for next week's post. 

Remember to keep sending your love to him via email, mail or blog post.  Things are starting to settle in and now that the honeymoon phase is over, he will need it more than ever.

Short but Sweet

The Jaramillo clan was on vacation last week, so I didn't get a chance to post this.  So I'm sorry for the late post.  Also, Haden only had 20 minutes because he was caught up doing other things to prepare for the week.  But below is the letter from last Monday August 1.

Enjoy....

Hard Work, Spiritual Experiences, and Rats....Just another week in the life of a Missionary in Mexico

Week 2 in Mexico has come and gone.  Haden is doing well and seems to be having a great time.  His letters are getting longer and longer and it's fun to hear about all the experiences he is having.  I'm hoping to get some pictures from him soon and I will post those. 

All the contact info and everything else on the blog is up to date.  If you need a phone number for shipping purposes, let me know and I can provide that for you. 

His letter is below....

Hola Mexico

Below is Haden's first email from Mexico City.  He has been there one full week already and as you will be able to tell after you read his letter, he loves it. 

He has also moved since he has been there.  His new address on the Contact Info page.  I have also added a new "Blog Help" page to hopefully answer any questions you may have about how to subscribe and/or post a comment.

If you want to send Haden a note you have four options:

1. Post a comment on a blog post.  I will forward all comments to him.  Information on how to post a comment is located on the Blog Help page.
2. Write him an email directly.  His email address is located on the Contact Info page.
3. Use Dearelder.com. 
4. Send him a physical letter.

If you are a blog subscriber, you cannot reply to those emails to contact Haden.  The email is sent to you through a subscription service, so it is automated. 

Also, please know that even if he does not reply to you, he does get all of your notes and appreciates them.  He only has a limited amount of time on the computer each week so he can't reply to everyone.  But he does appreciate all the support via comments and emails that he gets.  Please keep reaching out to him with little words of encouragement, he is doing great now and I know it is because of all the support he has received thus far.

Now...without further ado....the letter.

ADIOS AMERICA!!!!

Haden leaves for Mexico on Monday!  Crazy how fast time flies. 

His contact information has been updated on the Contact Info page.  We have been informed that if you are going to send a package to make sure to use FedEx, DHL, or UPS.  The US Postal Service does not have a good track record in this section of Mexico. 

Also, one easy alternative is to use dearelder.com to send letters to him.  They will send the letters via a pouch system, so not only is delivery guaranteed, they will get there much quicker than if you mailed it yourself.  For weekly deliveries your letter must be submitted by midnight Sunday night.

Haden's first place in Mexico will be right in the center of the city, about 15 min. east of the airport.  It's going to be an amazing experience and we are all very excited for him.

Below is his last letter from the USA for the next year and 10 months....

Second to last letter from the USA!!!

Second to last week in the MTC and Haden is only getting more excited.   

This week click below to hear about Haden's real life chance to use Spanish, his opportunity to sing for more big wigs and his up close and personal experiences with some Apostles. 

No new pictures yet this week.  Hopefully I can get a few more up this weekend.  If you haven't sent him any love, be sure to do so, he'll need it over the next week as he prepares to take on the next hurdle.....leaving the MTC.

New choir, First Presidency sighting, and more pictures

Below is the letter from Haden for this week.  He had a pretty cool experience this week and it seems like he is having a good time.

Haden leaves for Mexico in just 2 weeks...so get those packages sent to him ASAP.  When he gets to Mexico I will have his new address in the contact info.

Also below we have PICTURES!!!!! Courtesy of Ms. Kristen Badal.

I also wanted to mention, if anybody has any questions about anything, feel free to email me.  tobin.jaramillo@gmail.com. 

3 more weeks till MEXICO!!!

Sorry this post is a day late.  Below is this week's letter from Haden. 

Only three more weeks until he takes off for Mexico City.  Unbelievable.

Keep reading to read Haden's letter and see a few more pictures!!!

Elder Jaramillo has hit his 4 week mark in the MTC

Below is the most recent letter from Elder Jaramillo.  It's is amazing how much he grows with each week.  It's a blessing to all of us in our family that he is enjoying his experience and thriving.

Also, please note that in certain letters there are links (in orange) that will give you more information about certain aspects of his letter.  Also, if you have any questions about anything that he says about our church or his experience please contact me and I will help fill in the gaps.

I know that Haden appreciates all your support and I can tell you that our family is grateful for everybody that takes the time to write him letters and send him packages. 

Almost a month in....Elder Hoots is going strong!

Another week....another letter.  This letter is a day late getting posted because I wanted to post some pictures too.

Click here to read the letters and see the pics

Elder Hoots - May 26, 2011

Thursday means another letter from Haden.  He seems to be getting in the groove a little bit.  Read his letter below and leave him some encouragement.  

He can only read emails on Thursday, so if you want to send him a letter that will be delivered during the week you can use Dearelder.com.  It is a free service to sign up and easier than handwriting a letter.  You can find Haden's contact info and MTC mailbox number on the Contact Info page.

Read this weeks letter below after the jump.....

 

First Full Week...

We got another email update from Elder Jaramillo.  This time after his first full week in the MTC. 

His P-day is on Thursday, so that is when we will be getting emails from him and when he will be able to read your emails or comments.  I have forwarded each comment to him and I know it helps him to know that he has so much support.

I have also updated his address on the Contact page.  This will be the address to use while he is in the MTC.

Read more after the jump...

First Email

We got a pleasant surprise Saturday afternoon when the first email from Haden arrived in our inboxes

Read after the jump.....

Day 1

Elder Jaramillo officially went into the MTC this morning (May 11, 2011).  Although it has been tough to have to say goodbye for 2 years, we are all very excited for him and proud of his decision to serve the Lord. 

Dad, along with Grandma and Grandpa Muggs, had the unenviable honors of dropping Hoots off at the MTC.

 With Grandma Jessie and Grandpa Muggs

With Dad

Check back weekly for updates on Hoots and his new calling.  I will be posting his letters home, his pictures, his address to send packages and letters and other updates.  If you wish,  you can subscribe to get an email update when there is a new blog post. 

I will also be forwarding him the comments that people leave on each post, so make sure to leave encouragement.