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....

Well, this week was another good week.

I can’t believe that I am starting my 8th week here. Pretty crazy.

Yesterday my companion and I were able to have two more baptisms. They were all really awesome people who were excited to be baptized.  It was a great experience to be a part of that.  It never gets old.

This week I have been thinking about how much that we use the priesthood in our lives and how much power it has.  As a missionary we are asked to give priesthood blessings all the time.  The crazy thing is that most of the time it’s to people who aren’t even members.  It is good to know that those people still believe in the priesthood and they know the power it has even though they aren’t members of the church.  It is so important to have that power on this earth and I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to use it.  I am so privileged to have this power and the more that I use it, the more I realize it is our responsibility to use it to the best of our abilities.

This week we got a lot of dates and right now we have a lot of great people that we are teaching.  One crazy thing was that I met this guy whose last name was Jaramillo.  That was pretty cool.  Not too often you hear that.  He asked where my name was from and I didn’t know so I said Mexico. haha.

Today is my birthday which was fun.  We played soccer for about two hours and then got burritos.  It was a fun birthday.  Everybody told me that one of the hardest days for missionaries is their first birthday in the field, but I thought I was doing fine.  But now, as I sit down to write this, it is pretty hard to be away from everyone.  But I am so thankful for all the wishes that you have all sent me.  I love you all and it feels good to know that you guys are thinking about me even though I am in Mexico.  I am also thankful for all my family members that gave money.  I really appreciate all the support you have always given me.  I love all of you.

I don’t really have a lot to say, I’m sorry.  This week has been a crazy week and with all the birthday activities today, my brain is fried.  But everyday I have experiences and meet people that change my life.  I am so glad that I am here and able to do this work.  I don’t know where my life would be without this church and this gospel in my life.  I love you all and miss you all so much.  Have fun on my b-day without me.

Much love,

Haden