here kitty, kitty

Elder Hyde and Elder Franco (of ElSalvador)

This is what my companion made me buy the other day because he didnt like to sit on just the bowl he says that it is unsanitary. I have not had one of these in eleven months so....

another new picture

Elder Hyde overlooking Puente Piedra ("stony bridge").

new companion

Garrett got a new companion this week.    Meet Elder Franco from El Salvador.   He has been out in the field for 7 months and transferred from the Los Olivos zone.    Garrett describes him as really clean, quiet,  and extremely shy.

another random picture in our email

so this week Elder Hyde sent us a random picture of a cemetary?maybe?- not sure what the significance of this picture is because (of course)   there was no further information given.  

tortuga grande

so Elder Hyde emailed us this picture today,of course,with no explanation

so, I quickly sent him a reply and asked, "is that tonight's dinner?".

Elder Hyde responded, "no, but I did eat the family guinea pig Thursday".  

Dearly beloved families and friends,

Well I will try to give out as much information as I can I had to write a lot to President Stauffer this week.

 I want to start this letter off with letting you guys know how much I love each and every one of you and how thankful that I am for writing and helping me to become a better person, missionary, and man. I have had a lot of ups and downs this last transfer it has been hard watching people come so close to baptism and then just not want to take the step. I know that a mission was never easy and never will be, because it is the work of God but I also know that ''todo vale la pena'' ((it's all worth it) Spanish phrases are so great). Today I want to talk a little bit more about joy and about how we can have a joy more complete (I hope I havent talked about this already I can't remember very well). There is a scripture that has had significant meaning for me these last couple weeks that I wanted to share with you, it is found in Alma 26:30. It says that we have been through struggles and through all sorts of trials just to be the means of MAYBE bringing one soul to God, and now that we have had the opportunity to bring thousands of our brotheren to the Gospel our joy is complete. I find it really interesting that it doesn't say that we will have more joy or that we will feel a little more joy, but that it says that because they have brought more souls unto repentance and that becouse they have been able to help others that now they have a more complete joy. I know that when we help others that we can have an even greater chance to have joy and more importantly we can have a higher joy then that that we have now. I am still searching for that joy that only the penitent and humble seeker can find (Alma 27: something) but I have had even more joy at helping others to come unto Christ and have a repentance of their souls. I hope that this helps you all to open your minds even more that we have the responsibility of helping others to come unto Christ, but that in doing so he gives us the promise that we will have a greater joy and a joy more complete. I am so sorry for not writing a lot in my big letter this week like I said I have a lot running through my mind right now but I sure hope that you all will keep searching for this joy and this happiness that only the gospel can and will bring you. I seriously love you guys so much you all are some of my favorite people to talk to. Hope that all goes well for you this week love you!!!!

-Elder Hyde