Jim Weaver from Pennsylvania

Whats up ya'll? Things here in Sibalom are going well. We found out Ernesto has a graduation thing he has to go to on April 2 so he is being baptized on April 16 with a girl named Kris Fadol (who lives like an hour walk from our house, across a river where there is no boat) so it will be sweet to baptize her. Also we will be baptizing Jim Weaver who is the American I am teaching from Pennsylvania. At church this week he bore testimony and said "After the missionaries started coming to my house, I knew I had to be a part of their church. They were just different than the other teenagers in America, they have a drive in them and know where they are going. They are what I want all teenagers to be like" and on and on. It was cool. We also had a weird experience this week. So last week at church we had about 90 attendence (high) and we were working way hard with less actives and investigators as well. Then at the end of sacrament meeting our branch president said in Kinaray'a "you parents with kids need to make sure your kids are quiet so we can be reverent, if not the sin of the kids will come on your heads".........so as you can imagine, lots were offended. Church attendence went from 90 last week to 40 this week. Yikes...so we have a lot of work to do with members now. Our new Elder in the house is Elder Madayag from Philippines as well. He knows like 6 languages and is very obedient. I like him a lot. He has only been out a couple more months than me. The language is coming along well. I can teach pretty much anything fine. Also conversations are fine too. Rarely do I have to have help anymore. It’s fun because people always think I am just a dumb "Joe" so they say things to me in the language and when I answer back they are stunned. That's rad. Also it’s fun joking around with people. So update. My health is doing well. I feel good this week. And in general, I haven’t really gained or lost much. Maybe lost 5 lbs. only. I work out a little every morning so I have stayed in okay shape, but have but on a little on my belly, but I could work it off in like a month at the gym. Elder Jenkins and I ordered a bench so we can bench press haha out of wood. It’s like 5 bucks. I also jump rope every day so thanks momma for sending that jump rope, I love it. When I got sick last week I did not take any medicine although I have some. I just figured if I let my body deal with it, it would be best. And I think it was good cuz it’s all gone now. We are only a little over a month until I get to call home! I am excited for that! I have so much to say haha. And no offense mom but the tuna I ate was from you haha in a package. After I ate it I looked the date and it had expired like a year ago haha but it’s all good. Still love you mom :) I love teaching the people here. It is so fun to see a light flip on in their minds to the truth of Gods plan for us. Of course there are some who try to battle us but whatever, they are easy to take care of :) We are more educated haha. Anyway I love you all so have a good week. Hey Dad, things are going really well. Dad, that is cool about the March madness. Jim (the American I teach) told me BYU lost but he doesn't know much else about the tournament. That is good for Dixie. I can't believe baseball is started. That is cool. Haha I am happy to know Dre is doing well and keeping things exciting at home :) We need to take him to South Dakota when I get home! He (and I) would love it. Thank you for researching the east wind thing. I think I agree with you. Just a symbol of some sort of consequence to disobeying commandments. Anyway thanks for always writing dad! I Love you! Hey Barb I love having you as a sister too! That is fun about the kitties. I know the Miller's will be good owners. The cats here need owners like you. They are all ugly and have no owner. They just run around looking for food. I miss you lots and can't wait to talk to you. Love you!