Ola minha familia. Este computador nao tem sutalk marks. Ok, well, that last sentence has a few english words, but I don't know how to say marks in portuguese. sutalk=accent. whether I spelled it right or not, whatever.

Well, let's get down to buisness(to defeat the huns...did they send me daughters, when I asked for sons?[I think he should be grateful for daughters. just like in missionary work, they do a great job]).

first off. Mom, I have to apologize. I have not yet emailed my mission pres. I will today. I'll be leaving my shampoo and conditioner and soap(taking my bug spray though, and sunscreen). Josh, don't be offended, but my preach my gospel cover and hinos cover will stay(I need the weight and they probably will be stolen in africa). I am not sure whether I should take bedsheets. I will try to fit one set, but I know both will not fit. I think I will be needing a backpack afterall. The small waterpack? I don't know. It all depends on what'll fit and how heavy the suitcase is. anything I leave behind, though, will be useful for you guys or you can save.
Mom, I was a kidding with the whole tree hiding thing. I'll find out who I need to talk to and figure out how to get you my suitcase. Also(and sorry this isn't very organized, I really wish I had more time) I might be leaving some medicines depending on what pres says. I don't really want to leave anything behind, but I can't fit it within the one suitcase, fifty lbs limit.

So, to wrap up:
1 I will figure out how to get you my extra stuff.
2 I have a few things in mind to leave and will email pres today with some Qs.
3 I would love my backpack. Another peice of luggage that the airlines don't check for weight is great. It means more stuff I can take. Also. The small pack is nice, but a big packmight come in handy in africa.
4 I might need compression bags to fit all my clothes in. We'll see.

Alright. so I have something for you guys.
The Army of helamam usually goes: we will be the lord's missionaries to bring the world his truth.
But here, they sing: We are now the Lord's missionaries to bring the world his truth.
Thought you'd enjoy knowing that. i made me smile.

The I love you necklace, mom, is great. I love it and everyone who sees it tells me that you are awesome and they like it.

I forgot to tell you. Last sunday, we were in our classroom having a district meeting and all of a sudden the fire alarms go off. We all thought it was a poorly planned drill, but we evacuated. It wasn't until the three firetrucks pulled in and ran in with full gear that i remembered I left my preach my gospel and hinos covers inside. Josh, I'm sorry I left them, they're fine, but I was feeling pretty stupid at that moment. Long story short, no fire, just a stupid light bulb exploded making smoke.

A normal day in the CTM huh? hm...well every day is a little different. every day we have class for six hours (not all at once-in three hour blocks). Se have gym and study time is scattered all over. We teach 1-2 investigators a day(our teachers posing as investigators and sometimes we get to play investigator for each other[my character is named Joshua, is Athiest, and doesn't really care to hear the missionaries. he only is there because his roomate Elder Proksch/John let them in while he was studying]) every day we have three meals. I eat a salad at every meal and I try not to drink soda. Mom, I eat veggies and fruits a plenty. Plus, I have gained 7 lbs.  At gym I have been trying to do push ups and pull ups and run in addition to playing other ballgames(a master at foursquare...;p) [Josh, maybe the Olympics should include foursquare. I can just see the chinese going crazy all over the court-hehe.)

If you want to feel the spirit and learn a bit about africa, on lds.org, there is a few sections about elder holland visiting africa. There's three clips(that made us ansy to go) that are great.

Don't worry too much about school, Mom, you'll do great. And
Ben! I love you bud. I miss you miss you miss you too! Enjoy swimming and shots.

Ok, leave me in the dark, but four new tires was enough to spark my companion's interest as to what happened. Tell grandpa happy birthday for me! And I love him.

I'm going to share part of Elder Evan's favorite quote: "Ima show YOU how great I am! I'm so bad, I murdered a rock; Injured a stone; hospitalized a brick. I'm so bad I make medicine sick." -by Muhamad Ali

well, my time is up. I haven't said a quarter of what I'd like to say, and I need to email pres.

Love your son/brother missionary,
Elder Captain Christopher America Wartena