Time is moving right along...

Elder Merrill wrote and let us know his P-days have changed. That means that he checks his mail on Wednesdays now instead of Thursday. Theoretically he should have about 2 more weeks at the MTC, but doesn't know what will happen then as his visa still isn't in. He is in good spirits and is doing well:

Life is fun here, during my stay, I've listened to 4 apostles speak, that's 33% of the quorum of the 12! That's pretty fun. We get to go play out on the field now, they have games like soccer, kickball, volleyball, it's really fun. Hmm, it's cloudy outside at the moment, there's really not much heat out, so that's good. When I get to Argentina, then I'll have something more to write about. I really can't believe how fast this has gone by. I really hope that my mission doesn't go by too fast, or I could miss it as it goes by. Again, my p-day is on Wednesday, so if you're gonna write me, do it before next Tuesday, so I'll get it. I love you all, tell everyone I'm doing fine.

Here is Elder Merrill, working on his "blending in with the locals" look. We thought it was pretty funny!

Week 5 completed, on to week 6

It's P-day for Elder Merrill which means WOOHOO! we get a letter from him today! His digital camera got dropped, oh no!!! Luckily, he is still in the states so a replacement one is one the way. He says:

"I'll make it a point to tell people to put the wrist strap on before any pictures are taken." 

which is probably a smart idea!

We asked Elder Merrill how the food at the MTC was and what he liked the most. He said:

"I really enjoy the food here at the MTC. I would have to say that every friday is pizza night, so that is my favorite meal. Breakfast any day is also the best. I've gained 10 pounds while here, but I really think that it's all muscle. The gym that they have here is really effective too."

I'm sure all the treats we've been sending him from home, since we really can't mail him stuff once he goes to Argentina, are contributing to the, um, weight gain! Well, he will have lots and lots of opportunities to walk it off once he arrives at his mission.

Elder Merrill added:

"I hope that Argentina isn't as bad for me as they say it is, because the teachers here say that they LOVE to feed you while you're over there. I'm going to have to practice a bit of moderation while I'm over there. And remember to work out too."

When asked about the weather, Elder Merrill said it has been "cloudy, cloudy, cloudy" which he wishes would stop so they can go play out on the field and get some fresh air and outdoor time. He says he wants to learn more about soccer (or football as he will have to learn to call it) since it is pretty much the #1 sport in South America. But, as you can see from the picture, he and his companion have found a way to get in some exercise anyway.

Elder Merrill's commitment to his calling is remarkable. One thing he wanted to do was attend the wedding of his sister Jessica. However his report date at the MTC was about 15 days before the wedding. We wished he could have been there as well, in fact we created a cardboard cut out so that he could be in some of the photos! We Love You Elder Merrill!
(You Can see him right next to the Bride)

Elder Merrill is enjoying his time at the MTC in Provo and is learning new skills quickly he says:

"It's always great to see letters in my inbox, I always look forward to p-days. I have a list of things that I think in the week that I want to tell you, but I always forget to bring it with me so I forget what I want to say! life has been good this past week, I am still in a pretty normal routine, but I did meet with the consul this week and they talked to all of us on what to expect when we reach Argentina."

Before he knows it, he will be headed off to his adventure in Argentina!

We would like to wish our son Elder Ethan Merrill well on his mission to the Bahia Blanca Mission located in southern Argentina!