Elder Merrill's New Year's Eve note

It's the last day of 2012 and tomorrow is the first day of 2013. It's odd to think that 2013 will be the year we do not see Elder Ethan Merrill for the entire year, but even though we miss him, it is still a  joy to see him being willing to sacrifice his time and comforts to be a missionary for a season. Here is his note for this week:

How are you all doing?  I´m good here. Nothing really new, but that´s always good. If there´s anything new, it´s usually fun to have a difference in this steady paced mission, but things get crazy whenever we have things like a transfer or whatever, so I like being in this steady pace of nothing new. I have investigators to teach, and lessons to plan, so we´ll see how it all turns out in the end. I have a baptism this week, we´ll see how that goes, but this guy is really good with everything, and he´s been to church enough times, so we´ll see about doing that. I´ll let you  know what happens.
I am currently in Alma with Ammon and King Lamoni.
The heat today is pretty high, but only because it rained, and now we have to deal with all the humidity. No worries, I just have to survive January and everything is all downhill from there.
Sorry there´s not too much to say. Today is New Year’s Eve so everyone is going to launch off fireworks today, but it’s nothing too special. I´ll take some photos and videos of it.
I love hearing about home and I hope things are pretty much the same. I know that we have a lot more time before we see each other again, but I know we´ll see soon! love you all! Elder Merrill

I was at the computer when Elder Merrill's letter arrived so we were able to do a quick email back-and-forth "chat" again:

Mom: Hey Elder Merrill - woohoo!!!!!!  We sure love you!!!!

Elder Merrill: You too!!! I´m super sorry, I have to go really soon, I was slightly delayed because of how many computers we use and we have to go shopping soon before the store closes...   :(   I´ll see you next week though! and I´ll have more to write! I love you!

Mom: Have fun shopping, stay safe and know that we love you LOTS!!!! oxoxo bye sweetie! Mom and Dad

Elder Merrill: love you too! bye!  :)

I love modern technology. I love being able to get his emails so regularly and to be able to have these brief real-time "chats." What a blessing!