August 19, 2013
It's adventure time for Elder Ethan Merrill as he completes his visa-update since he has completed his 1-year mark in Argentina.  We enjoy his letters, especially when he describes little aspects of his life over in Argentina.  Here goes:

Yeah, today isn´t as cold as it usually has been.  I´ve already hit the 1 year in Argentina point, It´s a little crazy, to think about. There´s actually something that I need to do with my visa, but I´m finishing that up this week. It´s not difficult, I just need to do a lot of waiting. I need to wait on a bus for 5 hours to travel to Bahía Blanca, then I need to wait in line forever, then I need to sign a paper, and that takes about 10 seconds, then I need to get on the bus and that takes another 5 hours. Like I say, a lot of waiting just to do something small. but it´s a break from the routine, so that´s nice. 

      President says that we have to write him during this time. I´ll explain why it´s so annoying when I get home, but let´s leave it at that this time slot of writing you guys annoys me. But I´m cool with it.

       I forgot that you were trying to be a teacher. Congratulations on getting the job! Are you exited? Nervous? It´s been awhile since you were in the classroom, when I was really young I think. Let me know how it all goes. You probably already know this but mesa verde means ´´green table´´ funny. No worries about writing me, getting a letter a 7 in the morning I thought: ´´´maybe she´s still sleeping.....´´ Do what ya need to and all. 

         Ooooooh....another leak, yikes, that´s a little expensive to get it done, but I think that in the long run, it´ll be good for the house. To change ALL the pipes might take a little time though. 

         We NEVER EVER EVER get thunder here. Just rain. Argentina is really calm weather-wise. Like I said, it´s getting a bit hotter here now. We haven´t found a new place to live, but we decide, the zone leaders nor president need to authorize it. It just can´t cost too much money. 

         It´s like spaghetti what we eat. Red tomato sauce with ground beef. I don´t much like having it everyday, so we try to have it once a week. It´s not that I hate the taste, but having it every day gets old. 

       Hey, I hope that you have an awesome week too. Good luck with teaching and all that stuff, let me know how teaching 4th graders are. I imagine it´s something like teaching primary. know that I´m praying for you and I´ll see ya around next week! Say hi to everyone for me! Love ya lots! bye! 

                              -Elder Ethan Merrill 

Heya, I got a note to add.

         I forgot to write some of the things that I want for my birthday package. If you haven´t sent it yet, and if it´s not too much trouble, I´d like the following:

     -twix

     -doritos

     -reese´s pieces

     -jelly beans

     -fruit gushers

 I think that you´ve probably thought of some of these already, but just a short list of goodies. Also, I wouldn´t send any peanut butter if I were you. I can last out 6 months more without the stuff. anyway, love you lots and see ya around!    -Elder Ethan Merrill