August 28, 2017-Second week in Ecuador

This week had a lot of ups and downs but was easier than last week. I really appreciate all the prayers of people back home. It is so awesome hearing from the family about everything. Saturday was super stressful because of the dogs but I think I am progressing a bit and God is blessing me. Sunday was stake conference which rocked but it was all in Spanish so I understood about 30%. But when President Barlow spoke his talk really pierced my heart and brought peace that I needed. Teaching lessons is the best and nothing feels better than testifying of the gospel. The Spanish is improving slowly and I am getting better at understanding the people. My stomach is a lot better and only when I get stressed do I have a hard time with the food. The yogurt and bread is the best here and very cheap. The dog situation is pretty stressful but my companion is mindful and we avoid areas with large dogs. Elder Pontón is the best and I am learning a lot from him. He is super mindful of my needs and always has a smile. The ward here is really organized and strong and very enthusiastic about the work. Whenever there is a family close to baptism a ton of members of the ward come and visit the family and help them feel welcome in the ward. Some notable people we are teaching is Familia Vega. The mom is a recent convert and the husband is not interested. They have a son who is 18 named Alex who is sort of interested. A daughter named Michelle who is 21 and is more interested and a son named Elvis who is 10 and very interested. If the father allows it I think we will baptize him. We are also teaching a guy named Manuel Zapato. He is this nice old guy who has attended church but recently found some anti-Mormon video which has been bad. But he is awesome so it is cool. I have been keeping a journal of these days so I can remember. Thank you so much for everything you have written. It has been so helpful. It is crazy that Gavin has started school already. I am excited for him and hope he enjoys it. It is so cool that he got his Patriarchal Blessing and is starting seminary because those were big blessings in my life. I loved seeing Justine and Conner's adventures. I kinda want to see what AshleyJane is up to as well. I know that this week will be easier for me. I am just taking it 8 hours at a time.

 Btw I live in Arcadia in Quito. I got a little burnt this week on my nose which sucked but now I will be more aware. I am now putting on sunscreen every day so do not worry. Basically I wake up work out for a bit, eat some breakfast, get ready for the day. Then we do daily planning and personal study and companionship study. Personal study is my favorite. Then we usually go out for a lesson with an investigator and eat lunch at a members house at 1. Then we go back to the house for some language study and new missionary study. This is a nice break. Here they have an English class at the ward building at five on most weekdays so we go to that which is fun and a nice break. Then we go out and teach some lessons and usually get a snack at the house that we are teaching at. Then it is night time and we go home. If we do not have a lesson we contact. When we get back we report on the day, shower and get ready for bed. I have the most vivid dreams here and the sounds of the city are loud which is not a problem. Elder Pontón is from Columbia and wants to go into the medical field after the mission. He uses the church pathways program and is learning some English. He has 21 years (Some Spanish for Dad)I did have Mrs. Stewart for math. It was a chill class

I will definitely study Alma 26 this week. It is so nice to hear about how well the young men are doing. I really hope things go well for them. Gavin is taking a ton of core classes and I hope he does not feel to overwhelmed. I know it will become easier with every week because that is how it is here as well. Its better now my stress. I would say a 3. If Gavin is a good student then it does not matter about the teacher. I know he can do it. That is awesome that his teacher has spent time in Quito. The weather here is amazing

We were going to play soccer today with the other elders in the zone but Elder Pontón was sick which is totally okay. But either next week or the week after we are going to go up to one of the mountains with the zone leaders on a ski lift and look at the dope views.I am getting more used to it here and everything that you packed has been super helpful. Thanks a ton. Thank you so much for the stuff you sent me this week. I will apply it this week and know that it will help me. Gavin's Patriarchal Blessing sounds super spiritual. I am so excited for him and know that he will cherish it. He is going to have an awesome time. Freshman year of high school is rough but I know he can do it. I love you all and am so grateful for everything you do. P-days are a very nice break and hearing from you has been so nice. I probably should not be thinking about this now but I am so excited to reunite with you and see how awesome you are.

Love,

Elder Tucker

P. S. Sorry if my grammar and spelling is bad I am using a Spanish Computer and I cannot find the apostrophe.